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The paper presents the results of structural studies of ring specimens made of the 42XNM alloy after irradiation as part of the control and protection system of the VVER-1000 reactor to a damaging dose of ~12 dpa at a temperature of ~350°C and subsequent isothermal annealings in the temperature range of 400– 1150°C (heating and holding for ~2 h). It is shown that during long-term isothermal annealing, a change in the phase composition of the alloy is observed, dislocation structures and grain-boundary segregations are annealed, and porosity evolves. It has been confirmed that decrease in the plastic properties of the 42XNM alloy after irradiation and subsequent isothermal annealing in the temperature range of 400–1000°C could be explained by the formation of precipitates of the second phases (zones of discontinuous decomposition of the solid solution with the release of α-Cr particles along the grain boundaries) and pores at the grain boundaries.

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.

Purpose. To study the relationship between baseline optical coherence tomography (OCT) characteristics of preservation of the neurosensory retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and functional outcome after full thickness macular hole (FTHM) surgery.Materials and methods. Patients with complete postoperative anatomical closure of the FTMH were included in this prospective interventional study. All patients received a standard ophthalmological examination and OCT before surgical treatment. At baseline the area and reflectivity of the neurosensory retina at the edges of the hole was measured on cross-sectional OCT scans. The reflectivity of RPE was evaluated within the hole on structural en face projections of RPE slab. Six months postoperatively, correlation between baseline OCT characteristics and visual outcome was evaluated.Results. Twenty-nine patients (30 eyes, 23 females and 6 males, average age — 66.2 ± 5.2 years) were included in the study. The final best-corrected visual acuity showed a statistically significant correlation with baseline best-corrected visual acuity (r = 0.75, p < 0.001), reflectivity of RPE (r = 0.81, p < 0.001), reflectivity of neurosensory retina (r = –0.88, p < 0.001), and its area (r = 0.41, p = 0.02).Conclusion. OCT-characteristics of retinal tissue preservation, including the area and reflectivity of the neurosensory retina and reflectivity of the RPE within the hole, correlate with functional recovery after FTMH surgery.

Comparative studies of porosity and calculation of the swelling profile in samples of austenitic stainless steel with a nickel content of 10 and 20 wt.%. The samples were irradiated at the Tandem-3M accelerator to the same doses of 300 dpa with Ni ions with an ion energy of 11.5 MeV at a temperature of 550°C with preliminary implantation of He. To calculate the swelling profile, digitally processed images were obtained by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). In addition, comparative studies of the phase composition and radiation-induced segregations at grain boundaries, pore/matrix interfacial boundaries, and on the surface of phase precipitates were carried out on irradiated samples with varying nickel contents.

The paper presents the results of electron microscopic studies of ferrite-martensitic steel samples hardened with Y-O oxides, EP-450 DUO in the initial state and after neutron irradiation in the BN-600 reactor at 1000°C to a damaging dose of 77.5 dpa. These studies showed that the main types of oxide phases were Y2(Si, Ti)2O7 and Y2(Si, Ti)O5. These precipitates at sizes less than 10-20 nm were semi-coherent with a ferritic matrix of steel EP-450 DUO with the ratio (110)malrix//(221)palticle. Some of the Y-Ti-O oxides in the initial state were Y2Ti2O7-type with some deviations from the stoichiometric composition.However, after neutron irradiation under BN-600 conditions at temperature ~ 1000°C, oxide particles could not be described by the indicated stoichiometry. Besides, after irradiation, silicon and aluminum were found in the oxide's composition. In the case of taking these elements into account during the construction of a triple composition diagram, it was shown that the oxide phases had Y2(Ti, Si, Al)2O7 and Y2(Ti, Si, Al)O5 types. It was established that in samples of EP-450 DUO steel in the initial state with oxide particles up to 20 nm in size, the yttrium content is generally lower than the titanium concentration. The titanium and yttrium concentrations corresponded to the stoichiometric composition Y2Ti2O7 (1:1) with a further increase in the average diameter of these phases. After irradiation, the situation changed somewhat: the yttrium content in most oxide phases exceeds the total concentration of titanium, silicon, and aluminum.The paper also presents the analysis of porosity and evolution of grain structure in EP-450 DUO steel after neutron irradiation.

The influence of the grain structure and phase composition of welded seams of WWER-type reactors on their operational characteristics in the initial state is analyzed. Comprehensive studies of welds with various structures formed as a result of welding using various technologies have been carried out. It is shown that differences in the phase composition and morphology of the grain structure of the weld metal in the initial state, which is characterized by an increased proportion of columnar grains and a higher density of carbide phases, lead to an increase in the yield strength and critical brittleness temperature of welded joints.

Purpose: To study long-term outcomes in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients with low visual acuity and nonadherence to a treatment regimen of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy.Patients and methods. In this study we included nAMD patients with best corrected visual acuity lower than 0.1 decimal equivalent, nonadherent to anti-VEGF therapy (13 eyes, group I), treatment-naïve (15 eyes, group II) or nonadherence to anti-VEGF therapy followed by termination of anti-VEGF treatment (18 eyes, group III). All participants received comprehensive ophthalmic examination and optical coherence tomography baseline and at the end of the follow-up period.Results: In group I, 7.6 ± 4.3 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were performed over a mean period of 38.9 ± 27.5 months. In group II, a mean follow-up was 31.7 ± 28.6 months. In group III 4.8 ± 2.2 intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were performed over a mean period of 26.9 ± 26.4 months followed by treatment discontinuation for a mean period of 24.6 ± 18.6 months. None of study groups showed statistically significant changes in BCVA or an increase of central retinal thickness (p > 0.05). At baseline all study eyes frequently demonstrated severe morphological changes in the macula including atrophy of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), subretinal fibrosis, RPE tear, or giant intraretinal cysts.Conclusion: In nAMD patients with low BCVA and severe anatomical changes in the macula nonadherence to a treatment regimen of anti-VEGF therapy results in non-superior long-term outcomes compared to natural course of the disease.

