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The liver has a big potential for self-healing, but the activity of regeneration decreases with age. Changes are occurring, including in the functional activity of various liver cell populations, the study of the characteristics of which can become the basis for the development of new therapeutic approaches to the liver diseases treatment at older people. The aim of this research was to study the level of stem and progenitor cells and the functional activity of the healthy liver from age- different rats. Material and methods. Experiments were carried out on Wistar rats aged 6 and 12 months. Ultrasound and histological examination of the liver from rats was used to assess morphological changes. The lipid profile of blood serum was evaluated by biochemical methods. Cytometric methods were used to study the surface and intracellular antigens of stem and progenitor cells isolated from the bone marrow, arterial blood and liver of rats. Results and discussion. In 12-month-old male Wistar rats, compared with 6-month-old rats, excessive formation of extracellular matrix components, disruption of tissue architecture, development of portal hypertension, as well as an increase in the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoproteins were revealed. We identified age- related differences in the content of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial cells (CD45–CD326+) in the bone marrow, blood and liver of rats. In the liver parenchyma, the populations of hepatocyte precursors (CD45– CD326+CD133+), oval cells (CD45–CD326+CD133+CD90+). At the same time, the level of all cell populations in the liver parenchyma of rats expressing the intracellular marker Sox9 was higher in one-year-old animals compared to younger ones, regardless of the cell phenotype. Conclusions. In the liver of 12-month-old rats, compared to 6-month-old rats, the number of cells expressing Sox9, lymphocytes with an inflammatory phenotype increases, the number of stem cells and various populations of epithelial and endothelial cells decreases, which leads to a decrease in the regenerative capacity of the liver, disruption of the tissue architecture of the organ and changes in lipid metabolism. These changes largely determine the increased susceptibility with age to the development of chronic liver diseases.

Aim. To identify the mechanism of state regulation of private enterprise initiative operating in the “developmental states” of East and Southeast Asia, which ensures consistently high rates of economic growth and an increase in public welfare.Tasks. Based on a comparative analysis, to determine the characteristic features of the model of relations between the state and business in the “developmental states”, to reveal its strengths and weaknesses, the role of the ruling elite in its functioning.Methods. The central concept is the “developmental state”, the elements of which are revealed by Zia Onish, the concepts of “planned-rational state” (C. Johnson), “built-in autonomy” (P. Evans), “neopatrimonial state”, “cohesive capitalist state” and “fragmented multi-class state” (A. Koli). The model of the relationship between the state and business is based on works related to Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.Results. It has been established that in “developmental states” the relations between the state and business are built into the political structure of society, in which centralized governance allows states to ensure political stability, reduce transaction costs for private entities, motivate entrepreneurship and create additional opportunities for economic development, and as a result - increasing the welfare of society.Conclusions. The example of the countries of East and Southeast Asia shows that the success of a “developmental state” is possible only when the political settlement enables the ruling elites to have the law enforcement capabilities to conduct an effective, nationally-oriented industrial policy necessary for the further improvement of the country’s technological capabilities. The rapid economic development of “developmental states”, which has led to talk of a “miracle”, raises the question of the possibility of using this experience in other regions of the world, including the EAEU countries.

Objective. Currently, cement is crushed in mills to a specific surface area of 2500-3000 and 3500-4500 cm2/g or more. Further grinding of clinker sharply worsens the properties of the resulting product. The relevance of the topic is due to the increased interest in reducing material and energy costs in the process of clinker grinding. The purpose of the work is to study the effect of different assortment of grinding media and weighted average ball diameter on the particle size of the final product, performing particle size analysis by particle diffraction. Method. To obtain reliable experimental data, a specially developed model of the grinding unit was used. Analysis of particle size by diffraction or spatial distribution (scattering spectrum) of scattered light was carried out using a laser analyzer. Result. A research methodology has been developed that meets the modern capabilities of experimental technology. Experimental studies have been conducted on clinker grinding in a laboratory mill. The combined effect of different assortments of grinding bodies and the average weighted diameter of the ball on the particle size of the final product has been determined. Conclusion. Studies of the curves of the final product obtained using different weighted average ball diameters have shown that large impact energy is not required to grind small grains; the diameter of the grinding bodies should decrease as the grain size of the material decreases. Therefore, the balls must have a minimum diameter, but sufficient to destroy the particles of the material.

