bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The non-profit sector during the spread of the new coronavirus infection: restrictions and mechanisms to overcome them
Authors: Kosygina Ksenia E.
Published: August 2021

Subject. The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for the healthcare system, people's daily lives, and organisations, which have faced new risks and restrictions affecting their stability and further development. The study examines the state of Russian non-profit sector organisations during the spread of the new coronavirus infection. Objectives. The article provides a description of restrictions for the development of non-profit sector organisations and various mechanisms to overcome them in the context of numerous restrictions introduced as a result of the spread of the new coronavirus infection. Materials and methods. The information base for the study included statistical data, analytical and reporting documents of non-governmental and governmental institutions, and the results of the studies on the subject obtained by Russian and international researchers. The following methods were used: secondary analysis of sociological surveys; content analysis of official documents; systematisation and generalisation of the data. Conclusions. The analysis showed that during the coronavirus pandemic Russian non-profit organisations as well as other economic entities faced a lot of challenges. The main restrictions for the sector were determined. They included financial and organisational restrictions. The measures of state support for non-profit organisations were framed into a unified organisational and economic mechanism and individual quantitative indicators were analysed: preferential loans, subsidies for activities to prevent the coronavirus infection, exemption from advance payments and insurance fees, the results of a special unscheduled contest of the Presidential Grants Fund for the Development of Civil Society. The analysis of quantitative indicators revealed that there is a demand for governmental anti-crisis measures among non-profit sector organisations. It was found that together with governmental measures aimed at overcoming the difficulties associated with the restrictive measures, a private organisational and economic mechanism was established to support non-profit organisations at the expense of business resources, which was studied by the authors based on the example of charitable funds. In conclusion, it was noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has enhanced the development of inter-sector cooperation aimed to solve common problems. Reliance on consolidation and partnership in difficult economic conditions will allow non-profit organisations to expand and select the most appropriate ways to support their activities.
STRATEGIES OF THE UNIVERSITIES IN MANAGING THE INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL WITHIN THE SMART CITY CONCEPT: NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Zagulova D. , Popova Y.
Published: August 2021

Smart City is the basic concept of urban development; it is based on technological solutions and intellectual capital. The universities are the principal structures developing the intellectual capital in the modern society. They often have the necessary technologies, but there is a significant gap between the existing solutions at the universities and their implementation in smart city. The origin of this problem is in the improper procedure of transferring these solutions from university to the city, business, state. The goal of this research is to present the existing possibilities of the universities in creating, developing, transferring and implementing the intellectual capital for the development of smart city. There presented the models of intellectual capital, intellectual capital is considered as an intellectual asset and its management is considered in accordance with the different types of the university. This procedure becomes possible due to the proper narrative literature review. Therefore, the described methodology of the literature review, integrating the various options of writing the systematic and the narrative reviews, is of special value.
Profil Peran Orang Tua dan Guru dalam Penyiapan Masa Transisi Anak ke Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Pagarwati Lia Dwi Ayu , Prasojo Lantip Diat , Sugito Sugito , Rohman Arif
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to describe the role of teachers (SD and TK) and parents in preparing for the transition period of children to elementary school in Kecamatan Air Sugihan. This research uses descriptive quantitative research with a survei method. Respondents in this study were 7 first grade elementary school teachers, 11 kindergarten teachers, and 89 parents of students. The study results indicate that child development is not optimal and environmental changes are the main problems in the transition period of children so that the roles of teachers (SD and TK) and parents play an essential role in the transition period of children to produce optimal school readiness. This role is in the form of responsibility for children's school readiness, as a motivator for children, as a role model, as a supervisor and as a place to ask children so that all the needs of children's school readiness are met. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menggambarkan peran guru (SD dan TK) dan orangtua dalam penyiapan masa transisi anak ke sekolah dasar di kecamatan Air Sugihan. Penelitian menggunakan penelitian kuantitatif deskriptif dengan metode survei. Responden dalam penelitian ini 7 orang guru kelas I SD, 11 orang guru TK, dan 89 orangtua siswa. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perkembangan anak yang belum optimal dan perubahan lingkungan merupakan masalah utama dalam masa transisi anak sehingga peran guru (SD dan TK) dan orangtua sangat berperan penting dalam hal masa transisi anak agar menghasilkan kesiapan bersekolah yang optimal. Peran tersebut berupa tanggung jawab terhadap kesiapan sekolah anak, motivator bagi anak, sebagai panutan, sebagai pengawas dan sebagai tempat bertanya anak sehingga semua kebutuhan dalam kesiapan sekolah anak terpenuhi.
Analisis Terhadap Faktor Penyebab dan Perlindungan Tindak Pidana Perkosaan Terhadap Anak Penyandang Disabilitas
Authors: Al Fiqry Andi Aziz , Widowaty Yeni
Published: August 2021

