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We report here an evaluation of the effectiveness of multichannel bioimpedance devices for measuring pulse wave velocity as an indicator of arterial stiffness, an important factor in assessing cardiovascular risk. The study used the REO-32 multichannel electrical impedance system and the Vasera VS-1500 sphygmometer to compare pulse wave velocity measurements in different limb segments. The results demonstrated a high correlation between these instruments, particularly in lower limb measurements. The study highlights the potential of bioimpedance technology to provide detailed and timely data across different body segments, improving prognostic opportunities for the diagnosis of cardiovascular health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the characteristic features of urban floras is their homogenization, which is synonymous with the loss of regionally unique species and a reduction in functional diversity. Here we examined the species composition of native and alien species in the flora of Russian cities to identify the contribution of these groups of species to the homogenization and differentiation of urban floras. The results we obtained showed that the species similarity of urban flora depends on the distance between cities—urban flora of geographically close cities have the lowest species dissimilarity. This distance-dependence is highest for neophytes dissimilarity and lowest for archeophytes dissimilarity. Thus, the homogenization of the species composition of the Ural and Volga region urban floras is provided mainly by archeophytes, while a group of neophytes increases the β-diversity of urban flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can provide corroborative data on neurophysiological alterations in Huntington's disease (HD). However, the alterations in EEG and fMRI resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC), as well as their interrelations, at different stages of HD remain insufficiently investigated. This study aimed to identify neurophysiological alterations in individuals with preclinical HD (preHD) and early manifest HD (EMHD) by analyzing EEG and fMRI rsFC and examining their interrelationships. We found significant differences in EEG power between preHD individuals and healthy controls (HC), with a decrease in power in a specific frequency range at the theta-alpha border and slow alpha activity. In EMHD patients, in addition to the decrease in power in the 7--9 Hz range, a reduction in power within the classic alpha band compared to HC was observed. The fMRI analysis revealed disrupted functional connectivity in various brain networks, particularly within frontal lobe, putamen-cortical, and cortico-cerebellar networks, in individuals with the HD mutation compared to HC. The analysis of the relationship between EEG and fMRI rsFC revealed an association between decreased alpha power, observed in individuals with EMHD, and increased connectivity in large-scale brain networks. These networks include putamen-cortical, DMN-related and cortico-hippocampal circuits. Overall, the findings suggest that EEG and fMRI provide valuable information for monitoring pathological processes during the development of HD. A decrease in inhibitory control within the putamen-cortical, DMN-related and cortico-hippocampal circuits, accompanied by a reduction in alpha and theta-alpha border oscillatory activity, could potentially contribute to cognitive decline in HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mineral with the composition Pd(Bi0.53Sb0.47), intermediate between sobolevskite, ideally PdBi, and sudburyite, PdSb, from the Chineiskii Deposit (Transbaikal region, Russia), was studied by the SEM and XRD methods. Its crystal structure was solved and refined (R = 3.02%) based on single crystal X-ray diffraction data. The structure is orthorhombic, and the space group is Cmcm. The unit-cell parameters are a = 4.1465(4) Å, b = 7.1782(6) Å, c = 5.6843(4) Å, V = 169.19(2) Å3, Z = 2. The series of the structures β-PdBi–Pd(Bi0.53Sb0.47)–PdSb and sobolevskite–sudburyite are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular surveillance of FMD epidemiology is a fundamental tool for advancing our understanding of virus biology, monitoring virus evolution, and guiding vaccine design. The accessibility of genetic data will facilitate a more comprehensive delineation of FMDV phylogeny on a global scale. In this study, we investigated the FMDV strains circulating in Russia during the 2013–2014 period in geographically distant regions utilizing whole genome sequencing followed by maximum-likelihood phylogenetic reconstruction of whole genome and VP1 gene sequences. Phylogenetic analysis showed congruence in the topology of the phylogenetic trees constructed using the complete genome and VP1 gene sequence, clearly demonstrating that the isolates analyzed belong to two distinct genetic lineages: A/SEA97 in the Far East and Iran-05 in the North Caucasus. The A/SEA97 isolates exhibited a close genetic identity to those from China and Mongolia, whereas the Iran-05 isolates demonstrated clusterization with those from Turkey. The vaccine-matching studies with isolates from the Far East and North Caucasus revealed no antigenic homology with A/SEA-97 (r1 = 0.015–0.29) and A/Iran 05 (r1 = 0.009–0.17). The close genetic relationship of FMDV in the reported outbreak waves to those from neighboring countries indicates that animal movement could contribute to spillover and virus dispersal. The phylogenetic data reported here provide insight into the molecular epidemiology of FMD in the Eurasia region, elucidating the circulation pattern, molecular evolution, and genetic diversity, which is highly valuable for guiding vaccine designs and improving regional eradication policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of avifauna of the arid Botlikh Depression in the mountains of Dagestan, where 112 species of nesting birds were registered, demonstrated noticeable transformations in its composition over the 19th–21st centuries. An increase in the number and dispersal of nemoral, forest–steppe, and sub-Mediterranean dendrophiles, as well as the emergence of Siberian mountain–taiga species for nesting, has been observed in this arid basin. A decrease in the number and disappearance of xerophilic sclerophiles (that are a part of the desert–mountain faunistic complex of the Nomadic type of fauna) have occurred. This may have been caused both by climate changes that affect birds indirectly (as a result of a change in the species composition and structure of vegetation and reduction in the specific food base for birds) and by the consequences of the anthropogenic effect on the natural environment (forest restoration, degradation of agriculture, and animal breeding), as well as probably by competitive