bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between freshwater harmful algal blooms and neurodegenerative disease incidence rates in South Korea
Authors: Lee Seungjun , Choi Boseung , Kim Sung Jae , Kim Jinnam , Kang Dayun , Lee Jiyoung
Published: November 2022

Background

Due to anthropogenic activities and global warming, the severity and distribution of harmful algal blooms (HABs) have been increasing steadily worldwide, including in South Korea (S. Korea). Previous studies reported that exposure to HABs could increase the risk of HAB-related diseases. However, very few studies examined the linkage between HABs and disease occurrence, particularly in S. Korea. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of HABs on neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and motor neuron disease, at a population level.

Methods

Thirteen-year data (2005–2017) for chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentrations as a bloom-related parameter, annual numbers of NDs, and population information were collected. First, the entire area of S. Korea was divided into a grid of 1 km, and the population number in each 1-km grid was collected using the Statistical Geographic Information Service Plus system. Cross-sectional time series data were analyzed with two statistical models, a generalized linear mixed model and a generalized linear model.

Results

The results show a general trend of increasing chl-a concentration and NDs year by year. We observed positive correlations between HAB intensity and the incidence rate of NDs. Particularly, HABs seem to have the most long-term carry-over effect on Parkinson’s disease. Another key finding was that a 5-km radius from the HAB location was the boundary that showed the most significant associations with three NDs.

Conclusions

This study provides statistical evidence that supports the potential risk of NDs from the exposure to HAB. Thus, it is recommended to monitor a broad spectrum of cyanotoxins, including neurotoxins, in bloom-affected regions in S. Korea and epidemiological studies in the future.
Reduced left atrial contractile strain with speckle tracking analysis predicts abnormal plasma NTproBNP in an asymptomatic community population
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Baowei , Yang Ying , Qi Litong , Wang Shuo , Meng Lei , Ma Wei , Huo Yong
Published: November 2022

Background

The left atrium (LA) is closely related to left ventricular diastolic function. Two-dimensional speckle tracking strain and strain rate (SR) imaging has been applied in the study of LA function. We intended to explore the relationship between global LA deformation parameters and plasma NTproBNP levels in asymptomatic community residents with normal ejection fraction and normal LA volume.

Methods

A cross-sectional sample of Beijing residents underwent comprehensive Doppler echocardiography and medical record review in 2009. Global LA longitudinal strain and SR indexes were obtained in the apical four-chamber view. LA stiffness index (LASI) was calculated as the ratio of early diastolic velocity of transmitral flow/early diastolic mitral annular motion velocity (E/E') to LA reservoir strain.

Results

A total of 620 individuals (mean age = 65.8 years, left ventricular ejection fraction = 70.8%, LA volume index = 17.9 ml/m2) were investigated in our study. 117 individuals had increased plasma NTproBNP (≥ 125 pg/ml). LA reservoir and contractile function by LA strain and SR indexes were significantly reduced in the abnormal NTproBNP group compared with the normal NTproBNP group. Multiple regression analysis indicated that LA contractile strain was a negative predictor of plasma NTproBNP in addition to indexed LA volume and E/E'. LASI was higher in the abnormal NTproBNP group and was significantly correlated with NTproBNP (r = 0.342, P < 0.001). The area under ROC analysis for LASI in predicting elevated plasma NTproBNP was 0.690, similar with LA contractile strain, E/E’ and LAVI. The cut-off value of LASI was 0.612.

Conclusions

LA reservoir and contractile functions demonstrated by LA strain and SR were significantly impaired in the community-based population with increased plasma NTproBNP levels. LA contractile strain adds incremental information in predicting abnormal NTproBNP levels. As a single index, LASI showed similar diagnostic value with LAVI and E/E’ in predicting abnormal NTproBNP.
Is there a role for lung surgery in initially unresectable non-small cell lung cancer after tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment?
Authors: Diong Nguk Chai , Liu Chia-Chuan , Shih Chih-Shiun , Wu Mau-Ching , Huang Chun-Jen , Hung Chen-Fang
Published: November 2022

Background

The role of lung surgery in initially unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment remains unclear. We aimed to assess the survival benefits of patients who underwent surgery for regressed or regrown tumors after receiving TKI treatment.

Methods

The details of patients diagnosed with unresectable NSCLC treated with TKI followed by lung resection from 2010 to 2020 were retrieved from our database. The primary endpoint was 3-year overall survival (OS), whereas the secondary endpoints were a 2-year progression-free survival (PFS), feasibility, and the safety of pulmonary resection. The statistical tests used were Fisher’s exact test, Kruskal Wallis test, Kaplan-Meier method, Cox proportional hazards model, and Firth correction.

