Significant Excess Research Articles

Landscape of pharmacogenetic variants associated with non-insulin antidiabetic drugs in the Indian population

IntroductionGenetic variants contribute to differential responses to non-insulin antidiabetic drugs (NIADs), and consequently to variable plasma glucose control. Optimal control of plasma glucose is paramount to minimizing type 2 diabetes-related...

A Fast Radio Burst in a Compact Galaxy Group at z ∼ 1

FRB 20220610A is a high-redshift fast radio burst (FRB) that has not been observed to repeat. Here, we present rest-frame UV and optical Hubble Space Telescope observations of the field of FRB 20220610A. The imaging reveals seven extended sources, one of which we identify as the most likely host galaxy with a spectroscopic redshift of z = 1.017. We spectroscopically confirm three additional sources to be at the same redshift and identify the system as a compact galaxy group with possible signs of interaction among group members. We determine the host of FRB 20220610A to be a star-forming galaxy with a stellar mass of ≈109.7 M ⊙, mass-weighted age of ≈2.6 Gyr, and star formation rate (integrated over the last 100 Myr) of ≈1.7 M ⊙ yr−1. These host properties are commensurate with the star-forming field galaxy population at z ∼ 1 and trace their properties analogously to the population of low-z FRB hosts. Based on estimates of the total stellar mass of the galaxy group, we calculate a fiducial contribution to the observed dispersion measure from the intragroup medium of ≈90–182 pc cm−3 (rest frame). This leaves a significant excess of 515−272+122 pc cm−3 (in the observer frame); further observation will be required to determine the origin of this excess. Given the low occurrence rates of galaxies in compact groups, the discovery of an FRB in one demonstrates a rare, novel environment in which FRBs can occur. As such groups may represent ongoing or future mergers that can trigger star formation, this supports a young stellar progenitor relative to star formation.

1100 days in the life of the supernova 2018ibb

Stars with zero-age main sequence masses between 140 and 260 M⊙ are thought to explode as pair-instability supernovae (PISNe). During their thermonuclear runaway, PISNe can produce up to several tens of solar masses of radioactive nickel, resulting in luminous transients similar to some superluminous supernovae (SLSNe). Yet, no unambiguous PISN has been discovered so far. SN 2018ibb is a hydrogen-poor SLSN at z = 0.166 that evolves extremely slowly compared to the hundreds of known SLSNe. Between mid 2018 and early 2022, we monitored its photometric and spectroscopic evolution from the UV to the near-infrared (NIR) with 2–10 m class telescopes. SN 2018ibb radiated > 3 × 1051 erg during its evolution, and its bolometric light curve reached > 2 × 1044 erg s−1 at its peak. The long-lasting rise of > 93 rest-frame days implies a long diffusion time, which requires a very high total ejected mass. The PISN mechanism naturally provides both the energy source (56Ni) and the long diffusion time. Theoretical models of PISNe make clear predictions as to their photometric and spectroscopic properties. SN 2018ibb complies with most tests on the light curves, nebular spectra and host galaxy, and potentially all tests with the interpretation we propose. Both the light curve and the spectra require 25–44 M⊙ of freshly nucleosynthesised 56Ni, pointing to the explosion of a metal-poor star with a helium core mass of 120–130 M⊙ at the time of death. This interpretation is also supported by the tentative detection of [Co II] λ 1.025 μm, which has never been observed in any other PISN candidate or SLSN before. We observe a significant excess in the blue part of the optical spectrum during the nebular phase, which is in tension with predictions of existing PISN models. However, we have compelling observational evidence for an eruptive mass-loss episode of the progenitor of SN 2018ibb shortly before the explosion, and our dataset reveals that the interaction of the SN ejecta with this oxygen-rich circumstellar material contributed to the observed emission. That may explain this specific discrepancy with PISN models. Powering by a central engine, such as a magnetar or a black hole, can be excluded with high confidence. This makes SN 2018ibb by far the best candidate for being a PISN, to date.