relations between some animal species. Similar changes were noted not only in Dagestan, but also in the Western Caucasus, as well as in the steppe zone in the southern part of Russia, which indicates a large-scale level of zoogeographical processes occurring here. The detected transformations of regional faunas require further intensification of faunistic monitoring, which will allow clarification of the rate of ongoing processes and support zoogeographical predictions for the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A current, more detailed assessment of the bog and wetland areas in the Russian Federation (RF) and the carbon stock in their peat layers has been conducted. Compared to the previous assessment (Vompersky et al., 1994), the creation of the Wetlands of Russia geoinformation system (GIS) of the Institute of Forestry Science, Russian Academy of Sciences (Vompersky et al., 2005), has made it possible to include, in addition to the cartographic basis, replenishable layers of thematic content and determine the areas of peatlands and carbon stock in their peat layers not only for the whole country, but also for separate constituent entities of the RF country as a whole, but also for the constituent entities of the RF. It is important for the administration of each constituent territory to be aware of the peat stock volumes in order for sustainable nature management to be maintained. It is shown that the area of bogs and wetlands amounted to 328 million ha and the peat stock to 216.3 billion t (absolute dry mass). The stock of carbon associated with the peat was 108.7 billion t. Compared to previous estimates, the area decreased by 11% and carbon stock by 4%. The Annex to the article contains data on the bogs and wetlands areas, overall carbon stock in their peat layers, and specific carbon stocks per unit area of bogs and wetlands for different constituent entities of the RF. The carbon stocks estimates were also obtained separately for the main groups of bog and wetland habitat types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents materials that show the local cycle of chemical elements in the soil–phytocenosis system of a mature middle taiga polytric–sphagnum spruce forest on hydromorphic podzolic soils. The structure of organic and mineral matter of plants of different tiers is also presented here. The work also provides a concept for the nitrogen and ash elements migration in the process of phytomass forming and their influx with plant litter. The main role in the structural composition of annual production of organic matter and litter in the ecosystem of an old-growth spruce forest is played by the forest stand. It is established that 1329.84 kg ha–1 of mineral nutrition elements accumulate in plant phytomass. N, Ca, and K are characterized by a greater accumulation capacity. Spruce forest plants remove 136.18 kg ha–1 of mineral nutrition elements from soils with annual production. With annual litter, 107.00 kg ha–1 of nitrogen and ash elements return to the soil, of which 37.0 kg ha–1 are released in the process of plant litter decomposition. The organic soil horizon is the main accumulator of nutrients, where 2421.79 kg ha–1 of chemical elements are concentrated. With atmospheric precipitation, 22.6 kg ha–1 of nitrogen and ash elements enter the soil during the year. It is shown that the rate of mineral elements leaching with surface waters beyond the root layer (0–40 cm) is 71.78 kg ha–1 per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical and microbiological properties of urban soils (Urbic Technosols) of Murmansk (Russia) are compared with those in podzols (Albic Podzols) of the background area. Urban soils display increased pH values and higher contents of major biogenic elements: C, N, P, and K, especially pronounced in subsoil horizons. In the urban topsoils, the number of cultured bacteria are increased (saprotrophs, to 3–6 × 106 CFU/g and oligotrophs, to 4.5–8 × 106 CFU/g), whereas the number of cultured microscopic fungi are decreased by two orders of magnitude (to 103 CFU) as compared with native podzols. As for the urban subsoil horizons, the number of all groups of microorganisms are increased as compared with the background. The diversity of micromycete complexes in urban soils follows the same pattern. Spatial nonuniformity of the species composition and structure of microfungal complexes is observed in the urban topsoils versus the subsoils, which display a relative uniformity of the dominant species composition (Trichocladium griseum, relative abundance of 41–77%). The share and abundance of BSL-1 and BSL-2 opportunistic micromycetes increase in the urban topsoils to 50–60% versus native podzols with the share of 30%. The degree of mycological hazard in urban soils varies from dangerous to safe (index of mycological hazard Im values are from 7–20 in the city center to 1.5–3.6 in the suburbs). The results demonstrate that urbanization in the Arctic not only changes the chemical properties of soils but also creates a new niche for microorganisms in subsoil horizons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest geological and geophysical information on the Zeya-Bureya sedimentary basin (Russia, Far East) is summarized. Based on drilling data from corehole and deep wells and 2D and 3D CDPM seismic data, taking into account the integrated interpretation of gravity and magnetic survey data and geological survey materials, a map was compiled for the surface of the pre-Mesozoic basement of the sedimentary basin, as well as structural maps for the top of the Cretaceous formations. The maps reflect a series of rift grabens and uplifts identified by the authors on seismic time sections during their reinterpretation. The method of compiling maps is given. A geological map of sediments overlying the pre-Mesozoic basement of the Zeya-Bureya sedimentary basin and a tectonic map of the sedimentary cover were compiled. During tectonic zoning of the sedimentary cover, the classification of tectonic elements was adopted that is widely used in the tectonic zoning of oil and gas regions, proposed by V.D. Nalivkin and updated at the Trofimuk Institute of Oil and Gas Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences (INGG SB RAS). As a result of tectonic zoning in the basin, the Inner Region and the Outer Belt were identified, and the tectonic elements complicating them were characterized. A characteristic feature of the Outer Belt is the presence of large intermediate structures: monoclines and mega- and mesomonoclines. Conversely, the Inner region of the basin is characterized by the presence of a large negative structure, complicated by smaller positive and negative elements. The main stages of the formation and development of the sedimentary cover of the Zeya-Bureya sedimentary basin are identified and described: rifting, early