bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Fortification Elements of the Jurchen Fortified Settlements in Primorye
Authors: Артемьева Н.Г.
Published: September 2024

Чжурчжэньские городища периода существования государства Восточное Ся (1215–1233 гг.) представляют собой сложную систему фортификации. Они возводились в горах для защиты от монгольского вторжения. Большое внимание при строительстве крепостей уделялось воротам, как наиболее уязвимому месту обороны. На цзинских памятниках возводились ворота двух видов – центральные и дополнительные. Первые – в виде наружного Г-образной формы тамбура – барбакана, вторые представляли собой разрыв вала. При изучении фортификационных сооружений Шайгинского городища (Приморский край) обнаружен новый тип ворот, условно названный барьерным. Ворота трапециевидные или прямоугольные в плане, боковые стенки проходов укрепляли бревнами. Закрывались ворота при помощи навесных железных замков. По конструкции сооружение напоминает блиндаж, т. е. замаскированное фортификационное подземное сооружение. Строились они в местах, где можно было незаметно попасть на гребень сопки и спуститься в долину. Барьерные ворота служили потайными выходами и могли использоваться для передислокации войск во время обороны города.

Jurchen fortified settlements from the Eastern Xia period (1215–1233) are elements of a sophisticated fortification system. They were built in the mountains as protection against Mongol incursions. During construction of these fortresses special attention was paid to the gates as the most vulnerable spot of the defense. Gates of two types – central gates and additional ones – were erected at the Jin dynasty sites. The first type had the form of an external G-shaped tambour, the so called barbican; the second type was built as an opening in the rampart. The excavations of the fortifications at the Shaiginskoye fortified settlement (Primorye) revealed a new type of gates, provisionally called barrier gates. The gates are trapezoidal or rectangular in the plan, the side walls of the passages were reinforced with logs. The gates were locked with iron padlocks. The design of the construction looks like a blindage, which means an earth covered deep fortification dugout. Such gates were constructed at the spots from where it was possible to get onto the hill crest surreptitiously and descend into the valley. The barrier gates served as secret exits and could be used for redeployment of troops during city defense.
Preliminary Results of Chemical Technological Research of Gold Threads from the Chudov Monastery in the Moscow Kremlin
Authors: Сапрыкина И.А.
Published: September 2024

В рамках данной статьи публикуются предварительные результаты исследования химического состава металла и техники изготовления золотных нитей, найденных в ходе раскопок погребений XIV–XVII вв. Чудова монастыря Московского Кремля в 2016–2017 гг. На первом этапе исследования, в ходе которого выполнялись РФА-анализы металла золотных нитей, проводились их исследования с помощью оптической и конфокальной флуоресцентной микроскопии, было определено, что все образцы изготовлены из разных типов нитей. Наиболее вероятно, что исследованные нити были изготовлены в европейских центрах производства золотных нитей; рассматривается возможность использования в погребальных одеждах Чудова монастыря нитей, изготовленных на мануфактурном производстве в Южной Германии. На следующем этапе исследования необходимо решить несколько критических вопросов по технологии изготовления нитей и химическому составу их металла и определить, присутствуют ли в данной выборке нити – «имитации» византийских классических образцов, выполненных в итальянских мастерских.

This paper publishes preliminary research results of the metal chemical composition and techniques of making gold threads found during excavations of graves dated to the 14th–17th centuries in the Chudov Monastery of the Moscow Kremlin in 2016–2017. The first stage of the research focused on X-ray fluorescence analysis of gold thread metal and their examination by optical and confocal fluorescence microscopy. It was established that all specimens were made from different types of threads. Most likely, the examined threads were made in European centers of gold thread production; it might be possible that threads made at a manufacturing plant in Southern Germany were used in making funerary clothes discovered in the Chudov Monastery. At the next stage of the research several critical issues are to be addressed such as thread making techniques, chemical composition of the metal they are made from; it is also important to understand if this sample of threads has imitations of Byzantine classical specimens made in Italian workshops.
ISSUES, QUESTIONS AND MAIN RESULTS OF EXAMINING OSTEOLOGICAL REMAINS FROM THE 2016 EXCAVATIONS IN THE MOSCOW KREMLIN
Authors: Антипина Е.Е. , Яворская Л.В.
Published: September 2024

В статье представлены результаты изучения остеологической коллекции 2016 г. Обозначены проблемы формирования хронологических выборок и вопросы разделения костей по отдельным категориям. По категории кухонных остатков выявлено, что мясная диета населения Кремлевского холма уже начиная с XII в. была городского типа. Более того, различия по конкретным выборкам костных отбросов фиксируют группы жителей разного достатка и социального статуса. Обнаруженные в домоногольских и домонастырских культурных напластованиях кости ловчих птиц являются маркерами высокого статуса и особого престижа населения этих периодов. Это хорошо согласуется с яркими археологическими находками и выразительными архитектурными комплексами домонгольского времени, характеризующими раннюю Москву как поселение с материальной культурой городского облика.

