West Nile fever in Volgograd Oblast: features of the epidemic process’s manifestations at the present stage

Objective: To study the regional features of the West Nile fever (WNF) epidemic process manifestations using the example of the territory with stable and long-term pathogen circulation (Volgograd Oblast).Materials and Methods: We used the data of the Reference Center for monitoring the WNF pathogen based on the Volgograd Research Anti-Plague Institute of Rospotrebnadzor over 1999–2021. The main method is a comprehensive epidemiological method.Results: The long-term changes in the WNF incidence in Volgograd Oblast is characterized by a cyclical nature with an interval of 1–8 years and a tendency to decrease. The maximum risk of infection occurs in August (58.8%), but there is an increase in the number of cases in September. The average duration of the epidemic season is 8.4 weeks. Case fatality rate is at the level of 4.3%; the prevalence of the number of deaths in the group of 70 years and older (75%), as well as among men (63.6%) has been established. The greatest contribution to the incidence rate is made by the age group of 60 years and older (37.7%). Features of the clinical presentation include the dominance of forms without damage to the central nervous system (91.1%) and moderate clinical course (72.3%). The prevalence of the urban population among the infected was noted (85.5%).Conclusion: A comparative analysis of the clinical and epidemiological WNF manifestations in Volgograd Oblast, territories with a stable circulation of the pathogen (Astrakhan and Rostov Oblasts) and, in overall, the Russian Federation, established differences in the duration of cyclical fluctuations in incidence, seasonality (Rostov Oblast), age structure of incidence (Astrakhan Oblast), distribution of cases by the severity of the clinical course, the site of the alleged infection and social status.

Peering into Avian Influenza A(H5N8) for a Framework towards Pandemic Preparedness

2014 marked the first emergence of avian influenza A(H5N8) in Jeonbuk Province, South Korea, which then quickly spread worldwide. In the midst of the 2020–2021 H5N8 outbreak, it spread to domestic poultry and wild waterfowl shorebirds, leading to the first human infection in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. Despite being clinically asymptomatic and without direct human-to-human transmission, the World Health Organization stressed the need for continued risk assessment given the nature of Influenza to reassort and generate novel strains. Given its promiscuity and easy cross to humans, the urgency to understand the mechanisms of possible species jumping to avert disastrous pandemics is increasing. Addressing the epidemiology of H5N8, its mechanisms of species jumping and its implications, mutational and reassortment libraries can potentially be built, allowing them to be tested on various models complemented with deep-sequencing and automation. With knowledge on mutational patterns, cellular pathways, drug resistance mechanisms and effects of host proteins, we can be better prepared against H5N8 and other influenza A viruses.

Evaluation of the biological effectiveness of inducers of resistance to viral diseases and their impact on potato yield in the field