Perkosaan khususnya yang dialami oleh anak penyandang disabilitas masih terjadi di Indonesia sehingga perlu dikaji apa saja faktor yang menyebabkan terjadinya tindak pidana tersebut. Perlindungan hukum terhadap anak disabilitas sebagai korban tindak pidana perkosaan memerlukan kajian lebih dalam dikarenakan kasus terhadap anak disabilitas yang mengalami perkosaan di Indonesia masih saja terjadi, padahal perlindungan hukum terhadap anak telah diatur dalam Undang-Undang No. 35 Tahun 2014 dan terkhusus untuk Anak penyandang disabilitas terdapat dalam Undang-Undang No. 8 Tahun 2016. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian normatif. Teknik pengumpulan bahan hukum akan menggunakan metode studi kepustakaan dan wawancara narasumber. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui faktor terjadinya perkosaan terhadap anak disabilitas dan bagaimana bentuk perlindundungan hukumnya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa faktor terjadinya perkosaan terhadap anak disabilitas dibagi dua macam, faktor internal seperti kurangnya perhatian dari keluarga dan faktor eksternal seperti kurangnya moral dari masyrakat saat ini. Lalu perlindungan hukum terhadap anak disabilitas sebagai korban tindak pidana perkosaan diperlukan tambahan khusus diantaranya menghadirkan pihak yang berkompeten dilihat dari jenis disabilitas yang dialami oleh korban.
denominación de origen como estrategia de posicionamiento de marca del queso de capa del municipio de Mompox
Authors: Vargas Prieto Amanda
Published: August 2021

El municipio de Mompox, ubicado en el departamento de Bolívar, es un lugar con creciente turismo histórico y religioso. El queso de capas es uno de los productos autóctonos del lugar, se fabrica de manera artesanal en los patios de las casas de quienes lo producen. Por esto, la materia prima está expuesta a cualquier tipo de contaminación presente en el ambiente, ya que no existen los controles de salubridad necesarios. Además, el proceso tampoco está estandarizado y no cuenta con la trazabilidad necesaria para garantizar la calidad del producto. Esto es un impedimento para lograr que el producto sea reconocido y comercializado fuera de la zona. En este escenario, esta investigación busca determinar de qué manera la propiedad industrial puede lograr el posicionamiento del queso de capa de Mompox, a través de una metodología mixta y un método de estudio de caso múltiple, donde se utilizaron tres técnicas de recolección de datos: encuestas, entrevistas y observación. Los resultados permiten identificar el potencial del queso de capas de  Mompox para ser protegido a través de la denominación de origen. Para lograr este sello se dan recomendaciones de optimización del proceso productivo y mejoras de calidad específicas.
The 2021 Texas Blackouts: Causes, Consequences, and Cures
Authors: Popik Thomas , Humphreys Richard
Published: August 2021

In February 2021, rolling blackouts in Texas during Winter Storm Uri demonstrated the vulnerability of the State's electric grid managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). This article examines the technical causes of the ERCOT blackouts, financial and human consequences, and policy changes that could prevent recurrences. ERCOT planned for a winter load peak far below actual electricity demand. Further electricity shortfalls were caused by generation plants with varied energy sources becoming unavailable—natural‐gas fired, coal‐fired, nuclear, wind, and solar. Prior blackouts during a 2011 period of cold weather had shown the need for better resource planning and plant weatherization, but advance preparation was inadequate. The system of compensating generators in ERCOT was market‐based with a $9,000 per megawatt hour cap on wholesale electricity rates—a so‐called “Energy‐Only market.” This regulatory system did not provide adequate incentives for generation plants to be operational during extreme weather, nor did it ensure that natural gas suppliers could deliver fuel to generators. Texas is well‐situated for a return to the cost‐of‐service regulatory model; the State Legislature should consider this policy option.
Algorithms of multidimensional random process simulation
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Syuzev V.V. , Smirnova E.V. ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Proletarsky A.V. ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University
Published: August 2021

The article discusses two approaches to modeling signals and processes: the method of filter construction and the trigonometric method. It is shown that the later approach is more promising, since an increase in the signal/process representation dimension mathematically means adding a term to the basis function formula, which gives access to fast simulation algorithms. Examples of algorithms for multidimensional simulation of random processes using two methods are given and a software system that implements these algorithms is described. The results provided by the software system will allow you to predict characteristics of engineering projects (accuracy and speed of modeling algorithms). Due to the high relevance of and need for fundamental research of methods and algorithms for digital transformation of the component base, the digitalization of all aspects of activity, including the synthesis of new materials, the development of new methods for designing micro- and nano-systems, the article aims to expand the scope of the spectral method of simulating multidimensional processes using original algorithmic complexes.
Mathematical simulation of a 3D scanner for controlling the mirror system of the Millimetron Observatory
Authors:   Technological Design Institute of Scientific Instrument Engineering, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Makarov S.N. , Verhoglyad A.G. ,   Technological Design Institute of Scientific Instrument Engineering, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Stupak M.F. ,   Technological Design Institute of Scientific Instrument Engineering, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ovchinnikov D.A. ,   "ISS by M.F. Reshetnev", Oberemok J.A. ,   "ISS by M.F. Reshetnev"
Published: August 2021

