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The genetic resistance to stem lodging of cultivated oat of the Western Siberian selection with different levels of mineral nutrition in the conditions of the Northern Trans-Urals has been studied. The experimental scheme provided for three new varieties of intensive oat: Talisman, Otrada, Foma. Various levels of the agricultural background were created by applying mineral fertilizers that ensure the planned yield of 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 t/ha of grain. In the course of research, it was found that the Talisman variety has a tendency to lodging at the genetic level. The Otrada variety is able to withstand a yield of up to 5.0 t/ha of grain, Foma – at least 6.0 t/ha. It was revealed that the resistance to lodging has a negative correlation with the length of the upper internode (r=-0.7) and panicles (r=-0.8), as well as a positive correlation with the plant height (r= 0.8). Resistance to stem lodging by 34.3% depends on the level of mineral nutrition, 11.5% - on the genetics of the variety and 6.1% - on the growing season’s weather conditions.

Alleles of avenin-coding loci were identified in 24 varieties of common oat origin from 6 different breeding centers of the Russian Federation. It was found that 33% of the studied varieties are homogeneous. Heterogeneous varieties contain from 2 to 10 biotypes. The analysis revealed 67 different genotypes, ten of which are found in the spectra of several varieties at once. Despite the presence of matching genotypes, all the studied varieties differ in the genetic formulas of avenin, the number and frequency of occurrence of biotypes. This makes it possible to effectively identify and distinguish oat varieties sown by Russian breeding using the method of prolamin electrophoresis. The analyzed groups of varieties are characterized by high values of genetic (0.54-0.79) and intra-population diversity, which indicates the stability of populations. The exception is varieties originating from the Irkutsk region, low values of genetic and intra-population diversity in the population of which may indicate the process of genetic erosion. Analysis of the frequency distribution of alleles of avenin-coding loci does not allow to determine whether oat varieties belong to certain breeding centers, which is associated with the introduction of the same genotypes into the breeding programs of different regions.

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) represents a significant public health concern. In the majority of cases, the infection progresses to a chronic form, which is characterised by the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. A plethora of cytokines and chemokines are generated as a consequence of inflammatory processes within the liver. These can exert a dual effect, both protective and damaging, particularly in relation to the death of hepatocytes and the progression of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, a number of growth factors have been identified as playing a role in the pathogenesis of CHC. The objective of the study was a comprehensive evaluation of a wide range of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors in the blood plasma of patients with CHC at varying stages of liver fibrosis. The study cohort comprised 63 patients diagnosed with CHC, who were divided into three groups according to the stage of liver fibrosis. The control group comprised healthy individuals (n = 32). Concentrations of the following cytokines were determined in plasma: Interleukins and some cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12 (p40), IL-12 (p70), IL-13, IL-15, IL-17A, IL-17-E/IL-25, IL-17F, IL-18, IL-27, IFNα, IFNγ, TNFα, TNFβ); chemokines (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, CCL7/MCP-3, CCL11/Eotaxin, CCL22/MDC, CXCL1/GROα, CXCL8/IL-8, CXCL9/MIG, CXCL10/IP-10, CX3CL1/Fractalkine) and growth factors (EGF, FGF-2, Flt-3L, G-CSF, M-CSF, PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB/BB, TGF-α, VEGF-A) by multiplex analysis based on xMAP technology. Nonparametric statistics methods were used for statistical analysis. As a result of the study, increased concentrations of cytokines IL-12 (p40), IL-15, IL-17E/IL-25, IL-27, IFNγ, TNFα, chemokines CXCL9/MIG and CXCL-10/IP-10 and growth factors FGF-2 and M-CSF were found at all stages of liver fibrosis. Elevated concentrations of cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-17F, IFNα, TNFβ, chemokines CCL2/MCP-1, CCL11/Eotaxin, CCL22/MDC and growth factors G-CSF, TGF-α, Flt-3L were found in severe liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. Correlation analysis revealed a relationship of high significance between the severity of liver fibrosis and the content of cytokines IL-6, IFNγ, TNFα, IL-7, chemokines CCL2/MCP-1, CCL11/Eotaxin, CXCL9/MIG, CXCL10/IP-10, CXCL1/GROα, growth factors TGF-α, PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB/BB. Thus, a certain profile of cytokines characteristic for CHC was revealed, cytokines, chemokines and growth factors significant for liver fibrosis in CHC were found.

Background. The teacher needs to analyse and promptly make changes in each student’s dosage of physical activity in the class. At the same time, students within the group differ from each other in gender, age, physical fitness and health level. Such differences make it difficult to clearly discern the individual characteristics of every student and thus to help them develop their physical data in the best way, choose a proper motor regime to improve their health. The aim of the work is to calculate and analyse the physical health index for 1st-year students of the 2023-2024 academic year at the Russian New University in scores in order to control their physical condition in the discipline “Physical Culture”. Materials and methods. The survey used the methods, tests and computer programmes developed by the Association “People’s Sports Park”. The Association “People’s Sports Park” has a patent of the Russian Federation No. 2147208 for the “Method of assessing physical health reserves and working capacity of the population” and the ownership right to the computer programme processing and evaluating testing results for different categories of the population. Materials of the research: data from 15 tests for the following human body systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, nervous. The tests include measurements made both in the state of relative dormancy and in dynamics. The main method of working with the obtained data was their statistical processing and analysis of its results. Results. The article reflects the findings of the study of the first-year students’ heart rhythm obtained with the use of technical means and recorded in real time. The calculation of the physical health index (PHI) of the first-year students made in the 2023-2024 academic year showed the following distribution: • 34% of the students scored between 3 and 3.9 out of 6 points maximum and have a satisfactory level of health and performance ability; • 41% of the first-year students have an unsatisfactory physical condition, which corresponds to 2.0-2.9 points out of 6 maximum; • 25% of the first-year students have good and excellent health levels, which corresponds to 4-6 points; • 75% of the first-year students have a quality of health that requires perfection and maximum control by specialists.

A hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can progress to chronic hepatitis, leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. CX3CL1/Fractalkine plays a crucial role in recruiting immune cells that are responsible for protecting against HBV infection. The aim of this study was to measure CX3CL1/Fractalkine concentrations in the blood plasma of individuals infected with HBV and to evaluate the role of this chemokine in the development of liver tissue fibrosis. Our study included patients infected with HBV, patients infected with HCV, autoimmune hepatitis, and healthy donors. We analyzed the CX3CL1/Fractalkine concentrations in blood plasma using the xMAP technology. Our results showed that HBV-infected patients had lower concentrations of CX3CL1/Fractalkine. Furthermore, in HBV-infected patients with severe fibrosis/cirrhosis, we observed significantly lower concentrations of CX3CL1/Fractalkine compared to those with no/mild fibrosis. Our study revealed that CX3CL1/Fractalkine concentrations are significantly associated with the stage of fibrosis in HBV infection. We demonstrated that lowered CX3CL1/Fractalkine concentrations might have prognostic value for predicting fibrosis development in liver tissue. Our findings suggest that decreased concentrations of CX3CL1/Fractalkine are associated with an increased risk of progressive liver fibrosis, indicating the potential of this chemokine as a prognostic biomarker for the development of liver fibrosis.

Background: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a group of neoplasms, in which circulating biomarkers chromogranin A (CgA), serotonin, and N-terminal brain natriuretic pro-peptide (NT-proBNP), used as a marker of carcinoid heart disease, are especially important in the diagnosis and monitoring. A number of pre-analytical factors, including patients' body mass index (BMI), have an impact on NETs biomarker concentrations. Aim: To perform a comparative analysis of serum concentrations of CgA, serotonin and NT-proBNP in patients with NETs of various locations with normal body weight and with overweight or obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 94 patients with NETs of various locations and 78 provisionally healthy individuals without cancer and cardiovascular disorders, matched by gender and age to the patients. Serum biochemical markers were measured before a course of chemotherapy/biotherapy or surgery with the use of standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays Chromogranin A NEOELISA (Eurodiagnostica), Serotonin ELISA (IBL), and the electrochemiluminescent assay (Cobas e601 analyzer, Roche). All NETs patients were divided into 2 subgroups: 46 patients with normal bodyweight (BMI 18 to 24.9) and 48 patients with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25). Results: The median BMI in the NET patients did not vary depending on their tumor extension, functional activity and malignancy grade. The median concentrations of CgA (150 ng/ml), serotonin (188 ng/ml) and NT-proBNP (117 pg/ml) in the NET patients with obesity and overweight were significantly lower (p = 0.008, p = 0.005 and p = 0.012, respectively) than in the NET patients with normal body weight (769 ng/ml, 704 ng/ml and 197 pg/ml, respectively). In the control group, significantly (p = 0.0001) lower levels in the subgroup with BMI ≥ 25 were obtained only for serotonin. The ROC analysis showed a decrease of the diagnostic efficiency of NET biomarkers in obesity: in the normal BMI group AUC (CgA) was 0.87 and AUC (serotonin) 0.78, whereas in those with BMI ≥ 25, the AUC (CgA) and AUC (serotonin) were 0.81 and 0.62, respectively. Conclusion: Obesity may make it difficult to identify biochemical markers of NETs – CgA, serotonin and NT-proBNP.

