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In 2010, the expedition of the Nasledie State Unitary Enterprise (Stavropol) conducted archaeological excavations on the territory of the Caucasian Mineral Waters and excavated the kurgan 1 of the Voniuchka-1 kurgan cemetery near the city of Pyatigorsk. The kurgan originated in the Eneolithic era; its construction and use as a cemetery continued up to the Early and Middle Bronze Ages. The most extensive changes in the kurgan are associated with the North Caucasian archaeological culture. The Sarmatian burials of the early Iron Age became the final ones in the kurgan; this study is devoted to their material publication and analysis. Single burials and grave goods (probably the remains of a funeral feast) were compactly located in the central part of the kurgan. The burial rite and the inventory are described in detail and examined in the system of both chronologically close Sarmatian newcomers and Pre-Caucasus aboriginal monuments. In general, the funeral rite of the published burials is quite uniform and corresponds to the canons of the pre-Caucasian Sarmatian kurgans. The burials and the cluster are chronologically close to each other, and the inventory found in them has numerous analogies among the synchronous sites of the Pre-Caucasus. At the same time, some details of the funeral rite, in particular the discovery of three left front legs of sheep in two burials, together with a number of other facts, indicate a kinship relationship between the buried. The Sarmatian burials in kurgan 1 of the Voniuchka-1 cemetery can be considered a small ancestral cemetery created, most likely, during the lifetime of one generation. The general dating of the burials and the accompanying funeral feast fits into the framework of the 3rd (possibly 2nd) – 1st centuries BC. There is a high probability of their connection with the Sirak tribal union, and this cemetery is located on the southern border of the territory occupied by it.

Introduction Improving the results of treatment and rehabilitation is essential for polytrauma patients. The aim of the study was to prove the effectiveness of terahertz electromagnetic waves (TEW) in polytrauma patients early after traumatic event to improve immune parameters. Material and methods The study included 20 polytrauma patients who were divided into two groups. Patients of the treatment group (n = 10) received TEW early after traumatic event in addition to standard treatment using the damage control approach. Control patients (n = 10) received no TEW therapy in the complex of therapeutic measures. Immunological studies were performed during treatment. The effectiveness of rehabilitation was assessed at a long term using an evaluation scale. Results The mean rehabilitation score was significantly higher in the treatment group compared to the controls. The treatment group showed significantly higher production of TNFα and IL-2, spontaneous production of IFNγ by lymphocytes, phagocyte activity (NBT-test) and absorption activity of monocytes after the use of TEW in comparison with controls. An increased level of IgG and IgM was also noted in patients of the treatment group. Discussion The findings showed that the use of TEW in polytrauma patients early after traumatic event resulted in the increase in cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes and phagocytic cells. The immunostimulating effect of TEW was also achieved through boosting humoral immunity. Conclusion The TEW used early after traumatic event in polytrauma patients resulted in strengthening of the immune system which contributed to more effective rehabilitation.

The study focuses on the perception of the Russian military presence in Africa. The 1990s and early 2000s saw a long break in Russian-African relations, linked to Russia’s priority of establishing a dialogue with Western countries. Largely as a result, Russia managed to avoid getting involved in conflicts and maintain respectful relations with African countries. In recent years, however, Russia’s “return” to Africa has revitalized Moscow’s interests in the region. One of the key elements of this process has been the intensification of the activities of Russian private military companies (PMC) on the continent. This, in turn, is the relevance of the present study. The study conducted a qualitative content analysis of the publications of the most quoted media sources in African countries where Russian private military companies have been observed: Central African Republic, Mozambique, Sudan and Mali from 2018 to 2021. Based on an analysis of the African media, it can be seen that the first experiences with the arrival of Russian PMCs were initially accompanied by a predominantly neutral-negative tone in the local media. Later, however, there was a shift from neutral to positive, particularly in the case of Mali. It was also found that the framing of the Russian presence in African countries with experience of interaction with Russian PMCs is changing from a purely local context (struggle for resources, protection of the regime, etc.) to a more global one, implying that Africa is an arena of confrontation between major world powers. It is shown that the experience of Russian involvement in conflict resolution plays an important role in shaping a positive image of the Russian “military” presence in Africa. Thus, the transfer of significant areas under central government control, first in Syria and then in the Central African Republic after the appearance of the Russian military in these countries, is associated by Africans with the achievement of stability, which is in demand in African societies. Another important indicator on which positive perceptions are based is the perception of a crisis in relations between France and Africa.