Biomonitoring of the surface waters of the Volyntsevo reservoir using the fluorimetry method

The article examines the state of the drinking Volyntsevo reservoir and its tributaries in conditions of significant changes in the hydraulic regime and pollution by waste mine waters. The state of algoflora of a water body is considered, the results of studying the species composition of phytoplankton, the content of basic photopigments and photosynthetic activity of microalgae are presented. The study presents the results of the application of the method of fluorimetric assessment of the state of phytoplankton cells as the main bioindicator of the state of the aquatic environment. The research was conducted in the vicinity of Yenakievo for the Volyntsevo reservoir and the Bulavin river. These water bodies are subject to significant man-made impacts: as a result of intensive water use of reservoir resources, there has been a significant decrease in water levels and, as a result, a deterioration in water quality. The conducted studies have shown a significant excess of the permissible standards for the content of magnesium ions, sulfates, total hardness and alkalinity in water samples. The negative impact of surface water pollution on the species composition of algoflora, as well as the photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton cells, has been shown. The obtained materials can serve as a basis for further monitoring of drinking reservoirs in the region. The current situation requires constant monitoring observations aimed at identifying and eliminating all sources of pollution of the studied water bodies.

Development of an integrated approach to the analysis and forecast of hydrographic and bathymetric data of water bodies and tailings ponds

There is a need for an effective monitoring solution for water quality control in tailings dumps and adjacent water bodies in order to prevent environmental pollution. This article highlights the importance of water quality monitoring and surveillance to prevent pollution. It is proposed to develop a mobile robotic complex equipped with sensors for monitoring water bodies and tailings, which is also capable of measuring underwater topographic data. The objects of study were a tailings pond and water bodies. The authors analyzed existing technical monitoring solutions, designed and developed a robotic complex, echolocation device, tested them on specific sites (the tailings dump of the Zhayrem Mining and Processing Plant and the Ishim River), conducted laboratory analysis of water samples, classified the results. Additionally, they obtained 2D and 3D maps of the bottom, and entered all collected data into a developed database and software. The developed complex demonstrated high accuracy of movement (an error of about 0.2 m on the x axis and 0.1 m on the y axis) and the ability to register environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, PH. Data analysis for 2021–2023 showed a significant excess of recycled water discharged into the evaporator pond, which emphasizes the importance of monitoring and management of water resources. The research applies ARIMA models, neural networks to predict water body parameters. The results obtained indicate the high efficiency of the developed robotic complex and methods for analyzing data on water resources. These methods can be used in industry, scientific research and environmental projects to regularly monitor water quality and take measures to protect it

Autoreactive processes in children in the initial period of multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 and after rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: The problem of the pathogenesis of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), associated with SARS-CoV-2, remains relevant, but is still far from being resolved. In this regard.
 AIM: The aim our research was to study and evaluate the levels of autoantibodies to native and denatured DNA in the blood serum of children who underwent MIS-C, associated with SARS-CoV-2, in comparison with the initial period of the pathological process.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: 101 children aged 2 to 17 years old were examined, 77 of them was with a confirmed diagnosis of MIS-C associated with SARS-CoV-2. We have formed 3 groups: group 1 — children with MIS-C upon admission to the hospital; group 2 — children who underwent MIS-C after a course of rehabilitation; group 3 — comparison group. All children underwent determination of the concentrations of IgG-autoantibodies to native and denatured DNA in blood serum, which was performed by EIA ELISA using commercial test systems of Vector-Best LLC (Russia) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out using the Statistica v. 10.0 application package. Statistical processing used the Newman–Keuls multiple comparison test.
 RESULTS: It was noted that both in the initial period of MIS-C and after rehabilitation, an increased content of autoantibodies to nDNA and dDNA was determined compared to the control group. At the same time, there was a significant excess of the levels of indicators in the post-rehabilitation period compared with the initial period of MIS-C. During a clinical examination of children who underwent MIS-C, most of them noted the appearance of pain in the joints. The results obtained indicate the persistence of inflammatory reactions with the development of an autoreactive component. This requires both the search for risk markers for the development of MIS-C and further monitoring of children who have undergone MIS-C to prevent autoimmune complications, including arthritis, damage to the vascular endothelium with the possible formation of thrombotic complications.
 CONCLUSIONS: In the acute period of MIS-C and after rehabilitation, increased levels of the average content of autoantibodies to nDNA and dDNA were noted compared to the control. Individual values of autoantibodies to nDNA and dDNA exceeded normative levels of the indicator were found in a significantly larger number of children in the post-rehabilitation period after MIS-C, and this excess was more pronounced compared to the acute period of the process. When assessing the clinical condition of children after MIS-C, most of them showed pain in the joints during exercise, abdominal and neurological disorders, and decreased tolerance to physical activity, which indicates persistent inflammatory reactions.

