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The article proposes a genetic geological model of diamond deposit formation associated with kimberlites and lamproites. It is based on the synthesis of published data on diamond-bearing kimberlite systems and an original study of the ontogenetic features of diamond crystals. Deep diamond crystallization, its upward transportation and subsequent concentration in near-surface kimberlite-lamproite bodies and other rocks, including those brought to the surface by high-amplitude uplifts of crystalline basement rocks, are combined in a single system. An assumption is made about the primary sources of the Anabar placer diamonds. The possibility of hydrocarbon generation at mantle levels corresponding to diamond formation areas and their transportation to the upper crustal zones by a mechanism similar to the mantle-crust migration of diamond-bearing fluidized magmas is shown. The high rate of their upward movement allows transportation to the surface without significant loss as a result of dissolution in melts and sorption on the surface of mineral phases. The significant role of fluid dynamics at all stages of this system is noted.

Background. Cardiovascular diseases remain a pressing issue associated with great economic burden and loss of earning capacity. Among them, thoracic aortic aneurysms pose a serious threat as they commonly develop asymptomatically. Patients with aneurysms are often diagnosed late, which contributes to higher mortality rates due to complications. For this reason, conducting new epidemiological studies on this problem in our country is relevant.Objective: to study the prevalence of pathological dilatation of the thoracic aorta in Moscow by means of artificial intelligence technologies (AITs) using chest computed tomography (CT) data.Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of chest CT data from 227,149 patients obtained in the period from October 2022 to October 2023 was performed using AITs.Results. The analysis revealed that 13.3% of patients exhibited signs of thoracic aortic dilatation, while 0.8% had aneurysm signs. The prevalence of thoracic aortic aneurysms in Moscow was 12.4 cases per 100,000 individuals. Males were more susceptible than females; aneurysms of the descending aorta were more typical for them, while aneurysms of the ascending aorta were more common in females. The incidence of thoracic aortic dilatation increased with age. Potential causes and strategies to minimize AIT errors were discussed.Conclusion. The results highlight the importance of opportunistic screening for thoracic aortic aneurysms to ensure timely detection and prevention of complications. It would be especially beneficial to men and elderly population. The effectiveness of AITs to support decision-making by radiologists analyzing chest CT results was confirmed. The study provides an important update to the data on the prevalence of thoracic aortic aneurysms in asymptomatic patients in Russia. The identified features make it possible to direct the diagnostic and prevention efforts more effectively.

BACKGROUND: Radiomics is the newest and most promising direction in modern radiographic diagnostics. The number of head and neck cancer studies employing radiomics is increasing annually. A systematic review of recent publications (2021–2023) on computed tomography (CT) of head and neck malignancies was performed. AIM: To present systematized data on parameters for radiomic analysis for head and neck malignancies identified by CT data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature search was carried out in PubMed. The basic characteristics of the selected articles were extracted, and their quality was assessed using RQS 2.0 and the modified QUADAS-CAD questionnaire. The reproducibility level of radiomic parameters selected for predictive models in different studies was assessed. Eleven articles were selected for the review. In most cases, a high risk of systematic error associated with data imbalance in terms of demographic parameters and level of pathologies was noted. RESULTS: The range of RQS 2.0 scores for the included articles varied from 19.44% to 50.00% of the maximum possible score. The decreasing research quality was mainly caused by the lack of external result validation (73% of the analyzed articles) and data accessibility and transparency (82%). Inter-study reproducibility of radiomic parameters was low owing to the wide variety of techniques used for image acquisition, image post-processing, extraction, and statistical processing of radiomic parameters. CONCLUSION: A set of stable radiomic parameters must be successfully introduced into clinical practice. The standardization of radiomics method and creation of an open radiomics database are necessary for this purpose.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the leading imaging modalities of the musculoskeletal system. However, when imaging the hand, major problems in magnetic resonance imaging include the lack of specialized coils and reliable fixation devices for the hand, uncomfortable patient posture, motion artifacts, and small anatomical structures in the wrist. These factors inevitably lead to incorrect interpretation. AIM: To improve the quality of magnetic resonance imaging of the hand by developing an approach to coil selection, scanning protocol, and hand positioning and fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A positioning device was developed to prevent hand movements. Two types of coils were evaluated. Magnetic resonance images were evaluated comparatively, as well as by a musculoskeletal radiologist. RESULTS: А head coil is more appropriate when scanning the entire hand, for example, in rheumatic diseases. A knee coil is more appropriate when studying smaller anatomical structures (including the wrist) owing to a smaller field of view and higher resolution. Based on the obtained data, guidelines for the selection of scanning parameters, sequences, and coils for magnetic resonance imaging of the hand were formulated. To prevent motion artifacts, a special fixation device of the patient’s hand was introduced. CONCLUSION: Certain factors directly affect the qualitative magnetic resonance imaging study of the hand, such as safety protocols, scanning parameters, and hand fixation. The guidelines presented in this study and the use of the developed specialized fixation device may improve the quality of magnetic resonance imaging of the hand.

INTRODUCTION. Bioanalytical techniques are characterised by greater variability and lower stability than physicochemical methods because live test systems are inherently labile. Since regulatory standards do not establish a unified approach, the selection of system suitability criteria and acceptance criteria for test results is based on validation studies.AIM. This study aimed to validate an analytical procedure for evaluating the biological activity of a medicinal product based on the investigational tocilizumab biosimilar GNR-087 and determine the quantitative limits for system suitability criteria and acceptance criteria for test results.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The biological activity of the investigational tocilizumab biosimilar was assessed by the inhibition of IL-6-induced secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) expression by HEK-Blue™ IL-6 cells. Statistical processing of the obtained results was performed using Prism 6.0 software.RESULTS. The specificity of the analytical procedure was confirmed by the dose-dependent inhibition of IL-6-induced SEAP expression by cells observed with tocilizumab. The analytical procedure was linear, with a coefficient of determination R2≥ 0.99. The precision of the analytical procedure was satisfactory; its repeat ability varied from 2 to 9%, and its intermediate precision was 14%. The recovery coefficients (Rc) for spiked samples simulating activity levels of 60–140%, including blinded samples, ranged from 80 to 120%. The theoretical values of relative potency (RP) were within the confidence intervals of the mean relative potency estimates, which confirmed the accuracy of the analytical procedure. The validation confirmed the robustness of the analytical procedure to controlled variations, including the use of reporter cells at different passages (with a coefficient of variation for relative potency estimates (CVRP) of 10%), different IL-6 lots (with a CVRP of 1%), and different SEAP detection reagent lots (with a CVRP of 3%); the Rc remained in the range of 80–120% of the nominal RP value.CONCLUSIONS. The analytical procedure for evaluating the biological activity of the investigational tocilizumab biosimilar meets the validation criteria, including accuracy, linearity, precision, specificity, and robustness. The study established system suitability criteria and acceptable limits for biological assay results. This analytical procedure can be used both for routine biological activity control and for demonstrating the biosimilarity of new medicinal products to the original (reference) tocilizumab-based medicinal product.

Purpose: is to form a comprehensive understanding of the patterns of publication activity in the field of decarbonization that have developed in the global and Russian scientific space, in order to identify promising scientific areas on this basis that can define new research horizons in achieving carbon neutrality.Methods: the research methods involved bibliographic and bibliometric analyses of scholarly publications, utilizing data from the Scopus and eLibrary databases. The study encompasses the timeframe from 2012 to 2022. The research methodology is structured to address three key objectives. Firstly, it aims to identify the quantitative dynamics of global publication activity in the realm of decarbonization. Secondly, the investigation seeks to analyze publication patterns at the levels of research organizations, countries, keywords, related topics, scientific publications, subject areas, and thematic groups, including clusters of thematic groups. Thirdly, the research involves semantic analysis of publications and the identification of points of research interest within the contexts of both global and Russian scientific landscapes.Results: it has been established that bibliographic clustering of studies on decarbonization problems occurs not so much around technical and technological solutions, but in conceptually broader coordinates. It has been identified that the aspiration for carbon neutrality is predominantly observed in economies characterized by a high standard of living, where citizens exhibit a heightened sense of social responsibility and a greater commitment to enhancing the quality of life for future generations. It was revealed that if the global problems of decarbonization are the center of gravity of the most powerful researchers and scientific teams, but in Russia this topic is not yet characterized by a comparable positioning.Conclusions and Relevance: systematization of decarbonization research, which is rapidly developing both in terms of volume indicators and in terms of increasing its interdisciplinarity and social relevance, is the most important condition for effective scientific orientation and research routing in a highly fragmented and contradictory development space on the problems of the global energy transition.

