Search Results (399)

Human non-polio enteroviruses (NPEVs) cause a plethora of infections in humans, ranging from mild to severe neurological diseases including aseptic meningitis. NPEVs are the leading cause of aseptic meningitis in both children and adults worldwide. In Russia, reports of NPEV infections have surged, especially in the post-COVID era starting in 2022, with elevated infection rates into 2023. A comprehensive examination of the whole genome is crucial for understanding the evolution of NPEV genes and for predicting potential outbreaks. This study focused on identifying the circulating NPEV strains in the Ural Federal District and Western Siberia, using Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies. Biological samples were collected from (n = 225) patients diagnosed with aseptic meningitis. Bioinformatics analysis targeted the nucleotide sequences of the major capsid protein (partial VP1) gene fragment, and the assembly of whole NPEV genomes. A total of 159 NPEVs were characterized, representing 70.7% of the collected samples. The main capsid variants forming the predominant genotypic profile included E30 (n = 39, 24.3%), E6 (n = 31, 19.3%), and CVA9 (n = 25, 15.6%). Using NGS, we successfully assembled 13 whole genomes for E6, E30, EV-B80, CVA9, CVB5, E11, and EV-A71 and 3 partial genomes for E6 and EV-B87. This molecular-genetic analysis provides contemporary insights into the genotypic composition, circulation patterns, and evolutionary dynamics of the dominant NPEV associated with aseptic meningitis in the Ural Federal District and Western Siberia. The laboratory-based monitoring and epidemiological surveillance for genetic changes and evolutionary studies are important for improving prevention and healthcare. Full article

Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is a key tool in modern potato breeding for developing resistant varieties. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of molecular markers for selecting resistance to major pathogens in Ural (Russian Federation) potato breeding material. From 2018 to 2025, a total of 1212 hybrids and varieties were genotyped using 12 SCAR (sequence-characterized amplified regions) markers associated with resistance to potato wart (Synchytrium endobioticum), late blight (Phytophthora infestans), cyst nematodes (Globodera spp.), and viruses (PVX, PVY). The most frequent markers were TG689, N127, N195, and NL25. Phenotypic validation on more than 100 hybrids confirmed strong predictive power for NL25, TG689, and N195 markers in selecting resistance to wart disease and nematodes. In contrast, markers Rpi-blb1 and Rpi-sto1 for late blight did not show significant associations in this population. The results demonstrate the high diagnostic value of NL25, TG689, and N195 markers for MAS in Ural breeding programs, supporting their use for efficient selection of resistant genotypes. Full article

Soil structure is one of the key soil water-physical properties that determine the water–air regime and ultimately affect soil fertility. This study aimed to test different machine learning (ML) methods in combination with environmental variables (soil and climate) and remote sensing data derived from Landsat 8 for prediction of key structure parameters of topsoil (0–25 cm) in semi-arid areas (Trans-Ural steppe zone, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia). The all studied soil types (Chernozems (n = 24), Solonchaks (n = 9)) and Solonetzes (n = 12)) characterized by “excellent” aggregate state (the average structural coefficient (Ks) was 6.52, 11.23 and 5.70) and “good” resistance of aggregates to destruction by water (soil aggregate stability coefficient (Ksas)—0.67, 0.65 and 0.70, respectively). The soils had a high proportion of agronomically valuable aggregates (0.25–10 mm, mesoaggregates (MEA)), and a low proportion of blocky/lumpy (>10 mm, macroaggregates (MAA)) and fine/dusty (<0.25 mm, microaggregates (MIA)) ones. In particular, the average share of MIA, MEA, and MAA in Chernozem was 7.63, 83.20, and 11.73%, and in Solonchak, 4.24, 87.91, and 9.74%, respectively. After wet sifting, the water-resistant macroaggregates (WSMAA) were not identified (they were destroyed by water) in all studied soils; the proportion of water-stable mesoaggregates (WSMEA) in Chernozems was 65.92 and microaggregates (WSMIA)—39.67; Solonchaks—74.95 and 22.54; Solonetz soil—66.77 and 33.22%; respectively. Under the ML framework, the best model was achieved for Ksas predictions (R² = 0.50 and RMSE 0.17), where spectral indices (NDWI, EVI, SAVI, and NDVI) were the main predictors. Other ML techniques explained 22-30% variance of the remaining properties. The findings of this study can be valuable in further endeavors for soil water-physical mapping and accelerate the adoption of measures for land management/reclamation planning for landscapes with similar (arid and semi-arid) natural climatic conditions. Full article

