bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Польський національний рух у Галичині під час Першої світової війни
Authors: Клок Василь
Published: July 2022

Метою статті є дослідження розвитку польського національного руху в Галичині під час Першої світової війни. Методи дослідження: аналіз, синтез, узагальнення, проблемно-хронологічний, історико-системний. Наукова новизна: вперше у вітчизняній історіографії комплексно досліджено ґенезу польської національної ідеї в Галичині в 1914–1918 рр. та діяльність місцевих польських політиків задля її реалізації. Висновки: Завдяки ліберальному політичному режиму Австро-Угорщини польський національний рух Галичини наприкінці ХІХ ст. – на початку ХХ ст. досяг значних результатів. Тому польська політична еліта бачила (у початку І світової війни) шанс для звільнення від Російської імперії польських земель та відновлення своєї національної держави. На думку більшості представників польського національного руху, досягнення цієї мети мало базуватись на підтримці та тісному союзі з Габсбурзькою монархією. Унаслідок усі польські партії Галичини та їхні представники у Віденському парламенті урочисто стали на сторону Австрії та Четверного союзу у світовому конфлікті. На першому етапі світової війни польське суспільство краю з ентузіазмом підтримувало Австро-Угорщину та допомагало формувати національні підрозділи у складі австрійської армії – польські легіони. Ситуація зазнала кардинальної зміни після підписання Четверним союзом договору з Українською народною республікою. Таємний додаток до цього документу передбачав поділ Галичини за національною ознакою. Це підірвало довір’я польського політикуму та суспільства до Відня. Крім цього, американський президент В. Вільсон у січні 1918 р. у своїх «14 тезах» гарантував відновлення польської держави з виходом до моря. Зі вступом у війну США на стороні Антанти Четверний союз практично втратив шанси на мілітарну перемогу. Тому наприкінці 1918 р. польська політична еліта Галичини усвідомила потребу об’єднання задля відбудови Польської держави в кордонах 1772 р. без підтримки Четверного союзу.
FMEA metoda u analizi kvarova obalnih dizalica
Authors: Babeli Karla , Hess Svjetlana , Hess Mirano
Published: July 2022

Svaki veliki sustav trebao bi prepoznati i znati upravljati svojim rizicima. Problem istraživanja uovom radu su kvarovi na kontejnerskim dizalicama, jer je za obalne dizalice u procesu prekrcaja nakontejnerskom terminalu izuzetno važno prepoznati kritične kvarove i pridati im pozornost prilikomredovnog odnosno preventivnog održavanja. Da bi se operativni proces prekrcaja na terminalu odvijaobez zastoja uz osiguranje sigurnosti osoblja te na vrijeme prepoznali kvarovi koji predstavljaju najvećirizik može poslužiti metoda analize oblika i efekata kvarova, koja je odabrana za rješenje problemaprocjene rizika u ovom radu. Provedeno je anketno ispitivanje osoba koji rade na kontejnerskomterminalu riječke luke o vrsti i učestalosti pojedinih kvarova na obalnim dizalicama. Potom je zasvaki kvar ocijenjena razina ozbiljnosti, učestalosti i otkrivanja, na temelju čega su izračunom veličineprioriteta rizika isti rangirani. Dobiveni rezultati ukazuju da najveći rizik ima fizičko oštećenje sajlidok je najmanji rizik predstavljaju neispravne nauglice kontejnera. Ovakav način istraživanja možedoprinijeti budućem pravovremenom planiranju održavanja i preventivnog otklanjanja kvarova usvrhu neometanog odvijanja prekrcajnog procesa.
Nursing Activity of the Congregation of the Sisters Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Eastern Lesser Poland in the Interwar Period
Authors: Jaworski Piotr , Juśko Paweł
Published: July 2022

The Servant Sisters of St. Mary of the Cross, like many other religious congregations, tried to create the best possible conditions for the comprehensive development of their pupils. One should also emphasize their great role in forming and maintaining the Polish Catholic spirit in children from families that often converted to the Greek Catholic rite. The high quality of the sisters' educational, teaching, and caring work is evidenced by the conclusions of various inspection reports made by Church and civil authorities. From the very beginning of their existence, the orphanages carried out tasks in accordance with the concept of Edmund Bojanowski, above all protecting children from moral corruption, spreading the Christian model of life, defending and strengthening national culture. Zealous concern for the best possible realization of these goals was also evident in Eastern Lesser Poland, despite the fact that the time after the end of the Great War was not an easy one, and the population of the area struggled with many economic difficulties. The work of Servant Sisters resulted in trust of the environment in which the institutions of the Congregation were operating and caused that for decades the orphanages run by the Sisters had a strong position among other care and educational institutions. The present article is a continuation of the research presented in the previous issue, but the time span of the article concerns the period between 1918 and 1939, so it shows the development of the activities of the day-care centres and the specificity of their functioning in the interwar period. It is important to note that the period 1918-1939 was a time when the conditions of the sisters' work were much different than in the 19th and early 20th centuries. With the restoration of independence came the need to adapt their work to the standards issued in this regard by the competent state authorities. A new institution called kindergarten was introduced and the issue of having appropriate qualifications and competences to work in particular care and educational institutions was raised.
Legal and Functional Determinants of Cooperation Between Polish and Ukrainian Local Governments Since 1990
Authors: Sienkiewicz Mariusz W.
Published: July 2022

