Kazakhstani material testing Tokamak KTM. project status

Creation of cost-efficient and safe fusion reactor will require the development of special structural materials for first wall, blanket, reactor components, which will be operated under conditions of the high heat fluxes, superconducting magnets, plasma heating systems and other elements. The existing tokamaks and other fusion facilities do not currently allow for conduction of specialized researches of plasma-facing structural materials. Kazakhstani Material Testing Tokamak (hereinafter - KTM) provides for a unique opportunity to conduct materials research and testing of separate units and components of fusion reactors..

Kazakhstani material testing Tokamak KTM. project status

Creation of cost-efficient and safe fusion reactor will require the development of special structural materials for first wall, blanket, reactor components, which will be operated under conditions of the high heat fluxes, superconducting magnets, plasma heating systems and other elements. The existing tokamaks and other fusion facilities do not currently allow for conduction of specialized researches of plasma-facing structural materials. Kazakhstani Material Testing Tokamak (hereinafter - KTM) provides for a unique opportunity to conduct materials research and testing of separate units and components of fusion reactors..

Chukotka as a Portal for the Rabies Introduction into Kamchatka (Systematic Review)

The aim of this review was to assess the peculiarities of distribution and epidemiological risk of rabies in the extreme northeast of Asia. The systematic review was prepared through synthesizing publications on rabies over 1860–2022 (n=22) and previously unpublished data for 2009–2023. From the late 19th century until the 1980s, rabies epizootics were consistently observed in Chukotka and Kamchatka. A correlation was found between the time of occurrence of rabies in those territories with a lag period of 1–2 years (r=0.349; p=0.054). In 2009–2023, 24 animal rabies cases were confirmed in Chukotka; rabies has not been registered in Kamchatka since 1981. Until 1982, 5 confirmed human rabies cases were described in Chukotka, as well as 4 lethal cases presumably due to rabies (Chukotka – 3, Kamchatka – 1). The similarity of the spatial distribution of epizootics in different periods of time was established. Rabies was detected mainly in the area of the permanent polar fox (Vulpes lagopus) habitation, in the coastal tundra from the mouth of the Kolyma River to the Anadyr Gulf. Outside this territory (the valleys of the Anadyr and Penzhina Rivers, the Kamchatka Peninsula), rabies was reported in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). At present, the importance of the polar fox in the spread of rabies in Chukotka has decreased, while the significance of the red fox has increased substantially. Due to vaccination, rabies among dogs is recorded sporadically. Rabies virus isolates from Chukotka belong to the Arctic genetic lineage (Arctic-3 group), which has a circumpolar distribution. The possibility of independent circulation of the rabies virus in the Kamchatka Peninsula is doubtful because of the limited size of the red fox population. Based on the mapping, possible directions for the introduction of rabies to Kamchatka from Chukotka have been identified. Barrier oral rabies vaccination of foxes is recommended during the years of high abundance of red and polar foxes in Chukotka

Epidemiological Situation on Tick-Borne Viral Encephalitis in the Russian Federation in 2022 and Forecast of its Development for 2023

