bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Fiscal Capacity on the Convergence of Income Inequality in Russian Regions
Authors:   Don State Technical University, Gasanov O. S.
Published: October 2024

At the regional level, the issue of income inequality in Russia remains relevant. Numerous studies on this topic do not fully reflect the efforts to overcome this problem in the context of budgetary policy. Meanwhile, monetary income of the population is greatly affected by budget support measures for regions. In this regard, it is necessary to assess the impact of fiscal capacity of regional budgets on the convergence of income inequality. In particular, the study examines the convergence of income inequality among the population of the Southern Federal District (SFD) of the Russian Federation. According to the hypothesis, fiscal expenditures per capita are one of the most important factors in the convergence of incomes at the regional level. The presence of unconditional and conditional convergence of income inequality for the period 2012–2021 was tested using the least squares method. Panel data with a one-period lag were assessed. Data of the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia on income inequality (the Gini index) and implementation of regional budgets in the Southern Federal District were used for modelling. The results indicate the presence of both unconditional and conditional convergence of income inequality in regions of the Southern Federal District. Two factors of fiscal capacity of regions were used for assessing the conditional convergence: estimated fiscal capacity and specific fiscal expenditures per capita of regions. It was established that the policy of budget equalisation of incomes remains a reliable tool for overcoming inequality in Russian regions. The findings can be used to solve the problems of regional inequality, implement fiscal federalism, plan budget expenditures for federal and regional budgets, as well as inter-budget transfers.
High-entropy Fe–Co–Cr–Ni–(Cu) coatings with enhanced corrosion and tribocorrosion resistance obtained by vacuum electrospark deposition
Authors: Fatykhova N. , Kuptsov K. A. , Sheveyko A. N. , Gizatullina A. R. , Loginov P. A. , Shtansky D. V.
Published: October 2024

High-entropy coatings are highly promising for protecting steel parts in coastal and marine infrastructure from corrosion and tribocorrosion. This study examines the properties of medium- and high-entropy Fe–Co–Cr–Ni–(Cu) coatings produced by vacuum electrospark deposition. The coatings, with thicknesses of up to 30 μm and varying copper content, exhibit a single-phase solid solution structure with an FCC lattice and a dense, homogeneous morphology. The addition of 14 at.% Cu was found to enhance corrosion resistance, shifting the corrosion potential to 100 mV. In friction conditions within artificial seawater, the inclusion of copper also improved tribocorrosion properties, raising the corrosion potential during friction to –165 mV. This improvement is attributed to the galvanic deposition of dissolved copper on the worn areas of the coating, which also reduces the friction coefficient from 0.37 to 0.26. The Fe–Co–Cr–Ni–(Cu) coatings demonstrate high wear resistance, ranging from 5.6 to 9.6·10–6 mm3/(N·m). The findings confirm the potential of these coatings for applications in environments subject to both friction and corrosion.
Gradient of microhardness in the contact zone coating (HEA CoCrFeNiMn) – substrate (alloy 5083)
Authors: Efimov M. O. , Panchenko I. A. , Shlyarova Yu. A.
Published: October 2024

In this work, a coating of a high-entropy alloy CoCrFeNiMn of non-atomic composition is formed on a substrate made of alloy 5083 by the method of wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM). The authors investigated the change in microhardness in the contact zone of the coating – substrate system. Using the methods of modern physical materials science, the structural and phase state, defect structure and elemental composition of the coating – substrate system were analyzed. The discovered physical mechanisms contribute to an increase in hardness in the contact zone.
Application of bursting pressure and conventional drained behavioural theory to the Brumadinho failure
Authors: Wates J A
Published: October 2024

The Brumadinho tailings dam failure in 2019 has had a profound impact on the way tailings engineers analyse and interpret stability, with the focus of assessments moving away from conventional drained behaviour to consideration of undrained and post-liquefaction resistance. One of the contributing reasons is that the Expert Panel investigation of the failure concluded that, despite the drained factor of safety being adequate, the failure took place in an undrained manner. This paper examines the Brumadinho failure from a conventional drained perspective using two-dimensional limit equilibrium and finite difference modelling. Collectively, these analyses show that the failure can also be explained by a drained triggering mechanism and therefore suggest that several additional lessons may be learnt from the failure.
Studies of speech processes in monolinguals, bilinguals and multilinguals
Authors:   Tomsk State University, Bushov Yuri V. , Skryabina Anastasia A. ,   Tomsk State University
Published: October 2024