The social, economic, and political changes which occurred in both Poland and in Ukraine after 1989, led to the formation of mutual relations at various levels and in various spheres of public, social, and economic life. Subsequent administrative reforms introduced from the beginning of the 1990s had an impact on the development of the decentralization and democratization of the public sector. In Poland, these processes took place much more effectively than in Ukraine. Despite this, from the very beginning of the changes, the newly created communes, and after 1998, the poviats and voivodships, undertook cooperation with self-governing partners in Ukraine. In the last three decades, local and regional communities in Ukraine have become an important partner for Polish local and regional governments. Polish-Ukrainian self-government cooperation is implemented in many forms, based on various models and with different results. It also faces many barriers on legal, institutional, and psychological levels. The main obstacle is undoubtedly Ukraine's lack of membership in the European Union, as well as sometimes mutual misunderstanding and non-acceptance of historical experiences. The main goal of the study is to analyze the currently functioning forms of cooperation between local governments from Poland and Ukraine. The main thesis of this article is based on the assumption that despite the many opportunities existing for partnership and cooperation, local governments from Poland and Ukraine establish bilateral and multilateral cooperation too seldom. This is related to many barriers that hinder the development and initiation of cooperation, and affect its quality and expected outcomes. To verify the assumed thesis, institutional and legal methods, document analysis, factor analysis, and comparative methods were used.
Identification of structural control factors of primary gold ore occurrences by method of unmanned aeromagnetic survey by the example of the Neryungrisky district of Yakutia
Authors: Movchan Igor , Shaygallyamova Zilya , Yakovleva Alexandra
Published: July 2022

The long-term development of the geophysical industry, in which the methods of magnetometry are in maximum demand, as the simplest in instrumental and methodological execution, has determined the development of remote measurement methods implemented both from space and airborne carriers. The necessity to use the latter as an obligatory component of field surveys, providing coverage of significant areas, determines the need for using the unmanned low-tonnage carriers. Their use is implemented to search for predictive elements of structural (spatial, genetic) control of endogenous gold ore occurrences that allow predictive constructions, i.e., solving the problem of increasing gold reserves, which is being performed within the framework of federal programs. The purpose of the survey is to develop a system of instrumental and subsequent interpretation approaches in the organization of unmanned magnetometer survey, implemented for structural and geological mapping by the example of the Neryungrinsky district of Yakutia. Within the framework of the digital model formation of the relief and the anomalous magnetic field, a survey method using an unmanned aircraft, its technical characteristics are considered; the analysis and the author's modification of the office analysis of magnetometry data are performed. Based on the obtained materials, a physical and geological model of the investigated area was created, which is presented in the form of a geological and structural cut, accompanied by the physical characteristics of the structural and material complexes. The refinement of the physical and geological model was implemented by a joint morphostructural analysis of the remote base and the anomalous magnetic field using the results of quantative interpretation of the anomalous magnetic field. The result of the study is presented by an updated geological basis with the allocation of promising ore sites for their detailing as part of the planned large-scale geological and geophysical surveys. The scientific novelty of the work consists in the synthesis of the tried and tested methods of unmanned aeromagnetometric measurements and geostructural reconstructions, which allow the processing of both potential and non-potential geofields.
Disparity in the Considerations of Judges in Deciding Divorce Disputes in Religious Courts and District Courts
Authors: Alfiander Dodon
Published: July 2022

This paper aimed at exploring judges’ disparity in deciding divorce disputes in religious courts and district courts. Disparity is not only the differences in legal subjects that obey the absolute competence of different judicial environment but also the norms that serve as guidelines. This research is empirical juridical research with primary data namely judges’ decision and the results of judges’ interview. This research found that there were several disparity differences between religious and district judges in deciding divorce disputes. First, the considerations of district court judges were oriented to the aspect of legal certainty over juridical considerations. Second, besides paying attention to legal certainty aspects, the panel of judges at religious courts also considered religious aspects in making decision. Consideration of the rules of Islamic law has a very important role for judges in making decisions.
Clinical case of lipoid necrobiosis against the background of uncontrolled course of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors:   Center for medical checkups and prophylaxis, SARANYUK Р. V. , GOSTEVA T. A. ,   Center for medical checkups and prophylaxis, BABINA E. V. ,   Medvenskaya Central District Hospital
Published: July 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrinopathy that leads to the development of many complications in various organs and systems. Skin, as the largest organ, is also one of the targets of DM. Among the most specific dermatological complications of DM is lipoid necrobiosis (LN), a chronic condition leading to the development of disfiguring skin defects. Despite the fact that this disorder occurs in many metabolic and systemic disorders, the most common LN can be observed in patients with a severe uncontrolled course of diabetes mellitus. This paper presents a clinical case of VD in a patient with a severe course of type II diabetes mellitus, discusses the possible causes of this condition and management options for the patient.
Cerebral venous thrombosis in a young woman in the postpartum period
Authors:   Bashkir State Medical University, YASINSKAYA A. S. , ZUBAIROV V. A. ,   National medical holding MEDSTANDART, NAZAROV A. F. ,   Clinical Emergency Hospital, KHUZHAKHMETOVA A. SH. ,   Clinical Emergency Hospital
Published: July 2022