The paper reports on the results of examining the 2016 osteological collection. It brings up issues of selecting chronological samples as well as issues of dividing bones into different categories. The study of kitchen waste demonstrates that starting from the 12th century, the meat diet of the Kremlin Hill population was of urban type. The differences in osteological spectrum of kitchen bone remains indicate the residents with different incomes and specific social status. Bones of hunting birds found in pre-Mongol and premonastery cultural deposits are markers of a high status and special prestige of the population of these periods. That is quite consistent with exceptional pre-Mongol archaeological finds and impressive architectural complexes of the pre-Mongol period which characterize early Moscow as a settlement with the material culture of the urban type.
TECHNICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PRECLASSIC MAYA CERAMICS FROM UAXACTUN IN GUATEMALA
Authors: Цетлин Ю.Б. , Савченко И.А.
Published: September 2024

Статья посвящена технико-технологическому анализу керамики майя среднего и позднего доклассического периодов из раскопок поселения Вашактун в Гватемале. Анализ проводился в Институте археологии РАН по просьбе директора Вашактунского археологического проекта Института археологии и истории Словакии М. Ковача. В результате было установлено, что, во-первых, керамика каждого морфологического типа была неоднородна по своим технологическим традициям, во-вторых, технология изготовления керамики разных хронологических периодов имела заметные особенности.
DAGESTAN. THE CULTURAL PROCESS IN THE LIGHT OF CLIMATIC FLUCTUATIONS DURING THE EARLY AND MIDDLE HOLOCENE
Authors: Амиров Ш.Н.
Published: September 2024

Статья представляет собой синтез диахронной археологической информации о культурном процессе эпохи мезолита – ранней бронзы на территории Дагестана. Эволюция материальной культуры Дагестана рассмотрена в контексте климатических флуктуаций голоцена и синхронизирована с культурным процессом в Закавказье и Северной Месопотамии.

The article presents a synthesis of diachronic analysis of archaeological information on the cultural process of the extended epoch from the Mesolithic to the Early bronze Age within the territory of Dagestan. Evolution of the Dagestan material culture is considered against the background of climatic fluctuations of the Holocene. The author suggests synchronization of the climatic changes with the cultural process in the Transcaucasia and North Mesopotamia.
A UNIQUE MIDDLE BRONZE AGE BURIAL FROM THE CAUCASIAN SPAS AREA
Authors: Кореневский С.Н. , Березин Я.Б. , Габуев Т.А.
Published: September 2024

Публикация погребения 4 кургана 3 Лысогорского-6 могильника (Георгиевский район Ставропольского края) ставит целью ввести в научный оборот уникальный комплекс захоронения и найденных в нем вещей. Погребение было основным и единственным в кургане, имеющем 7 м в высоту. Оно было сооружено в неглубокой, но обширной яме в поверхностном слое почвы. Покойный был положен в вытянутой позе на спине и обращен головой на запад. Погребальный инвентарь был разложен на трех деревянных блюдах, которые можно интерпретировать как подносы. В состав инвентаря входили характерный для Южного Кавказа бронзовый топор (типа Начеркезеви, по С. Н. Кореневскому), бронзовые жезл, тесло и кинжал, размещенные на подносе 1. В состав погребального костюма входило кольцо-подвеска из золота, браслеты на руках и щиколотке правой ноги. Комплекс датируется серединой – втор. четвертью III тыс. до н. э. Он относится к северокавказской культуре Центрального Предкавказья. Погребенный в этом кургане человек был удостоен похорон высочайшего престижа и, вероятно, имел при жизни статус вождя или иного лидера.

The publication of burial 4, kurgan 3, Lysogorskiy-6 cemetery in the Georgievsky district, Stavropol Region, aims to introduce a unique assemblage of burial and funerary rite items into scientific discourse. It was a primary and the only burial in the kurgan which is seven meters high. It was made in a shallow wide pit in the surface soil layer. The deceased was deposited in a supine extended position, with the head pointing west. The funerary offerings were placed on three wooden dishes that can be interpreted as trays. The offerings included a bronze shaft-hole axe of the Nacherkezevi type after S. N. Korenenvskiy (typical for the South Caucasus), a bronze wand, a bronze chisel and a bronze dagger placed on tray 1. The funerary dress included a pendant ring made from gold, bracelets on the hand and the ankle of the right leg. Wooden tray finds date the assemblage to the mid – second quarter of III mill. BC. It is referred to the North Caucasus culture of the Central Fore-Caucasus. The person from kurgan 1 was buried with a high prestige ceremony and apparently in his life he had the status of a chieftain or some other leader.
THE “EASTERN EUROPEAN” TYPE OF ENAMELS AND SOME ISSUES RELATED TO DEVELOPMENT OF THE RYAZAN OKA FINNS’ CULTURE ASSEMBLAGES
Authors: Белоцерковская И.В. , Ахмедов И.Р.
Published: September 2024

В статье рассмотрены некоторые проблемы формирования культуры рязано окских финнов. Находки украшений круга восточноевропейских эмалей и их дериватов (рис. 1 2), витых гривен с петлями на концах, окских фибул с кнопками (рис. 6), проушных топоров в погребальных комплексах культуры и на соседних территориях позволяют установить наличие устойчивых связей с носителями раннеславянских киевских традиций, мощинской культуры и более ранним населением Верхнего Поочья. Некоторые формы инокультурных украшений (кольцевые застежки) становятся основой для сложения специфических рязано окских украшений (рис. 5). Появление вещей круга восточноевропейских эмалей маркирует верхнюю границу раннего этапа сложения рязано окской культуры (I начала III в. н. э.), характеризующегося синтезом западных и восточных элементов, что наиболее ярко отражено в ансамбле женского убора. Предполагается, что именно синтез западных и восточных элементов обусловил своеобразие культуры рязанских финнов .

