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BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of peripheral nervous system damage depends on a thorough collection of history, comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, and dynamic examination of the patient. This article describes a clinical case of acute polyneuropathy in a young child, which began with gastrointestinal symptoms and bilateral facial neuropathy. CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: The article presents a case of a child with an atypical course of acute polyneuropathy, which began with bilateral facial neuropathy combined with gastrointestinal complaints and pain syndrome. Features of the clinical presentation of the disease required extended laboratory and instrumental testing. Protocols for instrumental verification of diagnosis included nerve conduction studies examining neural conduction and axonal excitability of the affected facial nerve and the healthy side. Additionally, the functional status of the peripheral nerves in the upper and lower limbs was assessed. Polyneuropathic alterations revealed through nerve conduction studies confirmed diagnostic lumbar puncture to determine the presence of neuroinfectious processes. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, brachial, and lumbosacral plexuses using intravenous contrast showed the nature and prevalence of a lesion. Based on the overall clinical, laboratory, and instrumental examination data of the patient, “acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy” was diagnosed; timely etiopathogenetic treatment was initiated. CONCLUSION: In children, the course of a neuroinfection may be atypical. Sometimes, when dissociating the clinical manifestations of the disease from the results of a standard laboratory and instrumental test, expert diagnostic techniques should be used for differential diagnosis purposes.

Background. The process of storing sperm in a deeply frozen state causes structural and functional disorders of spermatozoa, which reduces their fertilizing ability. The main mechanism of the negative effect of cryopreservation on spermatozoa is the development of oxidative stress. Molecular hydrogen has some advantages as a potential antioxidant molecule - it is a selective effect on certain reactive oxygen species, the ability to overcome cell membranes, the absence of toxic effects. Purpose. To study the effect of molecular hydrogen on the functional status of native and deconserved sperm cells of breeding bulls. Materials and methods. The object of the study was the ejaculates of bulls before cryopreservation and after defrosting. The native sperm diluted with the "BioXcell" diluent, the native sperm diluted with the "BioXcell" diluent enriched with molecular hydrogen, the sperm after deep freezing and the sperm after deep freezing pretreated with molecular hydrogen were studied. The intensity of free radical processes and the activity of antioxidant enzymes were determined in spermatozoa. Results. After cryopreservation of sperm, the processes of lipid peroxidation in spermatozoa are significantly activated. The content of malondialdehyde, diene and triene conjugates increases. The use of molecular hydrogen to correct the quality of sperm production after cryopreservation gave positive results. A decrease in the concentration of primary and intermediate products of lipid peroxidation was noted. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase in spermatozoa significantly increases. Conclusion. Molecular hydrogen has the potential as a new and effective antioxidant, the widespread use of which is possible for veterinary purposes. Sponsorship information. The study was funded by the Russian Science Foundation grant No. 23-26-00205.

Background. Intensive milk production technology creates a number of factors that can put an animal into a state of technological stress. The effect of stress is reflected in nonspecific resistance, which represents the body's ability to resist the effects of adverse factors by maintaining protective forces at the proper level. Neutrophils are one of the first protective cellular barriers that are rapidly mobilized when exposed to stress factors. To decipher the changes taking place in response to the action of stressors, the involvement of various evaluation tools is required. One of the possible methodological approaches is the use of various visualization methods that provide access to spatio-temporal information at the level of individual organelles and Purpose. The study of the morpho-functional state of neutrophils under technological stress in cattle by laser interference and electron scanning microscopy. Materials and methods. The work was carried out on 30 clinically healthy highly productive black-and-white cows. A combination of impacts was considered as technological stress: the rearrangement of animals and the change of service personnel. Neutrophils were analyzed by laser interference and electron scanning microscopy. Results. A change in the morphological structure and functional activity of neutrophils after the action of technological stress is shown. The analysis of interferograms revealed an increase in the heterogeneity of neutrophils due to the appearance of degeneratively altered cell forms with an increase in the number of functionally active neutrophils. Electron scanning microscopy revealed the appearance of NEToses and neutrophils with emptied granules and vacuolization of the cytoplasm after technological stress. Conclusion. The revealed morphofunctional changes in neutrophils prove the strain of adaptation mechanisms under technological stress. This circumstance must be taken into account in order to prevent disruption of the adaptive capabilities of the organism of highly productive animals.

