Keloid disease is the abnormal formation of scar tissue in genetically predisposed people. Among many genes which may be related to the development of keloids, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is one of the most mentioned. It encodes cytokinin, which is responsible for the production of extracellular matrix and takes part in healing. Any abnormalities which arise during synthesis of the protein as a result of polymorphism or gene mutation may be the cause of healing disorders (scarring of the body); thus it is responsible for the development of keloids. The objective of this study is to determine the single nucleotide polymorphism of the gene TGF-β1, at the position -509(rs1800469)509, to compare the obtained results in the form of three different genotypes within the analysed group (keloids) and within the control group (healthy scars), and to analyse the correlation between obtained genotypes and the occurrence of keloid disease.Seventy-three patients after cardiac surgery with scars on their sternums were examined (22 women and 51 men) in the age group from 38 to 84 years. Two groups of patients were distinguished: 37 with keloids and 36 with healthy scars. DNA taken from patients was analysed and polymorphism C(-509)T of the gene TGF-β1 was determined.On the basis of the study it was found that the allele T in the position −509 of the gene TGF-β1 is associated with a lower risk of keloid formation regardless of age and gender.

Azerbaijan has a well-developed hydrocarbon industry backed with abundant domestic resources. Oil and gas have played a crucial role in the economic revival of the country since independence was regained back in 1991. The legal foundation of the transition to carbon-zero energy generation was laid in the 1990s with a number of acts mentioning the importance of the shift. The government has an ambitious plan to improve the situation, though an action plan with targeted renewables share in production and consumption is still to be prepared. This study, based on systematic review methodology for qualitative research, analyzes the potential of renewables in Azerbaijan with a focus on solar and wind power, discusses the deficiencies hindering the development of the renewables industry, and develops recommendations on applicable actions to improve the situation in this regard. It also includes legislative acts of the Republic concerning renewable energy. The main objective of the study is to explore renewable energy potentials and assess the readiness of the country to make a shift towards green energy. The findings of the article demonstrate enough potential to increase the share of renewables. The potential, however, is obscured with a relatively less solid legal framework and a lack of expertise in the industry.

Euroregion Baltic faces strong depopulation pressure, with Poland and Lithuania both experiencing marked population declines, especially in rural areas, in the last 20 years – thanks to immigration abroad. Internal immigration to these countries’ cities is also taking place. While Germany, Sweden, Russia and Denmark have achieved temporary improvements in population indicators, this was thanks to their willingness to take in war refugees – a factor therefore incidental in nature, and not impacting upon an overall trend seeing people move out of rural areas in large numbers. With a view to this challenge being addressed in a more permanent way, research described here assessed whether the introduction of youth-policy measures might allow for better revamping of regional policies so as to persuade young people to remain in their regions. An assumption underpinning this work was that departure from a region reflects deficits in spatial justice, first and foremost an unequal distribution of infrastructure vis-à-vis education, housing, recreation, jobs, and so on. To determine which spheres critically underpin a decision to leave, young people’s preferences for their futures were studied under the CASYPOT project, involving 6 localities in four of the Euroregion’s states. In the event, the research was able to confirm a capacity on the part of youth surveys to deliver information on factors critical to decision-making that can be regarded as of value as regional policies are reorientated to try and ensure a higher level of spatial justice. The survey showed that factors most likely to prompt out-migration among young people relate to insufficient educational services and the inadequacy of the labour market.

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