bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic benefits of music-based synchronous finger tapping in Parkinson’s disease—an fNIRS study protocol for randomized controlled trial in Dalian, China
Authors: Pu Lanlan , Qureshi Nauman Khalid , Ly Joanne , Zhang Bingwei , Cong Fengyu , Tang William C. , Liang Zhanhua
Published: October 2020

Background

Music therapy improves neuronal activity and connectivity of healthy persons and patients with clinical symptoms of neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and major depression. Despite the plethora of publications that have reported the positive effects of music interventions, little is known about how music improves neuronal activity and connectivity in afflicted patients.

Methods

For patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease (PD), we propose a daily 25-min music-based synchronous finger tapping (SFT) intervention for 8 weeks. Eligible participants with PD are split into two groups: an intervention group and a control arm. In addition, a third cohort of healthy controls will be recruited. Assessment of finger tapping performances, the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), an n-back test, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), as well as oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HbR), and total hemoglobin activation collected by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) are measured at baseline, week 4 (during), week 8 (post), and week 12 (retention) of the study. Data collected from the two PD groups are compared to baseline performances from healthy controls.

Discussion

This exploratory prospective trial study investigates the cortical neuronal activity and therapeutic effects associated with an auditory external cue used to induce automatic and implicit synchronous finger tapping in patients diagnosed with PD. The extent to which the intervention is effective may be dependent on the severity of the disease. The study’s findings are used to inform larger clinical studies for optimization and further exploration of the therapeutic effects of movement-based music therapy on neural activity in neurological diseases.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04212897. Registered on December 30, 2019. The participant recruitment and study protocol have received ethical approval from the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University. The hospital Protocol Record number is PJ-KY-2019-123. The protocol was named “fNIRS Studies of Music Intervention of Parkinson’s Disease.” The current protocol is version 1.1, revised on September 1, 2020.
Investigation of linear difference equations with random effects
Authors: Merdan Mehmet , Şişman Şeyma
Published: October 2020

In this study, random linear difference equations obtained by transforming the components of deterministic difference equations to random variables are investigated. Uniform, Bernoulli, binomial, negative binomial (or Pascal), geometric, hypergeometric and Poisson distributions have been used for the random effects for obtaining the random behavior of linear difference equations. The random version of the Z-transform, the RZ-transform, has been used to obtain an approximation for the random linear difference equation. Approximate expected values and variances are calculated by using the RZ-transform. The results have been obtained with Maple and are shown in graphs. It is shown that the random Z-transform is an effective tool for the investigation of random linear difference equations.
Precision medicine in Parkinson’s disease patients with LRRK2 and GBA risk variants – Let’s get even more personal
Authors: von Linstow Christian U. , Gan-Or Ziv , Brundin Patrik
Published: October 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by motor deficits and a wide variety of non-motor symptoms. The age of onset, rate of disease progression and the precise profile of motor and non-motor symptoms display considerable individual variation. Neuropathologically, the loss of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons is a key feature of PD. The vast majority of PD patients exhibit alpha-synuclein aggregates in several brain regions, but there is also great variability in the neuropathology between individuals. While the dopamine replacement therapies can reduce motor symptoms, current therapies do not modify the disease progression. Numerous clinical trials using a wide variety of approaches have failed to achieve disease modification. It has been suggested that the heterogeneity of PD is a major contributing factor to the failure of disease modification trials, and that it is unlikely that a single treatment will be effective in all patients. Precision medicine, using drugs designed to target the pathophysiology in a manner that is specific to each individual with PD, has been suggested as a way forward. PD patients can be stratified according to whether they carry one of the risk variants associated with elevated PD risk. In this review we assess current clinical trials targeting two enzymes, leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and glucocerebrosidase (GBA), which are encoded by two most common PD risk genes. Because the details of the pathogenic processes coupled to the different LRRK2 and GBA risk variants are not fully understood, we ask if these precision medicine-based intervention strategies will prove “precise” or “personalized” enough to modify the disease process in PD patients. We also consider at what phases of the disease that such strategies might be effective, in light of the genes being primarily associated with the risk of developing disease in the first place, and less clearly linked to the rate of disease progression. Finally, we critically evaluate the notion that therapies targeting LRRK2 and GBA might be relevant to a wider segment of PD patients, beyond those that actually carry risk variants of these genes.
Mild dyserythropoiesis and β-like globin gene expression imbalance due to the loss of histone chaperone ASF1B
Authors: Papadopoulos Petros , Kafasi Athanassia , De Cuyper Iris M. , Barroca Vilma , Lewandowski Daniel , Kadri Zahra , Veldthuis Martijn , Berghuis Jeffrey , Gillemans Nynke , Benavente Cuesta Celina María , Grosveld Frank G. , van Zwieten Rob , Philipsen Sjaak , Vernet Muriel , Gutiérrez Laura , Patrinos George P.
Published: October 2020