We develop an original system for controlling the mirror geometry of the Millimetron observatory as a part of the on-board scientific equipment. The system is designed to monitor the quality of the space telescope's mirror system and use the data received as feedback signals for presetting and adjusting the telescope's optical system in outer space. The system aims to determine a multi-dimensional vector of unknown parameters that define the state of the telescope's mirror system by indirect measurements of the telescope with a 3D scanner. An unparalleled mathematical model has been created, numerically describing a process of pre-measurement of the mirror system of the Millimetron Observatory using optical control marks on the surface of the mirror system. Using the mathematical model created and the geometric optics approximation, we numerically simulate the performance of the on-board 3D scanner in the course of preliminary measurements of the mirror system of the Millimetron Observatory using optical control marks applied on the mirror surfaces. A new effective method of pre-estimation of the displacement of elements of the AP telescope by indirect (implicit) measurements performed with the 3D scanner has been created. The method is based on the mathematical transformation of indirect measurements of deviations of the position of the telescope's mirror control marks from their reference position, which provides an easy-to-use list of estimates of the offsets of the unknown parameters of the mirror system elements. A possibility to measure the telescope's mirror system with the aim to pre-configure it using a 3D scanner on board the spacecraft is shown. Estimates of acceptable deviations of the mirror system component needed to ensure the telescope's functionality are given.
Strategies for generating panoramic video images without information about scene correspondences for multispectral distributed aperture systems
Authors:   Ryazan State Radio Engineering University named after V.F. Utkin, Kudinov I.A. , Nikiforov M.B. ,   Ryazan State Radio Engineering University named after V.F. Utkin, Kholopov I.S. ,   Ryazan State Radio Engineering University named after V.F. Utkin
Published: August 2021

We derive analytical expressions for calculating the number of elementary computational operations required to generate several personal regions of interest in a panoramic computer-vision distributed-aperture system using two alternative strategies: strategy 1 involves acquisition of a complete panoramic frame, followed by the selection of personal regions of interest, while with strategy 2 the region of interest is directly formed for each user. The parameters of analytical expressions include the number of cameras in the distributed system, the number of users, and the resolution of panorama and user frames. The formulas obtained for the given parameters make it possible to determine a strategy that would be optimal in terms of a criterion of the minimum number of elementary computational operations for generating multiple personal regions of interest. The region of interest is generated using only a priori information about the internal and external camera parameters, obtained as a result of their photogrammetric calibration with a universal test object, and does not take into account information about scene correspondences at the boundaries of intersecting fields of view.
One-shot learning with triplet loss for vegetation classification tasks
Authors:   Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Uzhinskiy A.V. ,   Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Ososkov G.A. ,   Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Goncharov P.V. ,   Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Nechaevskiy A.V. ,   Joint Institute for Nuclear Research,   Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy, Smetanin A.A. ,   National Research University ITMO
Published: August 2021

Triplet loss function is one of the options that can significantly improve the accuracy of the One-shot Learning tasks. Starting from 2015, many projects use Siamese networks and this kind of loss for face recognition and object classification. In our research, we focused on two tasks related to vegetation. The first one is plant disease detection on 25 classes of five crops (grape, cotton, wheat, cucumbers, and corn). This task is motivated because harvest losses due to diseases is a serious problem for both large farming structures and rural families. The second task is the identification of moss species (5 classes). Mosses are natural bioaccumulators of pollutants; therefore, they are used in environmental monitoring programs. The identification of moss species is an important step in the sample preprocessing. In both tasks, we used self-collected image databases. We tried several deep learning architectures and approaches. Our Siamese network architecture with a triplet loss function and MobileNetV2 as a base network showed the most impressive results in both above-mentioned tasks. The average accuracy for plant disease detection amounted to over 97.8% and 97.6% for moss species classification.
Optical beams with an infinite number of vortices
Authors:   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS, Kotlyar V.V. ,   Samara National Research University
Published: August 2021

In optical data transmission with using vortex laser beams, data can be encoded by the topo-logical charge, which is theoretically unlimited. However, the topological charge of a single sepa-rate vortex is limited by possibilities of its generating. Therefore, in this work, we analyze light beams with an unbounded (countable) set of optical vortices. The summary topological charge of such beams is infinite. Phase singularities (isolated intensity nulls) in such beams typically have a unit topological charge and reside equidistantly (or not equidistantly) on a straight line in the beam cross section. Such beams are form-invariant and, on propagation in space, change only in scale and rotate. Orbital angular momentum of such multivortex beams is finite, since only a finite number of optical vortices fall into the area, where the Gaussian beam has a notable intensity. Other phase singularities are located in the periphery (and at the infinity), where the intensity is almost zero.
Extended set of superpixel features
Authors:   Samara National Research University, Egorova A.A. , Sergeyev V.V. ,   Samara National Research University,   IPSI RAS – Branch of the FSRC “Crystallography and Photonics” RAS
Published: August 2021

