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National drug control policies and strategies are heavily dependent on the international legal framework. International standards set by United Nations drug control conventions serve as basic principles for the development and shape of national drug control systems. International drug control system has its own, a very specific history and dynamics of development in which the United States definitely did play a very important role promoting prohibitionist approach based on the abstinence paradigm. According to this paradigm drug use is acceptable only for scientific and medical purposes. Unsurprisingly, recreational or experimental use of drugs is considered as unacceptable and inevitably leading to addiction. This hard-line approach dominated in public discourse during the 20th century and the drug use was seen either as a sin or as a disease. However, it seems that from the beginning of the 21th century, international drug control regime, ideologically based on the abstinence paradigm, is facing big challenges and it is not entirely clear what to expect in the future. Ironically, the United States is the most important player again, but this time in quite the opposite role. Moralising teetotaller Dr. Jeckyll suddenly turned in a pothead Mr. Hyde. So-called "cannabis capitalism" process in several states of USA, when the sale of recreational cannabis was fully legalised, raised serious questions about the perspectives of international drug control system, because such practice is obviously in breach of the international law. Also it is important to note other signs of moving towards the drug policy with a human face, especially raising the popularity of the harm reduction approach to the drug problem and process of "soft deception' related to that. The latter means that some countries are choosing more tolerant approach theoretically not infringing legal boundaries set by the conventions. Considering the context provided above, the main purpose of this study was to make the analysis of the peculiarities of global drug control system and their interrelation with the national drug control policy in the light of personal drug use. In order to fulfil this goal historical analysis of the development of United Nations global drug control system was made, peculiarities and characteristic features of the legal framework of this system as well as legal boundaries set for countries by the conventions were analysed. Particular attention was paid to the international legal framework regarding personal drug use, different national practises in this perspective as well as possible directions of the future development of global drug control system were discussed. Finally, Lithuanian drug control policy in the context of United Nations drug control regime was discussed. Main research methods were: logical-linguistic, systemic, comparative as well as analysis of documents and secondary data. Moreover, relevant scientific literature, national and international legal acts in the area of drug control were studied. The drug control and drug policy primarily were explored from criminological and sociology of law perspectives. In author's point of view these interdisciplinary social sciences enable to achieve deeper understanding of drug control phenomenon than it is possible to attain using only narrow legalistic analysis of laws and legal norms. According to the findings of the study the drug control policy (national, regional or global) is a complex phenomenon influenced by many cultural, social and other factors as well as different interest groups (physicians, law enforcement agencies, etc.) operating in the drug control field. It is important to stress, that usually legal control has a very limited (if has at all) influence to the prevalence of illicit drug use, which is mostly determined by the culture, social policy and social context. On the other hand, the drug control remedies are significant when dealing with the high-risk/problem drug use. The United Nations conventions set legal boundaries to the countries, but there is a certain room of interpretation. United Nations institutions (especially International Drug Control Board) support the narrow interpretation of the treaties and usually criticise countries (as sending "wrong signals") that are leaning towards less strict drug policies. Accordingly, various harm reduction practises are on the edge of violation of international law but this is a matter of interpretation. The United Nations conventions and European Union documents make a clear distinction between drug dealing and activities attributed to personal use. The drug dealing is always a matter of criminal law; accordingly criminal sanctions should be strict enough. As regards to the personal drug use countries have more flexibility and other measures (administrative sanctions, medical treatment, etc.) could be applied. On the other hand, legal market of substances controlled by the Schedule IV (e.g. cannabis) could not be created at the same time not infringing international law. In the 21th century a gradual weakening of international drug control regime could be observed. The main feature of this phenomenon is a soft deception, which is related to the increasing popularity of the harm reduction doctrine. It goes hand in hand with the decriminalisation and/or the depenalisation of activities related to personal drug use shifting from punitive approach to the more health oriented. The main challenge to the existing global drug control system is de jure legalisation of cannabis in several USA states. It is related to the process of cannabis use "normalisation"; then such practice is not regarded as a pathological behaviour anymore. It is important to stress that this approach contradicts the abstinence paradigm, which is an ideological core of the United Nations conventions. It creates a high tension and the future of international drug control system in existing framework becomes uncertain. In order to maintain the stability of the system in particular and the trust in international law in general, the revision of UN drug control conventions seems to be inevitable. Lithuanian drug control policy is oriented to the strict control measures and prevention. As regards to the personal drug use till 2017 the drug gaining and possession were partially decriminalised because such activities were subject of either criminal or administrative liability. From 2017 onwards such activities are subject of criminal law only without any explanation of this change of law. Therefore, the Lithuanian drug control policy is moving to the opposite direction than in the Western world, i.e. to more strict measures regarding personal use of drugs. In this context, it is important to stress, that criminal law is considered as ultima ratio measure which has multiple side effects, thus criminalisation of certain activity or introduction of criminal sanctions must be strongly grounded. Preferably, not only by arguments, but also by hard empirical data supporting those arguments. It could be concluded, that decriminalisation in the sphere of personal drug use has legal and pragmatic assumptions. Such policy does not violate legal boundaries set by the United Nations conventions and reflects the newest tendencies of how modern drug control policy should look like. Last but not least, it is important to stress, that effective drug control policy should be evidence based. That means that drug policy changes should be supported by science innovations, empirical data, cost-benefit analysis, etc.

