Search

Цель исследования – определение морфометрических особенностей сердца у детей 7–10 лет, проживающих в Архангельской области, во взаимосвязи с показателями физического развития. Материалы и методы. На базе Архангельской областной детской клинической больницы имени П.Г. Выжлецова методом эхокардиографии изучены морфометрические параметры сердца 990 детей 7–10 лет обоего пола без признаков патологии сердечно-сосудистой системы, определены их антропометрические данные. Результаты. При относительной стабильности процессов морфофункционального созревания на данном этапе онтогенеза, обнаружены как половые, так и возрастные структурные особенности сердца. Наибольшее число половых различий установлено для детей 8 лет, и характеризуются они бóльшими значениями параметров сердца у мальчиков по сравнению с девочками. Половые различия по ширине магистральных сосудов «стираются» к 10 годам. Параметры физического развития закономерно увеличиваются с возрастом, равномерно по годам, половой диморфизм не выражен; суммарный рост с 7 до 10 лет составляет у мальчиков и девочек соответственно: длины тела – 12,67 и 14,10 %; массы тела – 38,68 и 40,66 %; площади поверхности тела (ППТ) – 24,21 и 27,17 %. Наиболее устойчивыми и однонаправленными изменениями в возрастном аспекте характеризуется ППТ, которая демонстрирует значительную взаимосвязь с морфологией сердца, особенно в позднем препубертате. Наибольшей стабильностью в отражении доли вариации показателей эхокардиограммы во всех возрастно-половых группах обладает ППТ, определенная по формуле Мостеллера. Выявлена гетерохронность возрастного созревания размеров камер сердца, с более ранним началом и более продолжительным периодом у мальчиков. Левые отделы сердца у мальчиков увеличиваются с 8 до 10 лет, тогда как у девочек – в период 9–10 лет. Факторный анализ позволил установить усиление с возрастом вклада параметров физического развития в дисперсию морфометрических признаков сердца.

We report on the possibility of noninvasive diabetes monitoring through continuous analysis of sweat. The prediction of the blood glucose level in diabetic patients is possible on the basis of their sweat glucose content due to the positive correlation discovered. The ratio between the blood glucose and sweat glucose concentrations for a certain diabetic subject is stable within weeks, excluding requirements for frequent blood probing. The glucose variations in sweat display allometric (non-linear) dependence on those in blood, allowing more precise blood glucose estimation. Selective (avoiding false-positive responses) and sensitive (sweat glucose is on average 30–50 times lower) detection is possible with biosensors based on the glucose oxidase enzyme coupled with a Prussian Blue transducer. Reliable glucose detection in just secreted sweat would allow noninvasive monitoring of the glycemia level in diabetic patients.

Abstract The Altai falcon from Central Asia always attracted the attention of humans. Long considered a totemic bird in its native area, modern falconers still much appreciated this large-bodied and mighty bird of prey due to its rarity and unique look. The peculiar body characteristics halfway between the saker falcon (Falco cherrug) and the gyrfalcon (F. rusticolus) triggered debates about its contentious taxonomy. The weak phylogenetic signal associated with traditional genetic methods could not resolve this uncertainty. Here, we address the controversial evolutionary origin of Altai falcons by means of a genome-wide approach, Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing, using sympatric eastern sakers falcons, allopatric western saker falcons and gyrfalcons as outgroup. This approach provided an unprecedented insight into the phylogenetic relationships of the studied populations by delivering 17,095 unlinked SNPs shedding light on the polyphyletic nature of Altai falcons within eastern sakers. Thus we concluded that the former must correspond to a low taxonomic rank, probably an ecotype or form of the latter. Also, we found that eastern sakers are paraphyletic without gyrfalcons, thus, these latter birds are best regarded as the direct sister lineage of the eastern sakers. This evolutionary relationship, corroborated also by re-analyzing the dataset with the inclusion of outgroup samples (F. biarmicus and F. peregrinus), put eastern sakers into a new light as the potential ancestral genetic source of high latitude and altitude adaptation in descendent populations. Finally, conservation genomic values hint at the stable genetic background of the studied saker populations.