The article analyzes a clinical case of cerebral venous stroke in a 31-year-old young woman in the postpartum period with manifestation in the form of an epileptic seizure with tonic-clonic convulsions. Diagnostic studies of risk factors for cerebral venous thrombosis showed genetic mutations in the genes of hemostasis and the folate cycle.
Lupus nephritis as a topical problem of pediatric nephrology. Clinical case of lupus nephritis class I in a child with nephrotic syndrome
Authors:   Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics, MOROZOV S. L. , KOVAL N. YU. ,   Tver State Medical University, STOLYAREVICH E. S. ,   City Clinical Hospital No. 52 of the Moscow Health Department, PIRUZIEVA O. R. ,   Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics, LEPAEVA T. V. ,   Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics, NIKISHINA T. A. ,   Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics, TARASOVA O. V. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, DLIN V. V. ,   Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics
Published: July 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease accompanied by the synthesis of autoantibodies and the deposition of complement-fixing immune complexes in damaged tissues and organs. Systemic lupus erythematosus has many clinical manifestations, with kidney damage, the so-called lupus nephritis, being one of the most dangerous. The problem of lupus nephritis is especially relevant in pediatric practice, since it is believed that in children the disease is more severe than in adults and is often associated with infant mortality. This article presents modern ideas about the pathogenesis, clinical picture, and therapeutic tactics for lupus nephritis, as well as a clinical observation of class I lupus nephritis occurring with lupus podocytopathy.
Combination of congenital heart and anorectal defects in children
Authors:   Gorky Donetsk State Medical University, BORDYUGOVA E. V. , DUBOVAYA A. V. ,   Gorky Donetsk State Medical University, USENKO N. A. ,   Gorky Donetsk State Medical University, KONOV V. G. ,   Husak Emergency and Reconstructive Surgery Institute
Published: July 2022

The article presents a literature review and an analysis of the authors’ clinical observations of a combination of congenital heart defects (CHD) and anorectal defects in children. Both anorectal defects (ARD) and CHD are formed at 4-9 weeks of intrauterine development. The reasons for the formation of congenital malformations are varied and are determined by genetic, infectious, environmental factors or have a multifactorial nature. Anus atresia is part of a number of genetic syndromes and associations. There are cases of familial forms of anorectal malformations. Most often ARDs are combined with defects of the genitourinary, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Not all of the indicated symptoms of the presented syndromes are found in every patient, not all symptoms can be detected from the first days of life. When an ARD is detected (often at the first examination of a newborn), it is important to continue the diagnostics to identify concomitant malformations, primarily congenital heart disease. Among the congenital heart defects, the most common diagnoses in ARD are the tetrad of Fallot, the atrial and interventricular septa defects, and abnormal drainage of the pulmonary veins. The management of such patients requires a multidisciplinary integrated approach and the interaction of different specialists. The information presented is of interest for neonatologists, pediatricians, gastroenterologists, children’s cardiologists, children’s surgeons, cardiac surgeons, and neurologists.
Assessment of risk factors in the course of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Authors:   Dyurtyuli Central District Hospital, KABILOVA A. V. , MINGAZETDINOVA L. N. ,   Bashkir State Medical University, MUTALOVA E. G. ,   Bashkir State Medical University
Published: July 2022