One of the global challenges is the deficit of food. Food production is highly dependent on the productivity of agricultural plants used by humans and livestock. Various chemical and natural compounds are used to stimulate plant growth and increase their resistance to stress. The aim of our study was to analyze the chemical composition of extracts of the most common Ural tinder fungi and their effect on the early stages of wheat growth. Water–alcohol extracts from five wood-destroying fungi contained biologically active compounds (BACs), such as phenolics, free amino acids and reducing sugars. F. pinicola was characterized by the smallest amount of extracted substances. F. fomentarius has the largest amount of phenolic compounds and sugars, and I. obliquus had the highest concentration of free amino acids. Qualitative analysis revealed alkaloids in P. betulinus, and anthraquinones in F. fomentarius. Saponins were found in all tested species, except F. fomentarius. The extracts stimulated the early stages of wheat development at concentrations of 1.0–0.2 g of fungal biomass per liter. Seed germination rate was comparable to the control samples or exceeded it, and the length of roots and shoots increased. Thus, extracts from fruiting bodies of studied fungi can be recommended for priming wheat seeds, and for biotechnological cultivation. Full article

During late December 2021, an ice accretion disaster occurred in North Xinjiang, especially in the western part. It is found that the meteorological conditions suitable for the occurrence of ice accretion disasters are when the temperature is between −14 °C and −3 °C, the relative humidity is greater than 80%, the wind speed is between 4.5 m s⁻¹ and 7.5 m s⁻¹, and the pressure is between 919 hPa and 928 hPa. The ice accretion disaster is influenced by large-scale circulation, including the two-trough and one-ridge geopotential height structure in the middle troposphere and the spatially moving Ural Mountain blocking high pressure. Furthermore, using the artificial intelligence-based Pangu model and machine learning algorithms within the application of multiple linear regression and the leave-ten-out cross-validation, a skillful forecast correction model for ice accretion thickness in North Xinjiang is constructed. The prediction model has significant prediction skill for ice accretion thickness in North Xinjiang with 24 h, 48 h, and even 72 h in advance. The findings of the study can improve the timeliness of business system in the short-term and immediate forecast of ice accretion thickness, providing more reliable technical support for the ice prevention and disaster reduction of the power grids. Full article