Superpixel-based image processing and analysis methods usually use a small set of superpixel features. Expanding the description of superpixels can improve the quality of processing algorithms. In the paper, a set of 25 basic superpixel features of shape, intensity, geometry, and location is proposed. The features meet the requirements of low computational complexity in the process of image superpixel segmentation and sufficiency for solving a wide class of application tasks. Applying the set, we present a modification of the well-known approach to the superpixel generation. It consists of fast primary superpixel segmentation of the image with a strict homogeneity predicate, which provides superpixels preserving the intensity information of the original image with high accuracy, and the subsequent enlargement of the superpixels with softer homogeneity predicates. The experiments show that the approach can significantly reduce the number of image elements, which helps to reduce the complexity of processing algorithms, meanwhile the expanded superpixels more accurately correspond to the image objects.
Structural stability of spiral beams and fine structure of an energy flow
Authors:   Physics and Technology Institute (Academic Unit) of V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Volyar A.V. , Abramochkin E.G. ,   Lebedev Physical Institute, Razueva E.V. ,   Lebedev Physical Institute, Akimova Ya.E. ,   Physics and Technology Institute (Academic Unit) of V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Bretsko M.V. ,   Physics and Technology Institute (Academic Unit) of V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University
Published: August 2021

The problem of structural stability of wave systems with great numbers of degrees of freedom directly concerns the issue of redistribution of energy fluxes in structured vortex beams that ensure their stability under propagating and focusing. A special place in this variety is occupied by spiral vortex beams capable of mapping complex figures, letters and even words. Spiral beams contain an infinite set of Laguerre-Gauss beams with a strong sequence of topological charges and radial numbers, their amplitudes and phases are tightly matched. Therefore, the problem of structural stability plays a special role for their applications. Using a combination of theory and computer simulation, supported by experiment, we ana-lyzed the structure of critical points in energy flows for two main types of spiral beams: triangular beams with zero radial number and triangular beams with complex framing of their faces with both quantum numbers. Structural stability is provided by triads of critical points, both inside and outside the triangle, which direct the light flux along the triangular generatrix and hold the framing when rotating the beam. The experiment showed that a simple triangular spiral beam turns out to be stable even with small alignment inaccuracies, whereas a complex triangular beam with a fram-ing requires careful alignment
Using Augmented Reality to Enhance Medical Education in Heart Diseases: Action Design Research
Authors: Alahmadi Dimah , Bitar Hind , ALsaadi Hana , Boker Lamees , Alghamdi Linah
Published: August 2021

Augmented reality (AR) is one of the leading communication technologies being investigated and applied in several contexts. Medical training and health education are two of the fields pioneering the innovation of AR to improve the quality of medical outcomes. In this action design research (ADR), we developed an android mobile application called “CardioSim” for medical educational simulation that helps students enhance and improve their understanding and learning process. Functions are implemented to explain specific scenarios of heart failure disease and the symptoms associated with this disease, in addition to the sounds of different heartbeats and models of heart anatomy. CardioSim’s usability has been evaluated by 10 experts from the simulation centre using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and the results were acceptable.
Effect of Biochanin A on Serum Nesfatin-1 Level in STZ Induced Type 1 Diabetic Rat
Authors: Eskandari Mehrabadi Maryam , Salemi Zahra , Eskandari Mehrabadi Farshad
Published: August 2021

recognized as a regulatory peptide, which can increase insulin sensitivity and affect glucose metabolism. In this study, effects of BCA, on serum nesfatin-1 level were examined in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. We randomly divided 30 male Wistar rats into 2 control (6 rats per group) and 3 diabetic groups. Type I diabetes was induced using STZ (55 mg/kg bw) injection. Group 1 received 0.5% DMSO; while group 2 received 10 mg/kg body weight of BCA; group 3 (diabetic controls) received 0.5% DMSO; group 4, 10 mg/kg of BCA; and group 5, 15 mg/kg of BCA. The levels of serum insulin, nesfatin-1, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were determined after 42 days. The serum insulin level increased; while FBG level significantly decreased in the BCA treatment groups. Both treatment groups had increased nesfatin-1 levels in comparison with the control groups; however, the difference was only significant in group 5 (p value < 0.05). Considering insulin and nesfatin-1 induction, BCA has potential hypoglycemic effects. Oral administration of 15 mg/kg BW of BCA showed greater efficacy than 10 mg/kg bw of BCA.
Beneficial Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic Effects of Aerial Branches and Roots Extract of Eryngium caeruleum M. Bieb on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Model in Rats
Authors: Sardarbandeh Aryaneh , Delnavazi Mohammad Reza , Sharifzadeh Mohammad , Sharifzadeh Mohammad , Ghajarieh Sepanlou Masoumeh , Tamiji Zahra , Sadati Lamardi Seyede Nargess
Published: August 2021

