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Abstract: Strong electric fields inside thunderclouds give rise to enhanced fluxes of high-energy electrons and, consequently, gamma rays and neutrons. During thunderstorms at Mount Aragats, hundreds of Thunderstorm Ground Enhancements (TGEs) comprising millions of energetic electrons and gamma rays, as well as neutrons, were detected at Aragats Space Environmental Center (ASEC) on 3200m altitude. Observed large TGE events allow for the first time to measure the energy spectra of electrons and gamma rays well above the cosmic ray background. The energy spectra of the electrons have an exponential shape and extend up to 30–40MeV. Recovered energy spectra of the gamma rays are also exponential in energy range 5–10MeV, then turns to power law and extends up to 100MeV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

After introduction of rotavirus vaccine, other pathogens might become leading causes of hospitalizations for severe diarrhea among children

Aim. The purpose of this research was informational content assessment of the anamnestic data in diagnosing of chronic endometritis before its histologic confirmation and possibility of the timely beginning of complex therapy of pathology.Materials and methods. To achieve the aim of the retrospective analysis of 303 case reports of patients who underwent endometrium papel biopsy as a part of examination plan before assisted reproductive treatment in 2017. A particular interest, in our case, submitted the special anamnesis including consideration of menstrual, sexual and reproductive functions, past gynecologic diseases and interventions.Results. In the analysis of the received results the most constant signs of chronic endometritis: disorders of menstrual and seсretory functions; the high index of intrauterine interventions, considerable frequency of identification of endometrium polyps and the cervical channel (40,1%), pathological cervical neoplasia (30,8%) were noted.Conclusion. Thus, anamnestic data of patients with the verified endometritis, especially extended one, with inclusion of nonconventional, but relevant at the present stage additional signs, have shown high informational content for neoadjuvant diagnosis of pathology of endometrium of inflammatory character. Only against the background of timely initiated complex therapy, numerous endometrial receptivity parameters are restored, which leads to relief of clinical symptoms and lays the foundation for the successful implementation of reproductive function.

The present article is aimed at presenting an analysis of the pragmatic functions of small talk in the light of general principles of linguistics in order to explore phatic communication (a verbal communication between a speaker and a hearer to maintain social relationship) between the interlocutors in English and Armenian languages. The investigation of the cases under study shows that the functions and ways of expressing small talk have not only gender differences, but also cultural peculiarities. Phatic utterances may also serve as markers of interlocutors’ gender, education, age and social status. In general, the use and avoidance of phatic cues in conversations affect the contact and relations between the interlocutors.

Ovarian stimulation protocol and other potential risk factors of poor ovarian response (POR) were analyzed in retrospective case-control study. Due to ESHRE criteria (2011) 150 infertile women of IVF department were divided into the group of cases with POR and the control group with the normal ovarian response. The elder age of the women and the earlier age of menopause in their mothers seemed to be the significant risk factors of POR. Also POR was associated with the history of abortions, ovarian stimulation, and hormonal contraception. Ovarian stimulation protocol did not influence the number of follicles and oocytes in both case and control groups. The pregnancy rate was higher in patients with GnRH antagonists protocol.

At present, in the structure of gynecological pathology the incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases of the reproductive system reaches 60-65%, and has no tendency to decrease. Treatment of the resorts, which are located close to the place of patients' residence, is especially important for people with chronic diseases. The most terrible consequence of inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs - is infertility, occurs as a result of tubal occlusion not less than 40% of patients.

The article addresses the problem of the rhythmic arrangement of academic discourse and its main units. It is the result of computer-based acoustic investigation of English rhythm (in comparison with Armenian). The contrastive analysis of the rhythmic units helps to reveal the regularities that pass unnoticed in monolingual studies. Basing on the scalar approach to the rhythm, the study defines rhythm as an output of all the gradients participating in its formation with the special accent on grouping and prominence. It is an attempt in modelling the rhythmic organisation of academic prose in English (Armenian) by giving its acoustic profile.