The expression of the human β-like globin genes follows a well-orchestrated developmental pattern, undergoing two essential switches, the first one during the first weeks of gestation (ε to γ), and the second one during the perinatal period (γ to β). The γ- to β-globin gene switching mechanism includes suppression of fetal (γ-globin, HbF) and activation of adult (β-globin, HbA) globin gene transcription. In hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH), the γ-globin suppression mechanism is impaired leaving these individuals with unusual elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in adulthood. Recently, the transcription factors KLF1 and BCL11A have been established as master regulators of the γ- to β-globin switch. Previously, a genomic variant in the KLF1 gene, identified by linkage analysis performed on twenty-seven members of a Maltese family, was found to be associated with HPFH. However, variation in the levels of HbF among family members, and those from other reported families carrying genetic variants in KLF1, suggests additional contributors to globin switching. ASF1B was downregulated in the family members with HPFH. Here, we investigate the role of ASF1B in γ- to β-globin switching and erythropoiesis in vivo. Mouse-human interspecies ASF1B protein identity is 91.6%. By means of knockdown functional assays in human primary erythroid cultures and analysis of the erythroid lineage in Asf1b knockout mice, we provide evidence that ASF1B is a novel contributor to steady-state erythroid differentiation, and while its loss affects the balance of globin expression, it has no major role in hemoglobin switching.
Deep anomaly detection through visual attention in surveillance videos
Authors: Nasaruddin Nasaruddin , Muchtar Kahlil , Afdhal Afdhal , Dwiyantoro Alvin Prayuda Juniarta
Published: October 2020

This paper describes a method for learning anomaly behavior in the video by finding an attention region from spatiotemporal information, in contrast to the full-frame learning. In our proposed method, a robust background subtraction (BG) for extracting motion, indicating the location of attention regions is employed. The resulting regions are finally fed into a three-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (3D CNN). Specifically, by taking advantage of C3D (Convolution 3-dimensional), to completely exploit spatiotemporal relation, a deep convolution network is developed to distinguish normal and anomalous events. Our system is trained and tested against a large-scale UCF-Crime anomaly dataset for validating its effectiveness. This dataset contains 1900 long and untrimmed real-world surveillance videos and splits into 950 anomaly events and 950 normal events, respectively. In total, there are approximately ~ 13 million frames are learned during the training and testing phase. As shown in the experiments section, in terms of accuracy, the proposed visual attention model can obtain 99.25 accuracies. From the industrial application point of view, the extraction of this attention region can assist the security officer on focusing on the corresponding anomaly region, instead of a wider, full-framed inspection.
Forecasting yearly geomagnetic variation through sequential estimation of core flow and magnetic diffusion
Authors: Metman Maurits C. , Beggan Ciarán D. , Livermore Philip W. , Mound Jonathan E.
Published: October 2020

Earth’s internal magnetic field is generated through motion of the electrically conductive iron-alloy fluid comprising its outer core. Temporal variability of this magnetic field, termed secular variation (SV), results from two processes: one is the interaction between core fluid motion and the magnetic field, the other is magnetic diffusion. As diffusion is widely thought to take place over relatively long, millennial time scales, it is common to disregard it when considering yearly to decadal field changes; in this frozen-flux approximation, core fluid motion may be inferred on the core–mantle boundary (CMB) using observations of SV at Earth’s surface. Such flow models have been used to forecast variation in the magnetic field. However, recent work suggests that diffusion may also contribute significantly to SV on short time scales provided that the radial length scale of the magnetic field structure within the core is sufficiently short. In this work, we introduce a hybrid method to forecast field evolution that considers a model based on both a steady flow and diffusion, in which we adopt a two-step process: first fitting the SV to a steady flow, and then fitting the residual by magnetic diffusion. We assess this approach by hindcasting the evolution for 2010–2015, based on fitting the models to CHAOS-6 using time windows prior to 2010. We find that including diffusion yields a reduction of up to 25% in the global hindcast error at Earth’s surface; at the CMB this error reduction can be in excess of 77%. We show that fitting the model over the shortest window that we consider, 2009–2010, yields the lowest hindcast error. Based on our hindcast tests, we present a candidate model for the SV over 2020–2025 for IGRF-13, fit over the time window 2018.3–2019.3. Our forecasts indicate that over the next decade the axial dipole will continue to decay, reversed-flux patches will increase in both area and intensity, and the north magnetic (dip) pole will continue to migrate towards Siberia.
Formation conditions and mechanical properties of aggregates produced in tephra–water–snow flows
Authors: Niiya Hirofumi , Oda Kenichi , Tsuji Daisuke , Katsuragi Hiroaki
Published: October 2020

The formation of aggregates consisting of snow, water, and tephra has been reported in small-scale experiments on three-phase flows containing tephra, water, and snow, representing lahars triggered by snowmelt. Such aggregates reduce the mobility of mud flow. However, the formation mechanism of such aggregates under various conditions has not been investigated. To elucidate the formation conditions and mechanical properties of the aggregates, we performed mixing experiments with materials on a rotating table and compression tests on the resulting aggregates with a universal testing machine in a low-temperature room at $$0\,^{\circ }\text {C}$$

