[Prevalence and genetic diversity of the Alongshan virus (Flaviviridae) circulating in ticks in the south of Eastern Siberia].

INTRODUCTION: Tick-borne infections are of great importance for many regions of Russia, including Eastern Siberia. This unfavorable epidemiological situation can be characterized not only by the circulation of well-known tick-borne infections, but also by the identification of new pathogens, the role of which remains little or generally unexplored. Multicomponent flavi-like viruses can cause infectious diseases in humans and pose a threat to public health. The purpose of the study was the identification and molecular genetic characterization of the Alongshan virus (Flaviviridae, ALSV) isolates, transmitted by ticks in the south of Eastern Siberia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 1060 ticks were collected and analyzed from the territory of the Republics of Khakassia, Tuva, Buryatia, Irkutsk Region and Transbaikal Territory (Zabaykalsky Krai) in the spring-summer period 2023. ALSV RNA was detected by RT-PCR followed by nucleotide sequence determination and phylogenetic analysis for each segment of the genome. RESULTS: The ALSV infection rate in Ixodes persulcatus ticks collected in the Republic of Khakassia was 3.3% (95% CI: 1.4-7.5); in Irkutsk Oblast - 1.0% (95% CI: 0.3-3.7); in the Republic of Tuva - 0.9% (95% CI: 0.3-3.4) and in Transbaikal Krai - 0.7% (95% CI: 0.2-3.6). Sequences of all four segments of ALSV genetic variants circulating in I. persulcatus ticks in the south of Eastern Siberia are grouped with sequences found in China and clustered into the Asian subgroup transmitted by taiga ticks. The level of difference in the nucleotide sequences of genome fragments among the identified genetic variants of ALSV ranged from 2 to 3%. CONCLUSION: The article shows the widespread distribution of ALSV in I. persulcatus ticks in the Republics of Khakassia and Tyva, Irkutsk Oblast and Transbaikal Territory. The obtained data actualize monitoring of changes in the area of distribution of potentially dangerous for humans flavi-like viruses and their vectors.

[Lower jawbone structures symmetry evaluation using cone beam computed tomography]. / Otsenka simmetrichnosti kostnykh struktur nizhnei chelyusti po dannym konusno-luchevoi komp'yuternoi tomografii.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and quantitative characteristics of skeletal asymmetries of the body and lower jaw branches in three-dimensional space. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using depersonalized data archive, of 400 CBCT scans, forty studies were picked randomly. Patients aged 25 to 35 years participated in research, no history of maxillofacial reconstructive surgery; gender, race, and facial anomaly were ignored. Three experienced doctors, independently, identified 15 reference points on radiographic images of AUTOPLAN software. Expert consensus found in the orientation determination. Six planes and eight points were constructed, using Math algorithms and the Python OOP; body and branches of the lower jaw length measurements performed and processed automatically. RESULTS: The study identified symmetry, using a method for determining parameters of the lower jaw in 3D space (Priority Reference No.2023100466 at 10.01.2023), modern dentistry research method. Both sides of data obtained shown asymmetry of the body and branches of the lower jaw occurred in 45% (18 people) and 67.5% (27 people) of cases. Forty percent of cases were noted with Mild asymmetry of the lower jaw body (16 people), moderate asymmetry noted in 5% (2 people). These parameters were 57.5% for branches, (23 people) and 10% (4 people). Combined form of anomaly observed in 37.5% (15 people) of cases, among which 12 people (75%) showed adaptive compensation of anomalies, which requires further investigation on a larger number of patients. CONCLUSION: Lower body jaw asymmetry is prevalent (80%). Patients with moderate and serious anomaly form appeared in 15% of cases.