In 2023, Germany, in the context of the ongoing conflict around Ukraine, continued to follow the postulate formulated by Chancellor O. Scholz about a «change of eras» in relations with Russia. If in 2022 some stabilization was achieved in a number of areas, the next year was marked by a number of targeted steps by official Berlin, which led to a deepening of the crisis in bilateral relations. At the initiative of the German side, the expulsion of Russian diplomats was organized, followed by a mutual reduction in the number of consulates. The Russian Embassy in Berlin and its employees were subjected to unprecedented pressure from the German Foreign Ministry. The me- dia continued to put pressure on German companies, which continued to do business with Russian partners in the face of ever-increasing sanctions restrictions. Negative trends continued in January- February 2024. They were based on Berlin’s comprehensive support for the Kyiv regime. The au- thor analyzes the anti-Russian vector of German foreign policy and gives a forecast for the devel- opment of German-Russian relations in the coming years.

By the fall of 2023, the German government coalition (December 8 marked two years since the start of its activities) had developed a number of important economic bills. They were de- signed to increase the competitiveness of the German economic space in the context of polycrisis challenges – pandemic, energy, migration, geopolitical. But the economic policy of the Cabinet of Ministers also found itself in crisis. It acquired clear outlines after the German Constitutional Court in mid-November overturned the government’s decision taken at the end of 2021 to transfer 60 billion euros of loan funds intended to overcome the consequences of the coronavirus to the Cli- mate and Transformation Fund to finance current government spending. The author analyzes the consequences of this decision for the planned reform steps; assesses the prospects for the formation of the state budget; characterizes the current state of the German standort, as well as the prospects for the deindustrialization of its energy-intensive sector.

Since the end of the zero years in Germany, the shortage of skilled labor has been increasing. Its lack reduces the competitiveness of the German socio-economic space. One of the ways to solve the problem, the state considers the attraction of workers from abroad. Attempts by four governments under the leadership of A. Merkel to change the situation on the labor market in this way, including the adoption of the relevant relevant law, were unsuccessful. The new Cabinet of Ministers has prepared A new concept, on the basis of which comprehensive changes to the legislation on the immigration of qualified specialists have been developed. The author analyzes the causes of the labor shortage, migration dynamics over the past decade, the country structure of foreign workers in the German labor market. He pays special attention to the study of the current state of vacancies and the professional structure of the unemployed corresponding to them; In this context, examines the amendments to the above-mentioned immigration law adopted in June 2023 and assesses the prospects for its implementation, as well as the national economic risks associated with it.

The approaching middle of the 20th electoral period in Germany was marked by significant fluctuations in the electoral popularity of established parties, which were recorded by numerous surveys of leading German demoscopic institutions. Respondents' moods were influenced by a variety of factors. According to the author of the article, the main problems were numerous problems in the state of the national economy, including the decline in the international competitiveness of the German socio-economic space (Standort). It was they who largely led to the growth of protest moods, reflected in the record high ratings of the Alternative for Germany party. The author substantiates the position that negative processes in the economy, including deindustrialization, high inflation, lack of qualified personnel, problems with digital and energy transformation, are associated with the inefficient policy of the current cabinet of ministers. In this context, current trends in the preferences of German voters, the processes taking place in the parties of the government coalition and the opposition are analyzed, and a forecast is made for the further development of partypolitical life in Germany.