The aim of this review is to predict the incidence of tick-borne viral encephalitis (TBVE) in the Russian Federation for 2023 based on analysis of the epidemiological situation on TBVE during 2012–2022. Over the decade, the highest incidence of TBVE was registered in the Siberian, Volga and Ural Federal Districts. In 2022, the Ural Federal District took the second place, the share of the North-Western one decreased by almost two times. Ranking of territories according to the rate of TBVE incidence at the level of constituent entities has made it possible to attribute 16 of them to the group of regions with a high epidemic risk, 14 – to medium epidemic risk, and 18 – to a low epidemic risk. In 2022, the incidence of TBVE in Russia increased by 1.9 times compared to 2021, and amounted to 1.34 0/0000. Despite the increase in the incidence of TBVE in 2022, a significant downward trend has been retained. The rate of infection of ticks removed from humans in 2022 was below the long-term average values. PCR and ELISA were applied for tests. Infection rate of ticks from environmental objects when studied by PCR was higher than the multi-year average values, and lower when studied by ELISA. In 2022, 3.5 million people were immunized against TBVE (vaccinated and revaccinated). Emergency immunoprophylaxis with immunoglobulin covered 24.5 % of the people affected by tick bites (children accounted for 34.3 %). The forecast for TBVE incidence in Russia in 2023 remains favorable. It is expected to be reduced to (0.83±0.298) 0/0000. However, there was not only an increase in the number of TBVE cases, but also the proportion of clinical manifestations of the disease, as well as lethal outcomes among those who suffered from tick bites in 2022. If this pattern holds, the incidence of TBVE in 2023 will be higher than predicted, especially in the constituent entities where the share of individuals with manifest forms among those who suffered from tick bites has increased greatly

Phylogenetic analysis of rabies virus isolates recovered from animals in Volgograd Oblast

Introduction. The Lower Volga region, including the Volgograd Oblast, remains one of Russia’s most rabies-affected areas to date. Data on the genetic diversity of rabies viruses (RABVs) currently circulating in the Volgograd Oblast are insufficient, making phylogenetic analysis of RABV isolates from this region a relevant scientific objective.Objective. The study aims to conduct a phylogenetic analysis of current RABV isolates recovered from animals in the Volgograd Oblast, based on the full-length nucleoprotein gene sequence.Materials and methods. Brain tissue samples from animals diagnosed with rabies were used. The obtained nucleotide sequences of the RABV nucleoprotein gene were analyzed using the Bayesian strict molecular clock method. The spatial distribution of RABV isolates was described using Natural Earth physical map.Results. Full-length nucleoprotein gene sequencing was performed for 13 RABV isolates collected in the Volgograd Oblast. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the RABV population in this region comprises distinct genetic variants of genetic group C, formed at different times. Genetic relationship to the isolates from Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Moldova and Central/Southern Russia indicates intensive RABV circulation in Southern European Russia. Notably, distinct virus variants were detected on the left and right banks of the Volga River.Conclusion. All studied RABV isolates collected in the Volgograd Oblast belonged to genetic group C and exhibited high genetic diversity among variants

Epizootiological and Epidemiological Situation on Leptospirosis in the Russian Federation over the Period of 2013–2022 and the Forecast for 2023

The aim of the work was to analyze the epizootic and epidemiological situation on leptospirosis in the territory of the Russian Federation in 2013–2022 and to forecast its development in 2023. The long-term dynamics of leptospirosis incidence in the Russian Federation tends to decrease. Cases were registered in 58 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, in all federal districts. The highest incidence rates were noted in the North-Western Federal District. When studying the material from small mammals using bacteriological, immunological and molecular-biological methods, Leptospira circulation was detected in 52 entities of the Russian Federation, in all federal districts. In 2023, sporadic cases of infection are to be expected in the territories of the North-Western Federal District, the Central Federal District, and the Southern Federal District; imported cases of infection from countries with subequatorial and equatorial climates are not excluded

Epidemiological Situation on Tick-Borne Encephalitis in the Russian Federation in 2014–2023 and Short-Term Forecast of the Incidence for 2024

The aim of the review was to conduct a comparative analysis of the epidemiological situation on tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) over 2014–2023 in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation located in the European and Asian parts of the country and to give a forecast of incidence for 2024. The incidence of TBE in 2023 only marginally decreased as compared to the peak values in 2022, which leveled down the ten-year trend towards reduction. Grouping of the entities of the Russian Federation according to the average incidence of TBE over a decade made it possible to classify 17 of them as regions of low, 15 – of medium, and 17 – of high epidemiological risk. In general, the epidemiological situation regarding TBE is more unfavorable in the Asian part of the country. A list of species of Ixodidae ticks, the main vectors of the tick-borne encephalitis virus, is provided, as well as subtypes and genetic variants of the latter, identified in the European and Asian parts of the country. The peculiarities of the epidemiological situation on TBE and the scope of preventive measures undertaken in Russia in 2023 are considered. It is shown that there are no clearly outlined trends in the nature of changes in the incidence of TBE in endemic federal districts and entities of the country, and the expected incidence rates in 2024 will remain at the long-term average level

