50th Anniversary Research Articles

Report and Abstracts of the 20th Meeting of IIM, the Interuniversity Institute of Myology: Assisi, October 12-15, 2023.

The 2023 represented a milestone for the Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM) since it marked twenty years of IIM activity joined with the 20th annual meeting organized by the association. The 20th IIM meeting took place in the fascinating town of Assisi, in the heart of central Italy, from 12 to 15 October. The commemorative 20th edition of the meeting represented a success in terms of participation and contributions as it brought together 160 myologists, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, and patient organization representatives from Italy, several European countries (especially France), the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the USA. Four main scientific sessions hosted 36 oral communications and 54 always-on-display posters reporting original and unpublished results. Four main lectures from internationally renowned invited speakers and talks from delegates of the Societé Française de Myologie gave particular interest and emphasis to the scientific discussion. In line with the traditional policy of the IIM to encourage the participation of young researchers, about 50% of the attendees were under 35 years old. Moreover, the 20th IIM meeting was part of the high-training course in "Advanced Myology Update 2023", reserved to young trainees and managed by the University of Perugia (Italy) in collaboration with the IIM. In addition to the meeting scientific sessions, the 29 attendees to the course had a dedicated round table and dedicated lessons with the IIM invited speakers as teachers. Awards for the best talk, best poster blitz, and best poster have been conferred to young attendees, who became part of the IIM Young Committee, involved in the scientific organization of the IIM meetings. To celebrate the 20th IIM anniversary, a special free-access educational convention on "Causes and mechanisms of muscle atrophy. From terrestrial disuse to Space flights" has been organized, in which IIM experts in the field have illustrated the current knowledge about the muscle atrophy process in several atrophying conditions, and the former Italian astronaut, Paolo Nespoli shared his incredible experience in Space fascinating the large audience attending both in presence and online live stream. The meeting was characterized by a vibrant, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere, and stimulated discussion on emerging areas of muscle research, fostering international collaborations, and confirming the IIM meeting as an ideal venue to discuss around muscle development, function, and diseases pointing to the development of efficacious therapeutic strategies. Here, the abstracts of the meeting illustrate the most recent results on basic, translational, and clinical research in the myology field. Some abstracts are missing as per authors' decision due to the patentability of the results.

Builder of the Ukrainian State Beyond the Carpathians (To the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Avhustyn Voloshyn and the 85th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Carpathian Ukraine)

Builder of the Ukrainian State Beyond the Carpathians (To the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Avhustyn Voloshyn and the 85th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of Carpathian Ukraine)

To the 100th anniversary of professor Viktor Pavlovich Baskakov

The article describes the main milestones in the labor, scientific and pedagogical activities of Professor Viktor Pavlovich Baskakov, born on November 28, 1923. After graduating from the Military Medical Academy and defending his dissertation for the degree of Candidate of Medical Sciences in 1950, he was hired as a teacher in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in 1958 he was appointed to the position of associate professor, in 1970 he received the title of professor, after which in 1974 he became head of department, where he worked until 1984. Viktor P. Baskakov was the first in the country to begin studying endometrioid disease. Three of his monographs are devoted to this complex pathology: “Endometriosis” (1966), “Clinic and treatment of endometriosis” (1979, 1990) and “Endometrioid disease” (2002). In 1968, based on the published monograph “Endometriosis” by V.P. Baskakov was awarded the academic degree of Doctor of Medical Sciences without defending a dissertation. For many years, Viktor Pavlovich was a member of the presidium of the Leningrad Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, a member of dissertation councils, and the editorial board of the Journal of Obstetrics and Women’s Diseases. He was awarded the Order of the Red Star and medals, including the medal “For Military Merit” and the medal “For Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945.” Professor Viktor Pavlovich Baskakov remained in the memory of his contemporaries as a talented scientist, teacher, and surgeon. It was difficult to find a person more concerned about the problems of others. Students remember him with a smile and great warmth.

