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The paper studies the long-term dynamics of air temperature and relative humidity anomaly indices in the surface layer and at different levels of the troposphere in Siberia and neighboring regions (European and Far Eastern sectors). As the main cause of the observed variations in climatic parameters we considered circulation factors, which were taken into account using the typification of macrocirculation processes proposed by B.L. Dzerdzeevsky. Seasonal differences were revealed in the distribution of anomaly indices and the area occupied by anomalies of different signs of annual and monthly mean temperature and relative air humidity, which are most pronounced during circulation periods of increased duration of meridional northern processes in the Siberian sector and in the Northern Hemisphere as a whole. The highest rates of change in the temperature regime in the Siberian sector over recent decades have been observed at the level of the isobaric surface AT–700 hPa (3 km), which affects the advective-dynamic factors of surface cyclo- and frontogenesis, as well as the processes of cloud formation and precipitation. In general, an increase in the heat content of the lower and middle troposphere and a decrease in the relative moisture content near the tropopause can be accompanied by an increase in the amount of the potential energy and convective instability energy reserves and can lead to an increase in climate risks in the Siberian sector.

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a rare, X-linked, developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterised by severe global developmental impairment and seizures that can begin in the first few months after birth and are often treatment refractory. Ganaxolone, an investigational neuroactive steroid, reduced seizure frequency in an open-label, phase 2 trial that included patients with CDD. We aimed to further assess the efficacy and safety of ganaxolone in patients with CDD-associated refractory epilepsy.In the double-blind phase of this randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial, done at 39 outpatient clinics in eight countries (Australia, France, Israel, Italy, Poland, Russia, the UK, and the USA), patients were eligible if they were aged 2-21 years with a pathogenic or probably pathogenic CDKL5 variant and at least 16 major motor seizures (defined as bilateral tonic, generalised tonic-clonic, bilateral clonic, atonic, or focal to bilateral tonic-clonic) per 28 days in each 4-week period of an 8-week historical period. After a 6-week prospective baseline period, patients were randomly assigned (1:1) via an interactive web response system to receive either enteral adjunctive ganaxolone or matching enteral adjunctive placebo (maximum dose 63 mg/kg per day for patients weighing ≤28 kg or 1800 mg/day for patients weighing28 kg) for 17 weeks. Patients, caregivers, investigators (including those analysing data), trial staff, and the sponsor (other than the investigational product manager) were masked to treatment allocation. The primary efficacy endpoint was percentage change in median 28-day major motor seizure frequency from the baseline period to the 17-week double-blind phase and was analysed (using a Wilcoxon-rank sum test) in all patients who received at least one dose of trial treatment and for whom baseline data were available. Safety (compared descriptively across groups) was analysed in all patients who received at least one dose of trial treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03572933, and the open-label extension phase is ongoing.Between June 25, 2018, and July 2, 2020, 114 patients were screened for eligibility, of whom 101 (median age 6 years [IQR 3 to 10]) were randomly assigned to receive either ganaxolone (n=50) or placebo (n=51). All patients received at least one dose of a study drug, but seizure frequency for one patient in the ganaxolone group was not recorded at baseline and so the primary endpoint was analysed in a population of 100 patients. There was a median percentage change in 28-day major motor seizure frequency of -30·7% (IQR -49·5 to -1·9) in the ganaxolone group and of -6·9% (-24·1 to 39·7) in the placebo group (p=0·0036). The Hodges-Lehmann estimate of median difference in responses to ganaxolone versus placebo was -27·1% (95% CI -47·9 to - 9·6). Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 43 (86%) of 50 patients in the ganaxolone group and in 45 (88%) of 51 patients in the placebo group. Somnolence, pyrexia, and upper respiratory tract infections occurred in at least 10% of patients in the ganaxolone group and more frequently than in the placebo group. Serious adverse events occurred in six (12%) patients in the ganaxolone group and in five (10%) patients in the placebo group. Two (4%) patients in the ganaxolone group and four (8%) patients in the placebo group discontinued the trial. There were no deaths in the double-blind phase.Ganaxolone significantly reduced the frequency of CDD-associated seizures compared with placebo and was generally well tolerated. Results from what is, to our knowledge, the first controlled trial in CDD suggest a potential treatment benefit for ganaxolone. Long-term treatment is being assessed in the ongoing open-label extension phase of this trial.Marinus Pharmaceuticals.

