Science Center Research Articles

The role of non-parametric and parametric methods in benchmarking research performance

This study examines the effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s grant funding system in supporting research institutions and universities, focusing on the relationship between funding levels, expert evaluations, and research outputs. We analyzed 317 projects awarded grants in 2021, using parametric methods to assess publication outcomes in Scopus and Web of Science databases. Descriptive statistics for 1606 grants awarded between 2021 and 2023 provide additional insights into the broader funding landscape. The results highlight key correlations between funding, evaluation scores, and journal publication percentiles, with a notable negative correlation observed between international and national expert evaluations in specific scientific fields. A productivity analysis at the organizational level was conducted using non-parametric methods to evaluate institutional efficiency in converting funding into research output. Data were manually collected from the National Center of Science and Technology Evaluation and supplemented with publication data from Scopus and Web of Science, using unique grant numbers and principal investigators’ profiles. This comprehensive analysis contributes to the development of an analytical framework for improving research funding policies in Kazakhstan.

Integration of point of care ultrasound into undergraduate medical education at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center school of medicine: a 6 year review

BackgroundPoint-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) education has become an essential component of medical school curricula. Ultrasound represents a highly effective teaching modality to reinforce anatomical knowledge gained during cadaveric dissections. At Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-School of Medicine (TTUHSC-SOM), POCUS was incorporated into the pre-clerkship curriculum especially during the first year of medical school anatomy course.MethodsPre- and post-ultrasound quizzes and summative exam performance were used to evaluate ultrasound session effectiveness. Post-block survey results were utilized to assess students’ perception of these sessions.ResultsA significant increase in post-quiz scores compared to pre-quiz scores (p < 0.0001) was observed in all three ultrasound sessions. Students ranked the overall experience with ultrasound sessions highly with 86% indicating ultrasound training was valuable in understanding human anatomy. Additionally, 92% indicated being more at ease in acquiring ultrasound images as the block progressed.ConclusionsFirst-year medical students perceived ultrasound training as valuable in enhancing their understanding of human anatomy and became more proficient acquiring ultrasound images as the block progressed. Early introduction of POCUS in the pre-clerkship curriculum helps build foundational knowledge and skills that support students in developing competency in image acquisition and interpretation.

Treatment of splenic artery aneurysms of patients with cirrhosis in the Waiting list

Objective. The aim of our work was to evaluate the immediate and remote results of ligation of splenic artery aneurysm in orthotopic liver transplantation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.Material and methods. From June 2018 to May 2024, 232 liver transplants from a posthumous donor were performed at the Surgical Clinic of the Moscow Multidisciplinary Scientific and Clinical Center n.a. S.P. Botkin. In 4 patients (1.7%), the presence of aneurysmal dilatation of the splenic artery was revealed at the preoperative stage. During orthotopic liver transplantation, patients underwent ligation of the splenic artery proximal and distal to the aneurysms.Results. Mean time for the isolation and ligation of the splenic artery aneurysm was 18.4±3.3 minutes. In no case was there any damage or bleeding from either the branches or the aneurysm of the splenic artery; and there was no damage to the spleen. No adverse events related to the splenic artery aneurysm ligation were recorded in either early or late postoperative periods. In all cases, the control examination did not reveal any ischemic changes in the splenic parenchyma.Conclusion. Ligation of the splenic artery aneurysm during orthotopic liver transplantation is a safe, effective and necessary surgical intervention that can improve long-term results by reducing the risk of death from aneurysm rupture in the postoperative period.

