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Background. The need to develop team skills in medical students is due to their importance for the successful performance of professional duties. However, despite the high importance of teamwork, modern students are not sufficiently prepared for team interaction. Purpose: to analyze the ideas of medical students about teamwork and to propose methods that contribute to the development of team skills. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in three stages. A total of three focus groups were interviewed, each consisting of 14 fourth-year students majoring in General Medicine at KrasSMU. The discussions were recorded on audio and then transcribed for subsequent analysis. The method of thematic analysis was used to process the data. Based on the discussions in the focus groups, we compiled test tasks. The survey involved 102 fourth-year students majoring in General Medicine, of which 42 were focus group participants and 60 were students from medical universities in Russia. The practical part of the study used the focus group method, analysis of psychological and pedagogical materials, and the method of processing experimental data. Results. A contradiction was found between the requirements for medical university graduates in terms of knowledge, skills and abilities in teamwork and the level of focus of future doctors on team interaction. 21.43% of medical university students correctly understand the content of teamwork and only 7% know all the principles of team interaction; 90% of students confuse teamwork with group work. At the same time, medical university students have a correct understanding of the main characteristics of teamwork in various interaction situations. The need to introduce teamwork principles into the learning process at a medical university led to the development of practice-oriented training sessions with elements of training work. Criteria for the focus of medical university students on interaction when performing team learning tasks have been developed: emotional intelligence, the ability to unite, effective communication in a team, and the manifestation of collective creativity.

Background. Breast cysts are a relatively common benign condition, accounting for 26.4% of all benign mammary dysplasias (BMD). Due to scientific and technological progress, in many cases, it is possible to achieve improvement from non-surgical and complex therapy, including minimally invasive technologies such as image-guided air injections with non-surgical treatment. Aim. To determine the optimal approach for the management of benign breast cysts and to provide a rationale for the combined use of air injections with phytotherapy. Materials and methods. The study included women aged 25 to 45 years (mean age was 37.7±5.6 years) taking combined oral contraceptives (COCs) for at least 3 years with benign breast cysts. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (n=26) included patients with a cystic form of BMD who received a fine-needle puncture followed by air mixture injections into the cyst cavity in combination with non-surgical therapy with the herbal medicinal product Mastopol®; Group 2 (n=19) included patients with a cystic form of BMD who received only air injections into the cyst cavity. The dosing regimen of Mastopol® in patients of Group 1: 1 tablet sublingually 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals. The non-surgical therapy was initiated on the day of the air injection. The duration of treatment with Mastopol® was 3 months. Results. A pain decrease was reported in 18 patients (69.2%) of Group 1; in Group 2, only 2 (10.5%) patients reported a pain decrease. Almost all patients of Group 2 (n=17; 89.5%) required repeated air injections for complete cyst reduction, while in Group 1, only 31% (n=8) of patients received repeated air injections. Comparative analysis showed a significant difference between the groups: φ*=1.7; p≤0.04. One month after treatment and air injections, mastalgia of varying intensity in Group 1 persisted in 31% (n=8) of patients and 89.5% (n=17) of patients in Group 2. Conclusion. While taking COCs, women may experience pain and tension in the breast, as well as an increase in the echo density of the breast and thickening of the glandular tissue and the wall of the cysts. These adverse effects of COCs must be reduced. The results of the study demonstrated the effectiveness of the antiproliferative herbal drug Mastopol®, prescribed in combination with an adequate, effective, and safe method such as air injection into the cyst cavity.

Nature-like technologies are being introduced into many human activities including mining wastewater treatment. This work is based on long-term studies of the Sibay copper-zinc-pyrite deposit development. It is dedicated to assessment of geochemical barriers effectiveness in Cu, Zn, Cd removal from water of the Karagayly River (receiving quarry and dump drainage water). The research is based on the elements’ content and forms in water and bottom sediments, pH values etc. Four types of hydrogeochemical environment (formed due to changes in the water use over the past 20 years) were distinguished using discriminant analysis. The mechanisms of barriers formation and destruction were described. Statistical modeling of the metals’ precipitation was performed by multivariate regression analysis. Cu is adsorbed by recently formed Fe hydroxides, and, to a lesser extent, precipitates with sulfates as water pH increases. Antagonism to Mn hydroxides has been demonstrated, due to different physicochemical conditions for their precipitation. Zn enters solid phase mainly with sulfates, this element also forms its own mineral phases. The second mechanism is adsorption by recently formed Mn hydroxides, which corresponds to the idea of similar conditions for the precipitation of metal hydroxides. Cd behavior reflects conditions intermediate between these of Cu and Zn. Contribution of both mechanisms (related to Fe hydroxides and aqueous sulfates) is equal. Antagonism to Mn is absent. According to the assessment results using of nature-like technologies in situ in watercourses, canals and other water drainage systems is promising. Developed statistical models can be used for needs of experimental studies and artificial geochemical barriers engineering.

In the New Normal, the most sought-after tools for territory promotion are digital and immersive, and closely intertwined with virtual reality technologies. This research centers on VR projects in Switzerland and Russia, two countries representing contrasting situations in the current tourist and promotion of territory landscape of 2023. The findings of the prior research on the incorporation of immersive VR technology in territory promotion in Switzerland with analogous research conducted in Russia are compared. By examining both theoretical and empirical data, including data analysis and semi-structured interviews with VR project managers in Switzerland and owners/managers in Russia, differences between Switzerland and Russia are identified. A spreading value-centered qualitative approach in Englishand French-language scientific discourse on VR-driven territory promotion is connected with cultural heritage and sustainable consumption and is novel for Russia. Conceptual frameworks in this scientific field are still in their early stages. In Switzerland, the VR projects are more complex and are used as a part of territory and corporate promotion, despite the not value-centered, but economic motivation. In Russia, VR is viewed as the next stage in the evolution of travel viewing and recreation, and it serves as an advertising tool to attract travelers to territory attractions. The ideas of VR-tours are connected with the past, and historical and cultural heritage. The best projects demonstrate the feasibility of combining on-site visits, VR, and sustainability awareness. VR-project in this case is the instrument of saving today’s territory images and brands, and involve audience in active sustainable consumption.