Most of Earth’s volcanism occurs at tectonic plate boundaries associated with subduction or rifting processes. The mantle plume hypothesis is an important supplement to plate tectonics for explaining some high-volume intraplate volcanic fields. However, many intraplate magmatic provinces occur as low-volume, monogenetic basaltic-suite fields that are neither associated with plate-boundary processes nor attributable to mantle plumes, and the origin of such magmatism has long been debated. Identification of their source characteristics and possible mechanisms that trigger mantle melting will provide essential insights into Earth’s mantle heterogeneity and also develop our knowledge of tectonic plate movement through time. Here, we report new geochronology, mineral chemistry (especially olivine), and whole-rock chemical and Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopic compositions on Cenozoic intracontinental alkaline basalts from the northwestern Tarim craton (central Asia), aiming to better assess the origin of Earth’s low-volume effusive intraplate volcanic fields. The basalts (ca. 42 Ma) have olivine (e.g., mean Ni abundances of ∼2250 ppm, mean Mn/Zn ratios of 13.7) and whole-rock chemistry consistent with their derivation from a mixed peridotite-pyroxenite source. Moderately depleted Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopes (87Sr/86Sr = 0.7039−0.7053; εNd = +4.0 to +5.5; 206Pb/204Pb = 18.247−18.535; εHf = +8.1 to +8.7) require a young (ca. 500 Ma) oceanic crust recycled into the source, possibly related to subduction events during the assembly of Pangea. Estimated thermal-chemical conditions indicate that the original melting occurred in a relatively dry (H2O = 1.4 ± 0.9 wt%) and reduced (logfO2 ΔFMQ = −0.97 ± 0.21, where FMQ is fayalite-magnetite-quartz) asthenosphere under a mantle potential temperature of ∼1420 °C and a pressure of ∼3.7 GPa (corresponding to a depth of ∼120 km). Combining these data with regional tectonic history and geophysical data (high-resolution P-wave tomography), we propose that the long-lasting India-Eurasia collision triggered asthenospheric upwelling, focusing melts along translithospheric zones of weakness; this model provides a robust explanation for the observed Cenozoic intracontinental volcanism in central Asia. The integrated geochemical and geophysical evidence reveals that plate subduction−induced mantle upwelling represents a likely mechanism for the generation of many regions of plume-absent intraplate magmatism within continents.

We present new U–Pb ages and Hf and O isotope data for zircon from I-, S- and A-type granites from both the western and eastern edges of the Delamerian Orogen in southeastern Australia. The I-type Tanunda Creek Gneiss contains zircon populations of 507 ± 4 and 492 ± 6 Ma inferred to reflect igneous and metamorphic ages, respectively. The I-type Palmer Granite yielded an age of 509 ± 3 Ma, and the Port Elliot S-type Granite has a magmatic age of 508 ± 7 Ma. Inherited zircon in these granites range from 1092 to 3343 Ma, probably derived from assimilation of Adelaide Group sediments. The Murray Bridge A-type Granite is 490 ± 2 Ma in age and lacks inherited zircon. In the Glenelg River Complex, an S-type migmatite from near Harrow contains a complex zircon population. It is most likely ~500 Ma in age and has inherited zircon of 550–700, 1000–1100 and 2437 Ma, hence matching those from the Kanmantoo Group. From this and detrital zircon ages, we infer that only the Kanmantoo Group extends across the Murray Basin into the Glenelg River Complex. The Wando Tonalite and Loftus Creek I-type granites yielded ages of 501 ± 2 and 486 ± 3 Ma, respectively. Zircon from the Dergholm Granite has suffered Pb loss, and the best age estimate for this granite is 488 ± 5 Ma. Combining all the granite data together, εHft and δ18O in the magmatic zircon range from 5.6 to −10.3 and from 5.8 to 8.1, respectively, and are well correlated. The zircon indicates the same temporal and compositional evolution of granitic petrogenesis across ~300 km of strike, reaffirming the notion that these terranes form part of the same orogen. Westward-directed subduction caused orogenic thickening, heating and increasing amounts of crustal contribution. This was followed by convective thinning of the thickened mantle lithosphere and a return to more primitive magmas lacking significant crustal contributions. It contrasts significantly with inferred granite petrogenesis and tectonic style in the younger Lachlan and New England Fold Belts further east that were not built upon extended cratonic lithosphere.

On March 18, 2021, an online council of experts in the field of epilepsy treatment was held, dedicated to the use of perampanel in the additional therapy of focal seizures (FS) and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTCS) in children 4–12 years old. During the event, the features of the use of perampanel in this group of patients were discussed, considering the specifics of everyday clinical practice, current possibilities of PGTCS and FS therapy in children, its goals, as well as unsolved problems in the treatment of pediatric patients with PGTCS and FS. Particular attention was paid to the role of perampanel in the treatment of PGTCS and FS in children and its effectiveness in specific types of focal seizures.