A Water-soluble Form of Dihydroquercetin Reduces LPS-induced Astrogliosis, Vascular Remodeling, and mRNA VEGF-A Levels in the Substantia Nigra of Aged Rats

Background: The age-dependent sporadic form of PD is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the Substantia Nigra (SN), gliosis, and vascular changes. Vascular changes may contribute to the onset of the disease and exacerbate the neurodegenerative process, as some vascular changes occur before the onset of neuronal loss. To demonstrate the anti-neuroinflammatory efficacy of a new compound, a water-soluble form of dihydroquercetin (DHQ-WF), we studied the structural changes of microcirculatory vasculature, astroglial GFAP, and vascular endothelial growth factor –A (VEGF-A) mRNA expression in the SN of young and old rats after unilateral nigral treatment by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and oral administration of DHQ-WF. Materials and methods: The experiments were performed on 18 young (8 weeks - 10 weeks old; 250 g - 320 g) and 18 old (18 months - 19 months old; 390 g - 450 g) male Vistar rats. Young and adult rats from the experimental groups were stereotactically injected with 2 μL LPS solution (LPS from Escherichia coli; 0,01 μL/mL) into one side of the SN. Control young and old rats were similarly injected with 2 μL sterile saline. Half of the animals in both the control and experimental groups (6 animals in each group) received a 2 ml solution containing DHQ-WF at a concentration of 3 mg/ml orally every day. After 8 weeks, brains were harvested and serial cryostat sections were prepared for histochemical (FITC-labeled tomato lectin), immunohistochemical (anti-GFAP Antibody, Cy3 Conjugate) staining, and real-time PCR (mRNA VEGF-A). Results: Eight weeks after LPS injection into the SN, a significant excess of areas occupied by cell bodies and processes of astroglial cells, the density of microcirculatory vessels, and mRNA VEGF-A expression was observed in old animals compared to control old animals and young LPS-treated rats. Oral administration of DHQ-WF to LPS-treated rats resulted in a significant reduction of these parameters in old animals. Conclusion: Injection of LPS into rat SN induces neuroinflammation and vascular angiogenesis, maximally expressed in old animals. Administration of DHQ-WF for 8 weeks significantly reduces these LPS-induced changes. DHQ-WF may be an effective treatment for reducing the effects of neuroinflammation in the aging brain.

Search for resonant production of dark quarks in the dijet final state with the ATLAS detector

This paper presents a search for a new Z′ resonance decaying into a pair of dark quarks which hadronise into dark hadrons before promptly decaying back as Standard Model particles. This analysis is based on proton-proton collision data recorded at s\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\sqrt{s} $$\\end{document} = 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider between 2015 and 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb−1. After selecting events containing large-radius jets with high track multiplicity, the invariant mass distribution of the two highest-transverse-momentum jets is scanned to look for an excess above a data-driven estimate of the Standard Model multijet background. No significant excess of events is observed and the results are thus used to set 95% confidence-level upper limits on the production cross-section times branching ratio of the Z′ to dark quarks as a function of the Z′ mass for various dark-quark scenarios.

