bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LATEST TRENDS AT FINANCIAL MARKETS: EXCHANGES BECOMES VIRTUAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Bazdan Zdravko
Published: July 2021

Exchanges are, by all means, the most important factors for economic growth. Many prominent ones are pillars of international economics. In national economies, they reflects not only economic, but political, social and cultural development. Cash flow is directed towards these segments of financijal markets. As oil is the blood of an economy, so is an exchange: an ingredient in the mixture of money, row materials and business operations. Also, we can state that the exchanges are the pulse of the economy of a nation. The author of the essay underlines primarily the development of stock trading. It is obvious in todays environment, that the new tendencies are towards electronic trading, which is the replacement of classical trading models. So called virtual trading today, makes exchanges virtual financial institutions.
STRATEGIC THINKING IN DEVELOPING NAUTICAL TOURISM IN CROATIA
Authors: Gračan Daniela
Published: July 2021

Croatia possesses a comparative advantage based on its natural resources, ranking it high on the list of countries of nautical tourism. There is, however, an array of limiting factors that need to be eliminated if nautical tourism is to evolve on sound bases consistent with sustainable development. Future development cannot be based solely on Croatia's advantages reflected in its scenic spots, attractive landscapes and preserved environment. In 2005, new measures were introduced in nautical tourism to abolish black chartering; high standards of environmental protection of the Adriatic, implemented; and navigational safety, enhanced. Following these activities, the basic objective has become the need to define the strategic determinants for the future development of nautical tourism. Quantitative data point to a rapidly growing number of boaters, who expect to be received and accommodated in keeping with the trends on the service market of nautical tourism. Service quality in Croatian marinas is considerably below the quality levels of rival countries. Marinas in Croatia are in need of restructuring and repositioning, entailing continuous investment. Strategic thinking is needed in identifying the opportunities and lines of development of nautical tourism, in addressing the issue of the sustainable capacity, structure and distribution of berths along the Adriatic’s Croatian coastline as part of the strategic determination of Croatia’s tourism development, as well as in providing a comprehensive vision of current and future development.
Numerical Impact Analysis of Folding-Induced Tubular Thin-walled Energy-dissipating Elements
Authors: Ruocco Eugenio , Giovenale Antonia , Di Giacinto Danilo
Published: July 2021

This paper deals with the numerical impact analysis of tubular thin-walled steel-made elements with induced folding for energy dissipation application. The excellent deceleration of the impacting mass of axial collapsing structures favors their use in energy dissipation applications,
such as impact resistance and rockfall protection. Dynamic Finite Element analyses have been carried out to evaluate the performance of vertical assemblies of cold-formed steel cell-shaped elements welded on each other to form collapsible tubular elements. In turn, these have been gathered
in groups and restrained by galvanized steel wires to create modules. The axial collapse, which is the most effective energy absorption mechanism, has been triggered by shaping the elements' edge as serpentine. In the analysis, several assembly configurations have been subjected to a freefall
rhombicuboctahedron-shaped rigid block impact; Falling height, impact angle, and block mass have been varied to investigate their effect on the performance. The numerical results show a good agreement when compared to those obtained through a real-scale experiment.
Next Generation Parametric Design
Authors: Coenders Jeroen L.
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a novel, next-generation, cloud-native parametric and associative platform for digital knowledge, services and automation, and the rationalisation behind the development of and the need for this platform in relation to the history of computational design and engineering,
and the advantages and limitations of each step in this evolution: Computer Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Parametric and Associative Design (PAD), Generative Design and programming approaches to design and engineering. The paper discusses
some of the key functionalities in relation to why they are useful as a next step in the digital transformation of the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. The paper concludes with some of the challenges for the near future of this platform.
National bibliography in the digital age: international recommendations and domestic experience
Authors: Lelikova N. К.
Published: July 2021

The main directions of the development of the national bibliogra-phy in the modern world, the problems of the formation of the system of the national bibliography in Russia, issues related to the current national bibliogra-phy, retrospective national bibliography are presented. The activity of the IFLA Bibliography Section on the regulation of the activity of national bibliographic agencies and the creation of national bibliographic resources is covered. The article describes the activity of the National Bibliographic Agency in Russia (Russian Book Chamber), the National Library of Russia and their role in the creation of a national bibliography in the digital age.
The Construction and Prospect of China National Bibliography
Authors: Yang Xi , Gao Lingyun , Zhu Yunqin
Published: July 2021