The study of speech processes in monolinguals, bilinguals, and multilinguals is an urgent task of modern physiology. This is due to the growing level of international integration in the field of science, education and production, significant migration of the population that knowledge of foreign languages is urgently required from a modern person. However, the influence of multilingualism on the human psyche has not been studied enough. This review analyzes modern data on speech processes in monolinguals, bilinguals, and multilinguals. The literature analysis indicates that the activity of speech structures in monolinguals, bilinguals, and multilinguals significantly depends on the type of speech task presented, on the degree of assimilation of a non-native language (languages), and other factors. The production of non-native speech by bilinguals and multilinguals, in contrast to the production of speech in the native language, requires additional neural resources. Learning a second language is accompanied by plastic restructuring of speech structures and changes in cognitive functions. At the same time, the question of what effect multilingualism has on human cognitive functions cannot be considered as definitively resolved, since the data on this matter are extremely contradictory. To date, nine different hypotheses about language lateralization in bilinguals have been proposed, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the question of language lateralization among bilinguals remains open. The role of mirror neurons in the formation of multilingualism is poorly studied. At the same time, the available data indicate that "communicative" mirror neurons themselves do not provide understanding of the speech actions of other people, since these processes involve areas of the brain where these neurons are not found. It is assumed that these neurons act as an intermediary and provide interaction between the prefrontal cortex, sensory, motor, and association areas of the cortex, as well as storage sites in the brain for motor programs. The result of interaction between these structures is understanding of the speech actions of other people. Based on the available data analysis, it is concluded that further efforts should be directed to studying the influence of multilingualism on human psyche, the lateralization of speech in bilinguals and multilinguals, plastic rearrangements of speech structures during the formation of multilingualism, and elucidating the role of mirror neurons in the formation of multilingualism.
Criterion for equational noetherianity and complexity of the solvability problem for systems of equations over partially ordered sets
Authors:   Dostoevsky Omsk State University, Nikitin A.Yu. , Kudyk I.D. ,   Dostoevsky Omsk State University
Published: October 2024

Results are presented concerning the main problem of algebraic geometry over partially ordered sets from a computational point of view, namely, the solvability problem for systems of equations over a partial order. This problem is solvable in polynomial time if the directed graph corresponding to the partial order is a adjusted interval digraph, and is NP-complete if the base of the directed graph corresponding to the partial order is a cycle of length at least 4. We also present a result characterizing the possibility of transition from infinite systems of equations over partial orders to finite systems. Algebraic systems with this property are called equationally Noetherian. A partially ordered set is equationally Noetherian if and only if any of its upper and lower cones with base are finitely defined.
Simplified formula for summing discrete values of some functions
Authors: Osipov V. R.
Published: October 2024

The simplified variant of Euler — Maclaurin summation formula is obtained: Pm k=0 f(a + kh) = 1 h Z ym y0 f(y) dy − P k h 2k−1 bk f (2k−1)(ym) − f (2k−1)(y0) , where y0 = a − h/2, ym = a + (m + 1/2)h. The formula includes an integrated estimation of the sum of function discrete samples and the correction to it in the form of the series sum of weight boundary values of its odd derivatives. Simplification is the exception a half-sum of boundary function values from summing result and is reached by shiftihg hr samples inside the integrated segments. The optimal value of this shift for each sample to the middle of the segment r = 1/2 is proven. This shift specifies integrated estimation limits y0, ym, and values of correction series weighting coefficients. The analytical expression of these coefficients and their generating function have been found: bk = 1 − 2 1−2k (2k)! B2k, Ψb(t) = 1 − t 2 cosech t 2 = P∞ k=1 bkt 2k , where B2k are Bernoulli numbers. Using examples of obtaining exact expressions for the sums Pm k=1 k n , Pm k=k0 a hk, where m, n ∈ N, the validity of the resulting formula and the generating function of its coefficients is shown. The formula was used to obtain approximate expressions for the Riemann zeta function, psi function, polygamma function, as well as sums of infinite inverse power series and harmonic series. Based on an analysis of the error of these expressions, the advantages of the simplified formula over the Euler — Maclaurin formula in terms of accuracy and brevity are shown
Correlation between blood cell indices and adiponectin and leptin levels in COVID-19
Authors: Manojlovic Mia , Ilincic Branislava , Bojovic Marko , Kolarski Ivor , Tomic Naglic Dragana , Stokic Edita , Zafirovic Sonja , R. Isenovic Esma
Published: October 2024

Adipose tissue (AT) is a major metabolic organ, functioning through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms. This study investigated the relationship between adipokine levels and blood cell indices, particularly platelets, in individuals with COVID-19. Another aim was to enhance the understanding of AT's endocrine function during dynamic pathological changes, such as acute viral infections like COVID-19. The study was conducted as a cross-sectional analysis at the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina in 2021 and 2022, including 76 consecutive SARS-CoV-2-positive patients of both sexes. Study parameters were determined from peripheral venous blood samples routinely collected upon hospital admission. The results showed that leptin levels were significantly positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (ρ = 0.421, P < 0.001) and body fat mass (BFM) (ρ = 0.547, P < 0.001). Simultaneously, a significant negative correlation was observed between adiponectin levels and BMI (ρ = −0.430, P < 0.001). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between leptin levels and mean platelet volume (MPV) (ρ = 0.307, P < 0.05), platelet distribution width (PDW) (ρ = 0.325, P < 0.05), and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) (ρ = 0.305, P < 0.05). Leptin's impact on platelet indices was confirmed in both simple and multiple linear regression models, where leptin exhibited a slightly higher beta coefficient than BMI. In contrast, adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with hematocrit (HCT) (ρ = −0.329, P < 0.05). These findings may provide further insight into the previously suspected role of AT in the complex cascade of COVID-19 pathogenesis and platelet activation.
Transacting and Negotiating Through Translanguaging in Bilingual Economic Contexts: Non-Observance of Linguistic Repertoire in Mtukudzi’s ‘Madam Let’s Talk’
Authors: Nhongo Raphael
Published: October 2024

Translanguaging has always existed as a communication-facilitating practice in bilingual and multilingual contexts where speakers have different first languages (L1) but are not proficient in each other’s language. The discussion focuses on a critical discourse analysis of the concept of translanguaging in practical language use, as reflected in Oliver Mtukudzi’s song ‘Madam Let’s Talk’. Translanguaging has become a popular topic in the study of language practices in multilingual educational contexts, but critical discourse analysis of translanguaging outside the classroom is rare. In Mtukudzi’s song, the message is encoded in English, yet the primary voice conveying the message predominantly uses the Shona language. The emerging language stemming from translanguaging is different from the ‘named languages’ involved in the message, which are Shona and English. A critical discourse analysis of Mtukudzi’s song reveals that, in bilingual contexts when negotiating business, the customer’s language takes precedence Even if the seller is not so proficient in the prospective buyer’s language, translanguaging is employed as a strategy for scaffolding communication. The translanguaging in Mtukudzi’s song reflects the power dynamics arising from the economic standing of participants in a conversation taking within a bilingual context. The contextual use of English and Shona in the song also demonstrates that the coexistence of languages does not imply status. The language spoken as L1 by those with higher social and economic standing will occupy a more prestigious position.
Decoding Linguistic Dynamics: An Analysis of Chetan Bhagat’s Select Novels
Authors: A Vimal , R Subramania Pillai
Published: October 2024

This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of Chetan Bhagat's prominent novels through the lens of literary analysis, focusing on the intricate interplay of language dynamics within his narrative framework. Drawing upon a variety of theoretical frameworks and methodologies, particularly those rooted in linguistic analysis, the study seeks to decode the nuanced linguistic elements embedded within Bhagat's select literary works. Through a meticulous exploration of themes, character interactions, and narrative structures, this analysis endeavors to unravel the deeper implications of linguistic choices and their impact on the overall reading experience. By shedding light on the linguistic dynamics at play, this study contributes to a richer understanding of Bhagat's novels and their significance within contemporary literary discourse. Furthermore, this study endeavors to explore the intersection of language and society in Bhagat's works, examining how linguistic representations mirror and influence cultural norms, values, and identities. Through an interdisciplinary lens, we draw upon insights from sociolinguistics, cultural studies, and literary theory to elucidate the ways in which language operates as a vehicle for social commentary and critique within Bhagat's fictional universe. Ultimately, this paper seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of Chetan Bhagat's literary oeuvre by foregrounding the significance of linguistic dynamics in shaping the reading experience. By unraveling the complexities of language within his narratives, we aim to illuminate the enduring appeal and cultural relevance of Bhagat's novels within the landscape of contemporary Indian literature.
The Views of Students and Pre-Service Teachers on Using Padlet for Mastery of Grammar and Writing Skills in Secondary Education
Authors: Arochman Taufik , Margana  , Ashadi  , Sari Retma , Manggolo Noor Sahid Kusuma Hadi , Hasani Uli Alfan
Published: October 2024

Padlet allows students to further explore their abilities and encourages them to share ideas and collaborate in learning. The purpose of this study was to know how students and pre-service teachers felt about using Padlet as a tool for learning grammar and writing in secondary education. A qualitative descriptive design was used in this study. Participants in this study included sixty students and six pre-service teachers from both a state school and an Islamic school in Indonesia. The data for this study were obtained through a closed-ended questionnaire along with observation and interviews that were aimed at obtaining the perceptions of students and pre-service teachers about the use of Padlet for teaching and learning grammar and writing skills.  These were then analyzed using a qualitative descriptive method. The results of this study were that Padlet can be used as a learning tool that was quite effective and efficient for learning grammar. Learning implementation using Padlet allows students to better understand the material by exploring ideas through the Padlet platform.
Teaching Methods of Arabic Language Grammar Lessons Among Arabic Teachers at Religious Secondary Schools in Malaysia
Authors: Zaki Mohamad Fathie Mohamad , Ismail Ummi Syarah , Radzi Amizura Hanadi Mohd , Pisal Nadhilah Abdul
Published: October 2024

It has been proven through past research that students' mastery of Arabic language grammar remains at a low level. This condition is attributed to the less efficient teaching methods practised by Arabic teachers due to their use of traditional teaching methods. Therefore, this study aims to review the teaching methods of Arabic language grammar practised by Arabic teachers upon the effectiveness of the teaching methods in facilitating the students’ improvement in Arabic language grammar. A qualitative design was employed by focusing on case studies in various places. Through a purposive sampling, the respondents of this study comprised Arabic language teachers from National Religious High Schools (SMKA), Government Aided Religious Schools (SABK), and State Religious Secondary Schools (SMAN) in Perlis and Kedah, Malaysia. Subsequently, it was found that the majority of Arabic language teachers still practised teacher-oriented teaching methods compared to student-oriented teaching methods such as lectures, memorisation, repetition (at-tikrar), and translation. The teachers determined the effectiveness of their teaching methods in assisting the students in mastering the Arabic language grammar based on the students’ results of assignments, answers, or responses. Based on several language tests conducted by the teacher, the aforementioned results should be satisfactory. Notably, this study would be a reference for academics and educators’ development and diversification of teaching methods that are more interesting and suitable for the students’ improvement in their mastery of Arabic language grammar.
The Impact of Task-Based Language Teaching on Nursing Students’ English-Learning Motivation
Authors: Widanta I Made Rai Jaya , Sitawati Anak Agung Raka , Handayani Luh Nyoman Chandra , Mandia I Nyoman , Sumartana I Made , Aryana I Nyoman Rajin , Wilang Jeffrey Dawala
Published: October 2024

This mixed-method study investigated how task-based language teaching (TBLT) implemented in English-for-nursing programmes impacted students’ learning motivation. Specifically, the study explored the motivational patterns that underlie the students’ participation in the learning process, the factors influencing their English-learning motivation, and the aspects of TBLT that positively affected their learning motivation. The data analysed were acquired through questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaire was designed according to the motivational attitude test battery (MATB) by Gardner (2014). The results of the research reveal that intrinsic motivation was the most favourable motivation, followed by instrumental, extrinsic, and integrative motivation. Several factors influenced the students’ English-learning motivation, such as positive teacher-student interpersonal relationships, teacher praise, teacher feedback or strokethe written feedback from teacher, learning tasks and class activities, student curiosity, teaching method, and relatedness. Three aspects of TBLT positively affected student motivation: task activities, autonomous learning and authentic learning motivation, and teachers’ positive facilitation. The findings can help design materials that motivate students, specifically in nursing programmes in which English is not used as a medium of instruction.
Технические изобретения в экономике. Часть 1. Способ управления множеством переменных данных потребительских показателей продукции для их оптимизации с учётом временных и пространственных параметров
Authors: Меркулова Ю.В.
Published: October 2024

Книга «Технические изобретения в экономике» написана на основе заявки на изобретение, поданной в ФИПС. В научной монографии приводится описание, формула и чертежи изобретения, которые обладают новизной и характеризуют способ управления множеством переменных данных потребительских показателей продукции для их оптимизации с учётом временных и пространственных параметров. В книге описаны аналог, прототип, сформулирована техническая задача, раскрыта сущность изобретения и полученный технический результат. Сущность изобретения заключается в моделировании перечня последовательностей системы в виде взаимосвязанных этапов, стадий и составляющих их операций по генерации инструментов воздействия на данные, а именно баз данных, объектно-реляционных моделей СУБД, графиков многомерного прогнозирования и планирования множества данных, алгоритмов оценки данных и выбора вариантов решения, матриц множественной оптимизации, синтеза, планирования, преобразования и корректировки данных в целях получения наилучшего синергетического результата – оптимальных выходных данных ситуационно-стратегической продуктовой программы, отличающейся благодаря изобретённому способу балансировки данных от всех известных аналогов большей результативностью, точностью, надёжностью, а также скоростью составления и экономичностью осуществления. Книга предназначена для широкого круга исследователей, изобретателей, так как является свидетельством того, что в экономике не только можно ставить и с успехом решать технические задачи, но и необходимо это делать для достижения баланса в экономике, повышения полезного эффекта от продукции и эффективности хозяйствования.
Contemporary Political Discourse in Digital Games: A Systematic Approach
Authors: Soto de la Cruz Jenniffer , Gómez Sara Cortés , Lacasa Pilar
Published: October 2024

This study reviews existing literature on how video games are being used to convey contemporary political discourse. Digital games, as meaningful cultural artifacts, have become a communication medium in their own right. They can serve as social mirrors, framing contemporary reality through metaphors that represent and recreate transcendent events or social facts through immersive experiences. Likewise, video games have played a significant role in shaping our current politics and culture. This article seeks to answer the research question: How has contemporary political discourse been explored through digital games in academic literature? To do so, we conducted a systematic literature review following the SALSA (search, appraisal, synthesis, and analysis) framework. We identified N = 25 journal articles written in English and Spanish, published between January 2013 and September 2023. We found that first-person shooter games were the most frequently discussed game genre in the academic literature, followed by newsgames. We propose a new method for categorizing political messages in digital games, which we have called the PRICE dimensions model (participation, representation, ideology, conflict, and education). The studied papers were classified into five main thematic groups: (a) video games as a tool for digital propaganda; (b) video games aiming to raise awareness of political issues; (c) games and gamification elements for radicalization; (d) game design that justifies, minimizes, or downplays violence; and (e) players’ role in conveying political messages.
Use of empegfilgrastim for primary prevention of febrile neutropenia in patients receiving myelosuppressive therapy. Experience of the Arkhangelsk Clinical Oncological Dispensary
Authors: Chapko Ya. S. , Dubovichenko D. M. , Ruzhnikova A. A. , Morozova Yu. A. , Motkov A. Yu. , Pozdeeva O. I. , Bogdanov D. V.
Published: October 2024

Background. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) are used in oncology practice for prevention of febrile neutropenia caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy. Despite the proven safety of G-CSFs use in randomized clinical trials and in real clinical practice, clinicians have questions about the tolerability of this group of drugs.

Aim. To demonstrate the safety profile of a long-acting G-CSF produced in Russia which was used to prevent febrile neutropenia and maintain dose intensity of drug therapy in patients with various solid tumors undergoing chemotherapy at the Arkhangelsk Clinical Oncological Dispensary.

Materials and methods. The retrospective analysis included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of malignant neoplasm who received various chemotherapy regimens that required the inclusion of G-CSF. For primary prevention of febrile neutropenia, patients were prescribed empegfilgrastim (Extimia®) at a dose of 7.5 mg subcutaneously once per course of chemotherapy.

Results. Data of 151 patients were analyzed for the period from July 2021 to April 2023. The average age was 57 years (28–75). The group of elderly patients (over 65 years) consisted of 38 (25 %) patients. The majority of patients were diagnosed with breast cancer (56 (37 %) patients) and gastric cancer (37 (25 %) patients). The number of empegfilgrastim injections over the entire observation period was 773. Adverse reactions associated with the use of empegfilgrastim were registered in 13 (8.6 %) patients, the most common of which was grade 1–2 leukocytosis according to the CTCAE v.5 classification. One patient developed a serious adverse reaction: grade 4 neutropenia according to the CTCAE v.5 classification. A subgroup of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with FOLFIRINOX was analyzed separately to assess the relative dose intensity of the chemotherapy courses. Nine patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer received FOLFIRINOX therapy with a median of 8 (5–12) courses. A total of 69 chemotherapy cycles were administered to 9 patients with a median of 7.5 (2–13) cycles. The relative dose intensity of the chemotherapy courses was 83.71 ± 19.33.

Conclusion. Empegfilgrastim has shown a favorable safety and tolerability profile in patients with various solid tumors in real-world clinical practice including the highly toxic FOLFIRINOX regimen.
POOL BOILING HEAT TRANSFER INSIDE THE INCLINED BOTTOM CLOSED ANNULUS
Authors: Kang Myeong-Gie
Published: October 2024

This experimental study explores the pool boiling heat transfer characteristics of an inclined annular tube immersed in saturated water at atmospheric pressure. The internally heated tube, with an outer diameter of 19.1mm and a length of 540mm, was positioned within an annular gap of 17.95mm, with the lower fluid passageway sealed. By varying the inclination angle from horizontal to vertical, it was observed that the heat transfer improvement coefficient initially increased up to 45 degrees, after which it declined as the inclination angle increased further. This behavior is primarily attributed to variations in liquid agitation intensity and bubble coalescence caused by the outer tube’s enclosure. To better represent the findings, a new empirical correlation has been proposed, integrating the experimental data with existing literature.
PAPERLESS ASSIGNMENTS AND CHALLENGES INVOLVED: VOICE OF DISTANCE LEARNERS
Authors: Ul Hassan Haseeb , Iqbal Zafar
Published: October 2024

The study was planned to explore the challenges faced by distance learners during paperless assignment process. This initiative was introduced a couple of years ago at a distance learning university in Pakistan. Target population comprised on distance learners of M. Phil Education and MBA (col) sessions 2017 to 2019 programs running online through Learning Management System (LMS). Total Population Sampling (TPS) technique was followed and all distance learners of both programs were engaged. It was mixed-method research comprising both structured and open-ended information. The instruments employed were two questionnaires: one on Likert Scale and the other was open-ended. The reliability coefficient was 0.71, and the open-ended questionnaire was validated through six subject experts. The structured questionnaire was sent to all 563 students and in response 132 students filled out the online questionnaire. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analyzed through NVivo software. The main problems highlighted were study material relevance and late delivery, understanding and processing of paperless assignments, access and skills of ICT, financial constraints, evaluation of paperless assignments, and instructors’ feedback. Students suggested that textbooks should be revised and delivered in time, connectivity issues should be resolved, free internet packages should be introduced, LMS training should be conducted, in time feedback in descriptive form by instructors must be provided to the distance learners.
Diagnostic Method “Need for Order and Predictability”
Authors: Yasin M.I.
Published: October 2024

The article presents the results of the development of the diagnostic methodology “Striving for order and predictability”, created on the basis of the questionnaire “Striving for cognitive closure” by A. Kruglyansky. The need for cognitive closure is a cognitive process that allows avoiding of unnecessary, contradictory and interfering information in order to integrate data easier and substantiated consideration of two parameters — “Striving for order” and “Striving for predictability” — into a single construct. Reduction of test dimensionality is achieved by using structural equation modeling (Structural Equation Models, SEM). The sample consisted of 505 respondents, average age 29.5 years, of which 74.6% were women, 25.4% were men. For the developed structure the following indicators were obtained: χ²/df =3; CFI=0.923; TLI=0.906; SRMR = 0.0525; RMSEA=0.0677, which indicates a very good fit of the model. Cronbach's alpha for the “Striving for Order” scale = 0.822, for the “Striving for Predictability” scale = 0.733, McDonald's Alpha for all items of the two-scale questionnaire = 0.833. The retest results on a sample of 53 people is r=0.81. No gender differences were found on both scales. The presented model of the questionnaire shows very good model fit indices, internal consistency and a high degree of reliability. Further work on the construct of cognitive closure may use the results of current study.
Individual Psychological Characteristics of Women During Pregnancy
Authors: Bolzan N.A.
Published: October 2024

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of individual personality predictors of a woman’s psychological state during pregnancy. The purpose of this review is to systematize and analyze studies of individual personal predictors of a woman’s psychological state during pregnancy. The study methodology was based on the Guidelines for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA). The final analysis included 31 studies in Russian and English. Based on these latest data set an analysis of negative, positive and ambivalent individual predictors of a woman’s psychological state during pregnancy was carried out. Negative factors include negative past experiences, neuroticism and emotional lability. Developed coping strategies, extraversion, emotional stability, conscientiousness and self-efficacy are analyzed as positive predictors. Ambivalent factors are represented by knowledge about pregnancy and childbirth, the desire for control, empathy and emotional intelligence. Particular attention is paid to a detailed and thorough review of research on the topic, identifying gaps and conflicting data. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to psychological support for pregnant women.
Deep Brain Stimulation Withdrawal Syndrome, a Rare Life-Threatening Condition in Neurology and Neurosurgery
Authors: Bril Ekaterina V. , Tomskiy Alexey A. , Gamaleya Anna A. , Poddubskaya Anna A. , Kesarev Dmytriy G. , Fedorova Natalia V.
Published: October 2024

The article addresses an acute condition associated with an abrupt cessation of neurostimulation of deep brain structures, which is manifested by acute hypokinesia and rigidity with further development of akinesia, anarthria and dysphagia. This may result in the need for emergency hospitalization and admission to an intensive care unit. The article presents literature review and clinical case reports. We discuss causes and approaches to the prevention and management of acute decompensation in patients with Parkinson's disease associated with abrupt deep brain stimulation cessation.
Glymphatic System Assessment Using DTI-ALPS in Age-Dependent Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Liaskovik Alina A. , Konovalov Rodion N. , Shpilyukova Yulia A. , Nevzorova Kseniya V. , Moskalenko Anna N. , Fedotova Ekaterina Yu. , Krotenkova Marina V.
Published: October 2024

Introduction. Dysfunction of the glymphatic system glymphatic system of the brain is considered a pathogenetic factor in some age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson's disease (PD), and normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The innovative method for calculating DTI-ALPS (Diffusion Tensor Image Analysis ALong the Perivascular Space) allows non-invasive assessment of the glymphatic system status using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The aim of the study is to compare DTI-ALPS in patients with AD, DLB, PD, and NPH and to evaluate its potential use as a biomarker of the glymphatic system status in these diseases.
Materials and methods. The study included 116 subjects: 32 patients with AD, 15 patients with DLB, 31 patients with PD, 11 patients with NPH, and 27 healthy volunteers. Cognitive testing was performed for patients in the main groups using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score. All subjects underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the brain. DTI-ALPS was then calculated.
Results. DTI-ALPS index significantly differed across groups (p 0.001). Patients with AD, DLB, and NPH had a significantly lower DTI-ALPS index on both sides compared to the PD group and healthy volunteers (p 0.01). Analysis of the entire sample showed a direct correlation between MoCA score and DTI-ALPS index (p 0.05).
Conclusion. This is the first comparison of DTI-ALPS across such a broad range of age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases. Since our DTI-ALPS results were comparable to previously reported data, we believe that this parameter can be used as an indirect marker of the glymphatic system status.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Bitemporal Interictal Epileptiform Discharges: Effects of Sleep and Wakefulness
Authors: Broutian Amayak G. , Glazova Mariya  A. , Maksimova Marina Yu. , Belyakova-Bodina Alexandra I.
Published: October 2024

Introduction. Independent bitemporal interictal discharges are often found in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The likelihood of registering epileptiform activity (EA) is higher during sleep. Assessment of bitemporal interictal epileptiform discharges (BIEDs) with various discharge predominance ratio is used for presurgical evaluation of epilepsy patients and prediction of surgical outcomes.
Our objective was to determine the predominant side (PS) in patients with bitemporal epilepsy using the incidence of epileptiform discharges for each sleep stage.
Materials and methods. We analyzed 45 recordings of 10–24 h long-term video-EEG monitoring (LTM) in patients with bitemporal EA. For each recording, the total incidence of EA (IEA) and EA incidence for wakefulness and for each sleep stage were calculated individually. We also assessed the discharge predominance index (DPI) as a ratio of IEA in the predominant and contralateral sides for the entire recording and for each sleep stage.
Results. We observed an IEA increase with sleep deepening, with maximum values observed during N2 and N3 sleep stages. The minimum IEA values were recorded during REM sleep; nevertheless, most of the REM sleep discharges were detected on the PS. DPI values were the highest and the most stable during N2 and N3 stages.
Conclusion. The findings of our study demonstrate an increase in DPI values with non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep deepening in patients with bitemporal localization of EA. Despite the protective effects of REM sleep (i.e., reducing the likelihood of EA), it may be pivotal in lateralization of EA in patients with BIEDs. The PS is generally determined by a higher DPI during N2 and N3 stages.
Ischemic Stroke and Coronavirus Infection: Complications of Endovascular Thrombectomy
Authors: Yakovlev Alexander I. , Voznjouk Igor A. , Kharitonova Tatiana V. , Savello Alexander V. , Prokhorova Mariia V. , Kolomentsev Sergey V. , Tsurikova Nadezhda А. , Romanova Margarita A.
Published: October 2024

The objective of our study was to compare complications of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), in ischemic stroke (IS) patients admitted with or without COVID-19 to hospitals converted to deliver COVID-19-specific care.
Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 817 clinical cases of IS patients aged 25–99 years treated in regional vascular centers of Saint Petersburg from 1 January to 31 December 2021, with confirmed thrombotic occlusion of cerebral vessels and subsequent EVT intervention.
Results. The EVT number per bed was significantly higher (1.6) in the non-converted hospitals compared to the COVID-19-converted hospitals (0.49; p 0.001). At the same time, more intraoperative complications (12% vs. 7.1%; p = 0.03) were reported in non-converted hospitals compared to COVID-19 converted hospitals. The likelihood of a favorable functional outcome was higher in younger patients with less severe neurological deficits on admission and without concomitant COVID-19 or post-operative complications.
Conclusion. COVID-19 is a limiting factor for the effectiveness of an IS treatment in patients who underwent EVT, affecting thereby functional outcomes in this cohort of patients. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intra-operative EVT complication rate was associated with disrupted triage of IS patients and an uneven distribution of the workload among surgical teams in the city hospitals.
Clinical Case of Atypical Botulism with Pseudointernuclear Ophthalmoplegia Syndrome
Authors: Kazantsev Alexander  Yu. , Nikolaeva Irina V. , Khafizova Irina F. , Fatkullin Bulat Sh. , Sozinova Julia M.
Published: October 2024

Botulism is a rare cause of bulbar and oculomotor syndromes. A late diagnosis and, therefore, late initiation of specific therapy may lead to multiple life-threatening complications. Epidemiological history and clinical findings are key to the correct diagnosis, but if these data are not available due to atypical clinical findings, botulism identification is challenging.
In our clinical case, a 31-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with double vision, impaired eye movements, and difficulty swallowing rapidly developing for 2 days. Ocular motility dysfunction included disturbed conjugate eye movements. In young patients, this is most often caused by demyelinating disease with medial (posterior) longitudinal fasciculus damage and symmetrical bilateral ptosis. The patient denied eating foods that could cause botulism and did not have any gastrointestinal symptoms. Differential diagnoses included demyelinating disease onset and Miller–Fisher syndrome. The next morning, completely identical clinical signs appeared in the patient’s mother who had eaten canned mushrooms, so botulism was suspected. Over the next few hours, despite the administration of anti-botulinum serum, acute respiratory failure developed, and the patient was placed on a ventilator for 28 days. The patient and his mother were discharged in a satisfactory condition, and their symptoms completely resolved within a few months. The diagnosis of botulism was confirmed by toxicological examination.
Statistical Analysis of Risk Factors in High-Risk Penetrating Keratoplasty
Authors: Arzhimatova G. Sh. , Chernakova G. M. , Salikhov E. A. , Shemyakin M. Y.
Published: October 2024

To identify and evaluate risk factors that contribute to the development of graft rejection after corneal transplant, and to create a predictive model for this condition in patients at high risk.

Patients and methods. This study included the outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty in 120 cases (108 patients) from the Moscow City Ophthalmological Center (MCOC), “Botkin Hospital” of the Moscow Department of Health, from July 2020 to December 2021. All procedures were classified as high risk for graft disease development. The patients were followed for 12–36 months after surgery. To assess the relationship between transplantation outcomes (loss of transparency/engraftment) and other factors, local and general health conditions were evaluated, as well as donor material characteristics. Kaplan-Meyer and Cox regression methods were used to analyze graft survival and risk factors for graft disease.

Results. The multivariate analysis revealed several significant indicators of development graft disease. Among these, the following factors were found to significantly increase the risk of graft failure: a high level of vascularization in the recipient’s eye, a history of ophthalmological or systemic conditions, the size and location of the pathology in the cornea, and the presence of an identified pathogen. Based on these findings, a new method for predicting graft failure in patients undergoing penetrating corneal transplantation has been proposed (RF Patent No. 2023109334, issued on April 13, 2023).

Conclusion. In assessing the risk factors for corneal graft disease during high-risk operations, factors of the local and general somatic status of the operated eye turned out to be significant. The proposed method is simple, accessible and practical for assessing the prospects for transparent engraftment in patients in the high-risk keratoplasty group.
Significance of Biomarkers of Endothelial Dysfunction in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Belskaya K. I. , Moshetova L. K. , Kazakov S. P.
Published: October 2024

Retinal vein occlusion is a severe vascular pathology of the retina, leading to a significant decrease in vision and blindness. Fundus lesion manifests itself as cystic edema of the macular region, long-lasting persistent macular edema is a poor prognostic sign.

The purpose: to analyze the relationship between the clinical course of retinal vascular occlusion and the content of VEGF and MCP-1 in lacrimal fluid. The content of MCP-1 lacrimal fluid and VEGF lacrimal fluid was studied in 3 groups — in group I (patients with the central retinal vein occlusion, in group II (patients with the central retinal artery occlusion), in the control group (practically healthy individuals). The clinical course data are presented by data on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients of groups I and II and data on retinal thickness in fovea centralis (according to the results of OCT fovea centralis) in patients of group I. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between the studied biomarkers. The results showed a significant correlation of BCVA with retinal thickness in fovea centralis and a significant correlation with lacrimal fluid VEGF in group I patients, as well as a moderate correlation between lacrimal fluid VEGF and retinal thickness in fovea centralis.
Glucocorticosteroids and Postradiation Macular Edema: Rationale for Choice of Therapy and Efficacy of Use
Authors: Panova I. E. , Bikhovsky A. A. , Samkovich E. V. , Svistunova E. M.
Published: October 2024

Purpose. To substantiate and study the effectiveness of intravitreal injection of dexamethasone implant (“Ozurdex”) based on OCT study of morphostructural biomarkers of post-radiation macular edema (PMO) in different terms of its detection.

Patients and methods. 28 patients with PMO after Ru-106 ± Rh-106 (BT) brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma (CM). Study group (IG 1) — 18 patients with PMO detected up to 9 months after BT, IG 2 — 10 patients with PMO detected 9 months or more after BT. OCT parameters studied: height of foveolar and parafoveolar zones, presence of neuroepithelium detachment, disorganization of inner layers, hyperreflective foci, pigment epithelium atrophy, as well as the form of edema (diffuse, cystic) and ellipsoid zone disorder. Intravitreal injections of dexamethasone implant (“Ozurdex”) were used as drug therapy of PMO.

The results showed that OCT morphostructural changes such as neuroepithelial detachment were significantly more frequent in patients with PMO diagnosed before 9 months, while hyperreflective foci, disorganization of the inner retinal layers, and ellipsoid zone disorder were more frequent in the comparison group. At the same time, there was no statistically significant difference in the macular and parafoveal edema height, frequency of edema form and presence of such a sign as pigment epithelium atrophy in both groups. Evaluation of the efficacy of intravitreal injection of “Ozurdex” implant in both groups showed that after 1–2 months from the beginning of treatment in the group with early detection of PMO complete regression was obtained in all patients, while in the second studied group complete regression occurred only in one third of patients. The regression of PMO was accompanied by improvement of BCVA in the first group from 0.4 to 0.7, in the second group — from 0.3 to 0.6. Out of 28 patients, 3 patients required re-injection of the implant in average 11 months after the first injection.

Conclusion. The OCT biomarkers of PMO should be considered in treatment planning and subsequent dynamic follow-up. Early diagnosis of PMO, as well as the use of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (“Ozurdex”) determines high efficiency of treatment and maximum visual rehabilitation of patients.