[Oral hygiene and microcirculation of the mucous membrane of the tongue and gums dynamics in patients with burning mouth syndrome as a result of the use of a toothbrush with a gold-zinc electroplating]. / Dinamika gigieny rta i mikrotsirkulyatsii slizistoi obolochki yazyka i desny u bol'nykh s sindromom «pylayushchego rta¼ v rezul'tate primeneniya zubnoi shchetki s gal'vanoparoi zoloto-tsink.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Was to assess the level of oral hygiene and microcirculation of the mucous membrane of the tongue and gums in patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) as a result of using a toothbrush with a gold-zinc electroplating. MATERIALS AND METHOS: The study included 50 patients of both sexes aged 45-64 years with the diagnosis of BMS divided into two groups. In the main group, the complex of hygienic measures included the use of a toothbrush with a gold-zinc electroplating and a paste with the fluorine content of 1350 ppm. In the comparison group, a regular manual toothbrush and a paste with a fluoride content of 1350 ppm were used for oral hygiene. A control group consisted of 25 healthy people with the mean age of 44±4.5 years without clinical signs of BMS in the oral cavity and concomitant acute somatic pathologies. RESULTS: Tongue mucosa microcirculation level in patients using the toothbrush with a gold-zinc electroplating was significantly higher than in the comparison group using conventional manual toothbrush. Oral hygiene level assessment showed statistically significant better brushing efficacy in patients using the toothbrush with a gold-zinc electroplating. CONCLUSION: The use of a toothbrush with a gold-zinc electroplating contributes to the normalization of microcirculation in the mucous membrane of the tongue and gums and is recommended for inclusion in the complex of therapeutic measures in patients with BMS.

Landscape REE anomalies and the cause of geophagy in wild animals at kudurs (mineral salt licks) in the Sikhote-Alin (Primorsky Krai, Russia).

To test the "rare earth" hypothesis of geophagy, geological and hydrogeochemical studies unparalleled anywhere in the world were carried out at kudurs (salt licks) in two districts in the Primorsky Krai, Russia. The mineral and chemical compositions of geophagic earth consumed by animals, the chemical composition of surface waters and vegetation, and the chemical composition of biological tissues of red deer (Cervus elaphus) were studied in this research. It was found that ultra-fresh surface and fontinal waters in the studied areas contain anomalously high concentrations of rare earth elements (REE), the sums of which exceeded the average values in the Primorsky Krai and worldwide by tenfold, and more. The presence of landscape REE anomalies is confirmed by elevated concentrations of these elements in vegetation. Using electron microscopy, it was determined that the sources of REE in landscape components are rocks containing secondary, readily soluble, REE minerals (hydrophosphates and fluorocarbonates). The study of the chemical composition of animal tissues showed the presence of significant concentrations of heavy REE (HREE) in the blood and brain, which indirectly indicates a high probability of animals developing stress reactions against the background REE-elementosis. Eaten earthy substances in both areas are represented by mixtures of smectite clays and zeolites with high ion-exchange properties. In the digestive tract of animals, such sorbents actively interact with the biological electrolyte, saturating it with sodium ions and absorbing HREE. The main meaning of geophagy is regulation of the concentration and proportion of REE in the body. Sometimes it manifests itself in intake of significant amounts of Na.

[Consistency of expert opinions on localization of the reference points for studying a soft tissue face profile in digital teleradiological images of the skull lateral projection]. / Soglasovannost' mnenii ekspertov pri izuchenii pozitsii opornykh tochek dlya izucheniya myagkotkannogo profilya litsa na tsifrovykh telerentgenologicheskikh snimkakh bokovoi proektsii cherepa.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to identify the consistency of expert opinions when manually identifying the reference points positions for studying the soft-tissue face profile in digital teleradiological images of the skull lateral projection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 11 orthodontists having a 1 to 8 year experience. They localized the reference points manually, using the software with image enhancement options. Each doctor processed 100 X-ray images of the skull lateral projection. Totally, 1100 positions were identified (11 parameters in 100 images). The average position of 11 manual localizations was taken as the baseline. Then, manually identified positions were automatically compared with the basic localization. RESULTS: We have a good consistency of expert opinions when determining the reference points of the soft-tissue face profile. Herewith, the highest consistency of expert opinions is observed for soft-tissue reference points of the upper and lower lips (LL and EN points) with the average variation coefficients equal to 0.557726 and 0.566349 respectively; and the lowest consistency is observed for the hard tissue point Po with the average variation coefficient of 0.819904. Despite rather serious shortcomings in determining separate points (such as Or, DT, Po) in teleradiological images of the lateral skull projection, the method for determining soft-tissue profilometric reference points gives satisfactory results for more than 85.87% cases. In general, the method can be considered clinically reliable. However, the means and methods for identifying reference points require improving.