The observed shortage of water resources in the western and southern regions of the Russian Federation may soon affect the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan. An increase in the share of groundwaters can help to solve this problem. To provide the population of the republic with water resources, the groundwater of magnesium–bicarbonate-type from the Kraka ophiolite massifs can be used. The massifs occur on the western slope of the Southers Urals. In this work we studied ultramafic rocks and their influence on the formation of the chemical composition of water. The research area is located in the northern part of the Zilair synclinorium, which occurs within the Central Ural megazone. In terms of hydrogeology, of particular importance to the territory of the synclinorium is the Zilair basin of fracture waters of the second order, which is part of the Uralian hydrogeologic folded zone. The ultramafic rocks from the studied area have consistently high CaO/Al₂O₃ ratios (0.4–1.6), which indicates the widespread development of parageneses with participation of clinopyroxene and a low degree of depletion of the primitive mantle source. Because of the complex geological structure of the area, water samples collected from both water points in the Kraka massifs, and the surrounding Early–Middle Paleozoic rocks were analyzed for major ions using a laboratory method to identify possible hydro-geochemical zoning. A statistical analysis was then conducted based on the obtained anion–cation composition data. From the viewpoint of the hydrolytic concept, the formation of the chemical composition of groundwater takes place due to the removal of Mg²⁺ from the rock-forming minerals of ultramafic rocks (olivine and pyroxene) and the supply of Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and SO₄²⁻ Cl⁻ from atmospheric precipitations. The bicarbonate anion has a complex nature, where both biochemical processes in the soil and atmospheric precipitation play a significant role. Magnesium–bicarbonate-type of waters, due to low mineralization (to 1 g/L) and the majority of other geochemical parameters (pH of the medium, and content of Na, K, Ca, SO₄, and Cl), whose values that are within the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO), can be used as drinking water. The increased values of total hardness (0.20–3.39 mmol/L) in accordance with the regulatory document SanPiN 1.2.3685–21, adopted by the Russian Federation, do not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations (up to 7.00 (10.00) mEq/L or 3.50 (5.00) mmol/L). The high magnesium content, in accordance with GOST (state standard) R 54316–2020, allows the magnesium–bicarbonate waters of the Kraka massifs to be classified as table mineral waters for the treatment of various diseases (including hypomagnesemia). Full article

Background: With the rising incidence of cancer, there is a growing need for improved preclinical models to test new therapies. While patient-derived xenografts (PDX) in immunodeficient mice are the gold standard, they are costly and result in a complete absence of a functional immune system, limiting their utility for studying tumor–immune interactions. This study characterizes a pharmacological partial immunosuppression protocol in immunocompetent mice as a promising alternative, evaluating its impact on the immune system and demonstrating its efficacy for growing human tumor xenografts. Methods: Mice received a regimen of cyclosporine (20 mg/kg, i.p., every 48 h for 12 days), cyclophosphamide (60 mg/kg, i.p., every 48 h for 8 days), and ketoconazole (10 mg/kg, p.o., for 12 days). The dynamics of CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, and CD19⁺ lymphocyte subpopulations and the CD4/CD8 index were monitored via flow cytometry on days 1, 5, 8, 12, 16, and 21. The protocol’s utility was tested by orthotopic transplantation of human glioma and lung cancer cells, and subcutaneous transplantation of breast cancer cells (MCF7). Tumor engraftment and growth were assessed using in vivo microscopy, MRI, and histology. Results: The immunosuppressive protocol induced a significant but partial reduction in CD3⁺ T-cells and CD19⁺ B-cells by day 8 (p = 0.0277). A profound and progressive decrease in the CD4/CD8 index was observed, indicating a shift towards immunosuppression. Crucially, CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T-cells populations recovered rapidly post-therapy, demonstrating that the protocol creates a temporary and modifiable immune window rather than inducing complete ablation. The protocol enabled successful engraftment and growth of all three tested tumors in a residual immune microenvironment, confirmed by in vivo imaging and histopathological analysis. Conclusions: This drug-induced partial immunosuppression protocol effectively creates a reproducible state of transient immunodeficiency in outbred mice, suitable for various human tumor xenograft models. It represents a cost-effective and flexible alternative to genetic models, with the distinct advantage of preserving a residual immune microenvironment, making it particularly valuable for preclinical studies that require a partially intact host immune system. Full article