Results

Nineteen out of thirty-two patients were selected for the study. The patients underwent lung surgery after confirmed tumor regression (17 [89.5%]) and regrowth (two [10.5%]). All surgeries were performed via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: 14 (73.7%) lobectomies and five (26.3%) sublobar resections after a median duration of 5 months of TKI. Two (10.5%) postoperative complications and no 30-day postoperative mortality were observed. The median postoperative follow-up was 22 months.

The 2-year PFS and 3-year OS rates were 43.9% and 61.5%, respectively. Patients who underwent surgery for regressed disease showed a significantly better OS than for regrowth disease (HR=0.086, 95% CI 0.008–0.957, p=0.046). TKI-adjuvant demonstrated a better PFS than non-TKI adjuvant (HR=0.146, 95% CI 0.027–0.782, p=0.025).

Conclusion

Lung surgery after TKI treatment is feasible and safe and prolongs survival via local control and directed consequential therapy. Lung surgery should be adopted in multimodality therapy for initially unresectable NSCLC.
Colonocyte-derived lactate promotes E. coli fitness in the context of inflammation-associated gut microbiota dysbiosis
Authors: Taylor Savannah J. , Winter Maria G. , Gillis Caroline C. , Silva Laice Alves da , Dobbins Amanda L. , Muramatsu Matthew K. , Jimenez Angel G. , Chanin Rachael B. , Spiga Luisella , Llano Ernesto M. , Rojas Vivian K. , Kim Jiwoong , Santos Renato L. , Zhu Wenhan , Winter Sebastian E.
Published: November 2022

Background

Intestinal inflammation disrupts the microbiota composition leading to an expansion of Enterobacteriaceae family members (dysbiosis). Associated with this shift in microbiota composition is a profound change in the metabolic landscape of the intestine. It is unclear how changes in metabolite availability during gut inflammation impact microbial and host physiology.

Results

We investigated microbial and host lactate metabolism in murine models of infectious and non-infectious colitis. During inflammation-associated dysbiosis, lactate levels in the gut lumen increased. The disease-associated spike in lactate availability was significantly reduced in mice lacking the lactate dehydrogenase A subunit in intestinal epithelial cells. Commensal E. coli and pathogenic Salmonella, representative Enterobacteriaceae family members, utilized lactate via the respiratory L-lactate dehydrogenase LldD to increase fitness. Furthermore, mice lacking the lactate dehydrogenase A subunit in intestinal epithelial cells exhibited lower levels of inflammation in a model of non-infectious colitis.

Conclusions

The release of lactate by intestinal epithelial cells during gut inflammation impacts the metabolism of gut-associated microbial communities. These findings suggest that during intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis, changes in metabolite availability can perpetuate colitis-associated disturbances of microbiota composition.
Vaginal microbiome-host interactions modeled in a human vagina-on-a-chip
Authors: Mahajan Gautam , Doherty Erin , To Tania , Sutherland Arlene , Grant Jennifer , Junaid Abidemi , Gulati Aakanksha , LoGrande Nina , Izadifar Zohreh , Timilsina Sanjay Sharma , Horváth Viktor , Plebani Roberto , France Michael , Hood-Pishchany Indriati , Rakoff-Nahoum Seth , Kwon Douglas S. , Goyal Girija , Prantil-Baun Rachelle , Ravel Jacques , Ingber Donald E.
Published: November 2022

Background

A dominance of non-iners Lactobacillus species in the vaginal microbiome is optimal and strongly associated with gynecological and obstetric health, while the presence of diverse obligate or facultative anaerobic bacteria and a paucity in Lactobacillus species, similar to communities found in bacterial vaginosis (BV), is considered non-optimal and associated with adverse health outcomes. Various therapeutic strategies are being explored to modulate the composition of the vaginal microbiome; however, there is no human model that faithfully reproduces the vaginal epithelial microenvironment for preclinical validation of potential therapeutics or testing hypotheses about vaginal epithelium-microbiome interactions.

Results

Here, we describe an organ-on-a-chip (organ chip) microfluidic culture model of the human vaginal mucosa (vagina chip) that is lined by hormone-sensitive, primary vaginal epithelium interfaced with underlying stromal fibroblasts, which sustains a low physiological oxygen concentration in the epithelial lumen. We show that the Vagina Chip can be used to assess colonization by optimal L. crispatus consortia as well as non-optimal Gardnerella vaginalis-containing consortia, and to measure associated host innate immune responses. Co-culture and growth of the L. crispatus consortia on-chip was accompanied by maintenance of epithelial cell viability, accumulation of D- and L-lactic acid, maintenance of a physiologically relevant low pH, and down regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. In contrast, co-culture of G. vaginalis-containing consortia in the vagina chip resulted in epithelial cell injury, a rise in pH, and upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential of applying human organ chip technology to create a preclinical model of the human vaginal mucosa that can be used to better understand interactions between the vaginal microbiome and host tissues, as well as to evaluate the safety and efficacy of live biotherapeutics products.
CDH17 nanobodies facilitate rapid imaging of gastric cancer and efficient delivery of immunotoxin
Authors: Ma Jingbo , Xu Xiaolong , Fu Chunjin , Xia Peng , Tian Ming , Zheng Liuhai , Chen Kun , Liu Xiaolian , Li Yilei , Yu Le , Zhu Qinchang , Yu Yangyang , Fan Rongrong , Jiang Haibo , Li Zhifen , Yang Chuanbin , Xu Chengchao , Long Ying , Wang Jigang , Li Zhijie
Published: November 2022

