Search Results (234)

As critical geopolitical and migratory hubs in Eastern Europe, the Azov and Donbas regions represent an epidemiological melting pot for HIV-1 trafficking, exacerbating the global trend of rising dolutegravir (DTG) resistance through the cross-border dissemination of drug-resistant strains. This study presents a comprehensive molecular epidemiological analysis of HIV-1 in these regions in 2025 (N = 1666), focusing on drug resistance and cross-border transmission networks using phylogenetic and molecular network approaches. The study cohort was predominantly female (53.33%) and had heterosexual transmission (78.77%). Most patients (87.64%) received antiretroviral therapy (ART). Sub-subtype A6 predominated, with the radiation’s origin traced to September 1994. Molecular network analysis identified the study area as a significant node, demonstrating viral exports towards the Russian Federation and Belarus, alongside multiple imports from Ukraine, Poland, and Russia. The overall resistance prevalence was 4.49% to integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), 2.49% to protease inhibitors (PIs), 12.19% to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and 16.07% to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Surveillance drug resistance mutations in treatment-naive individuals stood at 0.89% (INSTIs), 4.90% (PIs), 4.90% (NRTIs), and 8.82% (NNRTIs). Crucially, intermediate or high-level DTG resistance and key mutations (G118R, R263K, and Y143R) were detected in individuals without prior DTG exposure. This 4.49% integrase inhibitor resistance cannot be considered low; combined with intense cross-border viral dissemination, it may indicate the formation of a stable pool of resistant variants, potentially posing a risk of dolutegravir-based regimen failure and highlighting the need for enhanced regional molecular surveillance. Full article

In this work, we present the Chernozem Soil Aggregates Micromorphometrical Parameters Dataset for specific areas located in the Central Russian Upland that can be utilized for the development of a digital twin of Chernozem. The present dataset represents a collection of soil aggregates’ micromorphometrical parameters (aggregate total area, minimal and maximal Feret diameters, form factor, elongation, unevenness, orientation) obtained through segmentation of soil thin sections’ digital images. Also, the dataset represents the data on physical and chemical properties of the studied soils (organic carbon content, inorganic carbon content, clay, silt, and sand fractions content, mean weight diameter of aggregates). Soil excavation and sampling were conducted in two stages: 24–25 April 2023 and 4 June 2024. Soil sampling sites were selected to provide a comparison of virgin Chernozem soils with plowed, non-eroded, and severely eroded ones. Soil sections were excavated at 9 key points. Laboratory analysis yielded 60 sets of data on physical and chemical properties and over 51,000 micromorphometric values for soil aggregates. Full article

Fusarium fungi are known to infect table beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) plants at various stages of development worldwide. Fusarium root rot, which develops post-harvest during long-term storage, is of particular economic significance. In Russia, there is no up-to-date information about the species diversity of pathogens causing this disease of table beets, which determined the purpose of this study. A total of 28 Fusarium isolates were collected from affected beet roots grown in the Moscow region of the Russian Federation from 2018 to 2023 years. Molecular phylogeny based on the TEF-1α and RPB2 genes in combination with morphological characterization showed that five Fusarium species were involved in the pathogenesis of Fusarium root rot of table beet during storage: F. acuminatum (43% of the total number of isolates), F. avenaceum, F. campestre (FTSC); F. sporotrichioides (FSAMSC) and F. solani (FSSC). At the same time, the species F. acuminatum, F. campestre, and F. sporotrichioides were first discovered on beet root in the Russian Federation. Temperature sensitivity of the identified species was studied at 5 °C and 25 °C. According to the value of the cold sensitivity index (CTI) on the nutrient medium and native substrate, the isolates were distributed differently: F. campestre (0.32) > F. acuminatum (0.22) > F. avenaceum (0.21) > F. sporotrichioides (0.19) > F. solani (0.20) and F. acuminatum (0.32) > F. campestre (0.21) > F. solani (0.03) > F. avenaceum and F. sporotrichioides (0.01), respectively. This confirms the need to study the pathogenic properties of isolates on a natural substrate (host plant) under different temperature conditions. When infected with the dominant and most aggressive species F. acuminatum, there was a high variation in the size of the affected area, depending on the genotype of the lines, under both temperature conditions (Va = 2–8 mm³ at 5 °C and Va = 31–1760 mm³ at 25 °C). Therefore, this species can be considered to be the most objective differentiating factor in assessing the resistance of table beet roots to fusarium rot, which determines the need to include it in the breeding process for creating resistant varieties and hybrids for the Central region of Russia. The data obtained in this study are of great importance for developing strategies for managing Fusarium fungi associated with Fusarium rot of beet-root during storage. The research results will also be relevant for other vegetable crops that remain fresh for long periods of time or undergo vernalization in the case of seed production at low temperatures. Full article