Grokhovskyite, CuCrS₂, was observed in small sulfide inclusions (up to 50–80 µm) in Ni-rich iron (kamacite) of the Uakit iron meteorite (IIAB) in the Republic of Buryatia, Russia. The grain sizes of this mineral are usually less than 5 μm, and the biggest detected crystals are 10 × 5 μm in size. It is commonly associated with daubréelite, troilite, schreibersite, and, sometimes, with carlsbergite and uakitite. Within inclusions, the mineral forms elongated splintered crystals, or, rarely, needle-shaped grains in daubréelite. The grokhovskyite-containing associations in the Uakit meteorite seem to form due to high-temperature (>1000 °C) separation of Fe-Cr sulfide liquid, which is locally enriched in Cu, from Fe-Ni metal melt. Physical and optical properties of grokhovskyite are quite similar to those of synthetic CuCrS₂: yellow–brown and non-transparent phase with metallic luster; Mohs hardness ≈ 4; gray to light gray color with yellow tint in reflected light; weak to medium bireflectance, anisotropy, and pleochroism; density (calc.) = 4.559 g/cm³. Grokhovskyite is structurally related to the Cr-containing disulfide minerals with general formula Me⁺CrS₂ (where Me⁺ = Na, Cu, Ag), including caswellsilverite, NaCrS₂; schöllhornite, Na_0.3CrS₂·H₂O; and cronusite, Ca_0.2CrS₂·2H₂O. Structural data were obtained for one grokhovskyite crystal using the EBSD technique. Fitting of the EBSD patterns for a synthetic α-CuCrS₂ model (trigonal R3m; a = 3.4794(8) Å; c = 18.702(4) Å; V = 196.08(10) ų; Z = 3) resulted in the parameter MAD = 0.57–1.16° (good fit). Analytical data for grokhovskyite (n = 36, in wt.%) are as follows: Cu—32.97; Cr—27.65; Fe—3.69; Ni—0.16; S—35.71; Na, Zn, V, Mn, and Co—below detection limit (<0.005 wt.%). The empirical formula is (Cu_0.930Cr_0.952Fe_0.118Ni_0.005)_2.005S_1.995; however, different concentrations of Fe are indicated in two individual grains of grokhovskyite (0.09–0.17 apfu). Such variations may be explained by Fe incorporation in the grokhovskyite structure according to the scheme ^IVCu⁺ + ^VICr³⁺ → ^IVFe²⁺ + ^VIFe²⁺. The three main bands (near 110, 250, and 310 cm⁻¹), which are common of synthetic CuCrS₂, were observed in the Raman spectra of grokhovskyite. Full article

This study aims to assess the effect of carrot callus cells on the mechanical and textural qualities, including chewing parameters, of κ-carrageenan–konjac gum–milk hydrogels. The mechanical and textural qualities were assessed instrumentally with a texture analyzer and using sensory analysis with untrained volunteers (n = 31), respectively. The mechanical properties of both cell-free and cell-encapsulated hydrogels were found to increase with an increase in gel concentration from 0.4 to 1.0%. The instrumentally measured hardness increased by 7–10% in 0.4% and 1.0% gels at 20 and 60% cell concentrations, respectively. The springiness, cohesiveness, and gumminess of the hydrogels decreased with an increase in the cell concentration. The overall liking did not change with the addition of cells, except for the liking scores of the 0.4% hydrogel containing 60% cells, which decreased. Adding 60% cells to the 0.4% hydrogel improved perceived hardness and adhesiveness. The graininess ratings were positively correlated with the cell concentration and negatively correlated with elasticity and cohesiveness, but were not associated with the instrumental hardness and gumminess. The change in sensory assessments resulting from the addition of cells was accompanied by increased masticatory muscle activity during hydrogel chewing. Thus, the incorporation of plant cells into gum hydrogel represents a promising approach to creating unique gel textures and developing innovative functional foods. Full article