Abstract In this work, we demonstrate the high efficiency of optical emission spectroscopy to estimate the etching profile of silicon structures in SF6/C4F8/O2 plasma. The etching profile is evaluated as a ratio of the emission intensity of the oxygen line (778.1 nm) to the fluorine lines (685.8 nm and 703.9 nm). It was found that for the creation of directional structures with line sizes from 13 to 100 μm and aspect ratio from ≈ 0.15 to ≈ 5 the optimal intensities ratio is in the range of 2–6, and for structures from 400 to 4000 μm with aspect ratio from ≈ 0.03 to ≈ 0.37 it is in the range 1.5–2. Moreover, the influence of the process parameters on the etching rate of silicon, the etching rate of aluminum, the inclination angle of the profile wall of the etched window, the selectivity of silicon etching with respect to aluminum, and the influence on the overetching (Bowing effect) of the structure was investigated.

According to global data, there is a male reproductive potential decrease. Pathogenesis of male infertility is often associated with autoimmunity towards sperm antigens essential for fertilization. Antisperm autoantibodies (ASAs) have immobilizing and cytotoxic properties, impairing spermatogenesis, causing sperm agglutination, altering spermatozoa motility and acrosomal reaction, and thus preventing ovum fertilization. Infertility diagnosis requires a mandatory check for the ASAs. The concept of the blood–testis barrier is currently re-formulated, with an emphasis on informational paracrine and juxtacrine effects, rather than simple anatomical separation. The etiology of male infertility includes both autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases but equally develops through autoimmune links of pathogenesis. Varicocele commonly leads to infertility due to testicular ischemic damage, venous stasis, local hyperthermia, and hypoandrogenism. However, varicocelectomy can alter the blood–testis barrier, facilitating ASAs production as well. There are contradictory data on the role of ASAs in the pathogenesis of varicocele-related infertility. Infection and inflammation both promote ASAs production due to “danger concept” mechanisms and because of antigen mimicry. Systemic pro-autoimmune influences like hyperprolactinemia, hypoandrogenism, and hypothyroidism also facilitate ASAs production. The diagnostic value of various ASAs has not yet been clearly attributed, and their cut-levels have not been determined in sera nor in ejaculate. The assessment of the autoimmunity role in the pathogenesis of male infertility is ambiguous, so the purpose of this review is to show the effects of ASAs on the pathogenesis of male infertility.

The Caucasus mountain range has impacted on the culture and genetics of the wider region. Here, the authors generate genome-wide SNP data for 45 Eneolithic and Bronze Age individuals across the Caucasus, and find distinct genetic clusters between mountain and steppe zones as well as occasional gene-flow.

Creep behavior of 40- and 80- µ m-thick films of linear low-density polyethylene with four different densities produced by blowing and casting processes was investigated at room temperature (RT) and 70 ° C. As a criterion for ductile creep failure, strain-to-failure was chosen, which amounts to the maximum elongation characterized by necking of the whole sample. At RT under the stress of 8 MPa, strain-to-failure increases by one order of magnitude (from 0.08 to 0.80) with a decrease in density from 0.930 to 0.902 g/c[m.sup.3]. Processing effects creep deformation much less significantly in comparison with density. It is found that under loading at RT, some amount of orthorhombic phase in films with the densities of 0.902 and 0.912 g/c[m.sup.3] transforms into the monocline phase. The intensity of a peak of this phase near the angle 2θ of 19.5 ° does not depend on the test duration. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 51:1642-1649, 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers, INTRODUCTION The creep behavior of polyethylene has been studied well enough (1-8). In polymer thermoplastics, the ratecontrolling creep mechanism involves a cooperative motion of molecular chain segments with respect to [...]