Facial neuropathy (FN) is a complex multicausal problem that, with a seemingly obvious clinical picture, might be challenging to diagnose. Up to 5% of FN cases could be caused by neoplastic or otogenic processes, necessitating an interdisciplinary approach to its treatment by various specialties and in some cases a surgical intervention. In addition, in the early stages of FN, it is difficult to predict its outcomes. Therefore, beyond usual neurological exam and widely used electromyography (EMG), other additional diagnostic tools are used to ensure extended diagnosis, including cancer awareness. In this paper we have analyzed the principles, role and value of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diagnostic transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with EMG, and ultrasound assessment with a high-frequency linear transducer in acute FN. We present our own clinical cases of pediatric patients with FN, who were assessed with EMG and multiparametric MRI including diffusion tensor imaging. These cases illustrate both the abnormalities found in the typical course of Bell's palsy, as well as the abnormalities in neoplasm-associated FN that clinically fully mimic the Bell's palsy. Based on the world experience in multiparametric MRI, including the use of extended protocols in the Pediatric Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, in case of suspected FN, the most important are high-resolution structural submillimeter sequences based on the gradient echo (SSFP) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Measurement and assessment of fractional anisotropy at the motor nuclei of the facial nerves in the pons look promising for further research. The paper is the first to describe a modified combination diagnostic approach to Bell's palsy with the use of diagnostic transcranial magnetic stimulation with round coil, supramaximal stimulation with identification of the motor evoked response threshold (minimal inducer power to register a reproducible evoked motor response of 50-100 mV in amplitude) in the occipito-parietal area of the ipsilateral muscle.

In the face of new challenges for the energy transition, since spring 2022, the German Cabinet of Ministers has been paying special attention to the energy saving of buildings, which are one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection has consistently increased the mandatory use of renewable energy sources for heating and electricity consumption. Since the beginning of 2023, at the initiative of its head, at the same time acting vice-chancellor, R. Habeck, a mechanism for the preferential use of heat pumps as a strategic basis for the so-called thermal transition has been discussed at the government level. The peculiarity was the absence of a traditional organized public discussion in such cases with the involvement of specialized interest groups. Moreover, facts of internal lobbying at the level of one of the state secretaries of the ministry were revealed. In April, the government coalition proposed a draft to make a number of qualitative changes to the Law on the Energy of Buildings. It provoked sharp criticism and rejection from the Free Democratic Party, the expert and business community, as well as representatives of federal subjects. Against this background, German and foreign manufacturers of heat pumps have stepped up efforts to conquer new market niches. The article examines the essence of the amendments proposed by the coalition, the prospects for their adoption, the content of criticism of the bill by specialized associations and unions, the possible consequences of the future law for economic and economic political processes in Germany.

Background. The intensification of animal husbandry leads to a violation of the adaptive capabilities of the body, a decrease in productivity and natural resistance of animals. The study of nonspecific factors of protection of the cow's body will allow us to develop ways to increase the immune status and as additional information can be used in breeding work for the selection of highly resistant parent pairs. Purpose. The study of the cellular and humoral link of nonspecific resistance in the development of a stress reaction in cattle after the action of technological stress on the body of cows. Materials and methods. The work was carried out on 20 clinically healthy highly productive black-and-white cows. The stressor for the cows was the regrouping, the change of attendants, the conduct of veterinary and sanitary manipulations. The total number of leukocytes, leukogram, bactericidal and lysozyme activity of the blood serum of cows were studied by standard clinical and laboratory methods and the morphology of leukocytes on a scanning electron microscope before and 3, 14, 30 days after technological stress. Results. On days 3-14 after stress, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis and lymphopenia were detected relative to the initial level. When using high-resolution microscopy using a scanning electron microscope, the appearance of NEToses in the blood of cows after technological stress was detected. A decrease in the bactericidal activity of serum on the 3rd day after stress with its subsequent increase was established, on the contrary, an increase in lysozyme on the 3rd day was accompanied by its subsequent decrease by 30 days after the technological stress relative to the initial level. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate that the body's defenses are a dynamic physiological indicator, which must be considered as a general resistance of the cattle body to stressors in order to prevent the disruption of the body's adaptive capabilities.

In the first article, the tasks set within the framework of the National Hydrogen Strategy by the new government of Germany were analyzed. Their correlation with the updated goals of Brussels, enshrined in the REPowerEU program was analyzed. Important Projects of Common European Interest with the participation of German companies in the field of hydrogen production and transportation were considered. The second part examines the issues of interstate cooperation of the Federal Republic of Germany. Particular attention is paid to the agreements reached by the new coalition government with the United Arab Emirates, India and Canada, African states, emphasizing the role of bilateral chambers in supporting ongoing projects. The issues of scientific cooperation with other countries, primarily with Australia, the Netherlands and Namibia, are considered. The author analyzes the best entrepreneurial hydrogen practices in Germany, among which he highlights the initiatives of the RWE energy company, and assesses the prospects for further implementation of Germany’s plans to create national and European hydrogen markets, including an increase in its imports.