Background

It is highly desirable to develop new therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer given the low survival rate despite improvement in the past decades. Cadherin 17 (CDH17) is a membrane protein highly expressed in cancers of digestive system. Nanobody represents a novel antibody format for cancer targeted imaging and drug delivery. Nanobody targeting CHD17 as an imaging probe and a delivery vehicle of toxin remains to be explored for its theragnostic potential in gastric cancer.

Methods

Naïve nanobody phage library was screened against CDH17 Domain 1-3 and identified nanobodies were extensively characterized with various assays. Nanobodies labeled with imaging probe were tested in vitro and in vivo for gastric cancer detection. A CDH17 Nanobody fused with toxin PE38 was evaluated for gastric cancer inhibition in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Two nanobodies (A1 and E8) against human CDH17 with high affinity and high specificity were successfully obtained. These nanobodies could specifically bind to CDH17 protein and CDH17-positive gastric cancer cells. E8 nanobody as a lead was extensively determined for tumor imaging and drug delivery. It could efficiently co-localize with CDH17-positive gastric cancer cells in zebrafish embryos and rapidly visualize the tumor mass in mice within 3 h when conjugated with imaging dyes. E8 nanobody fused with toxin PE38 showed excellent anti-tumor effect and remarkably improved the mice survival in cell-derived (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. The immunotoxin also enhanced the anti-tumor effect of clinical drug 5-Fluorouracil.

Conclusions

The study presents a novel imaging and drug delivery strategy by targeting CDH17. CDH17 nanobody-based immunotoxin is potentially a promising therapeutic modality for clinical translation against gastric cancer.

Graphical Abstract
Economic Ecosystems and Postcapitalist Futures in The Professor's House
Authors: Kimmet Sarah
Published: November 2022

Despite Willa Cather's claims about the incompatibility of art and economics, the majority of her novels are structured by and around economic ecosystems, both capitalist and noncapitalist. This article argues that Cather's sensitivity to the heterogeneity of the American economic landscape allows her to explore sites of anti-capitalist resistance that are often dismissed by traditional Marxists (and postmodern liberals) still wedded to a rigid Hegelian dialectic. Anticipating the insights of analytical Marxists and network theorists as well as the historical trajectory of late capitalism, The Professor's House explores the possibilities of eroding capitalism from within by leveraging the concrete alternatives that already exist within and adjacent to it. Neither capitalist breakdown nor proletariat revolution appear on the horizon of the world Cather's protagonists inhabit; nevertheless, possibilities for potentially revolutionary collective action still exist.
A Taste of Their Own Medicine: Guideline Adherence and Access to Expertise
Authors: Finkelstein Amy , Persson Petra , Polyakova Maria , Shapiro Jesse M.
Published: November 2022

We use administrative data from Sweden to study adherence to 63 medication-related guidelines. We compare the adherence of patients without personal access to medical expertise to that of patients with access, namely doctors and their close relatives. We estimate that observably similar patients with access to expertise have 3.8 percentage points lower adherence, relative to a baseline adherence rate of 54.4 percent among those without access. Our findings suggest an important role in nonadherence for factors other than those, such as ignorance, poor communication, and complexity, that would be expected to diminish with access to expertise.(JEL D82, D83, I11, I12, I18)
Morphological and nest notes of Ruptitermes arboreus (Emerson), an Amazonian soldierless termite
Authors: Alves-Oliveira João Rafael , Rodrigues Valéria Barbosa , Acioli Agno Nonato Serrão , Azevedo Renato Almeida de , Franklin Elizabeth , Morais José Wellington de
Published: November 2022

Ruptitermes arboreus (Emerson) is a litter-feeder soldierless termite that builds arboreal cartonated nests. In this paper, we describe and illustrate arboreal nests of R. arboreus, while also describing a fully clayish nest built upon the trunk of a fallen tree. Additionally, we provided physical and populational parameters for two nests. We also illustrate all castes except alates and record two termitophilous species occurring inside the nests.
A brand new medical condition - 6 years old patient with neurological symptoms diagnosed with PIMS-TS (Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome – Temporally Associated with SARS-CoV-2) - case report
Authors: Dubel Robert , Dubel Julia , Ruszel Kinga , Czekaj Aleksandra , Namroży Natalia , Chrościńska-Krawczyk Magdalena
Published: November 2022

