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The review sets out modern ideas about the mechanisms of action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system and other organs and systems. Current experimental and clinical studies have shown that GABA has numerous effects: neuroprotective, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and enteroprotective, and others, which are currently the subject for study by biologists, physiologists, and physicians. Synthetic GABA analogues are widely used in clinical practice. One of these drugs is aminophenylbutyric acid hydrochloride (Anvifen®) that has demonstrated high efficiency and safety in clinical practice.

This study featured types and components of tolerance in students that majored in social science, natural science, and humanities. The paper focuses on various definitions of this term and its regional specifics. The obtained data underwent a correlation analysis, Student's t-test for independent samples, and a content analysis. The sample consisted of 91 people aged 18–21 (33 % male). The methods of primary data collection included the Index of Tolerance questionnaire developed by G. U. Soldatova, O. A. Kravtsova, O. E. Khukhlaeva, and L. A. Shaigerova; the Questionnaire of Communicative Tolerance by V. V. Boyko; the Homophobia Index Questionnaire by V. V. Hudson and V. A. Rickets; the Types and Components of Tolerance vs. Intolerance by G. L. Bardier; and a sentence competition test. The interpersonal component of tolerance had the highest mean score among other components, regardless of the major. The article highlights the way humanities degree students see tolerance. The results can be used in training programs that adapt students to the multicultural environment of the university.

The research featured family values of the so-called Generation Z. The survey involved an authentic survey, S. S. Nosov’s Family Values Questionnaire, and the Morphological Test of Life Values developed by V. F. Sopov and L. V. Karpushina. A comparative analysis proved that Generation Z and Generation Y have both similar and different views on family values. The sphere of marriage and parenting had more differences, while the sphere of kinship showed more similarities. Representatives of Generation Z appeared to accept the idea of cohabitation; they also tended to get married relatively late in life. The gap between the optimal age of marriage for men and women proved to be quite narrow, while the age of first childbirth for women approximated that of men. In general, Generation Z shifted to an egalitarian family type. Unlike Generation Y, members of Generation Z valued spiritual satisfaction and underestimated achievements. In the hierarchy of family life values, they focused on spiritual satisfaction, self-development, individuality, and active social contacts. The research results can be used in health and family life education programs.

In order to identify the characteristics of personal fulfillment of volunteers, a comparative study using the methods of content analysis and survey was conducted. The results reveal the objectives and motives of participation in volunteering, and especially the level of satisfaction and personal fulfillment of volunteers. Statistically significant differences in terminal and instrumental values’ significance were revealed, as well as differences in the subjective evaluation of implemented values. The results are applicable to the work of public and youth organizations, in the activities of vocational guidance of young people, in the attraction of young people for volunteering, in the development of youth volunteer organizations, as well as in the development of teaching materials and courses for students of educational programs related to the work with youth.

This article aims to review the literature regarding assessment of the gut microbiota effect on kidney stone formation. We sought to determine whether several specific gut bacteria or a wider number of members of the gut microbiota are responsible for this association based on the literature data. We conducted an extensive literature search (publications on kidney stones and gut microbiota dated 2013-2023) in PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science Core Collection.A large number of earlier studies were focused on physical and chemical properties of crystals formed by kidney stones. In recent years as diagnostic technologies advance, there has been a tendency to study the association of the gut microbiota and the development of other unrelated diseases. Studies have emerged showing the gut microbiota effect on the development of urolithiasis, which suggests that stone formation can be prevented or caused by changing the structure of the gut microbiome. However, further research is needed to identify which genera or types of the gut microbiota break down oxalate and reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.

In recent years, there has been an upward trend in the urolithiasis incidence worldwide and an increase in the recurrence of stone formation. Urolithiasis prevalence rates range from 1% to 20%. In some countries, there is an increase in rates up to 37%. Stones are classified into those caused by infections, non infectious causes, and genetic diseases. Alteration in urine microbiome plays a significant role in the infection stone formation. Our objective was to review the current literature on the role of bacteria in the formation of kidney concrements. The gained knowledge could be used to explore new possibilities and improve the understanding of stone formation. We analyzed articles on the composition of the urine microbiome and kidney stones.

Mortgage lending is one of the most popular, but expensive types of lending. State participation through incentives increases the attractiveness of mortgages, but at the same time leads to sectoral, territorial, and subjective injustice. The study objectives are to determine the reasons for the differentiation of preferential mortgage conditions for different participants, to analyze the consequences of such differentiation, as well as to justify the need and develop regulatory measures in this area. The research used domestic and foreign scientists’ scientific works in the field of preferential mortgage lending, regulatory legal acts and program and strategic documents for the development of the mortgage bank lending market, as well as data generated by the authors on the basis of official statistical materials. Methods of statistical analysis, system-logical analysis, as well as general scientific methods such as induction, deduction and synthesis are used for analytical data processing. The audit of preferential mortgage lending programs revealed discriminatory factors by industry, territorial principles, as well as in relation to borrowers and lenders. Preferential programs should be targeted, conditions should be transparent, and methodological approaches should be the same for all participants involved in the implementation of programs. Differentiation of preferential mortgage lending programs should be regulated by the state, otherwise it may lead to discrimination.

Tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke have serious negative consequences for health, the economy, the environment and the social sphere. People should be informed about these negative effects and the benefits of stopping tobacco use. Awareness of such negative consequences for the majority of tobacco users serves as a rather strong motivating factor in favor of refusing to use it. Promoting tobacco cessation and tobacco dependence treatment is an important element of a comprehensive, integrated tobacco control program. Health workers play a central role in identifying tobacco users, raising their awareness, promoting tobacco cessation, and providing support to tobacco users who want to quit tobacco addiction. There is clear scientific evidence that tobacco dependence treatment is effective, and it is a cost-effective medical intervention. Aim of the study was the analysis of the results of the WHO PEN clinical protocol implementation of healthy lifestyle education and advice on stopping tobacco use in patients with cardiovascular pathology in primary health care.