This article describes a case study of recurrent Toxoplasma chorioretinitis in a young patient with cell immunodeficiency. Patient K., 37 years old, was admitted to ophthalmologist with complaints of decreased visual acuity and discomfort in the left eye. The history of the disease evidenced that he had suffered at least 2 episodes of acute posterior uveitis in the past without finding out the etiological factor. Ophthalmological examination revealed an old scar on the retina of the right eye and signs of acute vitreous and chorioretinitis around the old scar on the retina of the left eye. By applying the method of paired sera, it was possible to establish the etiological factor of ophthalmic lesions — Toxoplasma gondii. Assessment of immune status demonstrated selective deficiency of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NKT cells. Obvious causes of secondary immunosuppression, including HIV, were ruled out. The Genetic Panel «Primary Immunodeficiencies» with sequencing of more than 400 genes of known primary human immunodeficiencies did not reveal pathology. However, persistent hyperhomocysteinemia was noted, and a genetic test for folate deficiency was performed. MTHFR A1298C in the heterozygous state and MTRR A66G in the homozygous state were detected, which was associated with the detected cell immunodeficiency, taking into account the results of studies on immune status in folic acid metabolism disorders and reports of severe opportunistic infections in humans with genetic deficiency of folate cycle. Treatment included spiramycin at a dose of 3 million IU orally three times a day for 14 consecutive days (to inhibit Toxoplasma), recombinant human a2b interferon at a dose of 3 million IU i/m every other day at night №15 (to compensate for the deficiency of NKT cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes), oxodihydroacridinylacetate sodium 2 mL i/m every other day at night №15, alternating with interferon (to compensate for the deficiency of NKT cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes) and local peribulbar injections of betamethasone № 3 (to eliminate the inflammation in the left eye). Improvement in visual acuity was observed on day 8 of treatment, and recovery of left eye function was observed at the end of the month of therapy. Due to the additional three‑month courses of recombinant human alpha2b‑interferon to compensate cell immunodeficiency, which were carried out during the next 2 years of follow‑up, it was possible to prevent further recurrence of toxoplasma invasion.

Purpose: to study iris perfusion in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) after selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Material and methods. 12 patients aged 68.3 ± 8.4 with stage I to III POAG underwent a standard ophthalmic examination as well as OCTA examination of the iris, which was performed through the center of the pupil under photopic conditions using RTVue-XR with Angio Retina 3-mm protocol. All patients received examination before SLT, one day, seven days, and 30 days after SLT. Vascularity was determined with ImageJ as the total length of binarized and skeletonized vessels over the full thickness of the iris slab.Results. A statistically significant correlation was found between the values of intraocular pressure (IOP) measured one month after SLT and iris vascularity before SLT, one day after SLT, and their difference. The strongest correlation (r = 0.60, p = 0.001) was found between iris vascularity one day after SLT and IOP one month after the procedure.Conclusions. SLT is accompanied by an increase in iris vascularity, which fact may probably be used in the prediction of the final IOP in these patients.

The penetration of atomic hydrogen into the cladding material of fuel elements of WWER-1000 reactors due to interaction with the coolant during operation can subsequently significantly reduce their plasticity characteristics with a decrease in temperature during long-term dry storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) due to the formation of brittle hydrides. The morphology of hydrides influenced by the hydrogen content, storage temperature and circumferential stresses plays a decisive role in the embrittlement of the fuel cladding material. Associated radial hydrides are of particular danger; they constitute the most favorable path for crack propagation.In the present work, thermomechanical tests of irradiated fuel claddings samples made of the E110 alloy were carried out, simulating normal and emergency conditions of long-term dry storage. It was shown that under the conditions considered, the formation of a significant amount of radially oriented hydrides was observed, leading to degradation of mechanical properties (embrittlement) fuel cladding.

The interactions of compound ZDM-81 with some CNS neurotransmitter systems were studied using in vivo methods to evaluate the interaction of the compound with dopaminergic (catalepsy, induced with haloperidol), adrenergic (clonidine hypothermia), GABAergic (test of interaction with flumazenil) and serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptophan hyperkinesis) systems. It was shown that the ZDM-81 compound is able to prolong and potentiate the effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan, reduces catalepsy caused by haloperidol, does not affect the hypothermic effect of clonidine, and the effect of the ZDM-81 compound is blocked by flumazenil. Thus, for the studied substance, a serotonergic, GABAergic, and weak dopaminergic pathway for the realization of the action was shown, which requires further research.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease-causing dementia. The severity of symptoms determines the diagnosis of AD, although an accurate diagnosis can only be made postmortem. Neuropsychological testing is the «gold standard» for early diagnosis of AD, but is time-consuming, does not allow a complete diagnosis with complete accuracy, is highly dependent on the correctness of the tests, and is rather an adjunct to the examination of the patient. Lumbar puncture and positron emission tomography are not available for routine screening of the population. Because the eye is an extension of the central nervous system, the study of its changes may lead to the development of a number of non-invasive differential diagnostic tests to identify patients with AD at an early stage. In recent years, the advent of quantifiable high-resolution imaging techniques that are non-invasive, rapid, and widely available has opened up a new field of ocular-neural imaging. In this paper, we review current foreign and domestic studies of some ocular biomarkers and the methods that could potentially be used in the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Isolated deficiency IgE is one of the most common primary immunodeficiency diseases in human with prevalence of 1 case per 30 people of total population. Genetic basis of this immunodeficiency are polymorphisms of 5923A/G and 7888C/T in AICDA gene of B-lymphocytes. Recently several new studies have been conducted that expand the current understanding of the nature of an isolated IgE deficiency in human. Several recent epidemiological studies specified immunodeficiency frequency in different cohorts of patients and confirmed the relationship of immunological and clinical phenotypes, including recurrent infections, autoimmunity and oncology. The results of a number of clinical cases have expanded the knowledge of the heterogeneity of clinical symptoms of the di­sease. Several studies investigated the complications of an isolated deficiency IgE, including chronic gastritis and peptic stomach ulcer associated with H. pylori, and atherosclerosis and related vascular accidents. The results of comparative clinical studies demonstrate high efficiency of base immunotherapy with normal human immunoglobulin preparations for the intramuscular and intravenous usage.