Eryngium caeruleum (Apiacea) is native to the northern forests of Iran. The anti-diabetic effect of other species of the genus Eryngium has already been reported in previous studies. In this study, the anti-diabetic effect of this extract on animal blood lipid factors was investigated. Hydroalcoholic extract was obtained from different parts of the plant, including roots, leaves, and aerial branches with fruits were prepared by maceration with 70% ethanol. Oral acute toxicity of the extracts was assayed in different doses of 2000, 4000, and 8000 mg/kg in rats. To induce diabetes in the studied animals, 60-70 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) was injected intraperitoneally (IP). For the purpose of this study, 72 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into different groups of normal, diabetic, and positive controls (metformin 500 mg/kg) as well as 9 diabetic groups that orally received 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of extracts. The effects of the treatment with extracts for a 14-day period were investigated on weight, blood glucose, and lipid profile. By comparing the control groups with the groups of hydroalcoholic extracts of E. caeruleum showed that the most effective sample on weight gain and also on reducing blood glucose was the group receiving 800 mg/kg of the aerial branches extract (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) after 14 days. As well, the most effective sample on lowering the blood lipid factors was the hydroalcoholic extract of the root of E. coareleum with a dose of 200 mg/kg, which showed a significant effect on lowering total cholesterol in diabetic rats compared to the diabetic controls (P < 0.05). Hydroalcoholic extract of leaves with 200 mg/kg also showed a better effect on lowering the LDL and VLDL levels compared to the diabetic control group (P < 0.001). The results of pancreatic histology in the samples showed that the extracts of the aerial branch and root (800 mg/kg) had significant effects on the regeneration of the islets of Langerhans compared to the diabetic control group. In conclusion, E. caeruleum could significantly improve glycemic and lipid profiles in diabetic rats.
Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis Inducing Effects of Some Lathyrane and Tigliane Diterpenes against Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Maleki Melika , Yazdiniapour Zeinab , Ghanadian Mustafa , Zolfaghari Behzad , Rabbani Faezeh , Shafiee Fatemeh
Published: August 2021

Natural compounds and especially herbal medicine are of great interest due to their various biological effects and their potential to act as a drug for the treatment of various neoplasms especially breast cancer that we are facing with its increasing prevalence around the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and cell death mechanism of some diterpenoids (Lathyrane or Tigliane) extracted from the Euphorbia sogdiana Popov against two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and 4T1. Determination the cytotoxic effects of four various diterpenoids was performed using MTT assay against MCF-7, 4T1, and HUVEC cell lines. The IC50 of each compound against cell lines was determined by drawing the dose-response graph using graph Pad prism software. Finally, the apoptotic effects of compound with the most cytotoxic effects was determined by flow cytometry assay for 24 hrs of incubation in IC50 concentration. Statistical analysis confirmed compound (3) with the most cytotoxicity against both cancer cell lines. The IC50 of compound (3) was determined as 10.1 ± 5, 28 ± 5, and 50 ± 3 µg/ml, for MCF-7, 4T1, and HUVEC cells, respectively. Furthermore, the cells treated with 5 and 10 μg/ml of compound (3) for 24 hrs, showed 49 and 57% of apoptosis. These surveyed compounds have the potential to be considered as useful anti-breast cancer agents due to the great cytotoxicity and apoptotic effects against related cancer cell lines and safety profile according to their rational selectivity index.
Toxic Effects of Unripe Carica papaya (Linn) Fruit Extract on Healthy Rat Liver Mitochondria
Authors: Oyebode Olubukola T. , O. Olowofolahan Adeola , Olorunsogo Olufunso O.
Published: August 2021

The opening of the mitochondrial Permeability Transition (mPT) pore proceeds the activation of programmed cell death (apoptosis) and its functional status serves as marker of mitochondrial health. Unripe fruits of Carica papaya are used in the traditional treatment of several diseases. There is paucity of information on the level of safety of the consumption of the plant. The effects of crude Methanol Extract of Carica papaya (MECP) on the status of the mPT pore in healthy rat liver was investigated in this study. Mitochondrial FOF1 ATPase activity, mitochondrial permeability transition and mitochondrial lipid peroxidation as well as the release of cytochrome c were evaluated spectrophotometrically using standard methods. The MECP activated mPT pore opening in the absence of calcium in a concentration-dependent fashion.  Specifically, induction folds of 3.1, 6.0, 9.1, 11.9 and 14.3 were recorded at 20, 60,100, 140and 180 µg/ml, respectively. In addition, MECP potentiated calcium-induced pore opening of the mPT pore in a concentration-dependent style by   22.5, 24.1, 25.0, 25.1 and 25.5 folds, respectively at 20, 60, 100, 140 and 180 µg/mL. Furthermore, mitochondrial ATPase activity was significantly (p < 0.001) stimulated at pH (7.4) while the extent of cytochrome c release increased by 5 and 7 folds respectively at the highest concentrations tested. Interestingly, Fe2+-induced mitochondrial lipid peroxidation was inhibited by varying concentrations of MECP.  Specifically, significant (p < 0.001) reduction in levels of mitochondrial lipid peroxides were observed at 50, 100, 200, 300, 600 µg/ml MECP by 10, 22, 53, 74, 112 %, respectively. These findings indicate that unripe Carica papaya fruit extract contains bioactive compounds that cause mitochondrial injury via activation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in healthy liver cells. Hence, its use in the management of diseases should be approached with caution.
Protective Effects of Myrtus communis Linn Fruit and Leaf Extracts on Isoproterenol-Induced Heart Failure in Rat
Authors: Aboutaleb Nahid , Hashem-Dabaghian Fataneh , Elahian Boroujeni Azinmehr , Shojaii Asie
Published: August 2021