Anangula before and after: to the 50th anniversary of Soviet-American archaeological expedi-tion on the Aleutian Islands

The purpose of this work is to analyze the events in scientific life that preceded and followed the first Soviet-American archaeological expedition to the Aleutian Islands 50 years ago (1974) and the excavations of the Anangula Site, the materials of which date back to ca. 9,000 years ago. The used sources include various publications by Rus-sian and foreign authors, highlighting the key episodes of international dialogue and the stages of the formation of American studies in the Kunstkamera (St. Petersburg), the Institute of Ethnography (Moscow), and the Institute of History, Philology and Philosophy (Novosibirsk), as well as the information on the participation of Russian scientists, with reports, at major international forums, periodicals, and scientific chronicles, freely available archival data, and also records from family collections. The dynamics and forms of academic cooperation between Russian and North American archaeologists and ethnographers (exchanges of visits, conferences, exhibitions, joint projects, publications) are traced during different stages — in the 1900s–1930s, 1950s–1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. The initial period featured the interest of the American side in the study of materials from Siberia and Northeast Asia in the person of such specialists as A. Hrdlicka, F. Rainey, and W. Laughlin, and the late 1960s period — the institutional, structural, and thematic development of American studies in several scientific centers in Russia. The specifics of changes in the structure of financing, and the role of the grant system (Russian and foreign scientific foundations) since the 1990s are noted. As a result, a number of conclusions have been drawn about the regularity of the ap-pearance and implementation of the project on the Aleutian Islands, the role of Siberian researchers (A.P. Okladnikov, A.P. Derevianko, R.S. Vasilievsky) in the development of such areas as American studies and Pacific archaeology in science and education, the long-term effect of the “Anangula legacy” for the next generations of Russian and North American archaeologists, as well as about the current state of the research in the area.

Short and long-term mortality of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) remains a significant concern for patients with cirrhosis. This study aims to reevaluate the trends in both short-term and long-term mortality rates associated with SBP. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using population data obtained from Taiwan's Health and Welfare Data Science Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare. The database, derived from Taiwan's National Health Insurance program, included information from 925 cirrhotic patients discharged after an episode of SBP between January 01, 2014 and December 31, 2015. Each patient's outcomes were tracked for up to 3 years following their initial hospitalization for SBP. The overall mortality rates for cirrhotic patients with SBP at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, and 3 years were 10.8%, 23.0%, 44.0%, and 60.9%, respectively. Following Cox regression analysis with adjustments for patient age, gender, and underlying medical conditions, the short-term prognostic factors of significance were age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.05, P = .001), concurrent sepsis (HR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.82-4.08, P < .001), and renal function impairment (HR = 3.28, 95% CI = 2.07-5.18, P < .001). Although the 30-day mortality rate for SBP in cirrhotic patients is around 10%, the long-term mortality remains significantly high. Renal function impairment and the presence of concurrent sepsis serve as indicators of poor short-term prognosis in cirrhotic patients with SBP.

Особенности системы гемостаза при истинной полицитемии у детей

Patients with polycythemia vera (PV) are at an increased risk for thrombosis. Abnormalities in coagulation parameters and global hemostasis tests can help with hypercoagulation recognition in PV. The purpose of this research was to analyze the features of changes in laboratory parameters of the hemostasis system in pediatric patients with PV. Materials and methods used: a single-center retrospective cohort study of clinical records of 32 (11 (35%) girls/21 (65%) boys aged 11.5 [0.8; 17.5] y/o) pediatric (all under the age of 18 y/o) PV patients who were admitted at the National Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev (Moscow, Russia) in Jan. 2012-June 2024 was conducted. Laboratory parameters were determined prior to the beginning of the antiplatelet and cytoreductive therapy. Results: in 20 (62.5%) and 4 (12.5%) patients, mutations in the JAK2V617F and JAK2 ex 12 genes were detected, respectively, the remaining 8 (25%) children were JAK2-negative. In total, there were 8 (72%) JAK2-positive girls and 15 (71%) boys; gender did not statistically significantly affect the presence of a driver mutation (p=0.939). Both the median and the mean values of the main parameters of the blood coagulation system were within the reference values. The thromboelastography parameters did not deviate from the reference values for the parameters. According to the results of the thrombodynamics study, the average value of the initial clot growth rate among all patients was increased and amounted to 58.3±5.07 μm/min, the steady-state velocity also increased among all patients to 29.5±4.3 μm/min, the median and the mean values of the remaining parameters were within the reference intervals. Conclusion: the parameters of standard coagulogram and thromboelastography tests in pediatric PV patients had no deviations. The average values of thrombodynamics (initial and steady-state clot growth rate) were increased, which potentially indicates the hypercoagulation.