0

∘

C

. From experiments with varying component ratios of the mixture and tephra diameter, the following results were obtained: (i) the aggregate grew rapidly and reached maturity after a mixing time of 5 min; (ii) the mass of aggregates increased with snow concentration, exhibiting an approximately linear relationship; (iii) single aggregates with large mass formed at lower and higher tephra concentrations, whereas multiple aggregates with smaller mass were observed at intermediate concentrations; (iv) the shape of the aggregate satisfied the similarity law for an ellipsoid; (v) the compressive mechanical behavior could be modeled by an empirical nonlinear model. The obtained mechanical properties of the aggregates were independent of the experimental conditions; (vi) scaling analysis based on the Reynolds number and the strength of the aggregates showed that the aggregates cannot form in ice-slurry lahars. Our findings suggest that low-speed lahars containing snow and ice are likely to generate aggregates, but snow and ice in the ice-slurry lahars are dispersed without such aggregates.
Biologging is suspect to cause corneal opacity in two populations of wild living Northern Bald Ibises (Geronticus eremita)
Authors: Fritz Johannes , Eberhard Barbara , Esterer Corinna , Goenner Bernhard , Trobe Daniela , Unsoeld Markus , Voelkl Bernhard , Wehner Helena , Scope Alexandra
Published: October 2020

Background

In this paper, we present evidence that biologging is strongly correlated with eye irritation, with sometimes severely impairing effects. A migratory population of the Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita, NBI) is reintroduced in Europe, in course of a LIFE + project. Since 2014, all individuals have been equipped with GPS-devices. Remote monitoring allows the implementation of focussed measures against major mortality causes.

Methods

Initially all birds carried battery-powered devices, fixed on the lower back of the birds. Since 2016 an increasing amount of birds has been equipped with solar-powered devices, fixed on the upper back, the more sun-exposed position. In 2016, we observed opacity in the cornea of one eye (unilateral corneal opacity; UCO) during a regular health monitoring for the first time.

Results

By 2018, a total of 25 birds were affected by UCO, with varying intensity up to blindness. Clinical examination of the birds revealed no clear cause for the symptoms. However, only birds carrying a device on the upper back were affected (2017 up to 70% of this group). In contrast, none of the birds carrying devices on the lower back ever showed UCO symptoms. This unexpected relationship between tagging and UCO was discovered in 2017. After we took countermeasures by removing the device or repositioning it on the lower back, we observed an immediate reduction of the incidence rate without any new cases reported since January 2019. NBI roost with their head on the back, one eye closely placed to the device if it was positioned on the upper back. Thus, we conclude that the most parsimonious explanation for the symptomatology is either a repetitive slight temperature rise in the corneal tissue due to electromagnetic radiation by the GSM module of the device or a repetitive slight mechanical irritation of the corneal surface. Concrete evidence is missing so far. Meanwhile, cases of UCO were found in another NBI population.

Conclusion

Our observations indicate that further research in the fast-growing field of biologging is urgently needed. The findings question the positioning of devices on the upper back in birds roosting with the head on the back.
Guided bone regeneration in staged vertical and horizontal bone augmentation using platelet-rich fibrin associated with bone grafts: a retrospective clinical study
Authors: Amaral Valladão Carlos Alberto , Freitas Monteiro Mabelle , Joly Julio Cesar
Published: October 2020

Background

The use of guided bone regeneration (GBR) for vertical and horizontal bone gain is a predictable approach to correct the bone defects before implant installation; however, the use of different protocols is associated with different clinical results. It is suggested that platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) could improve the outcomes of regenerative procedures. Thus, this study aimed to describe the bone gain associated with GBR procedures combining membranes, bone grafts, and PRF for vertical and horizontal bone augmentation.

Materials and methods

Eighteen patients who needed vertical or horizontal bone regeneration before installing dental implants were included in the study. The horizontal bone defects were treated with a GBR protocol that includes the use of a mixture of particulate autogenous and xenogenous grafts in the proportion of 1:1, injectable form of PRF (i-PRF) to agglutinate the graft, an absorbable collagen membrane covering the regenerated region, and leukocyte PRF (L-PRF) membrane covering the GBR membrane. The vertical bone defects were treated with the same grafted mixture protected by a titanium-reinforced non-resorbable high-density polytetrafluoroethylene (d-PTFE-Ti) membrane and covered by L-PRF. The bone gain was measured using a cone-beam computed tomography at baseline and after a period of 7.5 (± 1.0) months.