Abstract Structural studies of pyrene have been limited to below 2 GPa. Here, we report on investigations of pyrene up to ~35 GPa using in situ single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction in diamond anvil cells and ab initio calculations. They reveal the phase transitions from pyrene-I to pyrene-II (0.7 GPa), and to the previously unreported pyrene-IV (2.7 GPa), and pyrene-V (7.3 GPa). The structure and bonding analysis shows that gradual compression results in continuous compaction of molecular packing, eventually leading to curvature of molecules, which has never been observed before. Large organic molecules exhibit unexpectedly high conformational flexibility preserving pyrene-V up to 35 GPa. Ab initio calculations suggest that the phases we found are thermodynamically metastable compared to pyrene-III previously reported at 0.3 and 0.5 GPa. Our study contributes to the fundamental understanding of the polymorphism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and calls for further theoretical exploration of their structure–property relationships.

Abstract Fe1-x O, although chemically simple, possesses a complex structural and magnetic phase diagram. The crystal structures of Fe1-x O and its magnetic properties at extreme conditions are still a matter of debate. Here, we performed a systematic investigation on Fe0.94O up to 94 GPa and 1700 K using synchrotron X-ray diffraction and synchrotron Mössbauer source spectroscopy. We observe a transition of Fe0.94O to the monoclinic phases above 40 GPa and at high temperatures and use the group theory analysis of the observed phases to discuss their properties and their relation to the ambient pressure phases. The Mössbauer spectra of the rhombohedral and the room temperature monoclinic phase contain a component attributed to Fe2.5+, caused by the electron exchange between the Fe3+ defect and neighboring Fe2+ atoms. Our results present a structural and magnetic transitional pressure-temperature diagram of Fe1-x O and show the complex physicochemical properties of simple Fe1-x O binary oxide under extreme conditions.

Exceeding physiological limits of the cell membrane potential compromises structural integrity, enabling the passage of normally impermeant solutes and disrupting cell function. Electropermeabilization has been studied extensively at the cellular scale, but not at the individual membrane lesion level. We employed fast total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) imaging of Ca2+ entry transients to discern individual lesions in a hyperpolarized cell membrane and characterize their focality, thresholds, electrical conductance, and the lifecycle. A diffuse and momentary membrane permeabilization without a distinct pore formation was observed already at a -100 mV threshold. Polarizing down to -200 mV created focal pores with a low 50- to 300-pS conductance, which disappeared instantly once the hyperpolarization was removed. Charging to -240 mV created high-conductance (> 1 nS) pores which persisted for seconds even at zero membrane potential. With incremental hyperpolarization steps, persistent pores often emerged at locations different from those where the short-lived, low-conductance pores or diffuse permeabilization were previously observed. Attempts to polarize membrane beyond the threshold for the formation of persistent pores increased their conductance adaptively, preventing further potential build-up and "clamping" it at a certain limit (-270 ± 6 mV in HEK cells, -284 ± 5 mV in CHO cells, and -243 ± 9 mV in neurons). The data suggest a previously unknown role of electroporative lesions as a protective mechanism against a potentially fatal membrane overcharging and cell disintegration.

Abstract Background In South Africa, pervasive age and gender inequities have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and public health response. We aimed to explore experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic among youth in eThekwini district, South Africa. Methods Between December 2021-May 2022 we explored experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth aged 16–24 residing in eThekwini, South Africa. We collated responses to the open-ended question “Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you in any other way you want to tell us about?” in an online survey focused on understanding the pandemic’s multi-levelled health and social effects. We used a thematic analysis to summarise the responses. Results Of 2,068 respondents, 256 (12.4%, median age = 22, 60.9% women) completed the open-ended survey question (11% in isiZulu). Results were organized into three main themes encompassing (1) COVID-19-related loss, fear, grief, and exacerbated mental and physical health concerns; (2) COVID-19-related intensified hardships, which contributed to financial, employment, food, education, and relationship insecurities for individuals and households; and (3) positive effects of the pandemic response, including the benefits of government policies and silver linings to government restrictions. Conclusions We found that South African youth experienced significant grief and multiple losses (e.g., death, income, job, and educational) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trauma-aware interventions that provide economic and educational opportunities must be included in post-COVID recovery efforts.

