bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of metabolically associated steatotic liver disease in the elderly: analysis and perspectives
Authors: Karshina O. O.
Published: January 2025

Metabolically associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is becoming a major public health problem, especially among the elderly. The recent change in nomenclature from “nonalcoholic fatty liver disease” to “MASLD” reflects a more accurate understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, linking it to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. This new terminology emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, given its close association with metabolic disorders and cardiovascular risk. Current estimates suggest that 24 % of the adult population, i. e. one billion people worldwide, suffer from the disease. Interestingly, the prevalence of fatty liver disease peaks between the ages of 40–50 years in men and 60–69 years in women, and then declines slightly in older age groups (over 70 years). The prevalence of MASLD is increasing worldwide, reflecting the increasing incidence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. The elderly are particularly susceptible to MASLD due to age-related metabolic changes, comorbidities. Aging is associated with changes in lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and increased fat mass, which predispose the elderly to hepatic lipid accumulation and subsequent liver damage. In addition, age-related decline in the liver»s regenerative capacity may exacerbate the progression of hepatic steatosis to advanced stages such as steatohepatitis and hepatic fibrosis. However, MASLD in the elderly remains under-recognized and under-diagnosed, posing challenges for timely intervention and treatment. Prospects for addressing MASLD in the elderly emphasize the importance of comprehensive geriatric assessment, including evaluation of metabolic health and liver function.
A case of differential diagnosis of REM sleep behavior disorder and sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy
Authors: Kantimirova E. A. , Dmitrenko D. V.
Published: January 2025

Aim. To describe a clinical case of differential diagnostics of motor phenomena during sleep.

   Materials and methods. Patient B., 37 years old. Visit to a somnologist at the University Clinic. Complaints were mainly made by the patient’s wife, since the patient himself does not remember these episodes. According to the wife, sudden sweeping movements of the arms and legs, incoherent speech are noted during sleep, then the patient gets up, can grab his hands, behaves aggressively, shifts things. These complaints have been noted for more than 10 years, with a gradual worsening of symptoms. A neurologist at the place of residence suggested a possible epileptic nature of these episodes,but no further examination was carried out.

   Results. From a semiological point of view, motor phenomena during sleep can imitate epileptic seizures, parasomnias, rapid eye movement behavior disorders, and normal sleep motor phenomena such as fragmentary sleep myoclonus, periodic limb movements, bruxism, etc. A differential diagnostic search is provided, a comparative characteristic of motor phenomena during sleep and wakefulness is given, as well as a scale of frontal epilepsy and parasomnia, which can help the doctor in making the correct diagnosis.

   Conclusion. Conducting a comprehensive examination of the patient and clarifying the clinical diagnosis made it possible to choose the correct management tactics, avoid unjustified prescription of antiepileptic drugs, and reduce emotional stress in the family due to the ambiguity of the manifestations of night motor phenomena. The established clinical diagnosis allows monitoring the patient in terms of the possible debut of a neurodegenerative disease.
Modern possibilities of echocardiographic diagnosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Klimenko A. A. , Bogdanova A. A. , Mareeva V. A.
Published: January 2025