Myrtus communis Linn. (MC) is a cardiotonic plant in traditional Persian medicine. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of MC on isoproterenol-induced heart failure (HF) in rats. Isoproterenol was injected subcutaneously in all groups except the control group for 4 consecutive days to induce myocardial injury in male Wistar rats. In the case of treatment groups, the animals were treated with different doses of the hydro-alcoholic extract of MC fruit or leaves (150, 300, and 700 mg/kg), and were compared with healthy and HF rats. In order to evaluate cardiac function, echocardiography was performed on day 28 after treatment. MC fruit and leaf extracts were administered to all groups except the healthy control group for 28 days by gavage. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and the left ventricle regions of tissue hearts were collected to measure the levels of oxidative stress factors (MDA, SOD, GSH) using ELISA methods. Cardiac fibrosis was evaluated by Mason’s trichrome staining. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess histopathological changes in cardiac structure.  Our results showed that administration of MC fruit and leaf extracts significantly reduced the MDA level and increased SOD and GSH levels in treated HF rats compared to the HF group (P<0.05). In addition, MC mitigated fibrosis and improved cardiac histological changes compared to the HF group. Collectively, our findings show that MC can be considered as a good candidate to provide cardioprotective effects in HF rats through reduction of oxidative stress and myocardial fibrosis.
Traditional Chinese Herbal, “Dandelion” and Its Applications on Skin-Care
Authors: Law Siukan , Lo Chuiman , Han Jie , Leung Albert Wingnang , Xu Chuanshan
Published: August 2021

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) belongs to the Asteraceae or sunflower family. Its leaves, stems, and roots have been used in traditional Chinese herbal for a long time because dandelion has a wide range of pharmacological properties including anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious as well as anti-oxidation especially in the dandelion root extract which is the most medicinal value. A clinical study of dandelion extracts on skin acne and a simple preparation method of the dandelion extract would be discussed since the dandelion extract has low toxicity on the skin, even is non-toxic based on the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia recommendation.
Hakim Mohammad Azam Khan Chishti (1814-1902) and His Book about "Crisis in Diseases"
Authors: Sharifi Darani Narges , Zargaran Arman , Cooper Glen Michael , Abbassian Alireza , Vaghasloo Mahdi Alizadeh
Published: August 2021

The term “crisis” in medical context is an important turning point or stage which occurs in some diseases and if not managed correctly, can become life threatening. Despite the use of the term in modern medicine, it was a much wider and sophisticated traditional medical concept. The first usage has been seen in the Greek writings of Hippocrates. In the Islamic Golden Age, this concept entered Persian Medicine by translation of Greek medical treatises. Great Persian Medicine scholars have paid particular attention to the concept and have written exclusive chapters about it. One of such scholars, Hakim Mohammad Azam Khan Chishti (1814-1902), an Indo-Persian physician and medical writer, wrote several comprehensive encyclopedic books - in Persian language - about various aspects of PM including crises. In this historical review we discuss his biography and his books, especially his important book Rokn-e-Azam, which is a comprehensive work on the concept of crisis in which he collected and discussed opinions of great medical scholars from ancient times to the 19th century. Despite his fidelity, unfortunately he rarely criticized the previous literature and thus did not add an additional value to the subject else than his comprehensive review. In the recent worldwide accepted roadmap towards Integrative Medicine, studying such inclusive traditional manuscripts may give better insight and understanding of the behavior of acute and chronic diseases and their appearance, exacerbations and remissions.
Inflammatory Rectal Polyp with Osseous Metaplasia: Is It a Distinctive Disease Entity?
Authors: BENLİ IŞIK Cansu , ÖLGER UZUNER Hatice , BAKIRTAŞ Mustafa , SARAC Ahmet
Published: August 2021