Results

All patients underwent surgery to install implants after this regenerative protocol. The GBR produces an increase in bone thickness (p < 0.001) and height (p < 0.005) after treatment, with a bone gain of 5.9 ± 2.4 for horizontal defects and 5.6 ± 2.6 for vertical defects. In horizontal defects, the gain was higher in the maxilla than in mandible (p = 0.014) and in anterior than the posterior region (p = 0.033). No differences related to GBR location were observed in vertical defects (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

GBR associated with a mixture of particulate autogenous and xenogenous grafts and i-PRF is effective for vertical and horizontal bone augmentation in maxillary and mandibular regions, permitting sufficient bone gain to future implant placement.

Trial registration

REBEC, RBR-3CSG3J. Date of registration—19 July 2019, retrospectively registered. http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3csg3j/
Severe bradycardia at the termination of seizure during electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Kadoi Yuji , Michizaki Minoru , Saito Takanari , Ota Jo , Saito Shigeru , Sameshima Tatsuo
Published: October 2020

Background

Few cases of asystole or severe bradycardia occurring after the termination of seizure in the third phase with the dominance of parasympathetic nervous system activity during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have been reported. We describe a case of severe bradycardia occurring at the termination of seizure.

Case presentation

The patient had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder more than 9 years earlier. No adverse hemodynamic events had been observed in over 100 sessions of ECT performed during a 9-year period. ECT was usually induced by propofol and suxamethonium. On this ECT, the heart rate gradually decreased before seizure termination, and severe bradycardia (5–6 beats/min) was identified lasting 15–20 s. Atropine administration immediately before electrical stimulus prevented any further bradycardia during the next session of ECT.

Conclusions

This case report indicates that attention should be paid to adverse cardiac events related to autonomic nerve activity even before such events occur during ECT.
Outcomes for Step-Wise Implementation of a Human Papillomavirus Testing–Based Cervical Screen-and-Treat Program in El Salvador
Authors: Alfaro Karla , Maza Mauricio , Felix Juan C. , Gage Julia C. , Castle Philip E. , Alonzo Todd A. , Chacón Andrea , González Enrique , Soler Montserrat , Conzuelo-Rodriguez Gabriel , Masch Rachel , Cremer Miriam
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE

The Cervical Cancer Prevention in El Salvador (CAPE) project is a public-sector intervention introducing lower-cost human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in all four departments of the Paracentral region that screened a total of 28,015 women. After demonstrating success of an HPV screen-and-treat (S&T) algorithm over colposcopy management in the first two phases, the third phase scaled up the S&T strategy. We present results from phase III and evaluate S&T components across the entire project.

METHODS

During phase III, 17,965 women age 30-59 years underwent HPV testing. HPV-positive women were asked to return and, if eligible, received gas-based cryotherapy. We compare loss to follow-up and time intervals between S&T steps across the three phases.

RESULTS

There were no differences in HPV positivity across phases (phase I, 11.9%; phase II, 11.4%; phase III, 12.3%; P = .173). Although most HPV-positive women completed indicated follow-up procedures within 6 months in phases I (93.3%, 111 of 119) and II (92.3%, 429 of 465), this proportion declined to 74.9% (1,659 of 2,214; P < .001) in phase III. Mean days between testing and delivery of results to patients increased over program phases (phase I, 23.2 days; phase II, 46.7 days; phase III, 99.8 days; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

A public-sector implementation of an HPV-based S&T algorithm was successfully scaled up in El Salvador, albeit with losses in efficiency. After CAPE, the Ministry of Health changed its screening guidelines and procured additional tests to expand the program.
Assessment of Retinoblastoma Capacity in the Middle East, North Africa, and West Asia Region
Authors: Burges Michala , Qaddoumi Ibrahim , Brennan Rachel C. , Krull Lisa , Sahr Natasha , Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , Jeha Sima , Wilson Matthew W.
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the capacity to treat retinoblastoma in the Middle East, North Africa, and West Asia region.

METHODS

A Web-based assessment that investigated retinoblastoma-related pediatric oncology and ophthalmology infrastructure and associated capacity at member institutions of the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean group was distributed. Data were analyzed in terms of availability, location, and confidence of use for each resource needed for the management of retinoblastoma. Resources were categorized by diagnostics, focal therapy, chemotherapy, advanced treatment, and supportive care. Responding institutions were further divided into an asset-based tiered system.

RESULTS

In total, responses from 23 institutions were obtained. Fifteen institutions reported the availability of an ophthalmologist, 12 of which held primary off-site appointments. All institutions reported the availability of a pediatric oncologist and systemic chemotherapy A significant portion of available resources was located off site. Green laser was available on site at seven institutions, diode laser at six institutions, cryotherapy at 12 institutions, and brachytherapy at nine institutions. There existed marked disparity between the availability of some specific ophthalmic resources and oncologic resources.