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a hemodynamic and pathophysiological condition characterized by an increase in mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure by at least 20 mm Hg at rest, measured during right heart catheterization. One of the fastest and most accessible screening non-invasive diagnostic methods for assessing the likelihood of this condition is echocardiography, which is performed according to the standard transthoracic echocardiography protocol, focusing on visualizing and describing certain parameters that characterize function of heart right chambers. In patients with PH, structural changes in the heart right chambers can be observed, such as enlargement of the right atrium and right ventricle, changes in their geometric shape, thickening right ventricle wall, dilatation of the main PA and its branches, and the appearance of tricuspid regurgitation. Pulmonary artery pressure can be measured using either the velocity of the tricuspid regurgitant jet or the ratio of the time acceleration of flow in the outflow tract of the right ventricle to the ejection time (mean pressure in the PA), or the velocity of the pulmonary regurgitation jet (end-diastolic pressure in the PA). Classic parameters of the functional state of the right ventricle, as well as additional indicators of the evaluation of the right ventricular function, for example, the ratio of the amplitude of movement of the fibrous ring to systolic pressure in the PA, called the right ventriculoarterial coupling, should be evaluated only in expert centers providing care for patients with PH. Correct and timely diagnosis, clear dynamic monitoring of the patient’s condition play a crucial role in prescribing targeted treatment and predicting the disease course.
Association of familial ATTR amyloidosis and hyperlipoprotein(a)emia in a patient with spinal stenosis. A case report
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Luan , Reznik Elena Vladimirovna
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis is a rare disease with cardiac involvement, peripheral nervous system involvement, and spinal stenosis. Elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lpa) levels are recognized as a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Currently, information on the relationship between ATTR amyloidosis and Lpa is very limited.
Clinical case: A female patient had suffered from arterial hypertension with an increase in blood pressure (BP) to 150/90 mmHg for 5 years since the age of 45. After suffering from the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 from 02.06 to 25.06.2021, patient began to notice an increase in blood pressure to 290/150 mm Hg, stabbing pains in the left half of the chest lasting up to 20-30 minutes without any connection with physical activity, which are relieved after taking Corvalol, pain in the cervical and thoracic spine. Due to antihypertensive therapy, stabilization of blood pressure at 110/70 mm Hg was noted. Further examination revealed dyslipidemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 4.53 mmol/l), atherosclerosis of the extracranial parts of the brachiocephalic arteries with stenosis of the right internal carotid artery up to 20%, hyperlipoprotein(a)emia 1.46 g/l (normal up to 0.5 g/l). Echocardiography revealed left ventricular wall thickening and preserved ejection fraction, thickening of the interatrial septum, mitral valve cusps. MRI of the spine revealed stenosis of the spinal canal at the level of C5-6 - the "red flag" of amyloidosis. Genetic testing revealed a variant of the nucleotide sequence of the transthyretin gene (Chr18: 29171879 GA, p.Arg5His) in a heterozygous state in the patient and her blood relatives. The issue of specific antiamyloid therapy with tafamidis was considered, lipid-lowering therapy was prescribed.
Conclusion. In patients with spinal canal stenosis syndrome and left ventricular wall thickening, even in the presence of arterial hypertension, a comprehensive examination is necessary for timely diagnosis and adequate therapy of amyloid cardiomyopathy. The combination of familial ATTR amyloidosis and familial hyperlipoprotein(a)emia has been described for the first time.
Vida y evolución del tercer estado en Toledo
Authors: Santos Vaquero Ángel
Published: January 2025

Con este artículo pretendemos presentar, dentro de la sociedad estamental de la ciudad de Toledo, la situación del estamento pechero o “Tercer Estado” en los siglos XVI y XVII: cómo vivía, cómo evolucionaba socialmente, se alimentaba, vestía, cuáles eran los trabajos más usuales que le proporcionaban el sustento y cómo se divertía, teniendo en cuenta la configuración geomorfológica de la ciudad. Queremos hacer observar cómo, esta sociedad, todavía con tintes medievales, muy cerrada y estática en cuanto a la movilidad entre clases sociales, ya presentaba grietas por las que se iban colando individuos de clase inferior en las superiores, gracias a la evolución transformadora provocada por los cambios políticos y económicos que se iban produciendo. Sin embargo, sólo un pequeño número de personas conseguía pasar del estado menestral al burgués –constituyendo las oligarquías mercantil y letrada– y de este al nobiliario (ambición manifiesta). En este último escalón, por medio de uniones matrimoniales. No obstante, la inmensa mayoría permanecía en el llamado “Tercer Estado”, viviendo con muchos estorbos y grandes penurias.
Columnismo político en la última etapa suarista
Authors: Gregorio Pierre-Paul
Published: January 2025

Se analizan en el presente trabajo las columnas de tres periodistas –Joaquín Aguirre Bellver, Abel Hernández y Pilar Urbano– durante el periodo del último gobierno de Adolfo Suárez (septiembre de 1980 a enero de 1981). Dentro de la convulsa situación política española del momento, a través de sus contribuciones, se puede poner en perspectiva la realidad de la trama cuya finalidad no era otra que consolidar, teóricamente, el sistema democrático tras haber conseguido forzar la caída del presidente electo. Se tratará de determinar, día a día, hasta qué punto pudieron sino alentar, cuando menos facilitar –voluntariamente o no– el desarrollo la llamada Solución Armada, como recurso de urgencia, bajo la forma de un Gobierno de contornos ambiguos.
Risk factors for perianal abscess recurrence after incision and drainage: a review of the literature
Authors: Gabsi Kheira
Published: January 2025

Perianal abscesses are a commonly managed condition by general surgery, usually with antibiotics and an incision and drainage in the operating theatre. They are estimated to recur 30% of the time. This literature review was performed is to investigate risk factors for recurrence for perianal abscess. The 19 pertinent studies were included, which revealed that inflammatory bowel disease and abscess location have been repeatedly shown to be risk factors for recurrence of perianal abscess. There were numerous other risk factors including diabetes, smoking, patient age and gender, and pre-operative fever that were discussed in the literature but were not consistently between studies shown to be significant.
Culture negative sepsis in neonate in a level III NICU of a community hospital in Brooklyn New York
Authors: Ahmed Shah Ali , Shah Mahrukh , Ameley Akosua , Mosuka Emmanuel , Ericksen Kristina
Published: January 2025