The paper considers a dispersive geological medium (seismically turbid medium, as defined by A.V. Nikolaev), which is in a stress–strain state. Results of studies on the joint monitoring of seismic effects and radon emanation in various geological environments are presented. It is concluded that the turbidity of the medium, as a statistical characteristic, can be generalized in terms of other media parameters, such as permeability. A stable connection between radon emanation and dynamic processes occurring in a geological environment and caused by external influences has been established. The concentration of radon can also reflect the degree of enrichment of the environment by underground fractures. Consequently, saturation of the environment with radon provides information about the presence of disturbances in a geological environment in the form of cracks and a stress–strain state of the medium before and after seismic loadings. Radon observations make it possible to assess a continuity of the environment and the possibility of leaching in natural conditions. Therefore, it could be efficiently used for underground leaching efficiency assessment.

This two-part article examines the results of the implementation during 2022 of the German National Hydrogen Strategy. It was adopted by the German state after long discussions at the beginning of June 2020. A month later, it became the basis of a similar strategy for the European Union. Both strategies were unexpected for the expert community. The European Green Deal barely mentions hydrogen. In the first part of the article, the author analyzes the tasks set by the new government of Germany (started in December 2021) and their correlation with the goals of Brussels. In this context, special attention is paid to updating the EU hydrogen goals, enshrined in the REPowerEU program, to important projects of common European interest (IPCEI). In 2021, Berlin selected 62 projects in the field of hydrogen production and transportation within the framework of the competition. But only four of them were approved by the European Commission in 2022. An assessment is made of the prospects for improving the German National Hydrogen Strategy in the context of the prospects for creating a full-fledged clean hydrogen market in Germany and the European Union.

This article is the continuation of a study by authors to create the most complete and representative earthquake catalogs with a unified magnitude scale. The catalog created of the Ossetian sector of the Greater Caucasus (the territory of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania and adjacent areas) was formed by the aggregation of all available data from Soviet, modern Russian, and Georgian catalogs, as well as the data from the International Seismological Centre. The integration was carried out using the author’s approach based on the modified nearest neighbor method. The integrated catalog of the Ossetian sector of the Greater Caucasus contains 16,285 events for the period 1962–2022. For all events, magnitude estimates are reduced to a unified “proxy-MW” scale. The integration of data from various sources made it possible to significantly replenish the beginning of the aftershock sequence of the Racha earthquake with MW = 7.0, which occurred on 29 April 1991. There has been a change in the level of registration over time. Thus, there is a significant lack of events for the periods 1967–1970 and 1988–1991; starting from 1995, the catalog is complete for magnitude 3.2, and since 2005 for magnitude 2.2. The integration of Soviet and modern Russian and Georgian catalogs made it possible to significantly increase the completeness and representativeness of seismic events in the studied Ossetian sector of the Greater Caucasus. This once again demonstrates both the fundamental importance of merging seismic data from global, national, and regional catalogs and the effectiveness of the author’s developed method.

A clinical case of surgical treatment of a female patient with dumbbell schwannoma growing from the T4 nerve root and aggressive hemangioma of the T4 vertebral body and arch is presented. The open kyphoplasty through posterior approach was performed and followed by T4 laminectomy, costotransversectomy at the T4–T5 level on the left, total microsurgical resection of the tumor through right extrapleural approach, and transpedicular fixation of the T3–T5 vertebrae. There were no postoperative complications. The control computer tomography confirmed the complete removal of the tumor and the spine stability at the level of surgery.

The Russian special military operation in Ukraine has had a negative impact not only on German-Russian relations in the political and economic sphere, but also in the field of scientific, educational, cultural and humanitarian cooperation. The decision to terminate cooperation with the Russian Federation was made both at the level of the structures of the German government, and at the level of individual non–governmental organizations and institutions – leading scientific societyes, universities and colleges. It affected hundreds of existing joint programs, including international ones. The participation of the Russian Federation in scientific projects-lighthouse projects – the construction of a laser in Hamburg and an accelerator in Darmstadt, where it is one of the most important partners, has been frozen. An exception was the International Space Station, the operation of which was impossible without Russia. Since the end of February this year in Germany spread «denial of Russian culture» by leading German media. Representatives of Russian culture who did not condemn the SVO received a «professional ban» in the Federal Republic. Belonging to «Russian» turned out to be poisonous. Many representatives of the German establishment have massively declared their contribution to the development of German-Russian cooperation in recent decades to be wrong. The author analyzes the current situation in the field of cooperation between Germany and the Russian Federation in the field of science, education and culture and gives a forecast for its further development.