India, a member of the BRICS and the SCO, can play an important role in deepening Eurasian integration. However, in order to make possible the use of its integration potential, it is necessary to fully understand the specifics of this country, the nature of its existing political and economic system, which, in particular, is determined by the established model of relations between the state and business.Aim. To identify the features of the system of relations between the state and business, which has developed in India during the period of economic reforms and determines the potential and specifics of its political and economic development.Tasks. To trace the main stages of the evolution of relations between the state and business in the Republic of India, to assess government policy in relation to the main types of business and various business structures, to identify the degree of influence of private business on the policy and dynamics of economic development of the country.Methods. Systematic and comparative analysis, scientific generalization, expert assessments. Results. The article provides a scientific generalization of the evolution of models and methods of interaction between the state and business of the Republic of India, an assessment of their effectiveness from the point of view of socio-economic development of the country.Conclusions. The formation of the system of relations between the state and business in modern India was determined by the needs of the economic and social development of the country, the essence and forms of which were determined by the dominance of the relevant political forces and ideologies. At the initial stage, the use of repressive and coercive regulatory methods led to the establishment of a patron — client relationship between the state and business in all industrial sectors, focused on obtaining rent. However, subsequently, the growing inefficiency of the Indian economy and the growth of corruption forced the country’s ruling elites to reconsider their political and economic views and switch to a policy of economic liberalization, as a result of which India began to acquire the characteristic features of a “development state”. Currently, in a regulated market economy, the state, on the one hand, seeks to ensure greater freedom of the market, private entrepreneurship, promote greater openness and internationalization of the economy, on the other hand, weaken and limit large capital to protect small and medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, the relations between the state and business continue to be largely clientelistic, which, according to many experts, hinders further economic liberalization and increasing the global competitiveness of the Indian economy.

Little is known about the role of remote and sparsely populated Arctic coastal zones in the microplastic cycle. Distribution of microplastics was studied in the Svalbard fjords in June – July 2022 with the main goal of assessing rivers’ role in the fate of microplastic in Arctic coastal waters. Surface microplastics (0 – 20 cm depth, 500 – 5000 µm size) were sampled with a neuston net in triplicate per study site in parallel with sampling of subsurface microplastics with a pump system (1.5 m depth, 100 – 5000 µm size). The central part of Isfjorden and its several branches covering populated and unpopulated fjords were studied; the sampling was conducted during an intense riverine discharge in all studied sites. Maximum abundance of surface microplastics (71,400 items/km2 or 0.19 iterms/m3, 0.19 mg/m3) was found along the river plume border in the middle of populated Adventfjorden indicating importance of both local sources and surface hydrodynamics in the formation of microplastics accumulation hotspots. All other unpopulated fjords were free of the floating on the sea surface microplastics as river discharge prevented transport of microplastics inside the fjords. The highest concentration of subsurface microplastics was found in the central part of Isfjorden and the lowest – in river plume waters, which also indicates the removal of microplastics from the inner part of fjords during an intensive river discharge. Our results may suggest that Arctic rivers flowing through unpopulated areas bring clean water and thereby reduce level of microplastic pollution in the coastal waters. In contrast to the rest of the world’s ocean, rivers are not the main source of microplastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean.

In this work, an in situ characterization of the high-pressure and high-temperature phase diagram of ruthenium was carried out. This experiment was performed using a combination of laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LH-DAC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques at the beamline ID27 of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). XRD patterns were collected in the range of 15 GPa to 110 GPa and from ambient temperature up to 6600 K. While the hcp-fcc transition, predicted to occur at elevated temperatures was not observed, this study has produced the first experimental observation of a solid–liquid phase transition of Ru at HP conditions. A P-V-T equation of state valid up to 100 GPa and 3000 K is reported.