The involvement of the visual pathway in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology determines the importance of studying the structures of the retina for earlier diagnosis and monitoring the severity of the neurodegeneration. The introduction of the reference method of optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows high resolution in vivo visualization of the retinal structures.Objective: to identify changes in various retinal structures in remitting (RMS) and secondary-progressive (SPMS) MS phenotypes.Patients and methods. The study included 80 patients with RMS (n=48) and SPMS (n=32); the control group included 20 age- and sex-adjusted healthy individuals. Clinical assessment was carried out using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS). All patients were examined by an ophthalmologist. To assess changes in the retina, OCT was performed using the RTVue XR Avanti apparatus (Optovue, USA).Results and discussion. We found a significant (pConclusion. As a domain of criteria for the MS course without signs of disease activity (No Evidence of Disease Activity, NEDA), it is advisable to use retinal OCT with analysis of the retinal thickness in the foveal region, the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, the ganglion cell complex for dynamic monitoring of the inflammatory process activity in patients with RMS and assessment of its progression in patients with SPMS.

Introduction. Ensuring the trouble-free operation of road transport is one of the priority tasks. The functioning of the internal combustion engine, the most important unit, is impossible without the correct operation of the fuel injectors. A modern electromagnetic nozzle is a fairly reliable element of the engine, however, it can quickly fail when using low-quality fuel. Constant monitoring of the technical condition of the injectors with the help of builtin vehicle diagnostics systems will prevent such negative consequences as fuel overspending, the formation of harmful substances in the exhaust gases, deterioration of the traction and speed characteristics of the vehicle.Materials and methods. The research was carried out by the method of physical modelling, a laboratory stand was developed that simulates the operation of the engine fuel system. As an object, the Bosch 0280 158 996 nozzle was selected, which was controlled using an Arduino-based electronic unit. A series of one-factor experiments was carried out, according to the results of which the dependence of the pressure drop rate on the contamination of the nozzle was constructed.Results. The permissible standard of the pressure drop rate during the operation of the electromagnetic nozzle is determined, which allows unambiguously determining its technical condition (serviceable/not serviceable). An algorithm for checking injectors is proposed, as well as a method for its implementation on modern passenger cars.Discussion and conclusion. The obtained dependence qualitatively coincides with the results of studies by other authors. There is a successful experience of implementing such algorithms on modern cars. The implementation of the research results will allow timely detection of faulty (contaminated) electromagnetic injectors and prevent negative effects on both engine parts and the environment.

An analysis of the case of applying a course of fibrinolytic therapy and one intravitreal injection of an angiogenesis inhibitor in a patient with traumatic rupture of the choroid complicated by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is presented. Patient B., 20 years old, complained of a lack of objective vision after a blunt injury to his right eye in March 2018. Visual acuity decreased to 0.01 (ETDRS 0 characters). During the examination revealed: partial hemophthalmus, rupture of the choroid, Berlin retinal opacification. Local fibrinolytic conservative therapy with positive dynamics was carried out in the form of increasing visual acuity to 0.3 (ETDRS 21 characters) and partial resolution of hemophthalmus. According to optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), minimally active CNV was detected. Due to the weak activity of the pathological process, a decision was made on dynamic observation. A follow-up examination in August 2018 revealed an increase in CNV activity according to OCTA and fluorescence angiography (FAG), in connection with which intravitreal administration of ranibizumab (lucentis) was performed. Subsequently, the patient was under dynamic observation for one year. Positive dynamics was revealed in the form of an increase in visual acuity, first to 0.7 (ETDRS 48 characters) 3 months after intravitreal injection, and after a year — to 0.9 (ETDRS 55 characters). After treatment according to OCTA and FAG, the activity of CNV was not determined. Despite the favorable result of treatment, further monitoring of the patient is necessary, since the long-term prospects for maintaining the achieved high visual functions remain unclear due to the insufficient experience in treating patients with this pathology according to the literature.

The objective of this article is to analyse labour discipline of production personnel when performing vehicle maintenance works. Currently, many car service enterprises practically do not control the quality of the work of the employees. These responsibilities are assigned to the lower management level – foremen, however, they are either heavily loaded with work, or are not interested in performing control functions. In addition, labour intensity of technical maintenance and repair work is set by the manufacturer at the lowest possible level, assuming that the staff is highly qualified, and the company is provided with all the necessary special tools. As a result, it is difficult or impossible for employees to meet the standards, therefore, to fulfil the plan and not lose part of the wages, they miss or do not perform part of the work paid by the client. The studies were carried out in Perm at a typical car service enterprise, which is an official dealer of a domestic car brand.The analysis of the work of the personnel was carried out by comparing the actual work performed following the technology defined by the manufacturer. For this, video recording of all the actions of an employee was carried out. The completeness of each operation was noted, as well as the time spent. Work efficiency was assessed using Spaghetti diagrams, which indicate all movements of the performers. A methodology is presented that allows to give a final assessment of the work of locksmiths, which consists in calculating penalty points for exceeding standard time, partial execution or omission of operations. A scale for evaluating performers has been developed. The results of studies of carrying out maintenance of two identical cars are presented. The shortcomings of the production personnel are discovered and analysed. To increase labour productivity, it is possible to use the principles of lean production of the 5 «S» system. It is necessary to equip the posts with tools, issue checklists to the performers and use the movement scheme at the maintenance post, equip posts with video surveillance cameras and periodically carry out selective control of work. To motivate staff, it is necessary to revise the system of bonuses and fines, considering the results of work.