Background: Neonates often diagnosed with possible sepsis without any evidence of bacterial cause, known as “culture negative sepsis (CnS)”. Most data on neonatal sepsis focuses on culture proven sepsis but large number of neonates receives antibiotic for CnS and its epidemiological data is not accurately represented. Studies suggest that its incidence exceeds incidence of proven sepsis by 16 folds in United states and 50-fold in resource limited settings. According to recent estimates CnS contributes to 20% antibiotic usage in Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). It is linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. We aim to identify the incidence and frequency of CnS in a community NICU.
Methods: It is a retrospective observational study between November 2023 to March 2024 in a level III NICU. Neonates admitted during 1st January 2023 till 30th June 2023 and required antibiotic were included. IRB approval was obtained. Data collected for gestational age, gender, diagnosis, blood culture, indication, type, number of days of antibiotic, length of stay, invasive device and duration, birth weight, blood culture and comorbid condition. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Frequencies and percentages calculated and Pearson Chi-square used to assess correlations, p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The 95 neonates enrolled. Incidence of CNS was 64%. The 15% patients require invasive devices. Most common indication for antibiotic use was clinical SIRS (75%). The 49% of babies had comorbidities and most common comorbidity was prematurity (47%).
Conclusions: CnS has high incidence in community hospital NICU’s then reported in literature.
Clinical profile of interstitial lung disease in children from Western India
Authors: Balaji Mounnish , Chandane Parmarth , Chauhan Avantika , Rane Atul , Bhosale Alpa
Published: January 2025

Background: The epidemiology of interstitial lung disease in children (chILD) remains largely unknown, particularly in developing countries. This study aims to estimate the spectrum of ILD in children in India
Methods: We retrospectively analysed data from consecutive subjects aged 0 to 18 years with interstitial lung diseases (ILD) recorded in the hospital registry at the Paediatric Respiratory Unit of Bai Jerbai Wadia Institute of Child Health from January 2018 to December 2023. We determined the proportion of each ILD subtype among children.
Results: Out of 30 enrolled children, 60% were male. Symptoms began within the first year in 17 (56%) children, predominantly with a dry cough (77%) and dyspnea. Respiratory compromise signs were common, including tachypnea, tachycardia and hypoxemia, with 17% exhibiting clubbing. Chest X-rays showed reticular/reticulonodular patterns (63%) and HRCT revealed ground glass opacities (63%). Lung function tests indicated a restrictive pattern in 33%. Bronchoscopy aided in diagnosing pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, hypersensitive pneumonitis and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Genetic analysis (43% cases) identified surfactant protein disorder as the most common (13%). ILD subtypes included pulmonary hemosiderosis (23%), surfactant protein disorder, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (each 13%).
Conclusions: In Western India, Paediatric interstitial lung diseases exhibit a different pattern compared to adults. Pulmonary hemosiderosis spectrum, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and surfactant protein disorder emerge as the predominant burdens among children.
Exploring pneumonia in less than two-year-olds: comparing respiratory syncytial virus and pneumonia due to other pathogens
Authors: R. Shalini S. , Vinoy Gloria , R. Savitha M. , Huchchannavar Raghavendra R.
Published: January 2025

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of RSV and non-RSV pneumonia in children less than two years weighing less than 10kg admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and also study the differences in efficacy of bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (bCPAP) between the two groups.
Methods: Children with severe pneumonia (World Health Organization criteria) and moderate to severe distress (PRESS- Pneumonia Risk Emergency Score Severity criteria) were participants of this cross-sectional comparative study. They were tested for RSV and grouped. Both groups received bCPAP. Data collection included demographic details, clinical findings and outcomes.
Results: 70 children had pneumonia 18 had RSV pneumonia and 52 were non-RSV pneumonia cases. Suprasternal (p<0.05) and xiphoid retractions (p=0.034) were more prevalent in RSV pneumonia and it also required longer duration of bCPAP (50 hours versus 28 hours; p=0.023). bCPAP showed improvement in most of the cases in both groups (RSV-88.9%, non-RSV-80.8%). RSV cases demonstrated better improvement in saturation and respiratory rate within the first four hours of administration of bCPAP. Mortality was comparable between the two groups (RSV-5.6%, non-RSV-11.5%, p=0.14).
Conclusions: RSV pneumonia is associated with more severe respiratory distress and longer bCPAP support but final clinical outcomes of bCPAP were similar in both groups. This is the first study to report a higher prevalence of suprasternal and xiphoid retractions in RSV pneumonia and a significantly better initial response to bCPAP.
Correlation of socioeconomic, nutritional, and hematological status in early childhood caries among pre-schoolers-a case-control study
Authors: Shrutha Santhebachalli Prakasha , Havale Raghavendra , Chowdary Yadlapalli Vineela , Rajan Shiny Raj , Hangaragi Spoorti P. , Chinthalapalli Sai Teja
Published: January 2025