The study for the first time endeavours to elucidate the distinct conceptual nuances of AI-driven journalism, exploring how it reshapes the core technological and communicative attributes of the field while influencing societal dynamics. The crisis within AI-driven human-machine interaction in journalism rooted in the essence and processing of information is defined. Despite the paradigm of journalism is rooted in a human-centered approach, its AI-driven paradigm is the same - but in a reversible mode. Journalism involves the translation of personal perspectives and experiences through the filter of memory. Algorithms function without the nuances of personal and social memory, thereby undermining the core principles of the journalistic profession. The loss of genuine, “analog” memory among journalists and their audiences, alongside the digital “memory” of algorithms, jeopardizes the fundamental societal role of journalism-upholding social order. Re-thinking the AI phenomenon as artificial communication, the authors propose the term “artificial journalism”. At the basic technological level it is based on various forms of automation and embedded within digital infrastructures; at the societal level it is designed for the central purpose of journalism and entangled with human practices. Both the levels are reversible. The term could serve as an umbrella term for all the AI-driven journalism activities. Also it removes contradictions not only in human-machine communication but clarify the essence of AI performance in journalism and media studies, and for the users. The emergence of AI-driven media practices opens the basic crisis conceptual contradictions which provokes new realms of research and necessitates the establishment of critical AI media studies.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most significant and life-threatening pathogen of nosocomial infections. This opportunistic microorganism can cause infections of the bloodstream, respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin and soft tissues, inflammation of meninges of the brain and spinal cord, leading to elevated hospital mortality. The purpose of our study was a retrospective analysis of molecular genetic characteristics of K. pneumoniae isolated from blood and liquor samples as well as to describe clinical features in bacteremia and CNS infections. According to the results of assessed clinical data, K. pneumoniae isolates were selected from 64 children suffered from surgical pathology (congenital heart defects — 30%, abdominal pathology — 39%, severe combined trauma — 12%) and somatic diseases accompanied by antibacterial and/or glucocorticosteroid therapy — 14%. The minimum suppressive concentrations of antibiotics were determined by the broth micro-dilution method. Carbapenemases were detected by real time polymerase chain reaction. Virulence genes and capsule serotypes K1/K2 were assessed by multiplex PCR. Biofilms were grown using flat-bottomed polystyrene plates, followed by coloring, fixation, elution and data detection. The population diversity was assessed by multilocus sequence typing. Bacteremia and CNS infections associated with K. pneumoniae were fatal in 25% of cases. A substantial portion of the isolates demonstrated the phenotype of extremely drug resistance (XDR) — 43%, the phenotype of multidrug resistance (MDR) was shown in 16% of the isolates. The blaCTX-M cephalosporinase gene was found in 85% of the strains. The main determinant of resistance to carbapenems was the blaOXA-48 gene (33%); the blaNDM gene was detected in 9% of strains. The combination of blaOXA-48 and blaNDM was found in 7% of isolates. The study of biofilm production showed that moderate ability to form biofilms was shown in 61%, strong — 21%, and weak — 15% isolates. Two isolates (3%) did not form biofilms. The virulence genes entB and mrkD were detected in 100% of isolates, ybtS — in 78%. The iutA gene was found in 18% of the strains. Two isolates showed the presence of the kfu gene. Seven isolates belonged to the K2 serotype. 27 different genotypes were found in K. pneumoniae isolates examined. The most common were: ST307 — 21%, ST395 — 12%, ST48 — 7%, ST39 — 6% and ST29 — 6%. Infections of the bloodstream and central nervous system associated with K. pneumoniae have great importance in clinical practice. This microorganism is able to long persist on biotic and abiotic surfaces, has a wide natural and acquired resistance to antibiotics.

Aim. The search for etiopathogenetic agents to prevent the development of severe and extremely severe COVID-19 remains relevant. A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the antibody-based biological drug (Raphamin). Materials and methods. 785 outpatients 18–75 y.o. with laboratory confirmed mild COVID-19 were included within 24 hours from the disease onset. 771 patients were randomized to the group Raphamin (n=382) and the Placebo group (n=389). The study drug/placebo was prescribed for 5 days. The rate of progression to a more severe degree of COVID-19 by day 28 as well as the time to sustained clinical recovery and the frequency of hospitalization were evaluated. Safety was assessed taking into account adverse events, vital signs and laboratory parameters. Results. The number of cases of progression to a more severe degree of COVID-19 in participants receiving Raphamin was 59 (15.5%) [52 (14.6%)] versus placebo – 89 (22.9%) [85 (23.7%)], ITT and [PP] analysis data are presented. The odds ratio between groups was OR=0.6157 [OR=0.5494], 95% confidence interval 0.4276–0.8866 [0.3750–0.8048], which meant a reduction in the chance of progression to a more severe degree by 38.4% [45.1%] or 1.48 [1.62] times; p=0.0088 [p=0.0019]. The time to sustained recovery in the Raphamin group was 4.5±2.4 [4.6±2.4] days, versus placebo – 5.8±4.7 [6.0±4.8] days; p=0.0025 [p=0.0036]. No adverse events with a certain relationship were registered. Conclusion. Raphamin reduces the risk of progression to a more severe degree of the COVID-19 and significantly shortens the duration of clinical symptoms.

The authors conduct a comparative analysis of how Russia Today (RT) report on China's One Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR). Focused on the question of how this state-owned media reflect the bilateral relations between Russia and China, the study reveals that RT serve as mirrors of their governments' attitudes towards China's geopolitical strategy. While only English language coverage by RT is considered, this focus offers a unique insight into Russia's portrayal of the OBOR. The work fills a significant gap in understanding this dynamic and offers new insights through a blended methodological approach. Utilizing quantitative content analysis and qualitative thematic analysis, this pioneering research evaluates the coverage of OBOR by RT (2013-2022), uncovering a previously unexplored interplay between state-owned media narratives and governmental geopolitical relations. It provides a novel perspective on understanding the complex relations between China and Russia through the lens of media reporting. It underscores the role of state-owned media as a tool to shape perceptions and inform the narrative surrounding global initiatives such as OBOR. The study's findings offer insights into the broader discourse around OBOR and its global implications, contributing to the scholarship on international relations, media studies, and Chinese foreign policy.

The study data of the last two decades on primary and secondary immunodeficiency in congenital heart defects (CHD) as a cause of frequent infectious complications before and after cardiac surgery are presented. Based on screenings of various levels, data are provided on the greater severity of immunological disorders in critical and cyanotic CHD in conotruncal defects compared with those in septal defects and stenotic defects. Violations were more often related to T-cell function and immunoglobulin deficiency (especially the IgG and IgG4 subgroups). Various types of primary immunodeficiency were found in 13 genetic syndromes in combination with CHD. The review discusses the possibility of using the technique of quantitative determination of DNA TREC and KREC — by-products of maturation of T- and B-cell receptors, which allows us to judge the defects of the T- and B-cell links of the immune system to predict infectious complications in children with CHD. The data of our own study of 200 infants with CHD (in 5% of cases with syndromic forms of CHD) are presented, where a decrease in TREC was found in 23.5% of cases, including all infants with syndromic forms, more often with cyanotic and conotruncal CHD and in children admitted in critical conditions. In children with reduced TREC values, infectious complications in the postoperative period were observed significantly more often than in children with normal indicators (36 and 3.6%, respectively). The analysis of publications confirmed the importance of TREC and KREC screening for targeted preoperative preparation in order to reduce postoperative complications and reduce the risk of mortality in CHD.