Search for top-philic heavy resonances in pp collisions at s=13\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sqrt{s}=13$$\\end{document} TeV\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ ext {TeV}$$\\end{document} with the ATLAS detector

A search for the associated production of a heavy resonance with a top-quark or a top-antitop-quark pair, and decaying into a tt¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$t{\\bar{t}}$$\\end{document} pair is presented. The search uses the data recorded by the ATLAS detector in pp collisions at s=13\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\sqrt{s}= 13$$\\end{document} TeV\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ ext {TeV}$$\\end{document} at the Large Hadron Collider during the years 2015–2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb-1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ ext {fb}^{-1}$$\\end{document}. Events containing exactly one electron or muon are selected. The two hadronically decaying top quarks from the resonance decay are reconstructed using jets clustered with a large radius parameter of R=1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$R=1$$\\end{document}. The invariant mass spectrum of the two top quark candidates is used to search for a resonance signal in the range of 1.0 TeV\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ ext {TeV}$$\\end{document} to 3.2 TeV\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ ext {TeV}$$\\end{document}. The presence of a signal is examined using an approach with minimal model dependence followed by a model-dependent interpretation. No significant excess is observed over the background expectation. Upper limits on the production cross section times branching ratio at 95% confidence level are provided for a heavy Z′\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$Z^\\prime $$\\end{document} boson based on a simplified model, for Z′\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$Z^\\prime $$\\end{document} mass between 1.0 TeV\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ ext {TeV}$$\\end{document} and 3.0 TeV\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ ext {TeV}$$\\end{document}. The observed (expected) limits range from 21 (14) fb to 119 (86) fb depending on the choice of model parameters.

COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONTENT OF A NUMBER OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES IN KIWI FRUITS

The content of biologically active substances in new promising varieties of kiwi breeding of the Research Institute of Agriculture of the Academy of Sciences of Abkhazia is considered. A spectrophotometric method for determining biologically active substances (anthocyanins, photosynthetic pigments, polyphenols) was used, which is based on determining the optical density of the solution of the analyzed substances at certain wavelengths. The aim is to analyze the varietal specification of kiwi fruits for the accumulation of biologically active substances such as pigments (anthocyanins, chlorophyll and carotenoids) and polyphenols in them. Five main groups of anthocyanins were quantified in fruits, and a significant excess of the amounts of this class of pigments was noted in the cv. Pobeditel (the amount of anthocyanins was 375.46 mg/100 g at 122.85–170.01 mg/100 g in the remaining varieties; LSD05 = 9.34). The predominant group of anthocyanin pigments in kiwi fruits is pelargonidin-3-glucoside, the content of which in varieties is in the range of 26.43 mg/100 g (cv. Slava) – 79.00 mg/100 g (cv. Pobeditel). The content of chlorophylls and carotenoids was determined, the greater amount of which accumulates in the fruits of the cv. Otkhara (1.58 mg/100 g of chlorophyll and 0.37 mg/100 g of carotenoids) and cv. Gulripshsky (1.58 and 0.23 mg/100 g, respectively). The amount of polyphenols synthesized in fruits has been established. The cv. Pobeditel and cv. Gulripshsky are the most rich in phenolic components (1576.5–1582.6 mg/100 g). The data of biochemical analyses showed the prospects of three new golden varieties without pubescence: Pobeditel, Gulripshsky and Otkhara. The results obtained will be used in further breeding work to obtain varieties that are the richest in biologically active substances of an antioxidant nature, and are of undoubted interest to the consumer.

Search for pair production of squarks or gluinos decaying via sleptons or weak bosons in final states with two same-sign or three leptons with the ATLAS detector

A search for pair production of squarks or gluinos decaying via sleptons or weak bosons is reported. The search targets a final state with exactly two leptons with same-sign electric charge or at least three leptons without any charge requirement. The analysed data set corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb−1 of proton-proton collisions collected at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Multiple signal regions are defined, targeting several SUSY simplified models yielding the desired final states. A single control region is used to constrain the normalisation of the WZ + jets background. No significant excess of events over the Standard Model expectation is observed. The results are interpreted in the context of several supersymmetric models featuring R-parity conservation or R-parity violation, yielding exclusion limits surpassing those from previous searches. In models considering gluino (squark) pair production, gluino (squark) masses up to 2.2 (1.7) TeV are excluded at 95% confidence level.

Interacting galaxies in the IllustrisTNG simulations – VII: the connection between the most luminous active galactic nuclei and galaxy interactions

ABSTRACT We investigate the connection between the most luminous active galactic nuclei (AGN), galaxy pairs, and post-mergers in the IllustrisTNG simulation. We select galaxy pairs and post-mergers with a mass ratio between 1:10 < μ < 1:1 and a redshift between 0 < z < 1. We compare the incidence of luminous AGN in pairs with matched non-pair controls, finding that AGN with luminosity Lbol > 1044 erg s−1 occur in ∼26 per cent of paired galaxies with a companion within 20 kpc, compared with ∼14 per cent in controls (a fractional excess of ∼2). The enhancement of AGN in galaxy pairs is luminosity dependent, with the highest excess (a factor of ∼6 ± 2 at the closest separations) for AGN with Lbol > 1045 erg s−1. Additionally, pairs exhibit a modest yet statistically significant excess of luminous AGN up to ∼150 kpc in separation. For pairs which merge between 0 < z < 1, AGN fractions are elevated between 1.5 Gyr before and after coalescence, with the highest excess closest to coalescence. Our results indicate that pre-coalescence interactions drive excesses of luminous AGN, but that luminous AGN in galaxy pairs are not ubiquitous. Finally, we investigate what fraction of AGN can be associated with an interaction (either having a companion within 100 kpc or a merger within the last 500 Myr). For AGN with Lbol > 1045 erg s−1, ∼55 per cent are interacting, compared with a 30 per cent interaction fraction in AGN with 1044 < Lbol < 1044.5 erg s−1. Our results support a picture in which interactions play a dominant role in (but are not the sole cause of) triggering the most luminous AGN.

Mie-Resonant Nanophotonic-Enhancement of Asymmetry in Sodium Chlorate Chiral Crystallization.

Studies on chiral spectroscopy have recently demonstrated strong enhancement of chiral light-matter interaction in the chiral near-field of Mie resonance in high-refractive-index dielectric nanostructures by studies on chiral spectroscopy. This situation has motivated researchers to demonstrate effective chiral photosynthesis under a chiral near-field beyond circularly polarized light (CPL) as a chiral source. However, the effectivity of the chiral near-field of Mie resonance for chiral photosynthesis has not been clearly demonstrated. One major challenge is the experimental difficulty in evaluating enantiomeric excess of a trace amount of chiral products synthesized in the near-field. Here, by adopting sodium chlorate chiral crystallization as a phenomenon that includes both synthesis and the amplification of chiral products, we show that crystallization on a Mie-resonant silicon metasurface excited by CPL yields a statistically significant large crystal enantiomeric excess of ∼18%, which cannot be achieved merely by CPL. This result provides implications for efficient chiral photosynthesis in a chiral near-field.

Prevalence of occult hepatitis B infection among blood donors in Saint Petersburg

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of occult hepatitis B infection among blood donors in St. Petersburg, as well as to characterize the identified virus isolates. The study material was represented by 2800 blood plasma samples collected in 2019 from blood donors living in St. Petersburg. The ELISA study for HBV marker rate consisted of HBsAg, anti-HBs IgG, anti-HBcore IgG. HBV DNA was analyzed by nested PCR with real-time hybridization-fluorescence detection on three targets allowing to determine virus DNA at low viral load, including HBsAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis B serological markers were detected in 69.43% of those surveyed, HBsAg was found in 0.43% of individuals, and all of which donated blood first time. A significant excess of the anti-HBcore IgG antibodies occurrence among primary donors (15.1%) compared with repeated/regular donors (7.48%) was shown. The prevalence of virus DNA in the group was 3.14%, including 2.71% of cases in HBsAg-negative CHB. Based on phylogenetic analysis of 88 isolates, HBV subgenotypes were determined in the following order: D1 and D2, 40.91% each, D3 and A2, 9.09% each. While determining the serological subtype in detected isolates, the serotype ayw3 (52.27%) vs ayw2 (46.59%) and adw2 (10.23%) prevailed. Drug resistance mutations, including compensatory ones, were detected in six examined patients (6.82%). In all genotype D isolates, multiple amino acid substitutions were identified in the RT, SHB, MHB, LHB, and Core regions; mutations in the preCore region were detected in 21.59% samples. In the MHR of the HBV genotype D genome, twenty-six positions were identified in which amino acid substitutions occurred, and all isolates showed modifications at positions 113, 114, 131, 134, 159, 161, 168, in 76 — at position 122, in 68 — at position 127, in 36 — at position 118, in 24 — at position 128. In HBV A2 isolates, mutations T113S, S143T, Y161F were identified. Nine isolates in the preCore region showed a polymorphism including a stop codon W28*W; in five isolates the W28S substitution was shown in the same position, and the W28*S variant was found in one more sample. The high incidence of HBsAg-negative CHB cases among blood donors, as well as the predominance of HBV isolates that simultaneously carry mutations resulting in diagnostic failure of HBsAg tests and prophylactic failure of immunoglobulin or vaccines and virus reactivation, mutations that contribute to disease progression obviously pose a threat to health and require to be further examined.

Temporal analysis of the prevalence of congenital hypospadias in the municipality of Gela

to evaluate the risk profile of hypospadias in Gela, an Italian National Priority Contaminated Site (NPCS) located in Sicily Region (Southern Italy), characterized by a significant excess of hypospadias in newborn residents compared to data from reference on regional, national, and international basis and, until 2014, by the presence of a petrochemical plant. geographical analyses were conducted by comparing the prevalence of the Gela municipality to prevalence found in Sicily, in a territorial area bordering Gela (ALG), and in the NPCSs of Milazzo and Priolo. The geographical comparisons were conducted for the period 2010-2020, the trend within the Gela NPCS was evaluated by comparing two subperiods (2010-2014 and 2015-2020). children up to 1 year of age with hypospadias resident in the municipality of Gela in the period 2010-2020. crude odds ratios (OR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used to compare the prevalence observed in Gela and that detected in the comparison areas. excess risk for hypospadias was highlighted in 2010-2020 in Gela vs Sicily (OR 4.45; 95%CI 3.45-5.75), vs ALG (OR 4.29; 95%CI 3.02-6.10), and vs the NPCSs of Milazzo (OR 2.32; 95%CI 1.32-4.07) and Priolo (OR 2.37; 95%CI 1.55-3.62). The between-period comparisons in Gela did not show an important difference between 2010-2014 and 2015-2020 (OR 1.37; 95%CI 0.83-2.24), with a prevalence of 98.9 and 72.4 per 10,000, respectively. the prevalence of hypospadias in 2015-2020 remains very high, although decreasing when compared to 2010-2014 period. The Gela data, despite the refinery being closed after 2014, suggest a complex situation in which multiple risk factors may play a role.

Mortality from malignant neoplasms of the respiratory organs in the territories of the Chelyabinsk region affected by radiation accidents

Introduction. Mortality from lung cancer is more than 20% of all deaths from malignant neoplasms (MN). The mortality rate from respiratory diseases in the Chelyabinsk region for many years exceeds the average in Russia. There is convincing evidence confirming the increase in mortality from respiratory diseases in the population living in radioactively contaminated areas
 Materials and methods. The study of mortality from respiratory diseases in two cities: Kasli and Kyshtym, and four districts: Kasli, Argayash, Krasnoarmeysky, and Kunashaksky over a 50-year period from 1947 to 1996.
 Results. An increase in the mortality in the male and female population from MN of the trachea, bronchi, lungs, and larynx was found. The most significant excess over the control was observed in the population of Kasli, Kyshtym, in Kasli and Argayash districts. During the entire studied period, the male population experienced an increase in mortality at rates exceeding the changes in the control territories. Among the female population, the highest mortality rates both in cities and in districts were recorded in the 1960s - 1970s. In addition to the increase in mortality rates in radioactively contaminated areas in the elderly and old age, an increase in mortality was found at the ages of 30–39, 40–49 years.
 Limitations. The study period is limited to 1996 due to the inability to collect data for a later period.
 Conclusion. The mortality rates of the male population from respiratory diseases in the cities of Kasli, Kyshtym, Kasli, and Argayash districts almost constantly exceeded the control values. There is an increase in mortality at young ages: 30–39, 40–49 years. Both men and women have recorded a wave-like nature 
 of mortality, periods of growth, as a rule, following 5–10 years after the next radiation incident.

Sanitary and epidemiological assessment of household wastewater in some regions of the Republic of Tajikistan

The relevance of providing the population with high-quality drinking water is shown. The bacteriological and parasitic contamination of wastewater in three districts of the Republic of Tajikistan was assessed. A high level of pollution has been established in all the studied areas. At the same time, a significant excess in parasitological indicators was detected in samples taken in the Fayzabad district. In the future, it seems necessary to study the relationship of pollution of surface reservoirs with the morbidity of the population. Measures to provide the population of the Republic with goodquality water should include regular sanitary cleaning of the territory, communal improvement of settlements, as well as cleaning, disinfection and disinfection of household wastewater.

Origin and Composition of the Galactic Diffuse X-Ray Emission Spectra by Unresolved X-Ray Sources

Galactic diffuse X-ray emission (GDXE) can be spatially segmented into Galactic center X-ray emission (GCXE), Galactic ridge X-ray emission (GRXE), and Galactic bulge X-ray emission (GBXE). The X-ray spectra of GDXE are expressed by the assembly of compact X-ray sources, which are either white dwarfs (WDs) or X-ray active stars consisting of binaries with late-type stars. WDs have either a strong magnetic field or a weak magnetic field. WDs and X-ray active stars are collectively called compact X-ray stars. However, spectral fittings by the assembly of all compact X-ray stars for GCXE, GRXE, and GBXE are rejected, leaving significant excess near the energies of the Kα, Heα, and Lyα lines. These excesses are found in the collisional ionization equilibrium (CIE) plasma. Thus, the spectra of GRXE and GBXE are improved by adding CIE supernova remnants (SNRs). However, the GCXE spectrum is still unacceptable, with significant data excess due to radiative recombination emission (recombining plasma (RP)). The GCXE fit is then significantly improved by adding aged RP-SNRs. Aged RP-SNRs are made by a past big flare of Sgr A* emitting either hard X-rays or low-energy cosmic rays. The big flares may excite Fe and Ni atoms in cold diffuse gas (cold matter (CM)) and emit fluorescent X-ray lines. The CIE-SNRs, RP-SNRs, and CM are called diffuse X-ray sources. This paper presents the spectral fits by the assembly of all the compact and diffuse X-ray sources together with high-quality spectra and a combined fit among all the GDXE of GCXE, GRXE, and GBXE. This provides the first scenario to quantitatively and comprehensively predict the origin of the GDXE spectra.

Search for Inelastic Dark Matter in Events with Two Displaced Muons and Missing Transverse Momentum in Proton-Proton Collisions at s=13 TeV

A search for dark matter in events with a displaced nonresonant muon pair and missing transverse momentum is presented. The analysis is performed using an integrated luminosity of 138 fb−1 of proton-proton (pp) collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV produced by the LHC in 2016–2018. No significant excess over the predicted backgrounds is observed. Upper limits are set on the product of the inelastic dark matter production cross section σ(pp→A′→χ1χ2) and the decay branching fraction B(χ2→χ1μ+μ−), where A′ is a dark photon and χ1 and χ2 are states in the dark sector with near mass degeneracy. This is the first dedicated collider search for inelastic dark matter. © 2024 CERN, for the CMS Collaboration 2024 CERN

Organizational corruption, test score manipulation, and teacher hiring in Romania

This study investigated the relationship between organized corruption and the irregularities observed in the score distribution of Romania's national teaching hiring and mobility test, which determines eligibility for fixed-term and open-ended teaching positions. Despite its strict scoring rules, there was a significant excess of scores at the critical cut-off values. Both bunching analyses and binomial generalized linear mixed models identified organizational but not individual corruption, as a significant predictor of scoring irregularities at the minimum value required for open-ended positions.Organizational corruption was also associated with a higher probability that scoring precisely at this threshold value would secure an open-ended position. The results further indicated that other factors may contribute to the scoring irregularities at the minimum value required for the less desirable fixed-term positions.