Schizophrenia is a chronic, progressive, and multifactorial disorder that leads to significant disability and social maladaptation in patients. Although considerable progress has been made in research, the etiology and pathogenesis of schizophrenia remain incompletely understood. However, the involvement of genetic factors in the development of this disease has been established. Using the GWAS catalog, we identified variants within the TCF4 gene that showed a significant association with schizophrenia. The GWAS catalog lists 30 variants within the TCF4 gene associated with schizophrenia. Among these, 12 variants demonstrate a specific association with schizophrenia in the absence of reported comorbidities. The presence and allele frequencies of these variants were subsequently analyzed in two population databases: Database of Population Frequencies of Genetic Variants in the Russian Federation (DPF) and gnomAD. For the functional annotation of the genetic variants, we utilized specialized tracks within the UCSC Genome Browser. The CpG Islands track served to identify potential regulatory regions. The GeneHancer database was used to predict SNP localization within enhancer regions and their potential target genes. To characterize the epigenetic landscape and functional chromatin states, the ENCODE Regulation and ENCODE cCREs tracks were utilized. Comparative analysis revealed significant heterogeneity in the allele and genotype frequencies of TCF4 polymorphisms between the Russian population and other global cohorts. This observed inter-ethnic variability may partly explain the discrepant genetic association findings for schizophrenia reported across different ancestral groups. Therefore, further functional studies are essential to define the precise mechanisms by which TCF4 variants contribute to disease pathogenesis. Full article

Sugar beet cercospora leaf spot (CLS), caused by the fungus Cercospora beticola, is among the most economically important diseases of sugar beet, and the effectiveness of chemical disease management depends on the susceptibility of pathogen populations to fungicides. In this study, isolates of C. beticola from the Russian Federation were characterized based on QoI resistance, molecular detection of the G143A mutation, and phenotypic variability in radial growth, colony morphology, and aggressiveness. A total of 46 leaf samples were surveyed, and 196 isolates were obtained, from which a representative subset of 48 isolates was selected for detailed analysis. The selected isolates were characterized for in vitro radial growth and colony morphology, assessed for aggressiveness on sugar beet leaves, and tested for sensitivity to azoxystrobin based on EC50 values. The G143A mutation was detected by allele-discriminating real-time PCR and confirmed by sequencing of the cytB region. The G143A mutation was identified in 41 of 48 isolates (85.4%). In the mycelial bioassay, all isolates had EC50 values above 0.2 µg/mL, and 38 of 48 isolates (79.2%) had EC50 values exceeding 100 µg/mL. Additional validation with SHAM in a subset of 35 isolates did not alter the qualitative interpretation of resistance. Considerable variability was also observed in radial growth rate, aggressiveness, and colony appearance among isolates. These findings indicate widespread QoI resistance in the analyzed Russian isolate collection and provide a structured baseline for regional resistance monitoring and for more cautious use of FRAC 11 fungicides in integrated sugar beet disease-management programs. Full article

Understanding the heterogeneous spread of tuberculosis (TB), particularly multidrug-resistant (MDR) forms and the role of subclinical infection, is critical for achieving the WHO End TB strategy. This study develops a novel compartmental model that explicitly incorporates incipient and subclinical TB together with MDR forms, and links them to case detection and treatment pathways. The key innovation lies in integrating a sensitivity-based identifiability analysis with a Bayesian MCMC framework to quantify parameter uncertainty and correlations directly from regional surveillance data. Applied to five high-burden regions of the Russian Federation (2009–2020), the approach reveals strong heterogeneity in epidemic drivers: wide credible intervals for contagiousness, the rate of progression to bacterio-positive (BE+) states, and detection rates. The probabilistic forecasts up to 2025 are validated against 2021–2023 data. The region-specific differences in these correlated parameters dictate transmission dynamics, and improving detection of BE+ cases is the most effective lever for control. Full article

