Category: Университетская жизнь /

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

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The Pre-University of the State University of Management has opened enrollment for tenth-grade students for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Recruitment is carried out in three specialized areas:

Socioeconomic profile with in-depth study of mathematics, economics and social sciences; Social and Humanitarian profile with in-depth study of social sciences, English and history; Technological profile (IT-focused) with in-depth study of mathematics, ICT and English.

In addition to compulsory subjects, students attend thematic courses and utilize the university's resources for project-based research activities and supplementary education, including developing individual projects at the university's institutes.

As part of career guidance work with Pre-University students, meetings are held on a regular basis with the rector's office of the State University of Management, the faculty, and the Student Council.

GUU teachers conduct extracurricular activities with students. For example, through this collaboration, they learn about "Brand Promotion" and the basics of "Financial Literacy" and "Information Systems and Programming," allowing them to become full participants in the educational and developmental processes not only at school but also at the university.

Students of the Pre-University School of the State University of Management are active participants in the "School – University – Partners" ecosystem for two years, making it easier for them to adapt to student life and choose their future profession.

You can find the rules for admission to the Pre-University by following this link. To do this, you will need to register in your personal account on the SUM Digital Corps.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 12, 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Influenza virus infection during pregnancy poses significant risks to the health of the mother and fetus and may contribute to adverse neuropsychiatric outcomes in the offspring. Epidemiological studies conducted over the years have linked influenza in pregnant women with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and cognitive deficits in the child later in life. A study by a team of St. Petersburg scientists demonstrated that the underlying cause is not the virus itself, but rather the mother's protective response. Understanding these mechanisms may help develop strategies to reduce the risks of neurodevelopmental impairment associated with prenatal infections. The study was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Ministry of Health. The results were published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.

Seasonal influenza causes between 3 and 5 million severe cases of illness worldwide each year, and its danger to pregnant women is particularly high. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, for example, it was found that the infection could lead to premature births and low-birth-weight babies. Other adverse effects of influenza on pregnant mothers include preterm birth, low birth weight, increased risk of infant mortality, weakened respiratory immunity, and, in some cases, various neurodevelopmental disorders (including schizophrenia, psychotic or psychosis-like states, mood disorders, developmental delays, and bipolar disorder). Scientists worldwide are investigating the specific mechanisms underlying the development of such complications, but the detailed mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Most studies suggest that the influenza virus is generally unable to cross the placenta.

An interdisciplinary team of St. Petersburg scientists conducted a detailed study of the mechanism by which adverse effects on the fetus occur due to maternal influenza infection during pregnancy using an animal model of the infection. The study involved scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the A. A. Smorodintsev Influenza Research Institute, and the I. P. Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The scientists examined the effects of infection with two strains of the A(H1N1) influenza virus during pregnancy using an animal model (mice). Severe infection led to a sharp decrease in offspring survival—from the normal 92% to 20–46%. Even the surviving offspring showed significant disruptions in brain development. The primary focus of the study was the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for memory formation, learning, and emotional regulation. It is in the hippocampus that the process of new nerve cell formation—neurogenesis—actively occurs throughout the perinatal period and into adulthood.

The study found that the most serious adverse effects on the fetus were caused not by the influenza virus itself, but by the inflammatory response it triggered in the mother's body, which led to disruption of neurogenesis.

We found that inflammatory signals from the mother's body led to two critical consequences: suppression of neurogenesis and chronic activation of glial cells. The offspring of mice that had experienced an influenza infection during pregnancy had a decreased number of neuronal stem and progenitor cells, which potentially impacts nerve cell formation. At the same time, it was shown that glial cells, which normally perform protective and supportive functions, entered a constantly activated, "inflammatory" state in key areas of the hippocampus, creating an unfavorable environment for neuronal development. This may be one of the mechanisms for the development of potential serious neurocognitive disorders in the future, noted Anastasia Rakovskaya, a research engineer at the Molecular Neurodegeneration Research Laboratory at the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology at SPbPU.

The study not only explains the observed link between influenza infection during pregnancy and the development of possible neurological complications in the future, but also suggests specific ways to protect the health of future generations.

