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Today, the overgrowth of woody and shrubby vegetation on former agricultural lands is a serious problem. The aim of this research has been to investigate age-related changes in the forest inventory indicators of forest stands on abandoned farmlands. Taking into account the temporal factor when monitoring the carbon budget allows identifying a number of processes in the dynamics of carbon sequestration that cannot be estimated in a single study. To address this issue, data from permanent sample plots have been analyzed in 2011 with repeated measurements in 2023. The sample plots are located on the abandoned farmlands on the border of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe area. The dynamics of the process of Today, the overgrowth of woody and shrubby vegetation on former agricultural lands is a serious problem. The aim of this research has been to investigate age-related changes in the forest inventory indicators of forest stands on abandoned farmlands. Taking into account the temporal factor when monitoring the carbon budget allows identifying a number of processes in the dynamics of carbon sequestration that cannot be estimated in a single study. To address this issue, data from permanent sample plots have been analyzed in 2011 with repeated measurements in 2023. The sample plots are located on the abandoned farmlands on the border of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe area. The dynamics of the process of overgrowth and development of plantations has shown that as the abandoned farmlands form, in addition to the dominant Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) and aspen (Populus tremula L.), Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.) and goat willow (Salix caprea L.) are also found. The dynamic process of pine abandoned farmlands has been established over a period of 15 to 27 years after land abandonment. The mixed plantations of various successional origins have ranged in age from 10 to 30 years old. Various processes have been observed in the research plots in terms of changes in the density of abandoned farmlands (overgrowth, thinning). The reforestation of abandoned farmlands occurs from the forest border and at a distance of up to 50 m continues after 30 years. The abandoned farmlands are characterized by various forms of overgrowth: clumps, biogroups, complete and by single trees. The average quantitative assessment has shown that that the most intense changes in height, diameter, height to the crown base, height to the largest crown width, and crown diameters have occurred in the test area where the minimum density has been observed, which has been decreasing dynamically. In the plot with the maximum density, morphological indicators have been characterized by an average increase. Minimal changes have been recorded in the sample plot where the density has increased significantly over 12 years. The growth rate of trees of the same diameter in height has been greater in 2023 compared to 2011. It is possible that this has been influenced by a combination of external and internal factors, including climate change. To assess the carbon productivity of forest stands growing on the abandoned farmlands, it is advisable to use regression equations developed for a specific area. The results of the study of the dynamics of carbon sequestration by young forests growing on the abandoned farmlands indicate the feasibility of using postagrarian lands for the implementation of forest climate projects.

A synthetic approach to prepare boron-enriched π-conjugated photoactive molecular systems based on ortho-carborane using the Cu(I)-catalyzed Sonogashira-type coupling reaction has been developed. The obtained luminophores have been found to possess absorption in the range of 300 to 400 nm, emission of up to 700 nm, and photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 99% in non-polar solvents. TD-DFT calculations have demonstrated that the luminophores are characterized by phosphorescent emission behavior with a lifetime of about 7 μs. In addition, the rigidochromism for the synthesized compounds has been revealed; particularly, the transition electronic state and bathochromic shift have been elucidated in the emission spectra. The exhibited luminescent characteristics indicate that the elaborated vinylcarborane fluorophores could be considered as promising building blocks in the design of advanced photofunctional materials for molecular electronics.

The aim of the study was to analyze the correlation between the cytokine profile of supernatants of invasive breast carcinoma of a nonspecific type (IBC-NST) samples, histopathological and molecular genetic parameters of IBC-NST, expression of the CD34 as a marker of angiogenesis and metastasis to regional lymph nodes (RLN).Material and Methods. The production of 14 cytokines in IBC-NST biopsy samples from 28 patients aged 37–60 years was studied. The concentration of cytokines in the supernatants of biopsies (CCSB) was determined (in pg/ml) using enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). The expression of CD34 and markers of IBC-NST molecular subtypes (HER2/neu, ER, PR, Ki67) in IBC-NST biopsy samples was evaluated by immunohistochemical method. The relative content of tumor cells of different differentiation grade in the IBC- NST samples was evaluated by histopathological analysis.Results. The assessment of CCSB showed statistically significant differences in IFN-γ, G-CSF, IL-2, IL-10 and MCP-1 between patients of group I (with metastases in RLNs) and group II (without metastases in RLNs). In group I, the correlations between histopathological parameters (Her2/neu, CD34 and Ki67 expressions, % of mitoses and poorly-differentiated cancer cells) and CCSB (MCP-1, IL-18) were revealed. In group II, the correlations between CCSB (IL-2, VEGF-A, G-CSF, IL-1Ra) and histopathological parameters, such as expression of Her2/neu, CD34, PR, % of mitoses and well-differentiated cancer cells, were revealed. The ROC analysis showed that the presence or absence of metastases in RLNs can be predicted on the basis of CD34 expression levels and concentrations of IL-10, G-CSF, and MCP-1 in supernatants of IBC-NST biopsy samples. The quality of the model for stratifying patients into groups with and without RLN metastases, based on the assessment of the concentration of MCP-1 in the supernatants of IBC-NST biopsies, reached maximum values (AUC=1.000) with relatively high CD34 expression.Conclusion. The analysis of the data obtained showed that the assessment of CD34 expression and production of cytokines in IBC-NST biopsies is important for predicting the presence or absence of metastases in RLNs.

Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is currently an important clinical problem in the management of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Recent studies suggested that aberrant cytokine secretion may be among the BCR/ABL-independent mechanisms of resistance, thus contributing to the persistence of leukemic stem cells in spite of continuous targeted therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate concentration of cytokines in the serum of patients with CML depending on the efficiency of therapy.Quantitative determination of the cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IFNα and VEGF) in blood serum of patients with chronic-phase CML (n = 84) and healthy subjects (n = 30) was performed using enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). The patients with CML were divided into 3 groups depending on the duration of therapy: group I, newly diagnosed patients (n = 10); group II, patients receiving therapy for < 12 months (n = 10); group III included patients receiving therapy for more than 12 months (n = 64).The results of our study showed that cytokine concentration among CML patients significantly differed, depending on the duration of therapy. Significantly higher concentration of IL-17, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-18, IL-2 and TNFα was found in group I compared with control group. Group II patients also demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18 and IFNα by comparison with control group, as well as higher concentration of IFNα compared with in groups I and III. In group III, concentrations of IL-17, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18 were significantly higher than in control group. When compared with group I, it was found that concentrations of IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-18 were significantly lower. A direct correlation was found between expression levels of chimeric BCR/ABL gene, (a marker of CML malignancy), and concentrations of IL-1β and IL-17. ROC-analysis demonstrated high-quality models which showed an association between achievement of major molecular response (MMR) and low serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17.Hence, the results of our study have shown that determination of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-17 concentrations may be a prognostic marker for assessing the efficiency of therapy and probability of achieving MMR in CML.

A series of 2,4-disubstituted pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazines containing both aryl and thienyl substituents were synthesized by exploiting the 1,3-cycloaddition reaction of N(1)-ethyl-1,2,4-triazinium tetrafluoroborates with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate. The antiviral activity of the synthesized compounds against influenza virus strain A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) was studied in experiments on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell culture. Among the pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine derivatives, compounds with low toxicity and high antiviral activity were identified. Dimethyl 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-methyl-2-p-tolylpyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine-5,6-dicarboxylate was found to demonstrate the best antiviral activity (IC50 4 µg/mL and selectivity index 188). Based on the results of in vitro tests and molecular docking studies performed, a plausible mechanism of action for these compounds was suggested to involve inhibition of neuraminidase.

Breast tumors show a complex structure and are highly heterogeneous. The study of cytokines, which exert great influence on tumor cells, and microRNAs, which, along with their influence on the proliferation and migration of neoplastic cells, may affect the work of cytokines, will contribute to a deeper understanding of pathological processes occurring in breast cancer. The aim of our work was to analyze the relationship of cytokine production with expression of miR-181a and miR-25in patients with invasive breast carcinoma of a non-specific type (IBC NST) with various molecular subtypes.Patients with IBC NST were divided into five subgroups according to the molecular genetics subtype of the tumor classified by immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone (PR), epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) and proliferation marker Ki-67. Using enzyme immunoassay, the concentration of 14 cytokines was determined in the supernatants of immunocompetent blood cells and tumors: IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1ra, TNFα, IFNγ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF and MCP-1. The expression of miR-181a and miR-25 microRNAs isolated from the patients’ blood serum was evaluated using digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR).In the luminal A subtype, cytokine concentrations and expression of miR-181a and miR-25 are significantly lower compared to other subtypes. Patients with the luminal B HER2-negative subtype were characterized by significantly increased expression of both studied microRNAs, especially when compared with the luminal A subtype. At the same time, patients with a triple negative molecular subtype, on the contrary, were characterized by high concentrations of cytokines in the supernatants of tumor samples and blood cells compared to other subtypes. In the general group of patients with IBC NST, direct correlations were found between the expression of both studied microRNAs and the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the supernatant of tumor samples, which may presume mutual interactions existing between miR-181a and miR-25, and the process of angiogenesis in the tumor.The levels of cytokines in blood supernatants and tumors in invasive breast carcinoma may vary, depending on distinct molecular subtypes of the tumor. Moreover, they also have direct links with the levels of miR-181a and miR-25 in blood serum. Particularly noteworthy were the results of measuring the cytokines and microRNAs concentrations in luminal A, luminal B HER2-negative and triple negative molecular subtypes.