Introduction. When a rockfill dam with a concrete face is constructed on the earth foundation, its seepage control facility is complemented by a cutoff wall and an apron. Together they represent a complicated integrated seepage control facility. The performance of an integrated seepage control facility gains relevance, which is proven by the experience in the operation of a number of dams, whose concrete faces and cutoff walls may be in the adverse stress state. Towards this end, the authors studied the stress-strain state (SSS) of an integrated seepage control facility.Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Miaojiaba rockfill dam that has an integrated seepage control facility. This dam is 111 m high and 348 m long; its riverbed is about 45 m thick. Numerical modeling using the finite element method was performed to study the spatial SSS of this dam. Measurements of the dam displacements were taken to calibrate the finite element model.Results. The SSS of the dam was analyzed to develop two alternative structural designs of an integrated seepage control facility. As for the first design option, each element (the face, the cutoff wall, the apron) is made of concrete. The analysis of this option has shown that compressive and tensile stresses, arising in the cutoff wall, exceed the strength of concrete. Besides, the cutoff wall gets separated from the foundation. Within the framework of the second option, the cutoff wall is made of clay-cement concrete. According to the results of the analysis, this design option ensures the sufficient strength of all components of a seepage control facility.Conclusions. To ensure the strength of a seepage control facility that has a concrete face, a cutoff wall and a connecting apron, the cutoff wall and the apron should be made of less rigid materials.

On December 8, 2021, the new coalition government of Germany began its work, an important area of the country’s foreign policy development is relations with Russia, Germany’s leading partner in the post-Soviet space. In many ways, they determine the parameters of cooperation between the European Union and the Russian Federation and its partners. The SPD, Union 90 / Greens, FDP, during difficult negotiations, agreed on common approaches to cooperation with Russia, which eventually united the value, economic, civil and political «Russian» denominators of the three party election programs. At the same time, the provisions enshrined in the coalition agreement are based on the foundation of bilateral relations built by the last two cabinets of ministers under the leadership of A. Merkel, incl. during 2021, the year that marked the end of the era of the former Chancellor. Just a week after the start of the government, bilateral relations were tested for strength in the political and economic spheres. The new year 2022 began in difficult conditions of escalating confrontation between the collective West, including Germany, and official Moscow. Under these conditions, on January 18, the German and Russian foreign ministers held talks, clarifying their mutual positions on the most important issues on the bilateral and international agenda. On February 15, Russian President V.V. Putin and Chancellor O. Scholz continued to discuss the most important topical issues of cooperation. The author sums up the political and economic results of cooperation between the two leading countries of the European continent in 2021, and also analyzes its prospects in 2022, paying special attention to the role of Germany and the Russian Federation in resolving the intra-Ukrainian conflict.

The microstructure and texture evolution during thermo-mechanical processing (TMP) and their relationship with the mechanical properties in the non-equiatomic CoCrFeNiAl0.4 high-entropy alloy (HEA) were investigated. In this work, a combination of cold rolling and annealing technology was used to investigate the HEA which has been fabricated by powder plasma arc additive manufacturing (PPA-AM) in the deformed and recrystallized states. Microstructure and texture analysis were performed by electron backscatter diffraction. The mechanical properties were evaluated using static tensile testing. It was substantiated that annealing twins facilitates the transition from the cube texture to the shear texture and has a great influence on the evolution of texture after TMP. Based on the research of CoCrFeNiAl0.4 high-entropy alloy, thermo-mechanical processing under appropriate conditions can increase the work hardening rate, but the work hardening rate is relatively stable under 30%–45% plastic deformation. The correlation during TMP between mechanical properties and work hardening, texture evolution, and recrystallization was discussed.