Background. In the context of the value pluralism in modern society, the importance of the ability to determine one's own value-semantic orientations, to make an independent choice between various sources of meaning and build one's life project on their basis increases. However, this ability can be developed in different ways in young people, depending on the severity of their alexithymia, reflection, and tolerance for uncertainty. The presence of a consistent system of personal meanings is a sign of personal maturity, which is the key to adaptive behaviour, psychological well-being, independence, and acceptance of one's own responsibility. Successful overcoming of the crisis of the meaning of life, the development of measures to prevent it in young people require the study of psychological characteristics that increase the risk of developing this condition. Objectives. The study focuses on the features of manifestation of a life-meaning crisis in young people with varying degrees of alexithymia, reflection, and tolerance for uncertainty. Methods. An empirical study was carried out using psychodiagnostic techniques: the “Questionnaire of the Meaningful Crisis” by K.V. Karpinsky, the “Toront Alexithymic Scale”, the questionnaire “Differential Type of Reflection” by D.A. Leontiev, “Badner Uncertainty Tolerance Scales” version by G.U. Soldier. Based on the correlation analysis, the strength of the relationship between the studied traits was determined and using the ANOVA analysis of variance and Fisher's Post-hoc analysis, the significance of the difference between the means in different groups was tested. Results. It was found that the severity of life-meaning crisis is associated with difficulties in defining and describing feelings, introspection, quasi-reflection, and tolerance for insolubility. Persons with a high severity of the life-meaning crisis are characterized by high rates of alexithymia. Men are characterized by a greater severity of subjective experiences characteristic of a life-meaning crisis. At the same time, the degree of severity is associated with such indicators as the difficulty of identifying feelings, introspection, and intolerance to difficulties. The level of reflection in men is associated with the level of tolerance for insolubility. The severity of alexithymia in women is associated with the level of reflection, in particular with the level of introspection. Conclusions. The data obtained allow us to draw up a psychological portrait of a modern young man experiencing a life meaning crisis. It has been shown that people with high levels of the life meaning crisis have difficulty noticing, naming, and correctly interpreting the emotional reactions that arise in them. It can be assumed that group trainings aimed at developing emotional intelligence and reducing the level of alexithymia will ease the crisis of the meaning of life for this category of people. Practical application of the results. The materials of the study can be used in the development and implementation of psychological assistance programmes, aimed at teaching adequate mechanisms for coping with a life-meaning crisis for students of secondary and higher educational institutions, as well as for young employees.

The literary reputation and creativity of M.A. Kuzmin has been determined to be influential on the unofficial Leningrad culture of the second half of the 20th century, such as works by L.L. Rakov, V.N. Petrov, A.N. Egunov, and others. The analysis of the texts shows that Kuzmin has a shared creative tradition with close friends and young people. Based on the analysis of their texts and the practice of their transmission, the article concludes that these writers formed a kind of emotional community, a bonded memory of Kuzmin, and knowledge of the crucial texts of the elder poet. Many works of Egunov, Petrov, and Rakov of this kind are “coded” by one text or another or by Kuzmin’s method. In turn, Kuzmin’s young friends in the second half of the 20th century themselves take on the role of “masters,” allowing practices, texts, and pre-revolutionary literary culture that support the following representatives, philologists, poets, and writers of the 1950s–1960s. The figure and texts of Kuzmin in these years form a different, unofficial literature, being perceived by authors who are looking for an alternative to Soviet culture. The structure of Kuzmin’s cult was shaped by historical and cultural factors following his demise. For many years, the topics that have been advancing on the periphery of Kuzmin’s work allow us to raise the question of the real influence of Kuzmin’s personality and creativity on the literary culture and literary process of the 20th century.

Relevance. The pilonidal cyst of the coccyx is a narrow channel lined with epithelium containing hair follicles, sebaceous glands, which opens on the skin of the interdigital fold more often with one or more punctate openings. The question of the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease is still controversial. The development of methods of surgical treatment of this disease began in the middle of the XIX century, during which time a huge number of options for interventions were proposed, but to date there is no single approach to the surgical treatment of pilonidal disease.The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of treatment of pilonidal coccyx cyst with a new surgical method.Material and methods. The article describes the author's method of surgical treatment of a pilonidal cyst, protected by patent RU 2,760,094. Early and longterm treatment results are presented.Results. When using a new method of surgical treatment of pilonidal coccyx cyst, the time of wound epithelialization, inpatient bed-day and time of disability of patients decrease, the percentage of postoperative complications decreases, the cosmetic result of surgery and the quality of life of patients significantly improve.Conclusions. A new surgical method for the treatment of pilonidal coccyx cyst improves the quality of life and reduces the risk of recurrence.