Оценена биологическая эффективность Фармайода (йод) и Имуноцитофита (эфир арахидоновой кислоты) как индукторов устойчивости картофеля к вирусам в мелкоделяночных (г. Москва) и производственных опытах в Астраханской, Липецкой и Московской областях в 2015–2016 и 2018 годах. В Липецкой области картофель сорта Рамос заражен Y-вирусом картофеля (PVY) и комплексом вирусов M и S (PVM + PVS); в Астраханской области на сорте Импала отмечали комплексы PVM+PVS и PVM+PVS+PVY, в Московской области на сорте ВР-808 был отмечен Y-вирус. Биологическая эффективность Фармайода против Y-вируса в мелкоделяночных опытах на сорте Ред Скарлетт в 2015–2016 годах составила 76,4%, в 2018 году – 73,4%, а Иммуноцитофита – 47,4% и 48,4%. Прибавка урожайности от Фармайода была 21,6–34,4%, а от Иммуноцитофита – 17,0–21,3%. Против М-вируса на сорте Адретта биологическая эффективность Фармайода и Иммуноцитофита в 2015–2016 годах была 70,8% и 51,1%, в 2018 году – 56,5% и 41,3%. Урожайность в 2015–2016 годах увеличилась на 35,2% от применения Фармайода, от Иммуноцитофита – на 16,7%; в 2018 году прибавка – 24,0% и 15,3%, соответственно. В хозяйстве Московской области эффективность Фармайода составила 74,9%, предпосадочная обработка им клубней эффекта не дала. В Липецкой области биологическая эффективность Фармайода была в среднем 73%, Иммуноцитофита – 52%. Прибавка валовой урожайности от Фармайода – 9,1 т/га, Иммуноцитофита – 3,8 т/га, при урожайности в контроле 24,0 т/га; в 2016 году – 6,8 т/га и 3,3 т/га, в контроле – 19,5 т/га. В Астраханской области в 2016 году биологическая эффективность Фармайода – 73,2%, прибавка – 8,6 т/га, у Иммуноцитофита эти показатели – 53,2% и 5,2 т/га, в контроле 18,9 т/га. The biological effectiveness of Pharmaiod (100 g/l iodine) and Immunocitophyt (20 g/kg of ethylic ester of arachidonic acid) as inducers of potato resistance to viruses was evaluated in small plot trials (Moscow) and field experiments in the Astrakhan, Lipetsk and Moscow oblast in 2015–2016 and 2018. In the Lipetsk oblast, the potato variety Ramos was infected with the potato virus Y (PVY) and the complex infection of the potato viruses M and S (PVM + PVS); in Astrakhan oblast on Impala variety, the PVM + PVS and PVM + PVS + PVY virus complexes were noted; in Moscow oblast the potato variety VR-808 was infected with PVY. In 2015–2016 in small plot trials the biological effectiveness of Pharmaiod against PVY on Red Scarlet variety averaged 76.4%, in 2018–73.4% and Immunocitophyt – 47.4% and 48.4%. The yield increase from the use Pharmaiod was 21.6–34.4%, and from Immunocitophyt – 17.0–21.3%. The biological effectiveness of Pharmaiod and Immunocitophyt against the M-virus on Adretta variety in 2015–2016 was 70.8% and 51.1%, in 2018–56.5% and 41.3%. The total yield in 2015–2016 increased by 35.2% from the use of Pharmaiod, from Immunocytofit by 16.7%, in 2018, the increase was by 24.0% and 15.3%, respectively. In the farm of Moscow Oblast, the effectiveness of Pharmaiod was 74.9%, the pre-planting treatment of tubers did not have a significant effect. In Lipetsk oblast, the biological effectiveness of Pharmaiod averaged 73%, Immunocitophyt – 52%. The total yield increase from the use Pharmaiod is 9.1 t/ha, from Immunocitophyt – 3.8 t/ha, when the yield in the control variant was 24.0 t/ha; in 2016–6.8 t/ha and 3.3 t/ha, in control – 19.5 t/ha. In 2016 in Astrakhan oblast the biological effectiveness of Pharmaiod was 73.2%, the increase was 8.6 t/ha, in Immunocitophyt these rates were 53.2% and 5.2 t/ha, in the control 18.9 t/ha.

Peering Into Avian Influenza A(H5N8) for a Framework towards Pandemic Preparedness

2014 marked the first emergence of avian influenza A(H5N8) in Jeonbuk Province, South Korea, which then quickly spread worldwide. In the midst of the 2020-21 H5N8 outbreak, it spread to domestic poultry and wild waterfowl shorebirds, leading to the first human infection in Astrakhan Oblast, Russia. Despite being clinically asymptomatic and without direct human-to-human transmission, the World Health Organisation stressed the need for continued risk assessment given the nature of Influenza to reassort and generate novel strains. Given its promiscuity and spread to humans, the urgency to understand the mechanisms of possible species jumping to avert disastrous pandemics is increasing. Addressing the epidemiology of H5N8 and its mechanisms of species jumping and its implications, mutational and reassortment libraries can potentially be built, allowing them to be tested on various models complemented with deep-sequencing and automation. With the knowledge on mutational patterns, cellular pathways, drug resistance mechanisms and effects of host proteins can allow better preparedness against H5N8 and other influenza A viruses.

Musical Folklore of the Yurt Tatars and the Nogai-Karagash of Astrakhan Oblast as a Marker of Ethnocultural Identity

