Kazan Federal University Research Articles

The focus of growth in mentoring: professional competences of the head of a preschool education

The relevance of the article lies in the need to present and introduce Western trends of the scientific foundations of mentoring into the vocational education system, namely preschool educational organizations (PEO) of the Russian Federation. On the world stage, there is a focus on the transformation of the entire educational system expressed in improving the efficiency of educational organizations in accordance with various educational standards: increasing/decreasing the duration of training, revising educational programs and transferring them to a distance format. The domestic experience of research in the field of mentoring (the research was carried out on the basis of the Institute of Psychology and Education of Kazan Federal University) demonstrates modern approaches that can be applied in practice by future and current heads of preschool educational organizations. Long-term research in the field of domestic and foreign mentoring as a factor in increasing the professional competence of novice teachers (Clarin, 2016; Golman, 2019; Whitmore, 2009), as well as teachers with sufficient experience in teaching activities in an educational organization; the study of the “inclusion” of Western methods and techniques of mentoring (budding, shadowing, coaching, advising) in the activities of the head and teaching staff of a preschool educational organization – these and other aspects have been the subject of previous research by the author. The purpose of the article is to apply Western trends in management activities at the level of educational organizations. The article reveals the main approaches of mentoring reflected in the stages: “briefing”, “explication” and “evolution”, in the process of accompanying novice teachers by managers in the practice of the educational organization. The article is for teachers and managers of the education system.

Digital Transformation in Education: Teacher Candidate Views on Mobile Learning

The number of technological tools used in education is increasing day by day. Studies on mobile learning have increased in recent years. Future teachers’ views on mobile learning are very important. In line with this purpose, the opinions of teacher candidates on mobile learning were taken by using qualitative research method in order to determine in detail their views on mobile learning. The participants of the study consists of 61 teacher candidates studying at Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, Kazan National Research Technological University and Kazan (Volga region) Federal University. The opinions of pre-service teachers selected on the basis of voluntarism were analysed by content analysis method. The research questions were prepared by the researchers by taking expert opinion. The findings obtained as a result of the research are given in detail in the findings and results section.

Специфика структурно-функциональных характеристик

The ability to predict is one of the important aspects of human mental development. There is a relationship between prognostic competence and the process of socialization. Psychological studies show that children with special educational needs, including children with general speech underdevelopment, when compared with their peers without speech pathology, are more susceptible to impaired socialization and the occurrence of school maladjustment. This affects the success of their schooling. Such children experience difficulties in complying with social norms in the implementation of their goals, since they cannot anticipate the consequences of a certain situation. This can lead to deviant behavior and failure at school. This article examines the features of the structural and functional characteristics of forecasting in preschoolers with general speech underdevelopment. It analyzes the research results given in the scientific literature, presents the results of the authors’ own experimental research conducted using the “Prognostic stories” technique developed by the teachers of the Department of Psychology and Pedagogy of Special Education of the Kazan (Volga region) Federal University, and a comparative analysis of the data obtained during the experiment. The study showed that preschool children with general speech underdevelopment have lower indicators in all predictive characteristics in comparison with normative peers, and also have specific prognosis features due to speech pathology and deficiencies in higher mental functions. The most important of these are the lack of cognitive predictive function and prediction of utterance. The disadvantages of the prognostic ability of preschoolers with speech pathology determine the risk of social maladjustment, which requires the attention of specialists in the field of special education. The results obtained expand the understanding of the state of development of the prognostic competence of preschoolers with general speech underdevelopment. They present a more complete picture of its specific features, and highlight the most significant disadvantages of the forecasting process for this category of children. This indicates the directions of work on the development of prognostic processes in preschoolers with general speech underdevelopment, as well as the prevention or minimization of the outcomes of school maladjustment.

Application of Simulation Training in the Framework of the Course "Community Rescuer"

Simulation training is an integral part not only in the training of doctors and medical students, but also among everyone who does not have a medical education. The created course "Public Rescuer" allows you to work out the theoretical skills using modern technologies on the basis of the Center for Simulation Medicine of the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology of Kazan Federal University.

Some challenges and opportunities for Russia and regions in terms of the global decarbonization trend

This article discusses a possible scenario of energy transition in Russia, taking into account the economic structure, presence of huge oil and gas infrastructure and unique natural resources. All this allows to consider global trends of energy and economic decarbonization not only as a challenge, but also as a new opportunity for the country. Considering developed oil and gas production, transportation, refining and petrochemical infrastructure, as well as the vast territory, forest, water and soil resources, our country has unique opportunities for carbon sequestration using both biological systems and the existing oil and gas infrastructure. It is proposed to use the existing oil and gas production facilities for hydrogen generation in the processes of hydrocarbon catalytic transformation inside the reservoir. It is suggested to create and use large-scale technologies for CO2 sequestration using existing oil and gas production infrastructure. Considering high potential of the Russian Federation for carbon sequestration by biological systems, a network of Russian carbon testing areas is being developed, including one at Kazan Federal University (KFU), – the “Carbon-Povolzhye” testing area. The creation of carbon farms based on the applications at such testing areas could become a high-demand high-tech business. A detailed description of the KFU carbon testing area and its planned objectives are given.

Sporadic E Layer with a Structure of Double Cusp in the Vertical Sounding Ionogram

In this study, we analyzed a large number of vertical sounding ionograms, obtained by the mid-latitude Cyclone ionosonde (55.85° N; 48.8° E) of Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, which operates in a rapid-run mode of ionograms (1 ionogram per minute). Ionograms with a sporadic E layer type c, which have an unusual double cusp on the trace from the sporadic layer, were found among them. We attempted to simulate this unusual double cusp trace shape. Model calculations were performed to clarify the reasons for the appearance of the double cusp and to determine the shape of the lower part of the E and Es layers. The simulation was performed by fitting the profile of the electron densities of the E and Es layers, calculating the virtual reflection heights based on the refractive index using the Appleton-Hartree formula, and comparing them with the virtual heights of the layers on the ionogram. An estimate of the half-thickness of the lower part of the Es-layer was obtained. The possible reasons for the appearance of a trace with a double cusp of the Es layer are discussed. We assumed that the possible reasons for this phenomenon were the stratification of the E layer, and the interaction between the E and F layers in the form of descending or intermediate layers and atmospheric wave propagation. As an illustration of these phenomena, examples of an intermediate (descending) sporadic E layer and stratification of the E region and the Es layer are given according to observations of the lower ionosphere. These examples were obtained through the resonant scattering of probe radio waves by artificial periodic irregularities (API technique) of the ionospheric plasma, performed on the SURA mid-latitude heating facility (56.1° N; 46.1° E). The scattering of probe radio waves on the APIs generated by the heating facility made it possible to study various phenomena in the Earth’s ionosphere.

Traditional and digital techniques for working with lexical material in english lessons

The relevance of this study is due to the fact that the lexical skill is an integral part of all types of speech activity, the formation, improvement and development of which is the main task of teaching a foreign language, namely English. The authors focus on the need for good knowledge of vocabulary for the successful development of communicative competence of students in a globalized world. The purpose of this study is to examine the process of forming language competence when teaching a foreign language and to reveal what techniques are better suited for the pre-intermediate and intermediate students based on the research conducted among the students of the first year at Kazan Federal University. Based on the analysis of effective methods for introducing vocabulary in English classes, the authors identified 10 strategies for effective vocabulary learning and compared traditional and digital methods of its introduction and practice. The authors of this article pay special attention to the experience of activating learning new vocabulary in English classes. Examples of lexical exercises that are typical for each stage of working with the vocabulary are suggested. Conclusions based on the survey of 213 students are drawn.

Cultural implications of translation of colombian spanish realia into russian

This article focuses on the methods of translation and interpretation of Colombian Spanish realia into the Russian language on the material of the novels by Gabriel García Márquez. Realia as a linguistic unit is extremely essential in the process of language education, but at the same time causes difficulties with its translation. During the era of international communication and collaboration in many spheres including literature, it is of major importance to adapt some foreign concepts and realia for the receiving cultures. At the Kazan Federal University the students as future translators have taken part in a research aiming at analyzing various possibilities of translation and transfer of cultural peculiarities linked to 200 Colombian realia, selected from the works of the famous Colombian novelist. It has been found out that over 94% of the respondents have faced a problem of understanding the text due to the words the meaning of which is unknown to the reader. The results obtained feature the most popular ways of rendering the realia meaning employed by the Russian translators.

Kazan University Observatory building in the context of the development of architecture in Russia and Western Europe

The Article analyzes the architecture of the Kazan city Observatory building and identifies its General and special features in the context of the development of architecture of structures and complexes built in the nineteenth century in Russia and Western Europe for observing celestial bodies. The result of the analysis is the unique identity of the building of the Kazan (Volga region) Federal University observatory.

Production of moulding cores and waterglass mixtures using “dry ice” for steel and iron casting

Increased interest of industrial enterprises to manufacture of moulding cores and moulds of mixtures based on waterglass binder is connected with acceptability and high ecological safety of this material. It stipulated more active work for searching technical solutions that can decrease or exclude deficiencies of such technologies as carbon dioxide blowing and thermal effect that are mostly popular at Russian enterprises. Among these deficiencies, the following can be mentioned for example: low setting rates during blowing of waterglass mixtures in the normal temperature conditions as well as the effect of noncontrolled moisture migration in a moulding core of mould body during heating. Their appearances lead to deterioration of operation parameters of core or mould, such as lowering of surface strength, increase of friability, elevation of strength of internal parts of core or mould, what enlarges the risk of their poor knock-out ability from steel and iron castings. Analytical survey of accessible information data was conducted by the authors of this paper; they revealed two directions in searching the solution of the a.m. problem that were supported by overwhelming majority of the researchers. These directions include directed vacuum treatment of technological accessories for increase of control abilities of moisture migration in a body of core or mould, as well as technological additives of different origination in the mixture composition for provision of timely softening of core or mould during knock-out operation out of casting. However, their use does not guarantee always the stable positive effect, thereby this task is still not solved. The authors of this paper concentrated their attention on the problem of development and testing the innovative technology of production of moulding cores and moulds of waterglass mixtures in the conditions of operating enterprise. This technology allows to improve their operating properties and parameters, to lower the mentioned deficiencies and as a result to stabilize the quality of cast metallic billets of steel and iron at the high level. Solving of this task is based on well-known combination of chemical and physical mechanisms of setting of waterglass mixtures together with directed vacuum treatment of technological accessories during acquiring of the required geometrical shape by a moulding core or mould. In this case the following consequent operations tale place: filling of moulding core or moulding box accessories by mixture; its compacting and strengthening via passing of heated setting gas through the mixture from the one side of core or mould with simultaneous its consumption from the other side due to adjustable exhausting. The authors substantiated scientifically and proved experimentally expedience of introduction of small amount of solid carbon dioxide (“dry ice”) in the form of particles with preset size and compensation of inevitably occurring undesirable endothermic effect of setting gas heating (air in this case) up to higher temperature in comparison with well-known prototype. Testing of the suggested solution in the conditions of operating production facilities confirmed its practical efficiency. The research was conducted at the expenses of subvention within the framework of the state support of Kazan Federal University among the leading global science and education centers.

Impaired Contraction (Retraction) of Blood Clots Is a Possible Pathogenic Mechanism in Venous Thromboembolism

Introduction: Deep venous thrombosis of the lower limbs, alone or associated with pulmonary embolism, complicates many diseases and remains as one of the most challenging medical and social problems due to a relatively high incidence and life-threatening risk.Blood clots undergo volume shrinkage induced by the contractile forces of activated platelets and propagated through the clot volume due to platelet-fibrin interactions and elasticity of the fibrin network. This process is known as clot contraction (retraction) which remains one of the least studied steps of blood clotting. Moreover, this phenomenon of clot contraction has been shown to occur not only in vitro but also in in vivo, but its (patho)physiological importance remains unclear.Aims: This work was designed to examine the potential pathogenic role of clot contraction in venous thromboembolism (VTE).Methods: We investigated contraction of clots formed from the blood of 55 patients with VTE compared with those of 60 healthy donors. Patients with suspected pulmonary embolism underwent a CT scan of the chest with contrast, which was performed in 32 (58%) patients, of which 23 (71%) were diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. VTE patients were excluded from this study if they were given anticoagulants, thrombolytics or antiplatelet drugs at least 7 days prior to examination. Determination of the kinetics and the extent of clot contraction was carried out using an original method based on the optical detection of clot size over time with the Thrombodynamics Analyzer System (HemaCore, Russia). Functionality of isolated platelets from 11 patients with VTE and 11 control samples of healthy donors was assessed by expression of P-selectin (CD62p) and active integrin αIIbβ3 (determined by its fibrinogen-binding capacity) before and after activation with thrombin-receptor activation peptide (TRAP). Isolated platelets from 4 healthy donors and 4 patients with VTE were prepared for scanning electron microscopy.Results: The main finding of this work was that the degree of clot contraction in blood from patients with VTE was significantly reduced (32±2%) when compared to that of healthy subjects (51±1%, p<0.0001). The average velocity of clot contraction in VTE patients (0.3±0.01%/sec) was also remarkably lower than in healthy donors (0.4±0.01%/sec, p<0.001). In addition, the contraction of clots from deep vein thrombosis patients associated with pulmonary embolism was significantly impaired compared to the isolated vein thrombosis (29±2% and 35±2%, respectively, p<0.05), suggesting that clot compaction could lead to a decrease of the risk of embolization. In patients with acute thrombosis lasting <21 days, the initiation time (lag time) of clot contraction was significantly suppressed compared to VTE patients with subacute thrombosis lasting >21 days (198±15 sec and 128±19 sec, respectively, p<0.05). The reduced ability of clots to contract correlated with adverse changes in the blood composition and pronounced platelet dysfunction. In VTE, platelets were initially activated as revealed by the frequently observed shape change and formation of filopodia in platelets from VTE patients (average 75%, n=4211), compared to the less common morphologically altered platelets from healthy subjects (average 41%, n=480, p<0.001). In contrast to the morphological changes, there was no significant difference in the background platelet activation assessed by the levels of P-selectin expression and αIIbβ3 activation in unstimulated cells. However, unlike in resting untreated platelets, in response to TRAP-induced stimulation, platelets from the blood of VTE patients had a significantly lower expression of P-selectin compared to TRAP-activated normal platelets (30±6.6% and 43±5.8%, respectively, p<0.05). TRAP-induced stimulation also resulted in a reduced fibrinogen-binding capacity compared to the TRAP-activated normal platelets (41±8% and 60±7%, respectively, p<0.05).Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that contraction of clots and thrombi is an underappreciated pathogenic mechanism that may affect the course and outcome of VTE. The clinical importance of the reduced clot contraction as well as the diagnostic and prognostic value of the clot contraction assay in VTE is worth further exploration.The work was supported by the Program for Competitive Growth at Kazan Federal University. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Ultrastructural Alterations of Platelets and Monocytes Associated with Autoantibodies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Introduction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a high titer of autoantibodies, and SLE patients are predisposed to thrombosis. Monocytes and platelets are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. Monocytes are a source of immune modulators for T and B lymphocytes and they increase the risk of thrombosis through exposing tissue factor on their cell surface. Platelets are activated in SLE and may promote thrombotic events by expressing the procoagulant phosphatidylserine. The aim of this work was to investigate the ultrastructural changes of monocytes and platelets in SLE patients in association with titers of autoantibodies.Methods. SLE patients were included in the study based on the diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Platelets from 5 SLE patients and 3 healthy donors were isolated by gel-filtration on Sepharose 2B from citrated platelet-rich plasma. Monocytes of 6 SLE patients and 3 healthy donors were isolated using density gradient centrifugation of whole citrated blood followed by negative immune-separation. The >96% purity of the isolated monocytes was confirmed using flow cytometry and the viability of the isolated monocytes assessed by exclusion of trypan blue was 95-99%. The ultrastructure of platelets and monocytes from SLE patients and healthy donors was studied with transmission electron microscopy. A total 192 individual platelets and 154 monocytes from SLE patients were analyzed and compared with 60 individual platelets and 22 monocytes from healthy donors.Results . Most platelets from SLE patients and healthy donors had a normal discoid shape without or with 1-2 short filopodia. Intracellular components (α-granules, dense granules, open canalicular system, lysosomes and mitochondria) were well visualized, albeit somewhat less clear in the SLE platelets. The biggest morphological difference between platelets from healthy subjects and SLE patients was revealed in the platelet plasma membrane. All platelets from healthy donors had normal ultrastructure of the plasma membrane, while the membrane of SLE platelets was very often (in 70% of the cells) shaggy and rough and not as smooth as in normal platelets. About 38% of the SLE platelets were fully bordered with a shaggy plasma membrane, while 32% of the platelets had only partially abnormal plasma membrane. Cells from a patient with anti-cardiolipin and anti-beta-2-glypoprotein antibodies had the most striking membrane abnormalities that were found in 100% of platelets analyzed.Monocytes with normal ultrastructure (ruffled cell surface, formation of filopodia, an indented nucleus, and uniform chromatin distribution) comprised 64% of the total in the SLE patients and 95% in the healthy donors. Unlike monocytes from healthy subjects, 19% of monocytes from the SLE patients had ultrastructural signs of apoptosis with a smooth cell surface, electron-dense cytoplasm, mitochondrial swelling, and a spherical nucleus with perinuclear accumulation of condensed chromatin or condensation of chromatin into dense spherical particles. About 17% of monocytes from the SLE patients and 5% from the healthy donors had necrotic features, such as smooth cell surface without or with quite a few filopodia, low electron-density cytoplasm, small electron-dense mitochondria, and spherical pyknotic nucleus with more diffuse euchromatin. The SLE patients with a high titer of anti-dsDNA antibodies (>200 IU/ml) had significantly more apoptotic (25%, p<0.01, χ2-test) and necrotic (20%, p<0.05) monocytes than those of the SLE patients with a normal titer of anti-dsDNA antibodies (<25 IU/ml) (6% and 10%, respectively).Conclusions . In SLE patients, most platelets have abnormal ultrastructure of the plasma membrane (loss of smoothness, shagginess), likely due to deposition of pathological immune complexes. A substantial fraction of monocytes in SLE undergo morphological alternations of apoptotic or necrotic types. Such alterations were more pronounced in patients with an increased level of anti-cardiolipin, anti-beta-2-glypoprotein, and anti-dsDNA autoantibodies. The results confirm the involvement of both platelets and monocytes in the pathogenesis of SLE, including functional and structural alterations associated with increased production of various autoantibodies.The work was supported by the Program for Competitive Growth at Kazan Federal University. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

HLA Alleles and Haplotypes Frequency in the Population of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia

Inroduction HLA matching is essential for selection of the best matched tissue transplant donors. Only 30% of blood relatives are suitable to be the donor, making the need for non-relative matched donors a significant issue in transplantation. In response to an increased need for the HLA compatible donors of the hematopoietic stem cells, Kazan Federal University together with the «Rusfond» Charity established the «Rusfond. Register», a thoroughly characterized registry of the potential bone marrow donors. The goal of the «Rusfond. Register» is to create the regional register of the donors in the Republic of Tatarstan as a part of the National register of Russian Federation. Matherials and methods Blood samples from 483 potential bone marrow donors were collected. The Institutional Review Board of the Kazan Federal University approved this study and informed consent was obtained from each study subject according to the guidelines approved under this protocol (article 20, Federal Law “Protection of Health Rights of Citizens of Russian Federation” N323-FZ, 11.21.2011). DNA was extracted using «PROTRANS DNA Box 500» (PROTRANS, Germany) kit according to the manufacturer's instructions. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype was analyzed using SSP-PCR Cyclerplate System «PROTRANS HLA-A*/B*/Cw*» and «PROTRANS HLA-DRB1*/DQB1*» according to the manufacturer's protocols. Allele frequencies and genotypes for five HLA-loci were calculated. Haplotype frequencies were determined by expectation maximization algorithm and the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium verification was carried out using Arlequin ver. 3.5 software (Excoffier et al, 2005). Results and discussion Five HLA-loci genotypes (HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, and -DQB1) were examined, where there number of each allele families was as follows: 18 - A*, 27 - B*, 14 - C*, 13 - DRB1* and 5 - DQB1*. However, rare alleles (A*74, A*80, B*59, B*67, B*73, B*78), previously reported in Russia were not detected. The highest frequency alleles were: A* - А*02 (30.12%), А*03 (14.39%), А*24 (11.80%), A*01 (11.59%); B* - B*35 (12.53%), B*07 (10.46%), B*44 (8.90%); C* - C*07 (26.29%), C*04 (14.08%), C*06 (11.90%), C*12 (11.59%), C*03 (9.73%); DRB1* - DRB1*07 (14.91%), DRB1*13 (13.77%), DRB1*15 (13.77%), DRB1*11 (12.63%), DRB1*01 (11.59%), DRB1*04 (10.77%) and DQB1* - DQB1*03 (34.78%) (Fig. 1). Allele frequency among bone marrow donors in the Republic of Tatarstan was similar to that observed in different Caucasian populations (Novac et al, 2008; Lima et al, 2013). Interestingly, low frequency of alleles specific for Mongoloids was found within the bone marrow donors in Republic of Tatarstan. Also, the frequency of haplotypes was examined. Among three-locus HLA-A-B-DRB1, the highest frequency was A*03-B*35-DRB1*01 haplotype (3.33%), followed by A*01-B*08-DRB1*03 (2.80%), A*02-B*13-DRB1*07 (2.26%) and A*24-B*07-DRB1*15 (2.04%). The frequency of these haplotypes closely resembles those observed within the Russian and Tatar populations in Chelyabinsk Region of Russia (Suslova et al, 2012). Conclusion Our data suggests that HLA-allele and haplotype profiles of bone marrow donors in the Republic of Tatarstan are closely resemble the Caucasian profile. Obtained data will be useful for the analysis of HLA-allele distribution in the Republic of Tatarstan and Russia as well as for the optimization of an initial screening for the bone marrow donor in the region.This study was supported by the Russian Government Program of Competitive Growth of Kazan Federal University and «Rusfond». RAA was supported by state assignment 20.5175.2017/6.7 of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russian Federation. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Positive Correlation between Serum Tryglycerides and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is endemic in the Republic of Tatarstan. Clinically, it is characterized by kidney insufficiency and hemorrhagic disorders. Elevated serum lipase as well as increased cholesterol, total phospholipids and triglycerides has been documented in some HFRS cases suggesting the role of lipid metabolism in the disease pathogenesis. However, little is known about association between serum lipids and cytokine activation in HFRS.Materials and Methods: Serum samples from HFRS patients admitted to Republican Clinical Hospital for Infectious Disease named after Agafonov were collected along with healthy controls matched for the region. The Institutional Review Board of the Kazan Federal University approved this study and informed consent was obtained from each study subject according to the guidelines approved under this protocol (article 20, Federal Law “Protection of Health Rights of Citizens of Russian Federation” N323- FZ, 11.21.2011). Serum cytokines were probed using Bio Plex Pro Human Cytokine 27-plex Panel and Bio Plex Human Cytokine 21-plex Panels (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA) multiplex magnetic bead-based antibody detection kits following manufacturer's instructions. Data collected was analyzed using MasterPlex CT control software and MasterPlex QT analysis software (MiraiBio, San Bruno, CA, USA). Standard curves for each analytes were generated using standards provided by manufacturer.Levels of total cholesterol, tryglycerides and HDCL were determined using Novochol-200 kit, Triglyceride-Novo kit (Vektor-Best, Russia) and HDCL-Cholesterol-Novo-A kit according the manufacturer's instructions. Puumala virus RNA was detected using nested PCR.Statistical analysis was conducted using R language for statistical computing (www.R-project.org), RStudio (www.rstudio.com) and packages “tableone” (https://CRAN.R-project.org/package=tableone) and “reshape2” (Wickham, 2007). Illustrations were generated using “ggplot2” package (Wickham, 2009). Comparisons were carried out using Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were plotted as a heatmap. Differences were considered significant at p<0.05.Results: One hundred and ninety two HFRS patients (156 males and 36 females; median age of 37 years) were recruited into this study. Median duration of hospitalization was 8 days. Twenty controls were also recruited (8 males and 12 females; median age of 26.5). Analysis of HFRS serum lipids showed increased levels of VDCL and triglycerides (p<0.001, Table 1). We also detected significant upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors and chemoattractants as compared to controls, while levels of TNFβ, IL-1α, CCL27, CXCL1 and CXCL12α were lower (Table 2).Weak to moderate significant positive correlations between cytokines and lipids were revealed in HFRS cases. Correlations were found between serum triglycerides and IL-4, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-1α, IL-2RA, IL-3, IL12(p40), IL-16 and IL-18 (Fig. 1A); IFNα-2 (Fig. 1C); growth factors SCF and β-NGF (Fig. 1D); leukocyte migration factors G-SSCF, CCL27, CCL7, CXCL9 and CXCL12α (Fig. 1E). Cholesterol correlated only with IL-4 and G-SCF, while HDCL was correlated with 8 analytes: IL-1α, IL-16, IFNα-2, SCF, β-NGF, CCL27, CCL7 and CXCL12α. We also observed correlation between VDCL and 6 cytokines: IL-1 α, IFNα-2, β-NGF, CCL27, CCL7 along with CXCL12α. LDCL was correlated with IL-1 β, IL-7, TNFα and bFGF (Fig. 1).Lack of significant correlation was found between: serum levels of LDCL and factors involved in leukocyte migration as well as interferons (Fig.1C, E); VDCL and TNFs (Fig.1B); cholesterol and IFNs and growth factors (Fig. 1B-D); triglycerides and TNFs (Fig.1B).Weak to moderate significant negative correlations between cytokines and lipids were also revealed in HFRS cases. Interestingly, significant negative correlation was found between HDCL and 8 cytokines (IL-1β, IL-5, IL-17, TNFα, IFNγ, PDGF-BB, bFGF, CCL5). Out of these 8 cytokines, three (IL-5, IL-17, IFNγ) were also negatively correlated with serum levels of VDCL.Conclusion: Our data demonstrates correlation between serum lipid and cytokines in HFRS. Strong significant correlations were found between serum triglycerides and cytokines, suggesting that these lipids affect HFRS pathogenesis.This study was supported by RSF grant 15-14-00016. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Detection of Antibodies in Serum and Lymphocytes of Patients with Hemorraghic Fever with Renal Syndrome

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) is zoonotic disease, endemic in the republic of Tatarstan. Increased endothelial barrier permeability, resulting in tissue edema, leukocyte migration and hemorrhages, is characteristic pathological finding in HFRS. Cytokine storm hypothesis was suggested to explain hantavirus pathogenesis, where over activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines was suggested to cause endothelial cell damage and increased leukocyte infiltration of target tissue. Hantavirus nucleocapsid (N) protein and glycoprotein proteins (G1 and G2) were suggested to be the most immunogenic viral proteins. However, information on immunogenic epitopes triggering humoral and cellular immune response is limited.Materials and methods. Blood and serum samples were collected from HFRS patients admitted to Republican Clinical Hospital for Infectious Disease named after Agafonov, Republic of Tatarstan along with controls matched for the region. The Institutional Review Board of the Kazan Federal University approved this study and informed consent was obtained from each study subject according to the guidelines approved under this protocol (article 20, Federal Law “Protection of Health Rights of Citizens of Russian Federation” N323- FZ, 11.21.2011).Peptide library consisting of overlapping peptides (15 aa; 5 aa overlap) of N, G1 and G2 of Puumala virus (PPUV) were generated. Total of 150 peptides were tested. PUUV was selected because it is endemic in Republic of Tatarstan causing HFRS.Immunogenic epitopes inducing antibody response in HFRS were analyzed using direct ELISA. Peptides were used to coat the plate (1 µg/well), followed by incubation with HFRS serum. Control serum samples were used to determine peptide non-specific reactivity. Statistical analysis was conducted using Minitab software; differences between medians of HFRS and control groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric data. Data was considered significant at p ≤ 0.05.T-lymphocyte epitopes were analyzed using ELISpot assay. Blood from HFRS cases was collected in vacuum tubes containing sodium citrate (Vacuutest, Apexmed). Confirmation of PUUV infection was done by PCR (n=10). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated using ficoll density gradient separation (p=1,077 g/l). Isolated mononuclear leukocytes were cultured in 96-well plates coated with anti-IFNγ antibody. Leukocytes were incubated with each peptide for 48 hours. PBMC treated with phytohaemoagglutinine (PHA) served as a positive control. Spots were visualized using AEC substrate and counted by direct microscopy.Results. PUUV RNA was detected in all blood samples. Serum samples from 10 HFRS cases and 10 controls were analyzed on reactivity to the overlapping peptides coding nucleocapsid and G1 and G2 glycoproteins. Reactivity of eleven peptides (150 total) was statistically significant in HFRS serum as compared to controls (Figures 1a, 1b). Interestingly, the intensity of reactivity between HFRS serum and glycoprotein peptides was 1.5±0.2 times higher than that of N protein.Several G and N protein peptides were identified as inducing IFN-γ production by leukocytes. These peptides are M82 (YTRKACIQLGTEQTC), M69 (TDLELDFSLPSSASY), N3 (ARQKLKDAERAVEVY), N2 (ITRHEQQLVVARQKL), N1 (MSDLTDIQEEITRHE) and M104 (NLVRGQNTVHIVGKG) (Figure 1c).Collected data revealed that the most immunogenic peptides were M104 (NLVRGQNTVHIVGKG) and N3 (ARQKLKDAERAVEVY) from hantavirus G and N proteins respectively. These peptides revealed strong reactivity in ELISA and ELISpot assays suggesting that they play role in activation of humoral and immune responses.Conclusion. Data confirms that both N and G proteins of PUUV are immunogenic. New epitopes were identified on N and G proteins which can stimulate humoral and cellular immunity.This work was supported by Russian Science Foundation grant №15-14-00016. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Mitochondria-Targeted Effects of Water-Soluble Polyol-Methanofullerenes on Human Whole Blood Platelets, Lymphocytes and Granulocytes Ex Vivo

The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) drives many functions including cellular energetics and signaling being a major determinant and indicator of cell fate. Mitochondria are considered as promising therapeutic targets because they are involved as either a cause or consequence of many chronic diseases. Previously, we reported on two novel water-soluble polyol-methanofullerenes С60[С9H10O4((OH)4]6 and С60[C13H18O4((OH)4]6 that concentraion-dependently dissipate ΔΨm in Yarrowia lipolytica yeast cells (Kalacheva et al., 2015). This observation justifies further studies of those fullerene derivatives as mitochondria-targeted biological response modifiers. Here, we proceed by exploring methanofullerenols-driven individual mitochondrial responses of human whole blood platelets, lymphocytes and granulocytes ex vivo .A cytofluorimetric JC-1-based ratiometric assay was used to quantify ΔΨm in human heparinized whole blood cells using “no lyse-no wash” protocol minimizing activation artifacts caused by cell isolation. Briefly, heparinized blood (50 µl) obtained from healthy volunteers (n= 5) was incubated with JC-1 (20 µM final concentration, Biotium, Inc) and either 5 µl anti-CD45-PerCP (BD Biosciences) or 5 µl anti-CD31-Alexa Fluor 647 (BD Biosciences) in the presence of methanofullerenols С60[С9H10O4((OH)4]6 and С60[C13H18O4((OH)4]6 (4 µM and 40 µM) for 30 min at 37 C°, 5% CO2. Immediately after the end of incubation 5 µl whole blood aliquots were taken up from each sample, mixed with 1000 µl CellWash buffer (BD Biosciences) and run on a FACSCalibur cytometer with a CellQuest Pro software. CD45-negative events and CD31-negative events were excluded throughout acquisition by appropriate thresholds. The normalized mitochondrial potential ΔΨm was expressed in arbitrary units as the FL2/FL1 ratio of orange (JC-1 dimers, em 590 nm) to green (JC-1 monomers, em 529 nm) fluorescence signals calculated and plotted by the Weasel v2.2.3 analysis software.Both methanofullerenols applied at concentrations of 4 µM and 40 µM after 2 h incubation period did not change ΔΨm, cell size and granularity of SSClowCD45high lymphocytes and SSChighCD45med granulocytes. The С60[C9H10O4((OH)4]6 methanofullerenol at concentration of 4 µM hampered by 32,5 % (P<0.01) time-dependent proapoptotic transition from CD31+ΔΨmhigh platelet subset(29,8 %) to CD31+ΔΨmlow platelet subset(20,1 %). An example representative graph is shown in Figure 1. However its more hydrophobic homologue С60[C13H18O4((OH)4]6 did not prevent platelet Ψm dissipation. We believe that different cytoprotective activity of methanofullerenols studied is attributed to diverse structure, antioxidant potential and target cell type.Conclusively, the provided “no lyse-no wash” proof-of-principle protocol offers a tool for personalized diagnostics and bioenergetic therapy monitoring of mitochondrial dysfunctions in clinical settings. The С60[C9H10O4((OH)4]6 methanofullerenol appears to be a promising candidate for mitochondria-targeted prevention of apoptosis of banked platelet concentrates.This study was supported by the Russian Government Program of Competitive Growth of Kazan Federal University. RAA was supported by state assignment 20.5175.2017/6.7 of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russian Federation.Figure 1. Cytofluorimetric quantification of mitochondrial membrane potential ΔΨm in whole blood platelets. (A) Gating of intact single platelets with physiological size (FSCmedCD31+ events) to exclude platelet microparticles (FSClow), platelet-WBC and platelet-RBC conjugates (FSChigh). (B) The C60[C9H10O4((OH)4]6 methanofullerenol (F1) did not affect platelet size and CD31 expression. (C) The normalized ΔΨm expressed as FL2/FL1 ratio in : (1) control platelets, (2) C60[C9H10O4((OH)4]6-treated platelets (4 µM), (3) protonophore CCCP-treated platelets (1 mM). Note bimodal ΔΨm distributions and clear-cut differences in platelet ΔΨm low-subset size. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Implementation of Online Learning System When Covid-19 in The Republic of Tatarstan, Russia

Abstract: The implementation of the online learning system is one of the right steps taken by the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan in preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan. This study aims to describe the implementation of online learning when the Covid-19 outbreak in the Republic of Tatarsatan and to find out how students' satisfaction and motivation to learn by implementing the online learning system. The research method used in this study is a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. Data collection is done through interviews, documentation, and observation with data collection tools that have been prepared. The location in this study in the Republic of Tatarstan is precisely at Kazan Federal University. The results showed that the implementation of online learning systems in the Republic of Tatarstan especially at Kazan Federal University had not been fully effective. That is because there are still many student complaints about using online learning applications such as Microsoft teams in learning activities at Kazan Federal University and most students do not fully understand the material delivered by lecturers in online learning.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Online Learning System, Covid-19, Republic of Tatarstan

Functionality of a bicistronic construction containing HEXA and HEXB genes encoding β-hexosaminidase A for cell-mediated therapy of GM2 gangliosidoses.

Tay-Sachs disease and Sandhoff disease are severe hereditary neurodegenerative disorders caused by a deficiency of β-hexosaminidase A (HexA) enzyme, which results in the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides in the nervous system cells. In this work, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of cell-mediated gene therapy for Sandhoff disease and Sandhoff disease using a bicistronic lentiviral vector encoding cDNA of HexA α- and β-subunit genes separated by the nucleotide sequence of a P2A peptide (HEXA-HEXB). The functionality of the bicistronic construct containing the HEXA-HEXB genetic cassette was analyzed in a culture of HEK293T cells and human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (hUCBMCs). Our results showed that the enzymatic activity of HexA in the conditioned medium harvested from genetically modified HEK293T-HEXA-HEXB and hUCBMCs-HEXA-HEXB was increased by 23 and 8 times, respectively, compared with the conditioned medium of native cells. Western blot analysis showed that hUCBMCs-HEXA-HEXB secreted both completely separated HEXA and HEXB proteins, and an uncleaved protein containing HEXA + HEXB linked by the P2A peptide. Intravenous injection of genetically modified hUCBMCs-HEXA-HEXB to laboratory Wistar rats was carried out, and the HexA enzymatic activity in the blood plasma of experimental animals, as well as the number of live cells of immune system organs (spleen, thymus, bone marrow, lymph nodes) were determined. A significant increase in the enzymatic activity of HexA in the blood plasma of laboratory rats on days 6 and 9 (by 2.5 and 3 times, respectively) after the administration of hUCBMCs-HEXA-HEXB was shown. At the same time, the number of live cells in the studied organs remained unchanged. Thus, the functionality of the bicistronic genetic construct encoding cDNA of the HEXA and HEXB genes separated by the nucleotide sequence of the P2A peptide was shown in vitro and in vivo. We hypothesize that due to the natural ability of hUCBMCs to overcome biological barriers, such a strategy can restore the activity of the missing enzyme in the central nervous system of patients with GM2 gangliosidoses. Based on the obtained data, it can be concluded that intravenous administration of hUCBMCs with HexA overexpression is a promising method of the therapy for GM2 gangliosidoses. The animal protocol was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Kazan Federal University (No. 23) on June 30, 2020.

Project for the development of Oriental studies in Kazan in the early 19th century: On opening vocational schools for Oriental languages in the Kazan school district

Today Russian academic centers, including Kazan Federal University, are unique comprehensive research and education institutions that conduct research on both classical and modern subjects and implement original professional educational programs. In the history and culture of the peoples of Russia and the historical and cultural area of Volga-Urals in particular, Kazan University and its schools of sciences have played an exceptional role. The period from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries was marked by successful development of Asian and African research in Russia and Europe. A cohort of outstanding Russian orientalists, who represented many various ethnic groups of Russia, have provided globally relevant complex philological, historical, archaeological and ethnographic studies in academic and university centers of our country. Oriental studies became an important educational and scientific discipline and area of focus starting from the earliest days of the university community of Kazan. Lecturers and professors of Kazan Imperial University introduced the society to the history and culture of the peoples of both overseas East and the Eastern part of the Russian Empire, as well as expanded the understanding of the cultural legacy of both ancient and modern Asia. The article presents an analysis of the official project developed by the Board of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Empire and devoted to the formation of Oriental studies (including the research of Asian and African languages) in Kazan in the early 19th century.

Molecular and Ionic Diffusion in Ion Exchange Membranes and Biological Systems (Cells and Proteins) Studied by NMR.

The results of NMR, and especially pulsed field gradient NMR (PFG NMR) investigations, are summarized. Pulsed field gradient NMR technique makes it possible to investigate directly the partial self-diffusion processes in spatial scales from tenth micron to millimeters. Modern NMR spectrometer diffusive units enable to measure self-diffusion coefficients from 10−13 m2/s to 10−8 m2/s in different materials on 1 H, 2 H, 7 Li, 13 C, 19 F, 23 Na, 31 P, 133 Cs nuclei. PFG NMR became the method of choice for reveals of transport mechanism in polymeric electrolytes for lithium batteries and fuel cells. Second wide field of application this technique is the exchange processes and lateral diffusion in biological cells as well as molecular association of proteins. In this case a permeability, cell size, and associate lifetime could be estimated. The authors have presented the review of their research carried out in Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia; Institute of Problems of Chemical Physics RAS, Chernogolovka, Russia; Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia; Korea University, Seoul, South Korea; Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan. The results of water molecule and Li+, Na+, Cs+ cation self-diffusion in Nafion membranes and membranes based on sulfonated polystyrene, water (and water soluble) fullerene derivative permeability in RBC, casein molecule association have being discussed.