Background. The Republic of Armenia was 1 of the 2 earliest countries in the Newly Independent States to introduce rotavirus vaccine into its national immunization program to reduce the burden of rotavirus disease (documented to cause 38% of acute gastroenteritis hospitalizations [AGE] among children aged <5 years). In November 2012, RV1 (Rotarix) was introduced for Armenian infants at ages 6 and 12 weeks. Methods. The established active surveillance system at 2 hospitals in the capital, Yerevan, whereby children aged <5 years hospitalized for AGE have stool sample tested for rotavirus antigen, was used to assess trends in rotavirus hospitalizations. Immunization records on children enrolled after vaccine introduction were obtained from clinics, and vaccine effectiveness (VE) was estimated using children with AGE who test negative for rotavirus as controls for the rotavirus-positive cases. Results. Among infants, rotavirus hospitalizations were reduced by 48% within the first year after introduction, and by ≥75% in years 2 and 3 following introduction. Reductions of ≥30% in other young children too old to have been vaccinated suggest additional benefit through indirect protection; overall in year 3, rotavirus hospitalizations were reduced by 69% among children aged <5 years. The overall VE of 2 RV1 doses in protecting against rotavirus hospitalization (any severity) was 62% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36%–77%) among children aged 6–23 months; 68% (95% CI, 24%–86%) among those aged 6–11 months, and 60% (95% CI, 20%–80%) in children aged 12–23 months. Against more severe rotavirus disease, VE was 79% (95% CI, 55%–90%) and similarly high in both age groups. Conclusions. RV1 is effective in young Armenian children and substantially reduced rotavirus hospitalizations shortly after introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mountainous and sub-mountainous zones of the Republic of Armenia farmers mainly grow beans, chickpeas, and peas. In addition there are very small crop areas (mainly homestead lands) of faba bean, soybean, mung bean, and grass pea. The village population does not know much about the cultivation of these plants. The data show that in 2007-2009 the specific weight of legume in overall cropland was approximately 94%, and about the 96% of the gross harvest. Local production needs appropriate marketing strategy. The research of local market showed that more attention should be paid to the consumption of goods produced by the farmer households, as well as to offer them to various consumer groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Since the 90s’ E.multilocularis infection in foxes is rising and central-eastern European countries had seen first Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) human cases. AE is considered to be a very rare disease in Europe with average incidences of 0.03-0.20/100,000 inhabitants/year. Because of a suitable orography, this study aims to confirm whether there are human AE cases in Armenia, identify areas at risk, and also estimate AE annual incidence. Methods: Retrospective AE case finding was carried out at main 6 multiprofile medical centers equipped with the most innovative diagnostic means. The medical records of all patients with liver surgery admitted between January 2008 and June 2020 were reviewed. A specific form was developed in EpiInfo v. 7.2. Annual national incidence was estimated using population denominators provided by the National Institute of Statistics (the population of Armenia is estimated at 2 963 243 people). Results: From September 2019 until June 2020, overall 11 AE cases have been identified. All patients were diagnosed at advanced stages, with subsequent poor prognosis and costly treatment. Confirmation was based on tissue biopsy results. Age ranged from 19-59 years with a median of 39yrs. E. multilocularis was detected in rural communities, mostly in the Gegharkunik region (6 cases, 55%). Annual average incidence of AE was 0.033 varying between 0.032 in 2008 and 0.1 in 2017. For comparison with Armenia, an annual incidence in France was 0.026/100,000 in 2008 (the population of France is estimated at 65 273 511 people). Conclusions: All cases were not notified by the surveillance system and the real prevalence of AE in the country is unknown. This young age could indicate widespread of infection in animals. Therefore, the burden of AE disease is difficult to estimate. The surveillance system in Armenia can be improved by the development of national guidelines for the prospective registry, AE awareness campaigns. Key messages: First-time identification of human AE in Armenia calls for implementation of surveillance with a case definition and registry of all cases. AE is an emerging, and so far silent threat in Armenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective analysis was conducted of human cases and outbreaks of tularemia in the Republic of Armenia from 1996 to 2012 utilizing geographic information system software. A total of 266 human cases of tularemia were recorded in Armenia from 1996 to 2012, with yearly incidence ranging from 0 to 5.5 cases per 100,000 people. Cases predominantly affected the male population (62.8%), 11-20 year age group (37.2%), agricultural workers (49.6%), and persons residing in rural areas (93.6%). In 2003, a waterborne outbreak involving 158 cases occurred in Kotayk Marz, and in 2007, a foodborne outbreak with 17 cases occurred in Gegharkunik Marz, attributed to exposure of food products to contaminated hay. Geospatial analysis of all cases showed that the majority were associated with the steppe vegetation zone, elevations between 1,400 and 2,300 m, and the climate zone associated with dry, warm summers, and cold winters. Characterization of these environmental factors were used to develop a predictive risk model to improve surveillance and outbreak response for tularemia in Armenia.

Main Conclusion: Vavilovia formosa (Stev.) Fed. is a scientifically valuable common ancestor of the plant tribe Fabeae and also important in breeding and agronomy studies of the cultivated Fabeae, but it is close to extinction. A concerted academic and geovernmental effort is needed to save it. Since 2007, an informal international group of researchers on legumes has been working to increase awareness of Vavilovia formosa (Stev.) Fed., a relict and endangered wild-land relative to crop plant species. A majority of the modern botanical classifications place it within the tribe Fabeae, together with the genera vetchling (Lathyrus L.), lentil (Lens Mill.), pea (Pisum L.) and vetch (Vicia L.). V. formosa is encountered at altitudes from 1,500 m up to 3,500 m in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Russia, Syria and Turkey. This species may be of extraordinary importance for broadening current scientific knowledge on legume evolution and taxonomy because of its proximity to the hypothetical common ancestor of the tribe Fabeae, as well as for breeding and agronomy of the cultivated Fabeae species due to its perenniality and stress resistance. All this may be feasible only if a concerted and long-term conservation strategy is established and carried out by both academic and geovernmental authorities. The existing populations of V. formosa are in serious danger of extinction. The main threats are domestic and wild animal grazing, foraging, and early frosts in late summer. A long-term strategy to save V. formosa from extinction and to sustain its use in both basic and applied research comprises much improved in situ preservation, greater efforts for an ex situ conservation, and novel approaches of in vitro propagation.