Osseous metaplasia is a heterotopic bone formation and it is encountered rarely in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in benign lesions. Although its pathophysiology is not known clearly, there are several theories suggested. In this case report, we presented a case of bone formation in a rectal inflammatory polyp presenting with rectal bleeding in a 7-year-old girl. Therewithal, we reviewed the literature and summarized the subject of osseous metaplasia in colon polyps. We detected some similarities in the cases presented that suggest it might be a distinctive disease entity. Osseous metaplasia in colorectal polyps is extremely rare. To our knowledge, this is the eleventh reported case of osseous metaplasia in a rectal inflammatory polyp. Although osseous metaplasia in colon polyps has not a significant effect on both clinic and the prognosis, it can be confusing when encountered in microscopic examination.
Obesity induced hypertension: The main pathophysiological mechanisms
Authors: Chumakova G. A. , Kuznetsova T. Y. , Druzhilov M. A. , Veselovskaya N. G.
Published: August 2021

In most countries worldwide, hypertension (HTN) occupies a leading position in the structure of modiﬁable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and their complications. One of the main reasons for this trend is the increasing prevalence of obesity, which is becoming an important risk factor for high blood pressure (BP). The results of numerous epidemiological studies showed an association between obesity (assessed by body mass index (BMI)) and BP levels, as well as a prognostic role of BMI in relation to the development of HTN. However, there is currently no consensus on the obesity criterion that most accurately predicts the risk of HTN and associated complications. Data from prospective observational studies showed a greater prognostic value of indirect and direct indicators of abdominal and ectopic visceral adipose tissue.These facts stimulated research aimed at revealing the pathophysiological mechanisms of HTN in patients with overweight and obesity, which are reviewed in this article.
Speckle-tracking echocardiography in early diagnosis of lipotoxic myocardial damage in epicardial obesity
Authors: Gritsenko O. V. , Chumakova G. A. , Trubina E. V.
Published: August 2021

Epicardial obesity (EO) can lead to lipotoxic myocardial damage with the development of myocardial ﬁbrosis, which underlie the impairment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. The identiﬁcation of markers of lipotoxic myocardial damage is important at an early preclinical stage for preventive measures. Objective. To study the relationship of plasma levels of markers of insulin resistance and lipotoxic ﬁbrosis with the parameters of LV mechanics in patients with EO. We hypothesized that there are signiﬁcant differences in plasma levels of markers of insulin resistance and myocardial ﬁbrosis and that they are associated with the parameters of LV mechanics in EO. Design and methods. The study included 143 men. Inclusion criteria: general obesity I–III degree. Exclusion criteria: type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, LV diastolic dysfunction based on echocardiography (Echo). Patients were divided into 2 groups: EO (+) with epicardial fat thickness (tEAT) ≥ 7 mm (n = 70); EO (–) with tEAT < 7 mm (n = 31). All patients were assessed for glucose, blood insulin, proﬁbrotic factors and free fatty acids (FFA) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HOMA-IR insulin sensitivity index was calculated as (insulin × glucose)/22,5. With the help of speckle-tracking Echo, the mechanics of LV were studied (LV twisting, LV twisting ratio, time to LV twisting peak, LV untwisting ratio, time to LV untwisting peak). Results. The patients with EO (+) showed a statistically signiﬁcant increase in the level of FFA up to 0,82 (0,39; 1,30) mmol/L (< 0,0001) and HOMA-IR index up to 3,89 (2,02; 5,76) (< 0,0001) in comparison with the group EO (–). There was a statistically signiﬁcant effect of tEAT on the level of FFA (F = 7,90; p = 0,006) and on the development of insulin resistance (F = 14,85; p < 0,001). The correlation analysis in the EO (+) group showed the relationship between FFA and type III collagen (r = 0,29, p = 0,01) and procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP) (r = 0,26, p = 0,03), as well as between HOMA-IR and MMP-3 (r = 0,30, p = 0,01). In the EO (–) group, the relationship of proﬁbrotic factors with the level of FFA and HOMA-IR was not found. There was also a signiﬁcant relationship between LV untwisting ratio and level of FFA (r = 0,24, p = 0,04) in the group EO (+). Conclusions. Thus, an increase in the level of FFA in patients with EO may be accompanied by an increase in the level of some proﬁbrotic factors and a LV untwisting violation determined by speckle-tracking Echo. Our data supports the need for assessing the FFA level and speckle-tracking Echo for the early diagnosis of LV diastolic dysfunction in patients with EO.
Mechanisms of beta-blockers antihypertensive action
Authors: Kuleshova E. V. , Kuzmenko N. V. , Pliss M. G. , Tsyrlin V. A.
Published: August 2021

This article presents an analysis of data on the mechanisms of antihypertensive effect of β-adrenergic receptor blockers. The article describes the effectiveness of cardiotropic action of drugs to reduce high blood pressure (BP) with short-term and long-term action of compounds, the effect of blockers on the activity of plasma renin. The inﬂuence of β-blockers on the central mechanisms of blood circulation regulation is considered. Information on the effect of β-blockers on myogenic mechanisms of vascular tone regulation is presented. The possibilities of blockade of β-adrenergic receptors of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization of smooth muscles of resistive arteries, violation of the NO-cGMP pathway and blockade of Ca2+ channel currents as factors providing expansion of resistive vessels and reduction of high BP are analyzed.
Aortic stiffness in degenerative aortic stenosis
Authors: Protasov K. V. , Makarova A. S. , Batekha V. I. , Zheltovskiy Y. V.
Published: August 2021