Knowledge of the subduction to postcollision tectonic transition in response to oceanic closure is crucial for tracking the final stage of orogenic evolution. Here, we report new geochronology, geochemistry, and isotopic data for Carboniferous magmatism in East Junggar (NW China), southwestern Central Asian orogenic belt, which may record such processes following the closure of the Kalamaili Ocean (a branch of the Paleo-Asian Ocean). The early Carboniferous calc-alkaline volcanic rocks (dominated by basalt and basaltic andesite) yielded zircon U-Pb ages of ca. 340–330 Ma and are characterized by arc-like trace-element patterns showing enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Pb) but depletion of high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti). Combined with their variable Ba/Nb (9.80–454) and low Nb/La (0.21–0.54) and Sm/Yb (1.77–3.08) ratios as well as depleted mantle–like Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf (whole-rock 87Sr/86Sri = 0.7037–0.7040; εNd[t] = +3.5 to +5.9; 206Pb/204Pbi = 17.728–17.996; zircon εHf[t] = +11.8 to +18.8) isotopic values, we suggest that they were produced by melting of a lithospheric mantle wedge fluxed by slab-derived fluids under spinel-facies conditions. With whole-rock 40Ar/39Ar dating of ca. 320 Ma, the late Carboniferous mafic dikes have geochemical features and Sr-Nd-Pb (87Sr/86Sri = 0.7039–0.7041; εNd[t] = +6.6 to +6.8; 206Pb/204Pbi = 17.905–17.933) isotopic compositions similar to those of the early Carboniferous volcanics, but they show less pronounced Pb anomalies and negative Nb and Ta anomalies. They are interpreted to have formed by partial melting of a spinel-bearing lithospheric mantle metasomatized by limited influx of subduction-related fluids. The late Carboniferous felsic volcanic rocks (dacite and rhyolite) yielded zircon U-Pb ages of ca. 305 Ma and are geochemically equivalent to those of A2-type granites in East Junggar. They have juvenile isotopic compositions (εNd[t] = +4.5 to +6.8; εHf[t] = +13.3 to +18.7) and relatively young Nd and Hf model ages that roughly coincide with the ages of the ophiolites in the area, suggesting that they could have originated from melting of a juvenile basaltic lower crust. Whole-rock geochemistry, assimilation–fractional crystallization (AFC), and isotopic mixing modeling argue for insignificant crustal contamination for the Carboniferous magmatism. We suggest that the early Carboniferous lavas erupted in an island-arc setting related to the northward subduction of the Kalamaili oceanic crust, whereas the late Carboniferous magmatism formed in a postcollisional extensional regime in response to slab breakoff or lithospheric delamination. Combined with regional geological information, we propose that a rapid tectonic transition from oceanic subduction to postcollisional extension may have occurred in East Junggar during the Carboniferous, marking the final closure of the Kalamaili Ocean, which most likely took place ca. 330–320 Ma. This study provides overall geochronological and petrogeochemical evidence to better constrain the amalgamation of the southwestern Central Asian orogenic belt and may be of great importance for understanding the final stage of orogenic evolution elsewhere.

An intensive study of the geochemical characteristics (including the volatile elements Cl and S) of apatite associated with porphyry deposits was undertaken to address the debate about the crust- or mantle-derivation of their copper and gold and to better understand the controls on the transport of metals in magmatic fluids in post-subduction settings. New geochemical data on apatite reveal parameters to discriminate mineralized porphyry systems across Iran and western China (Tibet and Yunnan), from coeval barren localities across this post-subduction metallogenic belt. Apatites in fertile porphyries have higher Cl and S concentrations (reflecting water-rich crystallization conditions) than those from coeval barren ones. Our new isotopic data also indicate these volatiles are likely derived from pre-enriched sub-continental lithospheric mantle, metasomatized by previous oceanic subduction. This study demonstrates that refertilization of suprasubduction lithospheric mantle during previous collision events is a prerequisite for forming post-subduction fertile porphyries, providing an evidence-based alternative to current ore-enrichment models.

The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is one of the world's largest and longest-lived accretionary orogens that has been regarded as an important area of crustal growth during the Phanerozoic, yet the growth mechanism is still under debate. A combined study of petrology, geochronology and geochemistry for drilling-sampled early Carboniferous volcanic rocks from the Junggar Basin (NW China), southwestern CAOB, aims to constrain their petrogenesis and implications for Phanerozoic crustal growth. The volcanics show a bimodal-type suite, dominated by basalts, basaltic andesites and subordinate rhyolites, and have consistent zircon U–Pb ages of 334–336 Ma. The mafic rocks exhibit arc-like trace-element distribution patterns characterized by enrichment of LILEs (e.g., Pb) and LREEs but depletion of HFSEs (e.g., Nb, Ta and Ti). They have juvenile isotopic signatures of zircon ɛHf(t) (+11.4 to +15.4) and whole-rock ɛNd(t) (+7.8 to +8.5), with initial (87Sr/86Sr)i of 0.7040–0.7054 and (206Pb/204Pb)i of 17.681–17.817. These geochemical features, together with their variable Ba/La (4.28–44.2) but low (Tb/Yb)N (1.24–1.85) and Sm/Yb (1.65–3.44) ratios, suggest that the mafic volcanics could be derived from a main spinel-bearing mantle source metasomatized by subduction-related fluids. In contrast, the felsic samples are geochemically equivalent to A2-type granite, with high contents of SiO2, Zr, Ga, and show strong depletions in Eu, Sr and Ti. They have zircon Hf (ɛHf(t) = +12.0 to +15.3) and whole-rock Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic compositions ((87Sr/86Sr)i = 0.7032–0.7038; ɛNd(t) = +7.8 to +8.1; (206Pb/204Pb)i = 17.973–18.004) similar to the coeval mafic rocks. These observations, along with the model calculations using MELTS, favor a derivation of felsic rocks from the mafic magma by fractional crystallization. We suggest that the early Carboniferous bimodal-type volcanism formed in a localized back-arc extension within an overall convergent setting, presumably triggered by slab roll-back of the subducting Paleo-Junggar Ocean plate. This bimodal-type magmatism recorded a significant vertical crustal growth event in the Junggar Basin during the Phanerozoic. We propose that oceanic subduction (flare-ups) not only leads to the lateral accretion of arcs, but also results in the vertical growth of mantle-derived materials and subsequent magma differentiation during slab roll-back (flare-lulls); this may considerably change our view of the models of crustal growth in CAOB.