The national bibliography is a comprehensive and systematic catalog that gathers and records the information of all the publications in a country, and serves as the base for monitoring and managing all the information related. China National Bibliography in modern times has been continuously developed and improved, thanks to the legacies from its past and the experiences of other countries. The present paper first reviews the past and the present of China National Bibliography, then discusses the progress of researches on the application of Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), and finally explains the survey on the feasibility of adopting the new cataloging standard RDA in China. Although the FRBRization of China National Bibliography, to a certain extent, facilitates the readers’ use, we argue that the FRBRization of the existing MARC data cannot realize all the ideas FRBR creates. There are some problems, such as the distinctions between works and expressions, the construction issues of the bibliographic and authority data. In the process of implementing localized RDA in the cataloging of foreign materials of all languages and types, the National Library of China conducted an investigation into the feasibility of implementing RDA in the cataloging of Chinese literature, finding that although there is not a vast gulf between RDA and current Chinese cataloging standards, a lot of problems do need to be resolved both theoretically and practically. First, the Chinese national standard “Resource Description” of the day and the CNMARC standards need to be improved. Second, it is urgent to reduce the increasing manual workload of the catalogers caused by adopting RDA. Third, both the staff force and the system reserve ability of the member libraries under Online Library Cataloging Center of China should be taken into account. Fourth, RDA would add new data elements, thus the initiation of this new standard simultaneously requires updating and transforming the integrated library system. Last but not the least, the application of RDA also requires the development of corresponding online toolkits to improve the cataloging efficiency.
Review on the Integration of Microelectronics for E-Textile
Authors: Simegnaw Abdella Ahmmed , Malengier Benny , Rotich Gideon K. , Tadesse Melkie Getnet , Van Langenhove Lieva
Published: July 2021

Modern electronic textiles are moving towards flexible wearable textiles, so-called e-textiles that have micro-electronic elements embedded onto the textile fabric that can be used for varied classes of functionalities. There are different methods of integrating rigid microelectronic components into/onto textiles for the development of smart textiles, which include, but are not limited to, physical, mechanical and chemical approaches. The integration systems must satisfy being flexible, lightweight, stretchable and washable to offer a superior usability, comfortability and non-intrusiveness. Furthermore, the resulting wearable garment needs to be breathable. In this review work, three levels of integration of the microelectronics into/onto the textile structures are discussed, the textile-adapted, the textile-integrated, and the textile-based integration. The textile-integrated and the textile- adapted e-textiles have failed to efficiently meet being flexible and washable. To overcome the above problems, researchers studied the integration of microelectronics into/onto textile at fiber or yarn level applying various mechanisms. Hence, a new method of integration, textile-based, has risen to the challenge due to the flexibility and washability advantages of the ultimate product. In general, the aim of this review is to provide a complete overview of the different interconnection methods of electronic components into/onto textile substrate.
Metformin Sensitizes Leukemic Cells to Cytotoxic Lymphocytes by Increasing Expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1)
Authors: Allende-Vega Nerea , Marco Brualla Joaquin , Falvo Paolo , Alexia Catherine , Constantinides Michael , Fayd-Herbe-de-Maudave Alexis , coenon lois , gitenay delphine , Mitola Giulia , massa paul , orecchioni stefania , Bertolini Francesco , Marzo Isabel , Anel Alberto , Villalba Martin
Published: July 2021

Solid tumor cells have an altered metabolism that can protect them from cytotoxic lymphocytes. The antidiabetic drug metformin modifies tumor cell metabolism and several clinical trials are testing its effectiveness for the treatment of solid cancers. The use of metformin in hematologic cancers has received much less attention, although allogeneic cytotoxic lymphocytes are very effective against these tumors. We show here that metformin induces expression of Natural Killer G2-D (NKG2D) ligands (NKG2DL) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), a ligand of the lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1). This leads to enhance sensitivity to cytotoxic lymphocytes. Overexpression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members decrease both metformin effects. The sensitization to activated cytotoxic lymphocytes is mainly mediated by the increase on ICAM-1 levels, which favors cytotoxic lymphocytes binding to tumor cells. Finally, metformin decreases the growth of human hematological tumor cells in xenograft models, mainly in presence of monoclonal antibodies that recognize tumor antigens. Our results suggest that metformin could improve cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated therapy.
Quantitative Assessment of the Economic Impacts of Horticulture Research and Extension at MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center
Authors: Posadas Benedict C. , Knight Patricia R. , Stafne Eric T. , Coker Christine E.H. , Bachman Gary , DelPrince James , Langlois Scott A. , Blythe Eugene K.
Published: July 2021

This paper summarizes the estimates of the total changes in sales, expenses, and income of participants of the horticulture research and extension programs at the Mississippi State University - Coastal Research and Extension Center for the past five years. Major items outline the estimation procedures for the past five years. The average annual values were used in estimating the total economic impacts of added gross sales, expenses, and incomes of participants in horticulture events. The cumulative total impacts reach $8.7 million in sales, 76 jobs, $1.4 million in labor income, $2.4 million in value-added, and $0.4 million in local, state, and federal taxes. In addition, the total willingness to pay for the horticulture program by the adult participants reached $1.8 million. In comparison, the annual public spending on the horticulture program averaged $1.4 million, creating additional substantial economic impacts to the region.
Functionally Graded Plate Fracture by Field Boundary Element
Authors: Palladino Simone , Esposito Luca , Ferla Paolo , Zona Renato , Minutolo Vincenzo
Published: July 2021

The paper describes the Field Boundary Element Method applied to the fracture analysis of a 2D rectangular plate made of Functionally Graded Material to calculate Mode I Stress Intensity Factor. The object of the Field Boundary Element Method is the transversely isotropic plane plate. Its material presents an exponential variation of the elasticity tensor depending on a scalar function of position, i.e., the elastic tensor results from multiplying a scalar function by a constant taken as a reference. Several examples using a parametric representation of the structural response show the suitability of the method that constitutes a sight of Stress Intensity Factor evaluation of Functionally Graded Materials plane plates even in the case of more complex geometries.
Influence of Temperature on Contact Pressures and Resource of Metal-Polymer Plain Bearings with the Filled Polyamide PA6 Bushing
Authors: Chernets Myron , Pashechko Mykhaylo , Kornienko Anatolii , Buketov Andrei
Published: July 2021

It is known that the elastic characteristics of polyamides change with increasing temperature, in particular, the Young's modulus decreases significantly. This fact is practically not taken into account in design calculations of metal-polymer plain (MP) bearings, operating under conditions of the boundary and dry friction. The purpose of the study is the analysis of the effect of temperature on the change of the Young's modulus and, accordingly, the contact strength and triboresource according to the developed method of calculating MP bearings. MP bearings with a bushing made of polyamide PA6 reinforced with glass or carbon dispersed fibers were investi-gated. Quantitative and qualitative regularities of change of the maximum contact pressures and resource of the bearings at temperature increase under conditions of boundary and dry friction are established. The pressures in the bearing bushing made of PA6+30GF will be lower than for the bushing made of PA6+30CF. The resource of the bushing made of PA6+30CF will be significantly greater than for PA6+30GF. For thermoplastic polymers, the increase in temperature will have a useful practical effect due to the decrease in the rigidity of the polymer composites of the bearing bushing.
VHL, BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2 Expression in Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma, Association With PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2 mRNA Level
Authors: Spirina Liudmila , Yurnazov Zahar , Usynin Evgeny , Kondakova Irina , Ladutko Ekaterina , Choynzonov Evgeny
Published: July 2021

Novel mechanism of ccRCC progression is essential, including PBRM1, BAP1, and SETD2 in histone-modifying and chromatin remodeling genes. The study aimed to investigate VHL, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2. BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2 expression in ccRCC primary cancers and metastatic tissues associated with the cancer dissemination. A total of 62 patients with RCC were enrolled in the study. Investigation of mRNA level of VHL, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2. PCR in real-time performed BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2 with the previous RNA isolation. Western Blotting analysis was used for detecting the p-VHL protein content in tissues. The VHL expression and p-VHL content determined the aggressive cancer behavior and elevated in disseminated tumors. The cancer dissemination was accompanied by an increase in both mRNA and VHL content. The PD-L2 prevalence in metastatic cancers is crucial in tumor progression. ccRCC progression in VHL overexpression is associated with the decrease in BAP1 gene expression. It is revealed the heterogeneity in molecular markers in primary tumors and metastases. The low mRNA level of BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2 in metastases compared with primary tumors were found. We show a novel mechanism for VHL tumor progression and present a new instrument and factor targeting tumor-related pathologies with p-VHL/HIF altered function.
Adaptive Fuzzy Fault-Tolerant Control against Time-Varying Faults via a New Sliding Mode Observer Method
Authors: Zhang Yi , Nie Yingying , Dong Zhiyuan , Chen Liheng
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the problem of observer-based adaptive sliding mode control is discussed for nonlinear systems with sensor and actuator faults. The time-varying actuator degradation factor and external disturbance are considered in the system simultaneously. In this study, the original system is described as a new normal system by combining the state vector, sensor faults and external disturbance into a new state vector. For the augmented system, a new sliding mode observer is designed, where a discontinuous term is introduced such that the effects of sensor and actuator faults and external disturbance will be eliminated. In addition, based on a tricky design of the observer, the time-varying actuator degradation factor term is developed in the error system. On the basis of the state estimation, an integral-type adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller is constructed to ensure the stability of the closed-loop system. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control methods can be illustrated with a numerical example.
Thermal Load and Heat Transfer in Dental Titanium Implants: an Exact Analytical Solution to the ‘Heat Equation’
Authors: Haidar Ziyad S.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Heat is a kinetic process whereby energy flows from between two systems; hot-to-cold objects. In oro-dental implantology, conductive heat transfer/(or thermal stress) is a complex physical phenomenon to analyze and consider in treatment planning. Hence, ample research has attempted to measure heat-production to avoid over-heating during bone-cutting and -drilling for titanium (Ti) implant-site preparation and insertion, thereby preventing/minimizing early (as well as delayed) implant-related complications and failure. Objective: Given the low bone-thermal conductivity whereby heat generated by osteotomies is not effectively dissipated and tends to remain within the surrounding tissue (peri-implant), increasing the possibility of thermal-injury; this work attempts to obtain an exact analytical solution of the heat equation under exponential thermal-stress, modeling transient heat transfer and temperature changes in Ti implants upon hot-liquid intake. Materials and Methods: We investigate the impact of the material, the location point along implant length, and the exposure time of the thermal load on temperature changes. Results: Despite its simplicity, the presented solution contains all the physics and reproduces the key features obtained in previous numerical analyses studies. To the best of knowledge, this is the first introduction of the intrinsic time, a “proper” time that characterizes the geometry of the dental implant, where we show, mathematically and graphically, how the interplay between “proper” time and exposure time influences temperature changes in Ti implants, under the suitable initial and boundary conditions. Conclusions: This work aspires to accurately complement the overall clinical diagnostic and treatment plan for enhanced bone-implant interface, implant stability and success rates, whether for immediate or delayed loading strategies.
Subcritical Water Extracts from Agaricus blazei Murrill's Mycelium Inhibits the Expression of Immune Checkpoint Molecules and Axl receptor
Authors: Yasuma Taro , Toda Masaaki , Kobori Hajime , Tada Naoto , D'Alessandro-Gabazza Corina , Gabazza Esteban
Published: July 2021

Agaricus blazei Murrill or Himematsutake is an edible and medicinal mushroom. Agaricus blazei Murrill's fruiting body extracts have anticancer properties, although the mechanism is unknown. Basic or organic solvents, which are hazardous for human health, are generally used to prepare Agaricus blazei Murrill's extracts. Inhibition of immune checkpoint molecules and Axl receptor is an effective therapy in cancer. This study assessed whether subcritical water extracts of the Agaricus blazei Murrill's fruiting body or mycelium affect the expression of Axl and immune checkpoint molecules in lung cancer cells. We used A549 cells and mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells in the experiments. We prepared subcritical water extracts from the Agaricus blazei Murrill's fruiting body or mycelium. The subcritical water extracts from the Agaricus blazei Murrill's fruiting body or mycelium significantly inhibited the expression of immune checkpoint molecules and Axl compared to saline-treated cells. Also, the hot water extract, subcritical water extract, and the hot water extraction residue subcritical water extract from the Agaricus blazei Murrill's mycelium significantly enhanced the expression of maturation markers in dendritic cells. These observations suggest that the subcritical water extract from Agaricus blazei Murrill's mycelium is a promising therapeutic tool for stimulating the immune response in cancer.
Using Spatial Patterns of COVID-19 to Build a Framework for Economic Reactivation
Authors: Quiliche Renato , Renteria-Ramos Rafael , Junior Irineu de Brito , Luna Ana , Chong Mario
Published: July 2021

In this article we propose an application of humanitarian logistics theory to build a supportive framework for economic reactivation and pandemic management based on province vulnerability against COVID-19. The main research question is: which factors are related to COVID-19 mortality between Peruvian provinces? We conduct a spatial regression analysis to explore which factors determines the differences in COVID-19 cumulative mortality rates for 189 Peruvian provinces up to December 2020. The most vulnerable provinces are characterized by having low outcomes of long-run poverty and high population density. Low poverty means a high economic activity that leads to more deaths of COVID-19. There is a lack of supply of a set of relief goods defined as Pandemic Response and Recovery Supportive Goods and Services (PRRSGS). These goods must be delivered in order to mitigate the risk associated to COVID-19. A supportive framework for economic reactivation can be built based on regression results and a delivery strategy can be discussed according to the spatial patterns that we found for mortality rates.
Depression and Autoimmune Thyroiditis - Their Relationship and the Effects of Treating Psychiatric and Thyroid Disorders on Changes in Clinical and Biochemical Parameters Including BDNF and Other Cytokines
Authors: Kotkowska Zofia , Strzelecki Dominik
Published: July 2021

Various autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune hypothyroidism (AHT), are associated with a higher risk of developing mood disorders throughout life. Depression is accompanied by the changes in the levels of inflammatory and trophic factors, including interleukines (IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-6), interferon alpha (IFN-alpha), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), C-reactive protein (CRP) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Similar disturbances in the cytokine profile are seen in AHT patients and their relatives. Disclosure of the relationship between the co-existence of depression and autoimmune subclinical thyroiditis indicates that the pathomecha-nism of depression may be related to the changes in the immune system, it is possible that both conditions may be caused by the same immune processes. The above hypothesis is indirectly sup-ported by the observations that the treatment with both antidepressants and levothyroxine leads to a decrease in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines with an increase in BDNF concentrations, simultaneously correlating with an improvement in the clinical parameters. However, so far there are no long-term studies determining the causal relationship between depression, thyroid auto-antibodies, and cytokine profile, which could bring us closer to understanding the interrelation-ships between them and facilitate the use of an adequate pharmacotherapy, not necessarily psy-chiatric. We consider the above issues insufficiently investigated but of great importance. This ar-ticle is an overview of the available literature as well as an introduction to our research project.
The Structural Biology of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, an Emerging Viral Threat
Authors: Hasan S. Saif , Dey Debajit , Singh Suruchi , Martin Matthew
Published: July 2021

Alphaviruses are arboviruses that cause arthritis and encephalitis in humans. Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) is a mosquito transmitted alphavirus that is implicated in severe encephalitis in humans with high mortality. However, limited insights are available into its fundamental biology of EEEV and residue-level details of its interactions with host proteins. In recent years, outbreaks of EEEV have been reported mainly in the United States, raising concerns about public safety. This review article summarizes recent advances in the structural biology of EEEV based mainly on recent single particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) structures. Together with functional analyses of EEEV and related alphaviruses, these structural investigations provide clues to how EEEV interacts with host proteins, which may open avenues for the development of therapeutics.
High-temperature radiation gas dynamics equations in quasi-diffusion form
Authors: Gol’din Vladimir Yakovlevich , Shilkov Alexander Victorovich
Published: July 2021

Nonrelativistic equations of radiation gas dynamics are obtained, adapted for calculations on computers without assumptions about the distribution of photons. These equations are suitable for problems in which the processes of scattering do not prevail over the processes of emission and absorption of photons.
Thermodynamic models of gas mixtures for computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Boldarev Aleksey Sergeevich , Olkhovskaya Olga Gourgenovna , Val'ko Viktor Vasilievich , Solovyova Valentina Sergeevna
Published: July 2021

An approach is considered that allows to obtain a thermodynamic model of a gas mixture when the thermodynamic properties of its components are given. Models of interpenetrating and mutually displacing components are considered. The model of interpenetrating components was tested on the basis of comparing the properties of air and a mixture of gases corresponding to air by its composition. As an example of hydrodynamic modelling using a model of interpenetrating components, the electromagnetic compression of an array of mixed composition (metal and polymer) was computed. The modelling results are in slightly better agreement with the experimental data than previous computations using the dominant component model.
Cancer screening at the level of state programs: review, recommendations and management
Authors: Barchuk A. A. , Raskina Yu. V. , Smirnova O. V. , Belyaev A. M. , Bagnenko S. F.
Published: July 2021

An overview of existing cancer screening programs, their organization system, and the main implementation parameters is presented. The methods of primary screening that have been shown to be effective in reducing mortality from certain cancers, as well as the reasons for the lack of screening programs in relation to some of them, are listed. The existing screening programs and their main characteristics are considered, and examples of using economic analysis to change screening programs are given. It is noted that in countries even with a large coverage, for example, in the United States and Germany, there is no single national register of screening, and the invitation system does not have a population-based nature. Although the large coverage and development of health systems in these countries allows for the positive effects of opportunistic screening, its effectiveness is lower than in countries with organized programs, and the costs are higher.
Assessment of the Viability of SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus on Various Types of Test Surfaces, as Well as in Drinking and Sea Water
Authors: Zolin V. V. , Os’kina O. P. , Solodky V. V. , Eremina M. N. , Davydov G. F. , Gosteva T. A.
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of the residual infectious activity of the SARSCoV-2 virus on various types of surfaces, including banknotes and coins, in samples of drinking dechlorinated water and samples imitating seawater, with a concentration of sodium chloride salts of 0.9 and 3.5 % at a temperature of 24–28 ºC.

Materials and methods. The studies were carried out using the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strain nCoV/Victoria/1/2020, from the collection of the SSC VB “Vector”, the initial titer being (6.0±0.2) lg TCD50/ml. We used a Vero E6 cell culture from the collection of the SSC VB “Vector” in the form of a 2-day monolayer with a confluence of 95–100 %, grown in 96-well culture plates.

Results and conclusions. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is viable in both fresh and sea water, regardless of its salinity, for at least 48 hours, and the degree of preservation of the residual infectious activity of the virus depends on the water temperature: the lower it is, the better the virus is preserved. It was found that at a temperature of 24–28 C, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is able to maintain infectious activity on all types of test surfaces studied for at least 48 hours, while the degree of the residual infectious activity of the virus depends on the type of surface. The virus is best preserved on stainless steel, plastic and glass. It is demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 virus activity is retained on the surface of paper money and coins for longer than 24 hours. The conducted studies have confirmed the ability of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus to maintain its infectious activity in the environment under favorable conditions and, accordingly, to pose an epidemiological threat to the population.
MLVA25-Typed Yersinia pestis ssp. central asiatica biovar altaica Genotype Structure in Gorno-Altai Mountain Natural Plague Focus
Authors: Yarygina M. B. , Korzun V. M. , Balakhonov S. V. , Rozhdestvensky E. N. , Denisov A. V.
Published: July 2021

The aim of the work was to study the genetic diversity and spatial-temporal genotype structure of Yersinia pestis subspecies central asiatica biovar altaica in the Gorno-Altai natural plague focus, using MLVA25-typing.

Materials and methods. MLVA25-typing of 330 strains of Y. pestis ssp. central asiatica bv. altaica, isolated in the Gorno-Altai mountain natural plague focus during 1961–2015 was carried out. The phylogenetic tree was constructed with the help of UPGMA and MST algorithms.

Results and discussion. The analyzed strains have been differentiated into 34 MLVA types based on cluster analysis. The formed major groups of strains show pronounced spatial confinedness. Three chorological groupings of the plague agent with peculiar genotype characteristics have been identified. Each of the groupings is circulating among the main carrier (Ochotona pallasi) population and within the limits of the similarly-named mesofocus, respectively (Ulandryksky, Tarkhatynsky and Kuraisky). MLVA25 structure of Y. pestis in Ulandryksky and Kuraisky mezofoci show stability over time; there are no significant changes from the time of their first detection in 1961 and 1999, respectively. The dramatic changes in MLVA25 structure are observed in Tarkhatynsky mesofocus, which is known from 1972. Mass expanding of the MLVA25 types which were very rare before took place there from the beginning of 1990-s, along with elimination of the types absolutely dominant up to 1980s. Most likely the changing of dominating genotypes is attributable to the bottleneck effect, arising from the sharp decline of the focal epizootic activity in the mid 1980s.
Principles of Formation of Collection Funds of Microorganism Strains
Authors: Gracheva I. V. , Osin A. V. , Kutyrev V. V.
Published: July 2021

The aim of the review was to consider the principles and criteria for the formation of funds of service microbiological collections and the specialized State collection of pathogenic bacteria (SCPB) at the RusRAPI “Microbe”. The rapid pace of characterization, study, and use of microbial diversity makes the development of criteria for the selection of microorganisms for permanent storage in collections particularly relevant. The number and format of these criteria are determined by the tasks the collection centers of different levels and specialization are facing. Service collections form their funds by depositing or acquiring type, reference, educational strains. In recent years, the practicability of expanding the range of strains, the deposition of which is desirable in service collections, has been recognized. These are strains characterized by phylogenetic, genomic, metabolic, ecological uniqueness; with a fully sequenced genome; known and emerging plant, animal and human pathogens that caused disease outbreaks; used in international research projects; having biotechnological and economic significance. The main task of the SCPB as a specialized state collection of pathogenic bacteria of groups I–II is to preserve strains characterizing the intraspecific diversity and populations of pathogens circulating in natural foci or in certain territories of the Russian Federation, isolated during epizootics, local or epidemic outbreaks. The selection criteria for strains for permanent storage are their ecological, phenotypic, and genetic peculiarities. The preservation of such a collection is important for future research using new technologies and tracking the evolution of pathogenic bacteria – causative agents of particularly dangerous infectious diseases.
Advanced Laboratory Methods for Detecting Yellow Fever Pathogen
Authors: Krivosheina E. I. , Kartashov M. Yu. , Naidenova E. V.
Published: July 2021

Yellow fever is an acute infectious disease of viral nature, the causative agent of which is vector-borne –is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Massive epidemics caused by the yellow fever virus are observed in the countries of Africa, South and Central America annually. Imported cases are also registered in non-endemic territories. The review presents the currently available data on the distribution, structure and classification of the yellow fever virus, the identification of its genetic variants depending on the geographical distribution, as well as modern methods of detection and identification of the pathogen in samples taken from sick and dead people. It considers the possibility of using virological, immunoserological and molecular-genetic methods for the diagnosis of yellow fever in different periods from the onset of the disease and in retrospective studies. The lists of diagnostic drugs of domestic and foreign production for the detection of agent markers (antigen, RNA), as well as specific antibodies of IgM and IgG classes, approved for use on the territory of the Russian Federation, are provided. The relevance of further development, improvement and introduction into laboratory practice of reagent kits that allow to detect the yellow fever virus in samples from sick people in a short time, with high efficiency and specificity is demonstrated. This will help to establish a diagnosis promptly and conduct timely anti-epidemic measures, as well as to determine the level of the population stratum immune to the pathogen in endemic regions and evaluate the effectiveness of immunization for the vaccinated contingent.
Overview of the Epizootiological Situation on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Russia in 2020
Authors: Marchenko V. Yu. , Goncharova N. I. , Gavrilova E. V. , Maksyutov R. A. , Ryzhikov A. B.
Published: July 2021

This review describes the current situation on highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in 2020 and provides forecast of the possible further spread of avian influenza in Russia. In 2020, the circulation of a wide variety of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtypes which have epizootiological and epidemiological significance was recorded in the world. Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza were reported in over 30 countries. Apart from this, human infections with influenza viruses of the A/H5Nx and A/H9N2 subtypes were reported. There was a large-scale epizootic in Russia in 2020, which affected more than 10 regions. Outbreaks among wild birds and poultry were caused by the highly pathogenic influenza virus A/H5N8 of clade 2.3.4.4b. As a result of those outbreaks, more than 1.5 mil. poultry were killed or perished. It was revealed that strains of the influenza virus isolated in Russia have a high degree of identity with the strains circulating in Europe and Southeast Asia. Thus, it was shown again that the territory of Russia plays an important role in the global spread of avian influenza virus.
Epizootiological and Epidemiological Situation on Brucellosis around the World in 2011–2020 and Forecast for the Russian Federation for 2021
Authors: Ponomarenko D. G. , Skudareva O. N. , Khachaturova A. A. , Germanova A. N. , Lukashevich D. E. , Logvinenko O. V. , Rakitina E. L. , Kostyuchenko M. V. , Zinchenko D. A. , Semenko O. V. , Maletskaya O. V. , Кulichenko A. N.
Published: July 2021