The rising demand for food products and subsequent increase in agricultural production leads to heightened quantities of waste and by-products, particularly within the livestock industry. Traditional methods of livestock by-product disposal encompass intensive processing, including biodestruction processes. However, these processes tend to generate significant emissions of climate-active gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ammonia. To mitigate environmental impacts, it is proposed to integrate an advanced gas-air emission purification system into the existing livestock by-product processing lines. (Research purpose) The objective is to develop a system for purifying emissions of climate-active gases, particularly ammonia, produced during the intensive biotechnological processing of livestock by-products. (Materials and methods) Based on the properties of the primary pollutants, possible methods for their removal from emissions were determined. Such methods include dry, wet, condensation, and biological treatment. The biopurification method was selected for its efficacy and optimal performance. (Results and discussion) As a technical solution, a sequential gas-air emission purification process was developed using biofilters equipped with a polymer carrier and organic substrates as fillers. The system is equipped with digital sensors for monitoring and controlling the operational workflow. A special feature of the proposed system design is the use of replaceable filter cartridges and an active irrigation system. (Conclusions) The research helped to identify main types, parameters and methods for purifying emissions of climate-active gases with a focus on ammonia. Emission purification with a digital workflow control system is carried out sequentially in a shell-and-tube condenser and a biofilter. The specific cooling surface is 1.09∙10–3 square meters per 1 cubic meter, the specifi c refrigerant consumption is 0.7 liters per 1 cubic meter. Optimal biofilter performance was attained at the temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, with 45-55 percent humidity, active acidity of 8-8.4 units, and residence time of 15-30 seconds in the filter layer. These conditions ensure a high degree of ammonia purification and long-term biofilter operation.

To calculate methane and nitrous oxide emissions in livestock farming requires the characteristics of produced manure and its treatment systems per a single farm and the whole region. The study aim is to specify the percentage of cattle manure processing technologies in different natural and climatic conditions of the Russian Federation and to revise the emission factor of greenhouse gases. The survey of cattle complexes established the type and amount of manure produced with a breakdown by moisture content and storage volumes. The study calculated the mass of manure processed according to the applied processing technologies. The study acquired the data on the types of manure collection and storage systems and revealed their ratio by federal districts, in more detail – in the federal subjects with bigger stock of dairy cattle. The obtained ratios allowed adjusting the coefficient required to calculate methane and nitrous oxide emissions. The coefficient reflected the share of emitted nitrogen treated or processed by a certain technology. The study calculated the emissions for cows and cattle (without cows) with the use of the adjusted coefficient and the methods of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for the Northwestern Federal District, which featured the greatest difference between the indicators from the National Inventory and the data obtained in the study. Direct nitrous oxide and methane emission in this District in terms of CO2-eq. according to the Inventory data (2021) was 180.7 thousand t/year; when calculated by the basic distribution of technologies (2021) – 388.7 thousand t/ year; when calculated by the forecast distribution of technologies (2025) – 375.8 thousand t/year. The study results demonstrated that the current tendency to upgrading the manure processing technologies towards the most environmentally friendly and compliant with the principles of best available techniques resulted in reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Introduction Currently, bronchial lavage (BL) is widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of severe bronchopulmonary lesion in adults. However, indications and contraindications for this procedure are not fully defined. In addition, it was not possible to find in the literature a classification of either BL in general or used for therapeutic purposes in particular, which significantly complicates the standardization of procedures for its use in various diseases.Aim of study To determine possible classification characteristics, as well as indications, contraindications for therapeutic BL in adults and possible complications that may arise, based on the analysis of literature data.Results Therapeutic BL can be carried out both as planned and for health reasons. Indications for planned BL are purulent bronchitis, pneumonia, purulentdestructive infiltration, as well as chronic lung diseases: bronchiectasis, interstitial lesions. In turn, the indication for emergency therapeutic BL is progressive acute or chronic respiratory failure, developing due to bronchial obstruction. Such conditions may include massive pulmonary hemorrhage, acute obstruction of the bronchi with mucus and pus, postoperative atelectasis and hypoventilation of the lungs, aspiration of gastric contents, severe bronchial asthma, purulent destruction of the lungs, acute respiratory distress syndrome, thermochemical lesions of the respiratory tract. Contraindications to therapeutic BL can be both absolute and relative. Absolute contraindications are intolerance to drugs used for local anesthesia; decompensated heart and (or) pulmonary failure; acute cerebrovascular accident; various types of arrhythmias; stenosis of the larynx and (or) trachea II–III degree; neuropsychiatric diseases; pain syndrome in the abdominal cavity; extremely serious condition of the patient, when clarification of the diagnosis can no longer affect treatment tactics. Relative contraindications include acute respiratory disease of the upper respiratory tract; coronary artery disease; severe diabetes mellitus; pregnancy (second half); chronic alcoholism; grade III enlargement of the thyroid gland. It should be noted that most of the absolute contraindications are conditional and are not taken into account when performing BL according to vital indications with appropriate medical and technical support. Classification of BL used for medicinal purposes can be carried out according to the following criteria: method of sanitation; access used; level of sanitation; sanitized area; volume and composition of the lavage solution. It is noteworthy that the methods of carrying out procedures for various conditions and diseases still remain unregulated. An exception is the final stage of the therapeutic BL procedure in the case of the use of surfactant preparations, which standardization is regulated by approved standard operating procedures. It should also be noted that bronchial lavage for therapeutic purposes is justified from a pathoanatomical and pathophysiological point of view, but is accompanied by serious, albeit temporary, changes in the lungs, which can be partially avoided by improving the lavage technique.Conclusion All of the above indicates that in order to solve existing problems, it is necessary to conduct systematic research in this direction with the involvement of all interested specialists.

Introduction. Memantine is an agent that used for treatment of Alzheimer's type dementia. Memantine considerably reduces the effects of neurodegeneration, may potentially slow down the neurodegenerative changes in the cerebellum and may act as treatment of choice for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA 1). Our objective was to study molecular mechanisms of the short-term synaptic plasticity improvement associated with long-term memantine use in SCA 1 transgenic mice. Materials and methods. The experiments were performed on 12-week-old CD1 mice. We created a mouse model of cerebellar astrogliosis after expression of mutant ataxin-1 (ATXN1[Q85]) in the Bergmann glia (BG). To model the astrocyte-mediated neurodegeneration in the cerebellum, the mice were injected with LVV GFAP-Flag-ATXN1[Q85] lentiviral vector (LVV) constructs intracortically. Some of the mice received 0.35 mg/kg memantine dissolved in drink water once daily for 9 weeks. The control animals were administered LVV GFAP-ATXN1[Q2]-Flag. Changes of the excitatory postsynaptic currents amplitudes from Purkinje cells (PC) were recorded by patch clamp. Expression of anti-EAAT1 in the cerebellar cortex was assessed using immunohistochemistry. Results. The reactive glia of the cerebellar cortex in SCA1 mice is characterized by a decrease in the immunoreactivity of anti-EAAT1, while chronic memantine use restores this capacity. The decay time of the excitatory postsynaptic current amplitude in the parallel fiber-Purkinje cell (PF-PC) synapses of the SCA1 mice is considerably longer, which indicates the slowing of glutamate reuptake and EAAT1 dysfunction. The prolonged presence of increased neurotransmitter levels in the synaptic cleft facilitates activation of the mGluR1 signaling and restoration of mGluR1-dependent synaptic plasticity in Purkinje cells of the SCA1 mice. Conclusions. The slowing of neurotransmitter reuptake associated with long-term memantine treatment improves mGluR1-dependent short-term synaptic plasticity of the Purkinje cells in the SCA1 mice. Restoration of synaptic plasticity in these animals may underlie partial reduction of ataxic syndrome.

The climatic factor of warming, which is evidenced by a significant number of scientists and research teams in Russia and the world, has a significant impact on the cryogenic state of permafrost soil, the preservation of which is one of the most common principles of construction in the North. The influence of projected climatic changes in planning up to 2050 on the efficiency of seasonal cooling devices, the principle of operation of which is based on seasonal soil freezing, is considered. The conducted modeling has shown that in a situation of stable climate, the preservation of the cryogenic state of permafrost soil is realized without the use of additional measures. With warming with a trend of 0.1 °C per year, seasonal cooling devices do not ensure the preservation of the current level of the cryogenic state of the soil and additional measures are required to increase their efficiency in the summer. In the case of more extreme warming with a rate of 0.25 °C per year, the modeling results show that seasonal cooling devices do not significantly affect the rate of soil thawing and the solution to the problem should be its complete replacement with systems with year-round action.