Of course, the results of studies obtained on laboratory animals cannot be directly transferred to humans. However, given the available clinical data and the results of our work, we can formulate clear practical conclusions: 1. Vaccination of pregnant women against influenza should be a mandatory and primary preventative measure. 2. In the event of illness, antiviral therapy should be initiated as early as possible to suppress viral replication and, consequently, reduce the severity of the inflammatory response. 3. The development of safe drugs capable of selectively blocking proinflammatory cytokines in pregnant women is necessary, which could open a new direction in the development of anti-inflammatory drugs, said Yana Zabrodskaya, PhD in Physics and Mathematics and Associate Professor at the Higher School of Biomedical Systems and Technologies at the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology at SPbPU.

The implementation of the above measures will not only prevent long-term consequences for the child, but will also provide a significant economic effect, saving money on the treatment of possible mental and neurological disorders in the future.

All experiments were carried out with the financial support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (state assignment No. FSEG-2023-0014), with the exception of measurements of the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes, which were funded by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (state assignment No. 056-00025-25-01, topic No. 123021300165-6).

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

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Fourth-year students of the Higher School of Media Communications and Public Relations at the SPbPU Institute of Humanities, Maya Kazakova and Daria Savvateeva, won the All-Russian student project competition "Tourism Potential of Siberian Regions" with their creative concept for the urban educational and tourism quest "AZIMUT HOTELS: Siberian Code."

The winners of the "Siberian Code" project aim to develop Novosibirsk's territorial identity and enhance its tourist appeal through a modern format that combines gamification, storytelling, and partnerships with the city's cultural institutions.

The project's goal is to engage tourists in a historical, cultural, and scientific narrative that reveals the essence of Novosibirsk. The authors note that, unlike traditional tours, their case makes the city route interactive, targeting a digital audience aged 18–45, who are open to new formats and the active exchange of experiences on social media.

We offered Novosibirsk residents and guests a lively dialogue with the city. The idea is for the hotel to become a conduit for Novosibirsk's semantic layers—from its cultural cluster to its scientific heritage. "The Siberian Code" is an attempt to "assemble" the city into a story that can be experienced with the main characters," explained project co-author Maya Kazakova.

The "Siberian Code" route covers key points of the city's identity: the railway station, the opera and ballet theater, the philharmonic and musical theater, the local history and art museums, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the pharmacy museum.

The concept is based on a sequential progression through locations using game mechanics, hints, and digital tools. The focus is on balancing educational and entertaining components, engaging partners to offer prizes and discounts, and creating lasting connections between participants, cultural venues, and the hotel brand.

Marina Arkannikova, Director of the SPbPU Graduate School of Management and Social Sciences, noting the important role of the project's mentor, Associate Professor Irina Melnikova, emphasized the significance of the work for both the Polytechnic University and Novosibirsk: "This case demonstrates how our future graduates are already adept at working at the intersection of various fields of social engineering. The students not only presented a compelling approach in terms of methodological approaches but also proposed a philosophy for the city's brand, its values and semantic components. This is a crucial indicator that the Polytechnic University is preparing specialists capable of addressing the challenges of the city, society, and business—responsibly, measurably, and with consideration for the needs and values of their audiences and the objectives of Russia's cultural sovereignty."

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Official website of the State –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Vasily Kachalov (real name Shverubovich) was a great Soviet and Russian actor, master of artistic expression, and teacher. He was born on February 11, 1875, in Vilnius, to a priest's family. His father wanted his son to follow in the priestly line, but his mother, descended from an ancient noble family, instilled in him a love of literature and art at an early age.

Let's go to the calling

Kachalov shared his school days at the 1st Vilnius Gymnasium with Felix Dzerzhinsky, Boris Gorev, and Konstantin Galkovsky. Even then, the boy began to understand his calling: he possessed a phenomenal memory, recited poetry expressively, and performed in amateur theatricals. The budding actor's signature performance was a Chatsky monologue.

In 1893, Vasily entered the law faculty of St. Petersburg University, but even here his passion for the stage prevailed – he began acting in a student drama group under the direction of Vladimir Davydov.

How the pseudonym came about

His theatrical debut took place in 1896 at the Suvorin Theater of the Literary and Artistic Society. It was then that the famous "Kachalov" appeared – a stage name that, according to Faina Ranevskaya, was given to the aspiring actor by Alexander Suvorin himself, the theater owner, editor of the Novoye Vremya newspaper, and a close friend and mentor of Chekhov. According to another version, Vasily's new surname was invented by Fyodor Chaliapin, who saw it in a newspaper he was reading at a coffee shop while meeting the actor. Yet another version holds that the artist chose his stage name after reading an obituary for N. N. Kachalov, the former governor of the Arkhangelsk province, in a St. Petersburg newspaper.

