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Introduction Surgical methods for osteoporotic burst vertebral body fracture repair have their advantages and shortcomings. The use of circumferential stabilization and corrective vertebrotomies in elderly patients is highly invasive and carries great surgical risk. On the other hand, minimally invasive methods lead to recurrence of the deformity. Thus, in the treatment of patients with such pathology, it is necessary to choose a surgical method that allows achieving optimal results. Purpose of the work was to compare the results of surgical treatment for osteoporotic burst fractures in thoracolumbar vertebral bodies using the developed method and methods of circular and hybrid stabilization based on clinical and radiological criteria. Materials and methods The study was retrospective. Three groups of patients were formed according to the type of surgical intervention. Inclusion criteria were patients with primary osteoporosis who did not receive osteotropic therapy before surgery, with osteoporotic fractures (type OF3 and OF4) of the vertebral bodies of the thoracolumbar location (Th10–L2). The follow-up period was 12 months. The following criteria were assessed: the amount of kyphosis correction (according to the Cobb method), the amount of residual postoperative kyphotic deformity, as well as its recurrence in the long-term postoperative period; sagittal balance of the torso (Barrey index), subjective evaluation of the patient’s condition (VAS). Quality of life assessment was not performed. Results There were no statistically significant differences in the dynamics of sagittal balance during the follow‑up period between the groups (p > 0.99). There was no difference between groups in clinical outcomes (VAS) at follow-up (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference in the magnitude of kyphotic deformity and its correction in the specified postoperative periods was revealed between the hybrid fixation groups and the corrective vertebrotomy group. No difference was found with the circular stabilization group. Discussion Due to the high risks of poor outcomes of anterior spinal fusion, in particular, implant subsidence, to avoid anterior spinal fusion, we used a method of focal kyphosis correction and posterior spinal fusion with autologous bone. The method proposed by the authors for the correction of focal kyphotic deformity in the treatment of patients with osteoporotic burst fractures of the vertebral bodies combines satisfactory correction of focal kyphosis with minimal surgical invasiveness, which reduces the risks of complications and poor outcomes. The proposed method may also be combined with hybrid fixation. Conclusion The developed method for focal kyphotic deformity correction in the treatment of osteoporotic burst fractures of vertebral bodies provides satisfactory correction of focal kyphosis, reduces the risks of complications and poor outcomes in comparison with circular and hybrid stabilization.

ZnO–TiO2 thin films containing 0.5 mol%, 1.0 mol%, and 5.0 mol% ZnO were synthesized by oxidative solid-phase pyrolysis. The materials contained anatase and rutile phases with particle size of 6–13 nm, as confirmed using X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy. When a certain number of ZnO crystallites appeared in the TiO2 film structure in the temperature range of room temperature to 220 °C, a two-level response of the film resistance was observed, differing by approximately 10%, as obtained by electrophysical measurements. The two-level response correlates with the formation of two donor energy levels of 0.28 and 0.33 eV in the band structure of the ZnO–TiO2 films. The donor level with a higher activation energy corresponded to the Ti vacancy (V−Ti), and that with a lower activation energy corresponded to the Zn vacancy (V−Zn). Two levels of gas-sensitive properties were noted for 0.5ZnO–TiO2, 1ZnO–TiO2, and 5ZnO–TiO2 under the influence of 50 ppm NO2 at 250 °C. Such two-level responses can be ascribed to the pinning of the Fermi level on ZnO and TiO2 nanocrystallites. The mechanism of the beak-shaped and two-level responses of sensors based on composite nanomaterials when exposed to various gases was elucidated.

Relevance. To investigate the prognostic value of the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and its components in assessing outcomes related to in-hospital and 18‑month mortality and to determine additional prognostic value when incorporating them into the GRACE score among patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Material and methods. A prospective study enrolled 712 patients diagnosed with acute MI who underwent coronary angiography within 24 hours of hospitalization. Results and Discussion. Of the patients, 61 % were male, median age 65 (interquartile range [IQR] 56–74years). In-hospital and 18‑month mortality rates were 5.1 % (n = 36) and 12.1 % (n = 86), respectively. Median GRACE, CCI scores were 117 (IQR: 98–141), and 4 (IQR: 3–6) respectively. Common comorbidities within the CCI components included previous MI (21.8 %), diabetes mellitus (21.1 %), chronic pulmonary disease (16.2 %), dementia (9.2 %), peptic ulcer disease (9.1 %), renal failure (8.6 %). Factors associated with in-hospital and 18‑month mortality included chronic lung disease (odds ratio [OR] = 4.21 and 2.04, respectively) and renal failure (OR = 3.51 and 1.99, respectively) after adjusting for GRACE score. Dementia (OR 2.10; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.11–3.97) was a significant risk factor for 18‑month mortality. CCI was associated with in-hospital and 18‑month mortality (GRACE-adjusted OR 1.29, 95 % CI:1.07–1.57, p = 0.001 and 1.37, 95 % CI (1.20–1.57, p = 0.001, respectively). CCI demonstrated good predictive ability for in-hospital mortality (area under the ROC Curve [AUC]: 0.826) and modest performance for 18‑month mortality (AUC: 0.797). Adding chronic lung disease, renal failure in the GRACE score significantly improved the predictive efficacy for in-hospital mortality, with an AUC of 0.932 (95 % CI: 0.905–0.959, p = 0.001). Including CCI in the GRACE score enhanced the prediction efficiency for 18‑month mortality (AUC 0.819, 95 % CI: 0.768–0.871, p = 0.001). Conclusion. The CCI demonstrated moderate prognostic value in assessing in-hospital mortality among patients with acute MI and good predictive ability for long-term mortality. The CCI and its components (chronic lung disease, renal failure) added prognostic significance in addition to the GRACE score for predicting both short-term and long-term adverse outcomes.

This article explores the potential of using concrete made from a cement mixture with blast furnace slag additives for construction in the Russian Arctic to promote sustainable development in the region. Utilizing industrial waste as recycled raw materials aligns with the principles of green and circular economy. Recent observations have shown local symbiotic effects, such as reduced material costs and mitigated environmental impacts. Replacing clinkers with mineral additives during cement production has been noted to reduce the carbon intensity of the final product. Further reductions in greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions can be achieved due to the long-term preservation of thermal insulating properties and the relatively slow degradation of the structure. Comparative laboratory tests were conducted on concrete samples made from cement with 15% (by weight) mineral slag and cement without additives. The dynamic indicators of density and hardness of the cement samples were assessed under simulated natural conditions. The inclusion of mineral additives alters the chemical reactions during the hardening of the concrete in contact with air and water, without prolonging the process, and increases hardness, even with frequent cycles of freezing/thawing and hydration/dehydration, thereby extending the service life of the structures. The obtained data were extrapolated to evaluate the environmental and economic indicators of construction and maintenance; accessibility, suitability, durability, and resource efficiency were identified as the key characteristics. The study concludes that using cement with mineral additives from blast furnace slag in the Arctic is feasible.

Iron supplements and/or blood transfusions in combination with recombinant human erythropoietin injections are routinely used to correct renal anemia, which is a common complication of end-stage renal disease. However, massive blood transfusions and inadequate intravenous iron supplementation can lead to iron overload syndrome, and anemia is not always nephrogenic. A rare clinical case of a patient with end-stage chronic kidney disease with complex genesis of anemia, who is on hemodialysis, is presented. The case is interesting because the prescription of first-line drugs was life-threatening in nature, and sevelamer was the drug chosen for the correction of mineral-bone disorders.