Основная проблема исследования: анализ влияния общих и особенных жанровых и стилевых характеристик этномузыкального наследия юртовских татар и ногайцев-карагашей на этнокультурную идентичность этих народов. Автором использованы собственные полевые данные и материалы, собиравшиеся на протяжении последних десятилетий исследователями культуры народов Нижнего Поволжья, а также результаты исследований этномузыкологов, этнографов, этнологов, лингвистов и литературоведов. Раскрыты этноисторические аспекты изучаемой проблемы, проведены этномузыкологические изыскания. Установлено, что общие моменты в музыкальной культуре изучаемых народов и проявляющиеся на собственно жанровом, музыкально-лексическом и исполнительском уровнях, выступают в качестве этнообъединяющего признака, возникшего в ходе тесного межэтнического взаимодействия. Локальные же образцы произведений, их сюжеты и содержание носят уникальный характер для каждой рассмотренной этнической группы, выполняя этнодифференцирующую роль. The study aims to describe the common and unique genre and style characteristics of the ethnomusical heritage of the Yurt Tatars and the Nogai-Karagash, peoples similar in ethnolinguistic terms, and to analyse the influence of these common characteristics on their ethnocultural identity. The basis for the research was the field materials collected over the past decades by researchers of the traditional culture of the peoples of the Lower Volga region and the results of research by ethnomusicologists, ethnographers, ethnologists, linguists, and literary scholars. Of great importance are the field data the author collected in Astrakhan and in settlements previously traditionally considered villages of the Yurt Tatars. The methodological basis is an approach within a constructivist framework where ethnic identity is seen as a construct formed under the influence of numerous factors, including traditional musical culture. Another methodological basis directly related to the objective component of the problem under study is transcultural diffusionism. The research consists of two successive stages: the first reveals the ethnohistorical aspects of the problem, the second presents the ethnomusicological research. At the first stage, the author (1) reconstructs the process of settling the Lower Volga region from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 19th century, (2) reveals the features of contacts between the ethnic groups inhabiting the region, (3) determines the features of the peoples’ ethnic self-identification, which intensively developed in the last quarter of the 20th century, and (4) identifies the modern level of the development of the ethnic identity of the Yurt Tatars and the Nogai–Karagash. At the second stage, the author carries out ethnomusicological analysis of two genres characteristic of both the Yurts Tatars and the Nogai-Karagash: the epic khushavazand the instrumental sazda soyleshu genres. The comparative analysis of the genres shows that the common features at the genre, musical-lexical and performing levels are directly related to the ethnic identity of these peoples and are ethno-uniting features that developed during close interethnic interaction. Local samples of works, their plots and content are often unique for each ethnic group and thus play an ethno-differentiating role.

Исторические аспекты административно-территориального устройства Калмыкии в контексте взаимоотношений с Астраханской областью по вопросу реабилитации калмыцкого народа

Introduction. The paper explores historical aspects of Kalmykia’s administrative and territorial structure with due regard of its relations to Astrakhan Oblast in the context of the Kalmyk people’s territorial rehabilitation initiated in the early 1990s. Materials and Methods. The work employs the historical descriptive and comparative research methods. It focuses on one archival document — the opinion letter of September 20–23, 1991 by Yu. Oglaev, Cand.Sc. (history) and Associate Professor at Kalmyk State University, dealing with ‘Working Papers on Territorial Rehabilitation of the Kalmyk People’ issued by the Commission of Astrakhan Oblast Soviet of People’s Deputies. Results. The article examines arguments of Astrakhan Oblast authorities aimed at undermining attempts of Kalmykia’s government to raise the question of territorial rehabilitation. Specifically, it gives some data on territorial transformations of ‘enclave’ settlements in Kalmykia before December 1943 and after the 1957 restoration of the ethnic autonomy. Conclusions. The historical aspect of territorial disputes between the two Lower Volga regions after 1957 basically rests on that Astrakhan Oblast government refused to recognize the proclaimed (reclaimed) borders (some part) of Kalmykia as of 1957. The idea of returning two districts integral to the Kalmyk ASSR as of 1943 back to the republic was articulated by Kalmykia’s executives in the Government of the RSFSR after 1957, and the era of perestroika attached somewhat sociopolitical features to the issue — only to eventually end in nothing. However, the history of territorial transformations of settlements in the border areas of Kalmykia and Astrakhan Oblast do require further scientific insights, as well as the use of distant pastures by neighboring regions — special emphasis thereto be laid on economic, environmental and land-related consequences experienced by the republic.

Clinical and epidemiological features of acute intestinal infections caused by opportunistic enterobacteria in young children