Introduction The differential diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is challenging in patients with systemic diseases due to identical clinical and laboratory patterns and activity of the inflammatory process. The objective was to evaluate the diagnostic data and results of debridement of PJI in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a case series. Material and methods A retrospective analysis of surgical treatment of PJI was produced in patients with rheumatoid arthritis between 2014 and 2022. PJI was verified based on ICM criteria. A poor outcome included the presence of clinical and laboratory signs of infection on admission to the second stage of treatment and recurrence after successful debridement. Results Among the 524 cases of PJI, 35 (6.7 %) were patients with rheumatoid arthritis with 48.6 % receiving antibiotics prior to admission. Culture-negative infection was recorded in 38.4 %. PJI was not confirmed in five cases (14.3 %). High average values of inflammatory markers were registered in the blood (ESR, CRP and D-dimer) before and after debridement; decreased ESR and leukocyte count in the synovial fluid was statistically significant. Favorable outcomes were obtained in 82.9 % of cases at mid term with every fifth patient treated with a spacer or arthrodesis. Discussion The incidence of culture-negative infection in patients with systemic diseases was reported as much as 27–37 %. A systematic review of the literature showed that the percentage of band neutrophils in synovial fluid has a sensitivity of 95.2 % and a specificity of 85.0 %, with an optimal threshold of 78 % sufficient to verify infection. The poor outcomes we identified resulted from two- or three-stage surgical treatment. Other authors reported better outcomes with two-stage debridement. Conclusion Culture-negative infection was common in cases of PJI observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Favorable outcomes were seen mostly with two-stage surgical treatment. Inflammatory markers ESR, CRP and D-dimer did not reach normal values during diagnosis and treatment of infection indicating the inapplicability of standard diagnostic criteria for PJI in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Background. The etiological structure of implant-associated infection and antibiotic resistance of pathogens are important when choosing empirical antibiotic therapy. COVID-19 pandemic and increased consumption of antibiotics by the population could provoke an increase in antibiotic resistance.The aim of the work. To compare the spectrum of leading pathogens of implantassociated infection in the pre- and post-Covid period and to assess antibiotic resistance.Materials and methods. A continuous retrospective study of biomaterial samples from traumatology and orthopedic patients with implant-associated infection was carried out for 2018–2019 and 2021–2022. The sample consisted of 548 microorganism strains (n = 237 and n = 317, respectively) in 442 cases of infectious complications. The antibiotic resistance of all isolated microorganisms, including those from microbial associations, was assessed.Results. The leading pathogen of monomicrobial implant-associated infection in both study periods was Staphylococcus epidermidis (33–37 %). In 2021–2022, the proportion of microbial associations increased (from 12.5 to 17.5 %; p = 0.147) with the appearance of fungi in the microbial landscape. In the post-Covid period, the increase in Staphylococcus aureus resistance to tetracycline and doxycycline was revealed; the isolation of methicillin-resistant strains among Staphylococcus aureus decreased from 4 cases (out of 187) to 3 (out of 232); 100 % sensitivity to rifampicin and co-trimoxazole was maintained. An increase in Staphylococcus epidermidis resistance to all tested antibiotics was detected (statistically significant increase in resistance to fluoroquinolones; p = 0.002–0.003) with the isolation of methicillin-resistant strains in 80.5% and 80.9% of cases, respectively. All staphylococcal isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid. Enterobacteriaceae representatives showed a decrease in resistance to carbapenems and an increase in resistance to co-trimoxazole; in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, there is an increase in resistance to carbapenems and fluoroquinolones. All gram-negative microorganisms were sensitive to colistin.Conclusion. The high frequency of isolation of methicillin-resistant staphylococci determines the choice of vancomycin for empirical therapy. Increasing resistance of staphylococci to fluoroquinolones may limit their use. Increasing resistance of gram-negative bacteria and a narrow spectrum of antibiotics acting on carbapenemase producers may reduce the effectiveness of therapy.

Currently, qualified generating stations powered by renewable ener gy sources (hereinafter referred to as RES) are becoming increasingly popular in the electric power industry. Wind farms and solar generating panels have become mostly common in the modern world. Russia is a vast country that offers many potential locations for RES facilities. The аrctic zones attract special attention. However, having chosen a potential location for the construction of such an object, it is necessary to analyse the effectiveness and feasibility of the investment project. The purpose of this study is to consider the current state of the Murmansk region’s energy system for further determination of the probability of new energy projects developing there. In this regard, the wind energy potential of the region has been assessed, and the forecast of electricity consumption for the period from 2024 to 2029 has been performed. The authors have analysed justifications and possibilities for the construction of wind power plants on the territory of the Kola Peninsula as an alternative to stations powered by hydrocarbon fuels. It has been found that the existing opportunities in the Russian region are favourable for the realisation of new wind farm on its territory. A comparative analysis of the Murmansk region and neighboring territories has shown that this area is suitable for implementing such investment projects.

A new direction of agribusiness has been formed in the modern agricultural industry. This is expressed in the appearance of highly specialized enterprises working in the field of production of high-quality seeds of agricultural crops. The use of electrophoresis method in varietal identification is a new technology in domestic agribusiness. The purpose of the research was to study the electrophoresis role of prolamins in varietal identification of crops for high-quality seed material. The laboratory of varietal identification of seeds analyzed 47 varieties of oats Russian selection. On the basis of data on the component composition of avenin, varieties with a high level of intersort genetic differences were identified: Megion, Fobos, Local (K-8427), Uspekh, Otrada, Pushkinskij. Groups of samples with identical component composition of prolamins were found. Their genetic formulas of avenin have the following form: Avn A2B4C2, Avn A4B4C2, Avn A2B4C1 or Avn A2B1C3. It is established that the method of electrophoresis of oat prolamins allows effectively distinguish varieties belonging to the same variety and indistinguishable by morphological features. Implementation of a system of regular laboratory control of purity and compliance of original and reproductive oats seeds by electrophoresis of prolamins is necessary to improve the competitiveness of Russian grain production in the world market.

Developed countries offset global warming by abandoning high-carbon products in favour of low-carbon products and by introducing a transboundary carbon tax for those countries that are unable to make the transition immediately. One of the ways of the transition in developed countries is proposed generation of electricity from renewable energy sources (hereinafter referred to as RES). The purpose of the article is to assess the consequences of ­using RES as one of the ways to the transition to low-carbon products. RES are the object of the study, especially wind and solar power plants. Energy generation on them is considered an environmentally friendly production and does not require large operational costs. The subject of the study is economic relations that occur concerning construction and use of RES. The methodological basis of the study includes general scientific methods (generalization, systematisation) and economic-statistical methods (comparative analysis, tabular techniques for data visualisation). The main results of the study lie in justifying large investment costs in RES which are associated with provision of significant areas of land and sea and their withdrawal from agricultural turnover; with scarce and poorly developed deposits of non-energy commodities which are necessary for the creation of RES equipment; with unevenness in energy production and its low density in wind and solar power plants. That requires investments in storage and balancing systems. In pursuit of environmentally friendly production the West does not consider many components of economic efficiency: environmental protection and safety of working and living conditions of some countries in Asia, Africa and South America, and natural means of absorbing greenhouse gases. It should be ignored in the future when justifying economic efficiency of RES.

