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The article is devoted to the study, restoration, and reconstruction of a poplar box originating from kurgan No. 13 of the Urysay-2 burial site. This box contained a set of ritual objects associated with a female “priestess”. The box was positioned behind the head of the deceased and was a low, square container with straight sides and a separate flat lid. The specific set of objects found in the box included a mirror, a cedar block, a “spoon” with traces of paint, a small organic vessel (leather? felt?), and silk fabric, supplemented by a small stone altar and a set of tools found nearby. During fieldwork, the box was removed in one block. Subsequently, an MRI scan was performed; a comprehensive set of procedures was conducted to identify the material of the finds, their physicochemical composition, conservation, and restoration; a 3D reconstruction of the box and the items was carried out.

BACKGROUND: In many countries families have rarely been involved in addressing treatment and interventions for family members with substance use disorders (SUDs). The aims of this study were to measure the influence of substance use on users’ family members and to evaluate what and if any interventions were conducted by and with family members in the three countries of Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Ukraine. METHODS: A convenience sample approach was used to identify the involvement of families in the treatment and recovery process of a subject using substances and to provide countryspecific data from Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine. RESULTS: The survey yielded 2174 respondents from the three countries, including 1099 responses from relatives of a subject who used or uses substances and 1075 from subjects who use or used psychoactive substances. In total, 47% of the relatives indicated that they did not receive treatment interventions and 87% believed that treatment could be an effective option to address the use of substances. CONCLUSIONS: A significant majority of the relatives in Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine did not receive any therapeutic or other support while living with a subject with an SUD. Unsurprisingly, family members often regarded the best way to treat SUDs as being to isolate the subject. However, in all three countries most of the subjects with experience of substance use identified the family as the main factor that could prevent them from using substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, for the first time, the results of a laboratory study of a finding representing a fragment of a saddle coat are entered into a scientific circulation. Embroidery was being able to be reconstructed after 18 years since the discovery. The find came from the excavation of the mound number 11 of the Berel burial ground, studied by an international expedition of the A.Kh. Margulan Institute of Archaeology under the leadership of Z. Samashev in 1998–1999. Separate fragments of embroidery, found in different places of the burial chamber, underwent a full cycle of conservation. The combination of computer and physical assembly of the decor, by examining every shred of textile, made it possible to reveal the embroidery plot. On the saddle cover there is a scene of the agony of a hoofed animal by four predators, repeating almost mirrored on both sides of the covering, along a saddle groove a band of vegetative ornament is located. Conservation and restoration work, including research materials, lasted several years. Works are performed with financial support from the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The article presents a reconstruction of “archaeological” costume restored by the Ostrov Krym Scientific Restoration Laboratory (Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan) by the finds uncovered from Early Iron Age graves. The authors examined organic remains of clothes from barrow no. 11 of Berel burial ground (4th – 3rd centuries BC) located on the territory of the Kazakhstan Altai and undertook a partial reconstruction of several items: a fur coat, a headdress and two felt stockings. The accuracy of this reconstruction is confirmed by well-preserved analogues of synchronous Altai barrows on the territory of Russia and Mongolia, belonging to the Pazyryk culture. The article also describes a method by which undisturbed graves can be extracted as one (monolithic) block and contains techniques for formation of such blocks in the dig and lab studies of “archaeological” costumes in such blocks, applied by the Ostrov Krym Laboratory.