In this work, we demonstrate the high efficiency of optical emission spectroscopy to estimate the etching profile of silicon structures in SF6/C4F8/O2 plasma. The etching profile is evaluated as a ratio of the emission intensity of the oxygen line (778.1 nm) to the fluorine lines (685.8 nm and 703.9 nm). It was found that for the creation of directional structures with line sizes from 13 to 100 μm and aspect ratio from ≈ 0.15 to ≈ 5 the optimal intensities ratio is in the range of 2–6, and for structures from 400 to 4000 μm with aspect ratio from ≈ 0.03 to ≈ 0.37 it is in the range 1.5–2. Moreover, the influence of the process parameters on the etching rate of silicon, the etching rate of aluminum, the inclination angle of the profile wall of the etched window, the selectivity of silicon etching with respect to aluminum, and the influence on the overetching (Bowing effect) of the structure was investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to global data, there is a male reproductive potential decrease. Pathogenesis of male infertility is often associated with autoimmunity towards sperm antigens essential for fertilization. Antisperm autoantibodies (ASAs) have immobilizing and cytotoxic properties, impairing spermatogenesis, causing sperm agglutination, altering spermatozoa motility and acrosomal reaction, and thus preventing ovum fertilization. Infertility diagnosis requires a mandatory check for the ASAs. The concept of the blood–testis barrier is currently re-formulated, with an emphasis on informational paracrine and juxtacrine effects, rather than simple anatomical separation. The etiology of male infertility includes both autoimmune and non-autoimmune diseases but equally develops through autoimmune links of pathogenesis. Varicocele commonly leads to infertility due to testicular ischemic damage, venous stasis, local hyperthermia, and hypoandrogenism. However, varicocelectomy can alter the blood–testis barrier, facilitating ASAs production as well. There are contradictory data on the role of ASAs in the pathogenesis of varicocele-related infertility. Infection and inflammation both promote ASAs production due to "danger concept" mechanisms and because of antigen mimicry. Systemic pro-autoimmune influences like hyperprolactinemia, hypoandrogenism, and hypothyroidism also facilitate ASAs production. The diagnostic value of various ASAs has not yet been clearly attributed, and their cut-levels have not been determined in sera nor in ejaculate. The assessment of the autoimmunity role in the pathogenesis of male infertility is ambiguous, so the purpose of this review is to show the effects of ASAs on the pathogenesis of male infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used stable water suspensions of copper oxide particles with mean diameter 20 nm and of particles containing copper oxide and element copper with mean diameter 340 nm to assess the pulmonary phagocytosis response of rats to a single intratracheal instillation of these suspensions using optical, transmission electron, and semi-contact atomic force microscopy and biochemical indices measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Although both nano and submicron ultrafine particles were adversely bioactive, the former were found to be more toxic for lungs as compared with the latter while evoking more pronounced defense recruitment of alveolar macrophages and especially of neutrophil leukocytes and more active phagocytosis. Based on our results and literature data, we consider both copper solubilization and direct contact with cellular organelles (mainly, mitochondria) of persistent particles internalized by phagocytes as probable mechanisms of their cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable suspensions of nanogold (NG) and nanosilver (NS) with mean particle diameter 50 and 49 nm, respectively, were prepared by laser ablation of metals in water. To assess rat's pulmonary phagocytosis response to a single intratracheal instillation of these suspensions, we used optical, transmission electron, and semi-contact atomic force microscopy. NG and NS were also repeatedly injected intraperitoneally into rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg (0.5 mg per mL of deionized water) three times a week, up to 20 injections. A group of rats was thus injected with NS after oral administration of a "bioprotective complex" (BPC) comprised of pectin, multivitamins, some amino acids, calcium, selenium, and omega-3 PUFA. After the termination of the injections, many functional and biochemical indices and histopathological features of the spleen, kidneys and liver were evaluated for signs of toxicity, and accumulation of NG or NS in these organs was measured. From the same rats, we obtained cell suspensions of different tissues for performing the RAPD test. It was demonstrated that, although both nanometals were adversely bioactive in all respects considered in this study, NS was more noxious as compared with NG, and that the BPC tested by us attenuated both the toxicity and genotoxicity of NS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a text of the speech given by the author during his acceptance of the 1985 Dirac Medal which focused on the outstanding contributions of H.P. Robertson to cosmology. Robertson's rigorous logical and mathematical approach to the subject; Investigation of all the observational properties of the solutions; Contributions to the formulation of the theory of the uniform isotropically expanding universe.