For the substance under the code DAB-21, a pronounced neuropsychotropic potential was previously shown. In this study, possible directions of the influence of the studied substance on basic mediator systems of the CNS are considered. According to the results of the study, a benzodiazepine-like effect of DAB-21 was found in the «Elevated plus maze» test with flumazenil, as well as potentiation of the effects of phenamine, and some serotoninergic effect in the test with 5-GTP, and a weak a2-adrenoblocking effect, revealed using the «Clofelinic hypothermia» test. There was also a D2-activating effect according to the haloperidol test, a weak M-anticholinergic effect in the arecoline test. Some MAO-inhibitory effect was found, suggested by antagonism with reserpine, as well as the results of the L-DOPA test. The compound did not interact with nicotine and apomorphine. The neurotransmitter profile of the compound DAB-21 is of interest for further study and clarification of the mechanism of action of the substance.

Reaction of [99Tc(CO)6]ClO4 with alkali in aqueous solutions yields yellow 99Tc3H(CO)14 as the major product. On the other hand, [99TcH(CO)5] becomes the major product when the reaction with alkali...

У пациентов с хроническимиреактивованимиHHV‑ 6 — и HHV‑7‑инфекциями нередко развиваются расстройства психики с изменением личности. Data from a systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials published in 2018, prepared by Wipfler P. et al., confirm the association of HHV‑6 and temporal mesial sclerosis in humans. The evidence base for the involvement of herpesviruses in the development of temporal mesial sclerosis is based on the following points: regular development of temporal mesial sclerosis after temporal or limbic encephalitis of herpesvirus etiology, the presence of DNA, RNA, virus proteins and free virion viruses in the neurodegenerative zone, detection of correlation between viral protein expression and glutamatergic excitotoxicity processes in the lesion area, reproduction temporal mesial sclerosis with epileptic syndrome in experimental animals during herpesvirus infection and elucidation of the mechanism of transolfactor migration of herpesviruses from the upper respiratory tract to the neurons of the hippocampus and amygdala of the temporal lobes of the brain.Patients with chronic reagents of HHV‑6 and HHV‑7 infections often experience mental disorders with personality changes. A 2018 systematic review and meta‑analysis of controlled clinical trials by P. Wipfler et al. confirm the association of herpes simplex virus type 6 infection with temporal median sclerosis in humans. The evidence base for the involvement of herpes viruses in the development of temporal median sclerosis is based on the following facts: regular development of temporal median sclerosis after temporal and limbic herpes virus encephalitis, the presence of DNA, RNA, virus proteins and free virions in the neurodegeneration zone, discovery of a number of mechanisms of virus‑induced neurodegeneration, and epilepsy between the expression of viral proteins and the processes of glutamatergic excitotoxicity in the affected area, reproduction of temporal median sclerosis with epileptic syndrome in experimental animals with experimental infection with herpes viruses and elucidation of the mechanism of transolfactor migration of herpes viruses from the upper respiratory tract to the neurons of the hippocampus and amygdala of the temporal lobes of the cerebral hemispheres.Two clinical cases of the development of temporal median sclerosis with psychosomatic, psychotic, epileptic, autonomic, cognitive and fibromyalgic manifestations in immunocompromised patients with primary minor immunodeficiencies during reactivation of herpes viruses type 6 and 7 are presented. These cases from practice make it possible to demonstrate the algorithm of diagnostic search and therapeutic interventions in a virus‑induced neurodegenerative process with damage to the mesolimbic structures of the temporal lobes of the brain.

This work describes the practical implementation of the method for digital noise suppression during processing images containing ice information to recognize automatically the contours of «ice-water» objects during aerial photography. Images containing ice information have special characteristic structural features related to noise, e.g.granularity, glare, ice crumbs. This makes difficult or even impossible to recognize automatically the contours of ice-water objects. It is known that the success of the application of edge recognition methods depends on how much image noise is reduced. The paper discusses the construction method for the management of noise. The method is based on the sequential application of the Haar wavelet transform denoising using thresholding, clustering by k-means method. For the subsequent automatic construction of ice floes contours the Sobel operator is applied.The aim of the work is to develop a method capable to process digital images effectively that contain ice information with strong digital noise. In this work we treated the images of one-year ice containing strong digital image noise in the form of granularity and in the form of ice crumbs. A description of the features of each of the steps of the proposed method and practical application is given.As a result, the method was developed for processing images of ice information containing digital noise in absolute value commensurate with the basic data. It was noted that the use of the k-means method expands the scope. The k-rare method allows more detailed processing of ice information and distinguishes not only the contours of ice-water objects, but also the contours of ice crumbs.The conclusion formulates the main advantages of the method and the possible application of the algorithm in the process of local exploration of the ice conditions of the Northern Sea Route channel using unmanned aerial vehicle for aerial photography. The usage of unmanned aerial vehicle for aerial photography will increase the frequency of weather forecast updates and predict the appearance of ice objects at the ship’s heading. That will allow us to select the safest and most economical efficient route along the Northern Sea Route.The authors have no competing interests.