CONCLUSION

The assessment revealed common themes related to the treatment of retinoblastoma in low- and- middle-income countries, including decentralization of care, limited resources, and lack of multidisciplinary care. Resource disparities warrant targeted intervention in the Middle East, North Africa, and West Asia region to advance the management of retinoblastoma in the region.
RNF144a induces ERK-dependent cell death under oxidative stress via downregulation of vaccinia-related kinase 3
Authors: Han Seung Hyun , Kim Kyong-Tai
Published: October 2020

Vaccinia-related kinase 3 (VRK3) has been reported to be a negative regulator of ERK (ERK1 and ERK2; also known as MAPK3 and MAPK1, respectively) that protects cells from persistent ERK activation and inhibits ERK-dependent apoptosis. Here we report that the E3 ubiquitin–protein ligase RNF144a promotes the degradation of VRK3 via polyubiquitylation and thus affects VRK3-mediated ERK activity. Under oxidative stress, VRK3 migrates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, which increases its chance of interacting with RNF144a, thereby promoting the degradation of VRK3. Overexpression of RNF144a increases ERK activity via downregulation of VRK3 and promotes ERK-dependent apoptosis. In contrast, depletion of RNF144a increases the protein level of VRK3 and protects cells from excessive ERK activity. These findings suggest that VRK3 protects cells by suppressing oxidative stress-induced ERK, and that RNF144a sensitively regulates this process.
Stage 1 Registered Report: Anomalous perception in a Ganzfeld condition - A meta-analysis of more than 40 years investigation
Authors: Tressoldi Patrizio E. , Storm Lance
Published: October 2020

This meta-analysis is an investigation into anomalous perception (i.e., conscious identification of information without any conventional sensorial means). The technique used for eliciting an effect is the ganzfeld condition (a form of sensory homogenization that eliminates distracting peripheral noise). The database consists of peer-reviewed studies published between January 1974 and June 2020 inclusive. The overall effect size will be estimated using a frequentist and a Bayesian random-effect model. Moderators analyses will be used to examine the influence of level of experience of participants, the type of task and the peer-review level. Publication bias will be estimated by using four different tests. Trend analysis will be conducted with a cumulative meta-analysis and a meta-regression model with Year of publication as covariate.
Four practice-based preliminary studies on Human Givens Rewind treatment for posttraumatic stress in Great Britain
Authors: Adams Shona , Allan Steven , Andrews William , Guy Keith , Timmins Jayne , Barr Elizabeth
Published: October 2020

Background: Human Givens (HG) Rewind is a relatively unknown trauma-focussed treatment. This paper aimed to provide preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of Rewind to treat posttraumatic stress (PTS) in a variety of clinical settings in Great Britain.

Methods: An observational prospective design was used in each of the four studies. Standardised questionnaires were administered in every session. Pre- and post-treatment means and effect sizes were calculated for each study, as were ‘recovery rates’ and ‘reliable change’ rates.

Results: Across four studies, a total of 274 clients completed treatment and had complete data. The data capture rate ranged from 80-100%. The mean pre-treatment scores were in the severe range. The pre-post treatment effects sizes ranged from 1.90-2.68. The recovery rate, or percentage of clients who were below the clinical cut-off after treatment, ranged from 46-56% for the more conservative lower cut-offs, and ranged between 71-82% for the higher clinical cut-offs as used by Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT). Across the four studies, 83-96% of clients had ‘reliably improved’ (88-94% on trauma-specific questionnaires), with 4-17% having no reliable change on those questionnaires. There was no ‘reliable deterioration’. The mean number of HG treatment sessions ranged from 5-6.5 sessions (range 1–24 sessions), with between 73% and 84% of participants completing treatment in six sessions or less.

Conclusions: These preliminary results indicate that HG Rewind appears to be a promising trauma treatment in a variety of settings. A randomised controlled trial is now required to determine the efficacy of this treatment.
English language for technical colleges
Authors: Man'kovskaya Zoya
Published: October 2020

The textbook is designed to develop students ' skills of analytical, viewing and search reading of General scientific texts, retelling texts based on reference signals, as well as to form grammatical and lexical competencies, the ability to participate in a dialogue on the topic studied, extract information to discuss issues related to the history and current state of physics, biology, computer science, innovation and other areas of knowledge necessary for a modern specialist. It includes a basic course, a grammar workshop, lesson tests, and final tests. Current scientific and technical problems that are widely discussed in the world information space are revealed, which allows the student to maintain a dialogue on current topics of modern science and technology.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For first-and second-year students of technical universities of any orientation.
The problem of formation of romantic historicism and rehabilitation of medieval culture in the creative heritage of F. R. de Chateaubriand
Authors: Kazakova Gandalif
Published: October 2020