Технические аспекты лапароскопического удаления нейрогенных опухолей абдоминальной локализации у детей

Progress in a modern pediatric oncological surgery, including neuroblastoma surgery, is characterized by increased role of the minimally-invasive approach. Authors represent standardized technical aspects of abdominal neuroblastoma laparoscopic resection. The purpose of this research was to systematize the technical aspects of laparoscopic resection for pediatric abdominal neuroblastoma, also in cases with Image-Defined Risk Factors (IDRF). Methods used: pre- and intraoperative data of 181 patients (85 (47%) males/96 (53%) females) of the median age of 14 [5-51] (1-209) months old with abdominal neuroblastoma who had received laparoscopic tumor resection at the National Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology named after Dmitry Rogachev (Moscow, Russia) in Jan. 2018-Jan. 2024 were analyzed. Technical features of laparoscopic surgery procedure, also in cases with IDRF have been systematized as follows: patient position on the operating table, trocars placement, visualization of surgical field, dissection plan. Results: maximal tumor length was 3,6 [2,6-5] (0,7-12,6) cm, maximal tumor volume was 16,8 [4-40] (0,5-557) ml. IDRF were identified in 53 (29%) cases, wherein two and more IDRFs were in 19 (10%) patients. The surgical intervention duration was 100 [70-140] (35-725) minutes, intraoperative blood loss was 5 [5-18] (5-3600) ml, intraoperative transfusion was 0 [0-0] (0-890) ml. Intraoperative complications were observed in 6 (3%) patients, conversion was required in 7 (4%) cases. Complete tumor resection (98% to 100%) was achieved in 163 (90%) cases. Conclusion: the accumulated experience of minimally invasive surgery for neuroblastoma indicates the demand for reviewing of the current indications for these surgical procedures as well as a precise investigation of the effect of each IDRF on the difficulty and risk of surgery. In this Article Authors have described standardized technical features of abdominal neuroblastoma laparoscopic resection. These technical features are used in prospective clinical trial whilst the purpose of this research was to design the difficulty scoring system for such surgery (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06296732).

Cardiorespiratory system of massage therapists when performing a dosed massage procedure

The article tells about the presentation of a number of studies on the effect of massage procedures on the physiological, biochemical and psychological status of a person, while work on evaluating the functional indicators of massage therapists during the procedure is rare. The study aims to determine the functional state of the cardiorespiratory system (CRS) of massage specialists in the dynamics of performing a 30-minute back massage session. The object of the study was 10 male massage therapists (age 36.0 (29.0;42.0); BMI 24.7(23.3;31.3). The study consisted in performing a classical back massage procedure for 30 minutes according to a generally accepted technique using six massage techniques. To determine the functional state during the work of specialists, an ergospirometric system and measurement of blood pressure (BP) by the Korotkiy method were used. During the massage procedure, specialists noted an increase in metabolic parameters, oxygen consumption (OC), respiratory coefficient (RC) and energy consumption, as well as blood pressure by the 30th minute of the procedure. When performing a 30-minute back massage, massage specialists significantly mobilize the links of the cardiorespiratory system. At the end of the procedure, there is an increase in blood pressure. However, the maximum increase in the parameters of the cardiorespiratory system occurs when performing a shock vibration reception. Limitations. Due to the small sample of the group, it is not possible to statistically reliably assess the significance of changes in some indicators. Ethics. The protocol of the experiment corresponded to the Helsinki Declaration. The study was developed and conducted in accordance with the methodological guidelines of the Local Scientific Research Committee on Bioethics of the Institute of Physiology of the Komi Scientific Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Time-Dependent ECG-AI Prediction of Fatal Coronary Heart Disease: A Retrospective Study