The results of five meta‑analyzes indicate the association of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with genetic deficiency of the folate cycle (GDFC) in children. In such cases, specific encephalopathy is formed with predominant immune‑dependent pathways of pathogenesis, the radiological signs of which are insufficiently studied. Objective —— to describe the typical neuroimaging signs of encephalopathy in children with GDFC suffering from ASD, and to find correlations between clinical signs, mechanisms of nervous system damage and neuroimaging data to optimize the algorithm of diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. Methods and subjects. The retrospective analysis of medical data of 225 children aged 2 to 9 years with GDFC, in which there were clinical manifestations of ASD (183 boys and 42 girls). The diagnosis of ASD was made by child psychiatrists according to the criteria of DSM‑IV‑TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders) and ICD‑10 (The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems). Pathogenic polymorphic variants of folate cycle genes were determined by PCR with restriction. Neuroimaging was performed by MRI of the brain in conventional modes (T1‑ and T2‑weighted, FLAIR) on tomographs with a magnetic induction of 1.5 T. To study the associations between the indicators, the odds ratio (OR) and the 95 % confidence interval (95 % SI) were used. Results. There are 5 main groups of neuroimaging signs characteristic of leukoencephalopathy, temporal mesial sclerosis, PANS/PITANDS/PANDAS, congenital CMV neuroinfection and postnatal encephalitis, mild congenital CNS abnormalities. Neuroimaging signs are closely associated with the results of special laboratory tests that characterize the known immune‑dependent mechanisms of CNS damage, and with the emergence of relevant clinical syndromes, consistent with modern concepts of major infectious or autoimmune lesions of the nervous system in immunosuppressed patients. Laboratory‑radiological‑clinical complexes (virus‑induced temporal mesial sclerosis, autoimmune limbic encephalitis, autoimmune subcortical encephalitis, autoimmune or virus‑induced demyelinating lesions of the cerebral hemispheres and mild congenital malformations) have been identified. Conclusions. Encephalopathy in children with ASD associated with GDFC has a complex pathogenesis and is the result of combining a number of immune‑dependent forms of CNS damage in different ways in different patients, leading to a heterogeneous clinic‑radiological phenotype.

Purpose: To compare three 360°-laser retinopexy (LRP) approaches (using navigated pattern laser system, single-spot slit-lamp (SL) laser delivery and single-spot indirect-ophthalmoscope (IO) laser delivery) in regard to procedure duration, procedural pain score, technical difficulties and the ability to achieve surgical goals. Patients and Methods. Eighty-six rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients (86 eyes) were included in this prospective randomized study. Ten patients were underwent scleral buckling procedure, 37 patients were underwent vitrectomy, 7 patients had a combined procedure, and 32 patients had silicone oil tamponade. The mean procedural time, procedural pain score (using 4-point Verbal Rating Scale), number of laser burns, and achievement of the surgical goals were compared between three groups (pattern LRP (NAVILAS laser system), 36 patients; SL-LRP, 28 patients; and IO-LRP, 22 patients). Results. In the pattern LRP group, the time needed for LRP and pain level (12.4 ± 5.4 min and 1.1 ± 0.5 scores, respectively) were statistically significantly lower, whereas the number of applied laser burns (1108.7 ± 345.5) was higher compared to those in the SL-LRP group (21.7 ± 7.6 min, 1.8 ± 0.5 scores, and 714.5 ± 219.8 burns) and in the IO-LRP group (17.0 ± 10.1 min, 1.9 ± 0.5 scores, and 408.1 ± 95.5 burns). In the pattern LRP, SL-LRP, and IO-LRP groups, surgical goals were fully achieved in 28 (77.8 %), 17 (60.7 %), and 13 patients (59.1 %), respectively (p > 0.05). In the pattern LRP, SL-LRP and IO-LRP groups, the mean duration of follow-up after silicone oil removal was 6.6 ± 3.1 months, 8.1 ± 4.5 months and 7.1 ± 4.1 months, respectively (ANOVA3x, p = 0.35), with re-detachment found in 1 case (8.3 %), 2 cases (18.2 %), and 1 case (11.1 %), respectively. Conclusions. The navigated pattern approach allows improving the treatment time and pain in postoperative 360° LRP. Moreover, 360° pattern LRP is at least as effective in achieving the surgical goal as the conventional (slit-lamp or indirect ophthalmoscope) approaches with a single-spot laser.

The article presents modern data on interferon‑dependent mechanisms of control of latent alpha herpesvirus in the sensory nerve ganglia of the peripheral nervous system. The data on intraganglionar control mechanisms presented by resident natural killers, natural killer T‑lymphocytes and cytotoxic T‑cells that are part of the satellite cells of the nerve node, and the system of intraneuronal defense contained in the centripetal fibers and presented by cascade system TLR‑3, which leads to the production of pre‑immune interferons‑alpha, ‑beta and ‑lambda with a visorathic action, thus counteracting the centripetal transneural spread of the virus from the periphery to the central nervous system. The joint functioning of the interferon‑dependent systems of intraganglionar and intraneuronal control of alpha herpes viruses ensures the maintenance of the latent state of the pathogen, and the disruption of their work is associated with the risk of reactivation of the virus from latency with the development of clinical symptoms. At the same time, lack of intraganglionar cellular immunity is associated with frequent herpetic eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes, while a deficiency of intraneuronal TLR‑3‑dependent immunity leads to the development of herpes virus lesions of the central nervous system — myelitis, encephalitis, and meningitis. It supports the well‑known clinical fact, that herpetic encephalitis often develops in patients without a history of frequent specific exanthema, and individuals with frequent herpetic eruptions on the skin and mucous membranes may never suffer from viral lesions of the brain and spinal cord. New knowledge about the mechanisms of retaining alpha herpesviruses in the latent state of the sensory ganglia can help in the selection of rational therapy for immunocompromised patients with episodes of herpesvirus neuroinfections with the inclusion of drugs of natural, recombinant and lymphoblastoid human alpha interferons and various inducers of interferonogenesis of chemical or natural origin.The article will be useful, first of all, to neurologists, neurosurgeons, infectious diseases specialists, clinical immunologists, pathologists, physiologists.