The purpose — to study individual risk factors and their influence on the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Material and methods. Patients with RA and AS took part in the research; the group of comparison was practically healthy people. We evaluated clinical condition and laboratory indicators (the level of cytokines, lymphocyte subpopulation, rheumatoid factor, antibodies to the cyclic citrullinated peptide, S-reactive protein, proinflammatory cytokines, monocyte-macrophage protein, vascular endothelial factor, and cell cycle analysis). The obtained data were processed with Statistics 7.0 software. The results were considered to be statistically reliable at р < 0.05. Results. Hyper production of proinflammatory cytokines was marked in sick patients compared with healthy ones. The analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients showed their excess in comparison to healthy people. The assessment of lymphocytes ability for blast transformation defined the lymphocytes activation with the growth of cells at apoptosis stage (G1-phase); with the decrease in the proportion of resting cells (GO-phase) in patients, the activation coefficient was significantly growing. More apoptosis activation markers were found in the group of RA patients. Changes in apoptosis were revealed with the decreased proportion of lymphocytes in unstimulated cultures of patients; at the same time, the amount of cells in apoptosis increased four times in the examined patients compared to the healthy ones. Conclusions. In patients with RA and AS, changes of the factors of the immune system wee noted as the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL—1β, IL-6, TNF—α and the concentration of MSR-1, VEGF, SPB, RF increased. The enhancement of cellular apoptosis is due to the increase of the apoptosis inducer — CD95+9(FaS) lymphocytes, TNF- α, the growth of cells at pre-synthetic stage of apoptosis G1-phase and the activation coefficient.
Values of serotonin, catecholamines and their metabolites in hemolytic-uremic syndrome in children
Authors:   Kazan State Medical University, MAKAROVA T. P. , NIGMATULLINA R. R. ,   Kazan State Medical University, KUDRIN V. S. ,   Scientific-Research Institute named after V.V. Zakusov, DAVLIEVA L. A. ,   Kazan State Medical University, MELNIKOVA YU. S. ,   Kazan State Medical University, KHUSNUTDINOVA D. R. ,   Children’s Republic Clinical Hospital
Published: July 2022

The hemolytic-uremic syndrome is a serious problem in pediatrics and pediatric nephrology. Given the progressive course of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome up to the terminal stage of renal failure, it is necessary to search for markers of damage to the renal tissue as prognostically significant factors in the development of nephrosclerosis. This is of particular importance in childhood to optimize the management of patients with hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Disturbance of serotonin metabolism by damaged endothelial cells is associated with a progressive decline in kidney function and nephrosclerosis development, and is a predictor of an unfavorable development of chronic kidney disease. It has been established that the degree of kidney damage is demonstrated by indicators of the catecholamine metabolism activity and their ratio, reflecting a disturbance of the kidneys filtration capacity.
Black East & Ossis of Color. Fotografien afrikanischer Migrant:innen in der DDR
Authors: Enzenbach Isabel
Published: July 2022

Fotografien sind eine wichtige und bislang wenig genutzte Quelle, um migrantisches Leben in der DDR zu erforschen. Publik sind vor allem DDR-Pressefotografien, die junge Menschen aus dem Globalen Süden bei der Arbeit in der DDR zeigen, wobei das Land als technologisch überlegenes Bruderland inszeniert wird. Der Artikel zeigt und diskutiert von diesem Muster abweichende Bilder. Sie stammen aus dem Archiv der DDR-Bildagentur Zentralbild sowie aus dem im Entstehen begriffenen Archiv „De-Zentralbild“, das private Fotos von DDR-Migrant:innen und die dazugehörigen Erzählungen zusammenträgt. Diskutiert werden Fotos, die Migrant:innen verschiedener afrikanischer Länder abbilden. Der Artikel analysiert sie anhand der von DDR-Migrant:innen formulierten Begriffe „Black East“ und „Ossis of Color“ sowie dem Konzepte eines „Socialist Chormatism“.
“Muscle-Gut-Brain Axis”: Can Physical Activity Help Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease Due to Microbiome Modulation?
Authors: Schlegel Petr , Novotny Michal , Klimova Blanka , Valis Martin
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common forms of dementia, which cannot be cured at the moment. Therefore, researchers also look for the alternative approaches to its treatment. It is suggested that changes in human gut microbiome mediated by exercise could influence the development and progression of AD and a new term “muscle-gut-brain axis” is introduced. There is much evidence to support this assumption. The gut microbiology is closely related to a wide range of diseases of the nervous system and therefore any negative qualitative and quantitative changes in the composition of the gut microbiota can potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of AD. Research shows that the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis with probiotics/synbiotics/eubiotics can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of these chronic neurological diseases. Studies also point to the positive effects of movement on the health of seniors. A positive correlation can be found between cognitive functions and physical stress, both in the elderly and in AD patients. Even short-term interventions with a relatively low frequency seem to produce positive results, while physical activities can be performed by using relatively simple and cost-effective means. In addition, physical activity can significantly modulate gut microbiome. Thus, it can be concluded that physical activity in humans seems to correlate with gut microbiome, which can prevent the incidence and development of AD.
The Gut Microbiota and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Jiang Chunmei , Li Guangning , Huang Pengru , Liu Zhou , Zhao Bin
Published: July 2022