Unlabelled: Performance of 2,5 year experience onprenatal (maternal) screening by integrated risk for Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome is presented in pregnant women underwent first (11(+0)-13(+6) g.w) and second trimester screening (14(+4)-19(+3) g.w), assessed by an integrated risk. Since the end of 2010 the most common strategy has been combination of both risks after contingent screening approach (serummarkers and US measurments from first test with indication to second trimester screening if the risk is intermediate or high and CVS diagnosis has been refused). Serummarkers were measured by fluorimetric immunoassay (Delfia) and risks were calculated using LifeCycle 3.2 software., Results: The test was performed on 491 women, less than 4452 and 13 016 women first and second trimester respectively. We found highrisk for a chromosome disorder in 32 (6,5%) cases: 19 (6,35%) women < 35 and 13 (6,7%) women > 35). Diagnosis of a chromosome diseases was found in 4 fetuses out of 32 (12,5%): 3 fetuses with trisomy 21 and 1 with trisomy 18. False positive results were found in 28 out of 491 (5,7%) women. Verified diagnosis on lyfor DS was found in 3 out of 4 cases (75% sensitivity), and false negative results in 25%. Discussion is focused on the comparison of the screening approaches - the sensitivity, limitation sand the step wise sequential testing way with integrated risk of achieving a high performance of screening.

Unlabelled: The aim is to perform our eight-year experience on prenatal (matemal) screening for Down syndrome (DS)., Methods: Pregnant women underwent screening in second trimester (ST2) - 14(+4)-19(+3) gestational week using serum AFP and free beta-hCG biochemical markers. A more sensitive first trimester test has been implemented in 11(+0)-13(+6) gestational weeks since the end of 2009. This combined screening test (CST1) was based on US measurements of NT (nuchal translucency) and NB (nasal bones) supplemented by biochemical markers of serum free beta-hCG and PAPP-A. Uniform methodology, web-based software and system for laboratory quality control had been used. False positive ratios for DS were estimated at cut-offs 1/250 for Down syndrome and 1/100 for Edwards syndrome., Results: The test was performed on 17 468 pregnant women: 13 016 by biochemical screening 2 test (BHS2) and 4452 by first trimester test CST1. High risk for a chromosome disorder by BHS2 test was found in 1097 (8,4%) cases (5,96% < 35 years and 21,13% > 35 years). 7 fetuses were diagnosed with chromosome disease (5 fetuses with trisomy 21,1 - trisomy 18 and 1 - triploid); false positive were 1090 (8,4%). High risk for a chromosome disorder by CST1 test was found in 102 (2,3%) cases. 4 affected fetuses were diagnosed (3 with trisomy 21 and 1 with trisomy 13). Verified diagnosis for DS by first and second trimester tests were 43% (3 out of 7 cases) with 57% false negative results and 45,5% (6 out of 11 cases) with 54,5% false negative results respectively. Description of biochemical values/MoMs and US measurements are applied., Conclusions: We comment on the importance of US measurements in CST1 test and correct analysis of biochemical and US markers in counseling of every individual patient, beyond final risk number.

The aim of this report is to present and discuss the results from diagnostic amniocenteses, performed in Varna. The test started as a part of a prophylaxis program for pregnant women with calculated high risk for chromosomal disorders after a screening test. Amniocentesis was performed in total of 283 pregnant women. Of all patients who underwent the screening test, amniocentesis was performed in 1.55% of women under 36 years of age and 5.0% of women over 36 years. In the selected group with calculated high risk for chromosomal disorder these percentages were 28.5% and 26% respectively. Fetal chromosomal disorder was found in 5% (in 7 out of 141) in women under 36 and 3.82% (in 7 out of 83) in women over 36 years. Genetic tests (DNA and cytogenetic analysis) of amniocytes revealed chromosomal disorders in 16 (5.65%) fetuses (8 with trisomy 21, 3 with trisomy 18, 1 with trisomy 13, 1 case with triploidy, 3 cases with structural chromosomal rearrangement). Three additional amniocenteses were performed, indicated by family history of monogenic disorder (thalassaemia, spinal muscular atrophy). The effect of the introduced method for prenatal diagnosis, its interaction with the screening tests and their future as genetic prophylaxis program are discussed.