Background: Fatal coronary heart disease (FCHD) affects ~650,000 people yearly in the US. Electrocardiographic artificial intelligence (ECG-AI) models can predict adverse coronary events, yet their application to FCHD is understudied. Objectives: The study aimed to develop ECG-AI models predicting FCHD risk from ECGs. Methods (Retrospective): Data from 10 s 12-lead ECGs and demographic/clinical data from University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) were used for model development. Of this dataset, 80% was used for training and 20% as holdout. Data from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (AHWFB) were used for external validation. We developed two separate convolutional neural network models using 12-lead and Lead I ECGs as inputs, and time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models using demographic/clinical data with ECG-AI outputs. Correlation of the predictions from the 12- and 1-lead ECG-AI models was assessed. Results: The UTHSC cohort included data from 50,132 patients with a mean age (SD) of 62.50 (14.80) years, of whom 53.4% were males and 48.5% African American. The AHWFB cohort included data from 2305 patients with a mean age (SD) of 63.04 (16.89) years, of whom 51.0% were males and 18.8% African American. The 12-lead and Lead I ECG-AI models resulted in validation AUCs of 0.84 and 0.85, respectively. The best overall model was the Cox model using simple demographics with Lead I ECG-AI output (D1-ECG-AI-Cox), with the following results: AUC = 0.87 (0.85–0.89), accuracy = 83%, sensitivity = 69%, specificity = 89%, negative predicted value (NPV) = 92% and positive predicted value (PPV) = 55% on the AHWFB validation cohort. For this, the 2-year FCHD risk prediction accuracy was AUC = 0.91 (0.90–0.92). The 12-lead versus Lead I ECG FCHD risk prediction showed strong correlation (R = 0.74). Conclusions: The 2-year FCHD risk can be predicted with high accuracy from single-lead ECGs, further improving when combined with demographic information.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Build Climate Models to Improve Weather Forecasting as Torrential Rains, Floods and Droughts Proliferate Across the Vast Country

Global warming has triggered more intense clashes of weather systems in India in recent years, increasing extreme weather events, which the independent Centre for Science and Environment estimates have killed nearly 3,000 people this year. Weather agencies around the world are focussing on AI, which can bring down cost and improve speed, and with a recent Google-funded model found to have outperformed conventional methods. Accurate weather forecasting is particularly crucial in India, a country of 1.4 billion people, many impoverished, and the world's second-largest producer of rice, wheat and sugar Using AI with an expanded observation network could help generate higher-quality forecast data at lower cost. The increasing frequency and intensity of torrential rains, floods, and droughts due to climate change present significant challenges to weather forecasting and disaster preparedness. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential in building advanced climate models to address these challenges. By integrating vast datasets, including satellite imagery, historical weather records, and real-time sensor data, AI enhances the accuracy and resolution of climate predictions. Machine learning algorithms can identify complex patterns, simulate localized weather phenomena, and predict extreme weather events with greater precision. This paper explores the role of AI-driven climate models in improving weather forecasting, enabling proactive responses to mitigate the impacts of climate-induced disasters across diverse regions. Enhanced forecasting through AI not only safeguards lives and livelihoods but also supports sustainable resource management in the face of escalating climate uncertainties

INTERNAL MARKETING TOOLS AS AN ELEMENT THAT RAISES ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT IN MIDDLE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE OF HIDALGO, MEXICO