National drug control policies and strategies are heavily dependent on the international legal framework. International standards set by United Nations drug control conventions serve as basic principles for the development and shape of national drug control systems. International drug control system has its own, a very specific history and dynamics of development in which the United States definitely did play a very important role promoting prohibitionist approach based on the abstinence paradigm. According to this paradigm drug use is acceptable only for scientific and medical purposes. Unsurprisingly, recreational or experimental use of drugs is considered as unacceptable and inevitably leading to addiction. This hard-line approach dominated in public discourse during the 20th century and the drug use was seen either as a sin or as a disease. However, it seems that from the beginning of the 21th century, international drug control regime, ideologically based on the abstinence paradigm, is facing big challenges and it is not entirely clear what to expect in the future. Ironically, the United States is the most important player again, but this time in quite the opposite role. Moralising teetotaller Dr. Jeckyll suddenly turned in a pothead Mr. Hyde. So-called "cannabis capitalism" process in several states of USA, when the sale of recreational cannabis was fully legalised, raised serious questions about the perspectives of international drug control system, because such practice is obviously in breach of the international law. Also it is important to note other signs of moving towards the drug policy with a human face, especially raising the popularity of the harm reduction approach to the drug problem and process of "soft deception' related to that. The latter means that some countries are choosing more tolerant approach theoretically not infringing legal boundaries set by the conventions. Considering the context provided above, the main purpose of this study was to make the analysis of the peculiarities of global drug control system and their interrelation with the national drug control policy in the light of personal drug use. In order to fulfil this goal historical analysis of the development of United Nations global drug control system was made, peculiarities and characteristic features of the legal framework of this system as well as legal boundaries set for countries by the conventions were analysed. Particular attention was paid to the international legal framework regarding personal drug use, different national practises in this perspective as well as possible directions of the future development of global drug control system were discussed. Finally, Lithuanian drug control policy in the context of United Nations drug control regime was discussed. Main research methods were: logical-linguistic, systemic, comparative as well as analysis of documents and secondary data. Moreover, relevant scientific literature, national and international legal acts in the area of drug control were studied. The drug control and drug policy primarily were explored from criminological and sociology of law perspectives. In author's point of view these interdisciplinary social sciences enable to achieve deeper understanding of drug control phenomenon than it is possible to attain using only narrow legalistic analysis of laws and legal norms. According to the findings of the study the drug control policy (national, regional or global) is a complex phenomenon influenced by many cultural, social and other factors as well as different interest groups (physicians, law enforcement agencies, etc.) operating in the drug control field. It is important to stress, that usually legal control has a very limited (if has at all) influence to the prevalence of illicit drug use, which is mostly determined by the culture, social policy and social context. On the other hand, the drug control remedies are significant when dealing with the high-risk/problem drug use. The United Nations conventions set legal boundaries to the countries, but there is a certain room of interpretation. United Nations institutions (especially International Drug Control Board) support the narrow interpretation of the treaties and usually criticise countries (as sending "wrong signals") that are leaning towards less strict drug policies. Accordingly, various harm reduction practises are on the edge of violation of international law but this is a matter of interpretation. The United Nations conventions and European Union documents make a clear distinction between drug dealing and activities attributed to personal use. The drug dealing is always a matter of criminal law; accordingly criminal sanctions should be strict enough. As regards to the personal drug use countries have more flexibility and other measures (administrative sanctions, medical treatment, etc.) could be applied. On the other hand, legal market of substances controlled by the Schedule IV (e.g. cannabis) could not be created at the same time not infringing international law. In the 21th century a gradual weakening of international drug control regime could be observed. The main feature of this phenomenon is a soft deception, which is related to the increasing popularity of the harm reduction doctrine. It goes hand in