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a widespread dental disease influenced by diet, nutritional status, and socioeconomic factors. Prevalence varies globally, with high rates in East Asia and India. There is limited research existing regarding ECC's link to nutritional assessments (e.g., BMI, biochemical indicators) and low iron levels and anemia. Psychosocial evaluations, such as socioeconomic status (SES), remain underutilized. This study compares these relationships among preschoolers in the Raichur district.
Methods: The study involved 296 preschool children (2-5 years) equally divided into those with and without ECC. A trained pedodontist conducted clinical oral exams using Gruebbel’s deft index, with a deft score ≥1 indicating ECC. Nutritional status was assessed via BMI measurements, while socioeconomic status was evaluated using Kuppuswamy’s 2023 SES Scale. Hematological assessment involved measuring hemoglobin levels using a digital meter after finger-prick blood collection. Standardized tools ensured accuracy in all assessments for comprehensive data collection.
Results: This study indicated that comparing BMI, SES, and hemoglobin levels between caries-free and ECC-affected children revealed significant differences. Children at risk of being overweight had higher ECC prevalence, while normal-weight children were mostly caries-free (p=0.001). Lower SES was strongly associated with ECC, with 75.7% of ECC cases in the lower class, while upper-class children were largely caries-free. Hemoglobin analysis showed ECC linked to lower hemoglobin levels (7-9 g/dl), whereas caries-free children had higher levels (12 g/dl).
Conclusions: The current study found that ECC is significantly linked to lower socioeconomic status, poor nutrition, and reduced hemoglobin levels among Raichur preschool children.
Assessment of the spectrum of enteric duplication cysts and their varied presentations
Authors: Bhatta Priyamvadha , Tuteja Neeraj
Published: January 2025

Enteric duplication cysts having an incidence of 1 in 4500 live births, are not often diagnosed antenatally. Patients who are eventually diagnosed, have a varying presentation, clinically and demographically, demographically and clinically. Classified as cystic and tubular, with the latter being radiologically difficult to detect on ultrasound. Differential diagnoses of mesenteric cysts and omental cysts. This prospective study was done over a two-year period, where patients who were diagnosed with enteric duplication cysts at Sir Padampat Institute of Neonatology and Child Institute, Jaipur were included. They were monitored from the time of diagnosis, assessing demographic data, preoperative status, surgical management, post operative treatment and follow up after discharge. Total14 patients were included, of which a majority were tubular variants of ileal duplication cyst. 3 patients had foregut duplication cysts (1 gastric, 2 oesophageal). The age ranged from 3 days to 10 years, with the average age of 2.2 years. Each child had a varying presentation, some of them presenting with complications like obstruction and perforation. The incidence was more in male, as compared to females (3.6:1 – male:female). Two children had associated anomalies (one had a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and one had malrotation of the gut). In one child, a foregut duplication cyst was found to be communicating with a dilated segment of the jejunum, which was resected together. Enteric duplication cysts, can have a myriad of presentations, and other associated congenital anomalies. Further studies are required to identify attributing risk factors, regional incidence along with better awareness for antenatal screening.
Child with hypocalcaemia: a rare case of HDR syndrome
Authors: George Jewel Maria , Cherian Carol Sara , Philip Rajeev , Sunnychan Sebin
Published: January 2025

Barakat syndrome (also known as HDR syndrome) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the triad of Hypoparathyroidism (H), nerve Deafness (D) and/or renal disease caused by mutation of the GATA3 gene located at chromosome 10p15. This syndrome is very rare with exact prevalence not known and only few cases are reported in the literature. 4-month-old baby girl, diagnosed as hypoparathyroidism on supplements, presented with seizures due to hypocalcemia. On detailed evaluation, child was found to have bilateral hearing loss. Facial dysmorphisms were noted in the form of bulbous nose with everted nares, long philtrum, thin upper lip, low set ears and bilateral non paralytic convergent squint. External genitalia showed perianal groove with an anteriorly placed anus. Startle response was blunted. Other systemic examination was within normal limits. Routine blood investigations revealed low serum calcium (calcium (total) 4.8 mg/dl) and high serum phosphorous level (11.3 mg/dl). Serum parathormone   level was 4.4pg/ml and vitamin D levels were insufficient. Child was managed with IV calcium correction and 1,25 (OH)2 VIT D3. The brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA) showed severe hearing loss. Next - generation sequencing showed a heterozygous missense variant in exon 4 of the GATA 3 gene which was suggestive of Hypoparathyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal dysplasia syndrome. This case report aims to provide awareness of rare inherited conditions in a patient with abnormal physical and laboratory findings even though their initial presentation was seizure and hypocalcemia.
Hearing loss in chronic kidney disease in north Indian population: a prospective study
Authors: Kanotra Sonika , Singh Manjit , Bashir Seerat , Gupta Rahul , Khan Yasir Abbas , Sharma Preeti , Sharma Neha , Purbi Shweta , Gupta Kshitij
Published: January 2025