Children's multi-system inflammatory syndrome PIMS-TS is a completely new challenge for pediatricians, which has established a separate branch of the fight against the still active COVID-19 pandemic. It turns out that even a pediatric patient who has not suffered symptomatic infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as a result of contact with this pathogen, can develop a severe systemic inflammatory reaction rich in symptoms originating in almost every system of the human body. The first reports of the inflammatory syndrome that is the subject of this work come from May 2020. It is known that the symptoms of PIMS are caused by a multi-system inflammatory response in the body, potentially related to the immune system. The course of this disease may bring to mind other inflammatory diseases in children, such as Kawasaki disease, toxic shock syndrome and MAS macrophage activation syndrome.
Drugs increase the risk of suicide in the elderly
Authors: Kędziora-Kornatowska Kornelia , Winiarek Karolina , Murawska Joanna , Mikut Karolina , Kwiecień Justyna , Wijata Aleksandra , Al-Shaer Aysheh
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is a systematic review of articles and research in the context of drugs used and suicide in elderly patients. Suicide in the elderly may be much more frequent than in the younger population. In addition to factors such as mental illness, dementia, deteriorating health, or problems with adapting to old age, the impact of chronic and reliever medications in this age group should also be considered. The greatest challenge of pharmacotherapy in the elderly is polypharmacy, drug interactions, different metabolism, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drugs used, as well as the side effects appearing in chronic therapy. In elderly patients, strong groups of drugs such as benzodiazepines and opioids are used extensively and sometimes too often. These drugs can cause addiction and overdose. Prescribing benzodiazepines alone carries a high risk of suicide. On the other hand, opioids often lead to addiction and abuse of these drugs, which may be associated with the development of respiratory depression. According to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide accounts for approximately 7% of all opioid overdose deaths. Therapy should be carefully selected with regard to the use of other medications, drug interactions, and possible dependence and drug abuse by patients.The use of some classes of drugs in the elderly requires increased vigilance and control in the context of depression and episodes of suicide attempts. Drugs such as B blockers, digitalis glycosides, NSAIDs, opioids, ACEIs, calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids, diuretics, levodopa, and benzodiazepines can cause symptoms of depression. Older people are more susceptible to side effects of drugs, for example because of polypharmacy and the chronicity of treatment.
Does a gluten-free diet affect the course of Hashimoto's disease? - the review of the literature
Authors: Krzysiek Urszula , Podgórska Klaudia , Puła Aleksandra , Artykiewicz Klaudia , Urbaś Weronika , Grodkiewicz Maria , Kozieł Paweł , Czarkowski Marcin , Gorczyca Kamila , Słupczyńska Aleksandra
Published: November 2022

Introduction and purpose

The fashion for following a gluten-free diet is causing more and more people to opt for it. It is indicated in the treatment of celiac disease. Due to the high prevalence of Hashimoto's disease in the population and the lack of causal treatment for the disease, many researchers have tested the validity of gluten elimination for those burdened with it. This work aimed to review the results achieved so far and assess whether this diet has a real impact on the course of Hashimoto's disease.

A brief description of the state of knowledge

A PubMed database was searched for studies describing the relationship between gluten consumption and the course of Hashimoto's disease. Some studies indicated a potential beneficial effect of the introduced diet on thyroid function. However, these were mostly survey-based studies of questionable research quality. More reliable studies that took into account antibody and TSH levels showed no significant improvement in thyroid function in response to the diet.

Conclusions

Based on the studies reviewed, there is no need for a gluten-free diet in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroid disease. It has not been proven that gluten can provoke the body to produce autoantibodies that cause the destruction of thyroid tissue. It is more important to maintain a balanced diet rich in zinc, selenium, iodine, vitamin D3, and iron, as they are essential in the process of hormone production by the thyroid gland.
Satisfaction of participants of the 2nd PKO Bydgoszcz Running Festival (PKO Bydgoski Festiwal Biegowy)
Authors: Tomanek Mateusz
Published: November 2022

The sports level of running events is not the only reason to participate in them (often amateurs). A large selection of running events makes it possible to reduce the interest in the event, and this can also be prevented by knowing the expectations of the participants/athletes. The article, which aims to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the running event - the 2nd PKO Bydgoszcz Running Festival (PKO Bydgoski Festiwal Biegowy), aims to present the aspects that need improvement in the next edition. The next task is to present actions to check the level of participants' satisfaction with a particular running event. The research was conducted using the questionnaire method. Due to the cyclical nature of the research, the participants' satisfaction with the previous year was also increased.
Passing training model based on small side game in futsal sports for senior high school students
Authors: Rizal Agung Yudha Catur , Sugiyanto Sugiyanto , Sabarini Sri Santoso
Published: November 2022