The compound-tunable embedding potential (CTEP) method developed for simulating the influence of environment on a fragment in the ionic-covalent crystal is presented in the form of a linear combination of particular short-range semilocal pseudopotentials for the atoms of nearest environment and the long-range Coulomb potentials from optimized fractional point charges centered on both nearest and more distant atoms of the environment. A pilot application of the CTEP method to calcium niobate crystal, ${\mathrm{CaNb}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$, is performed. A very good agreement of the electronic density and interatomic distances within the relaxed fragment with those of the original periodic crystal calculation is attained. Calcium niobate crystal can be considered as an idealized fersmite $({\mathrm{CaNb}}_{2\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Ta}}_{x}{\mathrm{O}}_{6},x\ensuremath{\approx}0.3)$ mineral when neglecting the contributions of the impurities with smaller molar fractions, and substitution $\mathrm{Nb}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{Ta}$ is considered here as a point Ta defect in ${\mathrm{CaNb}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$. Besides, uranium-containing point defects are also studied since the euxenite group minerals, to which fersmite belongs, are considered as prospective matrices for long-term immobilization of high-level waste. The chemical shifts of ${K}_{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1,2}}$ and ${K}_{{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{1,2}}$ lines of x-ray emission (fluorescence) spectra in niobium are evaluated to analyze its chemical state in the crystal. Potential of CTEP for studying properties of point defects containing $f$ and heavy $d$ elements with relativistic effects, extended basis set, and broken crystal symmetry taken into account is discussed.

Reaction of oxygen with solutions of neodymium chloride in LiCl and 3LiCl–2KCl melts was studied at 450 °C–750 °C. The reaction resulted in the formation of neodymium oxychloride and the effect of temperature, amount of oxygen passed through the melt (oxygen-to-neodymium molar ratio), gas phase composition (O2, O2–H2O, Ar–O2, Ar–O2–H2O) on the course of the reaction were considered. Size of particles comprising solid precipitates formed in the melt was determined. High temperature electronic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine kinetic parameters of the reaction (reaction rates, rate constants, temperature coefficients). The activation energy of the reaction was evaluated.

Pseudotumorcerebri is a general term for a number of non‑neoplastic CNS lesions of various origins that resemble neoplasia clinically and/or radiologically, often cause serious diagnostic mistakes and prescribing unreasonable treatment that may harm the patient. There are currently three types of pseudotumors of the brain, including inflammatory granulomatous lesions, idiopathic or symptomatic intracranial hypertension, and large demyelinating foci in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres.This scientific publication describes the medical history of a patient with pseudotumor granulomatous temporal lobe encephalitis HSV‑1/2‑etiology, which developed against the background of secondary cellular immunodeficiency caused by long‑term use of methylprednisolone for rheumatoid arthritis. Initially, a misdiagnosis of brain glioma was made due to the similarity of clinical and radiological manifestations of encephalitis with brain tumor. Diagnostic error was identified only during neurosurgery to remove the probable tumor. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of a brain tissue sample from a pseudotumorous lesion obtained by intraoperative biopsy showed signs of granulomatous macrophage inflammation with moderate microcystosis and a small amount of tissue detritus. The diagnosis of HSV‑1/2 neuroinfection was verified on the basis of PCR of cerebrospinal fluid obtained during neurosurgery. The patient was discontinued previously planned radiation therapy, which was categorically contraindicated in this case, and was prescribed treatment with acyclovir to inhibit the reproductive activity of the virus and dialysable extract of blood leukocytes to eliminate secondary immunodeficiency. Neurosurgical intervention was found to be unjustified. Methylprednisolone was discontinued, and the patient was transferred to an aminoquinolone series drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Only after performing these interventions it was possible to achieve a significant improvement in the patient's condition., Рseudotumor cerebri — обобщающий термин для обозначения ряда неопухолевых поражений центральной нервной системы разного происхождения, которые, напоминая неоплазию по клиническим и/или радиологическим признакам, часто являются причиной серьезных диагностических ошибок и назначения необоснованного лечения, способного нанести вред здоровью пациента. Можно выделить три типа псевдоопухоли мозга: воспалительные гранулематозные поражения, идиопатическую или симптоматическую внутричерепную гипертензию и крупные по размеру демиелинизирующие очаги в белом веществе полушарий большого мозга.Приведено описание истории болезни пациентки со псевдоопухолевым гранулематозным височным энцефалитом HSV‑1/2‑этиологии, развившимся на фоне вторичного клеточного иммунодефицита, обусловленного длительным приемом метилпреднизолона по поводу ревматоидного артрита. Был установлен ошибочный диагноз глиомы головного мозга из‑за сходства клинических и радиологических проявлений имеющегося энцефалита с опухолью головного мозга. Выяснить диагностическую ошибку удалось только во время нейрохирургического вмешательства, проведенного для удаления вероятной опухоли. Гистологический и иммуногистохимический анализ образца ткани головного мозга из псевдотуморозного очага, полученного путем интраоперационной биопсии, выявил признаки гранулематозного макрофагального воспаления с умеренным микрокистозом и небольшим количеством тканевого детрита. Диагноз HSV‑1/2‑нейроинфекции был верифицирован на основании результатов полимеразной цепной реакции ликвора, полученного во время нейрохирургической операции. Пациентке отменили запланированную ранее лучевую терапию, которая была категорически противопоказана в данном случае, и назначили лечение ацикловиром для подавления репродуктивной активности вируса и диализатом экстракта лейкоцитов крови для устранения вторичного иммунодефицита. Нейрохирургическое вмешательство было признано необоснованным. Метилпреднизолон отменили, а пациентку перевели на препарат аминохинолонового ряда для лечения ревматоидного артрита. Только после этого удалось достичь существенного улучшения состояния пациентки., Рseudotumor cerebri — узагальнюючий термін для позначення низки непухлинних уражень центральної нервової системи різного походження, які, нагадуючи неоплазію за клінічними і/або радіологічними ознаками, часто є причиною серйозних діагностичних помилок і призначення необґрунтованого лікування, котре може зашкодити пацієнтові. Можна виділити три типи псевдопухлини мозку: запальні гранулематозні ураження, ідіопатичну або симптоматичну внутрішньочерепну гіпертензію та великі демієлінізувальні вогнища в білій речовині півкуль великого мозку.Наведено опис історії хвороби пацієнтки із псевдопухлинним гранулематозним скроневим енцефалітом HSV‑1/2‑етіології, який розвинувся на тлі вторинного клітинного імунодефіциту, зумовленого тривалим прийомом метилпреднізолону з приводу ревматоїдного артриту. Було встановлено помилковий діагноз гліоми головного мозку через подібність клінічних і радіологічних виявів енцефаліту з пухлиною головного мозку. З’ясувати діагностичну помилку вдалося лише під час нейрохірургічного втручання, проведеного для видалення ймовірної пухлини. Гістологічний та імуногістохімічний аналіз зразку тканини головного мозку із псевдотуморозного вогнища, отриманого шляхом інтраопераційної біопсії, виявив ознаки гранулематозного макрофагального запалення з помірним мікрокістозом та невеликою кількістю тканинного детриту. Діагноз HSV‑1/2‑нейроінфекції було верифіковано на підставі результатів полімеразної ланцюгової реакції ліквору, отриманого під час нейрохірургічної операції. Пацієнтці відмінили заплановану раніше променеву терапію, яка була категорично протипоказаною в цьому випадку, і призначили лікування ацикловіром для пригнічення репродуктивної активності вірусу та діалізатом екстракту лейкоцитів крові для усунення вторинного імунодефіциту. Нейрохірургічне втручання було визнано необґрунтованим. Метилпреднізолон було відмінено, а пацієнтку перевели на препарат амінохінолонового ряду для лікування ревматоїдного артриту. Лише після цього вдалося досягти істотного поліпшення стану пацієнтки.