Purpose of the study. Assessment of safety and short‑term effectiveness of high and very high‑risk prostate cancer neoadjuvant chemo‑ hormonal treatment without distant metastases.Patients and methods. Combined hormone chemo‑ radiation treatment of 33 patients with prostate cancer of high and very high risk of progression without distant metastases was performed. Metastases to regional lymph nodes were found in 9 patients according to the examination data (MRI, MSCT), no metastases were detected in 24 patients. All patients underwent combined chemohormonal therapy in the amount of 4 courses of docetaxel intravenously at a dose of 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks as the first stage of treatment. in combination with androgen deprivation therapy with agonists or antagonists of GnRH before performing radical radiation therapy (combined or remote). All patients underwent neoadjuvant hormone therapy: 16 patients – with the use of GnRH antagonists (Degarelix), 17 – with the use of GnRH agonists (Gozerelin/Leuprorelin/Triptorelin). The toxicity of the presented treatment regimen and its immediate effectiveness – the effect on the level of prostate‑s pecific antigen (PSA), prostate volume, and the quality of urination – were evaluated.Results. Treatment regimen was highly effective concerning PSA decrease (from initial median level 79,67 ng/ml to 1,45 ng/ml after neoadjuvant treatment), all subjects responded well, no non‑responders observed. Median prostate volume decreased from 44 cm3 to 25 cm3 after treatment, which guaranteed availability and safety of further radical radiation treatment. Urinary function was restored in all subject with initial urinary retention.Conclusion. Neoadjuvant chemo‑h ormonal treatment was highly effective in PSA level, prostate volume decrease and functional results improvement which secured further radical radiation treatment in one of its types. Toxicity was acceptable, adverse events did not exceed grade II in most cases and did not lead to treatment discontinuation in any cases, while quality of life remained high enough.

Purpose of the study. Generalization of the world experience of organ‑preserving treatment in muscle‑invasive bladder cancerMaterials and methods. The literature was searched in Medline, Cochrane Library, Elibrary and PubMed systems. Publications describing the modern possibilities of organ‑preserving treatment of muscle‑invasive bladder cancer were included, 58 of which were used to write this review.Results. The review highlights the results of international randomized and significant non‑randomized studies of organ‑preserving treatment in muscle‑invasive bladder cancer. Special attention is paid to the description of a modern combination of treatment methods to achieve its maximum effectiveness while maintaining the quality of life of patients. The analysis of the world literature was carried out, confirming the prospects of organ‑preserving treatment with careful selection of patients.Conclusion. Organ-preserving trimodal therapy for muscle‑invasive bladder cancer remains an alternative treatment strategy. Careful selection of patients plays a key role. The modern approach to trimodal therapy (TMT) is as follows: complete transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB), neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy, subsequent assessment of the response to treatment (re‑staging with TURB) should be performed; with a complete pathomorphological response, a course of remote radiation therapy up to TFD 60–66 Gy in the case of traditional fractionation (focal radiation therapy and the use of hypofractionation modes are also possible), using modern irradiation technologies (IGRT, IMRT). In case of an incomplete response, the implementation of the radical cystectomy (RCE) is shown. If a relapse occurs during follow‑up after treatment in the volume of TMT, a life‑saving RCE is shown.If the above conditions are met, the oncological results of treatment with TMT are equivalent to those during RCE, but require further study.

Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) is one of the most threatened falcon species of Northern Eurasia, the range and the number of which has fallen catastrophically over the last four decades. One large breeding group was concentrated in the Karatau Mountains in southern Kazakhstan. Based on the results of studies in 2010 and 2022, we modeled Saker Falcon distribution in Google Earth Engine using the image classification method – Random Forest (probability + regression). The area of Saker Falcon breeding biotopes in Karatau and adjacent territories is calculated at 4222.64 km2, area of habitats – 9084.3 km2. Saker Falcon population in the study area for 2010 is estimated at 128–281 pairs, 200 pairs on average; in 2022 – 28–66, 46 pairs on average, with a decrease by 77%. The “catalyst” for the collapse of the Saker Falcon population in Karatau is a prolonged depression in the number of rodents. Pairs that survive while nesting almost exclusively feed on birds. The preserved resource is important for population recovery, and the further fate of the species will depend both on restoration of rodent populations and on the pressure of other negative factors, such as poaching and mortality on overhead power lines.