The monograph is devoted to the literary and scientific heritage of the famous French writer, historian, philosopher, thinker, diplomat and statesman F. R. de Chateaubriand, whose scientific works were practically unknown to the Russian reader for many decades. Being the founder of French romanticism and laying the main elements of this direction of culture, F. R. de Chateaubriand nevertheless causes numerous disputes and questions. The monograph shows the process of formation of the writer's romantic worldview on the example of his early works, which still retain traces of the literature of the XVIII century and already carry new romantic trends of the XIX century. The author also presents the facts of the writer's biography and analyzes a number of his historical works devoted to medieval France. From the Renaissance until the end of the XVIII century, one of the elements of medieval architecture and Christian religion-Gothic architecture — was perceived as something negative, barbaric, rude, completely inconsistent with the aesthetics of the XVI — XVIII centuries. F. R. de Chateaubriand was one of the first researchers who discovered the beauty of Gothic churches and the color of national history to the mass reader at the turn of the XVIII—XIX centuries. The rehabilitation of Gothic architecture was accomplished by F. R. de Chateaubriand in his Treatise "the genius of Christianity". The famous "forest theory" of the origin of Gothic helped to "remove" negative assessments of the middle Ages and influenced the formation and development of romanticism both in France and in other European countries. It was F. R. de Chateaubriand's idea of the relationship between medieval architecture and Christian consciousness that influenced all the subsequent development and formation of the history of medieval art. For a wide range of readers interested in the history of literature.
Auxiliary historical disciplines: historical Metrology of Russia
Authors: Shevcov Vyacheslav
Published: October 2020

The textbook sets out the basics of historical Metrology, presents the historiography of the discipline, and describes its sources, methods, and research approaches. The features of the formation and development of the main Russian measures and their application are considered in the General context of the economic and cultural history of the Russian state and society, the development of scientific and technical knowledge. The appendices contain the program of lectures on historical Metrology, control questions on the course, topics of possible abstracts, a list of sources, textbooks and literature, the main Russian dometric measures of length, area, volume and weight. For students of historical faculties of higher educational institutions.
Fundamentals of public-private partnership project management
Authors: Artyakov Vladimir , Chursin Aleksandr
Published: October 2020

The textbook contains the basics of the theory and practice of public-private partnership project management in the context of modern market trends. The article describes General theoretical provisions on public-private partnership, as well as tools and methods for selecting PPP projects for their further implementation. Practical aspects of public-private partnership relations and their stimulation in order to increase the pace of innovative development of the economy are considered.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For master's and post-graduate students of higher education institutions studying in the fields of Economics and management, as well as for managers and specialists of organizations involved in the implementation of public-private partnership projects.
Undergraduates of the Russian University: management of social behavior and professional training
Authors: Makarova Svetlana , Reznik Semen
Published: October 2020

The textbook discusses the main approaches to the formation of the conceptual foundations of the social state, which in modern conditions ensure the consolidation of the model of the modern state, focused on the consistent development and implementation of social projects, and effective social policy. Special attention is paid to the consideration of socio-anthropological and value-normative approaches that provide a more complete study of the features of the formation of the social character of the state, along with formal and legal ones. Special attention is paid to the formation of competencies necessary for the activities of employees of social institutions, state and municipal employees, volunteers and other participants of public associations.
Theory and practice of implementation of high energy efficient technologies in construction based on Thermaron heat generators
Authors: Kazeykin Valeriy , Tolstolugov Vladimir
Published: October 2020

The monograph summarizes the legislative and regulatory framework, as well as shows the theory and practice of energy saving and energy efficiency development in Russia and in the world with the actualization of the use of a breakthrough domestic high-energy-efficient technology based on molecular heat generators Termaron. These devices use the principles of hydrolysis, cavitation, magnetism, resonance and synergy of these processes. The results of research conducted with the participation of specialists from Dubna state University, as well as the practice of using the Termaron ATP, showed that its operation provides a high efficiency in the use of electric energy, equal to 0.98, and the coefficient of conversion of electric energy to heat is from 2.3 to 4.6 (on average, 3.45). At the same time, the cost of heat energy and hot water supply is two to three times lower compared to traditional types of heat generating devices. It is intended for representatives of government authorities, University teachers, scientific and practical specialists in the field of design, construction and operation of energy-efficient residential and commercial real estate, state and municipal employees, managers and employees of development companies, students, masters, postgraduates and other specialists interested in improving their competencies in the field of energy efficiency based on domestic innovative breakthrough technologies in Russia and abroad.
Aging and old age in the opinion of high school students in Chojnice
Authors: Topczewska Katarzyna , Stangret Anna , Mularczyk Agata , Szczęśniak Angelika , Rogulska Karolina , Kapczuk Patrycja
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, a significant increase in the number of post-working age people can be observed. This is due primarily to the change of life style, taking care of their own health and the development of medicine. Therefore, the perception of old people and their problems have become a common theme and subject of research. Aging and old age are referred to as the next stage in human development, which puts it in front of an extremely severe challenges or difficulties.The aim of this study was to present the views of High School students about aging and old age. In the anonymous and voluntary survey involved 252 students in grades first Chojnice High Schools. The author's questionnaire was used, containing 26 questions. Analyzes were performed using IBM SPSS version 24 and Microsoft Office Excel.In our own research, the relationship between the gender of respondents and the fear of old age was proved, which shows that women are more likely to fear their own old age. The correlation between place of residence and opinion on the need for elderly people in society was also examined. It was shown that among the youth living in the city up to 100,000 inhabitants were people who thought that the old people were unnecessary for the society. However, the vast majority of opinion-makers declared the need for old people in the population.The results of the study showed that young people have a positive attitude to the older generation. There was no stereotypical perception of old people by young people.
Prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among Polish dentistry students
Authors: Drożak Paulina , Drożak Martyna , Augustowska Katarzyna , Bryliński Łukasz , Bura Agata , Duda Piotr
Published: October 2020