The paper proposes an approach to optimizing the development of oil fields. The objective function includes weighted squares of development target indicators and regularizing terms, in which the coefficients are searched adaptively. Regularizing terms ensure the fulfillment of restrictions on the optimized parameters and the rapid convergence of the optimization process. When minimizing the objective function, linearization of the target indicators is performed, and the values of the optimized parameters at the next iteration are sought by solving the system of linear algebraic equations obtained from minimizing the quadratic functional. The values of the target indicators and their sensitivity to the parameters being optimized are calculated by fluid dynamic 3D modeling for the oil reservoir model obtained as a result of history matching for the period preceding the optimization period. Calculations are performed in a distributed computing system consisting of multi-core personal computers. To test the proposed approach, a model of a high-viscosity oil field in Tatarstan was used. The optimization was carried out with various weighting factors and desired oil recovery values in the corresponding target indicator. It is shown that the optimized plans provide more efficient development of the oil field compared to the plan used in practice. At the same time, the optimal plan, built on the basis of a reservoir model history-matched at an early stage of development, optimizes development for a model history-matched throughout the entire period of field development. This allows us to conclude that development plans obtained from a model history-matched using a short time period will optimize production characteristics for a real field to about the same extent. The time for solving optimization problems containing about 500 parameters in a distributed computing system was about a day.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the effects of home physical training (HPT) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in 1 year and the long-term period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted. Ninety-seven patients after AMI and PCI were included: Group 1 (n=51) patients exercising at home for the next year after PCI (HPT+), and Group 2 (n=46) no exercises (HPT). The evaluation was performed at baseline, in 1 year, and 8.90.9 years. The long-term response rate was 42 patients (82.4%) in the HPT+ group and 36 (78.3%) in the HPT- group. RESULTS: Patients in the HPT+ group had significantly higher physical performance at the cycle ergometer exercise test in 1 and 8.90.9 years: exercise time increased by 31.4% (p 0.001) and 40% (p 0.001), respectively, and the load increased by 15.6% (p 0.001) and 32.2% (p 0.001), whereas these indicators did not change significantly in HPT- group. Daily physical activity (PA) increased by 21.9% (p 0.01) in 1 year and 19.6% (p 0.01) in 8.90.9 years in the HPT+ group. PA did not change in the HPT- group in 1 year and decreased by 23.1% (p 0.001) in 8.90.9 years to a low level. The left ventricle ejection fraction in the HPT+ group increased by 2.4% (p 0.05) in 1 year and 6.8% (p 0.05) in 8.90.9 years with no changes in HPT- group. Quality of life increased more significantly in the HPT+ group by 50.6% (p 0.05) in 1 year and 71.6% (p 0.01) in 8.90.9 years versus 25.4% (p 0.05) and 46.9% (p 0.05), respectively, in the HPT- group. In the long-term period, the HPT+ group had fewer adverse clinical outcomes, with 22 patients compared with 28 (52.4 vs 77.8%, p 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with AMI and PCI who participated in a one-year HPT program had positively affected exercise tolerance, myocardial contractility, QoL, and adverse events in the long-term follow-up period.

Fever of unknown origin can be a symptom of at least 200 diseases. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography, although highly informative, may not be readily available as an imaging tool. We present a clinical case of giant cell arteritis where computed tomography played a key role in arriving at a diagnosis. A 61-year-old woman presented to the hospital with a nocturnal fever up to 39.5°С, accompanied by chest and scapular pain, and substantial weight loss (10 kg over 3 months). Lymphoproliferative and infectious diseases were excluded. Baseline colonoscopy had revealed erosions in the colonic mucosa, leading to a preliminary diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, and subsequently, the patient was admitted to the gastroenterology department. Follow-up colonoscopy had excluded this diagnosis. Additional imaging via chest and abdominal computed tomography scan revealed wall thickening of aorta and its branches with subtle contrast enhancement. Conditions, such as tuberculous aortoarteritis and syphilitic aortitis, were excluded. The patient was diagnosed with giant cell arteritis involving brachiocephalic trunk, subclavian arteries, and celiac trunk. Prednisolone was administered with subsequent reduction in symptoms. Although computed tomography may not be regarded as the gold standard for the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin, this case underscores its valuable contribution in establishing a definitive diagnosis.

Background. To stratify the risk in patients with COVID-19, it is important to understand the parameters that predispose to a severe course. Following risk factors were described: age over 60 years, overweight, male gender, chronic diseases: hypertension, diabetes mellitus. Low liver density on computed tomography (CT) is also considered as a potential risk factor. Aim. To evaluation whether low liver density can be used as a predictor of severe COVID-19. Materials and methods. Retrospective single-center cohort study. Patients with COVID-19 treated in a hospital setting, who underwent two CT scans of the thoracic organs in dynamics, were included. The patients were divided into groups according to the severity of the course (groups of moderate course, severe course and lethal outcome). Relation of the investigated factors was estimated using regression analysis. Results. 99 patients were enrolled; 3 comparison groups were formed (moderate-severe course n=37, severe course n=52, lethal outcome n=8). All groups significantly differed in C-reactive protein levels. According to multivariate regression analysis, COVID-19 severity was influenced by the liver to spleen density ratio as measured by CT scan on admission [odds ratio 12.18 (95% confidence interval 1.6789.07); p=0.008]. Conclusion. Reduced liver density on CT scan in a patient with COVID-19 may be a predictor of severe course of novel coronavirus infection.

The purpose of the article is to study the experience of the Russian media in the field of creating immersive content. The empirical basis of the study was 216 immersive materials of the Russia Today TV channel and 26 immersive materials of RIA Novosti. The study was implemented by the content analysis method. The technique of expert interviews was also used to collect information about the activities of the Directorate of New Media of MIA “Russia Today”. Results. The article analyzes Russian media experience, i.e., Russia Today channel and RIA Novosti, in using of virtual reality and augmented reality tools and 360° video technology; number, timing, genre and theme specifics and their popularity among the audience are determined; primary issues of Russian media in immersive content production are identified. The results obtained will be useful in researching trends in the development of journalism, and may also be useful for media editorial offices interested in developing new media product formats and attracting new audience groups.

BACKGROUND: The use of telemedical technologies (TMT) is widespread in providing care to patients of various profiles. However, TMTs are hardly ever used in gastroenterology, despite the extensive digitalization of healthcare. Potential sites for the use of TMTs among gastroenterological patients were assessed. AIM: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness and benefits of TMTs in patients with digestive diseases. Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC): Screening and postoperative management. The TMT intervention increased the number of patients screened for CRC compared to standard face-to-face counseling. In addition, the quality of preparation for colonoscopy was higher in patients who interacted with the physician via TMTs compared to the control group. Most studies reported positive effects of TMTs on quality of life and physical activity in patients with CRC. However, the study by K. Beaver et al. showed that the incidence of CRC recurrence did not differ in the TMT and face-to-face groups. Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Correction of lifestyle. When assessing the use of TMTs among NAFLD patients, a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity was found compared to that in face-to-face management. The results of the body mass index reduction are contradictory. The most pronounced tendency towards weight loss was observed with the telemedical follow-up of patients over a 6-month period. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Treatment and monitoring of symptoms. Two directions are distinguished in the treatment of IBS by ТМТs. The first is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). H. Everitt et al. showed clinically significant improvement in 72.8% of cases after 12 months of web-based CBT. The advantages of using telemedicine in the delivery of CBT include the geographical independence of the physician and the patient, personalization of treatment, and the possibility of ongoing support for the patient and his or her family. The second direction is the use of special diets, such as low-fermentable nutrient diets (FODMAP). Patients following the FODMAP diet supervised by the mobile app reduced symptom severity (odds ratio 55; 95% confidence interval 1198, p=0.01). Special mobile apps (IBS Constant Care) were used to monitor the condition of patients with IBS, which analyze input data and assess severity, providing information to both the patient and the physician. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Patient training and telemonitoring. The study by L. Pang et al. proved that the patients quality of life in the telemedicine intervention group was significantly higher (p=0.03). Another advantage of using TMTs is the provision of access to educational materials about IBD and the possibility of remote contact with the treating physician. The patients ability to obtain necessary information reduces the need for unplanned visits to medical facilities, thus reducing the cost of organizing medical care for patients with IBD. The degree of IBD activity and risk of recurrence and adherence to therapy did not differ significantly between the telemedicine intervention group and the standard face-to-face follow-up group. METHODS: A literature search relevant to the review was conducted in the PubMed database. The studies taken for assessment were those on the use of TMTs among patients with IBD, IBS, NAFLD, and CRC. TMTs were used to access educational information and dietary recommendations, provide information on lifestyle adjustments and physical activity, remind patients to take medicines, consult with physicians, and assess disease activity by completing online questionnaires. The various studies used text messaging, e-mail, mobile apps, websites, and videoconferencing apps as a means of communication. RESULTS: The use of telemedicine in the management of patients with digestive diseases showed high efficiency. TMTs contribute to: Improved quality of life in patients with digestive diseases. Increasing physical activity of patients with CRC and NAFLD. Improved quality of CRC screening. Maintaining remission of IBD and CRC as effectively as face-to-face monitoring. Moreover, the use of TMTs allows personalized treatment, ensures the ongoing support of the patient and his or her family by the medical staff, and provides patients with access to quality educational materials about the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the use of TMTs is promising in the treatment of digestive diseases and requires wider introduction into practice.