There is no multi-country/multi-language study testing a-priori multivariable associations between non-modifiable/modifiable factors and validated wellbeing/multidimensional mental health outcomes before/during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, studies during COVID-19 pandemic generally do not report on representative/weighted non-probability samples. The Collaborative Outcomes study on Health and Functioning during Infection Times (COH-FIT) is a multi-country/multi-language survey conducting multivariable/LASSO-regularized regression models and network analyses to identify modifiable/non-modifiable factors associated with wellbeing (WHO-5)/composite psychopathology (P-score) change. It enrolled general population-representative/weighted-non-probability samples (26/04/2020-19/06/2022). Participants included 121,066 adults (age=42±15.9 years, females=64 %, representative sample=29 %) WHO-5/P-score worsened (SMD=0.53/SMD=0.74), especially initially during the pandemic. We identified 15 modifiable/nine non-modifiable risk and 13 modifiable/three non-modifiable protective factors for WHO-5, 16 modifiable/11 non-modifiable risk and 10 modifiable/six non-modifiable protective factors for P-score. The 12 shared risk/protective factors with highest centrality (network-analysis) were, for non-modifiable factors, country income, ethnicity, age, gender, education, mental disorder history, COVID-19-related restrictions, urbanicity, physical disorder history, household room numbers and green space, and socioeconomic status. For modifiable factors, we identified medications, learning, internet, pet-ownership, working and religion as coping strategies, plus pre-pandemic levels of stress, fear, TV, social media or reading time, and COVID-19 information. In multivariable models, for WHO-5, additional non-modifiable factors with |B|>1 were income loss, COVID-19 deaths. For modifiable factors we identified pre-pandemic levels of social functioning, hobbies, frustration and loneliness, and social interactions as coping strategy. For P-scores, additional non-modifiable/modifiable factors were income loss, pre-pandemic infection fear, and social interactions as coping strategy. COH-FIT identified vulnerable sub-populations and actionable individual/environmental factors to protect well-being/mental health during crisis times. Results inform public health policies, and clinical practice., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest Conflict of interest statements of all authors are detailed in eTable 12., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

International studies measuring wellbeing/multidimensional mental health before/ during the COVID-19 pandemic, including representative samples for >2 years, identifying risk groups and coping strategies are lacking. COH-FIT is an online, international, anonymous survey measuring changes in well-being (WHO-5) and a composite psychopathology P-score, and their associations with COVID-19 deaths/restrictions, 12 a-priori defined risk individual/cumulative factors, and coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic (26/04/2020-26/06/2022) in 30 languages (representative, weighted non-representative, adults). T-test, χ 2 , penalized cubic splines, linear regression, correlation analyses were conducted. Analyzing 121,066/142,364 initiated surveys, WHO-5/P-score worsened intra-pandemic by 11.1±21.1/13.2±17.9 points (effect size d=0.50/0.60) (comparable results in representative/weighted non-probability samples). Persons with WHO-5 scores indicative of depression screening (<50, 13% to 32%) and major depression (<29, 3% to 12%) significantly increased. WHO-5 worsened from those with mental disorders, female sex, COVID-19-related loss, low-income country location, physical disorders, healthcare worker occupations, large city location, COVID-19 infection, unemployment, first-generation immigration, to age=18-29 with a cumulative effect. Similar findings emerged for P-score. Changes were significantly but minimally related to COVID-19 deaths, returning to near-pre-pandemic values after >2 years. The most subjectively effective coping strategies were exercise and walking, internet use, social contacts. Identified risk groups, coping strategies and outcome trajectories can inform global public health strategies., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Conflict of interest statements of all authors are detailed in eTable 8., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To identify the COVID-19 pandemic impact on well-being/mental health, coping strategies, and risk factors in adolescents worldwide., Method: This study was based on an anonymous online multi-national/multi-language survey in the general population (representative/weighted non-representative samples, 14-17 years of age), measuring change in well-being (World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index [WHO-5]/range = 0-100) and psychopathology (validated composite P-score/range = 0-100), WHO-5 <50 and <29, pre- vs during COVID-19 pandemic (April 26, 2020-June 26, 2022). Coping strategies and 9 a priori- defined individual/cumulative risk factors were measured. A χ 2 , penalized cubic splines, linear regression, and correlation analyses were conducted., Results: Analyzing 8,115 of 8,762 initiated surveys (representative = 75.1%), the pre-pandemic WHO-5 and P-score remained stable during the study (excluding relevant recall bias/drift), but worsened during the pandemic by 5.55 ± 17.13 (SD) and 6.74 ± 16.06 points, respectively (effect size d = 0.27 and d = 0.28). The proportion of adolescents with WHO-5 scores suggesting depression screening (<50) and major depression (<29) increased from 9% to 17% and 2% to 6%. WHO-5 worsened (descending magnitude, with cumulative effect) in adolescents with a mental or physical disorder, female gender, and with school closure. Results were similar for the P-score, with the exception of school closure (not significant) and living in a low-income country, as well as not living in a large city (significant). Changes were significantly but minimally related to COVID-19 deaths/restrictions, returning to near-pre-pandemic values after >2 years. The 3 most subjectively effective coping strategies were