Introduction. An important direction of modern pharmacy is the production of new domestic substances with anti-infectious activity, within the framework of ensuring the technological sovereignty of the state. Optimization of methods for determining antimicrobial activity is an integral part of these studies. Previously obtained silver salts of pyrazoles and pyrazolecarboxamideshad high antimicrobial activity. This work presents the results of determining the antimicrobial activity of new biologically active compounds synthesized by a salt formation reaction with silver ions at the carboxyl group of aroylpyruvic acid amides containing anthranilic acid in the amide fragment.Aim. Obtaining previously unknown amides of aroylpyruvic acids and their silver salts and studying their antimicrobial activity (AMA).Materials and methods. New N-substituted amides of anthranilic acids and their silver salts were obtained by organic synthesis methods. To study their antimicrobial activity, a micromethod of double serial dilutions was used on screening strains of S. aureus ATCC 6538P, E. coli ATCC 25922, as well as E. faecalis ATCC 29212, S. aureus Wood 46, S. abony No. 103/39 for highly active compounds. Additionally, a method of accounting for the results was carried out using the phenomenon of fluorescence in interaction with rezazurin, indicating the presence of living microbial cells.Results and discussion. The presence of antibacterial activity of silver salts 2a and 2b in relation to the studied strains was established: the minimum suppressive concentration (MPC) of compound 2a is 23.4–31.2 micrograms/ml, 2b is 3.9–5.8 micrograms/ml. When taking into account the results of the study of AMA using the phenomenon of fluorescence, it was found that they either coincide with the values of MPC determined visually, or indicate less antibacterial activity. Comparison of these results and seeding of the contents of the wells on a dense nutrient medium with respect to screening strains indicates that the suppression of fluorescence in experimental wells in the range of 99–82 % compared with the control is accompanied by the absence of bacterial growth (bactericidal effect), with fluorescence inhibition of less than 60 %, a pronounced growth of microorganisms is observed. In the intermediate range, the growth of single colonies is observed (bacteriostatic effect).Conclusion. The results of the study showed that the new silver salts of N-substituted amides of aroylpyruvic acids have high antimicrobial activity. The correspondence of the type of antibacterial activity to the degree of fluorescence inhibition was established.

The article examines the ideology of Hindu nationalism in the domestic politics of modern India through the prism of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh socio-political activities. The author determines the relations of the organization with its branches and mechanisms for regulating internal conflicts between them. The purpose of the article is to consider and analyze the ideological and structural transformation of the organization at the end of the XX and the beginning of XXI centuries, in particular, the strategy for the inclusion of Indian Muslims in the Hindu nationalist mainstream. The article uses descriptive, historical-genetic, chronological, comparative and structural-functional methods. The author analyses the development of Hindutva ideology in the works of V. D. Savarkar and M. S. Golvalkar; the campaigns for the rapprochement of the Hindu and Muslim communities conducted by the organization and its branches, as well as the structural and ideological transformations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Sangh Parivar. The article pays particular attention to the attitude of Hindutva ideologues towards minorities, specifically Indian Muslims. At the end of the XX century significant political and economic changes in India contributed to the complication of Indian society, which affected both the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Sangh Parivar’s membership and ideological orientation. New branches have emerged to defend the interests of groups that were not previously in the orbit of the organization’s interests. At the same time, the successes of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the main political asset of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and the desire to consolidate them prompted the search for additional electoral support from the Muslim part of the country’s population. The changes demonstrate the organization’s willingness to change both structurally and ideologically in order to gain mass support in changing India. However, despite the changes, some bias towards Indian Muslims and concerns about inclusion of new Muslim branches remain.

Aim to study the prevalence of paracardial fat as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in Moscow population using an automated analysis of the results of radiological examinations. Material and methods. The research was designed as descriptive, retrospective epidemiological study. The results of chest computed tomography of 113,408 patients served as the study data. The data was analyzed by AI services in an automated mode for the presence of paracardial fat and calculation of its volume. Results. The paracardial fat was detected in 66.5% of the examined persons. The proportion of men was 45.7%, women 54.3% (p0.001). The volume of paracardial fat fluctuated in the range from 1.0 to 1517.0 ml; the average value was 282.1 ml. The average volume of paracardial fat in men (326.0 ml) was significantly larger than in women (244.7 ml) in each age group. The clinically significant volume of paracardial fat (200 ml) was detected in 33,081 individuals (in 64.0% of people having this risk factor). The risk factor was clinically significant in 71.1% of men and in 57.9% of women (p0.001). Conclusion. The prevalence of paracardial fat in Moscow population was 5.97 per 1000 individuals. A clinically significant volume of paracardial fat was most often found in both sexes in the elderly (78.7%) and senile age groups (78.2%). Each 5 years of age increased the probability of this risk factor incidence by 1.282 times in general; and the risk of developing its clinical form by 2.981 times in particular.

Scientific research in the area close to the Russian Antarctic station Vostok has been carried out since its founding on December 16, 1957. The relevance of work to study the region is steadily increasing, which is confirmed by the Strategy for the Development of Activities of the Russian Federation in the Antarctica until 2030. As part of the Strategy implementation, Saint Petersburg Mining University solves the comprehensive study issues of the Vostok station area, including the subglacial Lake Vostok, related to the development of modern technologies and technical means for drilling glaciers and underlying rocks, opening subglacial reservoirs, sampling water and bottom sediments, as well as carrying out comprehensive geological and geophysical research. For the successful implementation of the Strategy, at each stage of the work it is necessary to identify and develop interdisciplinary connections while complying with the requirements for minimizing the impact on the environment. During the season of the 68th Russian Antarctic Expedition, the staff of the Mining University, along with the current research works, began research of the dynamic interactions between the forces of the Earth, from the deepest depths to the surface glacier. Drilling and research programs have been completed. The drilling program was implemented jointly with colleagues from the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute at the drilling complex of the 5G well. The research program included: shallow seismic studies, core drilling of snow-firn strata, study of the snow-firn strata petrostructural features, studies of cuttings collection filters effectiveness when drilling snow-firn strata and the process of ice destruction in a reciprocating rotational method, bench testing of an acoustic scanner. As a result of drilling in 5G well at the depth range of 3453.37-3534.43 m, an ice core more than 1 million years old was obtained.

The article presents the results of the first comprehensive study of mineralogical and spectroscopic (IR, PL, EPR) characteristics of diamonds from the Lomonosov mine (Arkhangelskaya pipe) with a unique pink, pink-violet colour. It is shown that all crystals belong to the IaA type, with a total nitrogen content in the range of 500-1500 ppm, with a low degree of aggregation. The colour is heterogeneous, concentrated in narrow twin layers. It is presumably caused by the previously described M2 centres. The colour shade is affected by the content of P1 paramagnetic centres (C-defect). A positive correlation is observed between the colour saturation and the intensity of W7 paramagnetic centres. A convergent model of the formation of pink diamonds is assumed, according to which the determining factors are the ratio and concentration of structural impurities in the diamond, its thermal history, and conditions of plastic deformation, and not the origin of the diamond and the petrochemical properties of its host rocks.

This article presents the results of studying microinclusions of fluids/melts in diamonds from the placers of the Krasnovishersky District (western slope of the Middle/Northern Urals), which make it possible to establish the evolution of diamond-forming media in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle of the eastern margin of the East European craton. Impurity composition of the studied crystals reveals three different types of diamonds, the formation of which was associated with separated metasomatic events. Microinclusions in B-type diamonds containing A and B nitrogen defects reflect an older metasomatic stage characterized by the leading role of silicic and low-Mg carbonatitic fluids/melts. The second stage is associated with the growth of A-type diamonds containing nitrogen exclusively in the form of A-centers. At this stage, the formation of diamonds was related with low-Mg carbonatitic media, more enriched in MgO, CaO, CO2, and Na2O compared to B-type diamonds. The third stage probably preceded the eruption of the transporting mantle melt and led to the formation of C-type diamond containing A and C nitrogen defect centers and microinclusions of silicic to low-Mg carbonatitic composition. The recorded trend in the evolution of diamond-forming fluids/melts is directed towards more carbonatitic compositions. Fluids/melts are probably sourced from eclogitic and pyroxenitic mantle substrates.