Aim. To evaluate the endometrial microbiota in patients with uterine scar defect after cesarean section. Materials and methods. The study included 80 women of reproductive age. The main group included 50 patients with a uterus scar defect due to cesarean section; the comparison group included 30 women with a competent uterus scar due to cesarean section. Patients underwent a Pipelle endometrial biopsy on days 2022 of the menstrual cycle using a double-lumen catheter that excludes sample contamination with vaginal and cervical microflora. A molecular genetic study of the endometrium was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction using the Femoflor 16 reagent kit (DNA-Technology Moscow). The DNA content in the specimen was measured using software and expressed in genome equivalent (GE) proportional to the number of microorganisms. The statistical data were processed using the Exсel software package and SPSS Statistics 22.0. Results. The study showed the following statistically significant differences: lower count of Lactobacillus spp. 2.600 (1.4303.600) GE/mL vs 3.550 (2.8004.700) GE/mL in patients of the comparison group (p=0.02); higher count of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus spp. 3.270 (3.0003.700) GE/mL and 3.450 (3.2003.600) GE/mL vs 1.030 (0.7601.700) GE/mL and 0.560 (0.1201.200) GE/mL in the comparison group, respectively (p0.00001); higher count of Enterobacteriaceae 2.700 (1.7003.300) GE/mL vs 0.950 (0.6601.120) GE/mL in the comparison group (p0.00001); higher count of Gardnerella/Prevotellabivia/Porphyromonas spp. 2.310 (0.9303.480) GE/mL vs 1.000 (0.0001.860) GE/mL (p=0.003); higher count of Peptostreptococcus spp. 0.195 (0.0001.560) GE/mL vs 0.000 (0.000-0.000) GE/mL (p=0.032); Eubacterium spp. 1.355 (0.1002.460) GE/mL vs 0.000 (0.0001.560) GE/mL (p=0.040). Conclusion. Endometrial dysbiosis in patients with a uterus scar defect after cesarean section due to the possible effects of microorganisms can be considered one of the leading causes of the formation of a uterus scar defect in the postoperative period.

Aim. To identify the molecular genetic determinants of stress urinary incontinence (UI) in women. Materials and methods. A comparative study involving 120 women was conducted. Group 1 (main group) included 80 women with UI. Group 2 (comparison group) included 40 women without UI. Statistic data processing was performed using the Excel software package, SPP Statistics 22.0, Statistica for Windows 10 (TIBCO Software Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA). The mean and standard deviation were reported for quantitative variables with a normal distribution. The statistical hypotheses on the absence of intergroup differences for quantitative variables with normal distribution were verified using Student's test. The absolute and relative values (in percent) were reported for qualitative variables. The chi-square test was used to verify the statistical hypotheses. Results. Molecular genetic predictors of UI in women are the carriage of polymorphisms of the estrogen receptor gene ESR1:-351_G and the type I collagen gene COL1A1:1546_T. These polymorphisms can be considered as genotypes of "risk" since their carriage is associated with an increased risk of UI. Conclusion. Genetically determined disorders of the estrogen receptor function and type I collagen synthesis can be one of the essential mechanisms of stress incontinence occurrence. Studying molecular genetic determinants of stress incontinence can provide a deeper understanding of its pathogenetic mechanisms and develop a personalized approach to surgical correction.

Physical modeling is essential for developing the theory of concentrated, tornado-like vortices. Physical modeling data are crucial for interpreting real tornado field measurements and mathematical modeling data. This review focuses on describing and analyzing the results of a physical modeling of the structure and dynamics of tornado-like vortices, which are laboratory analogs of the vortex structures observed in nature (such as “dust devils” and air tornadoes). This review discusses studies on various types of concentrated vortices in laboratory conditions: (i) wall-bounded, stationary, and tornado-like vortices, (ii) wall-free, quasi-stationary, and tornado-like vortices, and (iii) wall-free, non-stationary, and tornado-like vortices. In our opinion, further progress in the development of the theory of non-stationary concentrated tornado-like vortices will determine the possibility of setting up the following studies: conducting experiments in order to study the mechanisms of vortex generation near the surface, determining the factors contributing to the stabilization (strengthening) and destabilization (weakening) of the generated vortices, and to find methods and means of controlling vortices.

