bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between anthropometric characteristics and sports performance in national-level young swimmers
Authors: Ferraz Ricardo , Branquinho Luis , Loupo Renata , Neiva Henrique , Marinho Daniel
Published: January 2021

The main aim of this study was to verify associations between the anthropometric characteristics of young swimmers of different genders and different competitive levels with sports performance in 50m and 400m freestyle races at different levels (U-13 - Swimmers A and U-12 - Swimmers B). In addition, it was also intended to investigate the magnitude of the correlations between some specific variables (i.e., height, weight and wingspan) and the swimming performance. All participants were analyzed, regarding their anthropometric characteristics and their performance in the 50m and 400m freestyle swim. A total of 98 swimmers aged between 11-13 years old (mean ± standard deviation: 12.63 ± 0.76 years of age, 1.59 ± 0.08m height, 47.11 ± 7.82kg body weight) participated in the study. The results suggest that anthropometric characteristics have a positive relationship in the performance of swimmers when comparing genders (p< 0,01), furthermore positive linear correlations was found in height (r = 0.305 and r = 0.253, p <0.01), weight (r = 0.202 and r = 0.140, p <0.01), and wingspan (r = 0.227 and r = 0.203, p < 0.01) for 50m and 400m freestyle swim. The swimmers’ efficiency of segmental movements was related to anthropometric characteristics and strongly associated with the length of the swimmers’ segments. These results may be due to the fact that swimmers’ maturational status may have played an important role, in the observed results. In addition, when comparing genders, the height and weight values ​​of male swimmers tended to be higher. Furthermore, the differences observed in the 50m and 400m freestyle swimming events were related to the relationship that anthropometric characteristics have on the biomechanical parameters of swimming, which influence swimming performance. This study concluded that the improvement of performance of each young national-level swimmer is strongly related to the rate of growth, development and maturation.
External and internal training load relationships in soccer players: the metabolic power approach
Authors: Çalı Eser , Alemdaroğlu Utku
Published: January 2021

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between internal training loads (TL) (Banister, Edwards Training-Impulse (TRIMP), session RPE (s-RPE)) and external TL (Total distance (TD), high speed distance (HSD), high metabolic distance (HMD) in amateur soccer players. Nine male amateur soccer players (age = 28.74±5.2 years; height 173.74± 8.04 cm; weight 72.73±5.5 kg) voluntarily participated in the study. Individual field-based training sessions were monitored over 8 weeks. The results showed that there were moderate and very large correlations between s-RPE and both Edwards and Banister’s TRIMP (respectively, r = 0.42-0.86; r= 0.45-0.85). Additionally, from large to nearly perfect correlations were observed between the HR-based methods (r= 0.58-0.98). We also found moderate to very large correlations between s-RPE and HMD and large to nearly perfect correlations between HR-based TL methods and HMD. Correlations between internal load and external load parameters was weaker in HSD than TD. In the light of the results of the current study, internal and external loads should not be used interchangeable and HMD seems to be appropriate to monitor TL in soccer players because its equations include both speed and acceleration values.
Positive feedback praising good performance does not alter the learning of an intrinsically motivating task in 10-year-old children
Authors: Drews Ricardo , Tani Go , Lopes Cardozo Priscila , Chiviacowsky Suzete
Published: January 2021

Several studies have provided evidence for the importance of motivation in motor learning. The present study investigates whether providing positive feedback as statements praising good performance would benefit children’s motor learning when compared to a no-praise condition. Thirty 10-year-old children divided into two groups—positive feedback (PF) and control—learned to ride a pedalo over a seven-meter distance in the shortest time possible. Participants performed 20 practice trials and received feedback on their movement time following each trial. However, only the PF group received feedback acknowledging good performance after each trial block. After 24 hours, both groups performed learning tests without any feedback. Questionnaires (Intrinsic Motivation Inventory) were applied to measure participants’ motivational levels. The results show substantial improvements in performance during practice and high levels of intrinsic motivation, sustained across days, in both groups. Differences between groups in motivation, performance, and learning were not found. These results demonstrate that riding a pedalo in the shortest time possible constitutes an intrinsically motivating task in children, whose learning is not altered by the provision of positive feedback statements acknowledging good performance, possibly by a motivational ceiling effect. The findings indicate that task-inherent motivational characteristics can moderate positive feedback learning effects in children. Future studies could measure other motivational constructs, such as learner’s persistence in practicing the task, or could include post-failure measures that may reveal differences in children’s capacity to cope with errors. Differences between groups would demonstrate potential benefits of providing positive feedback praising performance in children that were not captured in the present experiment, even on the learning of inherently motivating tasks.
The influence of auditory information on performance in table tennis
Authors: Petri Katharina , Schmidt Timon , Witte Kerstin
Published: January 2021