Background. People who previously had COVID-19 infection have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is an early marker of the development of cardiac pathology. Its early detection is important for the adequate therapy order and dynamic monitoring of patients. In this regard, it seems relevant to study the effect of a recent COVID-19 infection on the left ventricular diastolic function and transmitral blood flow parameters in apparently healthy individuals without clinical and instrumental signs of cardiovascular pathology. The aim of the study. To assess the changes in the diastolic and systolic function of the left ventricle, its anatomical parameters and transmitral blood flow parameters in two groups of apparently healthy individuals: those who had and those who had not COVID-19 infection. Materials and methods. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed according to the standard technique and its results were analyzed in 66 examined patients who were recognized as apparently healthy according to the results of regular comprehensive clinical and instrumental studies. The first group included 30 individuals who underwent an echocardiographic study before or during the COVID-19 pandemic, but did not have a coronavirus infection; the second group consisted of 36 people who recovered from COVID-19. The indicators of the presence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and the transmitral blood flow parameters were assessed. The study was approved at a meeting of the Medical Ethics Committee under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Karelia and of Petrozavodsk State University (Minutes No. 47 of 01.11.2023). Results. The frequency of the left ventricular diastolic dysfunction did not differ in the first and second groups of patients. Statistically significant differences were recorded in the average flow deceleration time for both early and late filling of the left ventricle in people who had and did not have COVID-19 infection. A change in the phase structure of the transmitral blood flow may be an early manifestation of intracardiac hemodynamic disorders in people who have recovered from COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Cone beam computed tomography is widely applied for diagnostics and planning various manipulations in the maxillofacial region, for example, dental implantation. Its advantages include high spatial resolution, low radiation exposure, and cost-effectiveness. However, it has a significant drawback: the inability to determine the density of the jaw bone in Hounsfield Units (HU). AIMS: This study aimed to develop radiopaque templates with sets of X-ray density based on potassium hydrophosphate and beta-tricalcium phosphate, to study templates on various cone beam computed tomography and multidetector computed tomography devices, and to determine a cross-calibration algorithm for assessing the bone mineral density of the jaw in HU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone mineral density template comprised microtubes (0.25 ml) with potassium hydrophosphate concentrations of 49.96, 99.98, 174.99, 349.99, and 549.98 mg/ml, and a suspension of beta-tricalcium phosphate with an equivalent concentration of potassium hydrophosphate 1,506 mg/ml, designed to simulate the types of bone density according to C. Mish. The study was carried out on two multidetector computed tomography and four cone beam computed tomography machines. Cross-calibration was referred on the “standard” multidetector computed tomography 1 mode 120 kV, 200 mA. RESULTS: There was a significant scatter of the X-ray values (HU for multidetector computed tomography and GV for cone beam computed tomography) vs. bone mineral density, with varying slopes, bias, and curve shapes. After cross-calibration, good comparability corresponding to the multidetector computed tomography 1 mode was shown. The median of the differences before cross-calibration was 160 relative units (HU, GV), after decreased by 10 times and amounted to 16 rel. units (p=0.000). The mean difference for cone beam computed tomography was significantly higher (30 rel. units) than for multidetector computed tomography (8 rel. units) (p=0.024, Mann–Whitney U test). CONCLUSION: The developed radiopaque template enables the standardization of densitometric indicators for cone beam computed tomography and various multidetector computed tomography modes. On average, the spread after cross-calibration is reduced by 10 times, which makes it possible to classify bone tissue in HU according to C. Mish.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the availability of medical datasets and technologies for software development based on artificial intelligence technology has resulted in a growth in the number of solutions for medical diagnostics, particularly mammography. Registered as a medical device, this program can interpret digital mammography, significantly saving time, material, and human resources in healthcare while ensuring the quality of mammary gland preventive studies. AIM: This study aims to justify the possibility and effectiveness of artificial intelligence-based software for the first interpretation of digital mammograms while maintaining the practice of a radiologists second description of X-ray images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dataset of 100 digital mammography studies (50 absence of target pathology and 50 ― presence of target pathology, with signs of malignant neoplasms) was processed by software based on artificial intelligence technology that was registered as a medical device in the Russian Federation. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed. Limitations of the study include the values of diagnostic accuracy metrics obtained for software based on artificial intelligence technology versions, relevant at the end of 2022. RESULTS: When set to 80.0% sensitivity, artificial intelligence specificity was 90.0% (95% CI, 81.798.3), and accuracy was 85.0% (95% CI, 78.092.0). When set to 100% specificity, artificial intelligence demonstrated 56.0% sensitivity (95% CI, 42.269.8) and 78.0% accuracy (95% CI, 69.986.1). When the sensitivity was set to 100%, the artificial intelligence specificity was 54.0% (95% CI, 40.267.8), and the accuracy was 77.0% (95% CI, 68.885.2). Two approaches have been proposed, providing an autonomous first interpretation of digital mammography using artificial intelligence. The first approach is to evaluate the X-ray image using artificial intelligence with a higher sensitivity than that of the double-reading mammogram by radiologists, with a comparable level of specificity. The second approach implies that artificial intelligence-based software will determine the mammogram category (absence of target pathology or presence of target pathology), indicating the degree of confidence in the obtained result, depending on the corridor into which the predicted value falls. CONCLUSIONS: Both proposed approaches for using artificial intelligence-based software for the autonomous first interpretation of digital mammograms can provide diagnostic quality comparable to, if not superior to, double-image reading by radiologists. The economic benefit from the practical implementation of this approach nationwide can range from 0.6 to 5.5 billion rubles annually.

Introduction. Learning disabilities are a common developmental disorder that affects a significant number of preschool children. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to improving the academic performance and quality of life of children with learning disabilities. However, modern diagnostic methods can be subjective, time-consuming, and costly. Machine learning algorithms can remove these limitations and provide a more accurate and efficient method for early diagnosis of learning disabilities in preschool children. Method and methodology of the work. The research is based on methods of analysis, synthesis and generalization, and pedagogical experiment. Application of numerical methods for model training. The preschool children data set consisted of children with and without learning disabilities. The data sets were used in four machine-learning algorithms. The following metrics Accuracy, Precision, Recall, and F1 score were used to evaluate the effectiveness of each algorithm. Results. These results show that machine learning algorithms can be a powerful tool for early diagnosis of learning disabilities in preschool children. The logistic regression algorithm showed the highest results. Conclusion. In conclusion, the use of machine learning algorithms for early diagnosis of learning disabilities in preschool children has high potential benefits, including early achievement, increased accuracy, cost-effectiveness, time savings, objective analysis, and accessibility to diagnosis. The authors plan to conduct additional studies to test their safety and use these algorithms.

Introduction. There is not enough data on the used intensive technologies of processing pig manure into organic fertilizer to accurately calculate the content of nutrients in the final products and, accordingly, their doses of application. Aim of the Article. To determine the efficiency of pig manure processing technology, which includes liquid fraction rectification, by the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of manure and final products, and to trace the redistributing total nitrogen between the final products on the example of a pilot pig breeding complex production. Materials and Methods. For the study, there was chosen a typical pig-breeding complex, where the pig manure processing included slurry acidification, flocculation, separation into fractions in a decanter centrifuge, rectification of liquid fraction, passive composting of solid fraction, and long-term storing of liquid fraction. The technology allows producing three types of end products: solid organic fertilizer, concentrated liquid (ammonia water), and fertilizer solution. Quantity and quality of pig manure and the end products were calculated by the known methods. Experimental studies were performed to compare the results. Samples were analyzed in the analytical laboratory of Institute for Engineering and Environmental Problems in Agricultural Production in 2022. Three replications were carried out for each sample. The experimental data were statistically analysed in MS Excel. Results. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pig manure, its solid and liquid fractions, and end products were calculated. The difference between the calculated and actual values does not exceed 10.2% that indicates the reliability of calculations. Discussion and Conclusion. The introduction of a new technology at the pig-breeding complex has reduced atmospheric emissions by 10% due to the nitrogen conservation, has reduced operating costs for transporting organic fertilizer by 47% due to the concentration of nutrients in a smaller volume and has improved soil fertility through fertilizer irrigation.

Background. The diagnostic yield of a standard forceps biopsy for central lung cancer is 74 %. However, the diagnostic value is significantly reduced in the presence of necrosis in the tumor. In Russia, cryobiopsy for central lung cancer diagnosis is currently used only in a few clinical centers.The purpose of this study is to present a series of clinical cases showing the effectiveness of the cryobiopsy method in the morphological verification of central neoplasms with necrosis.Description of clinical cases. The article presents 3 clinical cases of patients with central lung cancer, in which standard forceps biopsy was ineffective due to the presence of severe necrosis in the tumor. The cryobiopsy performed at the second stage made it possible in all cases to obtain a suffcient amount of morphological material for histological and immunohistochemical studies and to reconalize the lumens of the large bronchi.Conclusion. Cryobiopsy is an effective and safe method of morphological verification of central lung cancer, which has an advantage over standard forceps biopsy, especially in the presence of a visible necrotic component in the tumor structure.