The attitude of teachers towards the digital educational environment (DEE) and the use of information technologies in teaching largely determines the attitude of students towards the educational process, the effectiveness of learning and emotional involvement in learning. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to analyze the attitude of university teachers towards the DEE and distance learning opportunities, as well as to determine the psychological components of the acceptance of new information technologies. The survey involved 308 teachers (females - 71%) aged 23 to 77 (average age = 46 ± 11 years) from various universities of the Russian Federation. In addition to measuring the attitudes towards learning in the DEE (AUDEE Scale Questionnaire), the authors analyzed the personality traits (Big Five Inventory - 2), self-regulation resources and activity-related experiences in teaching (AREA). The results showed that the majority of the respondents were familiar with and use various elements of the DEE; 81% expressed a desire to move to blended learning as a combination of DEE resources and face-to-face classes. The main psychological prerequisites for the acceptance of the DEE are experiences in professional activity: the stronger the experience of meaning and the weaker the experiences of effort and void, the more positive attitude towards work in the digital environment a teacher has. Other key elements are various aspects of self-regulation (goal planning and independence) and personality traits such as openness to experience and agreeableness.

The study discusses the fundamental issues of semiotics. Semiotics still involves no broadly agreed upon theoretical assumptions, models, or empirical methodologies. Faced with much disagreement among notable semioticians about what semiotics actually entails, the study opens up the way to its theoretical re-thinking. Starting from the analysis of the discussions of scientists it indicated that the signs are not identical to what they represent this studies the issue through a theoretical concepts analysis, literature review, combined with comparative analysis of the main classical theoretical parameters of signs. The basic approach of this study is that signs, whether it is symbolic, iconic, or indexical, are not what they mean. The nature of the sign, whether it is symbolic, iconic, or indexical, determines the way it is used, and the same signifier can be used in different ways in different contexts. The role of an interpreter should be taken into account. A sign meaning is not inherent in it; rather, it is determined by how it is interpreted. The relevance of the research is due to a new complex approach to statements about users, signs or referents that could never be made in isolation from each other. A statement about one of those always contains implications about the other two. Rather than specific «types of sign», we're talking about symbolic, iconic, and indexical forms of relationships. The hypothesis is as follows: the nature of the sign determines the way it is used. Moreover, the same signifier can be used both iconically and symbolically in different contexts. The novelty of the research is related to the idea of the sign that can be interpreted in different ways depending on who observes it: as symbolic, iconic or indexical. In other words, signs cannot be classified according to the classical semiology canons, but only with regard to the goals of their users and a certain context. Regarding this, we will propose a comparative analysis of the classic models of the sign to prove the hypothesis. The hypothesis is proved due to the provided comparative analysis of the classic models of a sign and modes of its relationship. The findings of this study have to be seen in light of some major limitations. First, the main primary research problem we have to solve was the semiotics of contemporary cartoons. Facing the lack of previous research studies and the theoretical foundations for the research on the topic, we decided that prior theoretical research studies that are relevant to our specific topic are needed, which is why the article is aimed at theoretical issues. Theoretical and methodological limitations are addressed to our future studies. The research instruments and techniques used to collect the empirical data will have to be identified. Intercultural specifics connected with the personalities of the authors - Russian and Iranian researchers - influence the study but also limits it.

The objective of study is to determine the effective Young modulus before and after the completed osseointegration process using mathematical modelling of a titanium porous structure. A novel model is proposed in the form of 3D arrays of Gibson-Ashby cells with rigid clamping of horizontal beams resting on elastic foundation. Calculations made on the basis of the developed model are compared with known models and literature data. The assumption is proved that the osseointegration process due to the bone tissues ingrowth into the pores of titanium implant could affect the Young modulus increasing its value in proportion to porosity of a specimen.

Relevance. The problem of studying organometallic compounds in carbonized and carbonaceous substances is part of the global problem of the structure of natural materials from plant remains and manifestation of ore genesis in organic sedimentary deposits. This problem covers a number of issues. The most pressing one among them is the form of occurrence of finely dispersed gold in the form of organometallic compounds in metal-bearing coals and shales. This is especially true for large gold deposits of black shale strata. Aim. To study the relationship between sedimentation of organic formations and ore genesis in black shale deposits using the example of the Verninskoe deposit (Patom Highlands, Yakutia). Using the SKAUFV hardware and software complex together with ICP-MS and INAA methods, which allow one to assess the degree of Au concentration in organic matter, to substantiate the possibility of determining organometallic compounds of gold that are significant in the processes of sedimentogenesis, lithogenesis and epigenesis. Methods. IR spectroscopy, instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results. The authors have determined that the SKAUFV hardware and software complex, together with the ICP-MS and INAA methods, makes it possible to establish the role of organic matter in metasomatism and to identify temperature zonality and the associated gold concentration in the ore zone. To determine the organometallic compounds of Au, structural and genetic indicators (Pm, Ko, PVt+L, PI) were selected. These indicators reflect the significance of sedimentation, diagenesis, catagenesis and epigenesis on Au concentration of in organic matter. These indicators made it possible to assess the level of temperature impact on sedimentary deposits of regional metamorphism and near-ore metasomatism. In this regard, subzones of Au concentration were established in the ore zone, determined by temperature zoning in the form of a manifestation of local metasomatism. The latter was influenced by the protein-fat composition of plants that form organic matter.

The article presents experiment findings to verify the educational activities program in the field of COVID-19 vaccine prevention for students. The study was conducted at the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education, the analytical sample size is N = 780. Five aspects (as measuring scales) of attitudes towards vaccination against COVID-19 were identified: the benefits of vaccination against coronavirus for a person and society; denial of the coronavirus danger and hope for natural immunity; fear of the side effects of vaccination against coronavirus and distrust of vaccination safety information; confidence in the serious negative consequences of the coronavirus vaccine; disbelief in the proven effectiveness of Russian vaccines at the international level. A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of 4 strategies for influencing student's attitudes to vaccination against COVID-19 was carried out: lectures only (CG), lectures in combination with seminars / webinars in the traditional format (EG1), with discussions of real life cases related to vaccination and its effects (EG2), with holding student's debates (EG3). There are no gender differences between groups. There are differences in age, but the mean difference does not exceed 2 years. At the ascertaining stage, there are no differences on the scales; at the control stage, differences are revealed. On all 5 scales, positive and negative effects in the whole sample are almost equally likely. It was not possible to single out a fundamentally best strategy for educational influence. In general, the effectiveness of educational activities is somewhat greater when conducting lectures in combination with various kinds of seminars compared to lectures alone, but the effectiveness is low everywhere. Cohen's d standard effect sizes do not exceed 0,44. Slightly higher is efficiency when conducting lectures in combination with traditional seminars / webinars or case studies. The student's debates holding strategy did not meet expectations. A number of significant correlations were found between various aspects of attitudes towards vaccination with natural science literacy, logical thinking, verbal intelligence, the degree of fear of COVID-19, personal and situational anxiety. All correlations are weak, but their direction is as expected.

Russian poetry of the 19–21st centuries, from the perspective of the relationship of ‘cultural-stereotypical (traditional) – author’s individual’. The analysis of 725 fragments from the Russian poetic works of the 19–21st centuries reveals the ways of word formation and the composition of diminutive dendronyms, as well as the composition of folk poetic, general poetic and individual author’s images of comparative tropes representing these diminutives as subjects of comparison: girl; love attraction, longing; to cry (tears), to grieve, to yearn; fertility; separation; bitter, unhappy fate, orphanhood; gold, silver; emerald; smoke; clothing; fire; pattern, mesh product; infantas by Velasquez, ermine coat; calico; fidelity. The reference-denotative features of the corresponding realia, motivating the choice of figurative associations are determined: a thin trunk, flexible branches, serrated, heart-shaped leaves, flowering trees, fruit trees. The techniques that help make stereotypical images of comparison in the Russian poetic language individualized are established: the inclusion in the composition of an extended anthropomorphic metaphor; updating by means of occasional epithets, lexical variation of the components of the trope. The stable semantic connotations of diminutive dendronyms are singled out: ‘shy’, ‘timid’, ‘meek’, ‘slender’, ‘tall’, ‘gentle’, ‘curls’, ‘braids’, ‘thin figure’, ‘beauty’, ‘breasts’, ‘captivate’, ‘innocence’, as well as the ways of their representation in poetic contexts: extended metaphors ‘autumnal withering of a tree – withering of female beauty’; memories of the lyrical hero about close people; parallelism of the images of a tree and a human condition; conventional epithets (weeping, bitter); features of the situation of a literary text. The results of the study allow us to improve the understanding of how comparative tropes with diminutive dendronyms develop dynamically in the Russian poetic language.

Relevance. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the use of innovative technologies based on artificial intelligence in various fields. At the moment AI-based technologies are at the stage of rapid development and in relation to digital transformation, not only approaches to the processes of selecting human resources are changing, but also the functions of an HR specialist. The purpose of the work is to analyze innovative technologies that currently exist on the market, highlight the features of their application when working with human resources and present relevant solutions based on artificial intelligence that are currently used in the Russian market and identify their advantages. Speaking of methods, qualitative content analysis and document analysis were applied in this work, the following sources were analyzed: scientific works on this issue, publications in business journals, economics journals, publications on forums for HR specialists. Results. The article shows the relevance of the use of AI-based technologies in personnel management, namely in the recruitment processes, the features of the use of technologies when working with human resources are outlined. The analysis of the tools that are currently represented on the Russian market is introduced in the paper, among the most relevant are the following: Texito, robot Vera, Potok, North.AI, CleverStaff, HireVue, Echo, delta.ai and XOR chatbot. The solutions mentioned above allow you to perform a wide range of tasks: from structuring vacancies to conducting video interviews with reading the emotions and gestures of the candidate. The article discusses the main advantages of using innovative technologies based on artificial intelligence in recruiting.

The article describes a rare diagnosis of monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL), due to its veiled by a number of so-called masks of enteropathies. A detailed analysis of all clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical data made it possible to establish the correct diagnosis. The revealed pathology is extremely rare in practice, even among specialists in hematology. The article demonstrates the main stages of both a complex diagnosis and an attempt at therapy for this aggressive form of intestinal lymphoma.

In COVID-19 era, destination branding faces the challenge of digitalization and virtual reality (VR) in particular. The fundamentals of VR-mediated storytelling in destination branding are in the process of being developed. There is a luck of research on immersive VR-mediated storytelling, scenarios, and messages in destination branding, especially realised with technologies of more complex - hybrid - immersivity (4D). The shift from 2D, 3D to 4D hybrid multisensory VR technologies is not only among the main technology developments - it provokes new research problems with VR-mediated destination branding and storytelling. The authors present the results of theoretical and empirical research of VR-mediated destination storytelling of a brand driven by the newest 4D hybrid multisensory technological approaches on the case of Switzerland. In Switzerland, VR-mediated projects in destination branding are developing actively last years but VR-mediated storytelling research in this field was not provided yet. In this regard, it was chosen 100 destination brand VR projects, presented in 2016-2022, to compare the parameters of VR-mediated storytelling of a brand. VR has to be included into brand storytelling paradigm, which must be rethought for this specific sphere. It was proved that it is more effective to combine different types of experience, virtual and physical both and make the VR-mediated brand storytelling hybrid. In terms of theoretical implications, this paper opened a specific research area by bridging theoretical and empirical ideas of destination branding, VR-mediated storytelling and digital media, technical and social communication.

Introduction. The common educational space of Russia and Belarus is a condition for deepening integration processes underpinned by common historical roots, long experience of common development, goals and principles of cooperation. However, many aspects, including the prerequisites and factors of studentsʼ acceptance of digital technologies in higher education, are not sufficiently studied. The aim of the article is to present the results of research into the psychological factors of digital educational environment acceptance by students of Russian and Belarusian universities. Materials and Methods. The study involved 1 582 students from universities in Russia and Belarus aged 21,3 ± 6,3 years. To identify personality traits, Big Five Inventory-2 was used. The resources of self-regulation were determined using Personal Self-Activation Inventory and Self-Regulation Style Questionnaire. To determine the attitude to learning in the digital educational environment, AUDEE Scale was used, and to determine the attitude to learning activities – Activity-Related Experiences Assessment Technique. Results. The most important factors of digital educational environment acceptance for both samplings (Russia and Belarus) are not personality traits but activity-related experiences: the experience of pleasure in the absence of experiences of effort and void leads to acceptance of the digital educational environment. Modeling of significant conditions for achieving goals, evaluation of results and programming of actions, and insistency for the Belarusian sampling were also noted as important elements of digital educational environment acceptance. Therefore, the main factors are not the personality traits of the student, but the experiences that s/he experiences during the learning activity and some structural components of self-regulation. Similarity in models’ quality and structure for two different countries supports the reliability of the results and serves a basis for practical recommendations for digital educational environment development and preparing students for work in it. Discussion and Conclusions. The conclusions made by the authors contribute to the problem of studentsʼ attitude to the university’s digital educational environment. The materials of the article can be useful for university administration and teaching staff to improve both the university’s digital educational environment and the methods of teaching using digital educational environment.

Legal terms are not uniform at the international level, but they are closely connected with a national legal system. This implies serious conceptual inconsistencies. The above-mentioned systemic connection leads to the fact that either boundaries of terms’ meanings belonging to diff erent jurisdictions or the degree of their explication may vary. Despite some similarities in legal systems, primarily of European countries, each state has its own legal order, conceptual and terminological systems, specifi c legal rules, forms and procedures of judicial proceedings. The purpose of the article is to analyze the main causes of diffi culties in translation of legal terminology from German, French and Spanish languages. To achieve this goal, the following tasks have been set in the research: to analyze the specifi cs of legal language and of legal documents translation as well as the issues of equivalency in legal translation; to select the samples from the above-mentioned languages that clearly demonstrate diffi culties in translation of texts from such branches as civil and criminal law, administrative and civil codes, etc. The problems a translator faces due to the socio-cultural content of legal terms can be solved by means of various resources. As research methods the authors have used the method of comparison, typical for a comparative law, the method of continuous sampling of legal terminological units in French, Spanish and German legal texts, comparative analysis of terms and their translated equivalents, and the method of written translation. The results of the conducted analysis will be useful both for further studies of legal discourse and in theoretical and practical classes on legal text translation.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) represent a group of nosologies including Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases lead both to the deterioration of the patients physical condition and to a pronounced decrease in the quality of life. Currently, healthcare costs of managing patients with IBDs are steadily increasing and are commonly associated with the need for examinations and therapy with expensive drugs and unplanned expenses of healthcare resources for unscheduled consultations, emergency hospitalizations, and surgical interventions. Deterioration of patients condition may be associated with self-cancellation of therapy after normalization of the state of health. The use of telemedical technologies (TMTs) is promising for maintaining remission of IBDs, improving adherence to therapy, and reducing the frequency of unscheduled visits to the clinic and the cost of treating IBD complications (including surgery). The efficiency and benefits of TMTs in patients with IBDs were assessed in comparison with standard face-to-face follow-up. A literature search relevant to the review was conducted in the PubMed database. Papers were selected that assessed the efficiency of telemedical interventions among patients with IBDs as compared to the standard face-to-face follow-up group. The evaluation criteria included the degree of the disease activity, risks of IBD recurrence, quality of life of patients, adherence to therapy, healthcare costs, and frequency of visits to healthcare facilities. Telemedical interventions were conducted using the Internet, mobile applications, various telemedical platforms, SMS messages, and phone calls. The telemedical follow-up groups received access to educational materials and online consultations with a specialist upon request and completed questionnaires to assess disease activity, adherence to therapy, and quality of life. The degree of IBD activity and risk of recurrence and the level of adherence to therapy did not differ significantly between the telemedical intervention and standard face-to-face follow-up groups. The study by L. Pang et al. showed that the patients quality of life in the group of telemedical intervention was significantly higher (p=0.03) [8]. Another advantage of using TMTs is the provision of access to educational materials about IBDs and the possibility of remote contact with the treating physician. The patients ability to obtain necessary information reduces the need for unplanned visits to medical facilities and the cost of organizing medical care for patients with IBDs. The use of TMTs allows to monitor IBD activity as effectively as face-to-face follow-up, improve the patients quality of life with IBDs, and reduce costs for organizing care for patients with these diseases by decreasing the frequency of unscheduled visits to the doctor and conducting unnecessary additional examinations.

The purpose of the research is to develop and study biocatalysts based on complexes of cysteine proteases with fullerenes and carbon nanotubes. During the formation of ficin complexes with fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, the activity of hybrid preparations was 70 and 45%, respectively. During the formation of papain complexes with fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, the proteolytic ability of the enzyme remained at the same level for the samples with fullerene and decreased by 27% for the preparations with carbon nanotubes. The formation of bromelain complexes with fullerenes and carbon nanotubes contributed to a decrease in the proteolytic activity of the biocatalyst by 18 and 48% as compared to the free enzyme. While determining the stability of complexes of nanomaterials and cysteine proteases during a 7-day incubation in 0.05 M tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.5) at 37 °C, we noticed a decrease in the proteolytic activity of the samples. Complexation with carbon nanoparticles and fullerenes increased the stability of ficin and bromelain, while the stability of papain in the complexes remained unchanged

AIM. To perform the comparative assessment of the prevalence of professional burnout symptoms in health personnel and social workers providing services to persons with pronounced disabilities. MATERIAL AND METHODS. We conducted a survey of employees in two medical institutions (healthcare workers, Group 1, n = 86) and employees in a social service institution (social workers, Group 2, n = 89). The presence of professional burnout was established using Maslach Burnout Questionnaire adapted by N. Vodopyanova. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Signs of professional burnout of different severity were found in 96,6 % of the respondents. High and extremely high levels of psychoemotional exhaustion, depersonalization, reduction of personal achievements were more frequent among health personnel than among social workers: 1,9 times (p = 0,012), 1,6 times (p = 0,033), 2,9 times (p = 0,029) respectively. At the same time, 31.4 % of Group 1 and 7.9 % of Group 2 respondents indicated overwork due to understaffing; 29.1 % and 10.1 %, respectively, indicated frequent need for additional work due to the temporary absence of colleagues. It explains higher levels of professional burnout among employees of medical institutions. At the same time, Group 2 was characterized by a younger age (by 6.5 years on average, p = 0.006) and a shorter work experience in the institution (by 10 years on average, p < 0.001) compared to Group 1, which may indicate both «staff turnover» among social workers and the appearance of conditions in the social service sphere attractive for younger age specialists. CONCLUSION. Health personnel have higher levels of the professional burnout symptoms more often than social workers, that is probably connected with an increased intensity of labour and overwork.

Crohns disease with localization in the upper gastrointestinal tract, terminal ileum, or colon is diagnosed based on visualization of the lesion area using endoscopic methods and histological examination. In cases of damage to the small intestine, when endoscopy methods are not informative enough and the use of videocapsular endoscopy has a number of contraindications, it is advised to use radiation diagnostic methods, such as multispiral computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance enterography, to make a diagnosis. We present a clinical case of ambiguous clinical manifestations of Crohns disease with small intestine and rectal involvement. Tomographic imaging was used to confirm the diagnosis. A 44-year-old patient presented with complaints of non-pronounced abdominal pain, dyspepsia. The lab panel showed indirect signs of malabsorption, an increase in fecal calprotectin. An endoscopic examination with histological verification revealed a picture of proctitis. After performing computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance enterography multiple lesions of the small intestine were revealed. This clinical case demonstrates an atypical clinical picture of Crohns disease with jejunal, iliac, and rectal lesions. The patient had no characteristic complaints; the results of endoscopic and morphological studies were not informative. Imaging by means of computed and magnetic resonance tomography has played a crucial role in the diagnosis and successful treatment.

In 2022, the new reality provokes an obvious bifurcation point for advertising: the collapse of old and the creation of new advertising alliances and agencies, fresh legislative initiatives in the field of online advertising are leading to a radical reconfiguration of the industrial landscape and professional competencies. At the same time, constant transformations exacerbate interest in the basic problems of advertising at the level of concepts and models. For the first time, the author solves (as a professional and researcher) a significant problem of interaction between a brand, a consumer and an advertising creator. The presented analysis of theory and practice seems to be the most accurate and convincing not only from the point of view of advertising technologies, but of social psychology, neuropsychology, cognitive science. It is quite natural, since Professor Intartaglia is one of the leading European researchers in the field of neurocommunication. The book is of undoubted interest for both theorists and practitioners of communication and advertising.

Background. A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial (RCT) of the phase III efficacy and safety of Ergoferon for the non-specific prevention of COVID-19 during vaccination against a new coronavirus infection was conducted (permission of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation №559 dated 22.09.2021; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05069649). Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of Ergoferon for the non-specific prevention of COVID-19 during vaccination against a new coronavirus infection. Materials and methods. From October 2021 to April 2022, 1,057 patients aged 18 to 92 years who received component I of the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine were included. After screening, 1,050 patients were randomized into 2 groups: 526 people received Ergoferon according to the prophylactic scheme 1 tablet per administration 2 times a day for 3 weeks, the drug is not allowed during the meal and should be kept in the mouth without swallowing, until completely dissolved; 524 patients received a placebo according to the Ergoferon scheme. The total duration of participation in the study was 5 weeks + 3 days. The primary endpoint is the number of RT-PCR confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of the presence of symptoms during participation in the study. An additional criterion of effectiveness is the proportion of those hospitalized with COVID-19. The safety assessment included consideration of the presence and nature of adverse events (AEs), their severity, relationship with the drug intake, and outcome. Statistical data processing was carried out using SAS 9.4 with the calculation of the exact Fisher test, 2 test, CochraneMantelHensel test, Wilcoxon test and other parameters. Results. The ITT (Intention-to-treat) and PP [Per Protocol] efficacy analysis included data from 1,050 [970] patients: 526 [489] people Ergoferon group and 524 [481] people Placebo group. The primary endpoint the number of laboratory-confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections was 3 times less compared to placebo 7 (1.43%) vs 22 (4.57%), respectively (p=0.0046; [p=0.0041]). Taking Ergoferon reduces the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by more than 3 times in vaccinated patients during 5 weeks of the vaccination and post-vaccination periods (p=0.0046 [p=0.0041]). Of the COVID-19 patients in the Ergoferon group (1.33%) nobody was hospitalized. According to the Post hoc analysis, Ergoferon reduces the risk of COVID-19 disease by 4 times in the period between the components I and II of the Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine (p=0.0066 [p=0.006]). The frequency of AEs in both groups did not differ. There were no registered AEs associated with the drug with a reliable degree. There was a high level of patient compliance and good tolerability. Conclusion. Ergoferon is an effective and safe drug for the prevention of COVID-19 in people vaccinated against a new coronavirus infection.

Bioactive peptides derived from food proteins are becoming increasingly popular ingredients due to their beneficial effect on the immune system and other functional properties. We aimed to develop a technology for obtaining peptides from poultry by-products and identify their bioactivity. Pepsin was the main reagent for the in vitro enzymatic hydrolysis. Specialized equipment and methods were used to determine the key indicators. The molecular weight and bioactivity of the resulting peptides were calculated by using the Peptide Mass Calculator and PeptideRanker online resources. First, we developed a flow chart for obtaining bioactive peptides and produced hydrolysates from poultry by-products. The hydrolysates had identical physicochemical parameters, with no significant differences. The molecular weight distribution revealed that most protein fractions were represented by peptides with a molecular weight below 20 kDa. Then, we evaluated the bioactivity of the peptides. The hydrolysate obtained using pepsin with an activity of 30 units per 100 g of material showed higher bioactivity in the FD peptides (0.922094). The hydrolysate obtained using pepsin with an activity of 45 units per 100 g of material had greater bioactive properties in the CYG p eptides (0.947378). Based on the results, we designed a flow chart for obtaining hydrolysates from poultry by-products and evaluated the bioactive properties of the peptides obtained. For further work, these properties should be confirmed by in vitro experiments to determine the reliability of our data and identify specific bioactive properties of the peptides.

Introduction. The article presents the results of an empirical study, aimed at revealing the peculiarities of parent position concerning the use of gadgets by preschool children on a Russian sample. Objective. The article focuses on the phenomenon of parents’ inconsistent position concerning the use of digital devices by preschoolers. Methods. The study was conducted in February-April, 2021. The questionnaire, elaborated by the authors of the study, was disseminated in social networks. 6376 parents of preschoolers aged from 2 to 7 from Russian Federation participated in the study. The collected data was analyzed with the help of quantitative and qualitative methods. Results and conclusions. The results of the study testify that most Russian parents demonstrate a coherent position in relation to accessibility of digital media to their children — they either give their children limited access to gadgets (66,1%), or completely ban it (5%). A big group of parents (28,9%) give rather controversial answers to questions concerning the accessibility of digital devices to their children, which testifies that they have no coherent strategy. The research demonstrates that many Russian parents face difficulties in organizing their children’s interaction with gadgets and testifies that it is important to organize parents’ counselling and education in relation to these challenges.

Introduction. The formation of new blood vessels is called angiogenesis. As the tumor grows, the oxygen and nutrient requirements of the abnormal cells continuously increase, and new blood vessels are formed. These processes are disrupted by angiogenesis inhibitors. Therefore, it is warranted to investigate ways to enhance the capabilities of angiogenesis inhibitors alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. Aim. To justify the extension of clinical use of alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides (Conium maculatum and Hydrastis canadensis, Thuja occidentalis), being a part of the complex medical product Mastopol, taking into account the obtained data on the angiogenic balance in the nodular form of benign mammary dysplasia (BMD). Materials and methods. The study included 69 volunteers divided into two groups: Group 1 included 27 patients with medical history of surgery for nodular BMD who received antiproliferative preoperative therapy with Mastopol for 12 weeks. Group 2 (comparison group), n=42, also included patients with medical history of surgery for nodular BMD but without preoperative therapy with the herbal medicine Mastopol. We studied angiogenesis markers (VEGF-A [vascular endothelial growth factor] and pVEGF-1) and immunohistochemical marker CD34 (cluster of differentiation CD). Results. We found a significantly higher (p0.001) rate of CD34 detection on medium and small caliber vessels in the comparison group, i.e., in the patients who were not treated preoperatively with alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides (Mastopol), while blood supply to the nodules by the medium and small vessels was 1.4 and 1.8 times lower in the Group 1, respectively. Analysis of VEGF expression shows an increase of angiogenic promoters VEGF-A and pVEGF-1 in serum before treatment with biologically active herbal components of Mastopol in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in vascular markers. However, a statistically significant decrease in VEGF-A and pVEGF-1 (p0.001) was noted in Group 1 after Mastopol therapy. Note the presence of a moderate direct correlation (rs=0.49) of CD34 expression with VEGF-A expression in Group 1 and rs=0.41 in Group 2, which indicated a direct relationship between angiogenesis and proangiogenic factors. Conclusion. In addition to the proven antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, cytokine stabilizing, analgesic, and anti-edema properties of Mastopol, the study also showed the antiangiogenic effect of the herbal drug components. Considering the decreased vascular growth in fibroadenomas during Mastopol treatment, the indications for its use in patients with fibroadenomas before the surgery can be extended. Specific immunological test to measure VEGF can be proposed as a noninvasive screening method to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment in general clinical practice.

The research purpose was to develop and study biocatalysts based on papain associates with chitosan nanoparticles. We obtained medium and high molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles, both with and without ascorbic acid . When the papainna-noparticles complexes with ascorbic acid were formed, the catalytic activity of the enzyme increased by 3 % for medium molecular weight chitosan and by 16 % for high molecular weight chitosan. After 168 hours of incubation in 0.05 M of Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.5) at 37 °C, the free enzyme retained 15 % of its catalytic activity, whereas its associates with chitosan nanoparticles exhibited ~ 30 %. The papain complex with chitosan nanoparticles and ascorbic acid exhibited 40 % of the enzyme catalytic activity. We simulated the bonds and interactions within the chitosan-ascorbic acid-papain complex. The proposed biocatalysts have high prospects for effective use in cosmetology, biomedicine, and pharmacy.

Aim. To perform comparative analysis of visceral sensitivity index (VSI) of patients with previously diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and of patients with IBS symptoms after COVID-19 infection. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on the basis of University Clinical Hospital №1; 200 patients with COVID-19 infection were examined. Selection criteria were the recommendations of the Rome Consensus IV (2016). Fourteen patients met the criteria for IBS (Rome IV). Forty patients with a verified diagnosis of IBS before the COVID-19 pandemic (Group 2) were selected as a comparison group. The control group included 50 healthy respondents (group 3). Group 1 included 14 patients; Group 2 included 40 patients (54 patients in total): 37 women and 17 men. The control group included 50 patients: 23 men and 27 women. VSI was estimated in the studied groups. Results. No statistically significant difference of VSI index (p0.05) was revealed while comparing two studied groups (group 1 and group 2). In group 1 and group 2 the mean values of VSI were 24.575.47 and 33.982.55 respectively. Absence of significant differences allows to assume from the position of biopsychosocial model that the patients were initially predisposed to IBS development. Conclusion. A new coronavirus infection is one of the triggers for the development of IBS 6 months after COVID-19 infection.