Oleg Konstantinovich Bumay (in memory of a teacher, colleague, comrade)

January 1, 2024 marked the 70th anniversary of the birth of the former head of the organization and tactics of the medical service of the fleet (with a course of tactics and combat weapons of the fleet) department of the S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy, effective director for modern topics of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Industrial and Marine Medicine FMBA of Russia, candidate of medical sciences, associate professor Oleg Konstantinovich Bumay (1954–2022). O.K. Bumay was born in the village of Bogudenka, Belarus. He was alumnus the faculty of training doctors for the Navy of the S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy. After graduating from the academy in 1977, for a decade he provided and organized medical support for nuclear submarines as the head of the ship’s medical service, the cheef of medical a submarine forces in the Northern Fleet, and subsequently served as a senior medical officer in the Baltic Fleet. Over the course of two decades, O.K. Bumay was associated with the organization and tactics of the naval medical service (with a course of tactics and combat weapons of the fleet) department of S.M. Kirov Military Medical Academy. In 1991, he entered the adjunct program at the department; upon completion of his studies, he was appointed as a teacher, subsequently as a senior teacher, and since 2009 — deputy head of the department. He received the rank of Philosophy doctor of Medical Sciences (1994), associate professor (1998). After leaving the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2007, he continued his career as deputy director for special topics at the Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Industrial and Marine Medicine of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia. O.K. Bumay developed origins medical support system for the domestic nuclear submarine fleet. Was appointed on the post the head of the ship’s medical service and after that officer of the command-and-control body of an operational-tactical formation. Throughout their career he left a multifaceted scientific and practical legacy, which is used by new generations of naval doctors.

Changing Nature of the European Union - Turkey Relations: From Civilizational Project to Transactional Cooperation

Turkey’s ambition to be anchored in the European integration process is one of the oldest and most challenging priorities of its foreign policy. As a symbolic coincidence, the centenary of the Republic of Turkey overlaps with the 60th anniversary of its association relationship with the then European Economic Community (EEC) during when both sides have experienced frequent fluctuations in their bilateral relations. In that sense, the idea of change has always embedded in Turkey-European Union (EU) relations corresponding to much broader changes in Turkey’s foreign policy. This study is aware of the fact that focusing on one side will provide only a partial explanation of variations in the EU-Turkey relations and aims to present the drivers of change in their mutual relations not only by focusing on the actions and inactions of the successive Turkish governments but also by paying attention to the changes in the EU’s and its member states’ policies towards Turkey. This study adopts literature review and tries to answer how Turkey’s EU policy has transformed in the last 60 years by analysing historical turning points in this period and their implications for the ongoing relations. Based on this historical analysis, this study argues that the relationship between the EU and Turkey, which has been becoming increasingly distant from each other, has lost the initial civilisational spirit and turned into a patronage symbolised by ad-hoc transactional agreement/s.

Special Issue on State-of-the-Art Fire Research in China and 30th Anniversary of SKLFS

Special Issue on State-of-the-Art Fire Research in China and 30th Anniversary of SKLFS

Contributions to the early history of mesmerism in Hungary - on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the death of Daniel Gecse (1768-1824), a Transylvanian magnetiseur

Contributions to the early history of mesmerism in Hungary - on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the death of Daniel Gecse (1768-1824), a Transylvanian magnetiseur

Otfried Preussler’s Fairy Tales and Their Russian Illustrators

The article is devoted to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the German writer O. Preussler (1923—2013), whose works have gained popularity among children in many countries and have been repeatedly translated into different languages, including the language of fine arts. The most important facts of the jubilee’s biography are listed, the peculiarities of his approach to the genre of fairy tales, to folklore images and plots are characterized, and the master’s statements about children’s literature and his own work are given. The aim of this study is to identify and analyze the most significant and successful illustrations by Russian artists for the writer’s works. The main task is to compare them on the basis of book studies, art history and source research methods. This task, which has not yet been set in Russian book science, seems to be topical, since O. Preussler’s works are still popular among domestic readers and are constantly republished, but the visual range of these publications often leaves much to be desired.Graphic interpretations of a particularly favorite fairy tale trilogy in Russia — “The Little Water Sprite”, “The Little Witch”, “The Little Ghost” — are considered. The author of the article concludes that the images of the Little Witch and the Little Ghost (whose appearance is not described in the text) are difficult for artists, so their convincing pictorial interpretations are rare. I.I. Kabakov, N.G. Golts, B.A. Diodorov, D.A. Trubin, and E.A. Silina are among the best illustrators of the tales that make up the trilogy. Among the pictorial interpretations of other works by O. Preussler the drawings by L.A. Tokmakov and S.A. Krestovsky for the story “Krabat and the Sorcere’s Mill”, G.K. Spirin for “The Tale of the Unicorn”, V.N. Zuikov and V.S. Lubarov for the book “The Hörbe and His Friend Zwottel” stand out. It is shown how these art works reflect the peculiarities of the author’s intonation and reveal the hidden meaning of O. Preussler’s works. In them, as well as in the writer’s texts, there is no boring edification, but there is a game of liberated imagination, life-affirming humor, sincere empathy with the heroes. Following the author, the illustrators reinterpret traditional folklore motifs, discovering new qualities in them.