syneclise, late syneclise, and neotectonic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suborder Heteroptera (order Hemiptera) is one of the most interesting groups of Rynchota. It is found in various ecosystems around the world and belongs to predators, parasitous (in particular hematophagous), mycetophagous and herbivorous types. Species with mixed nutrition are common. The study is aimed to describe the fauna and distribution of hemipteran insect species in the Republic of Mordovia (the central part of the European part of Russia). The study was conducted from 2004 to 2022. Specimens were collected using traditional hemipteran insect collecting methods (manual collecting, light trap, entomological net, Malaise trap, Merike plates, window and soil traps). We examined 4895 specimens of Hemiptera. Species diversity of Heteroptera (order Hemiptera) of Republic of Mordovia accounts for 363 species from 34 families. Of these, 15 species (Campylosteira verna, Allorhinocoris flavus, Grypocoris sexguttatus, Acetropis gimmerthalii, Geocoris grylloides, Platyplax salviae, Emblethis ciliatus, Aellopus atratus, Rhyparochromus quadratus, Parapiesma quadratum, Berytinus montivagus, Pyrrhocoris marginatus, Enoplops scapha, Dybowskyia reticulata, Ventocoris halophilus) are listed for the region for the first time. Twenty-three species (Agramma femorale, Adomerus biguttatus, Aelia acuminata, Carpocoris fuscispinus, Coreus marginatus, Dolycoris baccarum, Eurydema oleracea, Gerris lacustris, Graphosoma lineatum, Kleidocerys resedae, Labops sahlbergii, Lopus decolor, Lygus pratensis, Nithecus jacobaeae, Palomena prasina, Polymerus unifasciatus, Prostemma aeneicolle, Pyrrhocoris apterus, Rhyparochromus pini, Stenodema calcarata, Cymus glandicolor, Eremocoris plebejus, Aphanus rolandri) constitute the main population of the Heteroptera fauna given in the dataset. The species diversity of Heteroptera of the Republic of Mordovia is roughly similar in number of species to that of neighbouring regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An aerobic, rod-shaped, non-motile, endospore-forming bacterium, strain V-9T, was found in the frozen volcanic ash, Kamchatka peninsula, Russia. Phylogenies based on 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences demonstrated that strain V-9T was affiliated with the family Paenibacillaceae and clustered outside the clade that includes the type species of this genus, Paenibacillus polymyxa, and closely related species. V-9T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequences similarity to Paenibacillus chartarius CCUG 55240T (96.7%). The similarity to type strains of other Paenibacillus species were below 94.7%, with 91.8% determined to Paenibacillus polymyxa IAM 13419T. The AAI and POCP values between V-9T and type species of the genera of Paenibacillaceae with available genomes, including Paenibacillus polymyxa, were below the thresholds for defining novel genera. The cell wall of new strain contained a lysine-based peptidoglycan and two teichoic acids, unsubstituted 1,3-poly(glycerol phosphate) and 1,3-poly(glycerol phosphate) substituted at the C(2) of glycerol by glucose. Acid hydrolysates of the cell wall included glucose, galactose and glycerol. Strain V-9T contained menaquinone MK-7 as the sole isoprenoid quinone, anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, iso- C15:0 and iso-C16:0a as the dominant fatty acids, and phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, acylphosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylinositol as the major polar lipids. The DNA G+C content calculated from the whole genome sequence was 55 mol %. Based on the data obtained, a new genus and species, Gordonibacillus kamchatkensis gen. nov., sp. nov., is proposed with the type strain V-9T (=VKM B-2647T = DSM 26726T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—A complex of archaeomagnetic and rock magnetic studies is conducted to compare the archaeomagnetic intensity determined by the Thellier–Coe and Wilson methods with the known "true" value of the geomagnetic field during the firing of the ceramic samples manufactured on February 21, 2017 in the town of Myshkin (Yaroslavl oblast, Russia). The results obtained show two different values of archaeomagnetic intensity corresponding to two temperature intervals. The archaeomagnetic intensity estimated from the low-temperature interval (~150–350°C) are approximately 13 μT lower than the true value, while the values obtained in the interval of ~350–600°C are fairly close to the "true" ones. The cause of the phenomenon is likely due to the presence of small magnetic grains in the ceramic under study, which are close in size to superparamagnetic ones and can resume their growth upon heating and reaching a particle size in a single-domain state. The results of rock magnetic studies suggest that thermoremanent magnetization in the studied ceramics is carried by grains of oxidized magnetite, hematite, and possibly ε-Fe2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data indicating the important role of microorganisms in the formation of nodular monazite (NM) (kularite) of the Kular Range, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), are presented. The NM contains microorganisms (cyanobacteria) replaced by REE-bearing phosphate (monazite) in the form of stromatolitic microedifices, as well as framboidal Fe sulfides in monazite. The Corg isotopic composition of kularite corresponds to biogenic carbon: the δ13С values vary from –22.2 to –22.3‰. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is dedicated to the study of issues related to multiple citizenship in the context of international law and security. In the current conditions of increasing globalization, the regulation of multiple citizenship is becoming ever more relevant, particularly in terms of national security and state sovereignty. The article examines key challenges associated with the involvement of individuals with multiple citizenship in armed forces during military conflicts, potential conflicts of interest that may arise in such cases, and the risks of other states interfering in internal affairs under the pretext of protecting the rights of their citizens. Special attention is given to the analysis of legal practices for the protection of citizens in cases of multiple citizenship, specifically through the lens of the "effective citizenship" concept formulated by the International Court of Justice in the „Notteboom" case. The article also explores the economic aspects of multiple citizenship, including issues of double taxation and possible ways to resolve these issues through international agreements. Based on an analysis of national and international legal systems, the authors conclude that there is a need to improve legal regulation of citizenship to avoid legal conflicts and ensure a stable