Objective: The objective of this research is to establish a diagnosis on the internal marketing of the Higher Secondary Education institution called the Center for Scientific and Technological Studies of the state of Hidalgo, CECYTEH, Plantel municipality of Agua Blanca, Hidalgo, Mexico with the purpose of visualizing areas of improvement in the organizational climate that contributes to strengthening the work commitment of the staff. Theoretical Framework: Marketing is the process by which companies create value for their customers and generate strong relationships with them. To reciprocate, capture the value of your clients (Kotler, 2013). Internal marketing consists of the design and development of activities similar to those of external marketing, which aims to motivate all personnel who constitute the most important of its assets, with the purpose of marking a competitive advantage over its competitors and achieving customer satisfaction. its clients and users. Method: A quantitative, descriptive, correlational, non-experimental and cross-sectional approach was used. Through a staff census, a Likert-type questionnaire was applied with 23 questions that covered the dimensions of: employee recruitment and retention; organizational development; internal communication; emotional commitment; normative commitment and continuous commitment. Results and Discussion: The results obtained showed areas of improvement in the areas of recruitment and retention, communication and continuous commitment, areas that according to authors such as Paredes (2022), Lucas (2022), Guamaní (2022), Mendoza (2020), González (2021) and Canales (2021) are significantly related to aspects such as commitment, satisfaction, performance and productivity of staff and that the better the organizational climate, the better performance in general, which would place the work environment as an element that Motivating human resources impacts the result towards the end client. Implications of the research: The review of the liteartua shows internal marketing applications especially in private institutions. This research aims to provide knowledge according to the local context and that could be replicated in other schools in the public educational sector with similar characteristics. Originality/Value: Its results provide valuable data on what happens in a non-profit Institution dedicated to the service of Higher Secondary Education, within one of the subsystems that belongs to the Public Sector.

Fractal Analysis of Chest Radiographs Using Image-J-FIJI Software- A Pilot Study

Background: Lung vasculature has nutritive and functional roles. Unlike the bronchial tree which branches dichotomously into twenty-one generations, the pulmonary arteries give supernumerary branches to perfuse the neighboring parenchyma. The pulmonary arteries additionally branch for five more generations than airways before forming capillaries. Further pulmonary veins are interlobular in position. Hence the characterization quantifying the pulmonary vascular networks is challenging. Objective: In this study, we assessed the pulmonary vasculature in chest radiographs using the fractal analysis method on Image-J-Fiji software. Design: Cross-sectional study Settings: Patients referred to the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India Participants: One hundred and thirty-two chest radiographs of normal healthy individuals (aged 2 months to 80 years) were photographed. Each of these images was processed in the Image-J-Fiji software. A box-counting algorithm quantified the images. Data results of the fractal dimensions were validated at the probability of significance [0.05]. Results: The mean fractal dimension of the pulmonary vasculature was 1.39. For males and females, the Pearson's correlation coefficient between the fractal dimension and age in years was 0.102 and 0.16, respectively. In males, a chi-square value of 0.58, in females, a chi-square value of 1.03, degree of freedom 2 and critical value of p-value 0.05, showed the relation was statistically not significant. Comparison between fractal dimension and Gender using Cramer’s V test in males, 0.066, and in females, 0.088, indicates a weak association between fractal dimension and gender. Conclusion: The applicability of the fractal dimensions is to screen the high risks of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. The determination of fractal values helps evaluate the complexity of lung tumors. The baseline data concerning fractal properties of pulmonary vasculature obtained from this study helps to evaluate lung diseases like emphysema and vascular abnormalities during the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. KEYWORDS: Chest Radiograph, Image Analysis, Fractal dimension, Pulmonary vasculature.

Report on the 23rd FEBS Young Scientists' Forum 2024.

The 23rd FEBS YSF was held from 26th to 29th June 2024 in Pavia, Italy. Over 100 PhD students and early postdoctoral researchers from around 30 different countries came together at the inspiring rooms of the University of Pavia for a four-day event. This year's topic was 'Biochemistry for bridging the gap', meaning the opportunity to have a comprehensive perspective on all biochemistry applications. Four renowned keynote speakers presented their latest research, accompanied by four career-focused speakers, as well as additional sessions on academic career opportunities, including fellowships, women in science, and laboratory sustainability. Additionally, 10 selected YSF participants gave short talks to a large audience, while the remaining attendees shared their research findings through flash talks and two dedicated poster sessions. Scientific exchange and networking were encouraged during the poster sessions, breaks, and the social events. The meeting was a prelude before attending the 48th FEBS congress, celebrated in Milan. The success of the series will be continued during the 24th YSF edition: 'Inspired by nature, driven by science', which will take place from 2nd to 5th July 2025 in Sapanca, Türkiye.