The gut microbiota comprises a complex community of microorganism species that resides in our gastrointestinal ecosystem and whose alterations influence not only various gut disorders but also central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD, the most common form of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with impaired cognition and cerebral accumulation of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ). Most notably, the microbiota-gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that is not fully understood, but includes neural, immune, endocrine, and metabolic pathways. Studies in germ-free animals and in animals exposed to pathogenic microbial infections, antibiotics, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation suggest a role for the gut microbiota in host cognition or AD-related pathogenesis. The increased permeability of the gut and blood-brain barrier induced by microbiota dysbiosis may mediate or affect AD pathogenesis and other neurodegenerative disorders, especially those associated with aging. In addition, bacteria populating the gut microbiota can secrete large amounts of amyloids and lipopolysaccharides, which might contribute to the modulation of signaling pathways and the production of proinflammatory cytokines associated with the pathogenesis of AD. Moreover, imbalances in the gut microbiota can induce inflammation that is associated with the pathogenesis of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and AD. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the current findings that may elucidate the role of the gut microbiota in the development of AD. Understanding the underlying mechanisms may provide new insights into novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
Association between Alzheimer’s Disease and Oral and Gut Microbiota: Are Pore Forming Proteins the Missing Link?
Authors: Aguayo Sebastian , Schuh Christina Maria Anna Pia , Vicente Benjamin , Aguayo Luis Gerardo
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is associated with cerebral amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposition in the brain, synaptic disconnection, and subsequent progressive neuronal death. Although considerable progress has been made to elucidate the pathogenesis of AD, the specific causes of the disease remain highly unknown. Recent research has suggested a potential association between certain infectious diseases and dementia, either directly due to bacterial brain invasion and toxin production, or indirectly by modulating the immune response. Therefore, in the present review we focus on the emerging issues of bacterial infection and AD, including the existence of antimicrobial peptides having pore-forming properties that act in a similar way to pores formed by Aβ in a variety of cell membranes. Special focus is placed on oral bacteria and biofilms, and on the potential mechanisms associating bacterial infection and toxin production in AD. The role of bacterial outer membrane vesicles on the transport and delivery of toxins as well as porins to the brain is also discussed. Aβ has shown to possess antimicrobial activity against several bacteria, and therefore could be upregulated as a response to bacteria and bacterial toxins in the brain. Although further research is needed, we believe that the control of biofilm-mediated diseases could be an important potential prevention mechanism for AD development.
Gut Microbiota Alteration and Its Time Course in a Tauopathy Mouse Model
Authors: Sun Bin-Lu , Li Wei-Wei , Wang Jun , Xu Ya-Li , Sun Hao-Lun , Tian Ding-Yuan , Wang Yan-Jiang , Yao Xiu-Qing
Published: July 2022

Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a role in neurodegenerative disorders. However, whether the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota are altered in tauopathies remains largely unknown. This study was aimed to examine the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota in tauopathies, as well as the correlation with pathological changes in the brain. We collected fecal samples from 32 P301L tau transgenic mice and 32 age- and gender-matched littermate mice at different ages. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing technique was used to analyze the microbiota composition in feces. Brain tau pathology levels were measured by immunohistochemistry. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiota significantly changed with aging. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was increased, while Firmicutes were decreased in P301L mice compared with that in Wt mice after 3 months of age. In addition, Actinobacteria was decreased in P301L mice at 3 and 6 months of age, meanwhile Tenericutes was decreased in P301L mice at 10 months of age. Moreover, several specific macrobiota were highly associated with the levels of AT8-tau or pT231-tau protein in the brain. Our findings suggest that gut microbiota changed with aging, as well as in the tauopathy mice model. Modulation of the gut microbiota may be a potential strategy for treatment of tauopathy.
Bioactive Food Abates Metabolic and Synaptic Alterations by Modulation of Gut Microbiota in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Syeda Tauqeerunnisa , Sanchez-Tapia Mónica , Pinedo-Vargas Laura , Granados Omar , Cuervo-Zanatta Daniel , Rojas-Santiago Eleazar , Díaz-Cintra Sofía , Torres Nimbe , Perez-Cruz Claudia
Published: July 2022

Recent investigations have demonstrated an important role of gut microbiota (GM) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). GM modulates a host’s health and disease by production of several substances, including lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), among others. Diet can modify the composition and diversity of GM, and ingestion of a healthy diet has been suggested to lower the risk to develop AD. We have previously shown that bioactive food (BF) ingestion can abate neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and improve cognition in obese rats, effects associated with GM composition. Therefore, BF can impact the gut-brain axis and improved behavior. In this study, we aim to explore if inclusion of BF in the diet may impact central pathological markers of AD by modulation of the GM. Triple transgenic 3xTg-AD (TG) female mice were fed a combination of dried nopal, soy, chia oil, and turmeric for 7 months. We found that BF ingestion improved cognition and reduced Aβ aggregates and tau hyperphosphorylation. In addition, BF decreased MDA levels, astrocyte and microglial activation, PSD-95, synaptophysin, GluR1 and ARC protein levels in TG mice. Furthermore, TG mice fed BF showed increased levels of pGSK-3β. GM analysis revealed that pro-inflammatory bacteria were more abundant in TG mice compared to wild-type, while BF ingestion was able to restore the GM’s composition, LPS, and propionate levels to control values. Therefore, the neuroprotective effects of BF may be mediated, in part, by modulation of GM and the release of neurotoxic substances that alter brain function.
Relationship Between Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain, Gut Microbiota, and Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Saji Naoki , Murotani Kenta , Sato Naoyuki , Tsuduki Tsuyoshi , Hisada Takayoshi , Shinohara Mitsuru , Sugimoto Taiki , Niida Shumpei , Toba Kenji , Sakurai Takashi
Published: July 2022

