Human Resources in the World

This paper is devoted to the topic of labor in the economy. The dynamics and structure of labor resources and factors of its change, as well as the labor resource requirements for the economy and the factors of its change are considered. The volume of labor resources depends both on internal (changes in the birth rate, increase in life expectancy), and on external factors (labor migration). In turn, the structure of the workforce depends on the degree of well-being and the level of education. Also, labor resources are influenced by an increase in the active life span and an increase in the tendency for the participation of older persons in the work. The needs for labor resources are determined by the type of economic development (intensive or extensive), the stage of economic development (agrarian, industrial and post-industrial) and the level of automation, computerization and mechanization

The circulating inactive form of matrix Gla Protein (ucMGP) as a biomarker for cardiovascular calcification

OBJECTIVE: Matrix gamma-carboxyglutamate (Gla) protein (MGP) is a vitamin K-dependent protein and a strong inhibitor of vascular calcification. Vitamin K deficiency leads to inactive uncarboxylated MGP (ucMGP), which accumulates at sites of arterial calcification. We hypothesized that as a result of ucMGP deposition around arterial calcification, the circulating fraction of ucMGP is decreased. Here we report on the development of an ucMGP assay and the potential diagnostic utility of monitoring serum ucMGP levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: An ELISA-based assay was developed with which circulating ucMGP can be determined. Serum ucMGP levels were measured in healthy subjects (n = 165) and in four patient populations; patients who underwent angioplasty (n = 30), patients with aortic stenosis (n = 25), hemodialysis patients (n = 52), and calciphylaxis patients (n = 10). All four patient populations had significantly lower ucMGP levels. In angioplasty patients and in those with aortic stenosis, some overlap was observed with the control population. However, in the hemodialysis and calciphylaxis populations, virtually all subjects had ucMGP levels below the normal adult range. CONCLUSION: Serum ucMGP may be used as a biomarker to identify those at risk for developing vascular calcification. This assay may become an important tool in the diagnosis of cardiovascular calcification