Objective. Currently, cement is crushed in mills to a specific surface area of 2500-3000 and 3500-4500 cm2/g or more. Further grinding of clinker sharply worsens the properties of the resulting product. The purpose of the study is to ensure maximum efficiency of the grinding process by determining the optimal combined influence of a different assortment of grinding media and surfactants.Method. When grinding the material, a surfactant (surfactant) is introduced. Triethalamine (TEA) was used as a surfactant – grinding intensifier. Triethalamine is added immediately before grinding into the mill, in an amount of 0.03% in terms of dry matter of the mass of clinker loaded into the mill.Result. By adding a surfactant when grinding clinker, you can obtain a finished product, while the grinding time is reduced by 1.5 times.Conclusion. The results of experimental studies indicate a significant influence of different compositions of grinding media on the resulting grain composition and properties of cement.

Relevance. Endometriosis is a multifactorial gynecological disease characterized by a benign proliferation of endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity. At the present stage of the study of endometriosis, the etiology and pathogenesis of its development have not been studied enough. More and more attention is paid to the emotional and personal characteristics of patients, and the disease itself is gradually moving into the category of psychosomatic disorders.The objective was to identify the features of the perception of pain syndrome, as well as emotional, personal characteristics and the level of adaptation of women with endometriosis.Methods and materials. The study involved 76 respondents: 46 women with endometriosis and 30 women without gynecological pathology (conditionally). We used psychodiagnostic questionnaire methods aimed at studying the perception of pain syndrome, emotional sphere, level of adaptation, personal characteristics and gender identity.Results. The personal profile of women with endometriosis is dominated by such traits as: anxiety, depression, difficulties in controlling life events, a decrease in the level of socio-psychological adaptation and satisfaction with the quality of life, a tendency to escape from reality in comparison with the personal profile of conditionally healthy women. It has been established that a higher assessment of the severity of pain syndrome in endometriosis is interconnected with such types of interpersonal interaction as «dependent-obedient» and «cooperating-conventional».Conclusions. The treatment and rehabilitation of patients with endometriosis requires taking into account their psychological characteristics, as well as a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists of various profiles, including psychologists/ psychotherapists.

Background. In the structure of oncological diseases, lung cancer is one of the most common pathologies characterized by high mortality. The probability of five-year survival is higher for patients receiving treatment in the early stages of cancer. Purpose. The study is devoted to the study of the relationship between the psychological characteristics of cancer patients with early diagnosis of the disease and the subsequent course of the disease. Materials and methods. The study involved 72 patients with diagnosed lung cancer aged 39 to 80 years. In accordance with the purpose of the study, the respondents were grouped into two groups depending on the stage of the disease (early and late treatment) and depending on the course of the disease (favorable and unfavorable). The study was conducted using a complex of psychodiagnostic techniques, methods of mathematical statistics were methods of descriptive statistics, discriminant analysis. Results. Early detection of lung cancer is associated with such features as a pessimistic attributive style, emotional stability, an internal locus of control in the field of interpersonal relations, a rare use of the Escape-avoidance coping strategy. The favorable course of the disease is facilitated by the rare use of the coping strategy "Escape-avoidance", the severity of the indicator of resilience "Control". Conclusion. Thus, the obtained data open up new possibilities in a personalized approach to cancer treatment and can be used in psychosocial and psychotherapeutic practice for patients with lung cancer. Funding. The research has been funded by the Russian Science Foundation, grant No. 21-18-00434, https://rscf.ru/project/21-18-00434/.

Abstract Background Metastatic disease is a major and difficult-to-treat complication of lung cancer. Considering insufficient effectiveness of existing therapies and taking into account the current problem of lung cancer chemoresistance, it is necessary to continue the development of new treatments. Methods Previously, we have demonstrated the antitumor effects of reprogrammed CD8+ T-cells (rCD8+ T-cells) from the spleen in mice with orthotopic lung carcinoma. Reprogramming was conducted by inhibiting the MAPK/ERK signalling pathway through MEKi and the immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1. Concurrently, CD8+ T-cells were trained in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. We suggested that rCD8+ T-cells isolated from the spleen might impede the development of metastatic disease. Results The present study has indicated that the reprogramming procedure enhances the survival and cytotoxicity of splenic CD8+ T-cells in LLC culture. In an LLC model of spontaneous metastasis, splenic rCD8 + T-cell therapy augmented the numbers of CD8+ T-cells and CD4+ T-cells in the lungs of mice. These changes can account for the partial reduction of tumors in the lungs and the mitigation of metastatic activity. Conclusions Our proposed reprogramming method enhances the antitumor activity of CD8+ T-cells isolated from the spleen and could be valuable in formulating an approach to treating metastatic disease in patients with lung cancer.