This research aims to : (1) Developing a futsal passing model based on small-sided games for high school futsal extracurricular participants. (2) Testing the feasibility of a small-sided games-based futsal passing training model for high school futsal extracurricular activities. 3) Test feasibility through small-scale and large-scale futsal passing training models based on small-sided games for high school futsal extracurricular participants. 4) Test the effectiveness level of the small-sided games-based futsal passing training model for high school futsal extracurricular activities between the experimental group and the control group. This research uses the development method (Research and Development) "proposed by Borg and Gall, The researcher adapted the research procedure into 3 main stages: stage 1 needs analysis, stage 2 product development and product trials, stage 3 product effectiveness tests. The sample was 30 extracurricular players. The research instruments were observation, interview, mixed questioner, the rating scale used was absolute rating scales, and field notes. Data analysis techniques are qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. Qualitative data analysis was obtained from interviews and field notes. The quantitative analysis obtained from the prerequisite test was divided into two, namely the normality test and the homogeneity test using the SPSS vesi 18.0 software program. The effectiveness test uses t-test with SPSS version 18.0 software program. and comparative test. The research results are (1) Planning and implementation of futsal passing technique training during training is less varied, and the still low level of mastery of futsal passing technique during training. (2) The results of the feasibility test of experts obtained an average value of 81.11%. (3) The results of the group test using a small-sided games-based futsal passing training model on a small scale obtained an average value with a percentage of 81.4% and on a large scale obtained an average value with a percentage of 84.53%. (4) The results of the effectiveness test using the t-test in the experimental group obtained a significant value of 0.01. This means that a significant value of 0.01 <0.05 so that it can be concluded that there is a difference between the pre-test and post-test scores. The results of the effectiveness test using the t-test in the control group obtained a value of 0.925. This means that a significant value of 0.925> 0.05 so that it can be concluded that there is no difference between the pre-test and post-test scores.
Footballers' endurance based on Berlin football teams
Authors: Kalinowski Paweł , Kalinowska Katarzyna , Jerszyński Damian , Rachwalski Krzysztof , Pietranis Dariusz
Published: November 2022

Endurance is one of the most essential motor skills in the well planned training process in football. The high intensity and pace of the game force the players to be very well prepared. The increasing requirements of the game over the years direct the attention towards the oxygen mechanisms of football players.The aim of the study was to determine a relationship between the endurance tested by the Cooper test and the effectiveness of the game, determined by a modified method of competent referees.The study was inclued 90 footballers of german clubs SV Berliner Brauereien,  Berliner TSC and BSC Eintracht Südring Berlin. The results of studies conducted in Berlin in 2015-2018 were analysed.Descriptive statictics were conducted: mean (X), minimum values (min), maximum values (max) and standard deviation (SD). Normal distribution was checked and correlation coefficient were determined. The results of the study were statistically analyzed in Statistica 13,3.In the study on a bigger number of players, a statistically significant relationship was noted between the effectiveness of the game of German team players and cardio-respiratory endurance.
Physical activity during aging – role of physical activity in muscle atrophy and physical impairment during aging
Authors: Pabianek Łukasz , Żołądkiewicz Katarzyna , Brzezińska Paulina
Published: November 2022

Regular physical activity and exercise have many beneficial effects for physical and mental health in almost every population. Regular exercises may induce reduction of age-related lean body mass loss and decrease risk of bone fractures. Furthermore it has been observed that regular physical activity may reduce the risk for several chronic diseases including metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, and depression. Exercise, however, especially in elderly populations are not done very often. This is due to the lack of awareness of their beneficial effect and the lack of ideas for such type of activity. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding to role and effects of physical exercises on muscle functioning and coordination specially during aging. Before a final recommendation can be made with respect to the possible therapeutically role of physical training in aged people, there is a substantial need for further studies to be performed on this topic.
Muscle dysfunction during physical activity – muscle rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Żołądkiewicz Katarzyna , Pabianek Łukasz , Jaśkiewicz Łukasz , Brzezińska Paulina
Published: November 2022

Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of striated muscle fibers, which results in the release of muscle cell components into the peripheral circulation. Most cases of rhabdomyolysis are the result of trauma, often a consequence of seizures, alcohol and drug abuse but in some cases it is associated with very intensive physical activity. Proper understanding of muscle rhabdomyolysis can contribute to better preparation of sportsman for the intensive physical activity and to protect his body from episodes of extensive muscle breakdown and prevent their occurrence.            This article is an attempted to summarize and show medical and biochemical basics of muscle rhabdomyolysis with a special attention to the episodes that occurs during physical activity. It may help in prevention of such cases in the future and protects the body of a sportsmen.
Fundamental Motor Skills in Identifying Differences in Performance level between Students and Athletes Ages 10-12 years
Authors: Elmazi Rovena , Miftari Florian
Published: November 2022