The issues of recurrencies in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) still remain unresolved. Therefore, detection patients with uncontrolled clinical course of CRSwNP is required.The aim of the present study was to assess cytokine profile in nasal polyps as well as clinical characteristics of patients with CRSwNP at varying levels of therapeutic control.The study included 99 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The contents of interferon IFNγ, interleukin IL- 1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor TNFα, transforming growth factors TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 were measured in polyp tissue samples by means of multiplex analysis. The patients were treated according to a stepwise СRSwNP therapeutic algorithm [9]. Following observation for 5 years, all patients were divided into groups, as based on medical control degree. Group 1 included patients with mild CRSwNP, who mainly received stage I and II treatment for the entire observation period. Group 2 was presented by moderate- severity CRSwNP, with stage II or III therapy according to the referred algorithm. Group 3 included the patients with severe CRSwNP who received one or more stage IV courses. The patients underwent repeated SNOT-22 questionnaire, endoscopic examination, clinical assessment. In case of bronchial asthma (BA), ACQ-7 was repeated. Initial cytokine profile of nasal polyps was analyzed by the mentioned clinical groups.Results:After 5 years of observations in group 1 (mild CRSwNP), we found a minimal decrease in quality of life (SNOT-22), severity of nasal congestion, or smell impairment. Bronchial asthma duration in these patients was significantly lower compared to group 3, the patients had better asthma control level. Cytokine profile of nasal polyps was characterized by the highest IL-4 concentration, average values IL-1β, TNFα, IFNγ and minimal TGF-β1 values.In group 2 (moderate CRSwNP), we noted more pronouced impairment of smell, nasal congestion and quality of life. Bronchial asthma was less controlled than in group 1. The maximal concentrations of IFNγ, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-5, TGF-β1, TGF-β2 were registered.In group 3 with poor CRSwNP control, the highest SNOT-22 scores, severity of difficulty in nasal breathing, impaired sense of smell were revealed. Duration of bronchial asthma was longer, with lowest levels of medical control. In nasal polyps, minimal levels of IFNγ, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-4, IL-5, TGF-β2, TGF-β3 were noted.Treatment of patients depending on the clinical phenotypes of CRSwNP in the presence/absence of allergic rhinitis or bronchial asthma may improve control and reduce incidence of relapses in CRSwNP.

The current research examines the mechanism of concession agreements, functioning in the sphere of heat supply, the ways of its conclusion, its advantages and differences from lease agreements. The effectiveness of the use of concessions is proved on the example of Voronezh and Perm energy companies. The renewal of the Russian heat supply system is, unfortunately, extremely slow. Despite the measures taken, the dynamics of equipment failures, accidents and heat losses have not yet been changed: their number is still gro wing. In a year, it is possible to update only half of the fixed assets from the need. The reasons for this are their sharp moral and physical ageing and lack of investors who would finance reconstruction, modernisation and erection of new heating system objects. The owners of the systems in many Russian regions are municipalities whose budget funds are insufficient to upgrade them. Mechanisms of public-private partnership (concession agreements are one of its manifestations) together with the “alternative boiler house” mo del should contribute to rectifying the situation. However, unconscientiousness of some investors, the failure to fulfill their obligations for construction and reconstruction of heat supply systems question the effectiveness of the mechanism and reduces them to lease agreements involving only operation of leased worn equipment. According to the research, the authors concluded that it is necessary to improve the discussed mechanism, monitor implementation of the agreements and strengthen administrative responsibility for non-compliance.

Objective. To present a brief description of a series of clinical cases of infectious spondylodiscitis with an assessment of the used diagnostic criteria in terms of their influence on the choice of sanifying treatment tactics. Material and Methods. A continuous retrospective study of 39 cases of spondylodiscitis was carried out. Level of evidence is IIIC. The level of ESR, serum C-reactive protein, the results of the study of biopsy materials, and CT and MRI data were evaluated. Criteria of neurological deficit, instability of the spinal motion segment, and recommendations for assessing the clinical and radiological severity of the disease were used to select the treatment tactics. Treatment success was defined as primary wound healing, absence of recurrent infection and/or death, and satisfaction with treatment according to the EQ-5D and EQ-VAS scales at a follow-up period of 22.5 months. Results. The average age of patients was 57.4 years. Primary spondylodiscitis accounted for 82 %, the predominant localization of the pathological focus was the lumbar spine (56.4 %), and staphylococci were predominant etiologic agents (59.1 %). On average, the increase in ESR was 45 mm/h, C-reactive protein – 57 ng/l, and D-dimer – 1235 pg/ml. The level of pain before sanation according to the VAS scale was 6.79 points, after the operation it was 2.3 points (p < 0.05). Instability of the spinal motion segment according to the SINS scale was revealed in 36 cases, paravertebral abscess according to MRI – in 51.3 % of cases, and neurological deficit – in 38.5 % of cases. Severe spondylodiscitis according to the SponDT scale was noted in 53.8 %, moderate – in 43.6 %, and mild – in 2.6 % of patients. According to the clinical and radiological classification of infectious spondylodiscitis severity (SSC), grade I was present in 2 patients, grade II – in 21, and grade III – in 6. Compliance of the chosen treatment tactics with current recommendations was noted in 94,9 % of cases. Recurrence of infection was observed in 7.7 %; lethal outcome – in 5.1 %. Satisfaction with the quality of life according to EQ-5D was 0.74 points, and according to EQ-VAS – 73.88 points. Conclusions. The integrated use of criteria for neurological deficit, instability of spinal motion segments, and severity of the disease according to the SponDT classification with the account of Pola’s recommendations on treatment tactics made it possible to choose the optimal treatment tactics and achieve satisfactory results in the sanation of patients with infectious spondylodiscitis.