Worldview models of modern Russians (based on the results of a questionnaire survey in 2023)

The article presents some results of a questionnaire survey conducted by the staff of the Southern Federal University with the participation of colleagues from other educational and scientific centers in November-December 2023 on an all-Russian representative sample (N=1600). The aim of the study was to clarify, refine and test the author's methodology for analyzing the ideological models of public consciousness of modern Russians in the generational and regional dimensions. The object of the study was the processes of formation of worldviews in the consciousness of generations of modern Russia, the subject - the ideological models of Russians in the generational and regional dimensions. The theoretical basis was J. Turner's concept of self-categorization, as well as the principle of "meta-contrast". The basic method for collecting empirical data was a questionnaire survey in eight regions of Russia. Four main age cohorts were identified for the study: 18-24, 25-39, 40-59 and 60+ years. The questionnaire survey was preceded by a series of focus groups in order to identify key characteristics of generational self-categorization. As was established during the study, certain worldview constants are found in the consciousness of Russians that unite all generations both in their self-categorization and in their opposition to other generations, as well as in their cognitive-value preferences. These same constants are also manifested in the opposition of one’s own generation to other – younger and older – generations. At the same time, older generations clearly act as a projection of their own ideas about what is proper: all age cohorts attribute superior qualities to older generations. Such uniformity in the description of older generations also allows us to speak more about cultural constants of worldview models projected onto the image of the older generation than about real generational differences.

Unveiling the Hidden World Beneath: A Showcase of Soil Microorganisms at MikroMondo

MikroMondo, a forthcoming science center in Austria, will be dedicated to the fascinating world of microorganisms, with a special focus on soil and its intricate biodiversity. Designed to promote soil literacy among the public, MikroMondo will feature cutting-edge exhibits, among them Europe's tallest Winogradsky column, live demonstrations of plant-microbe interactions (e.g., mycorrhization of pine seedlings in transparent soil columns), and engaging sound-producing slime molds. These exhibits aim to captivate visitors and highlight the vital role of microorganisms in soil ecosystems.The center will also offer interactive, hands-on activities tailored for school pupils, students, and educators, designed to deepen understanding of microbiological processes such as carbon and nutrient cycling, plant-microbe symbiosis, and soil microbial diversity. Activities will include guided microscopy sessions, microbial cultivation, the creation of Winogradsky columns, and decomposition and gas production experiments. MikroMondo’s innovative approach will inspire curiosity and enhance public appreciation of the hidden world beneath our feet, fostering a new generation of soil stewards and microbial enthusiasts.

Exposure to air pollution increases susceptibility to ulcerative colitis through epigenetic alterations in CXCR2 and MHC class III region

This study aims to confirm the associations of air pollution with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD); to explore interactions with genetics and lifestyle; and to characterize potential epigenetic mechanisms. We identified over 450,000 individuals from the UK Biobank and investigated the relationship between air pollution and incident inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cox regression was utilized to calculate hazard ratios (HRs), while also exploring potential interactions with genetics and lifestyle factors. Additionally, we conducted epigenetic Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine the association between air pollution-related DNA methylation and UC. Finally, our findings were validated through genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of UC, as well as co-localization and gene expression analyses. Higher exposures to NOx (HR=1.20, 95% CI 1.05-1.38), NO2 (HR=1.19, 95% CI=1.03-1.36), PM2.5 (HR=1.19, 95% CI=1.05-1.36) and combined air pollution score (HR=1.26, 95% CI=1.11-1.45) were associated with incident UC but not CD. Interactions with genetic risk score and lifestyle were observed. In MR analysis, we found five and 22 methylated CpG sites related to PM2.5 and NO2 exposure to be significantly associated with UC. DNA methylation alterations at CXCR2 and sites within the MHC class III region, were validated in genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, co-localization analysis and analysis of colonic tissue. We report a potential causal association between air pollution and UC, modified by lifestyle and genetic influences. Biological pathways implicated include epigenetic alterations in key genetic loci, including CXCR2 and susceptible loci within MHC class III region. Xue Li was supported by the Natural Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Zhejiang Province (LR22H260001) and the National Nature Science Foundation of China (No. 82204019). ET was supported by the CRUK Career Development Fellowship (C31250/A22804) and the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). JW was supported by Belgium by a PhD Fellowship strategic basic research (SB) grant (1S06023N). JKN was supported by the National Science Center, Poland (No. 2020/39/D/NZ5/02720). The IBD Character was supported by the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme [FP7] grant IBD Character (No. 2858546).