Zircon crystals from the alkaline and nepheline syenites of the Saharjok massif, which were formed during the magmatic (2645 ± 7 Ma), hydrothermal (1832 ± 7 Ma), and metamorphic (1784 ± 22 Ma) crystallization stages, were studied. Zircon from alkaline syenites displays lower eHf and eNd values than zircon from ocean island basalts (OIB); these values indicate their affinity to mantle-derived protoliths, which are similar to CHUR in isotope composition. It is assumed that the Neoarchean Keivy alkaline province formed as a result of the plume–lithosphere interaction, induced by the upwelling of a Neoarchean plume, which facilitated metasomatic alteration and the subsequent partial melting of rocks of the subcratonic lithospheric mantle and the crust. The parental melts of the Saharjok massif could have been formed during the resumption of plume activity 20–30 million years after alkaline granite emplacement in the province by the selective melting of the metasomatized lithospheric mantle rocks.

—We present results of geochemical and Sr–Nd isotope studies of rocks and of local dating and determination of the Lu–Hf isotope composition of zircons from late Vendian–early Cambrian and Cambrian–Ordovician intrusive associations (granitoids and gabbroids) of the Kaa-Khem and East Tannu-Ola batholiths in Eastern Tuva. The wide ranges of the eNd values (6.9 to 0.5) of rocks and the εHf values of magmatic and inherited zircons reflect the diversity of the magma sources of late Vendian–early Paleozoic intrusive associations formed at the island arc and accretion–collision stages. Late Vendian (572–562 Ma, Kopto and Buren massifs) and early Cambrian (522–518 Ma, East Tannu-Ola batholith) island arc tholeiitic and calc-alkalic plagiogranitoids resulted from the melting of the Vendian–early Cambrian island arc crust without the contribution of a more ancient crustal material. The subalkalic gabbro–monzodiorite–granosyenite association of the Zubovka massif (510 Ma) formed from a mantle source depleted isotopically but enriched in incompatible elements, with the participation of an island arc crust material; this process took place in the early phase of plume activity at the accretion–collision stage. Island arc complexes were the main source of Cambrian–Ordovician accretion–collision calc-alkalic plagiogranitoids (500–450 Ma, Terektyg-Cheder, Karaos, Tapsa, Baisyut, and other massifs). Variations in their composition were due to the melting of thick crust, whose isotopic heterogeneity was caused by the different contributions of a more ancient crustal source. The crust of the Tuva–Mongolian terrane made the main contribution to the formation of the potassic granitoids of the Bren’ massif (450 Ma), marking the completion of accretion–collision processes in this region. The isotope parameters of the Vendian–early Paleozoic granitoids are indicators of the crust formation and evolution in the course of subduction and accretion–collision processes.

Merosin-deficient muscular dystrophy is the most common form of congenital muscular dystrophies (СMD), characterized by genetic heterogeneity and a severe course in most cases. CMD pathogenesis is associated with a partial or complete absence of laminin 2 chains in the basal membrane of muscle fiber caused by a mutation in theLAMA2gene. The clinical manifestations of LAMA2-associated muscular dystrophy vary from severe СMD (СMD 1A) with an early onset to a relatively mild course with a late onset and phenotype of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. CMD type 1A is characterized by a delay in motor development from the first months of the life (while the vast majority of children do not master the ability to walk independently), facial muscles weakness, ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, spine rigidity, early occurrence of contractures in the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee joints, restrictive respiratory disorders, nutritional problems, such as disorders of swallowing and chewing, gastroesophageal reflux, low body weight; some children suffer from mental retardation and epilepsy.

The ultramafic-mafic Talnakh intrusion in the Norilsk province (Russia) hosts one of the world’s major platinum group element (PGE)-Cu-Ni sulfide deposits. This study employed a multitechnique approach, including in situ Hf-O isotope analyses of zircon combined with whole-rock Nd isotope data, in order to gain new insights into genesis of the Talnakh economic intrusion. Zircons from gabbrodiorite, gabbroic rocks of the layered series, and ultramafic rocks have similar mantle-like mean δ18O values (5.39 ± 0.49‰, n = 27; 5.64 ± 0.48‰, n = 34; and 5.28 ± 0.34‰, n = 7, respectively), consistent with a mantle-derived origin for the primary magma(s) parental to the Talnakh intrusion. In contrast, a sulfide-bearing taxitic-textured troctolite from the basal part of intrusion has high δ18O (mean of 6.50‰, n = 3), indicating the possible involvement of a crustal component during the formation of sulfide-bearing taxitic-textured rocks. The Hf isotope compositions of zircon from different rocks of the Talnakh intrusion show significant variations, with ɛHf(t) values ranging from –3.2 to 9.8 for gabbrodiorite, from –4.3 to 11.6 for unmineralized layered-sequence gabbroic rocks, from 2.3 to 12 for mineralized ultramafic rocks, and from –3.5 to 8.8 for mineralized taxitic-textured rocks at the base of the intrusion. The significant range in the initial 176Hf/177Hf values is ascribed to interaction of distinct magma sources during formation of the Talnakh intrusion. These include (1) a juvenile source equivalent to the depleted mantle, (2) a subcontinental lithospheric source, and (3) a minor crustal component. Initial whole-rock Nd isotope compositions of the mineralized taxitic-textured rocks from the base of the intrusion (mean ɛNd(t) = –1.5 ± 1.8) differ from the other rocks, which have relatively restricted ranges in initial ɛNd (mean ɛNd = 0.9 ± 0.2). The major set of ɛNd values around 1.0 at Talnakh is attributed to limited crustal contamination, presumably in deep magma chambers, whereas the smaller set of negative ɛNd values in taxitic-textured rocks is consistent with greater involvement of a crustal component and reflects an interaction with the wall rocks during emplacement.