Fundamental motor skills that are developed during childhood are considered to be the building blocks for sport-specific movement patterns and are typically the focus of physical development programs for children, to develop gross motor skills from early childhood. Specifically, it has been shown that within a sport-specific environment, fundamental motor skills can separate children with potential for sport success. This is because gross motor skills underpin the development of the more specific sport skills that will likely be required for future sport success.The study aimed to assess fundamental motor skills in identifying differences in performance levels between students and athletes aged 10-12 years living in Albania, and further examine the indicators obtained in order to study how these two groups of children compare to each other. The data gathered through this study are indispensable in revealing the level of obesity, physical and technical capacities and identifying talented athletes. 641 students coming from the primary and secondary school systems and 410 athletes were subjected to standard anthropometric measurements (weight/height/BMI), standard physical fitness tests (push-up, abdominal press high jump, long jump, horizontal stretch, 30m dash, shuttle run 112 m) and technical measurements (Bridling, passing boll, Moving in defence and shooting) Based on BMI standards for students and athletes of this age group, it can be observed that athletes demonstrate a growth in body mass, even the physical fitness and technical indicators tested  speak for a bigger development of athletes . Therefore, testing procedures should be expanded from only subjective measures of players’ abilities and objective tests of specific conditioning capacities to the objective assessments of technical capacities connected to the motor skills of individuals. This could then be used to select children at an age when the goal is to identify those talented in basketball.
A prominent footballer as a role model for young athletes
Authors: Kalinowski Paweł , Kluj Oskar , Jerszyński Damian
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study is to illustrate the need for personal role models for young athletes on the example of the Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo. Currently, the requirements of young football adepts are constantly growing. Football is booming and evolving very quickly. The players exceed the limits of their own field and intellectual abilities. Along with this, the awareness of players increases. And hence the need for individual development increases as well. Coping with the difficulties that arise on the path of a young athlete becomes the norm. Sports authorities play an important role in the training process. Nowadays, young people look for authorities among the most prominent athletes. One example of such prominent athletes is the Portuguese footbal player Cristiano Ronaldo, who is characterized by an exceptional attitude to training and an exemplary pursuit of his own sports career. The example of a great footballer shows the way full of sacrifices, which is necessary to achieve high sports results in the international arena. The work will present an attempt to refer to role models in sport on the example of the excellent player and illustrating young players who pursue a specific goal that achieving specific results often involves overcoming many obstacles.
A game without penalty: Purchasing a professional club, a rational crime?
Authors: Carin Yann , Terrien Mickael
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to advance a new strategic explanation for the detention of a professional football club based on criminal motivations. Despite recurring deficits, most of the French professional football teams have changed owner over the last years (22 of 40 since 2010).  It is therefore difficult at first sight to understand why investors are attracted to this industry. Beyond the internal / external distinction, this article advances a new explanation based on economics of crime. Semi-structured interviews were performed and primary data was analyzed to explain that purchasing a professional football club for criminal ends would be rational. The removal of the Third Party Ownership may explain some of this phenomenon. Results also suggest that the football industry is a criminogenic market. From this, it was possible to derive consequences of the potential criminal behavior of the new investors and managerial recommendations to fight against this existing situation.
Digital Transformation and Strategic Sponsorship: The Case of BBVA
Authors: Santomier, Jr. James , Söderman Sten , Kunz Reinhard
Published: November 2022

The overall purpose of this paper is to describe and explain the strategic sponsorship program of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) and, specifically, the partnership of its U.S. subsidiary, BBVA Compass (BBVAC), with the American National Basketball Association (NBA) using a case study method. This paper demonstrates how BBVA, initially through the transformational leadership of former BBVA Group Executive Chairman Francisco González, has leveraged digital transformation and strategic sponsorship to increase its brand equity and revenue. BBVA’s effective sponsorship strategy represents an innovative, agile, and digitally focused model for marketing executives and sport marketers considering a long-term investment in strategic sponsorship. By developing digital assets, leveraging a client-focused business model, and partnering with sport enterprises, BBVA has increased its brand equity and emerged as a leading global financial institution with offices in over 30 countries. BBVAC’s strategic sport and cultural sponsorships, especially its partnership with the NBA from 2010 to 2016, are synergistic with its digital initiatives. This research and its practical implications should enable sport business and marketing professionals to understand the implications of the digital transformation of enterprises for strategic sport sponsorship and provide alternative methods to engage consumers and enhance integrated marketing communications. This case study also should provide insight and direction for further digital transformation and sport management research.
The relationship between coach-created motivational climate and athletes’ challenge and threat perceptions
Authors: Aydın Muharrem , Sarı İhsan
Published: November 2022