Introduction and objective. Depression is a disease that affects over 264 million people worldwide. According to research, the problem of depression concerns dentistry students. The aim of the research was to investigate the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms among Polish dental students, determine factors associated with this phenomenon and examine the relationship between these factors and depressive symptoms. Material and method. The participants of the study were dental students enrolled in each of the 10 Polish universities that offer dental education. The research tool was an author’s questionnaire and a Polish-language version of 9-Item-Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).  Results. A total of 247 dental students took part in the study. The statistical analysis showed that 53.85% of the respondents were provisionally diagnosed with major depression. 8.91% of the participants had symptoms of severe depression. The research suggests that not doing sports regularly and not getting enough sleep are factors associated with depression among Polish dental students. Conclusions. Depressive symptoms among Polish dental students are common. Results suggest that it is important for students to maintain physical activity and take care of proper sleep hygiene. Further research needs to be done in order to explore more factors associated with depressive symptoms in the above-mentioned group.
Male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in various genetic disorders
Authors: Niedobylski Sylwiusz , Laszczak Katarzyna , Warchoł Konrad , Marczak Aleksandra , Dobosz Maciej , Lewicki Marcin , Obel Ewa
Published: October 2020

Introduction and purpose: Male hypogonadism is diagnosed in patients with total testosterone under 9-12nmol/L (250-350ng/dl) in serum which is associated with numerous symptoms which can severely lower the quality of patients life. Due to the cause and associated levels of gonadotropins it can be divided to hypergonadotropic and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism occurs far less often, but it’s considered to remain underdiagnosed. The purpose of this study is to review most of the inborn diseases that involve hypogonadotropic hypogonadism as one of their components.Current state of knowledge: Patients with Kallmann syndrome constitute the majority of confirmed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism cases, however due to variable epidemiological data and differing diagnosing processes the exact incidence cannot be estimated – it ranges from 1 in 85 000, to 1 in 5000 males and about 3-4 times less often in women. Other conditions that can occur with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism are Isolated Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone deficiency, Gonadotropin disorders, Prader-Willi Syndrome, some pleiotropic syndromes like CHARGE syndrome, Patau syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome, Hartsfield syndrome, Waardenburg syndrome, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, or other syndromes. The evaluation and treatment of some of these conditions does not involve hypogonadism or other gonadal disorders due to short lifespan, which cause the underestimations in hypogonadism morbidity.Conclusions: Regardless of lower incidence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism compared to hypergonadotropic type, endocrinologists should stay aware of its under-diagnosis and actively search for signs of low gonadotropic hormones and gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels in hypogonadal patients.
Comprehensive care of a child suffering from cerebral palsy
Authors: Stecko Monika Joanna , Wawryków Agata , Korabiusz-Lewandowska Katarzyna , Kordek Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

Cerebral palsy is a syndrome caused by the damage of central nervous system in the early period of its development [1]. In cerebral palsy, motor disorders are associated by symptoms, being also a result of brain damage. Rehabilitation of children suffering from developmental disorders should be early, comprehensive and continuous. Child suffering from cerebral palsy should work with a team of physicians, therapists, that is, physiotherapist, psychologist, educator and other specialists adapted individually to the needs of a patient.
An impact of selected micronutrients on fertility
Authors: Żak Klaudia , Leziak Milena , Niedobylski Sylwiusz , Piwoński Michał , Laszczak Katarzyna
Published: October 2020

Introduction and purpose: The problem with infertility affects between 8 and 12% of reproductive-aged couples. Among the reasons, smoking, adulterated food, hormonal disorder are featured. Our purpose is to check how micronutrients impact fertility.Brief description of the state of knowledge: Micronutrients deficiency, specifically zinc and selenium deficiencies have also unpropitious impact on fertility. In this review, the potential role of these microelements in male and female reproductive health is considered. Zinc had been proved to regulate sperm motility, spermatogenesis and reduce oxidative stress. Lower delivery of selenium decrease testosterone level by causing changes in receptor of the luteinising hormone. It is also compared with lower spermatozoa concentration. In this review the role of iron, manganese, lead, nickel, copper, magnesium and cobalt is described as well. Summary: Deficiencies of some micronutrients may make worse the fertility. That’s the reason why additional supplementation may be important in the treatment of infertility.
Intravascular lithotripsy in the treatment of peripheral artery disease
Authors: Dobrzyński Michał , Czarnota Jakub , Skubel Tomasz , Sokół Dorota , Drozd Małgorzata , Dudek Iga , Piecewicz-Szczęsna Halina
Published: October 2020