Aortic stenosis (AS) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of AS and vascular stiffness are signiﬁcantly associated with age. Elevated arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. The pathogenetic and clinical relationship of degenerative AS and aortic stiffness is poorly known. This review reﬂects the current understanding of the relationship between degenerative AS and aortic stiffness. The existing evidence on the effects of surgical and endovascular correction of the defect on aortic stiffness is described. The potential predictors of AS prognosis and outcomes of valve replacement are discussed. Unresolved issues and directions for further research are clariﬁed.
Renal sympathetic denervation in patients with resistant hypertension. Results of long-term prospective follow-up
Authors: Ionov M. V. , Emelyanov I. V. , Yudina Yu. S. , Panarina S. A. , Zverev D. A. , Avdonina N. G. , Zvartau N. E. , Konradi A. O.
Published: August 2021

Objective. Renal sympathetic denervation (RDN) is one of the invasive treatment options for the patients with hypertension (HTN) who are resistant to antihypertensive therapy (AHT). The short-term efﬁcacy of RDN has been proven in a number of randomized clinical trials, but remains controversial, the data on its long-term efﬁcacy are limited. The aim of our study was to evaluate the natural course of HTN, to assess long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and other outcomes, as well as AHT efﬁcacy and its features in patients with resistant HTN after bilateral RDN during extended prospective follow-up. Design and methods. We included 22 patients with truly resistant HTN (median 57 y. o., 9 males), in whom RDN was performed during 2012–2015 in the clinical center of excellence. We assessed initial and further (after 1 year and after ≥ 5 years) clinical, laboratory and anthropometric parameters, as well as detailed AHT history. Long-term MACE and other clinically signiﬁcant outcomes were recorded. At baseline and follow-up, the quality of life (QoL) was determined with the use of EQ-5D questionnaire at all time points. Multiple linear regression was used to ﬁnd possible predictors of the efﬁcacy of RDN. Results. A signiﬁcant and sustained drop in ofﬁce and ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was observed at 12 months after RDN compared to baseline values (∆ –24 and –12 mm Hg, p < 0,005; ∆ –10 and –7 mm Hg, p < 0,05, respectively). There were 7 patients with ofﬁce SBP on-target, and 12 patients were considered responders (∆ SBP > 10 mm Hg). These numbers increased to 10 and 14 patients after ≥ 5 years after RDN. A causal relationship between changes in ofﬁce SBP was found only for the baseline SBP (β -0,6, p = 0,02). No differences in the number of medications were noted during follow-up (4,4; 4,1 and 4,1 drugs, p = 0,41). During the follow-up 10 MACE occurred and 5 patients were diagnosed with various types of cancer; there were no fatal outcomes. The QoL signiﬁcantly improved a year after RDN (+9,7 points, p = 0,01), however, a negative trend was observed in the next 5 years with return to reference level. No association was observed between BP and QoL changes at two timepoints. Conclusions. The RDN shows a pronounced clinical effect in patients with resistant HTN up to 5 years, and is not accompanied by an AHT intensiﬁcation, but is not associated with QoL changes. The initial positive trend for QoL completely harked back after 5 years which may be associated with the development of MACE. The only predictor of RDN positive effect is baseline SBP level.
​Evaluation of Various Biochemical Parameters in the Serum and Tissues of Lambs with White Muscle Disease
Authors: Irak Kıvanç , Mert Handan , Mert Nihat , Ayşin Nesrullah , Söğütlü İnci Doğan , Comba Arzu
Published: August 2021

Background: In this study, the effects of White Muscle Disease (WMD) on certain blood parameters, MDA and GSH levels in liver and thyroid tissues and the thyroid hormones were investigated in sheep. Methods: Sixteen lambs (8 with WMD, 8 controls) of similar age, 3 to 50 days old, selected from the same region were used in the study. Blood samples were taken from all animals. One ml Vitamin E + Se were injected (I/M) to the lambs with WMD and blood and tissue samples were collected after the treatment as well. The serum Ca, P, T3, T4, albumin, globulin, total protein, glutathione (GSH) values were analyzed by an auto-analyzer. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and GSH amounts of the liver and thyroid tissues were also determined. Result: The low Ca ion amount in lambs with WMD was found to have increased after injections of vitamin E + Se. P levels followed the same pattern. Total protein, albumin and globulin levels increased after treatment. It was determined that there was a decrease in T3 levels and an increase in T4 levels in patient lamb sera. The levels of GSH in both the liver and thyroid tissues were found to have decreased and statistical significance (at what level) was only found for the liver GSH levels. MDA levels in the hepatic and thyroid tissues were found to have slightly increased in the WMD group. In conclusion, serum differences in Ca, P, albumin, globulin, total protein, T3, T4, GSH, GSH and MDA levels were statistically significant between the groups.