Rabies re-emergence after long-term disease freedom (Amur Oblast, Russia)

Retrospective descriptive epizootological study was conducted in the Amur Oblast (Russian Far East), where a rabies outbreak was reported in 2018. The aim of the study was to analyze probable routes of rabies introduction and features of its spatial and temporal spread in the territory that remained free from this infection from 1972 to 2018. In 2018–2021, altogether 1,416 animals were examined for the infection with the rabies virus. Forty-seven animal rabies cases were confirmed; the proportion of wild animals (Vulpes vulpes, Nyctereutes procyonoides, Canis lupus) amounted to 66%. The first cases were detected within 30 km from the state border with China. Nucleotide sequences of the nucleoprotein gene of three rabies virus isolates were determined and their belonging to the Arctic-like-2 genetic lineage was established. Genetically closest rabies virus isolates have been found in Heilongjiang Province (China, 2011, 2018) and Jewish Autonomous Oblast (Russia, 1980). GIS and open Earth remote sensing data were used to map the rabies cases. After 2018, the epizootic spread within the forest-steppe landscapes of the Zeya-Bureya Plain, where human and animal rabies cases had been earlier reported (until 1972). The front of the epizootic spread in a north-eastern direction at an average speed of 59 (16–302) km during one epizootic cycle. The introduction of the rabies virus was most likely along the Amur River valley from downstream regions of Russia and China that are rabies infected