ПРИЁМ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ У ОБУЧАЮЩИХСЯ ЭЛЕКТРОКАРДИОГРАФИИ КОМПЕТЕНЦИИ В ПРОСТРАНСТВЕННОМ РАСПРОСТРАНЕНИИ ЭЛЕКТРИЧЕСКИХ ЯВЛЕНИЙ В СЕРДЦЕ И В ЛОКАЛИЗАЦИИ ПОРАЖЕНИЙ МИОКАРДА

This report proposes for discussion the author’s method of teaching electrocardiography with the formation of competencies in a spatial three-dimensional representation of the phenomena occurring in the heart. The method was tested in the training of residents in the specialty of clinical physiology at the University of Innovations and Continuous Education of the State Scientific Center – Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center and can be used in the training of students, residents, postgraduate doctors in therapy, cardiology, clinical physiology and other specialties.

A cross-sectional study on the awareness of CBCT among undergraduate dental students of Central India

Background: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is an advanced imaging device that allows in diagnosing hard tissue lesions of oral and maxillofacial location. Aim: To assess the knowledge and focus on various application elements of CBCT and also to set up the importance of dental student’s attitudes closer to new technologies utilized in dental practice among undergraduate college students of Rishiraj College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal. Strategies: Self-administered E-questionnaire inclusive of 12 questions distributed amongst 213 dental students of Rishiraj College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre. Results: It was observed through the survey that there were varied responses from the students of B.D.S 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th year and Interns, but most of students were quite aware about CBCT.

Sensitivity of the pathogen of barley brown rust (&lt;i&gt;Puccinia hordei&lt;/i&gt; G.H. Otth.) to fungicides – derivatives of triazoles and strobilurins

The sensitivity of the North Caucasian population of the pathogen of barley brown rust (Puccinia hordei G.H. Otth.) to fungicides derived from triazoles and strobilurines (preparations Amistar Gold, SK; Amistar Extra, SK; Baliy, KME; Delaro, KS) was determined. The work was carried out under controlled conditions of the greenhouse complex of the Federal National Research and Development Fund on winter barley of the susceptible Vivat variety of the Agricultural Scientific Center “Donskoy”. Winter barley plants in the germination phase were infected with the North Caucasian population of the barley brown rust pathogen. Fungicide treatment was carried out at the first signs of the disease with application rates of 0 (control, without treatment), 50, 100, 150 and 200% (the recommended application rate is assumed to be 100%). It was found that when treating infected barley plants with the fungicide Baliy, KME with different application standards, the biological effectiveness varied from 87.3 to 100%, Delaro, KS – from 78.1 to 100%, Amistar Extra, SK – from 79.2 to 100%, Amistar Gold, SK – from 85.3 to 100%. The use of the recommended dose of treatment(100%) contributed to a decrease in the development of brown rust in all variants by more than 96.9%. When using increased rates of fungicides (150, 200%), the biological efficiency was 100%. The high sensitivity of the North Caucasian population of the pathogen P. hordei to the active substances of the studied fungicides has been proven. For all the studied drugs, the values of LC50 and LC95 were significantly lower in comparison with the recommended concentration in the working solution. The result obtained was due to the content of active substances in fungicides from different chemical classes with different mechanisms of action, which provided high efficiency in suppressing the development of barley brown rust and reduced the risk of resistance.

Maltreatment, homicide and access to specialised palliative care among children and young adults with a life-limiting condition: a nationwide population-based study

ObjectiveThis study compared the differences in the rates of maltreatment and homicide deaths between children and young adults with and without a life-limiting condition (LLC) and determined whether this affects...