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health challenge. Patients with CKD show various otorhinolaryngological manifestations among which sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the commonest. To determine the incidence of hearing loss and to describe the impact of chronic kidney disease on hearing in a tertiary care hospital of north India.
Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study on 60 cases of CKD and 60 controls attending the ENT OPD at SMGSH, Jammu after getting (Institutional Ethical Committee) IEC clearance.
Results: In the present study, 28 out of 60 patients of CKD had hearing loss. All the patients had SNHL in the high frequency range, sparing low and middle frequencies. There was a positive correlation between the stage and duration of CKD with hearing loss. Also, a significant correlation was found between the hearing loss and serum urea and creatinine levels.
Conclusion: It was concluded that patients with chronic kidney disease must be evaluated audiometrically at regular intervals, for early identification, management and rehabilitation of hearing loss in order to reduce the co-morbidity of hearing impairment and improve the quality of life of these individuals.
Retrospective analysis of prognostic determinants of neonatal hearing loss: an Indian experience in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: K. Manoj Kumar , Gujrathi Sagar , Chauhan Indrajeet , Yadav Praveen Kumar , Nayyar S. S. , Sonkar Lekhraj
Published: January 2025

Background: Childhood hearing impairment is a result of combination of intrauterine environment, perinatal and postnatal factors. The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH) has been providing guidelines for early detection of infants with or at risk of hearing loss. In India, UNHSP (Universal neonatal hearing screening program) as a part of NPPCD (National Program for Prevention and Control of Deafness) is a strategy that enables to identify congenital deafness and hearing loss.
Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out of a database of newborn hearing screening at a tertiary care hospital of New Delhi, India. The screening results, the risk indicators for hearing loss, diagnosis and the prognosis were descriptively analysed.  
Results: 3640 neonates were included in the study between January 2021 and November 2023. It was observed that, of the 25 babies diagnosed with hearing loss the common risk factors were low birth weight with preterm delivery, hyperbilirubinemia, low birth weight, preterm delivery, NICU stay>05 days and syndromes.
Conclusions: UNHSP (Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Program) aids in early diagnosis of hearing loss using DPOAE (distortion product otoacoustic emission) and BERA (brainstem evoked response audiometry) and significantly reduces the referral rate. Babies with hyperbilirubinemia, preterm delivery and low birth weight have a poor prognosis and are at a higher risk for neonatal hearing loss as per our study. Hearing augmentation in early years of life reduces morbidity and aids better quality of life.
Symbolic Aspects of the Personal Union between Mary Tudor and Philip of Spain (1554—1558)
Authors: Dmitrieva Olga
Published: January 2025

The article deals with the symbolic aspects of the personal union of Mary Tudor and Prince Philip (later — King Philip II of Spain) placed in the context of gender expectations of the 16th century and constitutional problems caused by the “foreign marriage” of the ruling Queen. In spite of the conditions of the marriage treaty, approved by the Parliament and aimed at the limitation of Philip’s intervention in English affaires, close study of the representation of his joint power with his wife, supports the modern scholars’ notion of the dismantling of initial constitutional barriers. The perception of the Queen’s sovereignty gradually transformed into the theory of co-monarchy or double monarchy.
Land Map of Aleksinsky District 1739—1740 as a Source of Information about the Settlements of the Upper Oka River
Authors: Deduk Andrey
Published: January 2025

The article discusses the problem of attribution of the map of Aleksinsky district. The map is kept in the manuscripts department the Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The map was dated in the 1946 inventory to the second half of the 18th century. Journal of surveying  a map of Aleksinsky district in 1739—1740. was found in RGADA. The journal is characterized as a historical source. It was possible to establish that in St. Petersburg in 1761, a copy of the map of the Sofonov surveyors was attached to the response to the questionnaire of the land gentry corps. Probably, the map stored in the Library of the Academy of Sciences is a copy of the map attached to the application form. The article analyzes the hillfort shown on the map.
The 18th Century Siberian Border Lines in the Context of New Cartographic Sources and the History of Modern Spatial Perception Diffusion
Authors: Rasskasov Sergei
Published: January 2025

The paper is concerned on interpretation of two little-known eighteenth century Russian maps relating to the history of imagination and administration of a frontier space between Imperial controlled Siberian territories and Kazakh nomads lands. This wide limitrophe zone was delimited in decades of 1730—1750s, by the Old Ishim and the New Ishim lines in a case closely examined in this text. These two border lines attracted our attention as the first example of efforts to total control of geographical space through modern practices in the region. In addition authors offer brief historiographic review and some theoretical theses. These theses can serve to rethink approaches to the history of borders and the border administration of the Russian Empire, which is usually considered within the framework of two simplified oppositions “ordered state practices — dangerous and unpredictable border communities” or “noble indigenous peoples — malevolent forces of colonialism”, as well as highlight a number of plots in the history of Siberia and Kazakhstan in a more compliant way.
The 16th Century Liturgical Miscellanies from Fontevraud and Chelles Monasteries in the National Library of Russia. To the Problem of Composition and Decoration Peculiarities
Authors: Subbotina Olga
Published: January 2025

The National library of Russia (NLR) holds a considerable amount of Western European liturgical books including those published in the first half of the 16th century. The article deals with two monastery miscellanies whose composition appears to be unique as there have not been found the similar ones anywhere in the world so far. These NLR miscellanies are introduced into scientific circulation for the first time here. Both of them include the editions for Fontevraud royal abbey and consist of the following common parts: Book of hours for Fontevraud, Devotional and Mortuary prayers. Either miscellany contains manuscript leaves in addition to the printed parts. Both of them came to NLR from Zaluski Library. It has become possible, however, to determine provenance of the second miscellany which originally was in the possession of Margaret Le Bret, the prioress of other royal abbey, Chelles. Both, Fontevraud and Chelles, submitted to Benedictine statutes. The search for the binding owner which led to the final identification of Margaret Le Bret as a possessor allowed to formulate main ideas concerning two miscellanies from NLR. In particular, it became possible to explain the content peculiarities and the absence of Hours of the Virgin according to Fontevraud usus in the second miscellany. They just did not correspond to Chelles officium. Big Marian Psalter, traditionally attributed to a medieval theologist Giovanni di Fidanza (St. Bonaventure), is the distinctive feature of the second miscellany as well. The Psalter was printed on September 26th 1521 in the typography of Thielman Kerver and is the earliest of all parts contained in the second miscellany. The article considers in detail the miscellanies content and their provenance history as well as the engravings which are interesting in terms of their set, the technique of execution, complication and expansion of iconographic programme.
The Two Sides of the Iron Curtain. Professor Mikhail P. Lesnikov and the Displaced Tallin City Archives in Göttingen in the 1950s — 1970s
Authors: Portnykh Valentin
Published: January 2025

The article is dedicated to Professor Mikhail Pavlovich Lesnikov (1892—1983), specialist in medieval trade, who is known as the publisher of trade books of the merchant Hildebrand Veckinchusen (late 14th — early 15th century). His scientific biography is a clear illustration of how displacements of cultural heritage during the Second World War could have affected scholarly research. In addition, the example of Lesnikov demonstrates how a medievalist, whose subject was far from current political issues, could become an unwitting victim of the political relations between the opposite sides of the Iron Curtain, and personally encounter the “two-sided” nature of the latter.
Topography in the Copy Books of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery
Authors: Gryaznov Anatoly
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this paper is to record observations about the system of document storage in the monastery archive and the principles of systematization of ownership documentation used in the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery in the 15th — 17th centuries. Any large landowner, including ecclesiastical corporations, faced the need to systematize ownership documents related to different ownership complexes. Although it is sometimes possible to reconstruct the composition of owner archives or at least parts of them, the internal structure of family archives, methods of storage and systematization of documents in them, in most cases remain unknown. The owner archives of church institutions occupy an intermediate position between the huge state archives and the local archives of private individuals. Among them is the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, the second largest landowner among the ecclesiastical corporations of the Moscow state. By the beginning of the 17th century its archive included more than a thousand documents, and by the end of the century it had at least doubled. Such a large array of documents required the development of a storage system that would allow not only to solve the problem of their preservation, but also the possibility of searching for the necessary data. Comparing the sources that somehow describe the monastery fiefdom or the owner's archive (Description of the Archive of 1591, Descriptions of the monastery treasury in inventories of 1601, 1621, 1668, copy books of the late 15th and 17th centuries, the centurion book of 1544 and the census book of 1601), we see that the monastery documentation was compiled without reference to cadastres. There is also no linkage of the structure of the monastery archive and the order of archive funds to the state descriptions of the monastery fiefdom and the structure of intra-monastery documentation. Thus, the structure of the archive and the order of funds in it were formed directly by the archive staff on the basis of their own ideas. The staff of the archive of the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery managed to effectively systematize the documents by separating into a separate fund the charters relating to the entire monastic fiefdom or its several parts. This made it possible to group the rest of the documents according to the geographical principle, separating the acts related to specific ownership complexes into separate fonds. Such a principle of organization of the archive and its structure was caused by practical needs and, as it seems, was the most optimal for the available corpus of acts of the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery.
Metropolitan Neophytes. From Constantinople to Sviyazhsk. 1627—1630
Authors: Oborneva Zinaida
Published: January 2025