The article studies the improvement of the production activities of a large electric power company in the Moscow region, Public joint stock company “Mosenergo” (hereinafter referred to as “Mosenergo”) by proposing a set of measures for a radical renovation (reengineering) of the main technological business process – “Heat and electricity production”. Based on the process approach and methods of strategic analysis, SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), the key company success factors were identified, an enlarged business model of “Mosenergo” was built and analysed, followed by the selection of the most preferable business process. With the help of a matrix of criteria, an assessment of business process importance or readiness for the implementation of the selected strategies was made. Key success factors for “Production of heat and electricity” business process were formed. However, in modern conditions, due to the tightening of sanctions imposed by unfriendly countries, the risks of supply disruptions and termination of equipment maintenance are increasing, which causes negative trends in key performance indicators of the selected business process, namely the accident rate and/or the frequency of emergency operation of automatics cases. The set of measures for reengineering the business process “Production of heat and electricity” is based on the idea of automatic technological business process of the company through the introduction of highly effective domestic digital technologies as part of the industry’s digital transformation strategy. The import substitution programme to minimise risks caused by geopolitical events in the world is considered.

Current economy is driven by innovation and knowledge. Sharing economy is a new perspective on economics that impulses a new economy based on trust. In this article, the key components of global education business, based on the analysis of different types of business cases such as edX, Coursera, Udacity, Udemy, and Codecademy are established. For this research we carried out a systematic literature review based on different cases to highlight some of the main advantages of the models of global education services based on sharing economy, as a result, we found out that the main components of the learning platform business model in sharing economy are related to the online cash concept, shared resources, shared knowledge access, networking collaboration, analysis based on big data, joint consumption, rather than ownership while the government loses monopolies of knowledge. Our claim is that global education will be supported by a collaborative consumption model based on the online cash concept, shared resources, and shared knowledge access.

The soil is a depositing medium and an indicator of geochemical load. The fulfillment of important ecosystem functions by urban soils ensures the ecological safety of urban ecosystems as a whole. The purpose of the work is to forecast soil pollution as a basic component of the urban ecosystem with a high level of technogenic load. The calculation of the spatio-temporal fields of chemical pollution of soils in the city of Kolchugino, Vladimir region, was carried out using a balance model based on ecological and analytical data utilizing the results of area surveys of soils and snow cover. The content of heavy metals of hazard classes 1 and 2 in soil and snow samples (solid and liquid phases) was determined by atomic absorption method according to standard methods. The analysis of spatio-temporal fields of soil contamination for each heavy metal is performed on the basis of map diagrams constructed using the INTEGRO GIS software-technological complex. Taking into account aerotechnogenic intake, an assessment of the degree of accumulation of heavy metals in soils and their time to reach the critical level is given. In the soils of Kolchugino, an excess of sanitary and hygienic standards (gross forms) is revealed for all the metals studied. Analysis of the data of spatio-temporal fields of soil pollution with heavy metals in the city of Kolchugino showed that the established level of soil pollution exceeding the MPC is primarily associated with the past economic activity of non-ferrous metallurgy enterprises and will remain at the same level in the near future.

Introduction Diagnosis of chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is difficult with the clinical signs of periprosthetic inflammation showing no growth of microorganism in the biomaterial. The frequency of culture-negative infection can reach 42.1 %. The objective of the study was to analyze outcomes of two-stage treatment of chronic PJI of the knee joint depending on the etiology of the infectious process. Material and methods A retrospective analysis of outcomes was produced for 103 patients: group I (n=30) showing no growth of microorganisms and group II (n = 73) demonstrating positive growth of pathogens. Knee PJI was diagnosed according to the 2018 ICM criteria. A favorable outcome suggested absence of recurrence for at least two years after reimplantation of endoprosthesis, arthrodesis, “life with a spacer” without signs of infection. Results Culture-negative infection was detected in 29.1 % (n = 30). Patients in the group were 1.5 times more likely to receive antibiotic therapy prior to admission and had average levels of CRP, ESR and articular leukocyte count being 1.5-2 times less than those in group II. Staphylococci (69.8 %) including MRSE (75 %) was the leading pathogen in group II. Recurrence of infection was 3.4 % in group I and 16.9 % in group II (p = 0.0928), the two-stage treatment was successful in 96.7 % and 74 %, respectively (p = 0.0064). Discussion Causes for the lack of growth of microorganisms in biological materials included previous antibiotic therapy, wound drainage, violations of the rules for sampling of biological material, absence of media for the growth of atypical microorganisms and the ability of microorganisms to form biofilms on implant surfaces. An emergency histological examination of the affected tissues was practical during surgery in doubtful situations for adequate surgical approach. The results of a meta-analysis (2023) showed that the replacement of an infected endoprosthesis was more effective for the treatment of a culture-negative infection compared to debridement and preservation of implant. Conclusion The culture-negative infection group in our series showed better success rate of a two-stage treatment of PJI using implant replacement and broad-spectrum empiric antibiotic therapy at a two-year follow-up period. The negative microbiological result in the group could be caused by antibacterial drugs administered prior to diagnosis of PJI.