Mathematical equations that describe all physical processes are valid only under certain assumptions. One of them is the minimum scales used for the given description. In fact, this prohibits the use of derivatives in the mathematical models of the physical processes. This article represents a derivative-free approach for the mathematical modelling. The proposed approach for CFD and numerical heat transfer is based on the conservation and phenomenological laws, and physical constraints on the minimum problem-dependent spatial and temporal scales (for example, on the average free path of molecules and the average time of their collisions for gases). This leads to the derivative-free governing equations (the discontinuum approximation) that are very convenient for numerical simulation. The theoretical analysis of governing equations describing the fundamental conservation laws in the continuum and discontinuum approximations is given. The article demonstrates the derivative-free approach based on the correctly defined macroparameters (pressure, temperature, density, etc.) for the mathematical description of physical and chemical processes. This eliminates the finite-difference, finite-volume, finite-element or other approximations of the governing equations from the computational algorithms.

At the present time, certain harmful effects are observed that affect forest ecosystems. They are forest fires, phytopathogenic activities, and invasive influence, in addition to changes in climatic conditions, in particular an increase in temperature. The study is intended to determine the potential stock of wood and carbon compounds in detritus. The principal categories for it are snags, downed dead wood, and stumps. Additionally, it predicts the amount of wood residues in the conditions of the taiga forest-steppe subzone of Central Siberia. A coarse woody detritus was examined in the structurally pure forests of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). A circular area of constant radius was used as an accounting unit. The cause woody detritus in snag was 82 %, in downed dead wood was 16 % (1.5–18.3 m3‧ha–1), in stumps was 2 % (0–2.6 m3‧ha–1). The content of detritus was found in only 11 % of the total stock of the stand. The environmental quality at the location of growth had a strong effect on the amount of detritus because of the growth rate of the trees, which is higher in the ideal conditions. Most of the coarse woody detritus (66.4 %) was accumulated in the stands of productivity class I, which was almost double that in the stands of productivity class II (33.6 %). The carbon content in snags, downed dead wood, and stumps was higher in high-density stands (0.81 or more) than in medium-density stands (0.6–0.8). The age and average height of the stand were considerable indicators for predicting stocks of wood and carbon in snags. The amount of wood and carbon in the downed dead wood also depended on the growth density and total stock of wood at the location. The regression equations were generated to predict the volume of the coarse wood detritus. According to the results, it can be concluded that in the investigated stands the destructive processes were identified, which were determined by the concentration of detritus. The production of detritus was activated by both age composition, when a major part of the trees enters the mature or overmature stages, and biogenic factors, which were stimulated by pathogenesis and climatic changes. For citation: Vais A.A., Varaksin G.S., Mamedova S.K., Anuev E.A., Gerasimova O.A. Detritus Inside High Density Pine Stands in the Taiga Forest-Steppe Subzone of Central Siberia. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2023, no. 3, pp. 9–20. (In Russ.). https:// doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-3-9-20

A synthetic strategy based on reactions of cyclic imine oxides, namely 2H-imidazole 1-oxides, with thiophenols mediated by acetyl chloride was successfully applied as a convenient tool to obtain a series of novel azaheterocyclic molecules, including water-soluble hydrochloride forms. Optimized reaction conditions found herein for the nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen (SNH) in non-aromatic azaheterocyclic substrates via the “addition-elimination” (SNH AE) scheme enabled 15 arylthiolated 2H-imidazoles to be prepared in yields of up to 90%. The developed methodology discloses an original synthetic way to obtain numerous azaheterocyclic molecules, which are of interest in the field of medicinal chemistry and materials science.

Metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with breast cancer (BC). It is known that the lesion of regional lymph nodes by tumor cells is more common in tumors with higher proliferative activity. Moreover, there is literature evidence on effects of cytokines and proteins upon the migration potential of the tumor. The aim of our work was to study the correlation between the concentrations of cytokines, proteins, and expression of Ki-67 proliferation marker in breast cancer with histology of non-specific invasive carcinoma.On the basis of pathological findings, 16 patients had metastases in regional lymph nodes (group I), and 18 patients had no detectable metastases (group II). Solid-phase enzyme immunoassay was used to determine concentrations of 14 cytokines in the supernatants of immunocompetent blood cells, i.e., IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1ra, TNFα, IFNγ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF and MCP-1, and concentrations of 6 proteins were determined in blood serum: estrogen and progesterone receptors, cadherin-E (CDH1), plasminogen activator type 1 (PAI-1), mucin 1 (MUC1), heat shock protein 90αA1 (HSP90αA1). Immunohistochemical study of Ki-67 expression was performed in paraffin sections of tumors using monoclonal antibodies.The study showed that Ki-67 expression in tumor tissues and blood concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNFα were higher in group I patients. On the contrary, blood concentrations of CDH1 and PAI-1 were higher in group II patients. It was found that Ki-67 showed both inverse correlations with CDH1 and PAI1, and direct correlations with IL-8 and TNFα. CDH1 had a direct correlation with PAI1, and inverse correlations with IL-6, IL-1β and TNFα. The studied cytokines showed direct correlations with each other. The analysis of ROC curves showed good quality and optimal values of the cut-off points for Ki-67 expression, cytokine and protein concentrations, thus allowing best prediction for detectable lymphatic metastasis.On the basis of these results, a quotient was proposed, which represents a ratio of CDH1 contents to the sum of IL-1β and TNFα concentrations in blood samples, which can help identification of the patients with breast cancer at risk for lymphatic metastasis.

Background. According to various researchers, obstetric perineal injury is the most commOn complication in childbirth, the frequency of which can vary from 13 to 85%. Currently, vaginal delivery and birth trauma are recognized as the leading risk factors for the development of pelvic, urodynamic and sexual dysfunctions. Urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual health disorders, chronic pelvic pain and the presence of cosmetic defects in the perineum are the reasons for a significant decrease in the quality of life of women after delivery. Recently, there has been a tendency to "rejuvenate" dysfunctions of the ligamentous apparatus and muscles of the pelvic floor, which support the pelvic organs in a normal position in women after the first birth. In the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment, anatomical changes and clinical symptoms will rapidly progress, forming persistent dysfunctions of the pelvic organs. Aim. To evaluate pelvic and urodynamic dysfunctions in women after per vias naturales delivery with concomitant perineal trauma. Materials and methods. A prospective cohort comparative study was conducted, which included 55 women of reproductive age after delivery per vias naturales of the fetus in cephalic presentation. The main group consisted of 30 women who had a perineal injury during childbirth, the control group included 25 women with uncomplicated straining period. All patients 34 months after delivery underwent a gynecological examination with perineometry, ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, as well as a comprehensive urodynamic study. Results. Women with a perineal injury during childbirth were significantly more likely to complain of frequent urination and urinary incontinence during physical exertion than women in the control group 70.0% versus 40.0% and 76.7% versus 40.0% of cases respectively (p0.05). According to the ultrasound data, the patients of the main group had a significantly more pronounced deviation of the angle and the angle during straining in comparison with the control group 4.672.6 versus 2.651.1 and 11.937.1 versus 7.104.7 respectively (p0.05). Statistically significant differences were also obtained when measuring the strength of the pelvic floor muscles in patients with perineal injury in comparison with the control group 68.175.8 mmHg versus 76.805.3 mmHg (p0.05). According to urofluometry, the patients of the main group showed a statistically significant decrease in the rate of average and maximum urine flow than in the women of the control group 11.693.8 ml/sec versus 17.902.1 ml/sec and 20.617.0 ml/s versus 25.223.1 ml/s respectively (p0.05). Conclusion. The results obtained indicate the occurrence of urodynamic and pelvic disorders in women during the first 4 months after childbirth, complicated by perineal trauma. In women who have experienced birth trauma, such pelvic and urodynamic dysfunctions as hypermobility of the urethrovesical segment in 86% of cases, a decrease in the strength of the pelvic floor muscles in 54% of cases, and a decrease in the average urine flow rate in 25% of cases were revealed. These disorders can be diagnosed using available non-invasive instrumental examination methods, such as ultrasound, perineometry and uroflowmetry. Thus, there is a need for early detection of pelvic floor dysfunctions for the purpose of subsequent treatment after childbirth, which in turn will help prevent the progression of genital prolapse and urinary incontinence, prevent their severe forms, reduce the need for surgical interventions and preserve the quality of life of women.