Установлены клинико-эпидемиологические особенности острых кишечных инфекций (ОКИ), вызванных условно-патогенными энтеробактериями (УПЭ) у детей раннего возраста, в зависимости от этиологического фактора. Источниками информации являлись данные Управления Роспотребнадзора по Астраханской области (АО), медицинская документация (720 историй болезни) пациентов в возрасте до 1 года, лечившихся в ГБУЗ ОИКБ им. А. М. Ничоги, Астрахань, с января 2019 по декабрь 2020 г. включительно. ОКИ, вызванные УПЭ у детей в АО, составляют 74%, в том числе у детей в возрасте до 1 года – 60% от общего количества больных ОКИ уточненной бактериальной этиологии. Независимо от этиологического фактора ОКИ, вызванные УПЭ, протекали в виде моноинфекции (83%) средней степени тяжести (62%). Симптомы интоксикации имели прямую корреляционную связь (r = от 0,52 до 0,76; p < 0,001) с выраженностью диарейного синдрома и дегидратации. С уменьшением возраста ребенка увеличивалась продолжительность купирования этих симптомов (r = -0,72; p < 0,001). Clinical and epidemiological features of acute intestinal infections (AKI) caused by opportunistic enterobacteria (UPE) in young children, depending on the etiological factor were established. The information sources were the data of Rospotrebnadzor Administration in the Astrakhan oblast (AO), medical documentation (720 case histories) of patients under the age of 1 year treated in GBUZ «Regional clinical infectious hospital named. A. M. Nichogi» Astrakhan from January 2000 through December 2020. AKI caused by UPE in children in AO is 74%, including 60% in children under 1 year of age, of the total number of patients with AKI of specified bacterial etiology. Regardless of the etiological factor, AKI caused by UPE occurred in the form of monoinfection (83%), moderate severity (62%). Symptoms of intoxication had a direct correlation (r = 0,52 to 0,76; p < 0.001) with the severity of diarrheal syndrome and dehydration. With a decrease in the age of the child, the duration of relief of these symptoms increased (r = -0,72; p < 0,001).

Winter months’ temperature rises effect on duration of phenological phases for Spermophilus pygmaeus Pallas, 1778 populations located in Caspian depression (Astrakhan oblast)

This article provides comparison analysis between 1950–1959’s and 2000–2009’s periods for duration and schedule dates of awakening, spreading and hibernation phases for Spermophilus pygmaeus populations located in the Caspian Depression (by example of Astrakhan Oblast). We learned that within a period of maximum temperature rise in February 2000–2009’s durations of S.pygmaeus’ populations of every phonological phase have shortened and been rescheduled with earlier dates (in comparison to 1950–1959’s). The study also shows that these changes caused its population reduction on the Caspian Depression’s territory.

The linguo-regional knowledge aspect of the structure of the teaching methodology of Russian as a foreign language as one of the ways of adaptation of foreign students

The present article touches upon the problems of adaptation of foreign students in the multicultural region of Russia - the Astrakhan oblast. The article outlines the main methodological ways of solving them in the framework of education by updating the linguo-regional knowledge aspect of the structure of the teaching methodology of Russian as a foreign language (RFL), and gives descriptions of methodological models for the implementation of linguocultural adaptation of foreign students in the process of educational activities of the university based on the linguoregional specifics of the region. This work reveals the significance of the regional component of the RFL methodology aimed at forming communicative skills and abilities of students, in order to intensify the adaptation process. The authors present the features of country-specific and linguo-regional studies carried out in classroom and extracurricular time at the Department of Russian Language of Astrakhan State Medical University. The authors of the article associate the effectiveness of the adaptation process and acculturation of foreign students with the actualization of the linguo-regional knowledge aspect of the structure of the RFL methodology, which contributes to the formation of internal motivation for learning the Russian language and getting acquainted with Russia, to the removal of psychological communication barriers and to the development of communication skills. This work suggest using the principles of consistency and concentrism in the formation of countryspecific and regional knowledge, ensuring the reliability of visual information, and taking into account the native culture of foreign students with semantisation of words with a cultural component.

История и культура калмыцкого народа в трудах членов Петровского общества исследователей Астраханского края в последней четверти XIX – начале XX в.

Introduction. The article investigates the ethnographic component in activities of the regional scientific society — Peter the Great Society for the Study of Astrakhan Region widely known in Russia, including due to works on the history and culture of the Kalmyk people. Goals. The study aims to delineate the image of the scientific society that became known nationwide and gave ‘food and arguments’ for public thought, which determined its significance in the Lower Volga Region’s multinational space in the mid-to-late 19th and 20th centuries. Materials and Methods. The article analyzes scientific works, collected documents from Astrakhan archives and museums to review results of diverse efforts undertaken by the Society’s members on collecting sources, interpreting them, translating the knowledge gained into public discourse. The main research methods are those of synchrony and diachrony, classification and evaluation, statistical and comparative ones. Results. The Astrakhan scientific society grew to become a most authoritative one in Russia thanks to research works of its members, facilitated the awakening of public conscience, motivated the population to start exploring their region, interacted with various social and cultural groups, administrative structures to solve urgent problems of social development. One of the brightest research areas of the Society was that dealing with the past of the Kalmyks that inhabited Astrakhan Governorate. The paper analyzes certain features of studies in the history and culture of the Kalmyks conducted by members of the Society, reveals the role and significance of their works in the formation of professional ethnography in Astrakhan Oblast, and introduces new sources into scientific circulation.