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated associations between gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, and cognitive decline. However, relationships between these factors and neurofilament light chain (NfL; a disease-nonspecific biomarker of neural damage) remain controversial. Objective: To evaluate the associations between plasma NfL, gut microbiota, and cognitive function. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional sub-analysis of data from our prospective cohort study that was designed to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and cognitive function. Patients who visited our memory clinic were enrolled and demographics, dementia-related risk factors, cognitive function, brain imaging, gut microbiomes, and microbial metabolites were assessed. We evaluated the relationships between the gut microbiome, microbial metabolites, and plasma NfL. Moreover, the relationships between plasma NfL and cognitive function were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: We analyzed 128 participants (women: 59%, mean age: 74 years). Participants with high (above the median) plasma NfL concentrations tended to be older, women, and hypertensive and have a history of stroke, chronic kidney disease, and dementia. Plasma NfL was also associated with cerebral small vessel disease. However, plasma NfL levels were not significantlycorrelatedwithgutmicrobialmetabolites.MultivariableanalysesrevealedthatahigherplasmaNfLconcentration was independently associated with the presence of dementia (odds ratio: 9.94, 95% confidence interval: 2.75–48.2, p < 0.001). Conclusion: High plasma NfL concentration was independently associated with the presence of dementia as previously reported. However, plasma NfL levels were not significantly correlated with gut microbial metabolites in this preliminary study.
Periodontitis Deteriorates Cognitive Function and Impairs Neurons and Glia in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Qian Xueshen , Zhang Shuang , Duan Lian , Yang Fengchun , Zhang Kun , Yan Fuhua , Ge Song
Published: July 2022

Background: Although periodontitis is reportedly associated with increased cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, the mechanisms underlying this process remain unknown. Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P.g-LPS) is an endotoxin associated with periodontal disease. Objective: We investigated the effect of periodontitis on learning capacity and memory of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP)/presenilin (PS1) transgenic mice along with the mechanisms underlying these effects. Methods: Mice were randomly assigned to three groups, namely AβPP/PS1 (control), P.g-LPS Injection, and P.g-LPS Injection + Ligation. Mice from the P.g-LPS Injection group were injected with P.g-LPS in the periodontal tissue three times per week for 8 weeks, while mice from the P.g-LPS Injection + Ligation group were injected with P.g-LPS and subjected to ligation of the gingival sulcus of the maxillary second molar. Results: Expression of gingival proinflammatory cytokines as well as alveolar bone resorption in P.g-LPS-injected and ligatured mice was increased compared to that in control mice. Mice in the P.g-LPS Injection + Ligation group exhibited cognitive impairment and a significant reduction in the number of neurons. Glial cell activation in the experimental groups with significantly increased amyloid-β (Aβ) levels was more pronounced relative to the control group. Induction of periodontitis was concurrent with an increase in cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, AβPP, and beta-secretase 1 expression and a decrease in A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 expression. Conclusion: These findings indicated that periodontitis exacerbated learning and memory impairment in AβPP/PS1 mice and augmented Aβ and neuroinflammatory responses. Our study provides a theoretical basis for risk prediction and early intervention of Alzheimer’s disease and periodontitis.
An Investigation into the Effects of Outer Membrane Vesicles and Lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis on Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity, Permeability, and Disruption of Scaffolding Proteins in a Human in vitro Model
Authors: Pritchard Anna Barlach , Fabian Zsolt , Lawrence Clare L. , Morton Glyn , Crean StJohn , Alder Jane E.
Published: July 2022