The first use of ultrasound in treating vascular disorders dates back to 1976. Since then, numerous original studies have been published, offering various concepts of its use. Many technical solutions have been developed and used with variable success, some of which have been developed in modern medicine. This article discusses the development of ultrasound therapeutic technologies in treating vascular disorders. The history of methods is described, available data on promising future areas are presented, and information on existing methods and devices is given.

Using first-principle numerical simulations, we find a new spatially inhomogeneous phase in rigidly rotating Nc=3 gluon plasma. This mixed phase simultaneously possesses both confining and deconfining phases in thermal equilibrium. Unexpectedly, the local critical temperature of the phase transition at the rotation axis does not depend on the angular frequency within a few percent accuracy. Even more surprisingly, an analytic continuation of our results to the domain of real angular frequencies indicates a profound breaking of the Tolman-Ehrenfest law in the vicinity of the phase transition, with the confining (deconfining) phase appearing far (near) the rotation axis.

Relevance. The hand grip strength measurement together with neuromuscular block monitoring played an important role during surgery. They both helped in losing less time during surgery and also facilitate the task of the surgeon. The aim of this study was to reduce time on intubation, facilitate the task of the surgeon and to limit post-surgical pain. In rehabilitation, hand grip strength helps in determining further recuperation measures after asurgery. There are three fundamental principles for an anesthesiologist to ensure that the patient after combined endotracheal anesthesia can be extubated, the first one is to ask the patient to move his head forward, the second one is to ask the patient whether the intubation tube is disturbing him in his mouth and the third most important one is to make the patient hold his wrist very firmly. Materials and Methods. Monitoring of muscle relaxant on induction, intra and post-surgery is carried out using aTOF Watch SX in coordination with handgrip strength measurement on 46 patients aged from 18 to 60 years of BMI of 18-30 kg/m² 15min before endotracheal intubation and 15min, 45min and 210min post extubation by using adynamometer “MEGEON 34090” to help us understand whether after extubation muscle strength changes and to what extent. Also, pre-anesthesiology protocol, combined endotracheal protocol, Microsoft excel advanced, monitoring of hemodynamics, ECG, PEEP, PCO2, PO2, respiratory volume using Drager Fabius. Results and Discussion. The results showed that to reach deep muscle relaxation both atracurium benzilate (FKP Kursk Biofabric company, Kursk, Russia) at TOF 0 took 258.5± 83.5 secs and Cisatracurium benzilate (ZAO Obninsk Chemical pharmaceutical company, Obninsk, Russia) at TOF0-252.4±100.1 secs in emergency patients and basically hand grip strength also was lesser as compared to planned cholecystectomy patients. Conclusion. Rehabilitation was necessary for patients undergoing massive abdominal emergency surgeries underlying the fact that on apain scale 10/10 post surgery, further treatments should be implemented to reduce pain, reduce residual neuromuscular block and muscle weakness after extubation at TOF 90-95%.

This article analyses fertility rate trends in Latvia over a medium-term period of 53 years, from 1970 to 2022, aiming to predict the immediate prospects for population replacement. The novelty of this interdisciplinary research, which encompasses demography, mathematics, economics and sociology, lies in applying mathematical analysis to the study of socio-demographic processes, which has not been attempted before by Latvian or international researchers. Moreover, this study is the first to draw on the theory of economic cycles to identify demographic cycles and their phases in Latvia and predict the near-term birth rate in Latvia. Furthermore, analysing comparative data from 2004 and 2022 sociological surveys cast light on the principal cause of Latvia’s declining fertility rate. This shift is due to changes in societal values, where the family and children no longer hold a central place, which is particularly true of women in Latvia. Consumerism-driven value changes have ceased to be a sine qua non of achieving their life goals and ambitions. Facilitating an increase in the fertility rate would require considering Latvian society’s values and pursuing socioeconomic policies that comprise both internal measures, such as increasing residents’ financial security, and external initiatives, including neighbourliness promotion. Latvia’s fertility rates will continue to decline for several more years until the trough of the following demographic cycle is reached, which will be lower than that of the previous cycle. There will be an upturn within the linear downward trend in birth rates – but even this anticipated rise will not reach the earlier peak. Thus, as the findings of the study suggest, the projected increase in Latvia’s total fertility rate to 1.77 children per woman, as envisioned by the FAMILY — LATVIA — 2030 (2050) Population Reproduction Strategy, is practically unattainable by 2027.

Abstract Background Pervasive usage of alternative promoters leads to the deregulation of gene expression in carcinogenesis and may drive the emergence of new genes in spermatogenesis. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms underpinning the activation of alternative promoters. Results Here we describe how alternative cancer-testis-specific transcription is activated. We show that intergenic and intronic CTCF binding sites, which are transcriptionally inert in normal somatic cells, could be epigenetically reprogrammed into active de novo promoters in germ and cancer cells. BORIS/CTCFL, the testis-specific paralog of the ubiquitously expressed CTCF, triggers the epigenetic reprogramming of CTCF sites into units of active transcription. BORIS binding initiates the recruitment of the chromatin remodeling factor, SRCAP, followed by the replacement of H2A histone with H2A.Z, resulting in a more relaxed chromatin state in the nucleosomes flanking the CTCF binding sites. The relaxation of chromatin around CTCF binding sites facilitates the recruitment of multiple additional transcription factors, thereby activating transcription from a given binding site. We demonstrate that the epigenetically reprogrammed CTCF binding sites can drive the expression of cancer-testis genes, long noncoding RNAs, retro-pseudogenes, and dormant transposable elements. Conclusions Thus, BORIS functions as a transcription factor that epigenetically reprograms clustered CTCF binding sites into transcriptional start sites, promoting transcription from alternative promoters in both germ cells and cancer cells.

A new derivatization reagent, phthalylglycyl chloride (PG-Cl), for the analysis of urinary amino acids was demonstrated using reversed-phase ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The study compares the limits of detection and quantification for different sample preparation techniques with the commonly used and effective method of derivatization using dansyl chloride. The stability of the derivatives was investigated, and the study includes an example of urinary amino acid analysis using PG-Cl derivatization. The optimal values for pH, temperature, and concentration of the derivatization reagent were established. Limits of quantification in the range of 0.5–500 µg/mL were obtained for different amino acids. The possibility of phthalylglycyl chloride usage for non-target screening applications and targeted analysis of amino acids in urine was discussed. An advantages and issues of PG-Cl in comparison with commonly used acyl-chlorides (FMOC-Cl and DNS-Cl) provided and discussed.

A novel method was proposed for the experimental investigation of wavefront distortion introduced to amplified radiation by pumped active elements in high-power laser amplifiers. The method is based on the simultaneous measurement of temperature distribution and the distribution of population density of the excited laser level in active elements. The underlying theory of the technique was presented; various factors affecting the accuracy of wavefront distortion determination were analyzed. The method was tested to study the wavefront distortion and the depolarization of radiation introduced by the Yb:YAG active element of a cryogenically cooled laser amplifier with high-power diode pumping. The focal length of the thermal lens was 0.40 ± 0.03 and 0.47 ± 0.05 m for the horizontal and vertical planes, respectively. The focal length of the electron lens was two orders of magnitude larger. The maximum value of losses induced by depolarization was 8.5%.