The aim of this research was to examine the relationship between coach-created motivational climate and athletes’ perception of challenge and threat states. For this purpose, 257 athletes from individual and team sports between the ages of 13-18 voluntarily participated in the research. Challenge and Threat in Sport (CAT-Sport) Scale, and Empowering and Disempowering Motivational Climate Questionnaire were used as the data collection tools. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were conducted in SPSS 17. Pearson correlation analysis showed that challenge was positively and significantly correlated with empowering motivational climate along with its sub-dimensions. Also, threat positively and significantly correlated with disempowering motivational climate and its sub-dimensions. Regression analysis, after controlling for age, gender, sport type, sport experience, number of weekly training and weekly training hours, revealed that empowering motivational climate positively and significantly predicted challenge and disempowering motivational climate positively and significantly predicted threat. In the subscale level, task-involving and autonomy-supportive motivational climates positively and significantly predicted challenge and controlling motivational climate positively and significantly predicted threat. The findings emphasized the importance of the coach-created motivational climate for athletes challenge and threat in youth sports. The findings were discussed in line with the relevant literature and some suggestions for coaches were provided.
Sports indicators affecting the brand
Authors: Kiani Mohammad Saeid , Nazari Leila
Published: November 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to present a model of sport indicators affecting the brand of the country.
Methodology: This is a correlational study and the statistical population of this study is PhD students in sports in Iran (N = 400). Based on Morgan's table, 144 Individuals were selected by random method. In order to achieve the research goals, a comprehensive list of sports indicators was prepared and adjusted and a researcher - made questionnaire was developed. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by 15 sports management professors and their reliability was in a preliminary study with 30 subjects and Cronbach's alpha was calculated to be 0.909 . Descriptive and inferential statistical methods such as exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis were used to analyze the data using  SPSS  and  LISREL  software.
Results: The results showed that the main variables have eight general dimensions of sport tourism, sport diplomacy, sports investment, sporting-cultural, sports exports, sports people-sports, sports achievements and media sports, and has a total of 50 indicators.
Conclusion:According to the results of the research and the identified indicators, the proposed model is a suitable theoretical model for sport indicators affecting the brand of the country.
Effect of 8 weeks CrossFit exercises on high school students during a physical fitness program
Authors: Mime Mokhtar , Hamzaoui Hakim , Benchehida Abdelkader , Cherara Lalia
Published: November 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of CrossFit exercises over a period of 8 weeks in a group of high school students during their physical education sessions at the school. and to mitigate the deficits in fitness caused by COVID-19 prevention measures.

Material and methods: 94 students subject aged (16– 17) years were randomly allocated into an included 46 students (2nd level:12 men 11 women; 3rd level: 12 men 11 women)  and 1 control group included 48 students (2nd level:13 men 11 women; 3rd level: 13 men 12 women Experimental group (EG) that performed the 8 weeks CrossFit exercises and control group (CG). Physical fitness tests were done: lifting straight legs in height (number times); running on the spot with an intensity of 70% of the maximum to severe fatigue (c); "Shuttle" run 4 × 9 m (with); 60 m run (s) and cross twine (cm). Results: there are considering changes, development of the maximum dynamic force endurance, speed abilities, flexibility and mobility in the hip joints of the main groups, In the age aspect, there is mainly the improvement in results with age, both in the main and control groups (p>0,05). Conclusion: the study achieved a significant improvement in the physical condition of the students, also allows to talk about the effectiveness of training, built on the basis of a motivated choice of the target CrossFit high school program.
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on German golf – a comparison between club-owned and commercial golf clubs
Authors: Huth Christopher , Billion Frank
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic turned the international sports world upside down almost overnight. Both professional and popular sports are suffering from the pandemic in equal measure. Sports clubs, which have to bear high fixed costs, are particularly affected. This also includes golf clubs. A primary empirical survey of German golf clubs shows that although the short term – during the lockdown – economic consequences were severe, especially for commercial golf clubs, the 2020 season can be considered successful. This could be an increased interest in exercise in nature and higher health awareness among the population. It is now crucial that golf clubs and associations focus even more intensely on nature (experiences) and health and develop them strategically.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Foreign Students Stranded from Chinese Universities
Authors: Abbas Safdar , Tan Qinyi , Safdar Aamna , Teng Luyan
Published: November 2022