Abstract Background Anthrax is the most prioritized zoonotic disease in Kazakhstan due to its threatening potential to the public health and agricultural sector. Sporadic anthrax outbreaks are being reported annually among human and livestock populations throughout the country, with the highest frequency occurring in West Kazakhstan. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted using a survey‐based face‐to‐face interview. From January to May 2022, 489 randomly selected participants were surveyed in 6 districts of the Baiterek province in West Kazakhstan oblast to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding anthrax among community members. This is the first KAP study conducted relating to outbreaks of anthrax in Kazakhstan. Results In this study, most participants (74%) surveyed were males, and 40% of respondents had a secondary level education. Overall, 91% of the community respondents were engaged in agriculture and livestock rearing. Among these community members, cattle rearing was the most common (67%) occupation compared to other livestock species. Additionally, over a 50% of the population studied had no knowledge about the zoonotic nature of the disease, and about 82% and 87% of respondents were unaware of any animal and human anthrax symptoms, respectively. About 70% of the respondents were interested in vaccinating their livestock against anthrax. Individuals aged 45–54 displayed notably higher animal vaccination rates (45%; 95% CI: 38.4–52.0; p

Among oncological diseases, prostate cancer ranks third after lung and stomach cancer. A timely (early) application of patients for medical help, early diagnosis and early treatment are the factors of a favourable course and survival rate. The purpose of the study is to identify a set of psychological predictors associated with untimely primary care-seeking in men with prostate cancer. 81 men diagnosed with prostate cancer took part in the study, aged from 53 to 85 years old (mean age — 64.4, standard deviation — 8.8), 42 men at early stages of the disease (I, II), 39 men at late stages (III, IV), who first sought professional medical help in the Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Centre of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Chelyabinsk, Russia. Seeking medical help at the early stages of the disease (I, II stages) is timely, or an early application, while treatment at later stages (III, IV) is late treatment. The study used survey methods, in particular, psychodiagnostic techniques: the World Assumptions Scale (R. Janoff-Bulman; adapted by M.A. Padun, A.V. Kotelnikova), the Level of Subjective Control method (E.F. Bazhin, E.A. Golynkina, L.M. Etkind), the Life Orientation Test (M.F. Scheier, C.S. Carpenter, adapted by D.A. Tsiring, K.Y. Evnina), the S. Maddi test of resilience, adapted by D.A. Leontiev, E.I. Rasskazova, the SF-36 “Quality of Life Assessment” questionnaire (the translation into Russian and the approbation of the methodology was carried out by the Institute of Clinical and Pharmacological Research, St. Petersburg). The study found that men who do not seek medical help in a timely manner experience intense pain that interferes with their daily activity, they are also internalized in the field of industrial relations, showing more personal responsibility for successes and failures in the professional sphere. Also, men with prostate cancer who seek help in the late stages of the disease are close to a pessimistic expectation of the future.

Abstract Background Economic hardship is a potential trigger for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration. While higher IPV rates have been reported in low-income regions, few African studies have focused on IPV being triggered by economic hardship among young men during the COVID-19 pandemic. We therefore estimated economic hardship’s effect on IPV perpetration by young men in eThekwini District, South Africa, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional survey of COVID-19 pandemic experiences was conducted among youth aged 16–24 years through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire, including questions about economic hardship (increased difficulty accessing food or decreased income) and IPV perpetration. A prespecified statistical analysis plan with a directed acyclic graph of assumed exposure, outcome, and confounder relationships guided our analyses. We measured association of economic hardship and IPV perpetration through odds ratios (ORs) computed from a multivariable logistic regressions adjusted for measured confounders. Secondary outcomes of physical and sexual IPV perpetration were analyzed separately using the same specifications. Propensity score matching weights (PS-MW) were used in sensitivity analyses. Analysis code repository: https://github.com/CAndrewBasham/Economic_Hardship_IPV_perpetration/ Results Among 592 participants, 12.5% reported perpetrating IPV, 67.6% of whom reported economic hardship, compared with 45.6% of those not reporting IPV perpetration (crude OR = 2.49). Median age was 22 years (interquartile range 20–24). Most (80%) were in a relationship and living together. Three quarters identified as Black, 92.1% were heterosexual, and half had monthly household income