The Adelaide Rift Complex is arguably one of the most complete and best studied Neoproterozoic to early Cambrian successions worldwide, preserving evidence of the breakup of Rodinia, two Cryogenian glaciations and the interglacial phase, and one of the best documented Ediacaran to early Cambrian biotic transitions. However, the complex and protracted tectono-sedimentary history of this 0.8–0.5 Ga province is still being debated. We present new and published U Pb ages and Hf and O isotope data for detrital zircons from the Adelaide Rift Complex, representing the most complete assembly of such data for this succession. Deposition during initial mid-Tonia extension was largely sourced locally from rift shoulders. As the basin evolved from rift- to sag-phase following continental breakup in the Cryogenian the provenance regions extended to more distal late Mesoproterozoic terranes to west and northwest. New data from Sturtian Glacial Epoch deposits are consistent with termination of this event at 0.66 Ga, with most deposition during deglaciation. Uplift of the Musgrave region during the Ediacaran to early Cambrian Petermann Orogeny led to dominant sediment supply from that terrane at that time in the north. In the south, earliest Cambrian deposition followed local tectonism, initially revitalising local proximal basement sources. An abrupt change in provenance occurred at the base of the Cambrian Kanmantoo Group, the youngest sediment package in the south. Paleocurrent data indicates transports from the south, probably from formerly contiguous Antarctica, possibly reflecting the onset of convergent tectonics and deposition in a foreland basin, consistent with the near depositional age of the dominant detrital zircon population. Whilst several episodes of significant crustal reworking are identified in the Hf and O isotope data, many of the zircon TDM ages lie within 0.5 Ga of the U Pb ages indicating that new additions from the mantle were common in the provenance regions.

Rationale: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder characterized by multiple multi-organ hamartomas. Medically refractory epilepsy (MRE) occurs in up to 60% of TSC patients. The results of the EXIST-3 study have shown the efficacy of MRE treatment with an mTOR inhibitor everolimus. In the Russian Federation, the drug has been approved since 2017 for the treatment of TSC-associated MRE in patients above 2 years of age. Aim: To assess the efficacy of everolimus for treatment of medically refractory seizures associated with TSC. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical files from 89 patients with TSC who had been admitted with MRE to the Department of Psychoneurology and Epileptology, Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics (Moscow, Russia) from November 2016 to December 2018. The patients were divided into three groups depending on their indications for everolimus: 1) 17 patients received with MRE; 2) 64 patients with MRE and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) of > 1 cm in diameter; 3) 8 patients with MRE and renal angiomyolipoma (AML) of > 3 cm in diameter. Their median age was 7.9 year (range, from 2 to 34 years). There were 45 (50.6%) male and 44 (49.4%) female patients. Their treatment lasted from 6 months to 5 years; the dose of everolimus was 8 mg/m2 . Focal seizures were more prevalent than epileptic spasms: 60 (67.4%) and 29 (32.6%) patients, respectively. Results: There were 9/17 (52.9%) responders in the MRE group, 16/64 (25%) in the MRE + SEGA group, and 4/8 (50%) in the MRE + AML group. Mild to moderate stomatitis was the most frequent side effect (40.5%). Conclusion: Everolimus is a new important agent for MRE in TSC patients. Treatment with everolimus is safe and well tolerated.