The paper elaborates on some aspects of the Ryazan Oka Finns culture development. Finds of jewelry of the Eastern European type of enamels and their derivatives (Fig. 1, 2), twisted torcs with loops in the terminals, Oka fibulae with press studs (Fig. 5), shaft hole axes in funerary assemblages discovered in this culture area and the adjacent areas suggest stable links with the populations groups of the Early Slav Kievan traditions, the Moshchino culture and the earlier population of the Upper Oka basin. Some forms of jewelry attributed to other cultures (ring fasteners) became the basis for developing specific Ryazan Oka jewelry (Fig. 4). Emergence of the artifacts attributed to the group of Eastern European enamels marks the upper boundary of the early development stage of the RyazanOka culture (the 1st early 3rd centuries AD). This process is characterized by the synthesis of western and eastern elements expressed vividly in the set of female garments. Presumably, it is the synthesis of the western and eastern elements that determined the cultural identity of the Ryazan Oka Finns.
A TREASURE HOARD WITH CHAMPLEVÉ ENAMELS FROM NIZHNEE KAZACHYE IN THE UPPER DON REGION
Authors: Обломский А.М.
Published: September 2024

В 2016 г. на северной окраине известного ранее поселения Нижнее Казачье 10 Задонского р на Липецкой обл. был обнаружен клад, в состав которого входили украшения с выемчатой эмалью восточноевропейского стиля. Территория поселения заселялась неоднократно. Во время осмотра памятника и шурфовки получены материалы городецкой культуры раннего железного века, позднескифской первых вв. н. э., гуннского времени, боршевской культуры раннего средневековья, Нового времени. Какой либо керамики, которую можно было бы отнести ко времени сокрытия клада, не обнаружено. Клад состоял из 12 предметов: бронзовых обломка кольца или браслета, двух фрагментов браслетов, пластины, рамы пряжки, кольца, двух подвесок лунниц, подвески колокольчика железных шпоры и кресала медной римской монеты (сестерция) 161 164 гг. Наиболее вероятное время сокрытия клада около середины III в. Он входит в группу верхнедонских кладов ювелиров бронзолитейщиков.

In 2016 a treasure hoard was found on the northern outskirt of Nizhnee Kazachye 10, which is a settlement of the Zadonsky district in the Lipetsk Region discovered earlier. The hoard included jewelry pieces of the Eastern European champlev style. The area of the settlement became inhabited repeatedly. During the examination of the site and drilling of testing pits materials attributed to the Gorodets culture of the Early Iron Age, the Late Scythian culture of the first centuries AD, the Hun period, the Borshevo culture of the early medieval period, the early modern period were retrieved. No ceramics that could be dated to the time the depositing of the treasure were found. The treasure hoard consisted of 12 items, namely, a broken piece of a bronze ring or a bracelet, two fragments of bronze bracelets, a bronze plate, a bronze buckle frame, a bronze ring, two bronze lunulae, a bronze bell pendant, an iron spur and an iron steel, a copper Roman coin (sestertius) of 161 164. Most likely, the hiding of the treasure occurred around the mid3rd century AD. It forms part of a group of the Upper Don treasure hoards hidden by jewelers who cast bronze items.
ENAMELED ORNAMENTS FROM PRUSSIA MUSEUM COLLECTION
Authors: Хомякова О.А.
Published: September 2024

В статье представлен обзор предметов круга восточноевропейских эмалей из коллекции музея Пруссия, которая является основой для изучения категорий находок с территории Прибалтики. Приводятся данные, сохранившиеся в музейных фондах и архивах. Впервые публикуются изделия, ранее известные по иллюстрациям конца XIX начала XX в. Предлагается типологическая и хронологическая характеристика предметов, анализ территориального распределения.

The paper provides an overview of the items identified as East European enamels from the collection of the Prussia Museum. The material is used as a basis for studying finds of different categories from the Baltic region. The data from the museum collections and archives are provided. Items previously known from illustrations made at the end of XIX century early XX century are published for the first time. The author suggests typological and chronological characteristics of the items and analyzes their distribution across the region.
STEPE TRADITIONS OF SLAVIC WEAPONRY AND HORSE TRAPINGS IN THE 5TH 7TH CENTURIES
Authors: Казанский М.М.
Published: September 2024