Events 2nd Ornithological Congress of the Americas will be held in Gramado, Brazil in August 1-4, 2023. Twelfth Australasian Ornithological Conference (AOC) will be held in Brisbane (Queensland, Australia) in November 28–30 2023. Contraband of Falcons At Boryspil airport on February 4, 2022, officers of the State Border Service, customs officials, Ukrainian security service and aviation security service found four falcons in the luggage of a Ukrainian who was traveling to Doha, Qatar. In the course of the law enforcement intelligence operation on September 9, 2022, the State Environmental Protection Committee of Uzbekistan together with the officials of the Department of Internal Affairs prevented the smuggling of seven Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug). The Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) of the “Altai” phenotype, marked with ring D-745 of the Russian Raptor Research and Conservation Network (RRRCN), and released into the wild in the south of Chelyabinsk region (Russia) within the Saker Falcon Restoration Project in the South Urals, implemented by Holzan Nursery, was captured on 10 October 2022 by poachers in Pakistan. On October 20, 2022, at the Besagash border station (Zhambyl Region, Kazakhstan), a group of unknown persons were detained. They were illegally trying to take nine Saker Falcons from the Republic of Kazakhstan to the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic (Falco cherrug). Police officers of Verkhneuralsky district of Chelyabinsk region stopped illegal activities of 48-year-old Dmitry Yasko on October 22, 2022 who, according to the police, was engaged in catching of Peregrin Falcons (Falco peregrinus) and Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug). Rosprirodnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources) inspectors and officers of the Border Department of the Federal Security Service in Altai Krai stopped the illegal export of peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) to an Arab country on December 22, 2022. The Border Guard Service of the Federal Security Service of Russia stopped an attempt to smuggle Gyrfalcons (Falco rusticolus) to a country in the Middle East on December 28, 2022.

Installing artificial nests is a widely used method of managing wild bird populations around the world that allows to increase their numbers and/or productivity and breeding success. Among raptors this method is mostly used for small falcons and owls; however, artificial nests are also repeatedly used to attract such a rare species as the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) for breeding. We deployed a system of artificial nesting to restore the Saker Falcon population in former agrocenoses of Siberian mountain steppe and forest-steppe, which had not been used for agriculture since the collapse of theSoviet Union in 1991. Since 2006 our experiment showed a systematic increase in the Saker Falcon numbers from 1 to 47 pairs. Before 2018 we only used open platforms, and after 2018 we began to install nestboxes, so in the article we can compare birds' response to open and closed nests. We evaluate the artificial nesting impact on Saker Falcon population growth, as well as a number of other raptor species. We also describe the phenomenon of a sharp increase in the number of all raptor species in 2020–2021, attributing this to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is a globally threatened species. The northernmost limit of its breeding range is located in Kazakhstan and is fragmented into three large enclaves. The Karatau range is one such enclave. It was previously assumed that a small number of Egyptian Vultures nested here; however, research showed the fallacy of such ideas in 2010. In 2022, Karatau was surveyed in more detail to detect Egyptian Vultures. Based on the results of studies in 2010 and 2022, we modeled Egyptian Vulture distribution in Google Earth Engine using the image classification method — Random Forest (probability + regression) and calculated its possible abundance in Karatau utilizing several methods, including Distance Sampling. The area of breeing biotopes of the Egyptian Vulture is determined at 10,378.85 km2, the area of habitats – 34,576.8 km2. The Egyptian Vulture population in Karatau for 2022 is estimated at 171–298 breeding pairs (average of 278 breeding pairs), and 43–74 successful pairs (average of 69 successful pairs) (91 breeding territories are known). Based on the obtained data and publications analysis, we assume that the Karatau Egyptian Vulture population is stable despite deterioration in habitat quality and reduction in breeding success of the species in recent years.

ABSTRACT Wild birds including raptors can act as vectors of clinically relevant bacteria with antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in black kites (Milvus migrans) inhabiting localities in proximity to human-influenced environments in southwestern Siberia and investigate their virulence and plasmid contents. A total of 51 E. coli isolates mostly with multidrug resistance (MDR) profiles were obtained from cloacal swabs of 35 (64%, n = 55) kites. Genomic analyses of 36 whole genome sequenced E. coli isolates showed: (i) high prevalence and diversity of their antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and common association with ESBL/AmpC production (27/36, 75%), (ii) carriage of mcr-1 for colistin resistance on IncI2 plasmids in kites residing in proximity of two large cities, (iii) frequent association with class one integrase (IntI1, 22/36, 61%), and (iv) presence of sequence types (STs) linked to avian-pathogenic (APEC) and extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC). Notably, numerous isolates had significant virulence content. One E. coli with APEC-associated ST354 carried qnrE1 encoding fluoroquinolone resistance on IncHI2-ST3 plasmid, the first detection of such a gene in E. coli from wildlife. Our results implicate black kites in southwestern Siberia as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant E. coli. It also highlights the existing link between proximity of wildlife to human activities and their carriage of MDR bacteria including pathogenic STs with significant and clinically relevant antibiotic resistance determinants. IMPORTANCE Migratory birds have the potential to acquire and disperse clinically relevant antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and their associated antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through vast geographical regions. The opportunistic feeding behavior associated with some raptors including black kites and the growing anthropogenic influence on their natural habitats increase the transmission risk of multidrug resistance (MDR) and pathogenic bacteria from human and agricultural sources into the environment and wildlife. Thus, monitoring studies investigating antibiotic resistance in raptors may provide essential data that facilitate understanding the fate and evolution of ARB and ARGs in the environment and possible health risks for humans and animals associated with the acquisition of these resistance determinants by wildlife.