Background: The effects of the key pathogens and virulence factors associated with gum disease such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) on the central nervous system is of great interest with respect to development of neuropathologies and hence therapeutics and preventative strategies. Chronic infections and associated inflammation are known to weaken the first line of defense for the brain, the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Objective: The focus of this study is to utilize an established human in vitro BBB model to evaluate the effects of P. gingivalis virulence factors lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) on a primary-derived human model representing the neurovascular unit of the BBB. Methods: Changes to the integrity of the BBB after application of P. gingivalis LPS and OMVs were investigated and correlated with transport of LPS. Additionally, the effect of P. gingivalis LPS and OMVs on human brain microvascular endothelial cells in monolayer was evaluated using immunofluorescence microscopy. Results: The integrity of the BBB model was weakened by application of P. gingivalis LPS and OMVs, as measured by a decrease in electrical resistance and a recovery deficit was seen in comparison to the controls. Application of P. gingivalis OMVs to a monoculture of human brain microvascular endothelial cells showed disruption of the tight junction zona occludens protein (ZO-1) compared to controls. Conclusion: These findings show that the integrity of tight junctions of the human BBB could be weakened by association with P. gingivalis virulence factors LPS and OMVs containing proteolytic enzymes (gingipains).
A hybrid approach for improving the flexibility of production scheduling in flat steel industry
Authors: Iannino Vincenzo , Colla Valentina , Maddaloni Alessandro , Brandenburger Jens , Rajabi Ahmad , Wolff Andreas , Ordieres Joaquin , Gutierrez Miguel , Sirovnik Erwin , Mueller Dirk , Schirm Christoph
Published: July 2022

Nowadays the steel market is becoming ever more competitive for European steelworks, especially as far as flat steel products are concerned. As such competition determines the price products, profit can be increased only by lowering production and commercial costs. Production yield can be significantly increased through an appropriate scheduling of the semi-manufactured products among the available sub-processes, to ensure that customers’ orders are timely completed, resources are optimally exploited, and delays are minimized. Therefore, an ever-increasing attention is paid toward production optimization through efficient scheduling strategies in the scientific and industrial communities. This paper proposes a hybrid approach to improve the flexibility of production scheduling in steelworks producing flat steel products. Such approach combines three methods holding different scopes and modelling different aspects: an auction-based multi-agent system is applied to face production uncertainties, multi-objective mixed-integer linear programming is used for global optimal scheduling of resources under steady conditions, while a continuous flow model copes with long-term production scheduling. According to the obtained simulation results, the integration and combination of these three approaches allow scheduling production in a flexible way by providing the capability to adapt to different production conditions.
Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease: Successful Pilot Project
Authors: Toups Kat , Hathaway Ann , Gordon Deborah , Chung Henrianna , Raji Cyrus , Boyd Alan , Hill Benjamin D. , Hausman-Cohen Sharon , Attarha Mouna , Chwa Won Jong , Jarrett Michael , Bredesen Dale E.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Effective therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease are needed. However, previous clinical trials have pre-determined a single treatment modality, such as a drug candidate or therapeutic procedure, which may be unrelated to the primary drivers of the neurodegenerative process. Therefore, increasing data set size to include the potential contributors to cognitive decline for each patient, and addressing the identified potential contributors, may represent a more effective strategy.

Objective:

To determine whether a precision medicine approach to Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment is effective enough in a proof-of-concept trial to warrant a larger, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Methods:

Twenty-five patients with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores of 19 or higher, were evaluated for markers of inflammation, chronic infection, dysbiosis, insulin resistance, protein glycation, vascular disease, nocturnal hypoxemia, hormone insufficiency or dysregulation, nutrient deficiency, toxin or toxicant exposure, and other biochemical parameters associated with cognitive decline. Brain magnetic resonance imaging with volumetrics was performed at baseline and study conclusion. Patients were treated for nine months with a personalized, precision medicine protocol, and cognition was assessed at t = 0, 3, 6, and 9 months.

Results:

All outcome measures revealed improvement: statistically significant improvement in MoCA scores, CNS Vital Signs Neurocognitive Index, and Alzheimer’s Questionnaire Change score were documented. No serious adverse events were recorded. MRI volumetrics also improved.

Conclusion:

Based on the cognitive improvements observed in this study, a larger, randomized, controlled trial of the precision medicine therapeutic approach described herein is warranted.
Assessment of the Causal Effect of IgG N-Glycosylation Level on Risk of Dementia: A 2-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Cong Ruyi , Geng Tao , Zhang Jinxia , Liu Di , Tian Qiuyue , Meng Xiaoni , Song Manshu , Wu Lijuan , Zheng Deqiang , Wang Wei , Wang Baoguo , Wang Youxin
Published: July 2022

Background:

Previous prospective studies highlighted aberrant immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation as a risk factor for dementia [such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD)]. It is unclear whether this association is causal or explained by confounding or reverse causation.

Objective:

The aim is to examine the association of genetically predicted IgG N-glycosylation with dementia using 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods:

Independent genetic variants for IgG N-glycosylation traits were selected as instrument variables from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) among individuals of European ancestry. We extracted their corresponding summary statistics from large-scale clinically diagnosed AD GWAS dataset and FinnGen biobank VaD GWAS dataset. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) was performed to calculate the effect estimates. Meanwhile, multiple sensitivity analyses were used to assess horizontal pleiotropy and outliers.