political situation in the context of globalization. Particular attention is given to aspects of state sovereignty, which are increasingly under threat due to the growing number of individuals with multiple citizenships. The article offers recommendations to enhance international legal regulation to protect state sovereignty and the rights of individuals with multiple citizenship in the face of modern global challenges. In the context of martial law, the issue of maintaining ties with the Ukrainian diaspora around the world and preserving social capital is examined. Emphasis is placed on multiple citizenship, which is often seen as a result of conflicts between the laws of different countries. One of the risks to national security, both for the state of residence and the state of origin, is the issue of preserving state secrets and ensuring the inviolability of borders for individuals with multiple citizenships. To maintain close contact with Ukrainian refugees, the host countries and Ukraine must cooperate to strengthen financial ties, promote the reduction of remittance costs, and prevent double taxation. The need for effective cooperation between Ukraine and other states to create a legal framework for legal migration and cross-border mobility of Ukrainians after the war is substantiated. It has been proven that for the sake of security, control over migration processes, and post-war reconstruction after the Russia-Ukraine war, the legalization of multiple citizenship in Ukraine is the optimal step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first data on the population genetic structure of the Daphnia cristata Sars, 1862 and D. longiremis Sars, 1862 species (Anomopoda: Daphniidae) from the water bodies of Northern Eurasia are presented. The variability of the fragment of the 12S gene of the mtDNA for these taxa belonging to subgenus Daphnia (Daphnia) O.F. Müller, 1776 (Crustacea: Cladocera) in this region is studied, and a phylogenetic analysis performed. The genealogical relationships between haplotypes of the Daphnia cristata and D. longiremis species and their geographical distribution are shown. Our new data allow us to suggest a recent rapid spatial expansion for D. cristata during the Late Pleistocene and Early–Middle Holocene periods. According to the results of the study, the distribution of D. cristata and D. longiremis species are separated in the latitudinal direction with the zone of their contact in Central Yakutia. Our results provide convincing evidence for the influence of the Ice Ages and interglacials on the formation of modern genetic diversity and the phylogeographic structure of D. cristata and D. longiremis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population allele frequency is crucially important for accurate interpretation of known and novel variants in medical genetics. Recently, several large allele frequency databases, such as the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD), have been created to serve as a global reference for such studies. However, frequencies of many rare alleles vary dramatically between populations, and population-specific allele frequency is often more informative than the global one. Many countries and regions, including Russia, remain poorly studied from the genetic perspective. Here, we report the first successful attempt to integrate genetic information between major medical genetic laboratories in Russia. We construct RUSeq, an open, large-scale reference set of genetic variants by analyzing 7452 exome samples collected in two major Russian cities—Moscow and St. Petersburg. An ∼10-fold increase in sample size compared to previous studies allowed us to characterize extensive genetic diversity within the admixed Russian population with contributions from several major ancestral groups. We highlight 51 known pathogenic variants that are overrepresented in Russia compared to other European countries. We also identify several dozen high-impact variants that are present in healthy donors despite being annotated as pathogenic in ClinVar and falling within genes associated with autosomal dominant disorders. The constructed database of genetic variant frequencies in Russia has been made available to the medical genetics community through a variant browser available at http://ruseq.ru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Approximately 4.4 million articles downloaded by Chinese researchers were identified based on downloads of 28 million articles from September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016 posted on the Internet by J. Bohannon and A. Elbakyan. They were distributed by publishers of scientific periodicals and cities in comparison with article downloads by Russian researchers. Strongly skewed distributions of these downloads were obtained towards the leading cities and publishers. It is shown that the largest downloads of articles are observed in cities concentrated in the Central, Eastern and Southern provinces of China, as well as in the capital, central and eastern regions of Russia. At the same time, downloading of articles by scientists from the first three cities of China was 1.9 times higher than such downloading for the first three cities of Russia. It is shown that for both countries, the largest number of downloads of articles by their scientists falls on journals published by Elsevier, Springer, American Chemical Society and Wiley Blackwell. At the same time, the downloading of articles by Chinese scientists from the journals of the first three publishing houses was 2.8 times higher than the downloading of articles by Russian scientists from the journals of the same publishers. In conclusion, clustering of publications based on discussions around Sci-Hub has been done Sci-Hub, obtained as a result of a search through Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar. Six clusters of publications were identified, of which the largest were clusters of publications on the legitimacy, ethics, accessibility and countermeasures of Sci-Hub activity. Methods for implementing publishing and library measures to neutralize the activities of scientific piracy are proposed. The first measure was related to the dumping price for the sale of electronic copies of articles by publishers, and the second was related to the creation of an online platform for interlibrary loan of research articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present the developed preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and the outcomes of IVF with PGT. Methods: PGT was performed for two unrelated couples from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) with the risk of SCA1 in one spouse. We have developed a system for PGT of a monogenic disease (PGT-M) for SCA1, which includes the analysis of a panel of 11 polymorphic STR markers linked to the ATXN1 gene and a