The C–H functionalization strategy was first applied to the Cu-mediated radical arylation reactions of triazolotriazines with aromatic diazonium salts. A series of C(3)-modified triazolo[5,1- c ][1,2,4]triazines were obtained in yields of up to 80% under mild conditions. The radical nature of the reaction mechanism was established by the TEMPO radical trap experiments. The developed method is characterized by its versatile application opportunities, particularly it allows C(3)-arylated azoloazine-derived compounds of various architectures to be available. The elaborated synthetic strategy is of interest in the directed design of azaheterocyclic biomolecules with diverse pharmacological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of the condition and morphological structure of tree species that constitute protective forest belts in southern Siberia has shown that plants perform ecological and economic functions under the most extreme conditions. The regions of Southern Siberia are characterized by a complex of negative environmental factors that have an adverse effect on the condition and growth of tree species of protective forest belts (soil conditions, lack of moisture, strong wind, salinization and deflation processes). Poplar and elm are used as introduced species in protective forest belts in South Siberia. Plants are characterized by intensive growth and average salt tolerance. Protective forest belts of autochthonous plant species (birch, pine, larch) have a more satisfactory condition compared to introduced species. However, poplar and elm grow in more difficult conditions (steppe areas of Khakassia), which determines their condition. In terms of growth intensity, as well as horizontal protection, introduced species largely exceed autochthonous plant species. Key words: protective forest belt, species, autochthonous plants, condition, morphological characterization

The new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is associated with a wide spectrum of various clinical manifestations including involvement of the musculoskeletal system which can persist for a long time after the infection. Supposedly, pathogenesis of musculoskeletal manifestations of COVID-19 is primarily caused by systemic inflammation accompanied by cytokine hyperexpression (interferon γ, interleukins 1β, 6, 8, 17, tumor necrosis factor α), as well as hypoxia leading to overproduction of inflammatory cytokines, activation of bone reabsorption by osteoclasts and subsequent decrease of mineral bone density and osteonecrosis in some cases. Additionally, some drugs prescribed to patients with COVID-19 (some antiviral drugs and glucocorticoids) should also be taken into account as they can lead to development of musculoskeletal pathology. In the acute period of COVID-19, myalgias are common, but in rare cases myositis with proximal muscular weakness and increased levels of creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase can occur. Arthralgias in the acute period of COVID-19 are rarer than myalgias. In the studies of clinical manifestation of COVID-19, frequency of arthralgias and myalgias in the acute period is between 15.5 and 50 %. After COVID-19, frequency of arthralgias and myalgias gradually decreases, however there are cases of long-term joint and muscle pains, as well as post-viral arthritis, development of arthritis in the context of various autoimmune disorders. Myalgias and arthralgias during COVID-19 usually regress spontaneously and in most patients do not require prescription of antipain medications, but in some cases pain management is necessary. Use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and vitamin D during COVID-19 is a safe and effective method of pain management, including myalgia and arthralgia. Rehabilitation programs play an important role in improvement of functional state and patient recovery after moderate and severe COVID-19.

Aim.To study clinical and anamnestic predictors of stress urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women. Materials and methods.A retrospective cross-sectional study in which 89 women participated. Group 1 (main) included 57 women with stress urinary incontinence. Group2 (comparison group) included 32 women who do not suffer from SUI. Statistical processing was carried out using a package of applied programs, Excel, SPP Statistics 22.0. For indicators characterizing qualitative signs, the absolute value and the relative value in percent were indicated; the chi-square test was used to test statistical hypotheses. Statistical hypotheses about the absence of intergroup differences for quantitative traits with a normal distribution were tested using the Student's t test. The data obtained indicate that active sports (gymnastics, weightlifting, rowing, tennis), leading to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, are one of the main reasons for the development of SUI. Results.A statistically significant higher BMI value was found in women with SUI than in women in the comparison group. According to the chi-square test and Spearman's coefficient, a tendency was revealed for an increase in the proportion of women with urinary incontinence with an increase in the number of births of more than two. Predictors of the development of SUI are previous births through the vaginal birth canal, their number is more than three, births weighing more than 4000 grams and complicated by obstetric injuries. When evaluating comorbidities, it was found that patients with SUI were statistically significantly more likely to suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as from disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. Conclusion.The data obtained indicate the need and extreme importance of taking anamnesis, questioning women according to questionnaires, and clinical examination. The above measures should be paramount in the diagnostic search along with routine instrumental and laboratory diagnostics of stress incontinence.

This article presents a two-grid approach for developing a black-box iterative solver for a large class of real-life problems in continuum mechanics (heat and mass transfer, fluid dynamics, elasticity, electromagnetism, and others). The main requirements on this (non-)linear black-box solver are: (1) robustness (the lowest number of problem-dependent components), (2) efficiency (close-to-optimal algorithmic complexity), and (3) parallelism (a parallel robust algorithm should be faster than the fastest sequential one). The basic idea is to use the auxiliary structured grid for more computational work, where (non-)linear problems are simpler to solve and to parallelize, i.e., to combine the advantages of unstructured and structured grids: simplicity of generation in complex domain geometry and opportunity to solve (non-)linear (initial-)boundary value problems by using the Robust Multigrid Technique. Topics covered include the description of the two-grid algorithm and estimation of their robustness, convergence, algorithmic complexity, and parallelism. Further development of modern software for solving real-life problems justifies relevance of the research. The proposed two-grid algorithm can be used in black-box parallel software for the reduction in the execution time in solving (initial-)boundary value problems.