The figure of Metropolitan Neophytes of Gana (or of Giresun) has been attracting the attention of scholars for a century, thanks to his unusual life, reflected in his diary and letters. This article is devoted to the very unusual journey of the Metropolitan, who came from the centre of the Orthodox world, Constantinople, to the small town of Sviyazhsk near Kazan. The Metropolitan was not the only Greek with such a fate, but thanks to his letters, we know about his feelings and thoughts. The letters also reveal a large circle of Neophytes' Constantinople acquaintances, mainly at the Sultan's and Patriarch's court, which allows us to establish the channels of influence of the hierarchs in church and secular politics. At the same time, the role of the translators of the Ambassadorial Chancery in the decision-making in Moscow is also revealed.
Russia and the USA in the Struggle for the Hawaiian Islands in the First Half of the 19th Century
Authors: Petrov Alexander
Published: January 2025

The article is devoted to the history of the colonization of the Hawaiian archipelago in the context of the struggle between Russia and the United States for the Pacific territories in the first half of the 19th century. This topic is increasingly raising attention. The 200th anniversary of the conclusion of the convention between Russia and the United States has been taken place this year. The mentioned convention determined the boundaries in the North Pacific and became the basis for future territorial division. Prominent Russian and foreign scientists dealt with the issues of colonization of the Hawaiian Islands. Meanwhile, a number of subjects discussed in this article remained either outside the field of research or require rethinking. At the beginning of the 21st century, the final volume of a five-volume series of collections of documents dedicated to Russian expeditions in the Pacific North was published, it presented documents touching on various aspects of the colonization of the Hawaiian Islands. This article uses archive materials and introduces new sources into scientific circulation. The reasons for Russia's interest in the Hawaiian (Sandwich) Islands and actions on the islands of Russia and the United States are considered. The position of the Russian Foreign Ministry and specifically K. V. Nesselrode has been shown. It is noted that Russia's interest in Hawaii was based on financial and economic reasons and policy of the Naval Ministry of the Russian Empire. Russia, unlike other countries, sought to stabilize the situation in the region. The circumstances why Russia abandoned its colonies on the archipelago, and why the United States intensified the activities there, were studied. It is concluded that Russia’s activities on the archipelago in the first half of the 19th century we can divide into several stages: the first stage was the collection of information at the beginning of the 19th century and the last one that could be mentioned was the attempt to colonize the territory undertaken by G. Schaeffer and then by P. Dobell. The plans of colonization gave way to intention to develop trade and diplomatic relations. After Russia abandoned colonization, US citizens rushed into the archipelago, their activity led to the integration of this territory into the United States. Like Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands are considered the last frontier of the United States.
“Monkey Talk”
Authors: Emelin Ilya
Published: January 2025

The article presents the results of an experiment investigating the potential of textual descriptions of coats of arms, which is blason. It is expected that any person cognisant of heraldic vocabulary and heraldry itself would be able to reconstruct the image of the arms by its textual form only. Two dozen of heraldists were offered to draw 4 coats of arms randomly chosen from different historical epochs of Russian heraldry from 18th century to present day. People, unfamiliar with heraldry, and graphic neural networks formed the control group. The author analyses typical mistakes and how they might have affected application of heraldic signs and their research.
Heraldic Symbols on Military Flags of the Burgundian State in the 14th and 15th Centuries
Authors: Kurkin Andrey
Published: January 2025

The article analyses military banners of the Burgundian state during the reign of the Valois dukes. The author has reviewed extant sources on the subject, such as archival documents, chronicles, and memoirs. Some 150 drawings of trophy Burgundian flags from the collections of Swiss museums were studied. The surviving artefacts were also analysed. More than 50 Burgundian flags and their fragments are now stored in museum collections. The author presents a typology of Burgundian flags (banniere, pennon, estandart, guidon, cornette, pennonceaux, banderole) and their usage pattern in ordonnance companies of Charles the Bold. The article also looks at the emblems, mottos and colours of the dukes of Burgundy used on their standards.
The Decembrists in the National Publicism of the 19th — 21st Centuries
Authors: Buldakova Daria
Published: January 2025

The object of the research is the works of publicists of the 19th — 21st centuries about the Decembrists, starting from 1825 and ending today. It is noted that both scholars and publicists had to independently determine their attitude to the phenomenon of the Decembrists’ revolt depending on the political agenda. In terms of ideological orientation, the materials about the Decembrists are conditionally divided into three groups: loyalist, revolutionary, and liberal. It is concluded that these publicist concepts, according to which the Decembrists were either traitors, liberals, or radical revolutionaries, are still relevant.
Structures and Statuses of Polities in the English Intellectual Discourse of the Early 17th Century
Authors: Palamarchuk Anastasia
Published: January 2025

The article discusses the representation of the genesis, development and structures of complex polities in the treaties of the English intellectuals of the early Seventeenth century.  The key notions used by the authors of antiquarian and historical-legal treatises are the following: “empire”, “sovereign kingdom” and “subordinated kingdom” (this term was applied to polities where the title of king remained a feudal dignity). The history of polities of various genesis and status, reconstructed in the treatises of the Early Stuart antiquarians and lawyers, was intended to demonstrate the dynamic nature of these states, which implied a potential change of status in concrete historical conditions.
Russia and the Development of the European Idea during the Reign of Alexander I
Authors: Dudarev Vasiliy
Published: January 2025