The paper presents data on a three-year study (2020-2022) of the effect of a liquid-phase biological product containing iron nanoparticles (LPB-Fe), obtained by biosynthesis using green tea extract, on the yield of potatoes of the Skarb variety and the activity of soil enzymes under the conditions of Tverskaya areas. Comparative efficiency of LPB-Fe, the original LPB biopreparation, solution of iron nanoparticles Fe NPs was studied in the field against the background of NPK application. The results showed that the maximum productivity (669.1 g/bush) of potatoes was obtained by foliar treatment of vegetative plants with a 1% solution of LPB-Fe – 16.9 % more than the control variant (NPK background). With the separate use of a 1% solution of LPB and a 1% solution of Fe NPs, the productivity was 628.4 and 550.6 g/plant, respectively, which indicates an increase in their impact on potato plants when used together as part of LPB-Fe. It was noted that the activity of invertase correlated with the content of humus in the soil, and the activity of the protease correlated with the content of readily hydrolysable nitrogen. In addition, the study of the activity of enzymes in the soil under potatoes (catalase, dehydrogenase, invertase, cellulase and protease) showed that they have a significant impact on the yield of potatoes at different stages of the growing season with various technological methods of using biological preparations. For example, when treating potato tubers at the seedling stage, an inverse relationship was found between catalase activity in the soil and yield: the higher the enzyme activity, the lower the yield (correlation coefficient is -0.82). And in the case of cellulase, with the same technological method, on the contrary, a direct dependence is observed: the higher the activity of the enzyme in the soil at the seedling stage, the greater the yield (correlation coefficient is 0.72). Thus, when soil and plants are exposed to Fe-containing biological products, the activity of enzymes responsible for the transformation of the main biogenic elements (carbon and nitrogen) and redox processes occurring in the soil changes, which ultimately leads to a change in soil fertility and, therefore, either decrease or increase of crop yields.method, on the contrary, a direct dependence is observed: the higher the activity of the enzyme in the soil at the seedling stage, the greater the yield (correlation coefficient is 0.72). Thus, when soil and plants are exposed to Fe-containing biological products, the activity of enzymes responsible for the transformation of the main biogenic elements (carbon and nitrogen) and redox processes occurring in the soil changes, which ultimately leads to a change in soil fertility and, therefore, either decrease or increase of crop yields.

The article analyzes the current state of digital technologies in industry in general and in the oil industry in particular. To understand the essence of digitalization, the authors consider some of the provisions set out in the state program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation”. Relevant digital technologies are proposed for use for each stage of the oil cycle, considering the technological and economic features, and the possibility of introducing digital technologies into the business processes of oil and gas companies is assessed. In the final part of the article, based on the analysis of the prospects for the implementation of digital economy technologies in oil and gas companies, the results from the implementation of these technologies are identified, which manifest themselves both in the financial aspect and in intangible assets. At the same time, the article also identifies the most significant risks associated with the implementation and operation of business processes based on digital technologies.

The article notes the lack of investment in heat supply market, which leads to increased wear and tear of both heat sources and heating networks, huge heat losses and non-competitiveness of district heating systems. A proposal is being considered to implement a new model of the heat market in all regions of Russia and to switch from direct state regulation of tariffs for heat energy (capacity) to contractual tariffs, the maximum level of which is determined by the “alternative boiler house” method. However, for those regions where the existing tariffs for heat energy (capacity) are higher than the established limit levels using the “alternative boiler house” method, the authors propose the use of other approaches and methods of tariff regulation, in particular, examples, advantages and disadvantages of using energy service contracts, tariff regulation based on method of return on invested capital, new legislation in terms of obtaining long-term loans for the modernization of infrastructure from the National Welfare Fund and the Housing and Utilities Reform Assistance Fund.

Background. Arthroplasty is the most common surgical treatment for patients with end-stage knee arthrosis. From 2 to 7% of those operated on are patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The inflammatory process in the joint, low rehabilitation potential, long-term therapy with hormonal and genetically engineered biological agents, poor bone quality form a high risk of periprosthetic infection. In this group of patients, the saprophytic microorganism Candida albicans more often forms biofilms on endoprosthesis components, which presents difficulties in the treatment of periprosthetic infection.Aims: demonstration of a clinical case and rationale for the treatment of periprosthetic knee infection caused by Candida albicans using a revision implant with an anti-biofilm coating.Materials and methods. A clinical case presents the results of examination and treatment of a 46-year-old patient with secondary gonarthrosis on the background of rheumatoid arthritis with developed periprosthetic infection are evaluated. Surgical treatment was carried out by two-stage sanitation, using as part of the spacer an implant coated with silver-doped two-dimensionally ordered linear-chain carbon, against the background of etiotropic intravenous treatment with fluconazole.Results. The likely cause of the development of a fungal periprosthetic infection is a decrease in the activity of the immune system against the background of taking cytostatics and hormonal drugs in combination with the frequent uncontrolled use of antibacterial drugs. The choice of surgical tactics in favor of a two-stage revision is justified by the isolation of a «difficult to treat» Candida albicans. Timely diagnosis and the chosen method of treatment in combination allowed to no recurrence during the observation period of 12 months after the 2nd stage of revision.Conclusions. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of a spacer coated with silver-doped two-dimensionally ordered linear-chain carbon at the stage of sanitation for the treatment of periprosthetic infection caused by the «difficult to treat» Candida albicans.