Mathematical modeling is the most important tool for constructing theories of different kinds of two-phase flows. This review is devoted to the analysis of the introduction of mathematical modeling to two-phase flows, where solid particles mainly serve as the dispersed phase. The main problems and features of the study of gas-solid two-phase flows are included. The main characteristics of gas flows with solid particles are discussed, and the classification of two-phase flows is developed based on these characteristics. The Lagrangian and Euler approaches to modeling the motion of a dispersed phase (particles) are described. A great deal of attention is paid to the consideration of numerical simulation methods that provide descriptions of turbulent gas flow at different hierarchical levels (RANS, LES, and DNS), different levels of description of interphase interactions (one-way coupling (OWC), two-way coupling (TWC), and four-way coupling (FWC)), and different levels of interface resolution (partial-point (PP) and particle-resolved (PR)). Examples of studies carried out on the basis of the identified approaches are excluded, and they are also excluded for the mathematical modeling of various classes of gas-solid two-phase flows.

Mathematical modeling is the most important tool for constructing the theory of concentrated tornado-like vortices. A review and analysis of computational and theoretical works devoted to the study of the generation and dynamics of air tornado-like vortices has been conducted. Models with various levels of complexity are considered: a simple analytical model based on the Bernoulli equation, an analytical model based on the vorticity equation, a new class of analytical solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations for a wide class of vortex flows, and thermodynamic models. The approaches developed to date for the numerical simulation of tornado-like vortices are described and analyzed. Considerable attention is paid to developed approaches that take into account the two-phase nature of tornadoes. The final part is devoted to the analysis of modern ideas about the tornado, concerning its structure and dynamics (up to the breakup) and the conditions for its occurrence (tornadogenesis). Mathematical modeling data are necessary for interpreting the available field measurements while also serving as the basis for planning the physical modeling of tornado-like vortices in the laboratory.

This paper provides an overview of modern research on magnetoplasma methods of influencing gas-dynamic and plasma flows. The main physical mechanisms that control the interaction of plasma discharges with gaseous moving media are indicated. The ways of organizing pulsed energy input, characteristic of plasma aerodynamics, are briefly described: linearly stabilized discharge, magnetoplasma compressor, capillary discharge, laser-microwave action, electron beam action, nanosecond surface barrier discharges, pulsed spark discharges, and nanosecond optical discharges. A description of the physical mechanism of heating the gas-plasma flow at high values of electric fields, which are realized in high-current and nanosecond (ultrafast heating) electric discharges, is performed. Methods for magnetoplasma control of the configuration and gas-dynamic characteristics of shock waves arising in front of promising and advanced aircraft (AA) are described. Approaches to the control of quasi-stationary separated flows, laminar–turbulent transitions, and static and dynamic separation of the boundary layer (for large PA angles of attack) are presented.

A synthetic approach to prepare boron-enriched π-conjugated photoactive molecular systems based on ortho-carborane using the Cu(I)-catalyzed Sonogashira-type coupling reaction has been developed. The obtained luminophores have been found to possess absorption in the range of 300 to 400 nm, emission of up to 700 nm, and photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 99% in non-polar solvents. TD-DFT calculations have demonstrated that the luminophores are characterized by phosphorescent emission behavior with a lifetime of about 7 μs. In addition, the rigidochromism for the synthesized compounds has been revealed; particularly, the transition electronic state and bathochromic shift have been elucidated in the emission spectra. The exhibited luminescent characteristics indicate that the elaborated vinylcarborane fluorophores could be considered as promising building blocks in the design of advanced photofunctional materials for molecular electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical modeling is essential for developing the theory of concentrated, tornado-like vortices. Physical modeling data are crucial for interpreting real tornado field measurements and mathematical modeling data. This review focuses on describing and analyzing the results of a physical modeling of the structure and dynamics of tornado-like vortices, which are laboratory analogs of the vortex structures observed in nature (such as "dust devils" and air tornadoes). This review discusses studies on various types of concentrated vortices in laboratory conditions: (i) wall-bounded, stationary, and tornado-like vortices, (ii) wall-free, quasi-stationary, and tornado-like vortices, and (iii) wall-free, non-stationary, and tornado-like vortices. In our opinion, further progress in the development of the theory of non-stationary concentrated tornado-like vortices will determine the possibility of setting up the following studies: conducting experiments in order to study the mechanisms of vortex generation near the surface, determining the factors contributing to the stabilization (strengthening) and destabilization (weakening) of the generated vortices, and to find methods and means of controlling vortices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study was aimed at analyzing the relations of metastasis to regional lymph nodes (RLNs) with histopathological indicators of invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IC-NST) and its cytokine profile. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to determine concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, TNF-α, IFN-γ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF-A, and MCP-1 in the culture supernatant of IC-NST samples from 48 female patients. Histopathological indicators (degree of tumor cell differentiation, mitoses, and others) and ER, PR, Her2/neu, Ki-67, and CD34 expression levels were determined. By means of three types of neural network models, it was shown that for different parameters of the output layer, different groups of parameters are involved that have predictive value regarding metastasis to RLNs. As a result of multi-dimensional cluster analysis, three clusters were formed with different cytokines profiles of IC-NST. Different correlations between indicators of cytokine production by IC-NST and its histopathological parameters were revealed in groups with different cytokine profiles. It was shown that at simultaneous evaluation of the production of even two cytokines, the importance of which relationship with metastasis was revealed by neural network modeling, can increase the probability of determining the presence of metastasis in the RLNs.