pathogenic variant of the ATXN1 gene using nested PCR and fragment analysis. IVF/ICSI programs were performed according to standard protocols. Multiple displacement amplification (MDA) was used for whole genome amplification (WGA) and array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) for aneuploidy testing (PGT-A). Results: Eight STRs were informative for the first couple and ten for the second. Similarity of the haplotypes carrying pathogenic variants of the ATXN1 gene was noted. In the first case, during IVF/ICSI-PGT, three embryos reached the blastocyst stage and were biopsied. One embryo was diagnosed as normal by maternal STR haplotype and the ATXN1 allele. PGT-A revealed euploidy. The embryo transfer resulted in a singleton pregnancy, and a healthy boy was born. Postnatal diagnosis confirmed normal ATXN1. In the second case, two blastocysts were biopsied. Both were diagnosed as normal by PGT-M, but PGT-A revealed aneuploidy. Conclusion: Birth of a healthy child after PGT for SCA1 was the first case of successful preimplantation prevention of SCA1 for the Yakut couple and the first case of successful PGT for SCA1 in Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the demographic history of mankind have led to the fact that the indigenous peoples of Dagestan and Siberia are inferior in terms of genetic diversity to the populations of Europe, which affects the level of identification informativeness of standard forensic autosomal markers in these populations. In our study, we evaluated the effectiveness of two standard sets of autosomal STRs (13 CODIS, 20 CODIS, Combined DNA Index System) for the genetic examination of parent–child relationship in four highly inbred populations of the Russian Federation and the Russian population, using two types of reference frequencies. The results of the study confirmed the assumption that the level of identification informativity of standard autosomal markers in highly inbred populations of Siberia and Dagestan is lower than in the Russian population. The total information content of markers of the new CODIS standard exceeds the threshold values required in the order of the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation (no. 346n). At the same time, the probability of a false positive result increases with an increase in the inbreeding coefficient in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes fields of noctilucent clouds (NLCs) over the territory of the Russian Federation recorded by a ground-based network of cameras and by aircraft photography over two nights in June 2021. It is demonstrated that aircraft photography can significantly improve the coverage of the territory of probable appearance of NLCs. The NLC fields are compared with model regions of water vapor condensation derived from satellite measurements of temperature and water vapor mixing ratio. Practical steps are proposed for the development of aircraft observations of NLCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cytogeography of the polyploid complex Bassia prostrata s. l. was studied by flow cytometry (FCM) on material from 39 populations in Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Russia. On the basis of the determination of the DNA content in the nuclei (2C-value), three cytotypes were identified: diploid (2n = 18), tetraploid (2n = 36), and hexaploid (2n = 54). Verification of the ploidy level determined by DNA content was carried out by parallel direct counting of the chromosome number. Most of the studied populations are represented by a single cytotype; in three populations, mixed ploidy is noted, when tetraploids or hexaploids are found along with diploids. The genetic isolation of chloroplast DNA of diploid and polyploid cytotypes was revealed. Presumable variants of the evolutionary relationship of cytotypes are shown on the basis of cpDNA restriction spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thallium ecotoxicity was assessed in laboratory model experiments by changing in microbiological, biochemical, and phytotoxic properties of soils in the South of Russia: ordinary chernozem (Haplic Chernozem (Loamic)), seropesok (Eutric Arenosol), and slightly unsaturated brown forest soil (Eutric Cambisol), differing in texture, pH, and organic matter content. There was usually a direct relationship between Tl concentration and the deterioration rate of the studied soil properties. The ecotoxicity of Tl nitrate was higher as compared to Tl oxide. The ecotoxic effect of Tl was the strongest for chernozem and seropesok within 10 days and for brown forest soil within 30 days after contamination. Restoration of biological soil properties was recorded on the 90th day. The resistance to Tl contamination was the greatest for ordinary chernozem and the smallest for seropesok. The results obtained indicate a high ecotoxicity of Tl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review is compiled on the basis of the results of using the total ozone (TO) monitoring system for Russia and neighboring territories, which functions in operational mode at the Central Aerological Observatory. The monitoring system uses the data from the national network equipped with the M-124 filter ozonometers and operating under the methodological supervision of the Main Geophysical Observatory. The quality of functioning of the entire system is operationally controlled using the OMI satellite equipment observations (NASA, USA). Basic TO observation data are generalized for every month of the fourth quarter of 2023, for the fourth quarter, and for the whole year. The data of the routine observation of surface ozone in the Moscow region are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To gain insight into the source of ore material, this study presents new Re–Os and Pt–Os isotopic and highly siderophile element (HSE: Os, Ir, Ru, Pt, Pd, Re) abundance data for chromitite and native osmium from the Guli massif of ultramafic alkaline rocks and carbonatites located in the Maimecha–Kotui province, Polar Siberia. The study utilized a number of analytical techniques, including electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), negative thermal ionization mass spectrometry (N-TIMS), and high pressure asher digestion and isotope dilution inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ID ICP-MS). The HSE concentrations in chromitite samples range from 191 to 866 ppb with a predominance of Ir-group platinum-group elements (PGE) (Os, Ir, and Ru) over Pt-group PGE (Rh, Pt, and Pd) and Re, which is consistent with the platinum-group mineral control (i.e., Os–Ir alloys and laurite, RuS2) within the chromitite. The Re–Os and Pt–Os isotope data indicate that the HSE budget of the chromitite and native osmium from the Guli massif was largely controlled by that of their mantle source, which evolved with long-term near-chondritic