[Cephalometric analysis of lateral skull X-ray images using soft computing components in the search for key points]. / Tsefalometricheskii analiz rentgenologicheskikh snimkov bokovoi proektsii cherepa s pomoshch'yu komponentov myagkikh vychislenii v poiske klyuchevykh tochek.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Was to investigate the efficiency of decoding teleradiological studies using an algorithm based on the use of convolutional neural networks - a simple convolutional architecture, as well as an extended U-Net architecture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the experiment, a dataset was prepared by three orthodontists with over 10 years of clinical experience. Each of the orthodontists processed 100 X-ray images of the lateral projection of the head according to 27 parameters, 2700 measurements were made. The coordinates of the control points found by orthodontists in the images were compared with each other and a conclusion was made about the consistency of experts in the data obtained. RESULTS: The results of convolutional neural network CNN were not satisfactory in 17 (62.96%) features, satisfactory in 10 (37.04%). The assessment of orthodontists resulted in non-satisfactory evaluation in 6 (22.22%), satisfactory in 8 (29.63%), good in 8 (29.63%), and excellent in 5 (18.52%) coordinates. Neural networks with U-Net architecture showed satisfactory results in 9 (33.3%) cases, good in 16 (59.3%) and excellent in 2 (7.4%) cases, with no non-satisfactory results. CONCLUSION: The neural network of the U-Net architecture is more effective than a simple fully convolutional neural network and its results of determining anatomical reference points on two-dimensional images of the head are relatively comparable with the data obtained by medical specialists.

[Experimental study of the bearing capacity of lyophilized allogeneic bone material]. / Eksperimental'noe issledovanie nesushchei sposobnosti liofilizirovannogo allogennogo kostnogo materiala.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY: Was to conduct an experimental study of the bearing capacity and determination of the Young's modulus of lyophilized allogeneic bone material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used 5 prototypes of lyophilized allogeneic bone blocks, which were alternately subjected to static loading by compressive force. The experimental values of Young's modulus of all bone samples were determined. When applying the Student's probability distribution in statistical processing of experimental data, the average indicators of the forces of destruction of the samples were obtained and Young's modulus was determined. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: As a result of the study, the indices of the maximum loading (6012H) and Young's modulus (147.2±0.228 MPa) of lyophilized allogeneic bone material were obtained. CONCLUSION: The obtained Young's modulus of lyophilized allogeneic bone material is of great importance in scientific activity, providing the possibility of further investigation of the properties of lyophilized allogeneic bone tissue to form a preoperative forecast of the behavior of an osteoplastic material and a dental implant installed in it.

Helminth Parasites of Fish of the Kazakhstan Sector of the Caspian Sea and Associated Drainage Basin.