Internet use, exercise/walking, and social contacts., Conclusion: Overall, well-being/mental health worsened (small effect sizes) during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in vulnerable subpopulations. Identified at-risk groups, association with pandemic-related measures, and coping strategies can inform individual behaviors and global public health strategies., Study Preregistration Information: Physical and mental health impact of COVID-19 on children, adolescents, and their families: The Collaborative Outcomes study on Health and Functioning during Infection Times - Children and Adolescents (COH-FIT-C&A); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.090 DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT: We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science., (Copyright © 2024 American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: In Kazakhstan, the HIV epidemic has a significant impact on marginalized groups such as gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), exacerbated by homophobic attitudes (in society) and (resulting) minority stress. This stress often leads to coping behaviors such as chemsex - the use of synthetic stimulants to enhance sexual experiences. Our study explores the motivations and perceived risks associated with chemsex among GBMSM in Almaty., Methods: We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 21 chemsex participants self-identified as GBMSM in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Participants were recruited through community-based organizations to ensure a diverse sample in terms of age and ethnicity. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes related to motivations and risks., Results: Participants practiced chemsex to seek liberation from societal norms and personal inhibitions, increase sexual pleasure, and escape daily stressors. Chemsex sessions provided intensified sexual experiences, emotional comfort, and social connections, challenging constraints on sexual behavior. Participants recognized significant risks, including mental and physical health issues, social stigma, and violence victimisation. Despite these risks, the desire for the perceived benefits of chemsex, particularly feelings of freedom and happiness, underscored its appeal., Conclusions: The study reveals a complex dynamic in which chemsex serves as a coping mechanism for minority stress, a source of sexual liberation, and a social connector for GBMSM in Kazakhstan, while also posing significant health risks. These findings emphasize the need for targeted harm reduction strategies, mental health support, and community-building efforts that are responsive to the experiences and needs of GBMSM who engage in chemsex., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study aimed to compare mental healthcare services for older adults aged ≥65 years among countries in World Psychiatric Association (WPA) Zone 10., Methods: A culturally sensitive questionnaire was developed and sent to the presidents of national psychiatric associations of the eight countries in WPA Zone 10 (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, and Uzbekistan)., Results: Psychiatric associations of six countries responded to the questionnaire (Armenia and Moldova did not respond). The prevalence of mental disorders among older adults (aged ≥65 years) varied from 2.6% in Russia (among those aged ≥60 years) to 3.5% in Azerbaijan, 4% in Uzbekistan, 12.1% in Kazakhstan, and 13.8% in Kyrgyzstan (no data were available for Belarus). Specialised gerontopsychiatric care is provided in all six countries, except for Kazakhstan., Conclusion: The prevalence of mental disorders in older adults differed among countries in WPA Zone 10. Improving gerontopsychiatric care is a target for healthcare planners in WPA Zone 10., Competing Interests: All authors have disclosed no conflicts of interest.

Background: The Collaborative Outcome study on Health and Functioning during Infection Times (COH-FIT; www.coh-fit.com) is an anonymous and global online survey measuring health and functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to test concurrently the validity of COH-FIT items and the internal validity of the co-primary outcome, a composite psychopathology "P-score"., Methods: The COH-FIT survey has been translated into 30 languages (two blind forward-translations, consensus, one independent English back-translation, final harmonization). To measure mental health, 1-4 items ("COH-FIT items") were extracted from validated questionnaires (e.g. Patient Health Questionnaire 9). COH-FIT items measured anxiety, depressive, post-traumatic, obsessive-compulsive, bipolar and psychotic symptoms, as well as stress, sleep and concentration. COH-FIT Items which correlated r ≥ 0.5 with validated companion questionnaires, were initially retained. A P-score factor structure was then identified from these items using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) on data split into training and validation sets. Consistency of results across languages, gender and age was assessed., Results: From >150,000 adult responses by May 6th, 2022, a subset of 22,456 completed both COH-FIT items and validated questionnaires. Concurrent validity was consistently demonstrated across different languages for COH-FIT items. CFA confirmed EFA results of five first-order factors (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic, psychotic, psychophysiologic symptoms) and revealed a single second-order factor P-score, with high internal reliability (ω = 0.95). Factor structure was consistent across age and sex., Conclusions: COH-FIT is a valid instrument to globally measure mental health during infection times. The P-score is a valid measure of multidimensional mental health., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest Conflict of interest statements of all authors are detailed in Supplementary Table 7., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To study and systematize the complaints of patients with removable prostheses, paying attention to the clinical manifestation of the torus and its sensitivity, and to determine the effectiveness of the use of two-layer bases in removable prosthetics., Methods: In the clinic of