Background. In order to fully reveal the advantages of a cultivar and use it effectively in production, it is necessary to ensure high sowing and varietal qualities of seeds, which requires improvement in breeding and seed production. Biotechnological methods are increasingly used in initial seed production. High efficiency was shown by the method of electrophoresis of seed storage proteins – prolamins. The aim of this study was to assess the biotype composition and allelic state of the prolamin-coding loci in the new spring oat cultivar ‘Tobolyak’ for its further use in initial seed production.Materials and methods. In 2021, 1519 families of cv. ‘Tobolyak’ were studied using the method of native electrophoresis. Three grains from each family were selected for analyses by random sampling. Electrophoresis was carried out in vertical plates of 13.2% polyacrylamide gel at a constant voltage of 500 V for 4.5–5.0 hours.Results and conclusion. The study of cv. ‘Tobolyak’ families resulted in identifying 13 types of avenin patterns with a frequency of occurrence from 96.36 to 0.07%. A new block of avenin components controlled by the allele of the Avn B locus was described. Number 8 was assigned to this block. It was established that cv. ‘Tobolyak’ had been developed by crossing a minor biotype of cv. ‘Taezhnik’ (Avn 4.4.2) with the first biotype of cv. ‘Orion’ (Avn 2.8.2). The basis of cv. ‘Tobolyak’ was one genotype with the Avn 4.8.2 avenin formula. The remaining biotypes arose as a result of crossing the biotypes of cvs. ‘Taezhnik’ and ‘Orion’ as well as through mechanical contamination. To maintain the genetic stability of cv. ‘Tobolyak’, it is recommended to use only families of the first biotype in the process of original seed production.

Introduction. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is considered a multifactorial disease. There are data on the contribution of fungi and viruses to the initiation and development of the inflammatory process, data on the effect of superantigens, biofilms and microbiota on the growth of polyps in the paranasal sinuses. Exacerbation of the disease in patients with CRSwNP leads to a significant decrease in the quality of life. Aim. To study the bacterial component of the microbiota of nasal and paranasal mucosa in patients with CRSwNP during remission and exacerbation. Materials and methods. 83 patients with CRSwNP were examined (44 patients in remission, 39 people in the period of exacerbation of the disease). A qualitative and quantitative analysis of bacterial component of the microbiota in all patients were carried out. Results. No significant differences in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the nasal cavity microbiota during exacerbation and remission of inflammatory process were observed, as well as before and after treatment of the CRSwNP exacerbation. The quantitative assessment of the identified microorganisms in the vast majority of cases was within the normal range.

The article considers the relevance of modern developments of qualitatively new food products based on soy biologically modified concentrates, secondary types of flour for nutritional support of the diet of various population groups; the classification of food concentrates – semi-finished flour products according to the current standard is considered; the research is presented, on the basis of which a dry mixture has been developed-a food concentrate for baking a cupcake with soy shell flour, including premium wheat flour, soy shell flour and other ingredients of the formulation, such as egg powder, whole milk powder, baking soda, citric acid, granulated sugar, vanillin, dried grapes, in a mass ratio wheat flour: soy shell flour: other components of the formulation 62.4%:20:17.6%; it is shown that soy shell flour is the most valuable source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, zinc, dietary fiber and is characterized by a ratio of saturated fatty acids to unsaturated as 1:3-3.5; it is proved that the use of soy shell flour allows you to increase the protein content, food fibers, zinc, iron in the finished product, which meets the needs of the consumer.

Background. Leukotrienes play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) and eosinophilic type of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). There is a phenotype of CRSwNP in combination with AR, which has specifics of local inflammation.The aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy of using an antileukotriene drug in the treatment of AR in combination with CRSwNP.Materials and methods. 63 patients with AR and bilateral CRSwNP after endoscopic bilateral polypotomy were randomly divided into 2 groups. In the 1st group 32 people (age 50.28 ± 1.37 years) were prescribed a basic therapy with nasal spray of mometasone furoate at a daily dose of 400 µg in combination with montelukast 1 tab. 10 mg at night, in the 2nd group 31 people (age 50.31 ± 1, 16 years old) received only mometasone furoate monotherapy. Endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity was performed once every 3 months. The follow-up period was 1 year.Results. After 3 months in the 1st group of patients there was a recurrence of polyp growth was observed in 25% of cases, in the 2nd group in 35.5% of patients (p < 0.05). After 6 months, the number of relapses of CRSwNP decreased to 15.6% of cases in group 1 and to 22.6% in group 2 (p < 0.05). After 9 months in group 1 recurrence of NP was recorded in 12.5% of patients and nasal polyps were completely absent during endoscopic examination in 9.4% of cases, in the 2nd group, relapse was detected in 19.35% of patients (p < 0.05). 1 year after surgery, in group 1, relapse of NP was found in 12.5% of patients with AR and in 12.5% of cases was remission of the pathological process with cancellation of basic therapy. In group 2, recurrence of NP was in 16.1% of cases, there were no reasons for withdraw treatment of intranasal glucocorticosteroids in this group.Discussion. The clinical effectiveness of the addition of Montelukast to basic therapy has been reflected in a reduction in the growth rate of polyposic vegetation, the number of repeated operations and the stabilization of the flow of chronic inflammatory process.Conclusions. In the case of the clinical phenotype of AR with CRSwNP, the addition of a leukotriene receptor blocker montelukast to the basic therapy of intranasal glucocorticosteroids made it possible to improve drug control of both diseases and reduce the frequency of CRSwNP relapses.