The northern section of the Caspian Sea is an important fishery for Kazakhstan. In the present study, a total of 606 individuals of 13 fish species were collected. For each of Abramis brama, Alosa saposchnikowii, Atherina boyeri caspia, Carassius auratus, Clupeonella cultriventris, Cyprinus carpio, Liza aurata, Leuciscus aspius, Rutilus rutilus caspius, Sander lucioperca, Sander marinus, and Sander volgensis 50 individuals were examined whilst 6 individuals of Siluris glanis were examined. The nematode parasite Anisakis schupakovi was found in all fish species except Liza aurata, Carassius aurata, Cyprinus carpio and Rutilus rutilus at intensities ranging from 1 to 1197 parasites per infected fish. Trematodes of family Diplostomidae were also isolated from all fish except Alosa saposhnikowii, Clupeonella cultriventris and Sander marinus at intensities ranging from 1 to 242 parasites per infected fish. Other parasites found included the nematodes Porrocaecum reticulatum, Contracecum sp, Camallanus sp and Eustrongylus excisus; the cestodes Neogryporhynchus cheilancristrotus, Bothriocephalus opsariichthydis; the monogenean parasites Mazocraes alosa, Ancyrocephalus paradocus, Gyrodactylus spp, Ligophorus vanbenedenii and Dactylogyrus spp; and the crustacean parasites Ergasilus sp. and Synergasilus sp. In addition one unidentified species of nematode and a bivalve of the genus Unio was recovered from Rutilus rutilus caspius. There was no association between Fulton's condition index and intensity of parasite infection.

Neotenic Traits in Heterocephalus glaber and Homo sapiens.

The data on the neoteny (prolongation of youth and retardation of aging) in naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) and Homo sapiens are summarized. Fifty-eight neotenic traits have been described by now in the naked mole rat at the organismal, tissue, cellular, and metabolism levels. Among them, there are traits that increase the lifespan, including mild depolarization of mitochondria that prevents generation by these organelles of reactive oxygen species known to strongly promote aging. Mild mitochondrial depolarization disappears with age in short-lived mammals (mouse Mus musculus) much faster than in long-lived mammals (e.g., naked mole rats and bats). The development of neoteny in naked mole rats has been due to the social organization. These animals live in subterranean colonies, where sexual reproduction is monopolized by the queen and one or several males who are defended and provided with nutrition by numerous subordinates. Humans have achieved a gradual increase in the lifespan first due to neoteny, and then to the technical progress, which can be observed by comparing the lifespan curves of chimpanzees, hunter-gatherers of the Paraguayan Ache tribe, and residents of Sweden from the XVII century to the present day. Significantly different rates of neoteny and technical progress make it possible to discriminate between the contributions of these two longevity mechanisms.

Comparative Expression Analysis of Human Endogenous Retrovirus Elements in Peripheral Blood of Children with Specific Language Impairment.

Specific language impairment (SLI) is a psychiatric condition with a complex etiology and a substantial genetic basis that affects children's verbal communication abilities. In this study, we examined the expression of five different human endogenous retrovirus elements (HERVs) in a cohort of 25 children with SLI and 25 healthy children in the control group. Human endogenous retrovirus elements, a diverse group of repetitive DNA sequences, can potentially cause considerable genetic heterogeneity. They had been integrated in the genome of our ancestors throughout evolution and now consist of about 8.0% of the human genome. Several HERV loci are transcribed in various cell types. Their expression in peripheral blood and in the brain is altered in many neurological and psychiatric diseases. To date, HERV expression profiles have never been studied in patients with SLI. This study aimed to elucidate differentially regulated human endogenous retroelements in peripheral blood of children with SLI, in comparison with healthy controls, through quantitative reverse tran-scription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) methodology. Our results show that two genes: HERV-K (HLM-2) gag and HERV-P env were expressed at lower levels in the blood samples from SLI children in comparison with those in the control group.

[Technology of manufacturing of personalized reconstructive allogenic bone graft (in Russian only)]. / Tekhnologiia proizvodstva personifitsirovannogo rekonstruktivnogo allogennogo kostnogo implantata.