Heavy snowfall events in the Ural region have drawn significant attention due to their substantial frequency, the region’s relatively high population density and its developed network of roads and power lines. This study summarizes the main characteristics of the hazardous heavy snowfall (HHS) events (≥20 mm 12 h⁻¹) that have occurred in the Ural region between 1981 and 2025, as well as in related synoptic-scale environments, for the first time. The dataset consists of 116 HHS reports, with 12-hourly snowfall intensities ranging from 20 mm to 47.6 mm. The main characteristics of these events (snowfall amount, spatial distribution, inter-annual and seasonal variability and trends, associated weather phenomena, and related damage) are examined based on the data from weather stations, the ERA5 reanalysis, scientific literature, and media reports. While there is no statistically significant trend in HHS events, the frequency of the most damaging late spring and early autumn snowfalls has decreased. Using 72 h backward trajectories according to the NOAA HYSPLIT model and the ERA5 reanalysis, we classified the HHS events into five types according to air mass origin, and performed a composite analysis for each type. The main finding is that 46% of HHS reports are related to cyclones forming over the Caspian and Aral seas, resulting in a higher frequency of HHS events to the east of the Ural Mountains compared to the western part of the region. Full article

The objective of this study was to develop a pectin–tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) hybrid gel with improved functional properties and biocompatibility. The sol–gel process was used to create pectin–TEOS hydrogels containing 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50 M TEOS, which were labeled AP-T0.75, AP-T1.00, AP-T1.25, and AP-T1.50. The pectin–TEOS hydrogel AP-T1.50 exhibited a hardness of 631 kPa, a Young’s modulus of 1588 kPa, and an elasticity of 1.95 mm. The degree of swelling decreased as the TEOS content increased. The pectin–TEOS hydrogel AP-T1.25 exhibited the highest strength of adhesion to serosa of 60.6 mN. Serum protein and bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption by pectin–TEOS gels was recorded in the range of 2–43 µg/mg after 6 h of incubation at pH 5.0, 7.4, and 8.0. Pectin–TEOS gels demonstrated low rates of hemolysis and complement activation. Leukocyte adhesion on the surface of pectin–TEOS gels depends on TEOS content. Consequently, the mechanical characteristics, serosal adherence, and biocompatibility of pectin–TEOS gel position it as a strong contender for the advancement of smart biomaterials. Full article

Herbicide treatment for agricultural crops may cause dramatic damage to production amount and quality. The aim of the present investigation was to compare different silicon formulations to assess their efficiency in maintaining faba bean plant growth with the herbicide spray Dicameron. Soil pollution due to Dicameron caused an intensive oxidant stress, decreasing bean pods, seed number and weight, antioxidant activity (AOA) and polyphenol content (TP), leaf chlorophyll, and carotene, sharply increasing proline level, and creating pod and leaf anomalies. All the Si formulations, i.e., ionic Si forms in the presence of microelements (Siliplant) or terpenes (BioSi), Si nanoparticles, and organic silicon adjuvant siloxane polyalkylene oxide (Atomic), significantly restored bean antioxidant status and leaf photosynthetic pigment accumulation, enhancing plant defense, as indicated by the proline level decrease. Only the ionic form of Si in the Siliplant formulation, containing essential microelements, facilitated the recovery of pod form and seed weight, while nano-Si was the most effective treatment for bean AOA restoration, and Atomic was the best in rebalancing chlorophyll and the worst in decreasing proline content. A strong beneficial effect of ionic Si in the presence of terpenes (BioSi) was recorded only on the yield of the control plants which did not undergo herbicide spraying. The results indicate a moderate beneficial effect of siloxane adjuvant on plant performance and antioxidant defense level and the highest positive impact on broad bean protection in response to the ionic Si (Siliplant formulation) supply also containing Cu, Zn, Mo, Mn, Fe, and B. Full article

Urban traffic congestion leads to significant economic losses, increased air pollution, and reduced quality of life, making its prediction and mitigation a critical task for sustainable urban development. Traditional prediction methods are often not integrated with real-time monitoring data, which limits their practical applicability. To bridge this gap, this paper proposes a novel approach that combines deterministic and stochastic simulation modeling to predict traffic congestion of varying complexity. The approach is based on a simulation model developed in the Matlab Simulink environment. The model uses real data from the AIMS eco software package, which provides real-time traffic monitoring. The simulation experiments demonstrated the dynamics of congestion formation and dissipation under various scenarios. Based on these experiments, a neural network (based on LSTM) was developed and trained on an extended dataset to predict the growth of queue length. The LSTM model achieved high accuracy in predicting queue dynamics, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.5 vehicles for the number of vehicles unable to pass through the intersection per cycle and 0.3 vehicles for the total queue size. The developed model represents an effective tool for analyzing and predicting traffic congestion, thereby providing a scientific foundation for integrating a predictive module into intelligent transportation systems (ITS) such as AIMS eco. Full article