European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) strategy 2024–2026: Growth and diversification in a rapidly changing world

In 2019, the European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) published its 2030 Vision “Radiation Oncology, Optimal Health, For All, Together”. However, in 2020, the global pandemic, coinciding with the Society's 40th anniversary, had long-term consequences on global behaviours and on the financial environment for scientific associations worldwide. In 2022, ESTRO conducted a survey among its members, revealing their strong appreciation for networking opportunities and the creation of high-quality interdisciplinary scientific content. In response to the survey findings and to address the evolving landscape following the COVID pandemic, ESTRO initiated a strategic review process to respond to, and refocus on, the opportunities and challenges ahead.This paper, marking a turning point in ESTRO’s strategy for achieving its Vision 2030 in a post-pandemic era, describes the 2022–23 strategic review process, discussions, and consequent recommendations. The comprehensive strategic review process involved: (i) pre-meeting preparations with surveys and strategic documents; (ii) a carefully themed three-day retreat in Brussels incorporating a blend of plenary sessions, workshops focusing on ESTRO's role, value creation and capture, strategic objectives; and (iii) a post-retreat phase including qualitative analysis and development of action plans.The strategic review emphasized the need for adaptive tactics for scientific associations to remain current and productive in the face of changing global conditions. The development of key strategic goals for the years 2024–2026 focused on improving research impact, strengthening and diversifying ESTRO’s educational offerings and fostering proactive and mutually beneficial partnerships. The Board approved these objectives, alongside prioritising digital innovation, financial sustainability, and community engagement for ESTRO’s continued growth and development.In essence, ESTRO aims to advocate, empower, expand, and diversify its community, with the overarching goal of enhancing cancer care for patients in Europe, and beyond.

The Golden Anniversary of Mass Incarceration in America

The year 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of mass incarceration in the United States. For six decades, the U.S. incarceration rate has been near the top among all countries worldwide. In five major sections, this article offers a brief retrospective on mass incarceration. The first defines the nature of prison sentences. The second describes the current prison population's characteristics. The third examines the growth of the prison population, highlighting politically motivated policies and laws. The fourth provides a reckoning of the collateral damage caused by mass incarceration. The fifth and final section considers strategies to reduce imprisonment and its attendant harms.

From the History of the Forced Deportation of Chechens and Ingush: To the 80th Anniversary of the Deportation (1944–2024)

From the History of the Forced Deportation of Chechens and Ingush: To the 80th Anniversary of the Deportation (1944–2024)

Ivan Petrovych Dzyub (to the 90th anniversary of his birth)

Ivan Petrovych Dzyub (to the 90th anniversary of his birth)

People's Livelihood in Zhejiang Practice and Development

2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the "Double Eight Strategy". Under the guidance of the policy, this study visited seven counties in Zhejiang (Jinhua Pujiang, Jinhua Panan, three counties in Wenzhou, Taizhou Linhai, Ningbo Ninghai) to develop local industries according to local conditions as the central theme, and conducted research from the aspects of infrastructure construction, leading development of party construction, agricultural science and technology construction, cultural tourism industry development and comprehensive application. On the basis of practical exploration, this study summarizes and proposes the "T-E-T" innovation model of people's livelihood based on data analysis, refining the model core of "promoting people's livelihood by combining culture and tourism, restoring and stabilizing people's livelihood by infrastructure, guiding people's livelihood by The Party Construction, and promoting people's livelihood by science and technology", and building a solid "TET" framework with education, talents and technology as the starting point. Adhere to the problem-oriented, focus on the new problems encountered in practice and the people's urgent problems, and explore new ideas and new ways to solve new problems.

“The A.M. Kovalev’s Conception of ‘Just Society’ in the Context of Current Political and Philosophical Discussions”

In modern political and theoretical discourse, the concept of a ‘ just society’ is usually perceived as a normative idea that expresses the notion of what society “should be”. Nowadays, social justice as a political slogan is becoming an increasingly universal requirement made by social movements, political parties and groups regarding the ways of social organization and its functions. Regardless of the different interpretations, it is inseparable from other related concepts, such as ‘equality’, ‘ freedom’ and many others. It also represents the projection of various concepts of justice on social relations in individual countries, regions, and, finally, throughout the world (‘global justice’ on the scale of all mankind). Comparative analysis of the A.M. Kovalev’s concept of a just society and the main trends in the interpretation of this idea in modern Western socio-political theory indicate that the methodology developed by an outstanding Russian scientist can rightfully be considered one of the most promising. Its distinguishing feature is the creative interpretation of a set of ideas about a just society, dating back to the early works of Marx. It is combined with the analysis of the ideas of the Western European Enlightenment, the philosophy of Kant, Hegel and Fichte, the evolution of the social philosophy of the Frankfurt School and other equally influential areas of modern political theory (R. Aron and others). An analysis of modern political theories shows that the dyad “ justice / state” constitutes the ontological core of the political and philosophical discourse, in the structure of which the ideas of Marxism play an important role. In the A.M. Kovalev’s theory of a just society, the various assessments of the heuristic potential of Marxism acquire additional incentives, opening the way to new creative discussions. The article is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of A.M. Kovalev.

Remembering innovative paediatrician Clemens von Pirquet on the 150th anniversary of his birth.

Remembering innovative paediatrician Clemens von Pirquet on the 150th anniversary of his birth.

Biological bases of survival in blocked Leningrad (to the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Leningrad from the nazi blockade)

Prerequisites for the survival of residents of besieged Leningrad: genetically determined human resilience, physiological psycho-emotional stress, nonspecifi c stress adaptation. A description of the trophological and energy status of the body is given in conditions of a significant decrease in the functions of all organs and systems due to atrophy of internal organs during starvation under blockade conditions.

The World Health Organization was born as a normative agency: Seventy-five years of global health law under WHO governance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was born as a normative agency and has looked to global health law to structure collective action to realize global health with justice. Framed by its constitutional authority to act as the directing and coordinating authority on international health, WHO has long been seen as the central actor in the development and implementation of global health law. However, WHO has faced challenges in advancing law to prevent disease and promote health over the past 75 years, with global health law constrained by new health actors, shifting normative frameworks, and soft law diplomacy. These challenges were exacerbated amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as states neglected international legal commitments in national health responses. Yet, global health law reforms are now underway to strengthen WHO governance, signaling a return to lawmaking for global health. Looking back on WHO's 75th anniversary, this article examines the central importance of global health law under WHO governance, reviewing the past successes, missed opportunities, and future hopes for WHO. For WHO to meet its constitutional authority to become the normative agency it was born to be, we offer five proposals to reestablish a WHO fit for purpose: normative instruments, equity and human rights mainstreaming, sustainable financing, One Health, and good governance. Drawing from past struggles, these reforms will require further efforts to revitalize hard law authorities in global health, strengthen WHO leadership across the global governance landscape, uphold equity and rights at the center of global health law, and expand negotiations in global health diplomacy.

Вклад Н.Е. Чижова в развитие отечественного юридического образования (к 170-летию со дня рождения ученого)

2023 marks the 170th anniversary of the birth of Nikolai Efimovich Chizhov (1853–1910), Doctor of State Law, Honored Professor of the Department of Encyclopedia and Philosophy of Law of Novorossiysk Imperial University, state Councilor and public figure. The article examines the main milestones of the scientist’s professional life, focuses on the contribution of N.E. Chizhov to the development of Russian legal education, which was in demand at the end of the XIX and the beginning of the XX century in connection with the development of the judicial system, the formation of law enforcement agencies, as well as representative (legislative) state authorities. The author of the article comes to the conclusion about the value of N.E. Chizhov’s views for modern legal education, striving for constant improvement of the quality of education and the effectiveness of legal education.

To the 70th anniversary of Professor Sergey M. Stepanenko

This paper describes the professional activities and merits of Sergey M. Stepanenko, a pediatric surgeon, in celebration of his anniversary.

In memory of Dr. Valene L. Smith

Valene L. Smith is best known as the editor of the successful book Hosts and Guests: The Anthropology of Tourism. Her life was dedicated to the anthropological study of tourism. In this article commemorating her life, I look at her work, particularly from the Japanese context in which I developed my anthropological study of tourism. This year, 2024, marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Hosts and Guests. A classic book like this will be read and updated by successive generations around the world.