АСОЦІАЦІЯ ПОЛІМОРФІЗМУ K121Q ГЕНА ЕNРР1 ІЗ ЦУКРОВИМ ДІАБЕТОМ 2-ГО ТИПУ В ОСІБ РІЗНОЇ СТАТІ

The aim of the present study was to analyze the frequency of ENPP1 gene K121Q polymorphism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Т2DM) in individuals of different sexes in Ukrainian population.Material and methods. For this study, we used venous blood of 163 patients with Т2DM (53.4% of women and 46.6% of men) and 110 healthy individuals (control group). Genotyping K121Q (rs1044498) polymorphism was performed using PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction with following restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis) method. All statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science program (SPSS for Windows, version 17.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). The differences were considered statistically significant with a P-value <0.05.Results. As a result of the genotyping of the groups of comparison for the ЕNРР1 gene К121Q polymorphism, it was found that among women with type 2 diabetes, the frequency of the K/K genotype is 64.7%, K/Q + Q/Q – 35.3%, and in the control group – 78.1 and 21.9% respectively (P = 0.063). For males, the frequency of the K/K genotype among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was 71.1%, K/Q + Q/Q – 28.9%, in the control group - 74.4 and 25.6 % respectively (P = 0.645).Conclusion. There is no association between the ЕNРР1 gene К121Q polymorphism and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus among the female and male subjects.Цель работы –  установление возможной связи полиморфизма K121Q гена ЕNРР1 с риском развития сахарного диабета (СД) 2-го типа у лиц разного пола.Материалы и методы. Для исследования была использована венозная кровь 163 больных с СД 2-го типа (53,4 % женщин и 46,6 % мужчин) и 110 практически здоровых лиц (контрольная группа). Определение полиморфизма K121Q (rs1044498) гена ЕNРР1 выполнено с помощью метода полимеразной цепной реакции с последующим анализом длины рестрикционных фрагментов. Основную часть статистического анализа выполнено с использованием программы SPSS (версия 17.0).Результаты. В результате генотипирования в группах сравнения по полиморфному сайту K121Q гена ЕNРР1 было выявлено, что среди женщин с СД 2-го типа частота К/К-генотипа составляет 64,7%, К/Q+Q/Q – 35,3%, а в контрольной группе – 78,1 и 21,9% соответственно (P = 0,063). В отношении лиц мужского пола, то частота К/К-генотипа среди больных с СД 2-го типа составила 71,1%, К/Q+Q/Q – 28,9%, в группе контроля – 74,4 и 25,6% соответственно (P = 0,645).Вывод. Не существует ассоциации между К121Q полиморфизмом гена ЕNРР1 и развитием сахарного диабета 2-го типа отдельно среди лиц женского и мужского пола.Мета роботи – встановлення можливого зв’язку поліморфізму K121Q гена ЕNРР1 з ризиком розвитку цукрового діабету (ЦД) 2-го типу в осіб різної статі.Матеріали і методи. Для дослідження використана венозна кров 163 хворих з ЦД 2-го типу (53,4 % жінок і 46,6 % чоловіків) та 110 практично здорових осіб (контрольна група). Визначення поліморфізму K121Q (rs1044498) гена ЕNРР1 проведене за допомогою методу полімеразної ланцюгової реакції з подальшим аналізом довжини рестрикційних фрагментів. Статистичний аналіз виконано з використанням програми SPSS (версія 17.0).Результати. У результаті генотипування осіб груп порівняння за поліморфним сайтом K121Q гена ЕNРР1  виявлено, що серед жінок із ЦД 2-го типу частота К/К-генотипу становить 64,7 %, К/Q+Q/Q – 35,3 %, а у контрольній групі – 78,1 і 21,9 % відповідно (P = 0,063). Щодо осіб чоловічої статі, то частота К/К-генотипу серед хворих із ЦД 2-го типу становила 71,1 %, К/Q+Q/Q – 28,9 %, у групі контролю – 74,4 і 25,6 % відповідно (P = 0,645).Висновок. Не виявлено асоціації між К121Q поліморфізмом гена ЕNРР1 і розвитком цукрового діабету 2-го типу окремо серед осіб жіночої та чоловічої статі

Prevention of rabies in Southern Siberia

Aim. To substantiate the need for coordinating measures to prevent rabies in adjacent territories with similar conditions for the spread of this infection.Materials and Methods. We retrospectively analyzed spatiotemporal trends in rabies spread during 1950-2020 by studying available statistics from nine Siberian territories (Altai Republic, Altai Region, Tyva Republic, Khakassia, Buryatia, Krasnoyarsk Region, Transbaikal Region, Irkutsk Region and Kemerovo Region). Mapping of rabies cases in humans (n = 124) and animals (n = 1648) was carried out using QGIS 3.16.3, ArcMap 10.8.1 and ArcScene 10.8.1 software and open electronic landscape maps Natural Earth and OpenStreetMap.Results. We revealed two periods of intensive rabies spread in southern Siberia: 1) from 1950 to 1983; 2) from 2002 to the present time. However, human rabies was recorded only during the first period. In all studied territories, inter-epizootic periods lasted from 10 to > 40 years. Geographical analysis identified a mosaic localization pattern and a relative isolation of the affected areas. After 2002, there has been a connection between location of animal rabies cases with agricultural lands and a consistent advance of epizootics from west to east and north-east in all territories, excepting Irkutsk Region. The identified regional features of the spatial distribution of rabies were due to a mountainous terrain and a connection of some forest-steppe areas with similar landscapes of neighboring countries.Conclusions. Southern Siberia is characterized by long rabies-free periods and by the infection foci isolated from other areas as a result of periodic viral invasions from adjacent territories. These features determine the common approaches to the organization of preventive measures across the territories, suggesting their increased efficiency due to the numerous natural barriers and the possibility to concentrate the resources within the small areas. Our results indicate the feasibility of a regional approach to rabies control