The Paris Climate Agreement has endorsed a strategic course towards “carbon neutrality” by 2050. Currently, all or at least most of the anthropogenic CO2 emission in Russia is absorbed by forests. The main sources of CO2 emission are fuel and energy sectors, including the electric power industry and transport. The introduction of a “carbon” tax can cause big losses for Russian manufacturers. To reduce the carbon intensity of electricity production and maintain “carbon neutrality” in the future Russia has to increase generation at nuclear, hydroelectric and other renewable energy sources, take measures to improve the fuel combustion efficiency at coal-fired power plants and introduce more economical gas turbine and combined cycle equipment installations at gas power plants.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSP) is a heterogenous disease. We have earlier detected differences in severity of clinical manifestations, cellular infiltration degree shown in nasal polyps, of eosinophil-to-neutrophil ratio, efficacy of intranasal glucocorticosteroid baseline therapy, and various inflammatory patterns for several cytokines on the mRNA expression level in different phenotypes with isolated CRSP cases, CRSP associated with respiratory allergy (RA), or non-allergic bronchial asthma.The purpose of this work was to study the cytokines of TGF-â family in the tissues of nasal polyps in patients with different CRSP phenotypes. The research involved 292 patients suffering from CRSP divided into 3 phenotypic groups. Group I consisted of patients with isolated CRSP free of associated BA and/or sensitization to atopic allergens. Group II included patients with CRSP combined with respiratory allergy and was further divided into two subgroups. I.e., Group 2a comprised patients with CRSP, allergic BA (aBA), and allergic rhinitis (AR), while the patients with CRSP, AR, and non-allergic BA were placed to the group 2b. The patients suffering from CRSP complicated with non-allergic BA were allocated to the group III. The patients with hypertrophic rhinitis served as control. The levels of TGF-â1, TGF-â2, and TGF-â3 proteins (pg/mg) were measured by means of multiplex immunoassay approach in supernates of tissue homogenates from nasal polyps removed by surgery, and in posterior parts of inferior nasal conchae. The total protein level was determined in tissue supernatant, with cytokine contents recalculated for the mg/ml protein concentration for standardization of measurements.In the control group, trace concentrations of all three growth factors were detected. Significant difference in protein contents was found for the studied cytokines, depending on CRSP phenotype. The levels of TGF-â1 and TGF-â2 were statistically lower in isolated CRSP than in other groups of comorbid CRSP patients. TGF-â1 and TGF-â2 concentrations were significantly lower in CRSP + allergic BA group IIa than in CRSP + nonallergic BA and CRSP + RA groups. The amount of TGF-â3 cytokine was maximal in CRSP + non-allergic BA group III compared to the patients with isolated CRSP of group I and CRSP + non-allergic BA group 2a.Conclusions.The high level of all three TGF-â isoforms in patients with CRSP compared to the control group suggested a high potential of mucous membranes of paranasal sinuses for active tissue remodeling followed by nasal polype formation.Different mechanisms were presumed for development of local pathological process in different clinical phenotypes of CRSP, depending on the comorbid pathology, especially, BA or respiratory disorders.Minimal TGF-â1 and TGF-â2 levels were detected in isolated CRSP.The highest concentrations of TGF-â1, TGF-â2, and TGF-â3 were discovered in the patients with CRSP accompanied by non-allergic BA as compared to the groups with isolated CRSP and CRSP+allergic BA.5. Determination of TGF-â1, TGF-â2, and TGF-â3 levels can serve as an additional criterion for differentiating between the mechanisms of mucous membrane damage in local pathological process in tissues of comorbid patients with different CRSP phenotypes.

External vibrations are known to be one of the promising ways to control the behavior of multiphase systems. The computational modeling of the behavior of a gas bubble in a viscous liquid in a horizontal cylinder of square cross-section, which undergoes linearly polarized translational oscillations in weightless conditions, has been carried out. Under vibrations, the bubble moves towards the wall of the vessel with acceleration determined by the amplitudes and frequency of vibrations. Near the wall, at a distance of the order of the thickness of the viscous Stokes boundary layer, the effects of viscosity become more important and, as a result, the bubble is repelled from the wall. After some oscillations, equilibrium conditions are attained where the attractive force balances the repulsive force; accordingly, the average position of the bubble ceases to change. The numerical modelling shows that the average behaviors of a deformable bubble near a wall under normal and tangential vibration are similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The linear stability of quasi-equilibrium states of an inclined binary fluid layer subjected to the gravity field and high-frequency small-amplitude vibrations is studied in the presence of the prescribed vertical temperature and concentration gradients. The rigid boundaries of a layer are impermeable to a substance. The Soret and Dufour effects are neglected. The study is conducted in the average approach. The conditions for quasi-equilibrium state existence are found, and the linear stability of these states to the longwave and finite-wavelength perturbations is investigated. The results of the linear stability analysis are confirmed by the nonlinear modeling, which is carried out by the finite difference method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the interaction of a rising bubble and a sedimenting fine particle in a liquid with a soluble surfactant subjected to the gravity field, forced flow, and vibrations. The frequency of vibrations is close to the resonance value. The particle motion trajectories are calculated, taking into account its inertia, fluid viscosity, Basset force, buoyancy force, and the mean force acting on the particle due to the inhomogeneity of the pulsating field. The collision efficiency is evaluated, and the cross sections of the sedimenting particles captured by the rising bubble are found. It is demonstrated that even at low vibration intensity but in the presence of a weak surfactant effect, a significant increase in the probability of particle–bubble collision and in the capture cross section can be achieved. The obtained results can be used to intensify the flotation processes by ultrasonic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]