The article aims to systematize the available data on the current use of statins and calcium channel antagonists (CA) for cardiovascular disorders therapy and to analyze the results of clinical trials focused on pitavastatin and lercanidipine. The article addresses the safety and tolerability of statins and CA and their use in the treatment of various conditions. Pharmacological features, preventive and organ-protective effects of pitavastatin and lercanidipine are described. The publications from the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, eLIBRARY, and Google Scholar databases over the past 25 years were analyzed. The evidence presented in the article warrants the more extensive use of statins and CA in the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease.

The objective of this review was to systematize current data on the -adrenoblockers (-ABs) used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and to analyze the results of studies performed with a focus on metoprolol succinate controlled release/extended release (CR/XL) formulation. The article addresses issues related to pharmacological features of metoprolol succinate CR/XL, the use of -AB in arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias based on international and Russian clinical guidelines. Results of randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of metoprolol succinate CR/XL are presented. In preparing the literature review, a review of publications over the past 34 years in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, eLIBRARY, and Google Scholar databases was performed. The presented data indicate the need for more extensive use of -ABs, including metoprolol succinate CR/XL, in clinical practice.

The purpose of the study is to consider the possibility of using the “Inverted Classroom” technology in teaching senior schoolchildren a foreign language. The article considers the advantages of distance learning and the choice of technology “Inverted classroom” in the remote form of teaching English. The positive aspects of the use of this form of education for both the student and the teacher are noted. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the theoretical and practical justification of the benefits of using the “Inverted classroom” technology for distance learning and the ability to easily adapt our school study-guides within this technology. The change in the role of the teacher and students is practically shown. The results of the survey showed the inherent importance of distance learning and the correctness of using the “Inverted classroom” technology in this learning format.

Digitalization is one of the most factors in the development of postmodern societies. Building an information society with the introduction of digital technologies in various spheres of life is provided for by national programs of various states, including Russia. Despite advantages of this transformation of the social system, the digital technological vector of the development of societies also contains significant risks. The aim of the work is to identify the humanistic risks of digitalization social system. The methodological basis of the research were the theory of the social system by N. Luhmann, the concept of microphysics of power by M. Foucault, the analysis of the logic Big Data by N. Boltz, research in the field of sociology of things by V. Vakhstein. The authors have identified a principles of functioning social digital environment that contradict the humanistic traditions of democratic societies with their ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens. Among such principles are the principle of totality, the principle of transparency, the principle of objectification and the principle of programming social practices. The results of the research have practical potential in the development of programms for building a digital society.

The quality of food products depends not only on the technological parameters of production process, but also on storage conditions. Smart packaging controls storage conditions and tracks violations. The research objective was to review the use of sensors in food storage. The study featured publically available information on sensor-equipped smart food packaging. The information was obtained from open sources published in 2016–2021. The paper describes biosensors, chemical sensors, and indicators that determine some of the characteristics of food products and provide information to the producer, retailer, and consumer. Indicators proved to be the most promising type of sensors used in smart packaging. This type of sensor indicates the presence and concentration of various analytes through color change. The best indicators are those based on radio frequency (RFID), poison identifiers, compaction/leaks indicators, indicators of freshness/ripeness, etc. All the considered indicators visualize their data by changing color, which makes it possible to assess the quality of food products on the market. Sensor-based smart packaging is a promising direction in food industry because they make it possible to monitor and control product quality. Smart packaging allows consumers to check the freshness of products by themselves.

The development of agricultural consumer cooperation in Russia is one of the main tasks of national food security. The research objective was to analyze the current state of agricultural consumer cooperation in the Lipetsk region, Altai Territory, and the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as their development prospects The research featured agricultural consumer cooperatives and their market environment. It was based on empirical methods, analysis, synthesis, modeling, and abstraction. The paper introduces various patterns of formation and development of agricultural cooperation at the regional level. In the Lipetsk region, the number of agricultural consumer cooperatives was found to increase every year. The regional three-level system for managing the development of “region – district – settlement” cooperation proved to be very effective, as did the local cooperation development institutions. The Altai territory appeared to have implemented a pilot model of agricultural consumer cooperation. This model allows cattle farmers who received financial support from the Agrostartup to sell their products to a cooperative. In the Republic of Tatarstan, agricultural consumer cooperation is based on models that are specific for each area. The Lipetsk region appeared to be on the cutting edge of cooperation development. The three-level management they use coordinates the efforts of local authorities and regional governments in the chain “settlement – district – region”. This integrated approach provides an effective regional system of agricultural consumer cooperation in the Russian Federation.

Like many other developed democracies, most democratic countries in West Africa are facing challenges of trust in news media for political information, particularly with the emergence of the non-mainstream media - new social media. Previous research revealed that alternative news media trust is correlated with lower levels of trust in news in Africa and that the presence of private media have failed to offer alternative sources to government media. This paper for the first time seeks to investigate reasons for the increase in distrust in news media among the mainstream and non-mainstream media in West African Ghana and Nigeria, which is the main source for political information in the region. We conducted the study through online surveys for the audience of news media in Ghana and Nigeria who are interested in political news and are frequent users of both mainstream media and new social media for political information. We found out that even though people in these two countries use social media as an alternative source of obtaining political information, yet, they largely still trust mainstream media news for political information rather than social media.

Background. Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare skin disease, and secondary osteoporosis is one of its complications. The bone remodeling condition in this pathology has not been studied enough. Objective. The aim of the study is to study the characteristics of phosphorus-calcium and bone metabolism in children with dystrophic EB.Methods. The study included children with dystrophic EB aged from 3 to 18 years undergoing inpatient treatment. The ratio of children with phosphorus-calcium metabolism disorders was determined: reduced concentration of total calcium < 2.2 mmol/l, and phosphorus < 1.25 mmol/l. Additionally, deviations from reference values for 25(OH)D, parathormone, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX-I) concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activity were established.Results. Hypocalcemia was revealed in 16 patients (41%) and hypophosphatemia — in 3 (8%) patients out of 39 children with EB (22 girls, median age 77 (46; 136) months). Vitamin D level was lower than optimal (< 30 ng/ml) in 20 (77%) children with EB, while lower osteocalcin concentration — in 26 (67%), and lower CTX-I concentration — in all patients. At the same time, the median CTX-I concentration (1.32 ng/ml) more than doubled the upper values of the reference range for this indicator (< 0.573 and < 0.584 ng/ml for girls and boys, respectively). The low parathormone concentration was revealed in 1 (3%) patient. The alkaline phosphatase activity was within the reference range in all cases.Conclusion. Disorders of phosphoruscalcium (mainly calcium) metabolism are present in large number of children with dystrophic EB. Therewith, most patients have shown vitamin D deficiency, as well as signs of bone resorption dominance (high CTX-I concentration) over bone development (low osteocalcin concentration). In general, all revealed changes in the biochemical indicators of bone remodeling indicate the development of secondary osteoporosis in most children with EB.