Re/Os and Pt/Os ratios; this source had time-integrated Re/Os and Pt/Os within the range of those for the majority of komatiites and abyssal peridotites worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SWAP land surface model, developed by the authors of this article, was used to carry out many-year calculations of snow cover characteristics for forest and field areas in the main regions of Asian Russia: West Siberia, East Siberia, and Far East for a historic period (1967−2019). The comparison of simulation results with the appropriate data of route snow surveys at meteorological stations in the Asian part of RF showed that SWAP adequately reproduces the dynamics of snow water equivalent, snow depth and density in open areas and under forest canopy at the chosen sites. For all sites located in snow survey areas, climatic values of the characteristics of snow cover formation regime were obtained for two types of the land surface (forest and field) and two climatic periods (1967−1992 and 1993−2019) and used to identify trends in changes in these characteristics in the historic period. It was shown that the direction of changes in the climatic values of snow cover characteristics in forest and field areas in West Siberia, East Siberia, and Far East is the same and corresponds to projections for the XXI century derived from climate models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibilities of modern therapy for systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains limited, since most of the used drugs do not have a disease-modifying effect. This encourages the study of new approaches that potentially affect the fundamental pathological processes underlying the disease. One example is anti-B-cell therapy, in particular rituximab (RTX). Until now RTX does not have a registration for the treatment of SSc, but there is a large positive experience of its use, which is reflected in recent meta-analyses and clinical recommendations. Complicated and expensive methods for obtaining genetically engineered biological drugs (biologics) have contributed to the emergence of more accessible biosimilars, one of which is the RTX biosimilar, Acellbia (Biocad, Russian Federation). The "biosimilar" versions of RTX might reduce the cost of therapy and increase patients accessibility to this treatment option. The RTX biosimilar Acellbia (ACB) has received approval in Russian Federation in 2014 for all indications held by reference RTX (including rheumatoid arthritis and ANCA-associated vasculitis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With climate warming and drying, fire activity is increasing in Cajander larch (Larix cajanderi Mayr.) forests underlain by continuous permafrost in northeastern Siberia, and initial post-fire tree demographic processes could unfold to determine long-term forest carbon (C) dynamics through impacts on tree density. Here, we evaluated above- and belowground C pools across 25 even-aged larch stands of varying tree densities that established following a wildfire in ~ 1940 near Cherskiy, Russia. Total C pools increased with increased larch tree density, from ~ 9,000 g C m−2 in low-density stands to ~ 11,000 g C m−2 in high and very high-density stands, with increases most pronounced at tree densities < 1 stem m−2 and driven by increased above- and belowground (that is, coarse roots) and live and dead (that is, woody debris and snags) larch biomass. Total understory vegetation and non-larch coarse root C pools declined with increased tree density due to decreased shrub C pools, but these pools were relatively small compared to larch biomass. Fine root, soil organic matter (OM), and near surface (0–30 cm) mineral soil (MS) C pools varied little with tree density, although soil C pools held most (18–28% in OM and 44–51% in MS) C stored in these stands. Thus, if changing fire regimes promote denser stands, C storage will likely increase, but whether this increase offsets C lost during fires remains unknown. Our findings highlight how post-fire tree demographic processes impact C pool distribution and stability in larch forests of Siberian permafrost regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystal size distributions (CSD) of olivine were obtained for 17 samples of plagiodunite and Pl‑bearing dunite from the central part of the Yoko-Dovyren massif, northern Baikal region, Russia. Three types of CSD were identified: loglinear, bimodal, and lognormal. Combining these data with the results of petrological reconstructions, which earlier revealed two main types of the Dovyren magmas (using the method of geochemical thermometry), we proposed a basic scenario of interaction between magmatic suspensions of different temperature to explain the diversity of the CSD. The intratelluric olivine transported by magmas of different temperature, which had not subjected to abrupt cooling or heating in the chamber, retained an original loglinear CSD. For some portions of the hottest magma (∼1290°C), it is assumed that the original olivine evolved into a bimodal CSD due to accelerated crystallization at faster cooling of the high-temperature injections contacting relatively cold crystal mush (∼1190°C). An interpretation of the lognormal CSD suggests that part of the olivine crystals composing the protocumulate systems efficiently interacted with the pore melt infiltrating upward during the compaction of the underlying crystal mush. This led to cycles of partial dissolution and regrowth of the olivine grains resulting in a final lognormal CSD. The infiltrating hot melt, which was undersaturated with immiscible sulfide liquid, could dissolve sulfides preexisting in the low-temperature mush. This produced dunites with lognormal CSD relatively depleted in sulfur and chalcophile elements. The lognormal CSD is considered to be a marker of crystal mush regions through which the focused infiltration of the pore melt proceeded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on soft skills – over-professional competencies that are assessed on a par with professional competencies in today's world, including for employment purposes. At ITMO University these skills are taught as a separate block of compulsory subjects for students' choice. The aim of the research was to find out whether teaching soft skills meets the requirements of their future employers. For this purpose, an analysis of vacancies on a popular job search platform was conducted, followed by a public opinion survey of both students and employers. A large-scale study of graduates' experiences and the labor market in Russia and the Northwestern Federal District in particular was conducted. All the results of the three phases of the work were used to draw conclusions about the development of the study and the application of the results. In general, it was shown that the trajectory of learning and development