AIM: To develop the technology of manufacturing of reconstructive allogenic bone graft with individual parameters by using of digital prototyping and modeling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Allogeneic cadaveric bone blocks were used as material. The following methods were used to develop a manufacturing technology for personalized allogenic reconstructive bone implant: harvesting and special preparation of cadaveric material, primary disinfection, viral inactivation, ultrasound management, lyophilization of bone material, CT-examination of patients with various bone defects, digital prototyping and modeling, milling on a machine with numerical program control, X-ray sterilization. RESULTS: The technology of manufacturing of reconstructive allogenic bone graft with individual parameters was successfully tested in the treatment of 24 patients with post-traumatic, destructive-dystrophic and degenerative defects of jaws in 2012-2015. Final reconstructive allogenic bone implant has a personalized 3D-geometry in accordance with individual maxillofacial anatomy of particular patient. One of implant surfaces is fully congruent to the jaw bone defect, the others form the width, height and volume of reconstructive bone implant considering personified maxillofacial features. All above-mentioned features of bone implant are important to restore chewing function of dental system. CONCLUSION: The problem of bone implant personification may be resolved by using of computed tomography followed by digital analysis of jaw structure, technologies for digital reconstruction of bone defects (digital prototyping and modeling) and digital manufacturing.

[Aberrant expression of arrestin-1 and recoverin in kidney tumors].

INTRODUCTION: Early diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is extremely difficult, due to the late development of clinical manifestations. The study of the aberrant expression of tumor-associated antigens and a production of autoantibodies to these proteins seems promising and novel method for RCC diagnosis. AIM: To evaluate the possibility of using arrestin-1 (Arr-1), recoverin (Rec) and autoantibodies against arrestin-1 (AAA1) and recoverin (AAR) as a kidney tumor biomarker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary kidney tumors and metastases of 62 patients were investigated. For immunohistochemical studies, tissues were incubated with polyclonal antibodies against Rec and Arr1 as the main antibodies. Detection of AAR and AAA-1 in the serum of patients was performed using Western Blot analysis according to a standard protocol. RESULTS: Among 62 tumors, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) constitutes 50 cases (86.4%), and oncocytoma was diagnosed in 12 patients (19.4%). In 11 (22%) cases of RCC, distant metastases were detected. Positive expression of Rec was observed in almost 71% of all types of kidney tumors. In 61.3% of patients with RCC, Arr-1 expression was seen. In the serum, AAR was found only in 1 patient (1.6%) with RCC. However, unlike AAR, AAA-1 in the serum of patients was observed much more often (75.8%). CONCLUSION: According to our data, the presence of AAA1 in the serum, unlike AAR, can be considered as an early kidney tumor biomarker. The high expression of recoverin and arrestin-1 in kidney tumors suggests the use of these proteins in future as a marker for the diagnosis or even as a potential target for immunotherapy.

[The risk of suicidal behavior in patients with epilepsy]. / Risk razvitiia suitsidal'nogo povedenia u bol'nykh épilepsiei.

AIM: To study a role of psychopathological and social factors in the development of suicidal behavior in patients with different forms of epilepsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and nineteen patients with epilepsy, 57 men and 62 women, mean age 40.7±0.54 years, were studied using neurological and psychiatric examinations, along with a large battery of scales for assessment patient's state and suicidal behavior. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Clinical and psychological risk factors for suicidal behavior as well as for motivation of suicide prevention are identified. The formation of psychopathology determines the model of personality changes associated with epilepsy and the patients' response to social exclusion and stigma that lead to suicide.

[Estimated error of bone digital solid 3D-model construction algorithm]. / Otsenka pogreshnosti algoritma postroeniia tsifrovoi tverdotel'noi 3D-modeli kostnogo fragmenta.

The aim of the study was an experimental estimation of precision of maxilla bone digital solid 3D-model construction algorithm. The experiment was carried out on 12 mutton mandibles used 3D-model construction based on CT data. Estimated error was calculated for each of the stages of proposed processing algorithm including 3 software: ScanIP (triangle mesh calculation, primary solid 3D-model), ArtecStudio 9 (secondary procession for artefacts elimination), ZBrush 4R6 (triangle mesh simplification, final 3D-model). The proposed algorithm provides satisfactory precision for solid 3D-model with individual maxillary bone features.