hand with the decriminalisation and/or the depenalisation of activities related to personal drug use shifting from punitive approach to the more health oriented. The main challenge to the existing global drug control system is de jure legalisation of cannabis in several USA states. It is related to the process of cannabis use "normalisation"; then such practice is not regarded as a pathological behaviour anymore. It is important to stress that this approach contradicts the abstinence paradigm, which is an ideological core of the United Nations conventions. It creates a high tension and the future of international drug control system in existing framework becomes uncertain. In order to maintain the stability of the system in particular and the trust in international law in general, the revision of UN drug control conventions seems to be inevitable. Lithuanian drug control policy is oriented to the strict control measures and prevention. As regards to the personal drug use till 2017 the drug gaining and possession were partially decriminalised because such activities were subject of either criminal or administrative liability. From 2017 onwards such activities are subject of criminal law only without any explanation of this change of law. Therefore, the Lithuanian drug control policy is moving to the opposite direction than in the Western world, i.e. to more strict measures regarding personal use of drugs. In this context, it is important to stress, that criminal law is considered as ultima ratio measure which has multiple side effects, thus criminalisation of certain activity or introduction of criminal sanctions must be strongly grounded. Preferably, not only by arguments, but also by hard empirical data supporting those arguments. It could be concluded, that decriminalisation in the sphere of personal drug use has legal and pragmatic assumptions. Such policy does not violate legal boundaries set by the United Nations conventions and reflects the newest tendencies of how modern drug control policy should look like. Last but not least, it is important to stress, that effective drug control policy should be evidence based. That means that drug policy changes should be supported by science innovations, empirical data, cost-benefit analysis, etc.

Maintaining a certain level of biodiversity is essential to preserve ecosystemic functions. Conservation of biodiversity is a matter of great importance for the well-being of ecosystems and humans dependent on them. 130 world leaders committed to significantly reduce biodiversity loss before 2010 during the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002. This goal is supported and prioritized by a number of significant policy documents among which are Strategy for Sustainable Development endorsed by EU leaders in Gothenburg in 2001, The Sixth Environment Action Programme and Lisbon Strategy. ; Проект № 2016-2592/001-001, 574826-EPP-1-2016-1-RU-EPPJMO-MODULE, при финансовой поддержке Европейской Комиссии

Introduction. The formation of responsibility for one's health in the youth environment is one of the tasks of the institution of education that determines the process of socialization. The future of sustainable development of country is determined, among other things, by the formation of negative social attitudes towards drug use. The aim of the publication is to study the specifics of the social orientation among young people on drug use and to justify the need for prevention in the educational environment.Methodology and research methods. Methodological basis of work involves classical theories of social installation; anomies; cultural conflict; subcultures; stigmatizations; social control; social space. The analysis and synthesis of scientific publications and data of the government statistics, including results of a number of social researches of 2010–2015 conducted in the Tyumen region are used. Sociological methods, including poll, questioning and the formalized interviews are applied at an experimental investigation phase. Data processing is carried out in technique of the factorial and classification analysis.Results and scientific novelty. Drug abuse among young people is a result of the contradiction between youth attitudes and social norms. It is shown that the prevention of drug abuse in Russia is institutionally ineffective. The social attitudes and motives connected with drug abuse among young people aged 18–30 years are revealed. It is established that acceptance of drug abuse experience is not defined by a gender, social and/or material status. The main types of the attitude to drug abuse experience are designated: 1) complete negation of a possibility of drug abuse; 2) refusal of drug abuse, but indifference or loyal attitude to drug abuse by others; 3) readiness for periodic drug usage; 4) steady stereotype of regular use of narcotic substances. The necessity of flexible forms of influence on youth for formation of sustainable social barriers is justified.The need of adequate public opinion formation which does not enable exclusion and criminalization among youth having some drug abuse experience is approved. Repressive practices of work with such young people only exacerbate the problem. The recommendations on organization regulation of a drug abuse situation