Analysis of the incidence of human brucellosis in the world in 2011–2020 is presented in the paper. An assessment of the epizootiological-epidemiological situation on brucellosis in the Russian Federation in 2020 is performed. It is outlined that the epidemiological situation on brucellosis in Russia over the past decade was characterized as unfavorable with downward trend in the incidence rate against the background of persistent epizootiological insecurity among cattle and small ruminants. Between 2011 and 2020, 3507 first identified human cases of brucellosis were registered. The long-term average number of cases is 350 per year, including 28 cases among children under 17 years old. The average long-term intensive morbidity rate per 100 000 people was 0.24, among children under 17 – 0.1. In 2020, 119 human cases of brucellosis were detected in Russia (0.08), which indicates that the trend towards an improvement in the epidemiological situation on brucellosis continues. The largest number of brucellosis cases among people was registered in the North-Caucasian (77.1 % of the total incidence across Russia) and the Southern Federal District (13.5 %). In the period of 2010–2020 (9 months), 4610 areas potentially hazardous as regards bovine brucellosis and 422 – as regards brucellosis in sheep and goats were registered in the Russian Federation. Analysis of the development of brucellosis situation in Russia indicates that in the medium term, with the current trend maintained, there is a real risk of widespread brucellosis distribution among farm animals in the constituent entities of the Central, Volga, Far Eastern and Siberian Federal Districts, as well as the persistence of epizootiological insecurity in the North Caucasus and Southern Federal Districts. Taking into account the current epizootiological-epidemiological situation and the long-term dynamics of the development in the Russian Federation, one can predict the incidence of brucellosis in people at a level below the longterm average values – 0.13–0.18 per 100000 of the population in 2021.
Laboratory Diagnosis of Rabies. Current State and Trends in Development
Authors: Borisevich S. V. , Pistsov M. N. , Rubtsov V. V. , Kutaev D. A. , Surovyatkin A. V. , Berezhnoy A. M. , Petrov A. A. , Kazantsev A. V. , Zverev A. Yu. , Manoshkin A. V. , Krotkov V. T. , Sakharov R. V. , Chukhralya O. V. , Khmurenko S. N. , Savenko S. V. , Poyarkov A. Yu.
Published: July 2021

The review considers the relevant aspects of laboratory diagnosis of rabies. The methods of laboratory diagnostics of rabies infection, standardized by WHO in 2018, and their use in the Russian Federation are presented. The scheme of laboratory diagnostics of rabies, applied by specialists of the “48th CRI” of the Ministry of Defense of Russia, for the study of biological samples from deceased people is outlined. Between 2002 and 2018, the study of biomaterial was carried out using molecular-biological, virological methods of diagnosis and in some cases electron microscopy, which allowed to detect and identify the pathogen in 257 samples from 71 people, to certify and deposit new isolates of the rabies virus. Accumulation and analysis of the lessons learned in the application of molecular-biological method of rabies diagnosis allows us to recommend the use of RT-PCR, real-time RT-PCR sets (having a certificate of state registration) in healthcare and veterinary medicine practice to identify the causative agent of rabies infection. The use of molecular-biological methods is promising in terms of the development of rabies diagnosis to improve epidemiological surveillance and raise the efficiency of the biological protection of the population of the Russian Federation.
Review of Hantavirus Infections in the World, Epidemiological Situation on Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome in the Russian Federation in 2020 and a Forecast for 2021
Authors: Savitskaya T. A. , Ivanova A. V. , Isaeva G. Sh. , Reshetnikova I. D. , Kabve E. , Trifonov V. A. , Ziatdinov V. B. , Trankvilevsky D. V. , Serova I. V. , Popov N. V. , Skudareva O. N. , Popova I. V.
Published: July 2021

The review used the data from operational monitoring carried out by the Reference Center for Monitoring over HFRS – “Kazan Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Rospotrebnadzor”, based on official data provided by the Rospotrebnadzor institutions in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Statistical processing was conducted using conventional methods of variation statistics applying the Excel program. Over the past decades, hantavirus diseases have become very relevant and spread throughout the world. In the territory of the Russian Federation, natural foci of HFRS are located in the European part of the country, Western Siberia and Far East. The most epidemically active foci are situated in the European part of Russia. Over the past decade, the intensive incidence rate of HFRS in the Russian Federation stayed within the range of 3.0–9.5 per 100 thousand of the population, the long-term average annual indicator – 5.2 per 100 thousand of the population. In 2020, 3845 cases of HFRS were registered (2.62 per 100,000 of the population). There was a decrease in the incidence of HFRS by 3.6 times, compared with the indicators of 2019. A factor that may have influenced the decrease in the incidence of HFRS was the depression of the epizootic process among small mammals, the main carriers of HFRS pathogens, due to natural and climatic factors. The nature of the distribution of HFRS incidence across the territory of the Russian Federation in 2020 was heterogeneous. Statistical processing of the data made it possible to identify 5 groups of territories that differ in the level of HFRS incidence. Almost all constituent entities of the Volga Federal District and the Kostroma Region belonging to the Central Federal District were classified as groups of territories with high and very high incidence rates. In 2021, the deterioration of the epidemiological situation is predicted in the summer-autumn period of the year in the Volga Federal District and four entities of the Central Federal District.
Demarcation of the Boundaries of the Central Asian Desert Natural Focus of Plague of Kazakhstan and Monitoring the Areal of the Main Carrier, Rhombomys opimus
Authors: Abdel Z. Zh. , Erubaev T. K. , Tokmurzieva G. Zh. , Aimakhanov B. K. , Dalibaev Zh. S. , Musagalieva R. S. , Zhumadilova Z. B. , Meka-Mechenko V. G. , Meka-Mechenko T. V. , Matzhanova A. M. , Abdrasilova A. A. , Umarova S. K. , Rysbekova A. K. , Esimseit D. T. , Abdeliev B. Z. , Konyratbaev K. K. , Iskakov B. G. , Bely D. G. , Eskermesov M. K. , Kulemin M. V. , Askar Zh. S. , Kaldybaev T. E. , Mukhtarov R. K. , Davletov S. B. , Sutyagin V. V. , Lezdin’sh I. A.
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to clarify the boundaries of the Central Asian natural plague focus of Kazakhstan and the modern boundaries of the areal of the great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) in order to improve epizootiological monitoring and increase the effectiveness of preventive (anti-epidemic) measures.

Materials and methods. Data from the epizootiological monitoring of the great gerbil populations in 14 autonomous foci of the Central Asian desert natural plague focus in the Republic of Kazakhstan between 2010 and 2020 were used for the analysis. An epizootiologic survey of an area of 875350 km2 was carried out. When processing the data, epidemiological, epizootiological, statistical research methods, as well as GIS technologies were used.

Results and discussion. An increase in the total area of the Central Asian desert natural plague focus of the Republic of Kazakhstan by 79710 km2 (9.98 %) has been established for the period of 1990–2020. It is noted that the change in the area of plague-enzootic territory was a consequence of the ever changing areal of the main carrier of plague pathogen – the great gerbil – under the influence of climatic and anthropogenic factors. The most significant changes were found in the southeastern part of the plague-enzootic territory, including those for the Betpakdala (50 %), Balkhash (34.3 %), Taukum (13.3 %) and Mojynkum (0.32 %) autonomous foci. The area of the Aryskum-Dariyalyktakyr autonomous focus decreased by 2100 km2 (4 %). In 2000–2002, new Alakol’sky and Ili intermountain autonomous foci with a total area of 26759 km2 were discovered. It is shown that due to the regression of the Aral Sea, the areal of the great girbil expanded and the area of the North Aral and Kyzylkum natural plague foci increased by 10500 km2 (29.2 %) and 560 km2 (0.4%), respectively. The areas of the Aral-Karakum and UralEmba desert autonomous foci, on the contrary, decreased by 2000 km2 (2.6 %) and 12300 km2 (17.6 %), respectively. Passportization and landscape-epizootiologic zoning of the territory of the Central Asian desert natural plague focus of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been completed.
Characteristics and Philogenetic Analysis of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Strains from the Sarydzhaz High-Mountain Focus in the Tien-Shan
Authors: Dzhaparova A. K. , Eroshenko G. A. , Nikiforov K. A. , Kukleva L. M. , Al’khova Zh. V. , Berdiev S. K. , Kutyrev V. V.
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to characterize and carry out molecular-genetic identification of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis strains isolated in the Sarydzhaz high-mountain focus of the Tien-Shan.

Materials and methods. The Y. pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis cultures were differentiated according to their sensitivity to diagnostic bacteriophages, motility, urea fermentation, and pesticin production. Whole genome sequencing was performed using the Ion S5 XL System (Thermo Fischer Scientific). Ion Torrent Suite software package, 5.12 and Newbler gsAssembler 2.6 were used for data processing and de novo assembly of raw read sequences. The dendrogram was constructed using the Maximum Likelihood method applying the PhyML 3.1 software.

Results and discussion. Strains of Y. pseudotuberculosis were isolated from museum mixed with Y. pestis cultures obtained from marmots in the Sarydzhaz high-mountain focus. According to whole genome SNP analysis, they belong to the phylogenetic group O:3 serovar, which is widespread throughout the world. Y. pseudotuberculosis is often present in mixed with Y. pestis cultures, isolated from rodents, which should be taken into account when carrying out laboratory diagnostics of plague in natural foci.