This paper proposes an innovative research algorithm “measurement—pattern—driving force—synergy” that determines the eco-efficiency of 83 Russian federal subjects (2000–2019) using the Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) model with non-desired outputs (incorporating comprehensive input indicators such as water resources and electricity input, and dual non-desired outputs of waste gas and wastewater). Combined with hot spot analysis, a gravity center model, and panel Tobit regression, we reveal the temporal-spatial evolution and driving mechanisms of eco-efficiency in resource-based economies. The research finds that the overall eco-efficiency of Russia is at a medium level and shows a dynamic correlation with the economic development stage. In the early stage of the period under review, there was a high degree of synergy, but the efficiency declined during the period of rapid economic growth. Later, it rebounded somewhat in tie with technological progress. Spatially, it presents a special pattern of low efficiency in the western European industrialized regions and high efficiency in the Arctic and Far East peripheral regions, reflecting the spatial heterogeneity of resource-dependent economies and the survival-constrained efficiency feature. The analysis of influencing factors indicates that per capita GDP has a significant positive driving effect on eco-efficiency, but the expansion of residents’ consumption, the improvement of education level and the dependence on foreign trade all have inhibitory effects, highlighting the path dependence of the current growth model on the structure of resource consumption. The research suggests that Russia should implement differentiated spatial governance in the future, promote the green transformation of consumption and trade structures, and strengthen the ecological orientation of the education and scientific research system to achieve a fundamental transformation of regional sustainable development from survival constraints to innovation-driven. Full article

The paper presents a comprehensive methodological system for assessing the level of economic security of Russian regions, based on the synthesis of several complementary approaches and accounting for regional specifics. The central idea is a shift from static monitoring to dynamic analysis, which allows not only for capturing the current state but also for identifying the direction and stability of trends over time. The proposed methodology based on four stages: forming a set of indicators, normalizing their values, aggregating them into integral indices, and then visualizing them for operational decision-making. An important feature of sustainable development is the introduction of mechanisms to account for regional specifics through the clustering of regions and adjustment coefficients, which helps to mitigate the influence of geographical and structural differences on the results comparability. Together, they form an integrated system for diagnosing, planning, and monitoring the economic security of regions. The paper provides examples of threshold values for indicators such as the share of households with internet access, the length of the road network, birth rate, the volume of building commissioning, and innovation expenditures. A classification of regions into stability zones and recommendations for policy measures within each zone accompany the threshold analysis. In particular, for digitalization and transport infrastructure, measures are proposed to enhance monitoring, improve service accessibility, and invest in infrastructure; for the demographic component, measures are proposed to support families and improve quality of life. The practical significance of the research lies in creating a universal, yet flexible, toolkit for monitoring, ranking, and planning regional policy in the field of economic security. The proposed system was designed for application both at the federal level and for interregional analysis, including scenario planning and modeling the impact of management decisions. Thus, this study contributes to the literature by bridging the theory of economic security, the imperatives of sustainable regional development, and the practical potential of information technologies. It offers a concrete, scalable methodology for transforming regional economic security management into a data-driven, forward-looking, and context-sensitive process. In the future, the authors intend to further develop the methodology by considering the sectoral specialization of regions, integrating with medium- and long-term forecasting systems, and creating an automated monitoring platform. Full article

In 2023, the Russian Federation expanded its national newborn screening (NBS) program from 5 to 36 conditions, 29 of which are inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs). This study presents the first nationwide results and outcomes of the expanded NBS program. Between January 2023 and December 2024, dried blood spots from 2,466,615 newborns (98.53% of the birth cohort) were analyzed for IMDs using MS/MS. Screen-positive cases were referred to the national reference center for confirmatory testing, which included biochemical (MS/MS and GC-MS) and genetic analyses (NGS). A total of 41,728 neonates (1.69%) screened positive, of whom 37,733 underwent confirmatory testing. It resulted in 834 confirmed diagnoses of IMDs (1 in 2900 live births). Phenylketonuria was the most prevalent IMD (n = 538; 1 in 4600), followed by MCADD (n = 99; 1 in 25,000). Distinct regional and ethnic variations were observed, including a high prevalence of tyrosinemia type 1 in the Chechen Republic and MCADD in North Ossetia. The integration of NGS was essential for resolving complex cases, such as identifying heterozygous carriers and dual diagnoses. These findings underscore the program’s clinical utility, highlight unique epidemiological patterns, and identify challenges such as false positives and diagnostic complexities, which will guide future refinements. 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