The study aims to inspect the influence of the pandemic of COVID-19 on the mental health of both undergraduate and postgraduate students, who have been stranded from Chinese universities. The study used the online questionnaire, which was comprised of three scales. These are self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), the self-rating depression scale (SDS), and the scale for social avoidance and distress (SAD). A total of 159 undergraduates and 153 postgraduate students have participated in this study and it comprises both males and females. For exploring the impact of the Covid-19 on the mental health of the students, who have been stranded from Chinese universities, the study has made the use of the independent sample t-test and analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). The findings show that Mental health of students stranded from universities negatively affected due to high level of anxiety, depression, and social anxiety due to pandemic. However, the level of anxiety, depression, and social anxiety has reduced to some extent as compare to earlier studies after the emergence of pandemic of COVID-19. The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected females more than males and the postgraduate students have a lower level of depression as compared to the undergraduate students because they have shown a higher level of mean and standard deviation values. Moreover, the depression level was high among the students of Natural and Applied sciences. The results also confirm that the level of anxiety, depression, and social anxiety was high in the young students as compared to the mature ones. Then, the level of anxiety and social anxiety was high in the students, who could not resume their classes and degrees. The findings of this study suggest that the mental health o undergraduate and postgraduate students should be carefully monitored after the pandemic of COVID-19 because it has left a deep mark on their mental health. Furthermore, it also calls for proper psychological counseling for addressing the issues of depression and anxiety in them.
Psychological training in sports
Authors: Ramesberger Reinhold
Published: November 2022

The primary task of a coach in competitive sports is the support and guidance of athletes in their development to achieve the individual top level of performance. Therefore, coaches should acquire a working knowledge of all areas affiliated with performance enhancement. Psychological training is one pillar a today´s coach should be familiar with. This article illustrates some components with psychological background knowledge for consideration when applying psychological training. It is imperative for coaches to gain a familiarity with this often neglected facet of training in order to provide support and guidance for athletes on their way to achieve peak performance in competitions along their sports career. With this article science meets real life experience and thus it enhances the body of knowledge for coaches for new thoughts to train elite athletes.
Phytoadaptogen reverses the adverse effects of Naftussya bioactive water on dynamic muscle performance in healthy rats
Authors: Fihura Oksana , Ruzhylo Sofiya , Zakalyak Nataliya
Published: November 2022

Background.. Muscular performance is considered one of the attributes of health and non-specific resistance. Phytoadaptogens occupy an important place in the arsenal of means of increasing non-specific resistance and stress resistance. Many years of research of the Truskavetsian Scientific School of Balneology have demonstrated the adaptogenic properties of the main therapeutic factor of the resort, Naftussya bioactive water, as well as ozokerite and mineral baths. However, in contrast to the beneficial effect of the latter on stress resistance and the neuro-endocrine-immune complex, the effect on the physical performance is ambiguous. The purpose of this study is to test the ability of phytocomposition to prevent the adverse actotropic effect of Naftussya bioactive water at rats. Material and methods. The experimentt have been carried out at 42 female rats. Rats of the control group for 7 days loaded through a tube with tap daily water (2 mL once), while the animals of the other groups received according to a similar scheme daily water with the addition of 0,1 mL of Balm; bioactive Naftussya water per se or with the addition of 0,1 mL of Balm. The day after completion the course of water loads in the animal determined the urinary excretion of 17-ketosteroids, assessed the mineralocorticoid activity (MCA) by the urine K/Na ratio as well as the state of neutrophil phagocytosis by the number of absorbed latex particles. Results. It was found that the weekly use of Naftyssya bioactive water reduces the duration of swimming of rats to exhaustion by 30% compared to the daily water control. Addition of phytoadaptogen to Naftyssya softens its negative actotropic effect by up to -9%, and adding Balsam to daily water prolongs the maximum duration of swimming compared to the control by 11%. A positive correlation of the swimming test with 17-KS excretion and water diuresis was revealed, but a negative correlation with MCA, spontaneous diuresis and neutrophils phagocytosis. Conclusion. Phytoadaptogen reverses the adverse effects of Naftussya bioactive water on dynamic muscle performance in healthy rats by mitigating the decrease in the excretion of 17-ketosteroids and increased mineralocorticoid activity.
The Big Five personality traits and theory of planned behavior in physical education students
Authors: Li Yun , Ruzicka Michal
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to test the correlation between the Big Five personality traits and the theory of planned behavior in Chinese physical education students.

Design/methodology/approach: This is a cross sectional study which used the Big Five Inventory-44 and the Physical Educator’s Intention Toward Teaching Individuals with Disabilities III. Using a large number of randomly selected samples, a total of N =2305 physical education students (782 females and 1523 males, M age = 20.12, SD = 1.47) were purposely selected from 10 normal or comprehensive universities located in Eastern, Central and Western China.

Findings: Our findings showed that the big five personality traits and theory of planned behavior are closely linked in physical education students. Future intervention experiments can focus on the impact of the big five personality traits on the TPB, to improve the mental health and academic performance of physical education students.

Research and practical limitations/implications: First, the research method of this study is single, and subsequent studies can add mediator or moderator variables. Second, because this study is a cross-sectional study, it fails to explore the causal relationship between the Big Five personality traits and the various dimensions of the planned behavior theory of physical education for normal students.

Originality/value: This study explored the relationship of the Big Five personality traits with intention, attitude toward the behavior, and subjective norms of physical education students, within the theory of planned behavior. It suggests ways for educators, counselors, and coaches to promote the physical and mental development of physical education students.