BackgroundImmune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is rapidly becoming a standard of care in the treatment of many cancer types. However, the subset of patients who respond to this type of therapy is limited. Another way to promote antitumoral immunity is the use of immunostimulatory molecules, such as cytokines or T cell co-stimulators. The systemic administration of immunotherapeutics leads to significant immune-related adverse events (irAEs), therefore, the localized antitumoral action is needed. One way to achieve this is intratumoral non-viral gene-immune therapy, which allows for prolonged and localized gene expression, and multiple drug administration. In this study, we combined the previously described non-viral gene delivery system, PEG-PEI-TAT copolymer, PPT, with murine OX40L-encoding plasmid DNA.MethodsThe resulting OX40L/PPT nanoparticles were characterized via gel mobility assay, dynamic light scattering analysis and in vitro transfection efficiency evaluation. The antitumoral efficacy of intratumorally (i.t.) administered nanoparticles was estimated using subcutaneously (s.c.) implanted CT26 (colon cancer), B16F0 (melanoma) and 4T1 (breast cancer) tumor models. The dynamics of stromal immune cell populations was analyzed using flow cytometry. Weight loss and cachexia were used as irAE indicators. The effect of combination of i.t. OX40L/PPT with intraperitoneal PD-1 ICB was estimated in s.c. CT26 tumor model.ResultsThe obtained OX40L/PPT nanoparticles had properties applicable for cell transfection and provided OX40L protein expression in vitro in all three investigated cancer models. We observed that OX40L/PPT treatment successfully inhibited tumor growth in B16F0 and CT26 tumor models and showed a tendency to inhibit 4T1 tumor growth. In B16F0 tumor model, OX40L/PPT treatment led to the increase in antitumoral effector NK and T killer cells and to the decrease in pro-tumoral myeloid cells populations within tumor stroma. No irAE signs were observed in all 3 tumor models, which indicates good treatment tolerability in mice. Combining OX40L/PPT with PD-1 ICB significantly improved treatment efficacy in the CT26 subcutaneous colon cancer model, providing protective immunity against CT26 colon cancer cells.ConclusionOverall, the anti-tumor efficacy observed with OX40L non-viral gene therapy, whether administered alone or in combination with ICB, highlights its potential to revolutionize cancer gene therapy, thus paving the way for unprecedented advancements in the cancer therapy field.

We report a new visualization tool for analysis of whole-genome assembly-assembly alignments, the Comparative Genome Viewer (CGV) (https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genome/cgv/). CGV visualizes pairwise same-species and cross-species alignments provided by National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) using assembly alignment algorithms developed by us and others. Researchers can examine large structural differences spanning chromosomes, such as inversions or translocations. Users can also navigate to regions of interest, where they can detect and analyze smaller-scale deletions and rearrangements within specific chromosome or gene regions. RefSeq or user-provided gene annotation is displayed where available. CGV currently provides approximately 800 alignments from over 350 animal, plant, and fungal species. CGV and related NCBI viewers are undergoing active development to further meet needs of the research community in comparative genome visualization.

Using first-principle numerical simulations of the lattice SU(3) gauge theory, we calculate the isothermal moment of inertia of the rigidly rotating gluon plasma. We find that the moment of inertia unexpectedly takes a negative value below the “supervortical temperature” Ts=1.50(10)Tc, vanishes at T=Ts, and becomes a positive quantity at higher temperatures. The negative moment of inertia indicates a thermodynamic instability of rigid rotation. We derive the condition of thermodynamic stability of the vortical plasma and show how it relates to the scale anomaly and the magnetic gluon condensate. The rotational instability of gluon plasma shares a striking similarity with the rotational instabilities of spinning Kerr and Myers-Perry black holes.

Low iodine content in the environment can be one of the main factors of iodine deficiency diseases in humans and farm animals, including hypothyroidism, nodular thyroid tumors, irreversible brain damage in the fetus and newborn. Endemic goiter, caused primarily by iodine deficiency, is an urgent problem for most regions of modern Russia, including the Republic of Crimea. For the Republic of Crimea, along with other regions of the Crimean-Caucasian mountain zone, there is a deficiency of iodine in the lower links of the trophic chain, which provokes iodine deficiency diseases. The aim of the work was to reveal the contrast of iodine distribution in the lower links of the trophic chain: different types of soils for agricultural use and natural waters for drinking purposes from various sources in the Crimean Mountains. The article presents data of the iodine content in the soil cover and drinking water in the Crimean Mountains, on the example of the Bakhchisarai area (in Bodrak river valley). The dependence of the iodine content in the upper horizons of different types of soils, on the content of humus, pH-water soils and cation exchange has been established. It has been confirmed that the content of iodine in natural waters (springs, rivers, lakes) is determined primarily by the composition of water-bearing rocks.

The history of the Faculty Therapy Clinic of Sechenov University is presented. The stages of the formation of its therapeutic school are discussed. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods first developed and implemented in the clinic are described in detail.

Relevance. Sixty percent of cases of residual neuromuscular block (rNMB) were recorded globally, yet this issue of rNMB in critically ill patients remains taboo. To predict any leftover NMB, a train-of-four stimulation (TOF) Watch SX was utilized to track the depth of muscle relaxant in emergency patients both during and after surgery, even when they were transported to the intensive care unit. This study aimed to investigate differences in the variability of neuromuscular block between two distinct surgical procedures: laparoscopic cholecystectomy (the control group) and emergency abdominal surgery (the investigation group). Materials and Methods. Using two different muscle relaxants and assessing their depth using accelerometry notably the TOF Watch SX. A total of 140 patients, aged 18-60 years with a BMI of 18-30 kg/m², participated in the study. Group I underwent planned cholecystectomy (control group), while Group II underwent emergency abdominal surgery (investigation group). The muscle relaxants Ridelat-C, generic of atracurium benzilate (Verofarm OOO, Harabovsk, Russia) and Kruaron, generic of rocuronium bromide (Verofarm OOO, Harabovsk, Russia) were administered, with various monitoring methods, including Drager Fabius, ECG, and lab results, Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2021 advanced with graphs and ANOVA. Results and Discussion. The results demonstrated profound skeletal muscle relaxation for planned cholecystectomy, with TOF 0 achieved at 165.9 ± 95 seconds for Kruaron and 183.3 ± 90 seconds for Ridelat-C. In emergency abdominal surgery, it took 207.1 ± 120 seconds with Kruaron and 255.5 ± 109.5 seconds with Ridelat-C at TOF0. Notably, Kruaron exhibited prolonged effects in Group II, leading to residual neuromuscular block in critically ills even 2.5 hours post-surgery. Conclusion . Neuromuscular blocking agents modestly exacerbated neuromuscular dysfunction, potentially contributing to acquired critical illness polyneuropathy/myopathy, severe sepsis/septic shock, and massive blood loss/haemorrhagic shock. In critically ills, a minimal calculated dose of Kruaron is recommended, while Ridelat-C, which metabolized within the blood plasma without involving the kidneys or liver, might be a better choice. Suggamadex was suggested for reversing Kruaron effects due to its rapid effect as compared to proserine.

The review article highlights the main stages of the formation of computed tomography (CT) as a key method used in modern cardiology. The progress of CT scanners is directly related to the increase in the number of detectors, and thus, with an increase in the number of simultaneously collected projections. Modern developments and future technologies in the field of further development of the technique, including CT angiography and other new methods for assessing coronary blood flow, are discussed. The use of artificial intelligence technologies may make it possible to improve and accelerate the interpretation of the resulting images in the future, especially if it is economically justified.

Aim. To evaluate the changes in blood pressure (BP), the severity of pain syndrome and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use patterns in patients hospitalized for elective arthroplasty of large joints of the lower extremities during the postoperative period. Materials and methods. This study included 374 patients. In all patients, medical history, antihypertensive therapy and history of NSAIDs usage were collected, BP was measured, and the severity of pain was assessed via a 10-point scale before surgery, as well as 1 and 3 months after arthroplasty. Results. The study included 132 (35.3%) males and 242 (64.7%) females. Among these, 289 (77.3%) patients had hypertension [grade 1 – 35 patients, grade 2 – 136 patients, grade 3 – 118 (25.0%) patients]; 280 (74.9%) patients were taking NSAIDs (121 – daily, 135 – 2–3 times per week). The median pain severity before surgery was 8 points [7; 9], 1 month after surgery – 2 points [1; 4], 3 months after surgery – 1 point [0; 3]. At 1 month after arthroplasty, 23 (7.9%) patients reported a decrease in BP. In 17 (5.9%) patients, correction of previously prescribed antihypertensive therapy with a decrease in drug doses was required. At 1 month after arthroplasty, 256 patients discontinued NSAIDs. The analysis of the relationship between the severity of pain, NSAIDs use and the level of BP revealed a significant effect of pain syndrome (p0.0001) and the use of NSAIDs (p=0.014). Conclusion. In the population of patients with elective arthroplasty of large joints of the lower extremities, a significant incidence of hypertension and a high prevalence of NSAIDs use are noted. During the postoperative period, a significant trend towards a decrease in the severity of pain was found, as well as the relationship of pain and NSAIDs with a decrease in BP.

Introduction. COVID-19 is characterized by a varied clinical course. The aim of the work was to identify associations of SNPs of hemostatic system genes with COVID-19. Materials and methods. DNA was isolated from patients (n=117) and healthy participants (n=104). All infected patients were divided into 3 groups, depending on disease severity assessment, which was appreciated by NEWS2. Another group consisted of participants, who had asymptomatic infection in the past. Determination of SNPs of the genes FGB (-455 G/A), FII (20210 G/A), FV (1691 G/A), FVII (10976 G/A), FXIIIA1 (103 G/T), ITGA2 (807 C/T), ITGB3 (1565 T/C), SERPINE1 (-675 5G/4G) were performed by PCR using the Genetics of Hemostasis kit (DNA-Technology, Russia). Results. In analyzed SNPs, no significant differences were detected between the group of infected patients and healthy participants. But significant association was revealed in gene SERPINE1 (-675 5G/4G), when patient groups, differing in the disease severity, were analyzed relative to the group of participants with asymptomatic infection (p=0.0381; p=0 .0066; p=0.0009). It was found, that as COVID-19 severity scores increased, the proportion of 5G allele of gene SERPINE1 decreased, and the proportion of the 4G allele increased (p=0.005; p=0.009; p=0.0005). Similar processes were observed for genotypes 5G/5G and 4G/4G. Discussion. The gene SERPINE1 (-675 5G/4G) is associated with the severity of COVID-19. Conclusion. For the first time, it was discovered that 5G/5G genotype of gene SERPINE1 (-675 5G/4G) can be a marker of a milder course of COVID-19, and the 4G/4G genotype as a more severe one.

Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause for references to the medical institution in Russia. According to the date of the National research and practical society of emergency medical care, every day about 400 thousands of Russian patients with the diagnosis of “acute coronary syndrome” are admitted to the hospitals through the emergency care services. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy is diagnosed in 2% of patients with referral diagnosis. The authors present a case of Takotsubo syndrome developed in the settings of emotional stress induced by a dental intervention.

In January and September 2022, the studies of the Syrian-Russian underwater archaeological expedition continued in the water area of the Tartus Governorate. To date, the specialists of the Institute of Oriental Studies RAS and the Sevastopol State University has examined a number of underwater archaeological sites. One of the places, where the international expedition conducts research, is the unique structures of the sea fortress of Maraclea, located near the settlement of Kharab Maraqiya. The expedition members studied and fixed these structures on the seabed. The purpose of the studies was to create a general plan and a digital model of these unique structures, as well as to analyze written sources about this sea fortress in order to receive objective information and interpretation of the identified objects. For a long time Maraclea was a small coastal town, nevertheless it had a rich historical past. After the First Crusade, it became one of the most important Crusader possessions, part of the County of Tripoli, which in turn was destined to become the last stronghold of Western chivalry in the Holy Land. It was Maraclea that became the subject of a fierce struggle between the crusaders and the Mamluk sultans, as a result of which the town was literally wiped off the ground. However, in the shortest possible time, a castle with the same name was erected in the sea, opposite the destroyed Maraclea. Contemporaries and historians agree that this fortress Maraclea, rising from the depths of the sea, was for its time the most powerful fortification and, in many of its characteristics, has almost no analogues in world history. Thus, although sea fortress Maraclea did not last long, it remained a very brigt trace in history and continues to be the subject of the discussions among the scientists.

Two approaches are applied to studies of the phylogeny of the plague microbe Yersinia pestis, i.e., the reconstruction of its history: Molecular genetic (MG) and ecological (ECO). The MG approach dominates. Phylogenies created with MG and ECO methods are not congruent. MG conclusions contradict the known facts and patterns of ecology, biogeography, paleontology, etc. We discuss some obvious contradictions and inconsistencies and suggest that real phylogenies of the plague microbe can be constructed only on the basis of the integration of MG and ECO approaches.

Abstract An evaluation method supported by robust statistical analysis was applied to historical measurements of $$^{39}$$ 39 Ar half-life. The method, based on the most frequent value (MFV) approach combined with bootstrap analysis, provides a more robust way to estimate $$^{39}$$ 39 Ar half-life, and results in $$T_{1/2}($$ T 1 / 2 ( MFV $$) = 268.2^{+3.1}_{-2.9}$$ ) = 268 . 2 - 2.9 + 3.1 years with uncertainty corresponding to the 68% confidence level. The uncertainty is a factor of 3 smaller than that of the most precise re-calculated $$^{39}$$ 39 Ar half-life measurements by Stoenner et al. and a factor of 2.7 smaller than that of the adopted half-life value in nuclear data sheets. Recently, the specific activity of the beta decay of $$^{39}$$ 39 Ar in atmospheric argon was measured in several underground facilities. Applying the MFV method to a specific activity of $$^{39}$$ 39 Ar from underground measurements results in $$ SA_{{^{39}\text {Ar}}/\text {Ar}}(\text {MFV}) = 0.966^{+0.010}_{-0.018} \, \, \text {Bq/kg}_{\text {atmAr}}$$ S A 39 Ar / Ar ( MFV ) = 0 . 966 - 0.018 + 0.010 Bq/kg atmAr with uncertainty corresponding to the 68% confidence level. In this paper the method to determine the half-life of $$^{39}$$ 39 Ar using the specific activity of $$^{39}$$ 39 Ar in atmospheric argon is also discussed.

We have found a discrepancy in the reported exposure time for passive sensors, specifically TLDs, in the original manuscript entitled “Ambient Dose and Dose Rate Measurement in SNOLAB Underground Laboratory at Sudbury, Ontario, Canada” [...]

The Acorus calamus group, or sweet flag, includes important medicinal plants and is classified into three species: A. americanus (diploid), A. verus (tetraploid), and A. calamus (sterile triploid of hybrid origin). Members of the group are famous as components of traditional Indian medicine, and early researchers suggested the origin of the sweet flag in tropical Asia. Subsequent research led to an idea of the origin of the triploid A. calamus in the Amur River basin in temperate Asia, because this was the only region where both diploids and tetraploids were known to co-occur and be capable of sexual reproduction. Contrary to this hypothesis, triploids are currently very rare in the Amur basin. Here, we provide the first evidence that all three species occur in Kazakhstan. The new records extend earlier data on the range of A. verus for c. 1800 km. Along the valley of the Irtysh River in Kazakhstan and the adjacent Omsk Oblast of Russia, A. verus is recorded in the south, A. americanus in the north, and A. calamus is common in between. We propose the Irtysh River valley as another candidate for a cradle of the triploid species A. calamus. It is possible that the range of at least one parent species (A. americanus) has contracted through competition with its triploid derivative species, for which the Irtysh River floods provide a tool for downstream range expansion. We refine our earlier data and show that the two parent species have non-overlapping ranges of variation in a quantitative metric of leaf aerenchyma structure.

Produced waters are often treated in open lagoons where hydrogen sulfide (H2S) can off gas, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to optimize a treatment process using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to oxidize H2S while minimizing off gassing. Samples of produced water from West Texas and laboratory-prepared waters utilizing sodium sulfide (Na2S) or biogenic polysulfides were oxidized with H2O2 alone or in combination with copper or iron catalysts, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), or a commercial sulfide oxidizer, HydroPower Green™. Sulfur speciation was measured using Hach test kits for sulfide/sulfate/sulfite and Dräger tubes for headspace H2S. HydroPower Green™ (HPG) helped to reduce H2S in the headspace of water samples; some of this was pH related as NaOH also worked, but not as well as HPG. The dose of peroxide necessary to oxidize sulfides to sulfate is a function of the oxidation-reduction potential (Eh) of the water and total sulfide concentration as well as pH; approximately a 1–4:1 ratio of peroxide to sulfide concentration was needed to oxidize sulfidic waters of pH 7–10 with half-lives under 30 min. Both copper and iron catalysts reduce H2O2 demand and the half-life of H2S. Peracetic acid (PAA) and copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4, 5H2O) were explored as biocides for controlling sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRBs) that produce H2S. An AquaSnap (Hygenia) test kit was employed to monitor relative microbial activity in a wetland porewater containing H2S. Microbial regrowth occurred after a few days using the highest dose of PAA; these results showed that PAA was being used by bacteria as a carbon source even after the initial substantial reduction in the microbial activity. CuSO4, 5H2O at a dose of 1 ppm prevented microbial regrowth. The recommended treatment process from this research is determined by jar testing with H2O2, a base for pH control, a biocide, and possibly a metal catalyst or other co-oxidants in order to achieve oxidation of sulfides without H2S release or the precipitation of metal carbonates or oxides.

It is shown in this work that, with strong focusing of a beam with optical vortex and circular polarization, three energy flows take place in the focal plane: direct longitudinal, reverse longitudinal and azimuthal transverse flows. Calculations are made analytically using the Richards–Wolf formalism and by numerical simulation. Moreover, the energy rotation at different lengths from the optical axis occurs in different directions. Therefore, the focal plane intersects along the optical axis only part of the initial beam energy per unit time. The same energy part (other things being equal) intersects the focal plane along the positive direction of the optical axis when an optical vortex with cylindrical polarization is focused. The difference is that, if an optical vortex is present, then the transverse energy flux at the focus rotates around the optical axis. If an optical vortex is not present (a beam with only cylindrical polarization), then the average transverse flow in the focal plane is zero, though, in some regions in the focal plane, the flow is directed towards the optical axis and, in other regions, away from it. This behavior of the transverse energy flow at the focus (flow direction towards the optical axis and away from the optical axis) of a cylindrical vector beam can be deemed another kind of Hall effect.

The CSS code construction is a powerful framework used to express features of a quantum code in terms of a pair of underlying classical codes. Its subsystem extension allows for similar expressions, but the general case has not been fully explored. Extending previous work of Aly, Klappenecker, and Sarvepalli \cite{AKS06}, we determine subsystem CSS code parameters, express codewords, and develop a Steane-type decoder using only data from the two underlying classical codes. Generalizing a result of Kovalev and Pryadko \cite{KP13}, we show that any subsystem stabilizer code can be "doubled" to yield a subsystem CSS code with twice the number of physical, logical, and gauge qudits and up to twice the code distance. This mapping preserves locality and is tighter than the Majorana-based mapping of Bravyi, Terhal, and Leemhuis \cite{BTL10}. Using Goursat's Lemma, we show that every subsystem stabilizer code can be constructed from two nested subsystem CSS codes satisfying certain constraints, and we characterize subsystem stabilizer codes based on the nested codes' properties.

Background. The relevance of the topic is determined by the prevalence of monitoring and control tasks for civil engineering products in order to prevent the occurrence of emergency situations. The goal of the work is to develop and master in mass production of unified rows of multilayer piezo-film ceramic elements based on the piezoelectric effect using slip casting technology for the control system of internal combustion engines. Materials and methods. The work uses slip casting and cold semi-dry pressing technologies. Results. The results of research into the technology for creating multilayer piezo actuators for injectors of internal combustion engines, manufactured using slip casting technology, are presented. The technical characteristics of laboratory samples of multilayer piezo actuators manufactured using semi-dry cold pressing technology are presented. The obtained value of the relative working stroke at a control electrical voltage of 200 V ranged from 0.05 to 0.08 %, and at minus 200 V it ranged from minus 0.06 to minus 0.033 %. Further improvement of the technical characteristics of piezo actuators manufactured using semi-dry cold pressing technology, including an increase in the relative working stroke to 0.13 % at a control electrical voltage of 140 V, is possible by reducing the thickness of the piezo plate blanks from 0.2 to 0.1 mm and changes in the method of their metallization and assembly (gluing).

Digital competence is a key skill for teachers in the era of distance education. However, developing digital competence requires appropriate forms and training methods that utilise the available technologies and tools. In this article, we explore how Google Workspace for Education, a cloud service that offers various digital education tools, can foster digital competence among teachers in postgraduate education. We draw on our experience organising and conducting distance learning courses for university teachers at the Department of Open Educational Systems and Information and Communication Technologies of the Institute of Postgraduate Education. We present the theoretical background of competence, digital competence, and distance education and the educational opportunities that Google Workspace for Education provides. Using Google Classroom as the main platform, we describe the effective ways of developing digital competence in distance learning. We analyse the participants' learning outcomes and the benefits of collaborative learning. We also report the results of our research on developing teachers' digital competence based on selected criteria and indicators. We highlight the promising trends and challenges in developing teachers' digital competence in distance education.

Thin nanocomposite films based on tin dioxide with a low content of zinc oxide (0.5–5[Formula: see text]mol.%) were obtained by the sol–gel method. The synthesized films are 300–600[Formula: see text]nm thick and contains pore sizes of 19–29[Formula: see text]nm. The resulting ZnO–SnO2 films were comprehensively studied by atomic force and Kelvin probe force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra. The photoconductivity parameters on exposure to light with a wavelength of 470[Formula: see text]nm were also studied. The study of the photosensitivity kinetics of ZnO–SnO2 films showed that the film with the Zn:Sn ratio equal to 0.5:99.5 has the minimum value of the charge carrier generation time constant. Measurements of the activation energy of the conductivity, potential barrier, and surface potential of ZnO–SnO2 films showed that these parameters have maxima at ZnO concentrations of 0.5[Formula: see text]mol.% and 1[Formula: see text]mol.%. Films with 1[Formula: see text]mol.% ZnO exhibit high response values when exposed to 5–50[Formula: see text]ppm of nitrogen dioxide at operating temperatures of [Formula: see text]C and [Formula: see text]C.

Background. Central nervous system tuberculosis is one of the most severe forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, which is due to an unfavorable clinical course, a high incidence of neurological complications and deaths. Despite this, the problem of early diagnosis is still not solved. Aim. To study the clinical and laboratory-instrumental features of the early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in HIV-infected patients. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 31 case histories of patients with tuberculous lesions of the meninges and central nervous system in the late stages of HIV infection who were treated at the Clinical Tuberculosis Dispensary of Krasnodar Territory in 20202022 was carried out. The data of clinical manifestations of the disease, the results of laboratory and instrumental methods of examination were analyzed. Statistical data processing was performed by Microsoft Office Excel 2021 with the calculation of averages, standard deviation. Results. Tuberculous lesions of the meninges and the central nervous system among HIV-infected people were more common in men of working age who were not previously registered in a tuberculosis dispensary. All HIV-infected patients had late stages of HIV infection with severe immunodeficiency: the content of CD4+ lymphocytes less than 100 cells was detected in 45.46%; from 100 to 200 cells/l of CD4+ lymphocytes were recorded in 36.36%, more than 200 cells/l in 18.18%. Also, in all the studied patients, the primary focus was established in the form of tuberculosis of the respiratory organs, represented in 56.52% of cases by disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis. More than 70% had generalized tuberculosis with damage to the kidneys, spleen, and peripheral lymph nodes. A feature of the manifestation of tuberculous meningitis in HIV-infected people can be considered a high frequency of acute increase in neurological symptoms. Of the cerebral manifestations, the most common were: headache, dizziness, photophobia. 13.04% of HIV-infected patients complained of nausea and vomiting. 91.30% showed signs of damage to the substance of the brain, represented by mono-, hemiparesis and damage to the cranial nerves, mainly IIIIV, VI, VII pairs. The composition of CSF in HIV-positive patients revealed the presence of mild pleocytosis (up to 100 cells/l) in 56.52% of cases. The nature of the change in the concentration of proteins, chlorides and glucose is nonspecific. Conclusions. The study revealed the features of medical and social characteristics, clinical and laboratory and instrumental picture of tuberculous meningitis in HIV-infected patients and without HIV infection.

Aim. To assess the relationship between plasma chitotiosidase (CHIT) level and mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods. 347 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in our single-center cohort prospective observational study. On the first day of hospitalization the patients were assessed by the level of CHIT in the venosus blood to addition to default laboratory examinations. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. The survival after hospital discharge were assessed via phone calls on 90 and 180 days since inclusion to the study (NCT04752085). Results. Our study included 347 patients. The first symptoms appeared in 7 days [5; 7] before hospitalization; 283 (84.3%) patients had less than 50% of the involvement of the lung tissue to the inflammation process (CT 02); 36 (10.4%) patients had died since the start of our investigation; 30 (83.3%) of them died during hospitalization, others -no later than 60 days; 68 (19%) people didnt answer during phone call. The survivor's activity of the enzyme in the deceased was significantly lower in compare to deceased patients (90.5 [40.2; 178.0] nmol/h/mL vs 180.0 [77.2; 393.2] nmol/h/mL; p=0.001). Survivor of the patients with a higher level of the activity of the CHIT (more than 171 nmol/h/mL) was statically significantly lower. Conclusion. Rising of the CHIT's activity more than 171 nmol/h/mL might be an early independent predictor of the bad prognosis of the patients, who were hospitalized with COVID-19 infection.

This study compares the feasibility of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry with whole genome sequencing (WGS) for identifying bacteria in river surface water samples. We collected samples from four rivers in the Dominican Republic and used both techniques to characterize bacterial profiles. MALDI-TOF demonstrated high precision, with 86.2% similarity to WGS results, except for a few discordant cases due to database limitations. MALDI-TOF provided cost-effective and rapid identification, making it a promising alternative to WGS in resource-constrained regions. In particular, good effectiveness of MALDI-TOF in identifying bacteria with a high probability of being resistant to antibiotics was observed, which allows this technology to be used in the monitoring processes of this type of microorganism for their rapid, accurate, and low-cost identification. We found this technology to be advantageous for environmental bacterial profiling, with potential applications in understanding waterborne pathogenic bacteria. Our findings underline the relevance of MALDI-TOF in microbiology and its potential to expand its capabilities in bacterial identification and protein profiling.

It is anticipated that the creation of wood-polymer composites (WPC) made of naturally renewable polymers and their derivatives (biocomposites) would have a significant practical use due to the rise in prices for synthetic thermoplastic polymers derived from oil and gas. Furthermore, the necessity to replace synthetic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and others as components of composite materials is also associated with environmental hazards caused by their low degradation rate in the natural media (soil, water, and air). A further problem for manufacturers of WPC is the legislative requirement for autonomous neutralisation of production waste. One of the potential materials for practical application in the production of WPC are binders based on plasticised cellulose acetates. Russian and foreign scientists have studied the influence of the degree of acetylation of cellulose acetate on the properties of polymeric materials that do not contain lignocellulose fillers. There is no information found concerning the secondary use of cellulose acetate waste for the production of WPC. This article presents the results of an investigation into the hot pressing of biocomposites with a polymer phase of plasticised cellulose acetates of varying degrees of acetylation and fillers: wood flour and waste acetate photographic film. An experimental and statistical dependence of the effect of the degree of acetylation of cellulose acetate and filler content in the biocomposite on its properties was developed, sufficient to exceed a confidence level of 0.9. The experimental specifications included decomposition in activated soil, water absorption, bending strength, Brinell hardness, etc. Some test results showed that the derived biocomposites have the same level of properties as the reference WPC, which consists of a high-density polyethylene phase with a wood flour content of 50 %. The derived dependencies allow us to predict changes in the properties of biocomposites at different degrees of acetylation of plasticised cellulose acetate and filler content. Moreover, they solve the problem of choosing the optimal chemical combination for WPC for manufacturing a specific product by hot pressing. For citation: Shkuro A.E., Glukhikh V.V., Usova K.A., Chirkov D.D., Zakharov P.S., Vurasko A.V. Deriving Biocomposites of Polymer Phase Plasticised Cellulose Acetates with Varying Degrees of Acetylation. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2023, no. 4, pp. 155–168. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-4-155-168

Aim. To study the prevalence, age and gender characteristics of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and methods. In a case-control study, clinical and laboratory data were analyzed in 683 patients with DM (4.6% of patients with type 1 DM and 95.4% with type 2 DM) and kidney damage. The indicators of anthropometry, hemodynamics and biochemistry were studied. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the CKD-EPI formula. Results. The proportion of middle-aged and elderly patients with CKD was the most numerous, amounting to 39 and 38%, respectively. At the same time, anemia was more common in young people, and hypercholesterolemia (35.0%), proteinuria (47.5%) and signs of renal failure (45.0%) in middle-aged patients with CKD. 47.0% study participants had C1 and C2 categories of changes in renal function. Mean levels of systolic blood pressure (BP), the prevalence of proteinuria were statistically significantly higher in women. When evaluating the correlations, we found statistically significant relationships between the calculated GFR and the level of body mass index, systolic BP, venous blood glucose and Hb in the subgroup of men. Among females, a significant relationship between the calculated GFR value was revealed with indicators of systolic and diastolic BP, venous blood glucose and Hb concentration. Conclusion. Our data indicate the existence of differences in the prevalence of CKD and associated risk factors for the progression of renal failure, depending on gender differences and living conditions of patients. In urban residents, CKD was most often associated with arterial hypertension and renal failure, while overweight, obesity, and proteinuria were significantly more common in rural areas. The incidence of proteinuria and mean levels of systolic BP were significantly higher in females. Further study of the issue under discussion seems promising from the standpoint of a personalized approach and the search for a new preventive strategy to combat both end-stage renal failure and its complications.

The identification of patterns and mechanisms of wildfire effects on biodiversity is of significant conservation importance. The research was conducted in a zone of mixed and broad-leaved forests. Carabid beetles were studied in eight sample plots that varied in relation to the 2010 and 2021 fires through 2022 and 2023. A total of 8667 specimens of 108 species of carabid beetles were counted. In 2022, plots were clearly differentiated by the pyrogenic disturbance in terms of the carabid species structure. As the pyrogenic disturbance increases, the total abundance of brachypterous as well as herbivore species decreases sharply. The carabids that were the most prevalent in an undisturbed forest (Carabus arcensis, Carabus glabratus, Pterostichus oblongopunctatus, and Amara brunnea) demonstrated sensitivity to the 2010 fire. The pyrophilous species Pterostichus quadrifoveolatus and Sericoda quadripunctata were attracted to a moderately burned area. Poecilus lepidus is confined to areas burned in 2010 and not affected by the 2021 fire. A moderately burned area was characterized by increased abundance and number of species. In 2023, the degree of similarity of carabid populations between sample plots did not generally increase, but only the 2010 fire was identified as a significant factor in population differentiation. The abundance of carabids decreased in a moderately burned area and an unburned area near the fire edge. The abundance and number of species increased markedly in heavily burned areas due to open habitat species, while the abundance of Carabus arcensis and Amara brunnea decreased in unburned areas. Forest megafires threaten the biodiversity of carabid beetles in pine and secondary forests.

The electrophilic activation of various substrates via double or even triple protonation in superacidic media enables reactions with extremely weak nucleophiles. Despite the significant progress in this area, the utility of organophosphorus compounds as superelectrophiles still remains limited. Additionally, the most common superacids require a special care due to their high toxicity, exceptional corrosiveness and moisture sensitivity. Herein, we report the first successful application of the “Brønsted acid assisted Brønsted acid” concept for the superelectrophilic activation of 2-hydroxybenzo[e][1,2]oxaphosphinine 2-oxides (phosphacoumarins). The pivotal role is attributed to the tendency of the phosphoryl moiety to form hydrogen-bonded complexes, which enables the formation of dicationic species and increases the electrophilicity of the phosphacoumarin. This unmasks the reactivity of phosphacoumarins towards non-activated aromatics, while requiring only relatively non-benign trifluoroacetic acid as the reaction medium.

Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs)—the segregated ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composites with hybrid filler—decorated with Fe3O4 were developed. Using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, it was shown that the decorated component has the shape of separate granules, or their clusters were distributed evenly over the GNPs surface. The individual Fe3O4 nanoparticles are predominantly rounded, with diameters of approximately 20–60 nm. The use of GNPs/Fe3O4 as a filler leads to significant decreases in the percolation limit φc, 0.97 vol% vs. 0.56 vol% for GNPs/UHMWPE- and (GNPs/Fe3O4)/UHMWPE segregated composite material (SCM), respectively. Modification of the GNP surface with Fe3O4 leads to an essential improvement in the electromagnetic interference shielding due to enhanced microwave absorption in the 26–37 GHz frequency range in its turn by abundant surface functional groups and lattice defects of GNPs/Fe3O4 nanoparticles.

The possibility of cyanoacetohydrazide usage as a novel derivatizing agent is demonstrated in the presented article, and a comparison with hydroxylamine as the most commonly used reagent is provided. Optimal conditions for steroid derivatization with cyanoacetohydrazide are provided. According to the collected data, the maximum yield of derivatives was observed at pH 2.8 within 70 min at 40 °C with 5 ng/mL limit of detection for all investigated analytes. It was shown that cyanoacetohydrazide derivatives produces both syn- and anti-forms as well as hydroxylamine, and their ratios were evaluated and shown in presented work. An efficiency enchantment from two to up to five times was achieved with a novel derivatization reagent. Its applicability for qualitative analysis of steroids in urine was presented at real samples. Additionally, the reproducible fragmentation of the derivatizing agent in collision-induced dissociation offers opportunities for simplified non-targeted steroidomic screening. Furthermore, cyanoacetohydrazide increases ionization efficiency in positive mode, which can eliminate the need for redundant high-resolution instrument runs required for both positive and negative mode analyses.

We analyze the tight focusing of a generalized Poincaré beam using a Richards–Wolf formalism. Conventional Poincaré beams are superpositions of two Laguerre–Gaussian beams with orthogonal polarization, while the generalized Poincaré beams are composed of two arbitrary optical vortices with rotationally symmetric amplitudes. Analytical relationships for projections of the electric field in the focal plane are derived. Using the superposition of a right-handed circularly polarized plane wave and an optical vortex with a topological charge of −1 as an example, relationships for the intensity distribution and the longitudinal projection of the spin angular momentum vector are deduced. It is theoretically and numerically shown that the original beam has a topological charge of −1/2 and a C-point of circular polarization, and it is generated at the focal plane center, producing an on-axis C-line with a singularity index of −1/2 (a star). Furthermore, when making a full circle of some radius around the optical axis, the major axis vector of polarization ellipse is theoretically and numerically shown to form a one-sided polarization (Möbius) strip of order −3/2, which has three half-twists and a single ‘patching’ in which two oppositely directed vectors of the major axis of polarization ellipse occur close to each other.

Brain injury resulting from adverse events during pregnancy and delivery is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and disability. Surviving neonates often suffer long-term motor, sensory, and cognitive impairments. Birth asphyxia is among the most common causes of neonatal encephalopathy. The integration of ultrasound, including Doppler ultrasound, and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a promising approach to understanding the pathology and diagnosis of encephalopathy in this special patient population. Ultrasound diagnosis can be very helpful for the assessment of structural abnormalities associated with neonatal encephalopathy such as alterations in brain structures (intraventricular hemorrhage, infarcts, hydrocephalus, white matter injury) and evaluation of morphologic changes. Doppler sonography is the most valuable method as it provides information about blood flow patterns and outcome prediction. NIRS provides valuable insight into the functional aspects of brain activity by measuring tissue oxygenation and blood flow. The combination of ultrasonography and NIRS may produce complementary information on structural and functional aspects of the brain. This review summarizes the current state of research, discusses advantages and limitations, and explores future directions to improve applicability and efficacy.

In this work, using a Richards-Wolf formalism, we derive explicit analytical relationships to describe vectors of the major and minor axes of polarization ellipses centered in the focal plane when focusing a cylindrical vector beam of integer order n. In these beams, the major axis of a polarization ellipse is found to lie in the focal plane, with the minor axis being perpendicular to the focal plane. This means that the polarization ellipse is perpendicular to the focal plane, with its polarization vector rotating either clockwise or anticlockwise and forming “photonic wheels”. Considering that the wave vector is also perpendicular to the focal plane, we conclude that the polarization ellipse and the wave vector are in the same plane, so that at some point these can coincide, which is uncharacteristic of transverse electromagnetic oscillations. In a cylindrical vector beam, the spin angular momentum vector lies in the focal plane, so when making a circle centered on the optical axis, at some sections, the handedness of the spin vector and circular motion are the same, being opposite elsewhere. This effect may be called an azimuthal transverse spin Hall effect, unlike the familiar longitudinal spin Hall effect found at the sharp focus. The longitudinal spin Hall effect occurs when opposite-sign longitudinal projections of the spin angular momentum vector are spatially separated in the focal plane. In this work, we show that for the latter, there are always an even number of spatially separated regions and that, when making an axis-centered circle, the major-axis vector of polarization ellipse forms a two-sided twisted surface with an even number of twists.

The rational design of composites based on graphene/metal oxides is one of the pillars for advancing their application in various practical fields, particularly gas sensing. In this study, a uniform distribution of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) through the graphene layer was achieved, taking advantage of amine functionalization. The beneficial effect of amine groups on the arrangement of ZnO NPs and the efficiency of their immobilization was revealed by core-level spectroscopy, pointing out strong ionic bonding between the aminated graphene (AmG) and ZnO. The stability of the resulting Am-ZnO nanocomposite was confirmed by demonstrating that its morphology remains unchanged even after prolonged heating up to 350 °C, as observed by electron microscopy. On-chip multisensor arrays composed of both AmG and Am-ZnO were fabricated and thoroughly tested, showing almost tenfold enhancement of the chemiresistive response upon decorating the AmG layer with ZnO nanoparticles, due to the formation of p-n heterojunctions. Operating at room temperature, the fabricated multisensor chips exhibited high robustness and a detection limit of 3.6 ppm and 5.1 ppm for ammonia and ethanol, respectively. Precise identification of the studied analytes was achieved by employing the pattern recognition technique based on linear discriminant analysis to process the acquired multisensor response.

In this paper, tight focusing of a superposition of a vortex laser beam with topological charge n with linear polarization and a plane wave with the same linear polarization directed along the horizontal axis is considered. Using the Richards–Wolf formalism, analytical expressions are obtained for the intensity distribution and longitudinal projection of the spin angular momentum in the focal plane. It is shown that for even and odd numbers n, the intensity and the spin angular momentum have different symmetries: for even n they are symmetric about both Cartesian axes, and for odd n they are symmetric only about the vertical axis. The intensity distribution has n local maxima at the focus, and it is nonzero on the optical axis for any n. The distribution of the longitudinal spin angular momentum (spin density) in the focal plane has (n + 2) subwavelength regions with a positive spin angular momentum and (n + 2) regions with a negative spin angular momentum, the centers of which alternately lie on a circle of a certain radius with a center on the optical axis. This spin distribution with different signs demonstrates the spin Hall effect at the focus. Negative and positive spins are mutually compensated, and the total spin is equal to zero at the focus. We have shown that by changing the topological charge of the optical vortex, it is possible to control the spin Hall effect at the focus, that is, to change the number of regions with spins of different signs.

The article presents the results of works on the Tatarskiy Azibey III site in 2020. The area of the prospect excavation, made in the place of concentration of surface finds (ceramic fragments and bronze items) was 48 m2. The general layer which included artifacts on the Tatatrskiy Azibey III site is the layer of dark grey lumpy humous loam (arable land). This layer, formed in modern era, has almost completely destroyed the cultural layer of the site outside the structures filling deposits. It contains artifacts from the Neolithic to modern era in a fragmentary state. Two remnants of the Late Bronze Age semi-subterranean dwellings were partially revealed in the excavation. Judging by construction features and ceramics from the bottom part of the filling of semi-subterranean dwellings, construction №1 refers to the Atabayevo stage of Maklasheevka culture (XIV–XIII centuries BC), construction № 2 – to Lugovoy culture (XVII–XV centuries BC). Neolithic and Eneolithic ware and flint items of that time (V–IV millennium BC) are found in fragments all over the excavation area and indicate that the Stone Age layer was actively used from the Late Bronze Age to modern era. Judging by archaeozoological definitions of species composition of the livestock on the Tatarskiy Azibey III site was similar to herd composition of other settlements of the Late Bronze Age Kama region.

The processes of the sublimation and thermal decomposition of the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid (EMImPF6) were studied by a complex approach including Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations. It was established that the vapor over the liquid phase primarily consists of decomposition products under equilibrium conditions. Otherwise, the neutral ion pairs are the only vapor components under Langmuir conditions. To identify the nature of the decomposition products, an experiment on the distillation of the ionic liquid was performed and the collected distillate was analyzed. It was revealed by the IR and NMR spectroscopy that EMImPF6 decomposes to substituted imidazole-2-ylidene (C6N2H10PF5) and HF. The measured vapor pressure of C6N2H10PF5 reveals a very low activity of the decomposition products (−4) in the liquid phase. The absence of a significant accumulation of decomposition products in the condensed phase makes it possible to determine the enthalpy of sublimation of the ionic liquid assuming its unchanged activity. The thermodynamics of the EMImPF6 sublimation was studied by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry. The formation enthalpy of EMImPF6 in the ideal gas state was found from a combination of the sublimation enthalpy and formation enthalpy of the ionic liquid in the condensed state. The obtained value is in good agreement with those calculated by quantum chemical methods.

Background. The identification of early predictors of poor outcomes of new coronavirus infection is necessary for optimizing patient management algorithms for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Aim. To study the role of chitotriosidase activity as a marker of unfavorable outcomes in COVID-19 hospitalized patients. Materials and methods. The prospective observational single-center study included 347 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in university clinic. In addition to the standard laboratory analysis (complete blood count, C-reactive protein, ferritin, creatinine, international normalized ratio, etc.) the blood serum chitotriosidase activity was determined at all the patients on admission. Primary endpoints were mortality from all causes and performing invasive ventilation (IV) and/or non-invasive ventilation (NIV). This study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee №12-21 (Clinical Trial Registry: NCT04752085). Results. A total of 347 patients were enrolled in this study (average age 66 years, females 182 52.5%), 30 patients (8.6%) died during the hospitalization, 39 (11.2%) performed IV or NIV. Along with age more than 65 (odds ratio OR 10.81, 95% confidence interval CI 2.6444.22) and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio higher than 7 (OR 15.89, 95% CI 3.0981.65) chitotriosidase activity higher than 170 ng/hr/ml (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.4512.35) were independent predictors of mortality during hospitalization. Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio higher than 5.6 (OR 11.22, 95% CI 2.3753,1) and сhitotriosidase activity higher than 151 ng/hr/ml (OR 3.17, 95% CI 1.317.67) have been evaluated as predictors of performing IV/NIV. Conclusion. Chitotriosidase level more than 151 nmol/h/mL could be considered as an early predictor of severity and poor prognosis in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.