—We present results of geochemical and isotope (Rb–Sr, Sm–Nd, and Lu–Hf) studies of the early Paleozoic plagiogranitoid associations in the south of the Lake Zone in Western Mongolia, which formed at the island-arc and accretion–collision stages of the regional evolution. According to the petrogeochemical composition, the early Paleozoic plagiogranitoid associations of the island-arc (Tugrug, Hatan-Hunga, Udzur-Hunga, and Bayasgalant plutons, 531–517 Ma) and accretion–collision (Tugrug, Mandalt, and Dut Uul plutons, 504–481 Ma) stages are high- and low-alumina rocks. The recognized types of plagiogranitoids, with regard to their trace-element composition, indicate that their parental melts were generated from MORB-type metabasites at ≥10–12 kbar, in equilibrium with garnet-containing restite, and at ≤8 kbar, in equilibrium with plagioclase-containing restite. The Sr–Nd isotope data on the rocks and the Lu–Hf isotope parameters of their magmatic zircons show two groups of plagiogranitoids, with different sources of melts. The first group includes plagiogranitoid associations of most plutons (Tugrug, Udzur-Hunga, Hatan-Hunga, Bayasgalant, and Dut Uul) with isotope parameters (εNd = 8.5–4.6, (87Sr/86Sr)0 = 0.7034–0.7036, and εHf = 14.7–11.9) indicating the juvenile nature of their sources. The second group includes plagiogranitoids of the Mandalt pluton; their isotope parameters (εNd = 1.4–0.2, (87Sr/86Sr)0 = 0.7053, and εHf = 7.2–5.4) indicate that the parental melts were generated mostly from enriched-mantle metabasites. The Hf isotope data on inherited and xenogenic zircons (664–519 Ma) from the early Paleozoic plagiogranitoid associations of the southern Lake Zone permit us to separate these rocks into three groups according to their εHf values (14.5–12.8, 2.9, and 10.6–6.7). The Hf isotope parameters of magmatic and inherited zircons, with regard to their age, indicate that the source of the parental melts lacked rocks with a long crustal history, such as the early Precambrian associations of the Dzavhan microcontinent.

Within a field meeting of experts from the Russian branch of the League Against Epilepsy (RLAE), diagnostic and treatment aspects of epilepsy were discussed with the emphasis on the female population (girls, women of childbearing and older ages). All experts underscored the special features and unique needs of female patients with epilepsy. Experimental and clinical studies on efficacy and safety of traditional and novel antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) applied to women with epilepsy were discussed. It was commonly agreed that the new generation of AEDs did not yet find an appropriate place in the clinical practice, and that they were mainly used as add-on therapy in order to overcome drug resistance. The current use of AEDs in the treatment of epilepsy is, by large, not gender-specific and is not related enough to age, sociodemographic characteristics, and comorbid disorders. It should be noted that the new AEDs are addressed specifically to individual, socio-demographic, gender and clinical features of the patient. The potential of some AEDs (lamotrigine), in fact, remains underestimated by practitioners. Due to the current restrictions in using valproic acid, lamotrigine is the alternative medication for women with epilepsy. Having a balanced profile of efficacy and safety, lamotrigine is recommended as the first choice drug for initial therapy, as well as an alternative monotherapy for epilepsy in women.These data were presented at the Russian League Against Epilepsy (RLAE) on-site meeting “Epilepsy and Woman” 18 September 2019 (Ohrid, Makedonia).

This study presents the first results of oxygen isotope analyses (δ18O) collected on zircons from the Talnakh economic intrusion within the Noril’sk province. Zircons from gabbro-diorite, gabbroic rocks of the layered series and plagioclase-bearing wehrlite have similar mantle-like mean δ18O values (5.39 ± 0.48‰; 5.63 ± 0.48‰ and of 5.28 ± 0.34‰, respectively), which differ from δ18O in zircons from sulfide-bearing melanocratic troctolite with taxitic texture in the lower part of the intrusion (mean δ18O = 6.50 ± 0.98‰). These new oxygen isotope data support (i) the mantle-derived origin of the primary magma(s), parental to the Talnakh intrusion, and (ii) possible involvement of a crustal component during the formation of sulfide-bearing taxitic-textured rocks.

—We consider the geologic structure, composition, and age of early Paleozoic intrusive rock associations of the Tugrug, Udzur-Hunga, Hatan-Hunga, Mandalt, Bayasgalant, and Dut Uul plutons. The plutons are located among late Neoproterozoic–early Cambrian volcanic and volcanosedimentary strata in the southern part of the island-arc system of the Lake Zone in Western Mongolia. We have recognized plagiogranitoid and gabbroid associations of different petrochemical compositions, ages, and geodynamic settings of formation in these plutons. The results of geochronological studies show that the plagiogranitoid associations in the south of the Lake Zone formed in the period from 531 to 481 Ma. Two major stages of intrusive magmatism in the zone have been established in this time interval: island-arc, 531–517 Ma, and accretion–collision, 504–481 Ma. The plagiogranitoid associations that formed at the island-arc stage are the most widespread, whereas those formed at the accretion–collision stage are much scarcer. The intrusive plutons of all ages are composed predominantly of granitoid associations of the tonalite–trondhjemite series, which are calc-alkalic rocks. Study of xenogenic and inherited zircons from plagiogranitoid associations formed at the island-arc and accretion–collision stages of the regional evolution has shown their age range 664–520 Ma. Four age groups of inherited zircon have been recognized (~664, 570–560, 545–531, and 530–520 Ma), which generally correspond to the stages of island-arc (volcanic and intrusive) and ophiolite magmatism and, most likely, reflect the additional magma-generating sources of parental plagiogranitic melts.