Results:

There were no associations of genetically predicted IgG N-glycosylation traits with the risk of AD and VaD using the IVW method (all Bonferroni corrected p > 0.0013). These estimates of four additional sensitivity analyses methods were consistent with the IVW estimates in terms of direction and magnitude. Additionally, the MR-PRESSO global test and the intercept of MR-Egger regression indicated no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy. Meanwhile, the heterogeneity test showed no significant heterogeneity using the Cochran Q statistic. The leave-one-out sensitivity analyses also did not detect any significant change.

Conclusion:

Our MR study did not support evidence for the hypothesis that IgG N-glycosylation level may be causally associated with the risk of dementia.
An Elicitation Study to Understand Black, Hispanic, and Male Older Adults’ Willingness to Participate in Alzheimer’s Disease-Focused Research Registries
Authors: Bleakley Amy , Maloney Erin K. , Harkins Kristin , Nelson Maria N. , Akpek Eda , Langbaum Jessica B.
Published: July 2022

Background:

There is a lack of racial, ethnic, and sex diversity in recruitment research registries and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research studies and trials. Theory-based recruitment messages may provide an opportunity to increase study participant diversity in AD research studies and trials.

Objective:

To identify behavioral, normative, and control beliefs that are associated with joining an AD-focused recruitment registry among historically underrepresented groups.

Method:

Using a Reasoned Action Approach, we conducted 60 semi-structured phone interviews in 2020 among White, Black, and Hispanic adults ages 49–79 years in Philadelphia, PA. Underlying beliefs were elicited for the target behavior of “signing up to be on a registry for brain health research studies in the next month.” Percentages based on counts are reported for the overall sample and by race and ethnicity and sex.

Results:

Participants were most concerned that if they were to sign up for a registry, they would be asked to participate in experimental studies. Advancing science to help others was a commonly reported positive belief about signing up. Participants’ children and friends/neighbors were important from a normative perspective. Barriers to enrollment focused on logistical concerns and inconvenient sign-up processes, including using a computer. Results show generally few racial and ethnic or sex group differences.

Conclusion:

The elicited beliefs from underrepresented groups offer a basis for understanding the behavior of signing up for research registries. However, there were few differences between the groups. Implications for outreach and recruitment are discussed.
Optimization of a hybrid electromagnetic system with magnetic modulation
Authors: Yatchev Ivan , Balabozov Iosko , Gueorgiev Vultchan , Hadzhiev Ivan
Published: July 2022

The paper presents optimization of a newly developed hybrid electromagnetic system with magnetic flux modulation, for which patent application has been submitted. The efficiency of the system has been taken as objective function. The optimization factors include both geometrical and electrical parameters. Finite element method and three-dimensional coupled time-dependent electromagnetic field-electrical circuit analysis has been used for the solution of the forward problem. Response surface methodology and sequential linear programming are employed for the optimization.
Identification of moisture inside walls in buildings using machine learning and ensemble methods
Authors: Rymarczyk Tomasz , Kłosowski Grzegorz
Published: July 2022

According to the article, locating moisture within the walls of buildings using electrical impedance tomography is discussed in detail. The algorithmic approach, whose role is to convert the input measurements into images, received excellent attention during the development process. Numerous models have been trained to generate tomographic images based on individual pixels in a given image based on machine learning methods. An array of categorisation data was then generated, which enabled the development of a classification model to solve the problem of optimal model selection for a given point on the screen. It was achieved in this manner by developing a pixel-oriented ensemble model (POE), the goal of which is to provide tomographic reconstructions of at least the same quality as homogeneous algorithmic approaches. Artificial neural networks (ANN), linear regression (LR), and the long short-term memory network (LSTM) were employed in the current research to get homogeneous machine learning results. An image reconstruction algorithm such as the ANN or the LR reconstructs the image pixel by pixel, which means that a different prediction model is trained for each image pixel. In the case of LSTM, a single network is responsible for creating the entire image. Then, using the POE algorithm, the best reconstruction method was fitted to each pixel of the output image while considering the measurement scenario provided to the program. As a result, each measurement consequences in a unique assignment of reconstructive procedures to individual pixels, which is different for each measurement. It is the capacity to maximise the selection of a prediction model while considering both a given pixel and a specific measurement vector that distinguishes the provided POE concept from other approaches.
Optimal parameters of a nonmagnetic conducting cylindrical double-shell shield rotating in a static magnetic field
Authors: Ziolkowski Marcin , Ziolkowski Marek , Gratkowski Stanislaw
Published: July 2022

This paper first presents an analytical model for calculating the shielding effectiveness of static magnetic fields using a rotating double-shell cylindrical shield with electromagnetically thin layers made of non-magnetic conducting material. Then a procedure is given for finding the optimum distance between the shells and their thickness for maximum mass reduction compared to a thick single shield for a given shielding factor.