Рассматриваются предметы вооружения и конского снаряжения, обнаруженные на славянских памятниках V VII вв. (пражская, пеньковская, колочинская культуры), которые свидетельствуют о влиянии степных кочевников, гунно болгар и авар, на военное дело славян. Это железные гарды клинкового оружия, пики, топорики чеканы, костяные накладки на лук, колчанные крючки, тяжелые трехлопастные стрелы, металлические и костяные пряжки конской сбруи, роговые псалии удил. В западной половине ареала пражской культуры распространяется аварская воинская мода, выразившаяся в находках элементов аварской поясной гарнитуры, что, видимо, связано с военно политической ориентацией склавинов тех территорий. Значительное количество археологических находок свидетельствует о прямом влиянии степных кочевников на военное дело славян в V VII вв. Это касается в первую очередь славянской конницы, существование которой прямо засвидетельствовано письменными источниками, а также стрелкового оружия. При этом славянская конница по экипировке напоминала скорее азиатскую, чем европейскую. Большая часть находок происходит из лесостепной полосы, от Верхнего Дона до Нижнего Дуная, где контакт кочевников со склавинами и антами был наиболее вероятен.

This paper reviews items of weaponry and horse trappings discovered at Slavic sites of the 5th 7th centuries (the Prague, Penkovka, Kolochin cultures) which demonstrate the influence of the steppe nomads, the Hun Bulgarians and the Avars on the warfare of the Slavs. This weaponry includes iron crossguards of bladed weaponry, pikes, hammer axes, bone bow plates, quiver hooks, heavy trilobate arrowheads, metallic and bone buckles of horse trappings, horn cheek pieces of horse bits. Avar military fashion spread across the western part of the Prague culture area as demonstrated by the finds of Avar belt set apparently, it is linked to the military and political orientation of the Sclaveni inhabiting the area. A large number of archaeological finds are indicative of direct influence of the steppe nomads on warfare of the Slavic populations in the 5th 7th centuries. It applies, first of all, to Slavic cavalry the existence of which is documented in written sources as well as to small arms. At the same time the battle kit of the Slavic cavalry was more Asian than European. Most finds originate from the forest steppe belt which stretched from the Upper Don to the Lower Danube where the contact between the Nomads and the Slavs was most likely.
THE GOEBEKLY DEPE FORTRESS IN MARGIANA IN THE CONTEXT OF IRANIAN FORTIFICATION DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Гаибов В.А. , Никитин А.Б.
Published: September 2024

Крепость Гёбеклы депе на северной границе Мервского оазиса, в 32 км к северо западу от городищ Старого Мерва, имеет особое значение для истории иранской фортификации. Она была построена в парфянское время, предположительно в I в. н. э., неоднократно перестраивалась в раннесасанидский период, в III и IV вв. После середины IV в. крепость была оставлена. Время ее активного существования датируется находками парфянских и сасанидских монет, самые поздние из них медные монеты Шапура II (309 379). В парфянское время, судя по находкам глиняных булл для опечатывания тюков с товаром, крепость выполняла функцию таможенного поста. При перестройке крепости в сасанидское время были заложены помещения нижнего яруса, превратившиеся в монолитную платформу. Эти изменения следует рассматривать в контексте развития иранской фортификации в целом, опираясь на аналогичные постройки в Гургане, Парсе, Хорасане и Месопотамии.

The fortress of Goebekly depe on the northern border of the Merv oasis, 32 km to the North West of the Old Merv hillforts is of special significance for the history of Iranian fortification. It was built in the Parthian period, supposedly, in the first century AD, and was repeatedly rebuilt during the Early Sasanian period in the 3rd and 4th centuries. After the mid fourth century the fortress was abandoned. The time of its active use is dated on the basis of Parthian and Sasanian coin finds, the latest are copper coins of Shapur II (309 379). Judging by the finds of clay bullae used to seal packs of goods, in the Parthian period the fortress functioned as a customs post. When the fortress was rebuilt during the Sasanian period the lower level rooms were filled with mudbricks and so turned into a monolithic platforms. These changes should be regarded in the context of development of Iranian fortification in genetrel, relying on similar constructions in Gurgan, Pars, Khorasan and Mesopotamia.
RESEARCH OF SETTLEMENT COMPLEXES OF THE PRIMORSKAYA CULTURE IN THE NORTHEAST COAST OF THE VISTULA LAGOON: RESULTS AND ISSUES
Authors: Зальцман Э.Б.
Published: September 2024

Исследование неолитических поселенческих комплексов в районе северо восточного побережья Вислинского залива проводились с 1996 по 2015 г.: первоначально на поселении Прибрежное, в дальнейшем они продолжились в районе реки Прохладной, где удалось выявить еще 4 поселения (рис. 1 5), относящихся к различным периодам существования приморской культуры. Главные направления эволюции восточной группы приморской культуры, исходя из итогов исследования поселенческих комплексов в северо восточной части побережья Вислинского залива, по видимому, предстают в совершенно ином свете, чем мы привыкли себе представлять. Конструктивные особенности жилых сооружений, керамический комплекс, как и материальная культура в целом, коренным образом отличаются от собственно древностей КШК. Становится очевидным, что созданная ранее для территории Средней Европы культурная модель была искусственно перенесена на регион, где она оказалась нежизнеспособной.