The purpose of this work was to develop and study catalytically active magnetic composites based on natural clays of Kazakhstan for their use in the process of catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of organic dyes. The synthesized materials, MnFe₂O₄/Shymkent and MnFe₂O₄/Ural, were obtained by intercalation of Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Mn²⁺ ions into the interlayer spaces of natural aluminosilicates followed by heat treatment at 500 °C. The phase composition, morphology, and functional groups of the studied samples were characterized by the methods of elemental composition, X-Ray phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy, IR Fourier spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The catalytic activity of the modified clays was evaluated in the decomposition reaction of methylene blue (MB) using hydrogen peroxide. To identify the influencing factors, adsorption experiments were conducted, including studying the effect of the adsorbent dose, the effect of pH on the degree of MB removal, and evaluating the activity of modified clays during the CWPO process under mild reaction conditions. The experiments were carried out at an initial dye concentration of C₀ = 50 mg/L, a catalyst dose of 0.25, 0.5, and 2.5 g/L, pH = 3 and 6, and a temperature of 50 °C. It was found that the degree of MB removal in adsorption experiments reaches 70% at a dose of 0.25 g/L and increases to 97.8–99% at 2.5 g/L. In terms of CWPO, with the addition of H₂O₂ complete degradation of MB was achieved within 120 min for MnFe₂O₄/Shymkent and 150 min for MnFe₂O₄/Ural. The high efficiency of the modified clays is explained by the formation of the MnFe₂O₄ ferritic spinel structure, an increase in porosity, specific surface area and hydrophilicity, as well as an improvement in the acid-base properties of the surface. The TGA results showed an increase in the thermal stability and uniformity of the composites. Thus, the developed magnetic composites can be considered as promising materials for the effective removal of organic pollutants from wastewater under mild CWPO conditions. Full article

Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild birds, posing a significant threat to poultry farming worldwide. This study aims to analyze the key landscape and population factors associated with H7 avian influenza outbreaks across the Euro-Asian continent and to identify high-risk areas in Russia for the virus’s introduction and subsequent spread. Two models were developed using the Maximum Entropy algorithm (MaxEnt): An introduction model predicting the likelihood of avian influenza presence based on climatic, landscape, wild waterfowl and semiaquatic bird population density data; and a spread model estimating outbreak risk in poultry farms using data on synanthropic birds, poultry flock density, and proximity to wild bird habitats. The first model was trained via maximum likelihood using data from H7 avian influenza outbreaks in Europe (Italy, Germany, France, Denmark, Lithuania, the Netherlands) and Southeast Asia (China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Cambodia, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam). The second model was trained using output from the first model. Specifically, areas with a predicted probability of H7 outbreak between 0.9 and 1.0 were used as occurrence points for the model in Russia. The results demonstrated that both models achieved high predictive reliability for avian influenza outbreaks in the Russian Federation: the introduction model (AUC = 0.855) and the spread model (AUC = 0.993). Areas with a high probability of disease occurrence were identified in the Central, Southern, North Caucasian, and Volga Federal Districts. These findings underscore the necessity of enhanced disease surveillance in these regions, as well as in the border areas of the Ural, Siberian, and Far Eastern Federal Districts. The authors recommend strengthening biosecurity measures, enhancing wild bird monitoring in high-risk areas, and maintaining stocks of relevant vaccines to timely contain the outbreaks. Full article