of soft skills in students should be supported, and future employers appreciate this experience in actual work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studied and analyzed the reality of the domestic tourism sector in Russia by using the strategic planning approach. First, the current situation of the tourism sector in Russia was studied. Then the concept of domestic tourism and strategic planning was discussed. Then, a group of works and studies by Russian and foreign authors on the reality of the domestic tourism sector and strategic planning were analyzed. Then the environmental profile method was used to identify the internal and external factors affecting the domestic tourism sector and were evaluated based on a group of studies by Russian and foreign authors. A SWOT matrix was created based on the results of the environmental profile method. Based on the intersection of SWOT matrix factor pairs, development strategies for the domestic tourism sector in Russia were formulated. In conclusion, the authors made some recommendations about the measures that the domestic tourism sector needs based on the results, which must be implemented within the proposed strategies. This study can help researchers in literary works and understand the reality of domestic tourism in Russia in light of the new policies and sanctions imposed on Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: In the context of the globalization of the clinical trials market, the rapid growth in their number, the fast development of biomedical research using new technologies, and insufficient control over their conduct by state regulatory authorities and independent ethics committees, ethical aspects of conducting clinical trials and the issue of protecting patients' rights remain relevant. The aim of the study: To review and compare the legislative frameworks and regulations of ethical aspects of clinical trials in Russia and the BRICS countries, which possess significant scientific, industrial, and economic potential - China, India, and Brazil. Materials and Methods: The search was conducted using PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases, with descriptors including ethics in clinical trials, legislative regulation of clinical trials, and ethic committee. The selection criteria included publications from 2010 to 2024 and articles focusing on the regulation of clinical trials in Russia, China, India, and Brazil, along with their histories and evaluation forms. Results and Discussion: In Russia, the work of Ethics Committees is based on the European model, grounded in modern international ethical norms and regulatory documents of the Russian Federation and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). A drawback is the lack of structured interaction between Ethics Committees at both national and local levels. The work of Ethics Committees in China and India faces several problems, such as weak organizational structure, unjustified membership composition, low training, incompetence, weak control and management mechanisms, and flawed systems for obtaining informed consent. The Brazil's ethical and regulatory system meets global requirements and ethical standards, aimed at protecting the rights of clinical trials participants. However, in all developing countries, there remains a potential danger for clinical trial participants with a low socio-economic standard of living. Conclusion: The experience of BRICS countries, which are intensively developing in the field of clinical trials, is interesting in terms of developing possible approaches to monitoring activities, ensuring interaction, certifying Ethics Committees, and centrally training Ethic Committee members in Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sorption–diffusion model of 137Cs absorption by bottom soils has been used to forecast 137Cs concentration in global fallouts and emergency release from the Chernobyl NPP in water of the deep (Hav = 30 m) Lake Onega. The natural conditions and the morphohydrological characteristics of the lake caused a rapid (2–3 years) transformation of 137Cs-polluted water to pseudoequilibrium concentrations. For 56 years (from 1964 to 2020), the concentration of 137Cs in water was determined with acceptable accuracy by a sorption-diffusion model of 137Cs adsorption by bottom soils with coefficients of sorption Kd = 4000 L/kg and diffusion D = 1.0 × 10–7 cm2/s. The effect of water exchange in the lake on 137Cs migration is taken into account in the characteristic of conditional exchange of Lake Onega water W = 16.4 years. The correctness of the forecast of water pollution by 137Cs was verified by comparison with experimental data and the conditions of 137Cs pollution of the waters of deep lakes in the northwestern Russia and Finnish Lapland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of time aggregation (1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h) of input data on the efficiency and parameter values of the conceptual HBV model was studied based on special field observations, carried out on four small experimental catchments (3.1–26.3 km2) in the basin of the Pravaya Sokolovka R. (Verkhneussuriiskii gage, upper Ussuri R., southern Primorskii Krai) in 2012–2022. It was shown that a decrease in the calculation step leads to a gradual decrease in the simulation quality, calculated with the use of Nash–Sutcliff coefficient. The model demonstrates high efficiency in calculating the hydrographs of high floods for all examined catchment areas, but does not reproduce diurnal variations of water discharges (0.1–1.0 mm layer) during low-water season. The model proportions of runoff genetic components, at which the system gradually passes to the predominance of some genetic component, do not depend on the calculation step and have relatively constant values. At the same time, an increase in the calculation time step also leads to a successive increase of the model water discharges, expressed in mm of layer thickness, by a factor of about 2. The regularities in the variations of the parameters in the block describing the formation and transformation of HBV, as well as maximal measured precipitation totals at changes in the time step for rains ≥30 mm/day can be well approximated by power relationships with exponents 0.3–0.6. It was supposed that for high-intensity rains, the dependence of maximal precipitation amounts on the aggregation time interval can have an effect on the values of parameters of HBV-type models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macoma calcarea, one of the most common bivalves in the infauna of the Arctic seas of Russia, is still poorly investigated from an ecological viewpoint. We studied the distribution and growth of Macoma in the southwestern part of the Kara Sea. The samples were obtained at 119 stations at depths from 4 to 415 m