[Preclinical tests of additive materials for personified endoprostheses of hand joints]. / Doklinicheskie ispytaniia additivnykh materialov dlia izgotovleniia personifitsirovannykh éndoprotezov sustavov kisti v éksperimente.

AIM: To evaluate the biocompatibility of additive materials for personified endoprostheses of hand joints in vivo. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We tested a material based on titanium that was implanted into muscles and bone tissue in experiment on rabbits. Follow-up was 30 and 90 days. RESULTS: Implantation into muscle tissue is accompanied by reaction against foreign body followed by fibrosis without concomitant inflammation. Induction of osteogenesis and trabecular structures remodeling were detected after implantation into bone tissue. CONCLUSION: Biocompatibility of tested titanium-based material was confirmed.

[REVIEW OF EPIDEMIOLOGIC SITUATION ON HEMORRHAGIC FEVER WITH RENAL SYNDROME (HERS) IN RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN 1990 - 2015].

AIM: Analyze HFRS morbidity in Russian Federation during the last 25 years (1990 - 2015). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Official statistics of Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumers' Rights Protection and Human Weillbeing (CPS), including Federal Centre of Hygiene and Epidemiology, were used for the analysis, as well as materials from regional departments of CPS and centers of hygiene and epidemiology. Epidemiologic analysis was the main method. Statistical treatment of the results obtained was carried out using gener- ally accepted methods of variation statistics with elements of system analysis. Results; For the studied period (1990 - 2015) 194 116 cases of HFRS were registered. Morbidity was registered in 8 federal districts of the Russian Federation in 58 subjects. The most intense epidemiologic situation was noted in Privolzhsky Federal District, that accounted for 86.4% of total HFRS morbidity during the -studied period. Analysis of morbidity was carried out in every federal district, most epidemically unfavorable territories are shown. CONCLUSION: The data presented on HFRS morbidity reflect -unfavorable situation for this disease in Russian Federation. Measures to prevent the emergence of diseases to reduce the general level of morbidity in Russian Federation are presented.

[IMPACT OF CASPIAN SEA LEVEL FLUCTUATIONS ON THE EPIZOOTIC ACTIVITY OF THE CASPIAN SANDY NATURAL PLAGUE FOCUS].

There is evidence that in 1923-2014 the sharp aggravations of the epizootic situation of plague in the area of its Caspian sandy natural focus after long interepizootic periods are in time with the ups of the Caspian Sea in the extrema of 11-year solar cycles. There were cases of multiple manifestations of plague in the same areas in the epizootic cycles of 1946-1954, 1979-1996, 2001, and 2013-2014. The paper considers the possible role of amebae of the genus Acanthamoeba and nematodes, the representatives of the orders Rhabditida and Tylenchida in the microfocal pattern of plague manifestations.

[EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION OF NATURAL FOCI OF HEMORRHAGIC FEVER WITH RENAL SYNDROME OF THE REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN].

AIM: Typization of natural foci of HFRS of the Republic of Bashkortostan and differentiation of their territories. by the degree of potential epidemic hazard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Materials of epizootologic and epidemiologic monitoring of natural foci of HFRS of the Republic of Bashkortostan for 1980 - 2014 were used. Evaluation of area of territory with high, medium and low potential epidemic hazard by HFRS was carried out taking into account multi-year param- eters of morbidity by administrative districts of the Republic of Bashkortostan. 3 gradations of morbidity level by HFRS - more than 201, 101 - 200, less than 100 per 100 thousand of the population - were used for epidemiologic differentiation ofthe territory. RESULTS: 3 main landscape- epidemiologic types of HFRS foci were isolated - forest, forest-barrens, barrens, as well as their landscape variants. The area with a high degree of potential epidemic hazard by HFRS was estab= lished to be around 3.8%; medium - 15.9%, low - 80.3%.of the whole territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan. CONCLUSION: -A necessity of a differentiated approach to territories with various degree of potential epidemic hazard by HFRS is justified during execution of prophylaxis activi- ties.