From a provincial theater actor to a Moscow Art Theater legend

From 1897, Vasily Kachalov traveled around the country on tour with Vasily Dolmatov, and until 1900 he performed in Kazan and Saratov in the "Kazan-Saratov Association of Actors" under the direction of Mikhail Borodai.

Konstantin Stanislavsky and Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko recognized a future star in the young provincial actor, and in 1900 invited him to join the troupe of the newly opened Moscow Art Theater. However, at their first meeting, Stanislavsky was terribly disappointed, saying, "You're an outsider. An outsider! Perhaps in two or three years you'll become more at home with us, understand us, and accept what we have."

By that time, Vasily Kachalov had already mastered the art of approaching roles, interacting with the audience, and understanding their mood. His remarkable insight and ability to grasp the psychology of his characters quickly made him one of the theater's most indispensable actors. His first major role was Berendey in Ostrovsky's "The Snow Maiden," then he became Stanislavsky's understudy in Chekhov's plays, followed by Tuzenbach in Chekhov's "Three Sisters," the Baron in Gorky's "The Lower Depths," and Ivan Karamazov in a stage adaptation of Dostoevsky's novel.

Anton Pavlovich, though initially critical, praised the actor's work highly and, as a token of his gratitude, presented him with his autographed book after the performances of "The Cherry Orchard" and "Three Sisters." "To dear Vasily Ivanovich Kachalov, as a fond keepsake from the deeply respected, loving, and grateful author."

During the revolutions, Kachalov toured with his troupe, led by Stanislavsky, in southern Russia, Europe, and even America. From 1924 onward, he performed in Moscow and earned enormous fees—up to 1,000 rubles—which he spent not only on personal expenses but also on helping the actors under his charge.

Vasily Ivanovich served at the Moscow Art Theater for nearly half a century, playing around 60 roles and becoming the theater's leading star. Each new role and production was a true event for the entire capital. Kachalov's Hamlet became the best in the theater's history, earning critics the nickname "the Russian Hamlet."

Friendship with Faina Ranevskaya

For many years, the magnificent Faina Ranevskaya and the talented Vasily Kachalov were close friends. According to the actress, their first meeting took place on Stoleshnikov Lane, when she heard a familiar voice. Realizing it was Kachalov, her idol and first love, she was so overwhelmed that she fainted. He, like a true gentleman, helped her come to her senses and stayed with her until he was sure all was well. Several years later, Ranevskaya found herself in Moscow again. Dreaming of attending a Kachalov performance, she wrote him a letter sharing her desire and recalling her fainting spell. In response, she was informed that two tickets were waiting for her at the theater manager.

Thus began a long and strong friendship between the magnificent Faina Ranevskaya and the talented Vasily Kachalov. They often met offstage, visited each other, had long conversations about art, and recited poetry to each other. She described him as intelligent, able to listen and empathize with others. She later admitted: "I've only loved two people in my life. The first was Kachalov. I don't remember the second."

"Give me your paw for luck, Jim."

Another close friend of Kachalov's was Sergei Yesenin, one of the most famous poets of the Silver Age. Vasily greatly admired his work and became one of the first to perform Yesenin's poems on stage. Until the last years of his life, he included them in the program of his literary evenings.

Yesenin dedicated one of his most famous works to his friend’s pet, the Doberman Jim.

"Give me your paw, Jim, for luck, I've never seen such a paw. Let's bark in the moonlight for the quiet, silent weather."

The first line of this poem may seem familiar to you. It's exactly what Lukashin said in "The Irony of Fate"!

Vasily Kachalov became a true legend of Russian theater and a paragon of acting excellence. His name is given to the Kazan Bolshoi Drama Theater, a gymnasium in Vilnius, and streets in Kazan, Novosibirsk, and Moscow.

His maternal great-granddaughter, Olga Lyubimova, is a journalist and theater scholar, and the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation. In memory of the great People's Artist of the USSR, in February 2025, she opened the exhibition "Being Kachalov" at the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater to commemorate the actor's 150th birthday.

Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: February 11, 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.