Funnel-shaped deformity of the chest is a serious disease with an unknown etiology and pathogenesis. Pathological changes occurring in the cartilaginous tissue of the ribs are one of the leading mechanisms for the development of chest curvature. Analysis of the phenotypic features of cells isolated from the site of localization of the pathological process will create a more complete picture of the deformation development.Aim of the study was to identify the phenotype of rib cartilage cells in funnel-shaped deformation of the thorax.Material and methods. Rib cartilage cells of children with funnel-shaped chest deformity were cultured up to the 2–3rd passage, then were identified by histochemical and immunohistochemical methods.Results and discussion. The study revealed cells of two different phenotypes. The first type is oval and polygonal chondroblasts expressing a marker of chondrogenic differentiation. The second type is the cells of the neural phenotype with the expression of early neural markers Musashi1 and PAX6 and the neurospecific protein III β-tubulin, as well as the substance Nissl.Conclusions. The analysis of the phenotypic features of rib cartilage cells with funnel-shaped curvature of the chest allowed us to expand the idea of a possible etiological factor in the deformation development.

Abstract Seismic anisotropy is a powerful tool to map deformation processes in the deep Earth. Below 660 km, however, observations are scarce and conflicting. In addition, the underlying crystal scale mechanisms, leading to microstructures and crystal orientations, remain poorly constrained. Here, we use multigrain X‐ray diffraction in the laser‐heated diamond anvil cell to investigate the orientations of hundreds of grains in pyrolite, a model composition of the Earth's mantle, at in situ pressure and temperature. Bridgmanite in pyrolite exhibits three regimes of microstructures, due to transformation and deformation at low and high pressure. These microstructures result in predictions of 1.5%–2% shear wave splitting between 660 and 2,000 km with reversals in fast S‐wave polarization direction at about 1,300 km depth. Anisotropy can develop in pyrolite at lower mantle conditions, but pressure has a significant impact on the plastic behavior of bridgmanite, and hence seismic observations, which may explain conflicting anisotropy observations.

The article examines a number of international regulatory acts containing the main legal standards in the field of ensuring employment of the population, combating unemployment and social security of a person in connection with the loss of a person's job for reasons beyond his control. It is noted that these areas of legal regulation are directly related to the right to work, the effective prohibition of discrimination and forced labor, as well as the right to free personal development and decent work. The change in trends in the social policy of the states is monitored from the simple support of a sufficient living standard of the unemployed through the provision of state or insurance benefits to the state employment policy, which stimulates employment based on professional orientation, choosing a profession with maximum consideration of natural abilities and already acquired skills, opportunities for professional training, retraining and advanced training, building a system of professional education in accordance with the needs of the labor market, etc. International legal standards, which are the basis for the development of the legal system of any modern state, determine the directions of reforming both the legal system as a whole and its individual branches. Accordingly, the labor and social security legislation of Ukraine is also developing in line with global and European trends. In particular, already during the years of independence, legislation on employment and social protection of the unemployed has undergone significant reforms, increasingly approaching the high standards of ensuring human rights in this area. The revision of the 2012 Law of Ukraine "On Employment of the Population" was a significant progressive step, as it provided for a number of measures to stimulate productive employment, help young people get their first job, and regulated the procedure for employment of foreign citizens in Ukraine. This Law and the relevant regulatory documents are subject to constant changes, especially in the last few years in connection with the problems of the pandemic caused by the spread of COVID-19 in the period of 2020-21 and the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine from February 2022 to the present . It should be noted that the cooperation of the legislative and executive branches of government with experts of specialized international organizations brings positive results, as Ukrainian legal norms are increasingly approaching recognized international standards, in particular, the standards of the European Union, in which the main goal is to ensure human rights, respect for the individual, human dignity and equality of treatment in the spheres of employment and professional education.