The author of this article, based on the documents of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the reign of Alexander I, analyses the foreign policy initiatives of the Russian Empire in the early 19th century in the direction of European integration, the plans and projects of Alexander I and Russian diplomats regarding the development of the “commonwealth of European states” on the basis of the Holy Alliance. The article shows the attitude of the leading European powers to these Russian projects, the confrontation of two main positions on the way of further development of peaceful settlement of disputed issues on the continent: in the format of the Holy Alliance or the Fourth Alliance, which later transformed into the European pentarchy of the great powers. The article also considers the question of whether the European Congresses of 1818—1822 can be considered as the Congresses of the Holy Alliance. The author of the article comes to the conclusion about Russia’s peacemaking position in European international affairs after Napoleon’s overthrow, St. Petersburg’s interest in creating a ‘commonwealth of European states’, as well as in building a constructive, fair and transparent dialogue between all European countries, rather than in a narrow circle of representatives of the great powers.
USSR—U.S. Dialogue in Latin American Studies: Scholarly Exchange and “Track II” Diplomacy (late 1970s — early 1980s)
Authors: Manukhin Alexey
Published: January 2025

The article is examining the interaction between the Soviet and U.S. academic schools in the study of Latin America. Latin American studies had a much longer history in the USA than in the USSR, but after the Cuban Revolution of 1959, the pace of development of this discipline in both countries roughly equalized. Through the efforts of the director of the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh Cole Blasier and the director of the Institute of Latin America of the USSR Academy of Sciences Viktor Vatslavovich Volsky, in 1980 cooperation was formalized in the form of an agreement between the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) and the USSR Academy of Sciences on scientific exchange in the form of holding joint symposia on current issues of regional development (1981–1984, 1986). During the conferences, which took place on a rotation basis in the USSR and the USA, key issues of the history of Latin American countries, their economy, social structure and political institutions, and their place in the system of international relations were discussed. This format played a major role in mutual familiarization with the research methodology of the Soviet and North American schools of Latin American studies, and the exchange of scientific publications. At the same time, it is revealed that both the USSR and the USA attached high political significance to these contacts. It is demonstrated that the Soviet and American participants in the exchange sometimes acted as unofficial mediators between their governments. In the context of a short-term aggravation of contradictions between the USSR and the USA in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the ILA-LASA academic dialogue served as a “second track” for probing the positions of Moscow and Washington on issues of their policies in the Western Hemisphere (primarily in the context of the Central American conflict). The conclusion sets out the circumstances of the decline of the mechanism of bilateral scientific exchange in the second half of the 1980s.
Maoist Dissidents in the USSR in the Early 1960s and Early 1970s. Ideology and Strategies of Struggle
Authors: Rublev Dmitry
Published: January 2025

The appearance of Maoist dissidents in the USSR in the early 1960s and early 1970s was associated with the discontent of the general population with the socio-economic and political course of N. S. Khrushchev, and then L. I. Brezhnev. Criticism of the political course of the CPSU, primarily the decisions of the XX Congress, by the leaders of the Chinese and Albanian Communist Parties, provided a theoretical justification for protest sentiments for some oppositional citizens. From the point of view of the ideology of Marxism-Leninism prevailing in the USSR, Mao Zedong’s explanation of the social contradictions in the country looked quite logical: the ruling elite of the party nomenclature was represented by “revisionists” who rejected the ideas of V. I. Lenin and I. V. Stalin and expressed the socio-economic interests of the new ruling class, the bureaucracy. The rejection of the concept of the dictatorship of the proletariat in favor of the idea of the USSR as a “national state”, criticism of the cult of Stalin’s personality, as well as the promotion of strategies for “peaceful coexistence” of capitalist and socialist states, were perceived as elements of the “revisionist” ideology of the CPSU. In this situation, Mao Zedong was revered by Maoist dissidents as the bearer of an egalitarian communist alternative that denied the omnipotence and privileges of the Soviet nomenclature. The "cultural revolution" carried out on his initiative in the People's Republic of China was interpreted as a massive anti-bureaucratic popular movement aimed at democratizing socio-political life and destroying the privileges of officials. Analyzing the perception of Maoist ideas by their adherents in the USSR, the author speaks of “fictional Maoism” associated with both the idealization of the socio-economic and political system of the People’s Republic of China and the refraction of Maoist ideology through certain aspirations of Soviet people (in particular, the desire for de-bureaucratization and democratization of public life, the elimination of the privileges of the nomenclature, the redistribution of public benefits, and liquidation of collective farms). The article shows the approximate number of Maoist dissidents in the USSR, analyzes their ideological attitudes, social composition, tactics and strategy of struggle.