in the country are formulated.Practical significance. The materials of the present article can be used for creation of effective system of drug abuse prevention in the educational environment taking into account age characteristics of pupils. ; Введение. Формирование у молодежи ответственности за свое здоровье, в том числе отрицательного отношения к потреблению наркотиков, – одна из задач института образования. Эта задача тесно переплетается с проблемой социализации молодых людей, а ее решение в определенной мере является условием будущего устойчивого развития страны. Цель представленного в статье исследования – изучить специфику социальных установок молодежи на потребление наркотиков и обосновать необходимость профилактики в образовательной среде. Методология и методики. Методологической основой работы являются классические теории социальной установки; аномии; культурного конфликта; субкультур; стигматизации; социального контроля; социального пространства. Использовались анализ и обобщение научных публикаций и данных государственной статистики, в том числе результаты ряда социологических исследований 2010–2015 гг., проведенных в Тюменском регионе. На экспериментальном этапе исследования применялись социологические методы, в том числе опрос, анкетирование и формализованные интервью. Обработка данных выполнялась в технике факторного и классификационного анализа. Результаты и научная новизна. Потребление наркотиков в молодежной среде – результат деформированных взаимоотношений с социальными нормами и институтами. Показано, что профилактика наркопотребления, практикующаяся в России, институционально неэффективна. Выявлены социальные установки и мотивы, связанные с наркопотреблением среди молодых людей в возрасте 18–30 лет. Установлено, что одобрение наркоопыта не определяется гендером, социальным и/или материальным статусом. Обозначены основные типы отношения к наркоопыту: 1) полное отрицание возможности потребления наркотиков; 2) отказ от их использования, но равнодушие или лояльное отношение к употреблению наркотиков другими; 3) готовность к периодическому потреблению; 4) устойчивый стереотип регулярного использования наркотических веществ. Обоснована необходимость гибких форм воздействия на молодежь для формирования устойчивых социальных барьеров, препятствующих наркотизму и развитию наркомании. Утверждается необходимость формирования адекватного общественного мнения, не допускающего эксклюзии и криминализации молодежи, соприкоснувшейся с наркотиками. Репрессивные практики работы с такой молодежью только усугубляют проблему. Сформулированы рекомендации по организации урегулирования наркоситуации в стране. Практическая значимость. Материалы статьи могут быть использованы при создании эффективной системы профилактики в образовательной среде с учетом возрастных особенностей учащихся. ; The work was supported by the Russian Humanitarian Scientific Foundation, project № 16–03–00500 «Options and restrictive guidelines of a new industrialization, сontradictions of the socio-cultural space: The example of the Tyumen region», Tyumen State University. ; Работа выполнена при финансовой поддержке Российского гуманитарного научного фонда, проект № 16–03–00500 «Возможности и ограничения новой индустриализации и противоречия социокультурного пространства: на примере Тюменского региона», Тюменский государственный университет.

Der Autor beschreibt die wachsende außenpolitische Entfremdung zwischen Rußland und den USA in den 90er Jahren. Die Richtungsänderung der - ursprünglich amerikafreundlich eingestellten - demokratischen Kreise in Rußland hält er für die größte Niederlage der US-amerikanischen Politik. Die einander widersprechende Beurteilung beider Staaten hinsichtlich des Endes des Kalten Krieges und das während der militärischen Intervention der Nato in Jugoslawien zum Ausdruck gekommene Dominanzstreben der USA im internationalen System werden im Hinblick auf die Entwicklung der bilateralen Beziehungen erörtert. Abschließend werden die weiteren Entwicklungsperspektiven des bilateralen Verhältnisses diskutiert. (BIOst-Mrk)

The search and testing of drugs with senolytic activity is one of the new directions in gerontology. The number of "senescent" cells that increases with age contributes to the development of age-related diseases and chronic non-infectious inflammation. Removing "senescent" cells or suppressing their influence on surrounding tissues seems a logical step to improve the quality of life and, possibly, prolong lifespan. However, drugs that have senolytic and senomorphic activity in model systems cause the development of a number of side effects in clinical trials. In this review, we consider the main advances in the field of senotherapy, the prospects for the use of senotherapy drugs, and the limitations that researchers and clinicians may encounter.

The article is about the necessity and the possibility of expanding the list of subjects preventive activities in the prevention of drug abuse. The authors analyze the situation in the Russian Federation, statistical information, international experience, the results of a survey of students, by offering to consider nightclubs as the subject of drug prevention. Particular attention is paid to specific proposals to include nightclubs in activities to prevent drug abuse.