Modern strategies for the safe handling of high level waste (HLW) and its long-term disposal in deep geological formations include the immobilization of radionuclides in the form of mineral-like matrices. The most promising matrices for the immobilization of actinides are ceramic forms of waste based on phosphate minerals such as monazite, xenotime, and cheralite. However, the mechanism of substitution of lanthanides and Y by actinides in phosphate minerals is not entirely clear. We formulated a theoretical model, compound-tunable embedding potential (CTEP), that allows one to predict properties of such crystals with point defects. The reliability of the model is validated by a good agreement of calculated geometry parameters with available experimental data. The substitution of Y in the xenotime crystal by Th and U is studied by relativistic DFT in the framework of the CTEP method, based on constructing the embedding potential as the linear combination of short-range "electron-free" spherical "tunable" pseudopotentials. It is shown on the basis of the proposed model that oxidation state +3 is energetically more profitable than +4 not only for thorium but also for uranium as solitary point defects. This atypical oxidation state of U in the mineral is discussed.

The behavior of zirconium in the eutectic melt of lithium and potassium chlorides on solid (tungsten) and liquid (gallium, indium, zinc) cathodes is studied in a temperature range of 550–750°C.

Purpose: To compare treatment areas and navigated macular laser photocoagulation (MLP) plans suggested by retro-mode scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (RM-SLO) image versus optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal thickness map. Methods. 45 eyes of patients aged 63,1±10,2 years with diabetic or retinal vein occlusion-related ME were subjected to navigated MLP on the basis of OCT maps and RM-SLO images imported to NAVILAS navigated laser system. The plans for coagulant quantity based on OCT and RM-SLO images and the areas of retinal edema revealed by each method were compared. Results. The average number of laser spots using RM-SLO and OCT template was 171,2 ± 75,1 vs 125,9 ± 59,2 respectively, p = 0,002. The average area of edema on RM-SLO image was larger than that on OCT maps (14,9 ± 4,1 мм2 vs10,2 ± 2,9 mm2, p = 0,007) because of a larger scanning area. Conclusion. The RM SLO image can be used to guide MLP. The treatment areas suggested by RM-SLO-guided MLP plans for ME were shown to be larger than those suggested by OCT-guided plans // Russian Ophthalmological Journal, 2016; 3: 12-7. doi: 10.21516/2072-0076-2016-9-3-12-17

Children with autism spectrum disorders have repeatedly reported the presence of signs of immunodeficiency and immune dysregulation. Objective: to study the association of genetic folate cycle deficiency with violations of various parameters of the immune status in children with autism spectrum disorders. Study group (SG) were 78 children with a genetic folate cycle deficiency and autism spectrum disorders. The control group (CG) was formed by 34 healthy patients the appropriate age and gender. All participants underwent a comprehensive immunological examination during the observation period (2–5 years). Statistical analysis was performed using the method of variation statistics with Student’s T-test and non-parametric test of signs Z by Urbach. In addition, the calculated χ-squared Pearson criteria, odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. It was significantly lower average number of NK- and NKT-cells and myeloperoxidase in the peripheral blood of SG children compared to the CG (P > 0,05; Z > Z0,05). A relationship of genetic folate cycle deficiency with selective deficiency of the NK- (χ2 = 37,69, P = 0,01; OR = 11,18, 95 % CI = 4,34–28,50; α = 0,05) and NKT-cells (χ2 = 38,01, P = 0,01; OR = 18,08, 95 % CI = 6,42–50,41; α = 0,05) and myeloperoxidase (χ2 = 6,43, P = 0,05; OR = 3,97, 95 % CI = 1,27–12,42; α = 0,05) was observed. Discovered violations of immune status may explain the origin of the well-known broad clinical phenotype in children with autistic spectrum disoders. We described a new form of primary immunodeficiency associated with a genetic folate cycle disorder, with predominant involvement of NK- and NKT-cells.

For the English abstract and full text of the article please see the attached PDF-File (English version follows Russian version). ABSTRACT The article, using the example of LLC ATP Kama analyzes the condition of fleet of the motor transport enterprise, as well as the existing system for ensuring its operability. In particular, normative and actual technical readiness of buses is shown taking into account the terms of their operation, average daily mileage, total number of days of stay for maintenance and repair during the year. The method of adjustment of standards was chosen. Optimal periodicity of maintenance of vehicles was determined. An assessment of intensity of failures, costs for the enterprise of preventive maintenance and repair work, and calculation of economic effectiveness of the proposed solutions are suggested. Keywords: motor transport enterprise, economy, cost reduction, optimal periodicity of maintenance, bus operation, economic-probabilistic method, exponential distribution law.