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

Despite extensive research into green microalgae belonging to the genus Chloroidium, their species diversity and biotechnological potential remain poorly characterized. The strain VKM Al-418, the subject of this study, was isolated from the soil of Duvannyi Yar (Russian Federation). The independent species status of this strain is supported by distinct morphological characteristics, robust phylogenetic placement based on the 18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 fragment, and unique features in the secondary structures of both ITS1 and ITS2, including one compensatory base change (CBC) in the highly conserved helix III of ITS2. Additionally, the species delimitation was also confirmed using five independent algorithmic approaches analyzing four different DNA barcodes. The concatenated ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 fragment is more reliable for species discrimination than the individual ITS1 or ITS2 barcodes. Of the species delimitation methods evaluated, ASAP (Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning) and GMYC (Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent) performed best in distinguishing Chloroidium species across multiple barcode regions in our analysis. The fatty acid profile of strain VKM Al-418 was analyzed at 9 °C, 22 °C, and 27 °C and exhibited high plasticity in response to temperature, indicative of an adaptive strategy to its harsh environment. Using this integrative taxonomic approach, we describe Chloroidium pseudoellipsoideum sp. nov., a new species with a distinct phylogenetic positioning and promising biotechnological properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: The article presents data on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (RNOA), describing the population characteristics of the disease among children in RNOA (2006–2023). Methods: The number of newborns was 172,115, with 86,057 boys from 2006 to 2023. During the reporting period, 19 families (23 patients, including 22 boys) were identified. The molecular and genetic characteristics of the patients were analyzed throughout the entire observation period, which began in 1998. Results: The prevalence of the disease was 1:3912 among newborn boys (95%CI: 1:2584–1:6242), which is slightly higher than in other regions of the Russian Federation (RF) and most countries around the world. The spectrum of DMD genetic variants in RNOA aligns with worldwide patterns but reveals differences in frequencies compared to RF data. The frequency of exon deletions in the DMD gene range from 65.0 to 70.0% (60% in RNOA vs. <50% in RF) worldwide, for duplications—9.0–11.0% globally (16% in RNOA), and for nonsense variants—9.7–26.5% worldwide (20% in RNOA). Twelve patients (41.0%) in RNOA qualified for therapy, and Translarna was prescribed in most cases. In the cohort of children, one girl was identified with classic DMD, confirmed by genetic studies. Different limitations of the study were hindered by the small cohort size, patients’ remote residences, and poor therapy compliance of our patients. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of mutation spectrum across different populations underscores the influence of ethnic background. Consequently, this study highlights the importance of population-specific studies for improving DMD care. 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

To ensure the transition to electric transport in order to reduce CO₂ emissions, a number of projects have been initiated to develop and introduce new types of locally produced vehicles. The Russian Federation market is quite conservative and has its own specifics and a special consumer model. In addition, the component base of localized components for electric vehicles is relatively small, which is justified by relatively low demand and market volumes. To create the concept of a Class C passenger vehicle with electric traction, marketing research was conducted in a group of people who are potentially ready to abandon traditional vehicles and choose electric vehicles or hybrids. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the opinion of consumers and to form the technical characteristics of a Class C hybrid car based on localized components. Methods: To obtain the results, various components of the power unit were modeled, and a balanced solution was found that meets the requirements of consumers in the region. Mathematical modeling was carried out and analytical studies of the power reserve of various configurations of power units within the WLTC cycle were carried out in the digital environment of Siemens Amesim. Analytical work on the study of the composition of cars for calculating the masses of modern components and aggregates was carried out using Autodatas. Consumer opinions were assessed through a survey using the Yandex. Forms service. The relevance of the study is confirmed by the lack of domestic models of sequential hybrids on the market and the lack of similar studies, based on the opinion of a potential consumer. The result is the technical parameters of the main components and assemblies, which should ensure the optimal cost of the final product and meet the requirements of the consumer. Conclusion: As a result of the study, a concept of a combined sequential-type power unit was developed based on available components, meeting the main consumer properties, and the technical characteristics of the components were presented. Full article