The snow-firn layer of the glaciers of Antarctica and Greenland contains data on the composition of the atmosphere in the past, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, anthropogenic pollution, and many other unique information. Nowadays, core drilling methods are widely used for sampling the snow-firn layer. Due to numerous complications (loss of air circulation, drill bit sticking, ice balling up, etc.), air ice drilling is not wide spread, yielding in productivity and reliability to thermal and auger drilling methods. However, core barrel drilling with reverse bottom-hole air circulation is a promising technology for drilling the glaciers of Antarctica and Greenland. However, core drilling with reverse bottom-hole air circulation is a promising technology for drilling Antarctic and Greenland glaciers. The authors suggest that this technology, if successfully implemented, will significantly exceed the currently used methods of drilling the upper layers of the glacier. Taking into account the failures of previous projects of core drilling with air, it was decided to conduct research in the conditions of Central Antarctica in order to substantiate the design parameters of the new drill. During 67th Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE) experimental studies of ice cuttings air transportation while drilling of the snow-firn layer were conducted at Vostok station. In the course of the experimental studies, the VK-22 borehole was drilled to a depth of 30 m with full core and ice cuttings sampling. According to the selected probes, the dependences of the change in the density of the snow-firn layer, bulk density and fractional composition of ice cuttings on the depth of occurrence were established. By using the experimental facility, the suspension velocity (critical speed in drilling) of ice particles of various sizes and shapes was found for the first time. Directions for further research and ways to improve the experimental facility are proposed, which are planned to be implemented in the season of the 68th RAE

Purpose: to study the status of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) over the area of quiescent choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in comparison with active CNV in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).Patients and methods: This study included 17 patients with quiescent CNV (6 males and 11 females, mean age 74.9 ± 10.0 years) and 28 patients with active CNV (8 males and 20 females, average age 69.3 ± 6.8 years). All participants received a standard ophthalmological examination, including spectral optical coherence tomography (OCT), dark-field scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (DF-SLO) and autofluorescence. Using ImageJ, the brightness of the image in the projection of the CNV was evaluated. The vascular density of the membrane was assessed using OCT angiography.Results: The vascular density of quiescent CNV was statistically significantly higher than that of active CNV with a median value of 64.5 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 53.4–79.0 %) and 55.3 % (95 % CI 52.2–60.0 %) (p = 0.05). Image brightness in the silent membrane region was significantly lower by compared with active CNV, both according to OCT transillumination data (p = 0.004) and according to DF-SLO data (p = 0.0015). There were no differences in autofluorescence indices between active and quiescent CNV (p = 0.44).Conclusion: Multimodal imaging indicates significant loss of integrity of RPE over active CNV, which corresponds to their lower vascular density according to OCT angiography.

Extensive spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) prompted an investigation of its diagnostic features. Acute viral pneumonia associated with COVID-19 has been described in detail using CT, radiography, and MRI. There is no data in the literature on the descriptive picture observed with dynamic MRI. Considering a comprehensive diagnostic approach, radiologists should know how to correctly recognize and interpret COVID-19 on MRI. This case series demonstrated the ability of dynamic MRI to detect the cloudy sky sign and distinguish it from consolidation in COVID-19 patients, thus presumably distinguishing between early or mild changes and a progressive clinical course. These changes in dynamic lung images on MRI can be recorded depending on the phase of the respiratory cycle. Thus, MRI, as a radiation-free tool that can be used to examine a patient with acute viral pneumonia COVID-19, can be useful in cases where access to computed tomography is limited and dynamic morphofunctional imaging is required.

The paper analyzes the inaccuracies and inconsistencies of the national standard GOST R ISO 7730-2009 "Ergonomics of the thermal environment. Analytical determination and interpretation of the comfort of the thermal regime using the calculation of PMV and PPD indicators and criteria of local thermal comfort" and similar international standard ISO 7730:2005. These standards are designed to assess the quality of the internal environment in order to comply with international practices both in the field of environmental sustainability and in the field of energy efficiency of construction. The authors have investigated and described inaccuracies and inconsistencies, have proposed their corrections in Sections 4 and 5, which establish the method of calculating the predicted mean estimate (PMV – Predicted Mean Vote) and the predicted percentage of dissatisfied with the temperature environment (PPD – Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied), as well as in Appendix D, which contains a listing of the PMV calculation program in the BASIC language. The paper has been written in accordance with the recommendations developed during the implementation of the international project KO1089 "Green Arctic Building" of the Cross-Border Cooperation Program.

This article is devoted to the relevant topic of reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. The relevance of the article is confirmed by the fact that within the framework of the Paris Agreement, a number of countries, including the Russian Federation, have undertaken obligations to implement measures entailing the achievement of this goal. Among such activities the development and implementation of carbon dioxide capture and storage projects (hereinafter referred to as CCUS projects) are important, one of the conditions for the development of which is to achieve a certain level of public approval of such projects. The article presents an overview of Russian and foreign sources of information on both the prospects for the development of projects for the capture, storage and utilization of carbon dioxide and the problems of prevalence of information about such projects. A study of four of the most popular social networks in the Russian Federation for the presence of video content and communities on topics such as “CO2”, “Greenhouse gases”, “CO2 capture”, “CO2 Utilization”, “CO2 emission” and a number of others was conducted. It was revealed that some of the topics are not represented in social networks at all, and the rest is rarely traced. Recommendations to increase the level of public awareness about CCUS projects are given.

BACKGROUND: According to various data, orofacial diseases occur in the population in 20%85% of cases. The most common cause of maxillofacial pain unrelated to the dental system is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which is defined as a disruption of the anatomical relationship during natural movements. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the method of choice for diagnosing joint pathology. AIM: MRI with static, pseudodynamic, and dynamic protocols were optimized for targeted diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction. METHODS: Classical examination of the TMJ is performed in a closed and open mouth position. However, the images obtained do not reflect the location of the intra-articular disc at all stages of mandibular motion. RESULTS: After a static examination in two oral positions, pseudodynamic sagittal T1 weighted imaging (WI) scans were obtained. The patient was asked to divide the movements from full closure to full mouth opening into five steps. The examination was conducted with the MRI operator and the patient acting together. The scans assessed the position and shape of the meniscus at five stages of mandibular movements. The performed program is leading in the assessment of the disc shape changes at each stage of the mouth opening. Wide coverage of the studied area allows to visualize both articular relations of internal structures and surrounding soft tissues, including contraction of the lateral wing muscle and superficial and deep parts of the masseter muscle. The final stage was a dynamic T2 WI scan performed by the patient individually. The obtained series of images represents sequential movements of the condyle, maximally approximating the natural mouth opening. The pulse sequence helps to assess the amplitude of motion of the mandibular condyle and hypermobility, which can be difficult when performing static images with standard mouth expanders. CONCLUSIONS: An optimized dynamic and pseudodynamic TMJ study protocol is an essential part of the precise diagnosis of TMJ dysfunction and allows for differential diagnosis between muscle spasm and intra-articular disc adhesion and reliable visualization of intra-articular relationships during mouth opening.

Introduction. Multi-stage urethral surgery is used in cases of the most complex urethral strictures. The evaluation of surgical treatment results given by patients is a significant criterion for the efficacy of urethroplasty along with the assessment of urethral patency through instrumental examinations.Objective. To evaluate the long-term efficacy of multistage urethroplasty for complex anterior urethral strictures considering the patients' quality of life and satisfaction with the surgical outcomes.Materials and methods. The study included 73 patients aged 18 – 84 years with anterior urethral strictures who underwent multi-stage urethroplasty in 2010 – 2019. Surgical and functional outcomes of urethroplasty were assessed through general blood and urine tests, physical examination, uroflowmetry, and retrograde urethrography and urethroscopy in case of urinary disorders. Subjective parameters of treatment efficacy were studied using questionnaires: International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS); Quality of life (QoL); Patient-reported Outcome Measure for Urethral Stricture Surgery (USS-PROM); Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I).Results. Recurrent urethral stricture was detected in 19 (26,0%) patients with the average follow-up period being 65 months. Independent urination was restored in 71 (97.3%) cases, including repeated interventions. After surgery, there was a significant increase in urinary flow rate parameters (Q max: 8.1 vs 19.1 ml/s, p < 0.0001; Q ave: 5.5 vs 10.7 ml/s; p = 0.0004), decrease in residual urine volume (62.4 vs 18.6 ml, p < 0.0001), decrease in total IPSS score (18.7 vs 5.7 points; p < 0.0001) and QoL index (4.3 vs 1 .8 points, p < 0.0001). A comparative analysis of preoperative and postoperative USS-PROM questionnaire results demonstrated an improvement in indicators assessing LUTS (12.9 vs 3.4 points; p < 0.0001; 3.6 vs 1.7 points; p < 0.0001), and urination-associated quality of life (2.6 vs 0.6 points; p < 0.0001) and overall health (EQ-5D index: 0.73 vs 0.91 points; p = 0.025; EQ-VAS: 68.0 vs 88.1 points, p = 0.004). Fifty-seven (81.4%) men were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the treatment outcomes, while nine (12.9%) respondents noted a moderate effect of residual urinary disorders on the quality of life. Significantly higher satisfaction was observed among cystostomy patients and in cases where repeated interventions were unnecessary.Conclusion. Multi-stage urethroplasty for complex anterior urethral strictures achieves efficacy in 97.3% of cases and is accompanied by high levels of quality of life and patient’s satisfaction during long-term follow-up.