Research of Neolithic settlement complexes in the northeast coast of the Vistula lagoon was conducted from 1996 to 2015, initially at the Pribrezhnonye settlement and subsequently in the Prokhladnaya River area where another four settlements referred to various periods of the Primorskaya culture existence were discovered (Fig. 1 5). Research of the settlement complexes in the northeast part of the Vistula lagoon throws a new light on the main areas of the Primorskaya eastern group evolution compared to what was previously thought. Constructive features of dwellings, pottery assemblages and the entire material culture demonstrate dramatic differences from the Corded Ware culture. It is clear that the cultural model created earlier for Central Europe was artificially transferred to the region where this model did not work.
SUzDAL NATIVITY CATHEDRAL AT THE END OF 15th – BEGINNING OF 16th CENTURY: TO THE QUESTION OF RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ARCHITECTURAL APPEARANCE AND wHITE STONE DECORATION
Authors: Вахтанов С.Н.
Published: September 2024

В статье представлены результаты изучения древней белокаменной части Богородице-Рождественского собора в Суздале и камней (из кладки его стен), хранящихся в фондах Владимиро-Суздальского музея-заповедника. Эти результаты заставляют пересмотреть некоторые устоявшиеся мнения. Они демонстрируют, что фасадный резной декор собора не создавался одновременно, а относится к двум периодам строительства. Первый период соответствует времени постройки собора в начале XIII в. Второй период относится ко второй половине XV в. – времени восстановления храма после его обрушения в 1445 г. В это время от резчиков требовалось восстановить старую резьбу, насколько это было возможно при изменившейся архитектуре храма. Резьба, выполненная ими в XV в., продолжала датироваться XIII в. в историографии до настоящего времени. 

The article presents the results of studying the ancient white-stone part of the Nativity Cathedral in Suzdal and stones (from the masonry of its walls) stored in the funds of the Vladimiro-Suzdalsky museum reserve. These results have led to a reconsideration of some wellestablished opinions. They demonstrate that the facade carved decoration of the Cathedral was not created at the same time, but refers to two periods of construction. The first period corresponds to the time of the construction of the Cathedral in the early 13th century. The second period belongs to the second half of the 15th century – the time of the restoration of the temple after its collapse in 1445. At that time the carvers were obliged to restore the old carvings as far as possible with the changed architecture of the temple. Carving, made by them in the 15th century, continued to date back to the 13th century in historiography until now.
LARGE SETTLEMENTS OF THE X–XI CENTURIES AND STRUCTURES OF RESETTLEMENT OF THE XII–XIII CENTURIES IN SUzDAL OPOLIE: PROBLEMS OF CONTINUITY
Authors: Макаров Н.А. , Федорина А.Н. , Шполянский С.В.
Published: September 2024

В настоящей работе рассматривается вопрос о соотношении в Суздальском Ополье больших поселений X–XI вв. и поселенческих структур позднейшего времени – XII–XIV вв. Используя новые материалы полевых исследований, правомерно поставить вопрос о том, какое влияние оказали большие поселения на развитие системы расселения в последующий период. Можно заключить, что большинство больших поселений, которые составляли ядро Суздальской земли в X–XI вв., прекратили свое существование, не дожив до Нового времени. Прослеживаются два периода «кризисных трансформаций», прекращения жизни или упадка и сокращения площадей первоначальных поселений, перемещения поселений или части поселенческой структуры на новые участки. Один из них приходится на рубеж XI–XII – начало XII в., а другой – на середину XIII в. Ни в первый, ни во второй период запустение больших поселений или их наследников не сопровождалось запустением тяготеющих к ним микрорегионов. Трансформации следует рассматривать скорее как перенос «центральных» поселений на новое место (на расстояние 0,5–2 км), как реорганизацию расселения в рамках соответствующих микрорегионов. 

We examine the question of the relationship between Suzdal Opolye large settlements of the X–XI centuries and settlement structures of the later time – the XII– XIV centuries in this paper. Using new materials of field researches, it is lawful to raise a question of about the impact of large settlements in the development of the settlement system in the subsequent period. We can conclude that the majority of large settlements that were the core of Suzdal land in the X–XI centuries ceased to exist before they reach the New time. Two periods of “crisis transformations”, the end of life or decline and the reduction of the areas of the original settlements, the movement of settlements or part of the settlement structure to new areas are traced. One of them falls on the border of the XI–XII – the beginning of the XII century, and the other – in the middle of the XIII century. Neither in the first nor in the second period of the desolation of large settlements or their heirs was not accompanied by the desolation of the microregions gravitating to them. Transformations should be considered rather as transfer of the “central” settlements on the new place (on a distance of 0,5–2 km), as the reorganization of settlement within the relevant micro-regions.
Switzerland as a Site of Capital Accumulation: The Case of International Education
Authors: Lillie Karen , Delval Anne-Sophie
Published: September 2024

This special issue explores how and why foreign families and individuals, as well as local institutions, capitalize on the Swiss private schools’ market. Our introduction unpacks how the country and its educational landscape intersect with broader ties to global capitalism and asset movement. By further unravelling the interplay of social re/production, Bourdieusian capital accumulation, and transnational mobility for the globally elite, our introduction sets forth an important research agenda on Switzerland’s international education sector.
The Uncertain Value of Cosmopolitan Capital: Teachers at International Schools in Switzerland
Authors: Rey Jeanne
Published: September 2024