The distributed client-server system of broadcast quality monitoring in RF proposed in the paper uses the necessary equipment, including BER bit error sensors based on programmable receivers combined with single-board microcomputers implemented on SoC processors. Collection and processing of data in broadcasting areas with the proposed monitoring system will allow specialists involved in practical network development to give an objective conclusion about the need and ways of SFN network reconstruction to ensure uninterrupted TV and radio broadcasting in the Russian Federation.

Abstract The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is one of the most widespread raptors in the world. The Palaearctic is populated by two migrating subspecies, Milvus migrans migrans and Milvus migrans lineatus, in the western and eastern part of this realm, respectively. There is a large intergradation zone of M. m. migrans/M. m. lineatus in-between. Although the migration routes of M. m. migrans from Europe to Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East are well known, detailed information about migration routes of Black Kites from intergradation zone are missing. Using satellite telemetry we are able to fill this gap in our knowledge of these birds. We tagged with GPS/SMS/GPRS telemetry loggers 13 and 6 Black Kite pulli in lowland around Biysk (Altai Krai, Russia) and in mountains around Kosh-Agach (Altai Republic, Russia), respectively. After fledging, Black Kites from both subpopulations stayed in a small, non-overlapping areas and then migrated to southern Asia through narrow corridors. Black Kites originating from Biysk migrated through the Western Circum-Himalayan Corridor. Black Kites originating from Kosh-Agach used the Trans-Himalayan Corridor crossing the Himalayas in altitudes of up to 6256 m asl. The average total distance travelled of Black Kites from both subpopulations was 9166 km without any significant differences between these subpopulations. Timing of both spring and autumn migration did not vary along different age groups. Black Kites from both subpopulations wintered in low elevations of Pakistan and India. Birds wintered on average for 190 days, and the mean area of individual home ranges in winter was 4704 km2. During the breeding period, birds dwelled in south-western Siberia, where they spent on average 125 days with an average home range size 3537 km2. We found that ontogenetic shifts in migratory behaviour of Black Kites from Eastern Russia differ from those in population/subspecies in Europe. Black Kites crossing the Himalayas fly and, moreover, stay for hours resting at night in the environment of mountains at altitudes over 5000 m.

We report on the possibility of noninvasive diabetes monitoring through continuous analysis of sweat. The prediction of the blood glucose level in diabetic patients is possible on the basis of their sweat glucose content due to the positive correlation discovered. The ratio between the blood glucose and sweat glucose concentrations for a certain diabetic subject is stable within weeks, excluding requirements for frequent blood probing. The glucose variations in sweat display allometric (non-linear) dependence on those in blood, allowing more precise blood glucose estimation. Selective (avoiding false-positive responses) and sensitive (sweat glucose is on average 30–50 times lower) detection is possible with biosensors based on the glucose oxidase enzyme coupled with a Prussian Blue transducer. Reliable glucose detection in just secreted sweat would allow noninvasive monitoring of the glycemia level in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On March 3rd, 2021, association “Electrosetizolyatsia” in collaboration with the Russian Bird Conservation Union conducted an online conference “Implementation of technical policy to ensure the safety of birds on power grid infrastructure”. On 20-25 September 2021, the VIII International Conference of the Working Group on Birds of Prey of Northern Eurasia (RGHP) "Birds of Prey in Anthropogenic, Natural and Quasi-Natural Landscapes: Modern Challenges and Trends", dedicated to the memory of Alexander Ivanovich Shepel, was held on the basis of the Voronezh State Natural Biosphere Reserve. Earlier, the Conference was postponed for a year from September 2020. On October 5th, 2021, an international discussion of successful methods and practices of Saker Falcon population restoration took place online. On October 15, 2021, a round-table meeting dedicated to contemporary issues and threats to endangered raptor species was held by the “Association of Environmental Organizations of Kazakhstan”, ALE., and the public fund “Biodiversity Research and Conservation Center of Kazakhstan”. The Annual Meeting of the Raptor Research Foundation and Neotropical Raptor Network was held online on 8-12 October 2021, Boise, Idaho. On 22-23 October 2021, the First Scientific and Practical Conference on Studying Feathers was held in Ulyanovsk, Russia. 12th Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network Symposium “Strengthening Connections and Collaborations in Raptor Conservation and Research in the Changing Environment” will be held online on 20–22 January 2022. 13th Congress of the European Ornithologists’ Union will be held in Giessen University, Germany, 14–18 March 2022. International Ornithologists’ Union (IOU) will partner with the University of KwaZulu-Natal to organize the 28th International Ornithological Congress (IOCongress®) in Durban, South Africa, 15–20 Aug. 2022. Quotations from the Resolution of the VIII International Conference of the Working Group on Birds of Prey of Northern Eurasia “Birds of Prey in Anthropogenic, Natural and Quasi-Natural Landscapes: Contemporary Challenges and Trends”