Introduction Aggressive vertebral hemangiomas occur in 10–11.5 % of the working-age population that determines social significance of the disease. Percutaneous vertebroplasty technique is normally used for the treatment of aggressive spinal hemangiomas. Cement leakage is the most common complication during vertebroplasty (40–87. 5 %). Balloon kyphoplasty is associated with a low incidence of cement leakage. Objective We aimed to analyze literature and summarize information on balloon kyphoplasty used to treat aggressive spinal hemangiomas. Material and methods The original literature search was conducted on key resources including PubMed and GoogleScholar. Literature searches included both Russian and English studies based on keywords. Results and discussion The article presents the main results of balloon kyphoplasty used as a standalone procedure and in combination with other methods of surgical treatment of aggressive spinal hemangiomas. The use of balloon kyphoplasty was shown to reduce the risk of extraspinal cement leakage. However, this aspect is represented by a small number of scientific publications in the current medical literature that emphasizes the relevance of the topic raised. Conclusion Despite the variety of available treatment options, the optimal management strategy remains controversial for aggressive forms of vertebral hemangiomas. There are no well-defined criteria and indications reported recently to be included into a well-structured algorithm for of balloon kyphoplasty in the treatment of aggressive spinal hemangiomas, and therefore the debatable questions need further investigation.

In early September 2021, the construction of the Northern stream – 2 рroject (NS-2) was completed. Its operator, Nord Stream 2 AG, has submitted documents for certification of the gas pipeline. The Federal Network Agency of Germany (BNetzA) is responsible for this process, which refused to grant the SP-2 operator an independent status. In November 2021, the German regulator agreed with him on the need to create a subsidiary in the Federal Republic of Germany. It must meet the requirements of German legislation and the Third Energy Package of the European Union. Contrary to the optimistic forecasts of experts and the expectations of Gazprom, the start of commercial operation of the project was postponed to 2022. BNetzA’s decision coincided with the adoption of the next US sanctions against the SP-2 participants and the creation of a new government coalition in Germany. Opponents of the project from the Union 90 / Greens party entered the new cabinet of ministers. The SP-2 is not mentioned in the coalition agreement that defines the future relations of Germany with the Russian Federation. The author, based on the analysis of original sources, examines the reasons for the delay in project certification; its role and place in the strategy of the new German cabinet of ministers; assesses the prospects for the start of commercial operation of the NS-2 in the context of continued opposition from Poland and Ukraine, as well as American sanctions mechanisms and confrontation in this matter from the US Congress and the President.

The article analyzes the state and prospects of the mechanisms of Russian-economic agrarian cooperation. In foreign and domestic scientific literature, this topic has so far remained outside the scope of attention of scientists and experts. The author explores the foundations of cooperation at the state level and the level of private interest groups. The analysis of the activities of the «German-Russian Agrarian Dialogue» –the main structure of institutional interaction is carried out. It was created on the initiative of the German side in the first half of the 90’s of the last century. Its role in supporting various interest groups in cooperation is investigated. Particular attention is paid to the activities of the German entrepreneur S. Duerr and his company «EkoNiva». This is an example of «best practies» in the use of advanced management and agricultural technologies in Russian conditions. The author predicts the further development of Russian-German institutional interaction in agriculture.

In this review, we provide the data on the modern use of different MRI modalities and computer tomography (CT) as diagnostic and prognostic tools for meningitis of various etiology, first of all, bacterial purulent meningitis. Each of these techniques has its own field of application depending on the stage of the disease and the patients condition (necessity of intensive care procedures, ventilation support). The opinions on the diagnostic value of CT and structural MRI data differ and depend on the etiology and phase of the inflammatory process. In the recent years, the techniques of multiparametric MRI are widely implemented in the practice. Beside structural MRI, they include diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and MR spectroscopy (MRS), as well as studies with artificial contrast; there are some reports that these modalities are more effective as a diagnostic tool in meningitis. Thus, the use of multiparametric MRI techniques and CT with contrast is promising and justified for the diagnostics of patients with bacterial purulent meningitis from the viewpoint of enhanced sensitivity.