Drawing on field theory, this article analyses the trajectories of schoolteachers employed in Swiss international schools, with a focus on the accumulation and mobilization of various forms of capital – and the limits thereof. The heterogeneity of teacher trajectories and resources when entering the international school sector is documented and, through the concept of cosmopolitan capital, light is shed on specific logics of distinction contributing to the segmentation of the teaching sector and the creation of an educational enclave of international schools.
Concerted Cultivation from Afar: Wealthy Chinese Families and Their Children at Swiss International Boarding Schools.
Authors: Fei Mianmian
Published: September 2024

Situated in the literature on China’s economic elites and Early Study Abroad, the study employs interviews to explore how wealthy Chinese families cultivate their children through schooling at Swiss international boarding schools. It reveals their approach to education as extending beyond academics and strategies for concerted cultivation from afar. By focusing on the parenting of the wealthy, it thus adds to the discussion on concerted cultivation, highlighting the lack of class anxiety and pivotal role of economic resources in such practices.
Synthesis of Germoxysilicon Phthalocyanines
Authors: Anthony Ryan J. , Karayilan Metin , Sturtz Benjamin
Published: September 2024

Phthalocyanines, aromatic, macrocyclic compounds with a wide range of industrial applications, are heavily conjugated ring systems which can chelate metals or metalloids. This chelated center can then act as an attachment site for functionalization or oligomerization. Prior characterization of one such group of siloxysilicon dimeric phthalocyanine crystals via X-ray crystallography found a series of unexpected torsional angles, hypothesized to indicate the presence of a previously unexplored intramolecular interaction. To further explore this phenomenon, a series of synthetic routes for novel dimeric silicon phthalocyanine crystals suitable for X-ray crystallography were investigated. Following unsuccessful attempts to synthesize precursor bis-hydroxy dimeric silicon phthalocyanine, a novel triethyl-germoxy-functionalized silicon phthalocyanine was proposed to explore the impact of solubility and functional group bond strength on dimerization. A novel germoxy-functionalized silicon phthalocyanine product was synthesized, with preliminary characterization revealing the presence of both monomeric and dimeric species suitable for separation, crystallization, and structural analysis. Further investigation into this class of silicon phthalocyanines will generate a parallel set of structural data to those previously documented for analysis of torsional angles and may contribute to a deeper understanding and development of the oligomerization of silicon-chelated phthalocyanines.
A practical in silico method for predicting compound brain concentration-time profiles: combination of PK modeling and machine learning
Authors: Handa Koichi , Fujita Daichi , Hirano Mariko , Yoshimura Saki , Kageyama Michiharu , Iijima Takeshi
Published: September 2024

Given the aging populations in advanced countries globally, many pharmaceutical companies have focused on developing central nervous system (CNS) drugs. However, due to the blood-brain barrier, drugs do not easily reach the target area in the brain. Although conventional screening methods for drug discovery involve the measurement of (unbound fraction of drug) brain-to-plasma partition coefficients, it is difficult to consider non-equilibrium between plasma and brain compound concentration-time profiles. To truly understand the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of CNS drugs, compound concentration-time profiles in the brain are necessary; however, such analyses are costly, time consuming, and require a significant number of animals. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to develop an in silico prediction method that does not require a large amount of experimental data by combining modeling and simulation (M&S) with machine learning (ML). First, we constructed a hybrid model linking plasma concentration-time profile to the brain compartment that takes into account the transit time and brain distribution of each compound. Using mouse plasma and brain time experimental values for 103 compounds, we determined the brain kinetic parameters of the hybrid model for each compound; this case was defined as scenario I (a positive control experiment) and included the full brain concentration-time profile data. Next, we built an ML model using chemical structure descriptors as explanatory variables and rate parameters as the target variable, and we then input the predicted values from 5-fold cross-validation (CV) into the hybrid model; this case was defined as scenario II, in which no brain compound concentration-time profile data exist. Finally, for scenario III, assuming that the brain concentration is obtained at only one time point, we used the brain kinetic parameters from the result of the 5-fold CV in scenario II as the initial values for the hybrid model and performed parameter re-fitting against the observed brain concentration at that time point. As a result, the RMSE/R2-values of the brain compound concentration-time profiles over time were 0.445/0.517 in scenario II and 0.246/0.805 in scenario III, indicating the method provides high accuracy and suggesting that it is a practical method for predicting brain compound concentration-time profiles.
Necrotizing fasciitis as a rare form of postpartum sepsis. Case report
Authors: Belokrinitskaya Tatiana E. , Golygin Evgeny V. , Fomin Dmitry P. , Shal'nyova Elena V. , Chugai Olesya А. , Oslopova Anna А. , Lugovskaya Olga V.
Published: September 2024