U–Pb dating, Hf-isotope, and trace-element studies on two detrital zircon samples from sandstone interlayers in the Upper Jurassic conglomerates of the Southern coast of the Mountainous Crimea provide new information on the primary crystalline complexes from which those conglomerates were sourced. The U–Pb age spectra of studied zircons suggest that they were most likely sourced from the (meta)sedimentary complexes of the Eastern and Western Pontides blocks and the Dobrogea platform. In particular, a close similarity of the Precambrian age spectra with the detrital zircons from Late Neoproterozoic–Late Paleozoic (meta)sedimentary complexes of the Dobrogea block provides strong supporting evidence for the affinity between the Pre-Mesozoic basement of the Crimea and the Dobrogea platform. The zircons in the first sample were recycled through Dobrogea sedimentary complexes and originated from terranes with Amazonia affinities, while zircons in the second sample were recycled through the Taurides and originated from terranes related to northeastern Africa and Arabia. The strong similarity of the Precambrian parts of the age spectra of the Dobrogea complexes and the sample K15-007 suggests a resemblance of the Crimea’s Pre-Mesozoic foundation and the Dobrogea platform. Initial analytical data are provided in Electronic Supplementary Materials A (ESM A). Descriptions of measurement parameters, methodologies, and constants used to process primary analytical data and some processing results are reported in ESM B (Figs. B1–B8). Schemes of locations within Balkans–Anatolia–Black Sea–Caucasus region the crystalline complexes with Jurassic, Triassic, Permian–Carboniferous, as well as Late Neoproterozoic–Cambrian and Ordovician–Devonian ages are in ESM C (Figs. C1, C3–C5).

New U-Pb (SIMS and LA-ICP-MS) geochronological data for rocks of Egdygkych complex of hypabyssal intrusions, Nichan and Vukney plutons, and felsic volcanic rocks and tuffs from host strata of Oloy volcanic belt of Alasey-Oloy fold system are obtained. Concordant ages of Egdygkych complex rocks correspond to Early Cretaceous (Berriasian-Valanginian), those for host strata, to the end of Late Jurassic (Tithonian) - beginning of Early Cretaceous (Berriasian). New U-Pb geochronological data allow confidently to distinguish uniform volcanic-plutonic assemblage of Late Jurassic (Tithonian) - Early Cretaceous (Berriasian-Valanginian) age of Oloy volcanic belt. Obtained data more definitely determine age limits of Au-Mo-Cu mineralization, associated with contacts between rocks of Egdydkych complex and host volcanic-sedimentary rocks or contacts of separated intrusive phases.

The U–Pb dating and Hf isotope systematics of detrital zircons from a sandstone interbed in the section of the upper conglomerate sequence of the Mt. Southern Demerdzhi were carried out. The dominant populations of detrital zircons in the studied sample characterize episodes of magmatic activity within the source of the Upper Jurassic conglomerates. Magmatism was manifested in the Vendian-Cambrian, Carbon-Triassic, and Late Jurassic. The eHf values of detrital zircons of these ages indicate the insignificant role of the ancient (Archean–Early Proterozoic) continental crust in the protolith of magmatic chambers. The similarity of the detrital zircons age distribution from the Middle Jurassic and Upper Jurassic conglomerate strata suggests that they are molasses of the Cimmerian orogen. The absence of products of Middle Jurassic magmatism in molasses of the Cimmerian orogen, which we fixed, limits position of the Cimmerian orogen in the southern part of the Scythian plate. It is shown that the primary source of the Precambrian detrital zircons were mobilized within the Cimmerian orogen the crustal fragments of the Peri-Gondwanan origin, rather than the basement complexes of the East European Platform, similar to the complexes of the Ukrainian shield. The reconstruction of the main stages of the accumulation of the coarse-grained strata of the Mountaineous Crimea in the context of the tectonic evolution of the southern margin of Laurasia during the Mesozoic is presented.

Detrital zircons of Ordovician terrigenous sequences are studied in various Southern Uralian tectonic units.The age of detrital zircons of the West Uralian and Transuralian megazones, Taganai–Beloretsk Zone, and Kraka allochthons spans from the Late Archean to the end of the Vendian– beginning of the Cambrian; Early Precambrian and Early–Middle Riphean zircons are the most abundant. Vendian–Cambrian detrital zircons are strongly dominant in the Uraltau Zone, Sakmara allochthons, and East Uralian Megazone; the zircons of other ages are absent or extremely rare. The Vendian–Cambrian detrital zircons of all Southern Urals zones probably derive from volcanic and granitic rocks of the marginal continental belt, which are part of the Uraltau Zone, Sakmara allochthons, and East Uralian Megazone. The Lu–Hf isotopic characteristics of Vendian–Cambrian detrital zircons indicate that their parental rocks formed on a heterogeneous basement that includes blocks of juvenile and ancient continental crust. According to a model of the pre-Ordovician tectonic evolution of the Southern Urals, at the end of the Late Riphean, the passive margin of the East European Platform collided with a block on a heterogeneous basement. The formation of the block terminated with the Grenville Orogeny. After collision, a volcano-plutonic belt originated in the Vendian–Cambrian at the actively evolved margin of the East European Platform.