On the basis of data obtained from ARGOS/GPS and GPS/GSM tracking of 34 eagles (4 Steppe Eagles (Aquila nipalensis) from Central KZ, 1 Steppe Eagle from Southern Ural region, 22 Steppe Eagles, 5 Eastern Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca) from the ASR and 2 Greater Spotted Eagles (Aquila clanga) from the from the Altai-Sayan Ecoregion), we have defined the main flyways, terms, and other parameters of migration of eagles through Eastern Kazakhstan. We have outlined the borders of the migration corridor and estimate the number of migrants passing through it. The study highlights the importance of the Karatau ridge for eagles from the vast territories ofRussia andKazakhstan. But we are also concerned about the development of wind farms with horizontal-axis wind turbines that expose ultimate danger for raptors in the Karatau migration corridor. One of them already exists – the Zhanatas Wind-Power Station. Here we calculated the possible negative impact on the eagle population from the existing and projected wind farms of the Karatau ridge and give our recommendations for neutralizing the damage from the development of the electric power industry in Karatau.

We report amperometric solid-contact potassium-selective electrodes based on catalytically synthesized Prussian Blue nanoparticles. Both the films and nanoparticles were able to generate an amperometric response in the flow-injection mode under a constant potential. However, the nanoparticles provided a higher sensitivity than the films. Moreover, the intrinsic permeability of Prussian Blue for potassium ions allowed for selective detection of potassium in comparison to sodium even without an ion-selective membrane. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to manage the sensitivity by controlling the charge transfer resistance for ion-selective membranes of different density. By performing measurements in Bis-Tris as a carrier buffer containing no interfering cations, an additional increase in selectivity was enabled. A record selectivity coefficient logK Na+/K+ of −2.7 for the amperometric flow-injection mode was achieved. The obtained results indicate the prospects for analysis of biological fluids as the Na+/K+ ratio is approximately 20–40.

Currently, due to the dynamic development of surgical technologies, indications for organ-sparing treatment of kidney cancer are expanding. Acute kidney injury is a serious complication that leads to chronic kidney disease, increased postoperative mortality, deterioration of long-term functional outcomes, and increased hospitalization. At present, it is known that even a slight damage to kidneys or their impairment, presented by a decreased urine output and change in blood biochemical parameters, entails serious clinical consequences and is associated with a poor prognosis. Damaging factors, when the kidney is exposed, initially induce molecular changes, which entail the production of certain biomarkers, and only after that clinical aspects of kidney damage develop. The causes of acute kidney injury can be different, from specific renal disorders (acute interstitial nephritis, vascular and glomerular lesions, prerenal azotemia, obstructive disorders) to toxic damages, direct trauma and surgical treatment. The development of acute renal injury in the postoperative period is a serious complication of the surgical treatment of kidney disease, and, according to various authors, the frequency of its occurrence varies from 5.5 % to 34 %. An active study of this problem made it possible to find specific biomarkers that give the possibility to predict and diagnose acute renal injury in the early stages, to optimize the treatment strategy, to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, and to shorten the period of postoperative rehabilitation. Currently, the most studied of acute kidney injury (AKI) biomarkers are cystatin C, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin‑2 (NGAL), hepatic protein L-FABP, KIM‑1 (Kidney injury molecule‑1), Interleukin – 18. Further study of AKI biomarkers will make it possible to determine the most significant ones for subsequent use in everyday practice

We report on the novel electrochemical lactate biosensors based on Prussian blue nanoparticles. The immobilization of lactate oxidase was performed through drop-casting on the sensor surface of a mixture containing enzyme, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane and isopropyl alcohol. The apparent Michaelis constant and inactivation constant were determined (0.29 ± 0.03 mM and 0.042 ± 0.002 min−1, respectively) and compared with values obtained for biosensors based on Prussian blue films. The developed lactate biosensors are not inferior in characteristics to those previously known, while the manufacturing process is less laborious. Obtained values also indicate that lactate biosensors based on Prussian blue nanoparticles and lactate oxidase have sufficient sensitivity and operational stability for analytical application in medical and biological research.