in 2012–2013. The main trends in the distribution of this species corresponded to its feeding type (deposit‐feeder), the biogeographic affiliation and the features of reproductive ecology. Macoma calcarea in the study area were mainly concentrated at depths of 20–50 m. Their density and biomass were, respectively, eight and two times higher on silty sediments than on sandy ones. The results of age assessment of M. calcarea by the external growth marks and the shell cross‐sections were quite similar. However, age determination based on internal growth marks was found to be preferable for older individuals and individuals with heavily eroded shells. Group growth rate of M. calcarea was not very sensitive to environmental conditions. No site‐to‐site variability in the growth characteristics was found. The maximum size and age of M. calcarea (37 mm and 21 years respectively), as well as the average annual growth rate (about 2 mm/year), were close to the values of these parameters in other parts of the distribution of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract:Introduction: This study examined the sources and factors of resilience in Russian sexual and gender minorities. We hypothesized that, through their involvement in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community (source of resilience), LGBT people establish friendships that provide them with social support (factor of resilience), which in turn should contribute to their mental health. Method: The study sample consisted of 1,127 young and middle-aged LGBT adults (18 to 50 years) from Russia. We collected the data online and anonymously. Results: Partial mediation could be confirmed. LGBT people who were involved in "their" community reported more social support from friends, which partially mediated the positive association between community involvement and mental health. The mediation remained significant when we controlled for demographics and outness as potential covariates. Additional analyses showed that the present sample reported lower mental health but not less social support than Russian nonminority samples recruited in previous research. Conclusion: Our study underlines the importance of the LGBT community in times of increasing stigmatization of sexual and gender minorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Orenburg Region is located in the South Urals, mostly in the steppe zone and is characterised by various landscapes suitable for many Chenopodiaceae. The species of Chenopodiaceae are present in all major plant communities (saline vegetation, steppes, on limestone, chalk and sand, and as degraded or ruderal communities). In the steppe zone, many native subshrubby species (Atriplex cana, Caroxylon laricinum, Suaeda physophora) playing a crucial role in semi-deserts (known as southern steppes in the recent Russian literature) located southwards of Orenburg Region are locally found, and several annuals (Salicornia perennans, Suaeda spp.) are most common dominants in plant communities. Some typical semi-desert species (Kalidium foliatum, Bassia hyssopifolia, Soda foliosa, Spirobassia hirsuta) are found in the easternmost part of the region. New information: We compiled a checklist of Chenopodiaceae in Orenburg Region, with two new records ( Chenopodium virgatum, Corispermum laxiflorum), based on our critical revision, comprehensive inventory of herbarium specimens and documented observations and field research. In total, we report 76 species in the Region, which is the third-highest number of the Chenopodiaceae species compared with other administrative territories of European Russia, North Caucasus and West Siberia. Alien and native taxa are distinguished. Zonal patterns of species distributions are confirmed. A preliminary conservation status is proposed for each native species. Three species are recommended for exclusion from the Red Data Book of Orenburg Region: Petrosimonia triandra (because of its extensive distribution), Kalidium foliatum and Anabasis salsa (because of the lack of actual threat to their populations). Arthrophytum lehmannianum and Salsola rosacea are considered threatened (Vulnerable) because of their restricted occurrence and population size and because their localities are under anthropogenic pressure. Atriplex hortensis, Atriplex rosea, Chenopodium acuminatum, C. karoi, C. praetericola, C. vulvaria, Climacoptera affinis, C. crassa, Halimocnemis karelinii, Salsola paulsenii and Xylosalsola arbuscula are excluded from the checklist, based on various reasons as discussed in the paper. Point distribution maps are provided for each species. Agriophyllum pungens (Vahl) Link is accepted as the correct authorship instead of "M.Bieb. ex C.A.Mey." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time by the method of scanning electron microscopy, REE mineralization studies are conducted in alkaline rhyolites of the Pechalninskii ore field (Northeast Russia), a potentially large-volume source of HREEs. It is shown using the methods of electron microprobe analysis and cathodoluminescence that microcrystalline aggregates of pyroxenes and/or amphiboles in alkaline rhyolites contain the finest inclusions of REE segregations (5–7 µm). Using SEM, it is determined that the largest segregation is cerium phosphate. Concentrically zonal and radial-fibrous REE segregations are revealed in the relics of titanomagnetite crystals by EDS. The first ones are represented by silicates enriched with Y and REEs and the content of each REE varies regularly from the center to the edge. The radial-fibrous aggregates are represented by oxides and/or carbonates containing REEs (La, Ce, and Nd predominate). The results obtained can be used in the development of enrichment technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the World Health Organization, as of January 3, 2020 to September 13, 2023, there were approximately 23 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in the Russian Federation, about 400 thousand of which were fatal. Considering the high rate of mutation of the RNA-containing virus genome, which inevitably leads to the emergence of new infectious strains (Eris and Pyrola), the search for medicinal antiviral agents remains an urgent task. Moreover, taking into account the actively mutating receptor-binding domain, this task requires fundamentally new solutions. This study proposes a candidate immunoliposomal drug that targets the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 by the monoclonal neutralizing antibody P4A1 and ensures the penetration of a highly active ribonuclease into the virus-infected cell, which degrades, among cellular RNA, viral RNA too. We demonstrate a more than 40-fold increase in the neutralizing activity of the developed drug compared to the free monoclonal neutralizing antibody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]