This article is the second communication in a series of articles devoted to the effects of a domestic preparation of macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF-RF) and assessment of its biological properties. The aim of this work was to study the effect of the GcMAF-RF upon M0 → M1 polarization of macrophages (Mph), and activation of the professional properties of ex vivo generated antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DC), as well as on ex vivo production of pro-inflammatory (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IFNγ, IL-17, IL-18) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-β, IL-4, IL-10) cytokines, growth factors (IL-2, GM-CSF, G-CSF, VEGF) and chemokines (MCP, IL-8) by the whole blood cells from healthy donors. Mph and DC were generated from the monocytes (3 to 5×106 /ml) derived from adherent fraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNC) of healthy donors. Granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) was used to obtain Mph, whereas DC production was induced by GM-CSF and interferon-α. To provide M1 polarizing signals, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS from E. coli 0114:B4) was used in controls. In experimental series, GcMAF-RF was added 48 h before the end of culture. The stimulating effect of the obtained Mph and DC upon cell proliferation was assessed in allogeneic mixed culture of leukocytes (alloMLC) using radiometric technique, by 3 H-thymidine incorporation. The influence index (IR) of Mph or DC upon allo-SCL was calculated as the ratio of the proliferative response of MNCs in the presence of Mph, or DC to the level of spontaneous MNC proliferation. To determine the cytokine production by human whole blood cells ex vivo, peripheral blood samples from 3 donors with two replicate GcMAF-RF preparations were used, at a total of 6 points. All variants of the study were carried out with mitogen-activated and non-activated blood cells. The cytokine content was determined by the ELISA assays. The effects of GcMAF-RF were quantified as a fold increase (FI), i.e., the ratio of cytokine production in the presence of GcMAF-RF to the level of their spontaneous production. It was shown that the GcMAF-RF preparation was as effective, as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the standard Mph and DC activator which induces polarization of differentiated M0-macrophages into M1 cells and final maturation of DCs, manifesting by a significant increase in their allo-stimulatory activity in a mixed leukocyte culture (allo-MLC). Moreover, GcMAF-RF stimulates production of numerous cytokines and chemokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, IL-4, IL-10, GM-CSF, G-CSF, VEGF, IL-8), by blood cells (granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes), thus indicating direct participation of the macrophage activator GcMAF-RF in various immune processes. The domestic GcMAF-RF drug induces polarization of macrophages M0 → M1, final maturation of DCs and allostimulating activity of Mf and DCs, and is also able to effectively stimulate circulating blood cells to synthesize cytokines/chemokines with pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities.

Aim. To analyze the functionality and characteristics of quit smoking applications available to Russian-speaking users using validated scales for its evaluation.Material and methods. Applications were searched in the App Store and Google Play, and a specialized MARS scale was used to evaluate applications. A total of 598 applications were found, of which 54 applications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study.Results. It was found that 54% of applications use short- and medium-term goals as methods and techniques to increase the likelihood of quitting tobacco, while 31% of applications use various educational materials in order to form a negative attitude towards smoking. In addition, 22% of applications use cognitive and behavioral techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy. A negative moderate correlation was established between the application user rating and MARS score (r=-0,32).Conclusion. The Russian-language anti-smoking mobile applications included in this study demonstrated satisfactory quality on average. A significant number of applications use proven effective cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. At the same time, mobile applications in healthcare has shortcomings, especially in terms of compliance with guidelines, and needs to be further improved.