Background Short-segment transpedicular screw fixation (SSTSF) is the preferred treatment option for thoracolumbar burst fractures. Adding screws in the fractured body may be helpful in achieving and maintaining fracture reduction. However, the operative approach is disputed. Objective To compare clinical outcomes of transpedicular fixation with and without screws in the fractured vertebral body after isolated uncomplicated fractures at the thoracolumbar junction. Material and methods A retrospective cohort study enrolled 62 patients with Th11–L2 thoracolumbar burst fractures (AOSpine A3, A4) who underwent SSTSF with (n = 32) and without (n = 30) pedicle screws at the fracture level. Demographic data of the patients, operating time and blood loss were registered. Clinical evaluation using Visual analogue scale (VAS ) for pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to quantify disability and imaging parameters of segmental kyphosis, loss of correction, anterior vertebral body height (AVBH) at the fracture level, spinal canal stenosis (SCS) were measured preoperatively, at one week, 1 month, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Results The patients of the two groups showed no statistically significant differences in the demographic data, VAS and ODI scores, measurements of kyphotic angle, AVBH, SCS preoperatively (p > 0.05). Screws at the fracture level did not affect the operating time and intraoperative blood loss relative to conventional no-screw group. Benefits with fracture screws were evident at 7 days (p < 0.01) measuring SCS, at 6 months (p < 0.01) and 12 (p < 0.01) months measuring kyphotic angle. There was better kyphosis correction (p < 0.01) and AVBH (p = 0.034) seen at 12 months after surgery. Conclusion Reinforcement of a broken vertebra with fracture-level screws has been shown to provide better stability of clinical and radiographic results as compared to those with conventional SSTSF.

At the present moment of COVID-19 development, we may propose some preliminary thoughts on its direct and distant sequels. In our review we suggest that the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as other members of the Coronaviridae family, may possess neurotropic and neuroinvasive features; they may enter the nervous system via the intranasal way and directly infect the human brain, causing lesions in the brainstem nuclei of the cardiorespiratory center. We assume that such a lesion may worsen the respiratory distress and lead to the respiratory failure in some patients. Taking this into consideration, immunomodulating and antiviral drugs that utilize the intranasal way of delivery may help in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in those contacting with COVID-19-infected patients. All these proposals are preliminary and need an in-depth investigation involving randomized experimental, clinical and pathomorphological studies.

Aggressive vertebral hemangiomas represent 4 % of all hemangiomas. Percutaneous vertebroplasty is typically considered as the first-line treatment option for aggressive hemangioma. The lesions that involve the entire vertebral body, extend into the cortical bone constitute 44 % of all vertebral hemangiomas. Extra-vertebral cement migration is reported to occur in 40 to 87.5 % of the cases at percutaneous vertebroplasty being less with the use of balloon kyphoplasty. There is a paucity of literature examining surgical treatment of aggressive hemangiomas with balloon kyphoplasty. We report two cases of aggressive vertebral hemangiomas involving the entire vertebral bodies treated with balloon kyphoplasty. The treatment provided good outcomes with no complications observed postoperatively.

In-situ formation of boron thin films on the Mo(110) surface, as well as the formation of the molybdenum boride and its oxide and the trends of carbon monoxide catalytic oxidation on the substrates formed, have been studied in an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) by a set of surface-sensitive characterization techniques: Auger and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AES, XPS), low-energy ion scattering (LEIS), reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and work function measurements using the Anderson method. The boron deposited at Mo(110) via electron-beam deposition at a substrate temperature of 300 K grows as a 2D layer, at least in submonolayer coverage. Such a film is bound to the Mo(110) via polarized chemisorption bonds, dramatically changing the charge density at the substrate surface manifested by the Mo(110) surface plasmon damping. Upon annealing of the B-Mo(110) system, the boron diffuses into the Mo(110) bulk following a two-mode regime: (1) quite easy dissolution, starting at a temperature of about 450 K with an activation energy of 0.4 eV; and (2) formation of molybdenum boride at a temperature higher than 700 K with M-B interatomic bonding energy of 3.8 eV. The feature of the formed molybdenum boride is that there is quite notable carbon monoxide oxidation activity on its surface. A further dramatic increase of such an activity is achieved when the molybdenum boride is oxidized. The latter is attributed to more activated states of molecular orbitals of coadsorbed carbon monoxide and oxygen due to their enhanced interaction with both boron and oxygen species for MoxByOz ternary compound, compared to only boron for the Mox’By’ double alloy.