Modern strategies of the World Health Organization and clinical guidelines of the world's leading professional communities of obstetricians and gynecologists, based on effective clinical practices, make it possible to attribute sepsis to potentially preventable causes of direct maternal mortality with the possibility of a near-miss situation outcome. Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a disseminated soft tissue infection that is a rare and life-threatening form of septic complications in obstetrics. The disease is little known to practical doctors, and its outcome largely depends on the timely diagnosis and early initiation of adequate treatment, including massive antibiotic therapy and urgent surgical removal of necrotic tissue with correction of multiple organ disorders. Pregnant women and women in labor are at risk for NF since its main risk factors are mucosal and skin injuries of any origin, immunosuppression, diabetes, and obesity. We present two cases of near miss due to the NF and sepsis after vaginal birth and cesarean section. At the manifestation of the disease, both patients started broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. When soft tissue necrosis appeared, debridement was performed. A 31-year-old patient had a more severe course of the disease (septic shock, severe multiple organ failure) and a less favorable outcome (hysterectomy, panhypopituitarism, large ventral hernia), which is probably due to the presence of significant risk factors (history of sepsis, grade 1 obesity, autoimmune thyroiditis). In a 37-year-old somatically healthy patient with only one risk factor (age over 35 years), NF's clinical course and outcome after cesarean section were more favorable (the uterus was preserved, and the hormonal and metabolic status was not disturbed). Pregnant women and women in labor should be identified as a risk group for NF due to unavoidable damage of the mucous membranes and skin even during normal childbirth and routine obstetric procedures, a high rate of surgical delivery, physiological immunosuppression, and a high prevalence of obesity and diabetes. Rapidly initiated complex treatment, including massive antibiotic therapy, debridement, immunoglobulins, efferent therapies, and hyperbaric oxygenation, can improve the outcome of the disease and prevent maternal mortality.
The prevalence of uterine fibroids in Sverdlovsk region: A retrospective study
Authors: Sevostyanova Olga Y. , Chumarnaya Tatiana V. , Sevostyanova Natal'ia E. , Belomestnov Sergei R. , Oboskalova Tat'iana A. , Striganova Olga D.
Published: September 2024

Aim. To analyze the dynamics of the incidence and prevalence of uterine fibroids (UF) in the population of women in the Sverdlovsk region (SR) and the municipality of Yekaterinburg.
Materials and methods. A study was conducted on the incidence and prevalence of UF in rural and urban women aged 18 years and over in 2016–2022. The data from Table No. 3000 of the Federal Statistical Observation Form No. 12 “Information on the number of diseases registered in patients living in the service area of a medical organization” were analyzed. When calculating the indicators, the average annual number of women aged 18 years and over in 2016–2022 was used, the values were expressed in 0/0000.
Results. It was found that the incidence of UF in SR was 149.11 0/0000, in the city – 130.89 0/0000 in 2016. There was an increase in the incidence of UF in the SR and the city by 1.93 and 1.96 times in 2019, respectively, compared with 2016 (p0.001). The average growth rate (AGR) of incidence in the SR and the city was 24.6 and 25.2% respectively, and had a pronounced growth dynamics in 2016–2019. The prevalence of UF in SR was 735.8 0/0000, in the city – 650.74 0/0000 in 2016. Subsequently, the dynamics of the increase in prevalence, similar to the incidence, was observed. The prevalence rate in the region was 15.5%, in the city – 11.6% in 2016–2019. There was a decrease in the incidence of UF in SR (p=0.014) and the city (p0.001) in 2020–2022. The AFR had a negative value: -3.4 and -7.9%. The prevalence of UF corresponded to a moderate trend, taking into account the positive values of AFR: 1.3% in SR and 2.3% in the city.
Conclusion. The prevalence of UF in SR and the city of Yekaterinburg in the pre-pandemic period (2017–2019) was characterized by a marked increase compared to the initial 2016 year. During the pandemic, there was a slight dynamics in the city and stagnation of the indicator in the SR due to a pronounced decrease in incidence.
Combining minimally invasive technologies and phytotherapy in mammology: A safe and effective duet. A prospective study
Authors: Pokul Liliana V. , Orazov Mekan R. , Lebedeva Marina G. , Demina Alina O.
Published: September 2024

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.
Comprehensive assessment of the quality of life in patients with pelvic organ prolapse before surgical treatment: A prospective cohort observational study
Authors: Shakhaliev Rustam A. , Kubin Nikita D. , Nikitina Tatiana P. , Ionova Tatyana I. , Shkarupa Dmitry D.
Published: September 2024