The Egdygkych hypabyssal rocks of the Nichan and Vuknei massifs, as well as the host volcanites and tuffs of the Oloi volcanic belt of the Alazeya–Oloi folded system have been dated by U–Pb (SIMS and LA–ICP–MS). The obtained ages of the Egdygkych complex correspond to the Early Cretaceous (Berriasian–Valanginian), while those of their host rocks range from the Late Jurassic (Tithonian) to the beginning of the Early Cretaceous (Berriasian). These new U–Pb geochronological data confidently suggest a unity of the volcanic–plutonic association of the Late Jurassic (Tithonian)–Early Cretaceous (Berriasian–Valanginian) age of the Oloi volcanic belt. The data obtained refine the age range of Au–Mo–Cu ores confined to the contacts between the Egdygkych complex rocks and host volcano-sedimentary deposits or contacts of individual intrusive phases within the complex.

The Kundelungu Plateau in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) hosts numerous kimberlites, but up to now, only 34 bodies have been mapped. Locating these occurrences is hampered by the presence of sand cover on the plateau, a few tens of meters thick. Thus, most of the known pipes occur at the edge of the plateau where erosion has removed most of the sand cover. We report here on the Katuba kimberlite, a volcaniclastic kimberlite typical of a diatreme environment, with xenoliths of peridotite, carbonate, sandstone and shale, and lapilli-like microstructures. U-Pb analysis of perovskites from the Katuba kimberlite provides an age of 23 ± 1.8 Ma for the intrusion. Considering the age of 33 ± 4 Ma for perovskites from the Msipashi kimberlite pipe (also located on the same plateau), this new age suggests that the kimberlite magmatism in the Kundelungu Plateau lasted at least for 10 myr. The emplacement of these kimberlites is coeval with the opening of the Mweru graben, which is part of the East African Rift System (EARS), with structures oriented generally NW-SE and NE-SW. Some copper mineralisations inside the Katanga copperbelt, including those at Dikulushi and Kipushi, are located in similar structures, suggesting that the fluids responsible for the remobilisation of the mineralisation may be related to the kimberlite magmatism. Alternatively, the trigger for both the remobilisation of the mineralisation and the kimberlite magmatism is the tectonism that lead to the opening of the EARS. The upwelling of the asthenosphere or the mantle plume associated with the kimberlite magmatism may have supplied sufficient heat for fluid generation or contributed to the remobilisation of fluids. The location of the Katuba kimberlite along the NW-SE structures that were reactivated during the rifting inducing the opening of the Mweru graben, and which themselves are crosscut by the Luizi impact structure, provides another constraint on the relative age of the Luizi structure, which must be younger than the NW-SE structures and older than the emplacement of the Katuba kimberlite.

The first isotope-geochemical and geochemical characteristics (the “TerraneChrone” method) of previously dated (U-Pb, LA-ICP-MS) detrital zircons from Ordovician sandstones (borehole Ordovician-2, Sol-Iletsk block) are presented. A comparative analysis of the characteristics of the studied zircons and the corresponding characteristics of the complexes composing the possible feeding provinces is carried out.

The primary isotope–geochemical and geochemical characteristics (by the TerraneChrone® technique) are presented for detrital zircons dated previously (U/Pb, LA–ICP–MS dating) from Ordovician sandstones (the Ordovician-2 borehole of the Sol-Iletsk block). The characteristics of the treated zircons were compared to the corresponding parameters of the complexes constituting the possible sources provinces.

Detrital zircons of Ordovician terrigenous sequences are studied in various Southern Uralian tectonic units. The age of detrital zircons of the West Uralian and Transuralian megazones, Taganai–Beloretsk Zone, and Kraka allochthons spans from the Late Archean to the end of the Vendian– beginning of the Cambrian; Early Precambrian and Early–Middle Riphean zircons are the most abundant. Vendian–Cambrian detrital zircons are strongly dominant in the Uraltau Zone, Sakmara allochthons, and East Uralian Megazone; the zircons of other ages are absent or extremely rare. The Vendian–Cambrian detrital zircons of all Southern Urals zones probably derive from volcanic and granitic rocks of the marginal continental belt, which are part of the Uraltau Zone, Sakmara allochthons, and East Uralian Megazone. The Lu–Hf isotopic characteristics of Vendian–Cambrian detrital zircons indicate that their parental rocks formed on a heterogeneous basement that includes blocks of juvenile and ancient continental crust. According to a model of the pre-Ordovician tectonic evolution of the Southern Urals, at the end of the Late Riphean, the passive margin of the East European Platform collided with a block on a heterogeneous basement. The formation of the block terminated with the Grenville Orogeny. After collision, a volcano-plutonic belt originated in the Vendian–Cambrian at the actively evolved margin of the East European Platform.

This study evaluates for the first time Hf-isotope characteristics of zircon from dunite of the Kondyor massif, which is closely related to an economic platinum placer deposit. The significant range in eHf(t) values (from –8.4 ± 0.8 to 10.5 ± 1.3) in Mesozoic zircons indicates the interaction of a “juvenile” mantle source (eHf(t) = +15) with distinct magma sources, equivalent to a subcontinental lithospheric mantle and/or a continental crust. The peculiarities of the Hf-isotopic composition of Precambrian zircons (eHf(t) from –2.3 to +0.3) is consistent with their xenogenic origin and inheritance from basement rocks of the Siberian Craton.