Gout is a chronic genetically predisposed inflammatory disease with elevated serum uric acid concentration (hyperuricemia) and subsequent sedimentation in the form of crystals of uric acid mononatric acid in tissues of joints and periarticular zones, vascular walls, skin, and internal organs. Recently, understanding about the mechanism of development of inflammation in gout has deepened, that allows better assess to the state of patient’s severity, to predict the further course of the disease, and to select a rational anti-inflammatory therapy. Due to a refinement of key components of the immunopathogenesis of gout, previously unknown points of application of anti-inflammatory therapeutic interventions were opened and promising prospects for approbation of innovative anti-inflammatory drugs with a new mechanism of action appeared. Nevertheless, a modern concept of mono-stimulated inflammation still requires substantial refinement. This scientific review provides a modern understanding of the events scenario at various stages of the pathological process in the development of gouty inflammation in the joints – initiation, activation of the system of innate immunity, immune inflammation. The most promising molecules that can serve as new biomarkers for estimating patient’s condition and predicting future course of the gout disease, as well as being a target of the therapeutic interventions of anti-inflammatory drugs of subsequent generations, are presented. So, different patterns of immunoreactivity are defined in patients with similar genotype of gout and the level of hyperuricemia, that influence clinical results of disease and are determined by genes’ activation, that control inflammatory reaction in humans body. Discovering such patterns on different stages of disease’s immunopathogenesis and their detailed analyzing due to clinical results is defined as an attractive perspective of optimization of modern approach to clinical case management of patients with hyperuricemia. Examination of polymorphism variants and the level of TLR-2 and TLR-4 genes expression can give another informative immunological biomarker for the estimation of seve­rity of patients condition and predict further course of the gout. disease. Development of new, more effective anti-inflammatory products is very hopeful. That selectively depresses the activity of NALP3-inflamom, TLR-2 and TLR-4 macrophages or regulate the expression rate of the neutrophilic receptors Clec12A and SIRL-1 that are potentially useful for patients of the risk group, which are carriers of the unfavourable variants of key genes associated with a severe course of inflammatory process in joints. Identification of prognosticaly unfavorable variants of genes IL-17 and -22 polymorphism in a risk group of patients with gout can give informative immunological and immunogenetic biomarkers for clinical practice and can allow understanding heterogeneity of clinical course and consequences that occurs in different patients with similar gout genotype and the level of uricemia. The introduction of new monitoring and treatment strategies can optimize control of the immune-inflammatory process in gout, improving quality and prolonging life expectancy of patients.

To evaluate high-dose immunoglobulin therapy efficacy and safety in children with autism spectrum disorders and genetic deficiency of folate cycle. The studied group consisted of 78 children aged 2 to 10 years who have been on i/v immunoglobulin at a dose of 2 g/kg 1 month for 6 months. The control group included children of similar age and gender distribution, which received only non-drug rehabilitation support. There were detected by PCR such polimorphisms as MTHFR 677 C > T, MTHFR 1298 A > C, MTRR A/G and MTR A/G in various combinations. The dynamics of psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist scale. It has reached the complete elimination of the phenotype of autism spectrum disorders in 21 patients and a marked improvement in 33 children of study group (P < 0,05; Z < Z0,05). In parallel, we evaluated positive dynamic of other clinical manifestations of folate cycle deficiency phenotype: PANDAS (19 of 21), epilepsy (29 of 36) and gastrointestinal (in 49 out of 68 children) syndromes (P < 0,05; Z < Z0,05). There was no positive dynamics of the pyramidal tract lesion symptoms (P > 0,05; Z > Z0,05). Decrease of the total viral load and increasing the number of natural killer cells in the blood were achieved (P < 0,05; Z < Z0,05). Almost complete elimination leukoencephalopathy MR-symptoms was observed in 29 patients, and positive dynamics – in 24 cases in the study group (P < 0,05; Z < Z0,05). I/v immunoglobulin has a complex positive impact on the manifestation of a genetic deficiency of folate cycle, including autism spectrum disorders, extrapyramidal disturbances, bowel syndrome, epileptiform brain activity, immune deficiency, and leukoencephalopathy.

The aim of the work is to present the results of studying the rehabilitation potential of patients with Rett syndrome and its etiopathogenetic foundations. The methodology of the study is based on an integrated approach to the development of etiopathogenetically substantiated treatment and rehabilitation techniques for diseases of the autism spectrum based on personalistic anthropology. Based on immunological studies, a role in the etiopathogenesis of Rett syndrome of herpesviruses due to immunodeficiency, genetically due to folate cycle failure, has been established. The expressed potentiating effect of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin therapy on myelination / remyelination in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres is proved, which makes Rett syndrome potentially curable. The leading role in cognitive and communicative activity of patients with Rett syndrome of auditory and visual analyzers has been established. On this basis, simulators have been developed to enhance the motivational component and the formation of purposeful attention. The originality (value) of this work consists in an innovative view of the etiopathogenesis of Rett syndrome as a genetically determined immunodeficiency herpesviral lesion of the central nervous system, as well as in demonstrating the presence of a significant rehabilitation potential in patients with this disease.

Causes of abnormal (from the viewpoint of traditional views on the cis labilization effect) enhancement of the tendency of pentacarbonyltechnetium halides to decarbonylation in the series I–Br–Cl–F are discussed. Two possible causes are considered: “nonclassical” halogen···cis-C interaction and electrostatic interactions of the halide ligand with the Tc atom in the initial complex and pentacoordinate transition state. Relative stabilization of the transition state due to electrostatic interactions is concluded to be the most probable cause of the observed trend.