orthopedic dentistry, 104 people were examined and received orthopedic treatment, including 37 patients in the comparison group. The main number of patients up to 55.3, complained of poor fixation and violation of the chewing process. In order to improve the functional efficiency of the removable prosthesis, two-layer bases using soft linings, Gossil (Russia), Furji (Japan), and Mucopren (Germany), are proposed. Clinical and laboratory studies were conducted (Estesmary, gattingeri, physico-mechanical studies of soft linings). The effectiveness of using soft pads in removable prosthetics is shown. The conducted research allowed creating a clinical classification of the torus depending on the pain sensitivity of the oral mucosa-type I-painless torus, type II-moderately painful, and type III-painful when touched. The features of the technology for manufacturing two-layer bases for type II and type III of torus are recommended., Results: It was found that 47.9% of patients in the comparison group and 55.3% of those examined in the main group complained about impaired chewing and poor fixation of dentures on the upper and lower jaws, depending on the condition of oral tissues. The patients did not always objectively assess the condition of their dentures. Patients complained about lack of stabilization, poor-quality dentures, and the need to replace the old denture with a new one in 13.8% of cases in the control group and 31.9% in the main group of patients examined., Conclusion: In the case of removable denture wearers with a total lack of teeth, there were 55.3% complaints of chewing disorders and poor fixation of dentures, and in the case of partially removable denture wearers, the greatest number of complaints of clasp fixation disorders were found in 42.1% of cases. Physico-mechanical study of soft linings from different countries, Gossil (Russia), Fuji (Japan), Mukopren (Germany), showed their effectiveness and the possibility of their use orthopedic dentistry., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

The Aim of the Study: Was determination of TMJ anatomical and functional parameters in patients without clinical manifestations of TMJ dysfunction and analysis of possible relationships between them., Material and Methods: TMJ anatomical parameters of 25 volunteers (22-27 years old) without TMJ dysfunction, malocclusion and more than one tooth adentia were determined on CT scans and lab teeth scans: inclination of the distal slopes of the articular eminence (DS AE), height and width of the condyles, height of AE, inclination of the longitudinal axes of the condyles; as well as functional parameters of LJ movements: horizontal condylar inclination (HCI) during protrusion and laterotrusion, lateral condylar inclination during protrusion and laterotrusion, immediate side shift, incisor and canine guidance, and correlations between them were evaluated., Results: The majority of the TMJ anatomical parameters are almost equal by mean values on the right and left sides. The main TMJ functional parameters on the right and left sides also have similar values but much higher variability, asymmetry and unpredictability. The existing anatomical asymmetry of the DS AE is compensated by articular discs, which makes HCI more symmetrical., Conclusion: Protrusion movements have a higher probability of reproduction by mechanical articulators while laterotrusion movements have a very low probability. The existence of relationship between the inclination of DS AE and HCI, between HCI and the incisor guidance, between the inclination of DS AE and the incisor guidance is questionable. The conducted research proves the weakness or complete absence of correlation between them.

Background: This study aimed to analyze the demographic and epidemiological features of identified COVID-19 cases in Kazakhstan., Study Design: A cross-sectional study., Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze COVID-19 cases (n=5116) collected from March 13 to June 6, 2020, in Kazakhstan. The data were obtained from a state official medical electronic database. The study investigated the geographic and demographic data of patients as well as the association of COVID-19 cases with gender and age. The prevalence of symptoms, the presence of comorbidities, complications, and COVID-19 mortality were determined for all patients., Results: The mean±SD age of the patients in this study was 34.8±17.6 years, and the majority (55.7%) of COVID-19 cases were male and residents of cities (79.6%). In total, 80% of the cases had the asymptomatic/mild form of the disease. Cough (20.8 %) and sore throat (17.1%) were the most common symptoms among patients, and pneumonia was diagnosed in 1 out of 5 cases. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was recorded in 1.2% of the patients. The fatality rate was 1% in the study population and lethality was 2.6 times higher in males compared to females.  Each additional year in age increased the probability of COVID-19 infection by 1.06 times. The presence of cardiovascular, diabetes, respiratory, and kidney diseases affected the rate of mortality (P<0.05)., Conclusion: The results demonstrated a high proportion (40%) of the asymptomatic type of coronavirus infection in the Kazakhstan population. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms and lethality were directly related to the age of patients and the presence of comorbidities.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the long-term results of dental implants and the risk factors associated with implant survival and success rates. 108 patients were examined and the control consisted of medical history taking, clinical and radiographic examinations. The survival rate of dental implants was 96.0% and the success rate was 94.3%. Mucositis was found to be related to patients' age and the number of implant units placed. Peri-implantitis was often found in patients showing low standards of oral hygiene as well as in those who were not coming on regular dental visits. Mucositis was in every 5th implant site and was mostly seen in patients with prosthetic constructions consisting of 3 or more units as well as in older patients. Oral hygiene and dental control visits are important to maintain good oral health.