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic process leading to narrowing of the major distal arteries in relation to the aortic arch. The progressive closure of the artery leads to its narrowing, reduced blood flow and the appearance of intermittent claudication - the most common symptom among patients. Standard methods of management include drug treatment and lifestyle modification. In severe cases, surgical treatment is used, including intravascular lithotripsy (IVL). The aim of the study is to analyze the available data on the treatment of peripheral arterial disease with IVL. The work uses the latest data published on the PubMed platform. The efficacy of lithotripsy in the treatment of PAD has been confirmed in numerous publications. The therapeutic effect was obtained both using the lithotripsy procedure alone as well as in combination with other methods modifying atherosclerotic plaque. IVL is a safe method, the number of observed complications was negligable. After the patient is properly qualified for the procedure, IVL may become the therapy of choice in the treatment of PAD.
Can aspartame-sweetened products safely help with weight loss?
Authors: Wojcieszonek Adam , Szpyt Justyna , Pajor Kacper , Hawryłkowicz Viktoria
Published: October 2020

One of the main causes of obesity is the high consumption of products rich in easily absorbed carbohydrates. Sweet products with lower energy value, which sweetness comes from artificial sweeteners are becoming more and more popular. One of the most examined and popular is aspartame. This sweetener is broken down in the human body among others to methanol, which is oxidized to formaldehyde and formic acid, that are toxic to the human body. Furthermore, there is an ongoing discussion about the potential carcinogenicity and the impact of aspartame on the gut microbiota. A literature review was conducted to determine whether aspartame could be considered a safe weight loss aid.European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines indicate that the toxic dose of aspartame in chronic use is 4000 mg per every kilogram of body mass per day. On the other hand, there are studies on rats that indicate that EFSA's position is overly optimistic. However, it should be noted, that so high consumption situations of this sweetener that would allow to approach the recommended daily maximum are extremely rare. The amount of methanol provided by aspartame-sweetened foods also makes it extremely difficult to achieve toxic levels. Aspartame has also been shown not to affect the gut microbiota.What is important from a dietary point of view, study that compared the consumption of "light" drinks with water showed that people on a diet and consuming "light" drinks achieved significantly greater weight reduction (approx. 1.24 kg) compared to people consuming only water. The use of aspartame as a substitute for sugar may help in reducing excess body weight. However, attention should be paid to the inconclusive results regarding the acceptable safe level of consumption of this sweetener.
Physiotherapeutic aspect of returning to sexual activity after childbirth
Authors: Wawryków Agata , Korabiusz Katarzyna , Stecko Monika , Torbe Andrzej
Published: October 2020

Returning to sexual intercourse after childbirth is a significant problem for many young parents. The most frequently recommended period of sexual absenteeism is the postpartum period. It is a period of regeneration of the body and return to full physical activity. There are many reasons for not engaging in sexual activity after childbirth. However, this article focuses on somatic causes, such as those that require the help of a urogynecological physiotherapist.
Adiponectin as novel biomarker of endothelial dysfunction in insulin resistance and obesity – a narrative review
Authors: Szydełko Joanna , Trojanowska Paulina , Dąbrowska Izabela , Szydełko-Gorzkowicz Magdalena , Litwińczuk Michał
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic fatal disease with still growing incidence among children, adolescents, and adults worldwide. The subclinical inflammatory process together with hipoadiponectinemia may lead to the development of various comorbidities, including cardiovascular complications. That is why, the relationship between adipose tissue activity, obesity, insulin resistance, and endothelial function is in high interest and an object of extensively studies.Aim of the study: This article summarizes the current knowledge on the anti-atherogenic effects of adiponectin and its properties to improve endothelial function in obesity-related insulin resistance.Description of knowledge: Adiponectin, an adipose tissue-derived pleiotropic hormone with anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-diabetic, and insulin-sensitizing actions, is not only engaged in modulation of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension or coronary artery disease, but the latest researches highlight its role in improving vascular wall integrity. It affects complex signaling pathways in endothelial cells and influence inflammatory responses in the subendothelial space. Pre-clinical and clinical studies suggest that agents leading to increase in adiponectin levels, simultaneously contribute to decrease insulin resistance, and improve endothelial dysfunction.Conclusions: Adiponectin may be a predictive factor of endothelial dysfunctionality and vascular remodeling development in the group of patients with overweight, obesity, and insulin resistance. Discovering pharmacological agents and non-pharmacological interventions that increase the level of circulating adiponectin will become novel and innovative therapeutic strategy to ameliorate obesity-related comorbidities. Therefore, further studies are required to determine the exact role of adiponectin in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases.