bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Royal Holloway, University of London and the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association: New Partnerships and Challenges During COVID-19 in the Clinical Legal World
Authors: Antoniou Nicola , Marshall Jill , Gilder Alexander , Nasimi Rabia
Published: December 2020

In January 2020, Royal Holloway, University of London set up a new Legal Advice Centre offering free legal advice to the local community, including building upon key partnerships to address unmet legal needs. This practice-paper discusses Royal Holloway’s Legal Advice Centre (LAC) and the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association’s (ACCA) collaborative approach and response to the global pandemic since March 2020. It will highlight the unprecedented challenges that they have faced, and their efforts to overcome them. In addition, the paper will discuss their research project, which provides Royal Holloway’s student volunteers with the opportunity to gain unique multidisciplinary understandings of the effect of the pandemic in Afghanistan, and a chance to put their legal skills into practice by producing legal information to support local users of both Royal Holloway’s LAC and the Law Clinic at the ACAA.

This practice-paper includes a road map to Royal Holloway’s long-term goal, namely, to work with ACAA to research the legal vulnerabilities of women in Afghanistan, with the aid of a research grant supporting international collaboration. Recent reports highlight that lockdown and quarantine measures will have a long-term impact on the basic rights and freedoms of Afghan women, who already face hardship.
Meaningful practice creating shared value as a contribute to sustainable development goals
Authors: Purba Alan smith , Sukoharsono Eko Ganis , Hariadi Bambang
Published: December 2020

This study aims to reveal the meaning of the Creating Shared Value (CSV) practice as a contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at PT Pupuk Kaltim (PKT) with a case study approach. CSV with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept that does have the same umbrella, which is a charity to the community and contributes to SDG's but in practice these two concepts are different. The difference lies in the value generated. CSV provides significant value to the company in the form of profit in the form of reducing the company's activity costs and is related to the company's core business products so that the value that arises to the company is not only a good view (image) by the community. When implementing the CSR concept, the company focuses on carrying out charity actions to the community so that it creates a good corporate image by the community and does not focus on the value that is generated profitably to the company. PKT has implemented CSV practice with the floating net cages (FNC) program. The KJA program carries out activities with the grouper and lobster cultivation program and PKT's business activity is in the field of fertilizers. FNC has provided a good view from the community for PKT but the FNC that is claimed by PKT as an FNC Program is not yet a concept of CSV. In practice, FNC is more appropriate to say CSR because it has not provided profit value for PKT.
Factors affecting the implementation of financial accounting standards for MSMEs with environmental uncertainty as moderating variables
Authors: Wulandari Retno Eka , Sutrisno Sutrisno T. , Ghofar Abdul
Published: December 2020

This study aims to test and provide empirical evidence regarding the effect of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, socialization of SAK EMKM, understanding of accounting, level of education about the intention of implementing SAK EMKM by MSME owners with environmental uncertainty as a moderating variable. This study has some effect relationship pattern variable against another, either directly or through other variables as moderation. The results showed that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and understanding of accounting had an effect on the intention to apply SAK EMKM, while the socialization of SAK EMKM and the level of education had no effect on the intention to apply SAK EMKM. The results of the moderating variable test show that environmental uncertainty cannot moderate the perceived usefulness, perceived convenience, socialization of SAK EMKM, understanding of accounting, and the level of education in the application of SAK EMKM.
Screening for light crude oil and market comovements
Authors: Faseli Omid
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to perform a screening for economic interrelationships among market participants from the stock market, global stock indices, and commodities from fossil energy, agricultural, and the metals sector. Particular focus was put on the comovements of the light crude oil benchmarks West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude oil. In finance research and the crude oil markets, identifying novel groupings and interactions is a fundamental requirement due to the extended impact of crude oil price fluctuations on economic growth and inflation. Thus, it is of high interest for investors to identify market players and interactions that appear sensitive to crude oil price volatility triggers. The price development of 14 stocks, 25 leading global indices, and 13 commodity prices, including WTI and Brent, were analyzed via data mining applying the hierarchical correlation cluster mapping technique. All price data comprised the period from January 2012 – December 2018 and were based on daily returns. The technique identifies and visualizes existing hierarchical clusters and correlation patterns emphasizing comovements that indicate positively correlated processes. The method successfully identified clustering patterns and a series of relevant and partly unexpected novel comovements in all investigated economic sectors. Although additional research is required to reveal the causative factors, the study offers an insight into in-depth market interrelationships.
Effect of Foreign Private Investment on the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria
Authors: Idehen Amadin Victor , Iguisi Osarumwense Vincent
Published: December 2020

This study sought to examine the effect of foreign private investment on the development of small and medium scale enterprises (SME’s) in Nigeria. The study adopted a longitudinal research design which made the use of secondary data imperative. The study employed data on the foreign private investments and development of SMEs in Nigeria covering 1991-2018. The variables used are Net Foreign direct investment, Net Foreign Portfolio investment, percentage of foreign direct investment in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and development of SMEs in Nigeria. The technique adopted in this study is multiple regressions to test the hypotheses. E-view econometric software 3:1 was used for the analysis. The result revealed that the value of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) have a negative relationship with the development of SME’s and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the percentage of gross domestic product and exchange rate have a negative and significant impact on the development of SME’s in Nigeria. It was recommended among others that government should increase its funding of small and medium scale enterprises, SME’s should be encouraged to go on public offer to expand the scope of funds, the exchange rate must be strengthened to encourage SME’s to attract funds and the needs to stabilized the economy to discourage divestment.
Perceived value of ride-hailing providers
Authors: Roshdy Rana S. , Erhua Zhou
Published: December 2020

Despite providing service and consumption are two sides of the same coin of value co-creation in the gig economy, value as an outcome was only investigated from the customer point of view, not from the provider. This study aims to explore the impact of algorithmic management, customer dysfunctional behavior and perceived injustice on Uber and Careem drivers perceived value in Egypt. Qualitative interviews and content analysis were employed. Thematic analysis will be used for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns within data. Our findings define how drivers’ perceived value is negatively influenced by algorithmic management, customer dysfunctional behavior, and perceived injustice. In order to increase drivers’ perceived value, ride-hailing companies should not only put consideration on how to improve the control of algorithmic management and customer empowerment but also have to revise their policies and decisions to provide positive value to their drivers.
Carbon storage along altitudes in agrisilviculture system- Case study of Devprayag Block, Tehri District, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Vikrant K.K. , Chauhan D.S. , Rizvi R.H.
Published: December 2020

Climate change is one of the impending problems that have affected the productivity of agroecosystems which calls for urgent action. Carbon sequestration through agroforestry along altitude in mountainous regions is one of the options to contribute to global climate change mitigation. Three altitudes viz. lower (286-1200m), middle (1200-2000m), and upper (2000-2800m) have been selected in Tehri district. Ten Quadrates (10m × 10 m) were randomly selected from each altitude in agrisilviculture system. At every sampling point, one composite soil sample was taken at 30 cm soil depth for soil organic carbon analysis. For the purpose of woody biomass, Non destructive method and for crop biomass assessment destructive method was employed. Finally, aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground biomass carbon (BGB), Total tree Biomass (TTB), Crop biomass (CB), Total Biomass (TB), Total biomass carbon (TBC), soil organic carbon (SOC), and total carbon stock (TC) status were estimated and variables were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).The result indicated that AGB, BGB, TTB, CB , TB, TBC, SOC, and TC varied significantly (p < 0.05) across the altitudes. Results showed that total carbon stock followed the order upper altitude Ëƒ middle altitudes Ëƒ lower altitude. The upper altitude (2000-2800 m) AGB, BGB,TTB, TBC,SOC, and TC stock was estimated as 2.11 Mg ha-1 , 0.52 Mg ha-1, 2.63 Mg ha-1, 2.633 Mg ha-1, 1.18 Mg ha-1 , 26.53 Mg ha-1, 38.48 Mg ha-1 respectively, and significantly higher than the other altitudes. It was concluded that agrisilviculture system hold a high potential for carbon storage at temperate zones. Quercus lucotrichophora, Grewia oppositifolia and Melia azadirach contributed maximum carbon storage which may greatly contribute to the climate resilient green economy strategy and their conservation should be promoted.
Role of newly developed novel multi herbal formulation (AKSS16-LIV01) in ameliorating carbon tetrachloride induced haemato-toxicity in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Darbar Soumendra , Saha Srimoyee , Pramanik Kausikisankar , Chattopadhyay Atiskumar
Published: December 2020

Haematological disorders and related complications are very common phenomenon against hazardous chemicals. Alteration of hematologic parameters disrupts the body’s normal homeostasis. There is a worldwide need to develop a safe and symptomatic medication which controls the haematological complications. Healthy adult Swiss albino mice were assigned to four groups of six mice each according to their weights. Group-I serve as control, Group-II received multi herbal formulation (AKSS16-LIV01) 400 mg/kg/day, Group-III received carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) 1 ml/kg-bw and Group-IV received CCl4 along with AKSS16-LIV01 (400 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected from the retro orbital plexus of each animal to determine various blood parameters and liver transaminase. Administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) showed decline body weight, food consumption and water intake in mice whereas treatment with multi herbal formulation (AKSS16-LIV01) normalized the same as compared with untreated animals. Treatment with CCl4 (Group-III) decline the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), means cell volume (MCV), means cell hemoglobin (MCH) and greater the white blood cell (WBC) compared with control. Pre-treatment with AKSS16-LIV01 significantly (p<0.001) increased the PCV, Hb, MCH, MCH and decreased WBC count in experimental animals as compared with CCl4 treated group. On the other hand elevated liver transaminase enzymes i.e. AST and ALP by CCl4 was restored with administration of multi herbal formulation (AKSS16-LIV01). Chronic administration of CCl4 indicated adverse effects on haematologic parameters upon experimental animals. Simultaneous administration with newly developed novel multi herbal formulation (AKSS16-LIV01) was able to ameliorate these adverse effects and may be a potent drug in future which controls the blood related medical complications against the toxicants.
Follicular Development of Aged Rats Ovarian Injected Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Dianti Resti Rahma , Fitrianto Alif Iman , Utami Adkhilni , Astini Wining , Dwijayanti Adisti , Suyatna Frans Dhyanagiri , Yaprianto Kelvin , Bachtiar Indra , Satyaningtijas Aryani Sismin , Winarto Adi , Boediono Arief
Published: December 2020

Female reproductive system showing the fastest signs of aging. The ovarian aging characterized by a decrease in follicular development. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells and can form a variety of different cells as the foundation of tissues and organs. Previous studies reported that Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs) transplantation can restore follicular development in damaged ovarian rats. This study aimed to analyze the number of follicular development in aged rats and to analyze the capability of human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSCs) to improving follicular development in aged rats. This study used 3 mature rats (4 months old), and 9 nine aged rats (22-24 months old), Spraque Dawley (SD) strain. They were divided into four groups. The first and the second group was mature rats and aged rats without injection. The third and the fourth group was aged rats injected hUC-MSCs dose 106 cells/kgBW and hUC-MSCs dose 107 cells/kgBW. The injection carried out 4 times at 3-month intervals. The parameters observed were follicular development and homing image of hUC-MSCs in ovarian tissue. The results showed that the number of follicular developments in aged rats 22-24 months decreased significantly compared to mature rats 4 months old. Injection of hUC-MSCs at dose 106 cells/kgBW and 107 cells/kgBW did not increase follicular development in aged rats. hUC-MSCs did not found in ovarian tissue. It could be concluded that aged rats 22-24 months old no longer productive indicated from the number of follicular developments and corpus luteum decreased. The injection of hUC-MSCs intravenously did not indicate an improvement of follicular development in aged rats 22-24 months old.
Physiological Status of Stunned and Non-Stunned Broilers: Blood Profile, and Brain Histopathology
Authors: Satyaningtijas Aryani Sismin , Ulupi Niken , Sani Yulvian , Santoso Koekoeh , Retnani Elok Budi , Maheshwari Hera , Hanadhita Desrayni , Naldi Jefri , Oktoni Irwan , Anwar David , Saleema Ainul Khadija
Published: December 2020

Stunning method before slaughtering is considered more animal welfare compared to a non-stunning method and also reduces stress levels in broilers. As for the bleed-out efficiency, testing was done indirectly by blood volume measurement which consists of erythrocyte count, leucocyte count, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit values, and erythrocyte index in broilers.   Brain histopathology was also carried out to see the effect of electrical stunning towards the brain tissues.  The stunning method used is electrical stunning via water bath with the capacity of 146 mAh.  The results showed that the stunning method before slaughtering caused smaller number of erythrocytes and hematocrit values, and the brain histopathology showed that stunning causes encephalopathy.
Lung Change Pattern On Domestic Cat (Felis Silvestris Catus) Exposed By Factory Air Pollution With X-Ray Thorax Interpretation
Authors: Widyawati Ratna , Apritya Desty , Wika Adi Pratama Junianto , Fahmi Asnizar
Published: December 2020

The pathology density changes for X-Ray interpretation of the lungs are difficult to distinguish, because the  disease is not easily classified and may represent a variety of lung disorders. The study was aimed of this research to found the lung disease of domestic cats (Felis Silvestris Catus) that exposure to air pollutions in the industrial area of region Manyar, district Gresik. The type of this research was observational study Explorative that using the simple random sampling and observed nine cats for the sampling.The results of X-ray Thorax in this research showed that there are changing in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, an 9th of the sampling cats. On the third, fifth and the seventh of the cats, we found the same condition that there was change the vascular patterns that were enlargement, vascular constriction or ambiguity structures. From the results of the vascular patern indicate the disorder of left-sided heart failure (Mitral Isufisiency) or obstruction of the left atrium. On the fourth of the cat, there was bronchial pattern that showed the classification, dilatation and thickness of the lung. On the sixth of the cats, there were changes on interstitial pattern with the pictures of nodulars that were not structures and on the ninth of the cats, we can found the same conditions with the fourth and the sixth of cats were visible Interstitial Pattern and Bronchial Interstitial Pattern.
VERİ ZARFLAMA VE VERİ MADENCİLİĞİ İLE BİST GIDA İÇECEK ENDEKSİ KAPSAMINDAKİ FİRMALARIN ETKİNLİK ANALİZİ
Authors: BARDİ Şenol
Published: December 2020

İşletme faaliyet alanlarının belirlenmesinde ulusal ve uluslararası ekonomik koşulların belirleyici olduğu günümüzde, firmaların varlıklarını ve kaynaklarını daha etkin kullanmalarını gerektirmiştir. Finansal başarısızlıkla karşılaşmak istemeyen firmalar gelecekteki faaliyetleri ile ilgili stratejik planlarını yapmadan önce geçmiş dönemlerdeki performanslarını analiz ederek üstün ve zayıf yönlerini belirlemek zorundadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı BİST’e kayıtlı Gıda İçecek Endeksi kapsamında yer alan 22 firmanın Veri Zarflama Analizi (VZA) ile firma etkinliklerinin belirlenmesi ve firma etkinliklerini etkileyen firma içi önemli değişken veya değişkenlerin Veri Madenciliği teknikleri ile tespit etmektir. Bu amaçla firmaların 2014 – 2018 yıllarına ait mali tablolarından 8 adet oran hesaplanmıştır. Girdi değişkenleri olarak cari oran, asit-test oranı, kaldıraç oranı, kısa süreli borç / toplam aktifler oranı, duran varlık / toplam aktifler oranı, uzun süreli borç / toplam aktifler; çıktı değişkenleri olarak da net kâr marjı ve aktif kârlılık seçilmiştir. Etkin ve etkin olmayan firmalar VZA kullanılarak bulunmuştur. Analiz sonucu 2014 yılında 11, 2015 yılında 9, 2016 yılında 17, 2017 yılında 7 ve 2018 yılında 11 firmanın etkin olduğu bulunmuştur. Firmaların etkinliklerine etki eden en önemli değişkenin Yapay Sinir Ağları ve C5.0 Karar Ağacı Tekniğine göre net kâr marj oranı olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CONSUMERS’ TENDENCY TO FORGIVE AND THEIR BRAND LOYALTY: A NEW STRATEGY PROPOSAL
Authors: ÖZDEN Aybike Tuba
Published: December 2020

The study is conducted to find out the relationship between the tendencies of consumers from different cultures to forgive others and their brand loyalty. The study also aims to investigate the loyalty level shown by consumers who experienced problems with a brand they bought for the first time when their problems are solved. With these purposes, a questionnaire is applied to 735 consumers from Azerbaijan and Turkey. According to the results obtained, participants with both low and high tendency to forgive others are found to have high brand loyalty irrespective of their tendency to forgive others when their problem with the brand is solved satisfactorily. In this case, it can be said that consumers heroize brands and show loyalty. It is thought that the study is a comprehensive study in terms of the number of consumers reached, the fact that it is conducted in two different countries and three different cities and in terms of its results. Thus, the study is important in that it discusses the relationship between tendency to forgive and brand loyalty and in terms of its suggestions developed in line with the results obtained and in terms of its originality.
CUMHURBAŞKANLIĞI HÜKÜMET SİSTEMİ’NDE MERKEZİ İDARENİN DÖNÜŞÜMÜ
Authors: ESEN Erdi , KALAĞAN Gökhan
Published: December 2020

Dünyada demokrasi ile yönetilen ülkelerin hükümet sistemleri incelendiğinde üç tip demokratik hükümet sistemden söz edilmektedir. Bunlar parlamenter sistem, yarı başkanlık ve başkanlık sistemidir. Ancak ülkelerin sistemleri benzer olsa bile bütün ülkelerin hükümet sistemlerinin ortaya çıkmasında ve uygulanmasında tarihsel, kültürel ve siyasal yapılarından bahsedebiliriz. Ülkemizde de 16 Nisan 2017 tarihinde yapılan referandum ile başkanlık sistemine geçilmiştir. Bu sistem kendi iç dinamikleri ile incelendiğinde başkanlık sisteminden ayrılarak Türk Tipi Cumhurbaşkanlığı şeklinde adlandırabiliriz. Referandum, ardından 24 Haziran 2018 genel seçimleri ile Cumhurbaşkanlığı Hükümet Sistemine fiilen geçiş yapılmıştır. Yeni sistem ile birlikte Türk siyasi hayatında ve hükümet sisteminde köklü değişimler ve dönüşümler başlamıştır. Bunlardan biri bakanlıkların teşkili, bakanların atanması ve üst bürokraside merkezi idarenin dönüşümüdür. Yeni sistemde anayasal değişikliklerle birlikte cumhurbaşkanı tek başına yürütme erki olarak kabul edilmiştir. Buna göre bakanlar başta olmak üzere mevzuatta tanımlanan üst kamu bürokrasisi yöneticilerinin atama ve görevden alma işlemleri rutin bir idari işlem şekline dönüştürülmüştür. Bu değerlendirmede Türk Tipi başkanlık sisteminin genel özelliklerini ortaya koymaya çalışacağız.
The Effectiveness of Triple Fixed-Dose Combination Therapy in the Management of Uncontrolled Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Masharipov Shukhrat , Ataniyazov Khurshid , Shukurova Dilafruz , Khamidullaeva Gulnoz , Abdullaeva Guzal , Kurbanov Ravshanbek
Published: December 2020

The aim of our study was to identify patients with uncontrolled hypertension (UCH) who were resistant to previous antihypertensive therapy (AHT) and to assess the clinical efficacy of the fixed-dose triple combination (FDTC) therapy during 6 months. Methods and Results: The study included 156 patients with UCH. The mean age of patients was 57.81±10.8 years; the average duration of AH was 8.87±5.34 years. According to the questionnaire data, all patients received dual or triple free-combination AHT, but did not reach the target blood pressure (BP) level. After the screening stage, all patients were discontinued from previous therapy and assigned to the FDTC therapy. Patients initially taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (n=96/61.5%) were switched to single-pill triple combination (SPTC) of perindopril, indapamide and amlodipine (Per/Ind/Aml [5mg/1.25mg/5mg]). Patients initially taking angiotensin receptor blockers (n=60/38.5%) were switched to SPTC of telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide and amlodipine (Tel/HCTZ/Aml [40mg/12.5mg/5mg]). The primary target level for SBP and DBP was <140mmHg and <90mmHg, respectively. With good tolerability of therapy, we aimed for the recommended target level of SBP/DBP (<130mmHg/<80 mmHg). All patients underwent the following examinations: assessment of traditional risk factors, physical examination, clinical and biochemical laboratory methods, 12-lead ECG, echocardiography, pulse contour analysis, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The results of our study showed that the FDTC therapy at the indicated initial doses in patients with UCT made it possible to achieve the primary target BP level in 73.7% of patients after 3 months of treatment. A further increase in SPTC doses made it possible to increase the number of patients (after 6 months of treatment)who achieved the primary goal to 92.3%, and the recommended goal in 82.4% of patients. After 6 months of treatment, against the background of selected doses of SPTC, 7.7% of patients were diagnosed with treatment-resistant hypertension. Conclusion: Markers of UCH are high SBP, DBP, and increased pulse wave velocity, which requires the maximum doses of a full-dose SPTC of antihypertensive drugs (Per/Ind/Aml or Tel/HCTZ/Aml), without wasting time on titration of drug doses.
The Pituitary Gland Measurements in Sudanese Females using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Hamed Shayma , CE Ayad , Eisa Rana , Gareeballah Awadia , Ibrahim Alaa , Gameraddin Moawia , Kajoak Samih
Published: December 2020

Background: Assessment of the pituitary gland (PG) measurements is essential for the diagnosis of many pathological conditions. For Sudanese adult females, however, there have been no studies and no reference values for PG measurements. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the regular dimensions of the PG, using MRI, and to correlate these measurements with age, the shape of sella turcica, puberty age, and parity in Sudanese females. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study was done to assess the PG measurement in Sudanese adult females (n=63) aged between 20 years and 60 years who underwent a brain MRI examination between 2015 and 2019. The study was conducted at Yastabshiroon Umodorman Medical Center (Khartoum, Sudan). The MRI brain examination found that the mean length, depth, width, and volume of the PG were 10.57±1.27 mm, 5.56±1.42 mm, 12.18±1.67 mm, and 356.38±100.22 mm3, respectively. Concerning the shape of the sella turcica, the study revealed that the convex and concave shape were more frequent than others (39.7% and 34.9%, respectively). The depth, width, length, and volume of the gland had changed significantly with pituitary shapes. The PG depth was significantly higher in nulliparous females than multiparous ones. Conclusion: The PG measurement in adult Sudanese females decreased in the sagittal depth and volume gradually till the age of 50 years then returned to increasing after age 50. Younger females in the age group of 20-30 years had a larger depth and volume of the gland than other age groups.
Sustained Attention and Types of Dynamics of Cardiovascular Reactivity during a Short-Term, Human Whole-Body Exposure to Cold Air
Authors: Krivonogova Olga , Krivonogova Elena , Poskotinova Liliya
Published: December 2020

Background: Despite global warming and the improvement of personal protective equipment against unfavorable climatic factors, cold remains an important environmental challenge for humans. The aim of the work was to reveal the peculiarities of the dynamics of cardiovascular parameters in humans with short-term, whole-body exposure to cold air, depending on the parameters of voluntary attention. Methods and Results: The study involved 28 healthy male volunteers aged between18 and 21 years, born and living in Arkhangelsk. Testing to assess sustained attention parameters using the Toulouse-Pierón Attention Test with the measurement of the index of accuracy (C, units) (the ability to voluntary concentration) and processing speed (V, units), had been previously performed. Subsequent stages of the study included recording the studied parameters before (Stage 1), during 10-minute exposure to the cold air (Stage 2), and 5 minutes after cold exposure (Stage 3). The registration of indicators in Stages 1 and 3 was carried out indoors at an air temperature of +20 °C. The registration of indicators in Stage 2 was carried out in a cold chamber at -20 °C. Determining the body temperature in the ear canal (Tear, °C) and on the skin of the dorsum of the right hand (Tskin, °C) was performed using a B.Well WF-1000 medical electronic infrared thermometer. Parameters of blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and heart rate variability (HRV) were evaluated. As a result of cluster analysis, 2 groups were identified: Group 1 (n=14) and Group 2 (n=14). In Group 2, the index V was significantly lower than in Group 1(P=0.02). In Group I, Tskin in Stage 1 was significantly higher than in Group 2 (P=0.03). In Stage 2, Tskin decreased in both groups, but lower Tskin values (P=0.001) were recorded in Group 2 than in Group I. In Stage 2, there was a statistically significant increase in SBP in Group 2 (P=0.01). In Group 1, initial SDNN and all HRV spectral indices were significantly higher than in Group 2. In Stage 2, there was a significant increase in SDNN in both groups. However, in Group 2, we found a statistically significant increase in VLF in Stage 2 (P=0.01), while in Group I this indicator remained unchanged. In Stage 3, HRV parameters in Group 1 recovered to baseline values, while in Group 2, HRV parameters remained elevated relative to baseline values. Conclusion: Individuals with high processing speed and preserved attention span have higher vagal activity and skin temperature. When such individuals are exposed to cold, they experience a moderate increase in BP and baroreflex response. In persons with a reduced speed of information processing but with sufficient accuracy of attention, there is a more pronounced mobilization of regulation resources on the part of the cardiovascular, neurovegetative systems to maintain the core temperature of the body.
Gut Microbiota Shift in Obese Adolescents Born by Cesarean Section
Authors: Novikova Evgenia , Belkova Natalia , Pogodina Anna , Romanitsa Anastasia , Klimenko Elizaveta , Nemchenko Uliana , Rychkova, Lyubov
Published: December 2020

Background: It is known that in the early postnatal period a variety of factors affect the gut microbiota (GM) composition, including delivery mode. The effect of delivery mode on the human GM in the late postnatal period remains unexplored. A shift of GM composition due to delivery mode may contribute to the development of obesity in adulthood. Methods and Results: The study included six adolescents aged between 11 and 17 years treated and examined at the Clinic of the Scientific Center for Family Health and Human Reproduction (Irkutsk, Russia) in 2016. Stool samples were collected following the standard operating procedures according to the International Human Microbiome Standards. Metasequencing of V3-V4 variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene was performed by the Novogene Company (China) on the Illumina platform. Bioinformatic analysis was done by the bri-shur.com services. Sequencing reads were presented as normalized values. In general, the GM composition of obese adolescents born by cesarean section was characterized by composition heterogeneity within the Bacteroidetes phylum and the dominance of certain phylotypes as signs of dysbiosis for each adolescent. We detected an increased abundance of phyla Bacteroides and Proteobacteria, and an absence of Tenericutes in obese adolescents born by Caesarean section. On the level of genera, the prevalence of Bacteroides and Bacteroides S24-7 phylotypes, and the absence of the RF39 phylotype, led to the GM shift associated with a cesarean section or obesity. Conclusion: Obese adolescents born by cesarean section delivery present the shift in GM composition.
sST2 Protein Serum Levels in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Tokmachev Roman , Kravchenko Andrey , Budnevsky Andrey , Ovsyannikov Evgeniy , Chernik Tatiana , Tokmachev Evgeny , Shkatova Yanina
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the blood concentration of sST2 and evaluate the correlations between sST2 and the clinical, instrumental, and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with CHFrEF (chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction) and CHFpEF (chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction), as well as to evaluate the sST2 informativeness in comparison with NT-proBNP. The study involved 160 patients diagnosed with CHF (86 men and 74 women, mean age of 72.4±8.7 years). According to the LVEF value, the patients were divided into two groups: CHFpEF (EF≥50%) was recorded in 69 people, CHFrEF (EF<50%) - in 91 people. The functional class (FC) of CHF was determined according to the NYHA classification (1994). NT-proBNP and hs-CRP levels had a stronger positive association with sST2 levels in CHFrEF patients than in CHFpEF patients. The results obtained (regardless of the EF) indicated a statistically significant direct correlation between the levels of sST2 and LAVI. The weak direct correlation between sST2 and NYHA FC, in contrast to the direct strong correlation between NT-proBNP and sST2, indicates that sST2, which is quite important both for determining the current state of the patient and for predicting the course of the disease, still cannot be used as a single and universal indicator. In this regard, further comprehensive study of the diagnostic and prognostic capabilities of the sST2 and NT-proBNP biomarkers in CHF patients with different EF is required.
The structure of Haplotypes and Diplotypes in the PNPLA3 gene in the Yakut Population
Authors: Kurtanov Khariton , Pavlova Nadezhda , Diakonova Aleksandra , Sydykova Lyubovy , Aleksandrova Tuyara , Borisova Yigulana , Dodokhov Vladimir
Published: December 2020

Background: The first GWAS searching for such genetic factors identified the PNPLA3 gene as a major genetic determinant for the predisposition to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Hispanic, African American, and European American populations, according to liver fat contents, a finding that was subsequently confirmed by liver biopsy in Europeans and Asians. The aim of our research was to study the distribution of alleles, genotypes, haplotypes and diplotypes of polymorphic variants of the PNPLA3 gene (rs2294918 and rs738409) in Yakuts. Methods and Results: The PNPLA3 SNPs (rs2294918 and rs738409) were analyzed by PCR-RFLP reaction. The PNPLA3 rs738409 SNP in the Yakut population is characterized by a high frequency of the risk G allele (72%). According to the PNPLA3 rs2294918 SNP, which suppresses the negative effect of rs738409, the protective PNPLA3 (rs2294918) A allele was found only in 10.7% of study subjects. Analysis of the distribution of the frequency of genotypes in the studied sample of Yakuts showed the predominance of the carriage of the PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype (57.3%) and the PNPLA3 rs2294918 GG genotype (80.7%). The frequency of the PNPLA3 (rs2294918) AA and AG genotypes was 2.0% and 17.3%, respectively. The Yakuts often have two diplotypes [GG]-[GG] and [CG]-[GG]. Both diplotypes carry the PNPLA3 rs738409 G allele (45.3% and 28%) and do not carry the PNPLA3 rs2294918 A allele. The high frequency of the [GG]-[GG] and [CG]-[GG] diplotypes in Yakuts (45.3% and 25%, respectively), carrying mutant alleles G (rs738409) and not carrying the A allele (rs2294918), indicates that these diplotypes were probably adaptively favorable to the Yakuts. Conclusion: The analysis of haplotypes and diplotypes based on the markers rs738409 and rs2294918 of the PNPLA3 gene may contribute to future new biomarkers for the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, as well as provide fundamental knowledge on human adaptation to cold.
PNPLA3 rs738409 polymorphism in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Concomitant Liver Pathology in Yakutia
Authors: Kurtanov Khariton , Pavlova Nadezhda , Diakonova Aleksandra , Sydykova Lyubovy , Markova Sardana , Dodokhov Vladimir
Published: December 2020

Background: The pathogenetic mechanisms of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are closely related. Currently, multiple studies have demonstrated a link between the PNPLA3 148M variant and the development and progression of NAFLD, including liver fibrosis. The aim of our research was to study the distribution of alleles and genotypes of the PNPLA3 rs738409 SNP in Russians and Yakuts living in Yakutia, as well as to search for associations of the PNPLA3 rs738409 SNP in patients with T2D and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease / non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Methods and Results: The study included 179 patients (28 Russians and 151 Yakuts) with T2D and concomitant liver diseases of non-infectious origin. The comparison group consisted of 147 healthy volunteers of Russian ethnicity and 246 healthy volunteers of Yakut ethnicity. The PNPLA3 738409 SNP was analyzed by PCR-RFLP reaction. The results found a significant difference between the frequencies of the PNPLA3 rs738409 genotypes and alleles in Russians and Yakuts, both among healthy volunteers and in T2D patients with liver diseases. The frequency of the G allele occurrence in the group of healthy Yakuts was significantly higher (OR- 3.313; 95% CI: 2.444-4.499; P<0.001) than in the group of healthy Russians. No significant differences were found for the PNPLA3 rs738409 genotype and allele frequencies among a healthy sample and a sample of T2D patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease / non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, both in the Russian and Yakut populations.
Change in the Motivation to Receive Treatment by Overweight Adolescent Girls in the Course of Counseling
Authors: Votineva Anastasia , Prokhorova Zhanna , Polyakov Vladimir , Rychkova Lyubov , Yaroslavtseva Irina
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to reveal changes in the motivation to receive treatment by overweight adolescent girls in the course of counseling. Methods and Results: The study included 2 groups of overweight girls with gynecological disorders aged between 14 years and 16 years. Group 1 comprised 20 girls admitted to a hospital for the first time; Group 2 consisted of 20 girls who had undergone treatment earlier (were admitted repeatedly). The motivational-personal sphere was studied using the following methods: (1) McClelland’s method for testing social and psychological activity motivators; (2) S.R. Panteleev’s research method of self-attitude; (3) EAT-26; (4) The body satisfaction method by Collins. The results obtained showed that changing motivation to receive treatment is a complex process implying changes in motivational induction: Achievement Motive, Affiliation Motive, Help Motive, Development Motive, and Cognition Motive. It was also revealed that directly acting motives prevailed over those emerging due to awareness of the treatment’s purpose. Conclusion: a specially developed counseling process comprising diagnostic, informational, correctional and developmental aspects of working with adolescent girls individually and in groups contributed to changing motivation to receive treatment by overweight adolescent girls.
Cigarette Smoking and Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in the Indigenous Population of the Arctic Territory of Yakutia
Authors: Sofronova Sargylana , Kirillina Maria , Nikolaev Vyacheslav , Kononova Irina , Romanova Anna
Published: December 2020

The aim of this research was to study the influence of smoking on components of the metabolic syndrome and their relationship in the indigenous population of the Arctic territory of Yakutia. Methods and Results: The material for the study was collected under expeditionary conditions in the Arctic territory of Yakutia in places of compact residence of indigenous peoples. Using the continuous method, we examined 348 subjects (225 women and 123 men). The average age of the respondents was 48.16±0.52 years (49.71±0.63 years for women and 44.98±0.91 years for men). The research program included the following sections: a questionnaire for objective assessment of state; anthropometric examination; assessment of blood pressure (BP); determination of insulin and fasting glucose. In the survey, only those who smoked at least 1 cigarette per day during the last 12 months were considered smokers. The obtained results indicate that the indigenous population of the northern territory of Yakutia has a high frequency of risk factors for the development of cardiovascular pathology, such as overweight, obesity, and smoking. Overweight is equally common in both men and women; obesity is almost 2.5 times more common in women. An increase in body weight and systolic BP is not associated with smoking; however, the simultaneous combination of all these factors can affect the risk of cardiovascular incidents. A negative relationship between BMI and smoking was found. An increased index of insulin resistance is associated with the simultaneous spread of obesity among nonsmokers. The same association of glucose level with BP was obtained in both smokers and nonsmokers. Conclusion: Metabolic disorders in the indigenous population of the northern territory of Yakutia are caused by a change in the traditional way of life and nutrition, with a decrease in physical activity and a lack of adherence to a healthy lifestyle.
Advanced Oxidation Protein Products and the CLOCK 3111T/C Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in Menopausal Women with Insomnia
Authors: Natalya V. Semenova Natalya V. Semenova , Madaeva Irina , Brichagina Anastasiya , Nikitina Olga , Kolesnikov Sergey , Kolesnikova Lyubov
Published: December 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the dependence of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) levels on the genotype of the CLOCK 3111T/C SNP in Caucasian menopausal women with and without insomnia. Methods and Results: The study involved 105 Caucasian menopausal women volunteers aged between 45 and 60 years. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were employed. The study of the CLOCK 3111T/C SNP (rs1801260) was performed by PCR. The blood level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) was detected by IEMA. Based on the results of a clinical-anamnestic examination, the women were divided into two groups: the main (with insomnia) and the control (without insomnia). Given the small number of women carrying the CC genotype of the CLOCK 3111T/C SNP, the СС carriers and TC carriers were combined into one group as the carriers of the minor 3111C allele. There were no statistically significant differences in the AOPP levels between carriers of different genotypes (TT genotype and TC+CC genotypes) in controls and patients. A comparative analysis of AOPP levels in the women of the main and control groups showed higher AOPP levels in women with insomnia carrying the TT genotype than in the control of the same genotype (P=0.013). Conclusion: Insomnia in menopausal women is associated with increased protein oxidation only in carriers of the TT genotype of the CLOCK 3111T/C SNP.
Analysis of Pro- and Antioxidant Status in Women with Endocrine Infertility
Authors: Grebenkina Lyudmila , Darenskaya Marina , Rashidova Maria , Osipova Elena , Lyubochko Anastasia , Kolesnikov Sergey , Kolesnikova Lyubov
Published: December 2020

The aim of our study was to identify the changes in the indicators of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant defense (AOD) in women with endocrine infertility. Methods and Results: The study included 358 women of reproductive age. Based on clinical and laboratory data, two groups were formed: the control group (CG) and the main group (MG). CG consisted of 61 healthy fertile women (mean age of 22±2.3 years). MG consisted of 297 women (mean age of 26±5.6 years) with endocrine infertility. The blood levels of antioxidant parameters (total antioxidant activity [TTA], SOD activity, α-tocopherol and retinol) and primary/secondary products of LPO (conjugated dienes [CD], ketodienes and conjugated trienes [KD-CT], and thiobarbituric acid reactants [TBARs]) were determined using spectrophotometric and fluorometric methods. The levels of sex hormones and cortisol were determined by radioimmunoassay and EIA. In MG, we found a significant increase in the blood levels of total lipid, DB, CDs, KD-CT, and TBARs, compared to CG. The results of a comparative analysis of the AOD parameters showed a significant increase in the total AOA level by 31% in MG, while the levels of α-tocopherol and retinol significantly decreased by 22% and 15%, respectively, compared to CG. In women of MG, the serum level of prolactin increased by 2 times. Conclusion: The results obtained reflect the adaptive and disadaptive mechanisms of LPO-AOD participation in the formation of female infertility of endocrine origin. The complex changes in the LPO-AOD system (increased levels of the substrates of oxidation and all intermediates of the LPO process amid falling values of the AOD parameters) indicate the presence of OS in women with endocrine infertility.
Functional Bowel Disorders and Obesity in Children: State of the Problem
Authors: Pogodina Anna , Romanitsa Anastasia , Rychkova Lyubov
Published: December 2020

Obesity and functional bowel disorders (FBDs) are often observed in children and have common risk factors. The present review aimed to summarize the published data on the association between obesity and FBDs in children and a discussion of possible pathophysiological mechanisms that may be involved. Published data indicates that obesity and FBDs could be associated conditions. There is substantial evidence that obesity in children is associated with constipation. However, it should be noted that there were few studies in this direction, and those studies were heterogeneous in both the composition of participants and studied diagnostic criteria, and in the majority of cases, they were not adjusted for potential confounders. The association between obesity and FBDs can be explored through diet, peculiarities of eating behavior, and psychological factors. The most promising direction in the study could be the study of the GM, the changes in which can contribute to the development of immune dysfunctions of the bowel, chronic low-grade inflammation, increased colonic permeability, motility disturbances, and visceral hypersensitivity. The studies in this area can provide important data for developing a strategy of treatment and prevention of both groups of diseases.
Some Molecular Mechanisms of Cervical Ripening
Authors: Grigorieva Yu. , Suvorova G. , Chaulin A. , Yukhimets S. , Chemidronov S. , Vankov V.
Published: December 2020

Cervical remodeling is an active dynamic process that begins long before the onset of labor. The optimal course of the cervical ripening/remodeling processes is a prerequisite for successful vaginal delivery. Cervical remodeling is a slow progressive process that begins early in mammalian pregnancies, and can be loosely divided into four overlapping phases termed softening, ripening, dilation/labor, and postpartum repair. This review discusses some aspects of structural changes in the cervix at different stages of cervical ripening. In particular, the role of cervical epithelia, immune-inflammatory factors/cells, and components of the cervical extracellular matrix in cervical ripening is considered. A better understanding of the molecular-biochemical and histophysiological processes occurring during cervical remodeling is critical for the development of novel approaches to treat cervical insufficiency, preterm labor, and postpartum cervical disorders associated with its integrity.