In this paper, we present the results of microhardness tests performed by Vickers indentation of germanium and silicon single crystals. It’s shown that in the investigated samples there is a dependence of microhardness on the crystallographic directions and the nature of the alloying impurity. Microhardness anisotropy coefficients are calculated: for germanium KII=1,2 and for silicon KII=1,3. The analysis of high-temperature annealing influence on microhardness value of germanium and silicon crystals is carried out. It has been established, that the microhardness of Ge(111) crystals grows on 12% after annealing at 550°С, the further thermal processing of germanium crystals at T=650°С considerably changes the structure and surface relief which contribute to a decrease in microhardness values. It is shown that the microhardness of silicon crystals increases by 10% after annealing at 750°C, further annealing to T=850°C leads to a decrease in microhardness. The surfaces of single crystals after high-temperature annealing have been studied; it has been established that thermal treatment at T≈0.6 Tm (Tm – the melting temperature of the single crystal) leads to the appearance of defects and a tenfold increase in the maximum height of the surface profile (from 10-12 nm to 100-200 nm).

This paper presents the results of studies of the effects of deformation obtained by the method of multiple isothermal forging on the microstructure and magnetic properties of the NiMnGa alloy system. It is shown that the microstructure of the initial alloy during deformation undergoes changes, grain size decreases and a two-component structure is formed. The magnetic domain structure of the original and deformed alloys was visualized by magnetic force microscopy. It is shown that the distortion of the domain shape is associated with the presence of a martensitic relief and grain boundaries, 180-degree magnetic domains are continuous within the crystallites, while they cross the flat parallel boundaries of the martensite plates. The study of temperature and field magnetization dependences of the initial and isothermal forging samples demonstrates an insignificant magnetization decrease and a shift of the phase transition temperature toward low temperatures. It’s concluded that deformation by the isothermal forging method can be considered as a way to correct the phase transition temperature in NiMnGa alloys with preservation of magnetization.

Introduction. The method of mininvasive percutaneous cryoablation is applied in the tumor lesions of bones for the purpose of local control and pain syndrome relief. In the case of chest bone destruction, such procedures are accompanied by a risk of damage to the thoracic and abdominal organs, as well as large vessels. This article discusses the peculiarities of percutaneous puncture cryoablation in patients with rib metastatic lesions.Aim. To analyze the methodological aspects of percutaneous cryoablation in patients with rib metastatic lesions and to clarify puncture stereotactic accesses.Materials and methods. The procedure was performed in 11 patients with oligometastatic bone lesions. The size of rib lesions varied from 7 to 55 mm. Surgery was performed in a CT operating room under endotracheal anesthesia. A nitric cryosystem with reusable probes of a diameter varying from 1.5 to 3.0 mm was used. The cryoablation included two cycles of cooling down to the target temperature of –190 °C with 10- and 6-min exposure, respectively.Results and discussion. As a result, optimum puncture accesses for the installation of cryoprobes in tumoral rib destruction, including tangential and perpendicular ones, were proposed. At the tangential access, the cryoprobe can be placed both directly into the tumor lesion (intraosseous variant) and into soft tissues along the bone at the lesion level (paraosseous variant). The follow-up period after the procedure varied from 3 to 27 months (11.4 ± 5.6 months). In 3 cases, the formation of a pathological fracture at the level of the ablated lesion was recorded. The local control of the tumoral process was achieved in 10 patients, a relapse in the ablation zone was noted in one case 3 months after the procedure.Conclusion. Due to the use of the described accesses, as well as the implementation of measures aimed at preventing cold cutaneous lesions, the surgery goals were successfully achieved and complications were avoided in all cases.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men worldwide. PI-RADS v2.1 contains the requirements for the magnetic resonance imaging protocol, which cannot be fully implemented on a significant component of functioning scanners. Consequently, magnetic resonance imaging approaches vary in different medical organizations and often do not allow for a qualitative interpretation of images and diagnosis of the target pathology. AIM: To develop a biparametric magnetic resonance imaging protocol optimized for the existing magnetic resonance imaging scanners for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and to allow the screening and detection of neoplasms as early as possible. Simultaneously, the protocol should fulfill the current PI-RADS v2.1 recommendations to the maximum possible extent and meet the requirements of effective workflow in the radiology department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preliminary analysis of prostate magnetic resonance imaging scanning in medical organizations of the Moscow Health Care Department showed the absence of a unified approach. Using the iterative adjustment of scanning parameters, we adjusted the protocol to ensure acceptable quality with maximum available compliance with PI-RADS v2.1. To quantify the quality of the images, we used the magnetic resonance imaging phantom recommended by the American College of Radiology. RESULTS: The biparametric protocol was developed for Excelart Vantage 1.5 T, including T2-weighted images in three planes and diffusion-weighted images, which took less than 11 min. Moreover, the image quality parameters (intensity inhomogeneity, nonlinearity, resolution, and slice thickness) were within the acceptable ranges recommended by the magnetic resonance imaging manufacturer. CONCLUSION: The prostate may be effectively evaluated using the proposed magnetic resonance imaging protocol. Introducing it into practice could have a significant impact on the detection of prostate cancer in men. The entire duration of the protocol provides a possibility to supplement it with any sequences, depending on the final purpose of investigation.

Forecasting of the Earth's climate change is important for many spheres of human activity but this cannot be successful without reliable paleoclimatic information, an important source of which is the ice core material obtained during drilling of glaciers. The process of core sampling from the upper permeable snow-firn layers of glaciers is complicated by huge losses of the drilling fluid. One of the possible solutions to this problem is using of compressed air to clean the borehole and transport the slime up to the surface due to its easy replenishment. A review and analysis of international experience in mechanical ice drilling using compressed air as a cleaning agent has shown that the method under consideration has a number of disadvantages (loss of air in permeable glacier layers, accumulation of heavy rime and formation of ice sticking) that limit its use. However, the scheme of air reverse bottom-hole air circulation, first applied by scientists from the St. Petersburg Mining University on the dome of the Academy of Sciences Glacier (the Severnaya Zemlya archipelago) is free of the above disadvantages. To adapt this method to conditions of drilling in Antarctica, it is necessary to carry out a complex of researches, the implementation of which will allow creating a new cable-suspended electromechanical drill for efficient and environmentally friendly drilling of the upper layers of glaciers.

Introduction. Current treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer includes surgical resection of the thyroid gland, radioiodine therapy (RIT) followed by hormone therapy with levothyroxine. If a patient has distant metastases, radioiodine therapy gains vital importance, becoming a non-competitive method of treatment. However, with incomplete expressed or lost ability of tumor cells to absorb radioactive iodine (131I), the effect of RIT occurs to be limited or completely lost. Radioactive iodine refractivity develops, in which the disease progresses despite ongoing therapy. Therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the progressive radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer is currently the only recognized effective treatment. Based on the results of the SELECT study, in an indirect comparison with the data obtained earlier in the DECISION study, lenvatinib was found to be the most effective drug.The study objective is to provide a comparative analysis of response to treatment and overall survival in two groups of patients with progressive metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer. In group 1, treatment was based on continuing radioiodine therapy in combination with suppressive hormone therapy with levothyroxine; in group 2, with the development of radioiodine refractivity, lenvatinib was prescribed.Materials and methods. The study included two groups of patients treated at different times in the A.f. Tsyb medical Radiology Research Center - branch of the National medical Research Center of Radiology, ministry of Health of Russia. group 1 included patients who continued radioiodine therapy, despite disease progression on treatment (historical control group). This group (n = 191) consisted of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer who received radioiodine therapy until January 2015, when the criteria for radioactive iodine refractivity had not yet been established and there was no unified approach to such patients and no possibility of targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. group 2 (n =71) consisted of patients receiving lenvatinib in the 1st line targeted therapy from January 2015 to march 2022, from the time of radiographically confirmed tumor progression according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) and establishing the fact of radioactive iodine refractivity.Results. In the historical control group (n = 19) 18 (9.4 %) patients are alive to date. It should be specifically noted that all of them had a miliary dissemination in the lungs. None of the 191 patients had a complete or partial response to treatment. All patients had either disease stabilization (83 (43.45 %) patients), or disease progression (108 (56.54 %) patients). The number of RIT courses varied from 9 to 27, 13 ± 3.4 on average. The total dose for the entire treatment period varied from 21 to 75 GBq, 39.3 ± 10 on average. Overall survival averaged 80 ± 20.3 months (min 54 months, max 162 months). patients with slow disease progression had the longest overall survival. In the lenvatinib group the median duration of therapy in patients who discontinued treatment reached 26.3 months (1-52 months). Tumor response to treatment was evaluated in 71 patients. According to the RECIST 1.1 criteria, the maximum response was regarded as complete in 1 (1.41 %) patient, as partial - in 30 (42.45 %) patients, as stable disease - in 23 (32.39 %) patients, as disease progression - in 13 (18.31 %) cases. The median time to evaluate the first response to treatment was 4 (2-8) months. PFS was 17.3 months (95 % confidence interval 15.1-19.4 months). The median PFS in the subgroup of patients who responded to lenvatinib therapy (with a complete and partial response) was 32.5 months (95 % confidence interval 30.7-37.7). The median overall survival at the time of data analysis was not reached.Conclusion. A comparative analysis showed that the approach to the treatment of patients with progressive radioyod-refracted differentiated thyroid cancer based on continued radioiodine therapy is wrong. It was the only impelled option when tyrosine kinase inhibitors therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer was unavailable. Currently, the majority of patients with progressive radioyodrefracted differentiated thyroid cancer receive lenvatinib in the first line targeted therapy. The role of this therapy in the treatment of patients with radioyodrefracted differentiated thyroid cancer is currently increasing. The promising prospects for the synthesis of new targeted drugs are becoming obvious, such as the need for further research and comparison of drugs already in use as well.

This work studies and compares the main morphological, structural, and mineralogical features of 350 diamond crystals from the Karpinsky-I and 300 crystals of the Arkhangelskaya kimberlite pipes. The share of crystals of octahedral habit together with individual crystals of transitional forms with sheaf-like and splintery striation is higher in the Arkhangelskaya pipe and makes 15 %. The share of cuboids and tetrahexahedroids is higher in the Karpinsky-I pipe and stands at 14 %. The share of dodecahedroids in the Arkhangelskaya and Karpinsky-I pipes are 60 % and 50 %, respectively. The indicator role of the nitrogen-vacancy N3 center active in absorption and luminescence is shown. Crystals with the N3 absorption system have predominantly octahedral habit or dissolution forms derived from the octahedra. Their thermal history is the most complex. Absorption bands of the lowest-temperature hydrogen-containing defects (3050, 3144, 3154, 3188, 3310 cm−1, 1388, 1407, 1432, 1456, 1465, 1503, 1551, 1563 cm−1), are typical for crystals without N3 system, where in the absorption spectra nitrogen is in the form of low-temperature A and C defects. The above mentioned bands are registered in the spectra of 16 % and 42 % of crystals from the Arkhangelskaya and Karpinsky-I pipes, respectively. The diamond of the studied deposits is unique in the minimum temperature (duration) of natural annealing. Based on a set of features, three populations of crystals were distinguished, differing in growth conditions, post-growth, and thermal histories. The established regularities prove the multi-stage formation of diamond deposits in the north of the East European Platform and significant differences from the diamonds of the Western Cisurals. The results suggest the possibility of the existence of primary deposits dominated by diamonds from one of the identified populations.

The necessity of state regulation in economy is explained by objective possibilities to prevent and smooth out adverse characteristics of economic laws, relationships between participants, macro- and micro- economic and geopolitical factors. At the current stage of development state acts not only as a regulator, but also as an equal active participant of social and economic processes, which implies realization of state dirigism. Through regulation mechanism state exerts accurate and composite impact on economy ensuring its sustainable development. The goal of the research is to shape lines in state regulation of the electric power complex in order to eliminate disproportions in social and economic development. The subject of the research includes economic relations arising in the process of state impact on economic processes in the electric power complex. The research is based on academic and specific methods of studying objective reality. During the research the authors used information of the Federal Antitrust Service, the Federal Service of State Statistics, materials of global independent analytical agencies and informational portals. The authors identified key lines in state regulation and development of competitive relations in the field of electric power engineering. The obtained findings can be used to shape well-balanced risk-oriented policy of state regulation that takes into account all risks of economic development.

Subject and Purpose. Proceeding from a mathematical model of the electronically tunable autodyne oscillator (Part І of this paper), essential features of the signal formation / signal processing procedure are considered, as implementable in an autodyne radar that may reveal nonlinearity in its modulation characteristic. The work is aimed at suggesting a digital technique to enable introduction of corrections to the frequency modulation law of the sounding signal and effectuate processing of the data from the close-range autodyne radar (improving its spatial resolution and accuracy of target range measurements). Methods and Methodology. The present analysis of the radiated signal formation and processing of the data from the autodyne radar has been carried out as numerical modeling of spectral, frequency and amplitude characteristics of the radar signals expected, as well as spectral processing of the experimental data from the frequency modulated autodyne radar. Results. An effective law of temporal variations has been suggested for the corrective control voltage of the Gunn diode-based Ka-band autodyne transceiver with a linear law of frequency modulation. The correspondent experimental studies were conducted with an autodyne close-range radar system of Ka-band employing an asymmetric linear frequency modulation with a 500 MHz band of frequency tuning. The use of digital methods for correcting the frequency modulation law has permitted improving the accuracy of target ranging and range resolution up to 0.3 ÷ 0.6 m, which figures correspond to the theoretical limit for the close-range homodyne radar with a 500 MHz tuning band. Conclusion. By linearizing the modulation characteristic of the oscillator and applying digital processing to the autodyne signal in the close-range radar system with a linear frequency modulation law it proves possible to reach ultimately high estimates for the accuracy and resolution of target range measurements. The results obtained can be helpful for developing radar sensors and radiofrequency meters with enhanced parameters and characteristics.

The article considers the evolution of university models, examines in detail the model of a digital university and pays special attention to changing the paradigm of university resource management in the context of digitalization. The transition from managing university resources to managing access to them is substantiated. This problem is relevant, since the Russian economy is faced with the task of overcoming technological dependence in the current conditions of restrictions and Western sanctions. The development of universities of a new quality, integrated with the real sector of the economy, operating on the basis of digital technologies and providing competitive innovative development, could be a solution to this problem. The purpose of the article is to propose a new methodology for the development of the university and the management of its resources in the context of digitalization. In the course of the study the authors solved the following tasks: they analyzed global trends and external risks for higher education; revealed the phenomenon of the digital university; substantiated the new principles of digital university resource management that meet the requirements of the fourth industrial revolution; proposed an approach to the digital development of the university based on the harmonization of the interests and requirements of stakeholders; considered the concepts of infrastructure logic and the strategy of digital transformation of the university. The article used both general scientifc research methods and special ones: frstly, statistical analysis of indicators of global innovation trends in the feld of digitalization of education and the economy; secondly, an institutional approach aimed at identifying effective institutions (rules of the game) that can increase the overall motivation of internal and external stakeholders of the university to ensure an effective digital transformation process; thirdly, the method of multiple thematic comparisons to analyze the scientifc literature and ofcial sources on the digital development of the university and the innovative economy. As a result of the study, the authors formulated a set of recommendations for developing a strategy for the digital transformation of Russian universities based on the author’s methodology for resource management in the digital age for integration into the global innovation process and obtaining leadership positions in global university rankings.

THE PURPOSE. Increasing the efficiency and efficiency of power plants based on renewable energy sources should be carried out by improving technological, constructive, organizational, legal, technical and economic measures. Proposals are given for the development of approaches to assessing the efficiency of wind power plants based on the Savonius rotor. The design parameters are substantiated and a physical model is created for a comprehensive study and performance characteristics in laboratory conditions.METHODS. Based on the methods of physical and mathematical modeling of structures and profiles of wind turbine blades, the technical and economic indicators of various profiles of the blades of the Savonius rotor are determined.RESULTS. The theoretical substantiation of the design and various profiles of the blades of the Savonius rotor is carried out. On the basis of a comprehensive study of performance characteristics in laboratory conditions, the values of the wind energy efficiency coefficient, the rotation frequency of the wind wheel profile, and electric power were established.CONCLUSION. The results of the study can be applied to substantiate the widespread use and creation of wind power plants with a Savonius rotor to ensure high-quality and reliable power supply to remote consumers of electric energy, the creation of isolated power systems and the further development of alternative energy sources in the domestic electric power industry

The issues of quality medical care management and organization of the work of the department of radiation diagnostics are always relevant and require constant monitoring and analytical expertise. Since 2018, the Moscow regional branch of the Russian Society of Radiologists and Radiologists (MRO PORR) has been conducting an independent assessment of the departments of radiation diagnostics in all the regions of Russia. The rating aimed to identify industry leaders and spread the best practices throughout the country. The survey results identified the positive trends in the development of diagnostic care services throughout the country and critical points that affect the quality of work of medical organizations. This study presents an analysis of the functioning of 123 departments of radiation diagnostics in 2020. After meeting the inclusion criteria, a list of 163 medical organizations in 15 cities of 7 federal districts was formed. The evaluation procedure was divided into three stages. The first stage consisted of an online survey, wherein each of the participating organizations was asked to answer questions about the departments work arrangement, equipment, list, and features of performing diagnostic tests, as well as working with patients. The second stage consisted of a clinical and technical audit of a set of anonymized studies with conclusions. Special attention was paid to technical audits since several medical organizations violated the methodology of conducting research. The third stage included checking the information about medical organizations in open sources. During the first and second stages, points were awarded, based on which the finalists, leaders, and rating winners were selected. According to the evaluation results of all stages,31 organizations reached the final stage,6 were in the group of leaders, and 5 were winners, whereas 45% of the finalists belonged to the Central Federal District. Greater interest was found in the auditing work in municipal and private medical institutions than in departmental and federal ones. Some database has been collected, in addition to the list of winners, which may represent a cross-section of the state of the radiation diagnostics service in the Russian Federation. Conducting such competitions is primarily aimed at improving the quality and safety of X-ray examinations. The methodology of the competition is improved every year.

Subject and Purpose. In Part 1 of the paper, a mathematical model of an autodyne self-oscillator with frequency tuning by varactor capacitance varying is built and thoroughly analyzed for the features of signal formation in autodyne radar with a wide frequency-modulation bandwidth and a nonlinearity in the modulation characteristic. The aim of the study is to appreciate the action that the nonlinearity of the oscillator modulation characteristic exerts on the spectral characteristics of signals from frequency-modulation autodyne radar. Methods and Methodology. The research method is a mathematical analysis of the operation of an autodyne oscillator with electronic frequency tuning. To examine formation processes of emitted autodyne signals, the spectral, frequency and amplitude characteristics of signals from frequency-modulation autodyne radar are constructed with the use of numerical modeling techniques. Results. Numerical modeling of autodyne response signal spectra has been performed for various distances to the reflecting object and different modulating voltages across the varactor. It has been shown that a nonlinear dependence of the generator frequency on the varactor voltage makes for the broadening of the autodyne response signal spectrum. It has been found that as the object distance increases, the frequency of the autodyne response signal moves towards the higher frequencies, while the nonlinearity makes the spectrum broaden. The obtained calculation results refer to an 8-mm Gunn diode autodyne. Conclusion. The performed research of the spectral characteristics and into the features of signal formation in autodyne transceiver devices with a wide frequency tuning has shown that in order to achieve high resolution figures from autodyne radar, certain methods are needed to be developed for adjusting the laws of frequency modulation and for the processing of response signals from reflecting objects. Such a method and ways to solve these problems will be presented in Part 2 of the work.

Introduction. The study aims to develop and test a comprehensive calculation methodology in a case study of pilot pig complexes to verify reliability of estimates. The methods are required for reliable tracking of the nutrients flow at the farm level and for adjusting the application doses of resulting solid and liquid organic fertilizers with due account for the crop rotation in place, agrochemical analysis of soils, and specific crops to obtain the target yields. Materials and Methods. Calculations of the content of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in pig manure before separation and in resulting solid and liquid fractions were carried out by the developed method. At that, coefficients from corresponding normative documents and results of previous research were used. Samples of initial material were collected in three replications at two closed-cycle pig rearing complexes located in the Leningrad Region. The experimental data were statistically processed with StatGraphics Centurion v.16 software. Results. The calculated nutrient content of the manure before separation and the separated solid and liquid fractions was compared with the results of laboratory analysis of the physicochemical composition of the manure and its fractions from the selected pig rearing complexes. The difference between the calculated and average actual values of all considered indicators did not exceed 10%, with the differences in nitrogen content turning out to be much bigger (up to 10%) than the differences in phosphorus content (up to 5.7%) in the solid and liquid fractions of pig manure. Discussion and Conclusion. The identified differences can be explained by the instrumental uncertainty and heterogeneity of the analyzed initial material ‒ a mixture of excrement and process water. The results of the study confirmed that the developed method is reliable, and it can be used to account for the nutrients in the solid and liquid organic fertilizers in calculating and adjusting doses for certain crops to produce expected yield and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Introduction. The volume of accumulated organ-containing non-recyclable waste products in Russia is increasing. Existing technologies make it possible to recycle these waste products through using anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and fertilizers. The organic portions of waste consist mostly of hard-to-degrade lignin, cellulose, and extracellular polymers, which make anaerobic digestion difficult. Pretreating is necessary to make the raw materials available to microorganisms for bioavailability and deeper degradation. There are many different types of pretreating with their own specific effects on the raw materials. To improve understanding the process of pretreating organic raw materials prior to anaerobic digestion, and to improve the quality of the decisions made, pretreatment methods need to be identified and systematized. Materials and Methods. The subject of the study is the relationship between the effects of methods, techniques and specific operations of pretreatment for anaerobic digestion. The main method of this study is the analysis of data on the application of different methods to increase the bioavailability and degree of decomposition of organic matter of waste products during anaerobic digestion. Results. The scheme of preparatory operations and methods for pre-treatment of organic waste products before anaerobic digestion is developed. It is revealed that each method (mechanical, thermal, electromagnetic, chemical, biological and combined) contains many practices, which are divided into particular techniques. The mechanisms of influence that improve further processing are described. Discussion and Conclusion. The choice methods of pretreatment depends on the purpose and tasks performed, the physical and chemical composition of raw materials, access to energy, biological and chemical resources. Advantages and disadvantages of various methods should be studied in more detail and ranked into private methods according to energy costs and the effect they produce. The comparison of the research results reveals disadvantages and difficulties.

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В статье анализируется проблема разработки и принятия закона о нормативных правовых актах в Российской Федерации как способа установления единообразного подхода к системе и иерархии нормативных правовых актов. Рассматриваются различные проекты закона о законах (1996,2014, 2021 гг.). В качестве успешного опыта нормативного регулирования системы и иерархии нормативных правовых актов приводится закон Болгарии 1973 г. «О нормативных правовых актах» —самый ранний из известных законов о законах. В работе отмечаются сходные аспекты в установлении иерархии нормативных правовых актов России и Болгарии: доминирование конституционногоакта, проблема соотношения национального и международного права, значительное влияние судебной практики на развитие правовой системы, вторичный характер доктрины, принципов права, правового обычая.

The intensifi cation of agricultural production has led to the disruption of nutrient cycles in agroecosystems. In livestock farming, one of the key problems is the low degree of using secondary resources (organic fertilizers based on manure and manure). (Research purpose) To substantiate the basic principles of assessing the agroecosystem environmental sustainability and to develop engineering methods for ensuring environmental safety in livestock farming. (Materials and methods) To solve the problems of agroecological assessment, eff ective technology choice and intelligent system creation, the following indicators were used: 1. specifi c density of animals (mainly for macro-assessment); 2. nutrient balance (the diff erence in the amount of nitrogen available in the formed organic fertilizers with environmentally safe consumption); 3. nitrogen losses during the disposal of organic waste from livestock farming; 4.the eff ectiveness of implementing the best available techniques (BAT). (Results and discussion) Using the assessment of indicators 1 and 2 in the case of the Leningrad region, it was revealed that 3 districts are classifi ed as territories with an excessive risk to the environment, 1 district is classifi ed as a territory with a high risk, 5 districts – with an acceptable risk, and 8 districts – with a low risk to the environment. To solve problems in areas with excessive and high load, we conducted an assessment on indicators 3 and 4, which allowed us to explore technical solutions and select the BAT to reduce the environmental burden. The obtained results showed that among the main technical solutions in the fi eld of organic waste management of livestock farming are biofermentation and the introduction of liquid organic fertilizers. Biofermentation in special chambers can reduce emissions of polluting gases by more than 2 times, and speed up the processing process by more than 60 times. To work with liquid organic fertilizers, intelligent machines with low-emission working bodies have been developed to reduce nitrogen losses during application by up to 50 percent. To solve the problems of agricultural monitoring and engineering solution management, a digital system has been developed that allows to model scenarios of technological development and their impact on the agroecosystem environmental sustainability. (Conclusions) The results obtained allow us to systematically analyze the problems of agroecosystem environmental sustainability and propose specifi c technical and optimization solutions for livestock farming.

When evaluating the effect of therapy for malignant neoplasms with inhibitors of CTLA-4, PD-1 and PD-L1, the phenomenon of pseudoprogression may occur. Pseudoprogression is an increase in the volume of tumor tissue due to immunocompetent cells (lymphocytes, macrophages) mobilized into the tumor focus under the action of immunotherapy. As the antitumor effect of lymphocytes and macrophages is realized, the tumor decreases or disappears over time. Pseudoprogression occurs with varying frequency in various types of cancer. It may also matter which immune checkpoint inhibitors is used to treat a solid tumor or lymphoproliferative disease. Currently, several immune-related response-evaluation criteria have been developed, which can help diagnose the phenomenon of pseudoprogression. But, unfortunately, none of these criteria clearly distinguish pseudoprogression from true tumor progression. In the case of an erroneous judgment about the effect of treatment, immunotherapy ends, and the patient may not get a chance for long-term remission. Using two clinical examples (immunotherapy for metastatic kidney cancer and recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma), the authors discuss the pitfalls of evaluating the effectiveness of treatment with checkpoint inhibitors.