Aim. To evaluate comprehensively the quality of life (QoL) of patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) who have indications for reconstructive surgery (RS) and determine the optimal tools for QoL assessment as part of preoperative screening.
Materials and methods. The study included 860 patients hospitalized for RS at the Saint-Petersburg State University Hospital. The following validated questionnaires were used to assess QoL: the RAND SF-36 (general QoL questionnaire and specialized questionnaires), in particular the P-QoL (QoL Pelvic Organ Dysfunction Questionnaire in POP), the PFDI-20 (Pelvic Organ Dysfunction Questionnaire), the ICIQ-SF (Stress Incontinence Questionnaire), the PISQ-12 (PTD Sexual Dysfunction Questionnaire), the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Lower abdominal and lower back pain was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale.
Results. Significant QoL reduction was found in most patients, including in physical and psycho-emotional aspects. Among the patients, there were no women with a high level of physical and mental health components. The indicators of vitality, general health, role-physical, and emotional functioning were more significantly reduced. More than 1/3 of women had borderline or increased levels of anxiety, and 1/4 had high levels of depression. Notably, the P-QoL questionnaire was used for the first time in the russian population of patients with POP. It identifies general health perceptions, the impact of prolapse on life, role, physical, social and personal limitations, emotions, sleep/energy, and symptom severity. Based on the study, optimal tools for preoperative screening and monitoring the state of patients after surgery are proposed.
Conclusion. The population of women with POP with indications for RS is heterogeneous in terms of the severity of physical and psychosocial functioning impairment and the degree of impact of pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. The following questionnaires can be considered as optimal tools for assessing QoL and symptom burden in patients with POP as part of preoperative screening: P-QoL to assess the decrease of various QoL aspects, PFDI-20 to determine the severity of specific pelvic organ dysfunction symptoms, HADS to identify the level of anxiety and depression.
Personalized approach to pre-graduate preparation in women with chronic endometritis. Case report
Authors: Pestrikova Tatiana Y. , Khamroeva Umida Z.
Published: September 2024

Over the past few decades, the attention of gynecologists and reproductive specialists has been drawn to the key causes of female infertility, among which chronic endometritis (CE) dominates. The aim of the paper is to inform gynecologists about the need for a comprehensive approach (considering comorbidities) to diagnose and treat CE using medical and physiotherapeutic treatment methods. The article presents a prospective review of pregravid preparation, considering the features of the examination, verification of the diagnosis, and treatment of two patients with a history of reproductive losses due to CE. The presented clinical cases demonstrate the importance of multidirectional diagnosis of CE, the mandatory morphological examination to verify the diagnosis, as well as the feasibility of prescribing complex therapy using both drug (antimicrobial therapy, immunomodulatory, hormonal, and combined broad-spectrum agents) and physiotherapeutic methods of treatment.
Chemopreventive properties of 3,3'-diindolylmethane: From experimental to clinical studies. A review
Authors: Vlasov Andrei V. , Yakushevskaya Oksana V.
Published: September 2024

The basis for the prevention of cancer is the correction of initial epigenetic disorders in the cell, i.e. implementation of pathological genome reversion. Convincing evidence has accumulated to support the potential antitumor activity of compounds derived from cruciferous vegetables of the genus Brassicaceae. Indole-3-carbinol and 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) have been investigated for their use as chemopreventive agents. DIM is formed in the acidic environment of the stomach as a result of dimerization of indole-3-carbinol monomers. Currently, it is impossible to identify a specific vector of influence of DIM at the molecular level. In this review, we summarize the pleiotropic effects of DIM aimed at correcting reversible epigenetic changes in tumor cells. Emphasis will be placed on the major cellular and molecular events that are effectively modulated by DIM. The main profile of DIM competencies concerns the management of intracellular signal transmission and correction of initial molecular genetic changes at the level of key participants in signaling pathways (NF-κB/Wnt/Akt/mTOR) leading to the development of cancer. The ability of DIM to differentially modulate tumor cell apoptosis has been observed in preclinical studies. It has been suggested that using DIM it is possible to increase the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic compounds with different molecular targets, thereby increasing chemosensitization. DIM has entered phase III clinical trials, with preliminary results confirming its promise both as a stand-alone drug and in combination with other components of anticancer therapy. Establishing the range of epigenetic control of DIM molecular and genetic changes in various cancers will allow optimization of therapeutic epigenetics approaches.
PRDM16 determines specification of ventricular cardiomyocytes by suppressing alternative cell fates
Authors: Van Wauwe Jore , Mahy Alexia , Craps Sander , Ekhteraei-Tousi Samaneh , Vrancaert Pieter , Kemps Hannelore , Dheedene Wouter , Doñate Puertas Rosa , Trenson Sander , Roderick H. Llewelyn , Beerens Manu , Luttun Aernout
Published: September 2024

PRDM16 is a transcription factor with histone methyltransferase activity expressed at the earliest stages of cardiac development. Pathogenic mutations in humans lead to cardiomyopathy, conduction abnormalities, and heart failure. PRDM16 is specifically expressed in ventricular but not atrial cardiomyocytes, and its expression declines postnatally. Because in other tissues PRDM16 is best known for its role in binary cell fate decisions, we hypothesized a similar decision-making function in cardiomyocytes. Here, we demonstrated that cardiomyocyte-specific deletion ofPrdm16during cardiac development results in contractile dysfunction and abnormal electrophysiology of the postnatal heart, resulting in premature death. By combined RNA+ATAC single-cell sequencing, we found that PRDM16 favors ventricular working cardiomyocyte identity, by opposing the activity of master regulators of ventricular conduction and atrial fate. Myocardial loss of PRDM16 during development resulted in hyperplasia of the (distal) ventricular conduction system. Hence, PRDM16 plays an indispensable role during cardiac development by driving ventricular working cardiomyocyte identity.