Local Administration Research Articles

Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells suppress breast cancer progression by inhibiting angiogenesis.

Previous studies have highlighted the antitumor effects of mesenchymal stem cell‑derived extracellular vesicles (MSC‑EVs), positioning them as a promising therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment. However, some researchers have proposed a bidirectional influence of MSC‑EVs on tumors, determined by the specific tissue origin of the MSCs and the types of tumors involved. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of human placenta MSC‑derived extracellular vesicles (hPMSC‑EVs) on the malignant behavior of a mouse breast cancer model of 4T1 cells in vitro and in vivo. The findings revealed that hPMSC‑EVs significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and colony formation of cultured 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells without inducing apoptosis. Exposure to conditioned medium from 4T1 cells pretreated with hPMSC‑EVs resulted in decreased angiogenic activity, accompanied by the downregulation of angiogenesis‑promoting genes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In murine xenograft models derived from the 4T1 cell line, local administration of hPMSC‑EVs substantially hindered tumor growth. Further results revealed that hPMSC‑EVs inhibited angiogenesis in vivo, as reflected by the use of a vascular growth factor receptor 2‑Fluc transgenic mouse model. In summary, the results confirmed that hPMSC‑EVs negatively modulated breast cancer growth by suppressing tumor cell proliferation and migration via an indirect antiangiogenic mechanism. These results underscored the therapeutic potential of EVs, suggesting a promising avenue for alternative anticancer treatments in the future.

Belediye Yönetimlerinin Gelir ve Harcama Politikaları Nasıl Olmalıdır?

Revenue and expenditure policies of municipal governments should be determined by taking into account the principles of sustainability, efficiency and justice of local governments. The main purpose of these policies is for municipalities to provide public services effectively and increase the welfare of the society. Revenue policies determine the resources that municipalities can use to meet their budget needs. These sources generally consist of local taxes, fees, transfers and other revenue sources. It is important that income policies are fair and burden different segments of society in a balanced manner. At the same time, a reliable basis should be created for budget planning and long-term investments by ensuring the continuity and predictability of revenues. Expenditure policies determine how municipalities will use these resources. Expenditures should be aimed at increasing the efficiency of municipal services. In this context, investments should be made in priority areas, projects that will increase efficiency should be prioritized and waste of resources should be prevented. In addition, spending policies should be transparent and shared with the public so that the society can receive the services they expect from municipalities and participate in management processes. In this study, the revenue and expenditure policies of municipalities were examined by comparative analysis method and some determinations were made about how the municipalities' revenue and expenditure policies would be. In this context, the revenue and expenditure policies of municipal governments should be regulated in a balanced and fair manner to meet local needs, ensure sustainability and increase social welfare. Correct implementation of these policies will strengthen the effectiveness of local governments and their trust relationship with the society. Key Words: Local Administrations, Municipalities, Revenue Policies, Expenditure Policies, Participatory Budget Jel Code: E62, H71, H72

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Alopecia Areata: Visual and Molecular Evidence from a Mouse Model.

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) as an alternative treatment for Alopecia Areata (AA) due to their immunosuppressive properties. While MSCs have shown promise in cell experiments, their effectiveness in vivo remains uncertain. This study aims to validate local administration of MSC therapy's efficacy in AA treatment through animal experiments. AA was induced through Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) administration in mice, and MSC treatment (MSCT)'s effects were assessed visually and through tissue analysis. The MSC-treated group showed more hair regrowth compared to the control (CTL) group. MSCT notably reduced local inflammatory cytokines (JAK1, JAK2, STAT1, STAT3, IFN-γR, IL-1β, IL-16, IL-17α, and IL-18) in AA-induced mice's skin, but systemic cytokine levels remained unchanged. Furthermore, MSC treatment normalized the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway genes (LEF1 and β-catenin) and growth factors (FGF7 and FGF2), which are crucial for hair cycle regulation. This study lays the groundwork for further exploring MSCs as a potential treatment for AA, but more research is needed to fully understand their therapeutic potential.

How Runoff Elections and the Form of Local Administration Affect the Costs of Elections

To what extent do states’ administrative and policy choices affect their election costs? Previous scholarship highlights how the costs and demand sides of the public sector cost model correlate with election administration spending, and more recent evidence has added political considerations such as the partisanship of county commissions. Using Georgia’s unique election processes—runoff elections and multiple methods of election administration at the county level—we contribute to understanding election administration expenditures. We demonstrate that general election runoffs and Boards of Election, rather than probate judge-run elections, are related to significant increases in expenditures per registered voter between 2014 and 2020. This further develops the literature regarding procedural costs and the impact of the managerial capacity of election bureaus.

Epidural Anesthesia Management for Unilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy in Patients with Ovarian Mass : A Case Report

with sedation and mainly used in elderly patients or those with medical problems, including those who had ovarian mass. Epidural administration of amide local anesthetics in combination with opioids is widely used for pain relief because of the dose minimizing and side effects reducing benefits. Case: Patient was diagnosed with ovarian mass. The patient also had pleural effusion, ascites, and hypoalbuminemia. Epidural anesthesia used in this patient as a resource for perioperative and postoperative pain management. Discussion: Patient underwent unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for her ovarian mass. Anesthetic doses were given carefully due to patient conditions with pleural effusion and ascites. Opioid and Neuromuscular Blocking Agents (NMBAs) effects were absolutely decreased due to hypoalbuminemia, but were overcome with Naloxone and Sugammadex. Epidural anesthesia used to stabilize the drugs and pain management for this patient. Conclusion: Epidural anesthesia is an excellent choice for unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in patients with ovarian mass. It has been proven to provide excellent pain control after major surgeries and may be associated with a lower incidence of postoperative complications.

Внешние и внутренние угрозы как фактор риска для ведения эффективной политической коммуникации органов местного самоуправления

The article outlines the features of political communication of local governments in the context of new information challenges and threats. The role of municipal administrations in the formation of the information field is determined by the example of the Saratov region. The tasks facing the heads of local administrations in the process of information and communication support of their professional activities in social networks are analyzed. The risk factors for information support of the activities of local governments in the modern information space are identified. The article also examines information threats related to both internal processes and external factors of influence that local administrations of both large and small municipalities have to work with in the information space. The author also defines a number of criteria and recommendations that contribute to reducing information risks and threats, which significantly improve the effectiveness of political communication of local governments.

Impact of Surgical and Anesthetic Procedures after Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study (The PROCOL Study).

Background: Surgical inflammatory pain decreases the innate and adaptive immune antitumor response and favors residual circulating tumor cells. Objectives: This study investigated whether minimally invasive surgeries (laparoscopic and robotic procedures), which are less painful and inflammatory, improved oncological outcomes after colorectal resection compared to laparotomy. Methods: This research was a single-center propensity score-matched study involving patients who underwent colectomy and rectum resection from July 2017 to December 2019. Results: Seventy-four laparotomies and 211 minimally invasive procedures were included. Minimally invasive procedures were associated with less blood loss (0 mL vs. 75 mL, p < 0.001), shorter length of stay (8 days vs. 12 days, p < 0.001), and fewer complications at 3 months (11.8% vs. 29.4%, p = 0.02) compared to laparotomies. No difference in overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) at 3 years between groups was observed. Univariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that age and ASA > 3 can negatively impact OS, while adjuvant chemotherapy can positively influence OS. pT3-T4 stage and postoperative pain could negatively influence RFS. Multivariate Cox regression analyses concluded that age (HR 1.08, p < 0.01) and epidural analgesia (HR 0.12, p = 0.03) were predictors for OS. Lidocaine infusion (HR 0.39, p = 0.04) was a positive predictor for RFS. Conclusions: Minimally invasive procedures reduce postoperative complications and shorten the length of hospital stay compared to major surgeries without improving prognosis. However, the administration of local anesthetics through neuraxial anesthesia or intravenous infusion could improve survival and decrease the occurrence of relapses.

Correlation between systemic allergen desensitisation and long-term asthma protection in mice following intravenous administration of the live tuberculosis vaccine MTBVAC

MTBVAC is a live attenuated tuberculosis vaccine, currently undergoing phase III evaluation for tuberculosis prevention. In previous preclinical studies, we found that local pulmonary administration of MTBVAC via the intranasal route had a strong therapeutic effect against asthma. This effect correlated with the abrogation of allergen-specific Th2 response in the lungs. Using different mouse models of asthma, we investigated the effect of MTBVAC administered by intravenous (IV) route and its potential as immunotherapeutic agent to induce desensitisation of allergen-specific responses at a systemic level. We explored the effects of this process in the efficacy against airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) induced by exposure to different allergens. IV MTBVAC was highly efficient at reducing AHR induced by different allergens. Additionally, IV MTBVAC was found to be well-tolerated, being progressively eliminated from the different organs analysed. From a mechanistic standpoint, we observed that MTBVAC intravenous, but not intranasal, impaired allergen-specific Th2 response in both lungs and spleen. This reduction at a systemic level correlated with long-term therapeutic protection against allergen exposure. Our results also revealed differential immunological mechanisms governing systemic and local pulmonary allergen desensitisation processes. Notably, in a cohort of patients with asthma sensitive to house dust mite (HDM), invitro incubation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with MTBVAC prevented allergen-specific production of Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5. Altogether, our results suggest that intravenous MTBVAC could be a plausible allergen desensitising approach for treatment of asthma, and could provide long-term protection against allergen exposure. MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 [grants number RTI2018-097625-B-I00 and PID2022-138624OB-I00]; Consorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red- (Groups CB06/06/0020 and CB06/06/0013), Instituto de Salud Carlos III.

Promoting State Training Strategies on Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Community Soapstone Carvers in Gucha South Sub-County, Kenya

Soapstone, a valuable mineral rock, has been utilized for centuries, contributing significantly to the livelihoods of community carvers and households near mines. Despite its economic potential, recent years have seen diminishing benefits for these local artisans. While the Kenyan government has implemented various training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of soapstone carvers, these initiatives have not fully addressed the needs of the community. This study investigates how state-sponsored training strategies can improve the socio-economic well-being of soapstone carvers in Gucha South Sub-County, Kenya. Utilizing empowerment and resource-based theories as a framework, the research employs a case study design, focusing on a sample of 244 respondents drawn from a population of 626, including carvers, mining site owners, and local administrators. The findings reveal that 52.8% of respondents prefer on-the-job training as a means to enhance their skills. This preference suggests that tailored training strategies can significantly improve the socio-economic conditions of soapstone carvers. The study concludes that effective state training programs can lead to notable improvements in carvers' socio-economic well-being and recommends the implementation of continuous on-the-job training conducted by experienced instructors to maximize skill development and economic outcomes

Conflict and coexistence: analysing the dynamics between traditional leadership and democratic governance in Dukuduku, KwaZulu-Natal

This paper examines the conflicts arising from the coexistence of traditional leadership and democratic local governance in Dukuduku, KwaZulu-Natal, a region marked by overlapping authority and contested land claims. Despite constitutional recognition, traditional leadership in post-apartheid South Africa remains ambiguously defined, leading to clashes with democratically elected structures over roles, responsibilities, and territory. This study uses a qualitative methodology to analyse archival materials, media sources, and meeting records and conducts semi-structured interviews with 25 stakeholders, including traditional leaders, senior citizens, and subsistence farmers. The findings reveal that introducing a local government system under the Amakhosi jurisdiction precipitates confrontations, particularly where duties intersect. In Dukuduku—proclaimed a state forest—the recognition of traditional authority creates disputes over land ownership and governance, complicating the administration of land and impacting service delivery. The analysis suggests that the institutional "invention" and subsequent "recognition" of traditional leadership in areas like Dukuduku not only challenge the perceptions of state land but also exacerbate power struggles, thereby affecting local development and governance. The study contributes to understanding the dynamic interplay between traditional and democratic governance systems in rural South Africa. It highlights the implications for policy and local administration in managing such dual governance structures effectively. This study explains how hard it is to combine traditional structures with a modern democratic framework. It also gives us a better understanding of what this means for rural governance and land management in changing societies.

Tailored Sticky Solutions: 3D-Printed Miconazole Buccal Films for Pediatric Oral Candidiasis.

In this research, 3D-printed antifungal buccal films (BFs) were manufactured as a potential alternative to commercially available antifungal oral gels addressing key considerations such as ease of manufacturing, convenience of administration, enhanced drug efficacy and suitability of paediatric patients. The fabrication process involved the use of a semi-solid extrusion method to create BFs from zein-Poly-Vinyl-Pyrrolidone (zein-PVP) polymer blend, which served as a carrier for drug (miconazole) and taste enhancers. After manufacturing, it was determined that the disintegration time for all films was less than 10min. However, these films are designed to adhere to buccal tissue, ensuring sustained drug release. Approximately 80% of the miconazole was released gradually over 2h from the zein/PVP matrix of the 3D printed films. Moreover, a detailed physicochemical characterization including spectroscopic and thermal methods was conducted to assess solid state and thermal stability of film constituents. Mucoadhesive properties and mechanical evaluation were also studied, while permeability studies revealed the extent to which film-loaded miconazole permeates through buccal tissue compared to commercially available oral gel formulation. Histological evaluation of the treated tissues was followed. Furthermore, in vitro antifungal activity was assessed for the developed films and the commercial oral gel. Finally, films underwent a two-month drug stability test to ascertain the suitability of the BFs for clinical application. The results demonstrate that 3D-printed films are a promising alternative for local administration of miconazole in the oral cavity.

Intrapericardial Administration to Achieve Localized and Targeted Treatment for Cardiac Disease.

Intrapericardial administration has been proposed as an alternative delivery route of pharmacological agents via the bilaminar sac of pericardium surrounding the heart. To date, intrapericardial administration has entailed the localized administration of a broad spectrum of therapeutic agents. These agents include stem cells, extracellular matrix, growth factor, drugs, bioactive materials, and genetic materials, to the heart and coronary arteries. The route not only overcomes the limitations associated with traditional systemic administration methods, but also presents multiple intrinsic advantages over the other approaches, allowing greater therapeutic actions. Intrapericardial administration exhibits versatility in addressing certain cardiac conditions and ongoing research in this field certainly holds promise for further innovations and advancements to improve cardiac treatment. Thus, this review discusses the anatomy and physiology of the pericardium, the intrapericardial administration access routes, the recent application of intrapericardial delivery in the context of cardiac repair as well as the challenges associated with the approach.

Study on ultrasound-enhanced molecular transport in articular cartilage.

Local intra-articular administration with minimal side effects and rapid efficacy is a promising strategy for treating osteoarthritis(OA). Most drugs are rapidly cleared from the joint space by capillaries and lymphatic vessels before free diffusion into cartilage. Ultrasound, as a non-invasive therapy, enhances molecular transport within cartilage through the mechanisms of microbubble cavitation and thermal effects. This study investigated the mass transfer behavior of solute molecules with different molecular weights (479 Da, 40 kDa, 150 kDa) within porcine articular cartilage under low-frequency ultrasound conditions of 40 kHz and ultrasound intensities of 0.189 W/cm2 and 0.359 W/cm2. The results revealed that under the conditions of 0.189 W/cm2 ultrasound intensity, the mass transfer concentration of solute molecules were higher compared to passive diffusion, and with an increase in ultrasound intensity to 0.359 W/cm2, the mass transfer effect within the cartilage was further enhanced. Ultrasound promotes molecular transport in different layers of cartilage. Under static conditions, after 2 h of mass transfer, the concentration of small molecules in the superficial layer is lower than that in the middle layer. After applying ultrasound at 0.189 W/cm2, the molecular concentration in the superficial layer significantly increases. Under conditions of 0.359 W/cm2, after 12 h of mass transfer, the concentration of medium and large molecules in the deep layer region increased by more than two times. In addition, this study conducted an assessment of damage to porcine articular cartilage under ultrasound exposure, revealing the significant potential of low-frequency, low-intensity ultrasound in drug delivery and treatment of OA.

Effectiveness of 1α-25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 active substance on anastomosis safety in the rat femoral artery end-to-end anastomosis experimental model: Macroscopic and histological analyses

In inflammatory conditions, macrophage dominance affects the degree of inflammation. We assessed the effects of the active vitamin D (calcitriol) on inflammatory processes and macrophage dominance and aimed to determine the potential positive macroscopical and histological effects in the supermicrosurgical arterial anastomosis model of rats. Forty rats were divided into five groups: control surgery (Group 1), surgery with preoperative (Group 2), postoperative (Group 3) and peroperative (Group 4) systemic calcitriol, and surgery with local calcitriol (Group 5). Eighty femoral artery anastomoses were planned in both legs of rats. Systemic calcitriol was administered intraperitoneally to the relevant groups daily. Preoperative vessel diameter measurements were taken before anastomosis. Three weeks postsurgery, postoperative vessel diameter measurements were taken, anastomosis patency was assessed, and vascular segments were collected for histological examination, which included assessment of M1 and M2 macrophage depolarization, leucocyte infiltration, intima–media ratio, and luminal gap scoring. Systemic calcitriol administration (pre-, post-, or perioperative) significantly improved vessel diameter (p < 0.001); there was no significant difference among Groups 2–4. Histological findings revealed that Groups 3 and 4 had lower intima–media ratios (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), higher M2-M1macrophage ratios (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), and lower leucocyte infiltration (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001). Local calcitriol administration had no vasodilatory effects or resulted in positive histological outcomes. Although the administration of calcitriol pre- and postoperatively increased vessel diameter, the latter appeared to have a more favorable impact on the histological analyses.

A thermoresponsive chitosan-based in situ gel formulation incorporated with 5-FU loaded nanoerythrosomes for fibrosarcoma local chemotherapy

Local administration of drugs at tumor sites over an extended period of time shows potential as a promising approach for cancer treatment. In the present study, the temperature-induced phase transition of chitosan and poloxamer 407 is used to construct an injectable hydrogel encapsulating 5-FU-loaded nanoerythrosome (5-FU-NER-gel). The 5-FU-NERs were found to be spherical, measuring approximately 115 ± 20 nm in diameter and having a surface potential of −7.06 ± 0.4. The drug loading efficiency was approximately 40 %. In situ gel formation took place within 15 s when the gel was exposed to body temperature or subcutaneous injection. A sustained release profile was observed at pH 7.4 and 6.8, with a total 5-FU release of 76.57 ± 4.4 and 98.07 ± 6.31 in 24 h, respectively. MTT, Live/dead, and migration assays confirmed the cytocompatibility of the drug carrier and its effectiveness as a chemotherapeutic formulation. After in vivo antitumor assessment in a subcutaneous autograft model, it was demonstrated that tumor growth inhibition in 14 days was 90 %. Therefore, the obtained injectable chitosan-based hydrogel containing 5-FU-loaded nanoerythrosomes illustrated promising potential as a candidate for local and enhanced delivery of chemotherapeutics at the tumor site.

Crosslinked-hybrid nanoparticle embedded in thermogel for sustained co-delivery to inner ear

Treatment-induced ototoxicity and accompanying hearing loss are a great concern associated with chemotherapeutic or antibiotic drug regimens. Thus, prophylactic cure or early treatment is desirable by local delivery to the inner ear. In this study, we examined a novel way of intratympanically delivered sustained nanoformulation by using crosslinked hybrid nanoparticle (cHy-NPs) in a thermoresponsive hydrogel i.e. thermogel that can potentially provide a safe and effective treatment towards the treatment-induced or drug-induced ototoxicity. The prophylactic treatment of the ototoxicity can be achieved by using two therapeutic molecules, Flunarizine (FL: T-type calcium channel blocker) and Honokiol (HK: antioxidant) co-encapsulated in the same delivery system. Here we investigated, FL and HK as cytoprotective molecules against cisplatin-induced toxic effects in the House Ear Institute - Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells and in vivo assessments on the neuromast hair cell protection in the zebrafish lateral line. We observed that cytotoxic protective effect can be enhanced by using FL and HK in combination and developing a robust drug delivery formulation. Therefore, FL-and HK-loaded crosslinked hybrid nanoparticles (FL-cHy-NPs and HK-cHy-NPs) were synthesized using a quality-by-design approach (QbD) in which design of experiment-central composite design (DoE-CCD) following the standard least-square model was used for nanoformulation optimization. The physicochemical characterization of FL and HK loaded-NPs suggested the successful synthesis of spherical NPs with polydispersity index < 0.3, drugs encapsulation (> 75%), drugs loading (~ 10%), stability (> 2 months) in the neutral solution, and appropriate cryoprotectant selection. We assessed caspase 3/7 apopototic pathway in vitro that showed significantly reduced signals of caspase 3/7 activation after the FL-cHy-NPs and HK-cHy-NPs (alone or in combination) compared to the CisPt. The final formulation i.e. crosslinked-hybrid-nanoparticle-embedded-in-thermogel was developed by incorporating drug-loaded cHy-NPs in poloxamer-407, poloxamer-188, and carbomer-940-based hydrogel. A combination of artificial intelligence (AI)-based qualitative and quantitative image analysis determined the particle size and distribution throughout the visible segment. The developed formulation was able to release the FL and HK for at least a month. Overall, a highly stable nanoformulation was successfully developed for combating treatment-induced or drug-induced ototoxicity via local administration to the inner ear.Graphical

Memorial museums and burial sites: Rwanda’s unfinished memory work

Memorialisation of those who died during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi has been an ongoing concern for both the Rwandan and non-Rwandan communities. The majority of the existing memorials were initially constructed by survivors supported by the local community, administration and other partners in response to the urgent need to bury the bodies of genocide victims. These sites have transformed over the years as memorial policies have codified and evolved. Memorial museums reflect the growing tendency of viewing trauma sites as artistic, interactive spaces that engage with those who visit them. This article examines the aesthetics of memory in three memorial museums situated in Rwanda’s western province: Bisesero, Gatwaro and Ngoma. It reflects on the work of the Rwandan architect Vedaste Ngarambe and his contribution as a local voice by considering how the architect’s aesthetic design choices reflect not only stories of the massacres that unfolded at the three sites but also the mourning culture of the community in which they are located.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Liposomal-Based Nanocarriers for Treating Skin and Soft Tissue Infection.

Bacterial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are widespread microbic invasions of the skin and deeper tissues. Topical drug delivery systems are the most favored administration pathway when treating SSTIs. This is down to their minimal risk of inducing systemic adverse events, reduced development of bacterial resistance, and ease of application. However, they have several drawbacks, including the lack of control over the drug release profile, skin irritations, and the limited permeability of certain compounds through the skin. To address these limitations, several nanocarrier systems were developed, with nanoliposomes standing out as the leading delivery system for the topical management of SSTIs. Despite considerable research into liposomes over the past decade, there remains a gap in detailed knowledge about designing these carriers specifically for SSTIs. Consequently, there is a pressing need for comprehensive research that focuses on the use of nanoliposomes for SSTIs and offers an extensive understanding of both SSTIs and liposomal formulations. This review explores bacterial SSTIs, covering their epidemiology, classification, microbiology, and management. It emphasizes the contribution of liposome-based nanovesicles in enhancing the local administration of antibiotics and natural antibacterial compounds for SSTI management. It also delves into the effects of liposomal formulation changes on the disease therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, it provides a guide for aligning the characteristics of the liposomes with the infection types, depths, properties, and causative agents. This signifies a substantial leap forward in the domains of drug design, development, and delivery.

Disaster Protection Education and Training Concepts and Policies

In the context of natural human rights, the foundation of the modern state, as well as the systems approach, relevant basic concepts and state policies have been generated to increase the effectiveness of disaster and crisis protection education and training. Their goals for increasing the effectiveness of officials training in the state and local administration, as well as the population for disaster and crisis response, are substantiated. An organizational-cultural approach to the formation of an appropriate, citizen engaging, cultural model for more effective achievement of these goals has been considered. As an important system-forming element, a key regulatory framework for disaster protection, which must be known and applied by the state and local administration, as well as the population, is analyzed. On this basis, necessary and relevant concepts and policies to increase the effectiveness of disaster and crisis protection education and training are derived and substantiated.

Cohesion Policy in the European Union and Its Impact on the Regulatory Framework in Bulgaria

The cohesion policy in the European Union aims to reduce regional disparities and stimulate economic development through the application of various financial instruments. The synchronization of national legal regulations with the European regulatory framework necessitates the amendment and supplementation of applicable and existing legal acts specifically related to the management of funds from European funds under shared management. This article presents the cohesion policy of the European Union and the impact of its implementation on regional policy in Bulgaria. The study pays special attention to the application of the regulatory framework regarding the “cohesion policy” in the context of implementing local self-government and local administration. Following Bulgaria‘s accession to the European Union in 2007, the country has utilized the European Union‘s structural funds to reduce regional disparities, enhance economic growth, and promote sustainable development. This research evaluates the effectiveness of these policies, their role in the regional transformation of Bulgaria, and the latest challenges and future prospects.