It is well-known that visual information is essential for anticipation in table tennis but it not clarified whether auditory cues are also used. Therefore, we performed two in-situ studies, in which novices (study A) and advanced players (study B) responded to strokes of a real opponent or a ball machine by returning with forehand counters (study A) and forehand top spins (study B) to a given target area on the table. We assessed the parameters “hit quality” and “subjective effort”. In study A, we provided four conditions: normal, a noise-cancelling headphone and earplugs to dampen auditory information, other noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs to remove almost all environmental sounds, and the same head-phones with additional bright noise to remove all sounds. In study B, we performed three tests (irregular play and regular play with an opponent and response to regular balls of a ball machine) under two conditions: normal and noise-cancelling headphones with the additional bright noise. In both studies, no significant differences between all conditions for “hit quality” and “subjective effort” (all p>0.05) were found. We conclude that auditory information, as well as their volume, have no influence on the hit quality in table tennis for novices and advanced players.
Smartphone-Based Language Practices among Refugees: Mediational Repertoires in Two Families
Authors: Artamonova Olga , Androutsopoulos Jannis
Published: January 2021

Drawing on an ethnographic pilot study carried out in a refugee residence in Hamburg in 2017/18, this paper explores the relationship between smartphone usage and multilingual repertoires among refugee families from Syria and Afghanistan who arrived in Germany since 2015. The data includes nine semi-directed interviews, in which the informants report on their media and language choices for various purposes and to various types of addressees, ethnographic field notes, and video demonstrations of smartphone usage by some of the informants. Analysis focuses on a comparison of the mediational repertoires in two families, originating in Syria and Afghanistan. We explore the relevance of various factors, such as literacy, type of social contact, and purpose of digital media use, to the informants’ linguistic choices from their repertoire. Both families rely on a wide range on languages and smartphone applications in their everyday life at the residence. In both families, mediational repertoires differ by generation. The paper also discusses sources and strategies for smartphone-based language-learning. The findings suggest that media literacy and Internet access are highly relevant to the process of social integration, including language learning, among refugees.
Influence of Postharvest Drying Temperatures on Alkaloid Levels in Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.)
Authors: Zuiderveen Grady H. , Burkhart Eric P. , Lambert Joshua D.
Published: January 2021

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) is a medicinal forest herb native to Appalachia. Its roots and rhizomes are used as an antimicrobial and for the treatment of intestinal ailments. Three alkaloids–berberine, hydrastine, and canadine–are recognized as the major bioactive constituents in goldenseal. One important postharvest processing step for goldenseal is drying; however, it is not known how drying temperature influences the concentrations of these alkaloids. In this study, pre-emergent (dormant) goldenseal samples were freeze-dried or air-dried at six different temperatures (26.7 to 54.4 °C) to determine the relationship between drying temperature and alkaloid content in the rhizome and roots. High performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that berberine and hydrastine levels were unaffected by drying temperature, while canadine levels decreased as temperature increased (0.55% w/w on average when samples were freeze-dried, down to 0.27% w/w on average when dried at 54.4 °C). While canadine is the least abundant alkaloid of the three, it is known to have key antibacterial properties. Developing a more standardized drying protocol for goldenseal could lead to a more predictable phytochemical profile.
INVESTIGATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF STABILIZERS ON THE VISCOSITY OF THE RECOVERED MIXTURE OF A HYPERTONIC DRINK FOR ATHLETES
Authors: Bochkarev Sergiy , Mazaeva Viktoria , Ovsiannikova Tetiana , Zviahintseva Oksana
Published: January 2021

When introducing plant and animal protein products, in addition to nutritional value, it is advisable to assess their physicochemical properties and technological indicators, in particular, homogeneity and consistency stability. The aim of research is to determine the effect of consistency stabilizers on the viscosity of a reconstituted hypertonic drink for athletes based on flaxseed cake, sesame seeds and whey protein concentrate. The mass fraction of protein in the model dry mixture of a hypertonic drink, as well as in its individual components by the Kjeldahl method, the mass fraction of fiber – by the gravimetric method, the mass fraction of lipids – by the extraction-gravimetric method, the mass fraction of moisture – by the thermogravimetric method. The mass fraction of ash in the mixtures was carried out by the method of incineration followed by calcining the mineral residue at a temperature of 450 ... 600 °C. The effective viscosity in the reduced samples of mixtures without and with the addition of stabilizers was determined on a rotational viscometer "Rheotest 2". For the planning of the experiment and data processing, mathematical methods were applied using the Microsoft Office Excel 2003 software package. The chemical composition of individual components and a model dry mixture of a hypertonic drink for the nutrition of athletes, including the content of compounds that have a stabilizing effect on the restored product, has been investigated. It has been proved that the effective viscosity of the reconstructed model mixture in comparison with the effective viscosity of the individual components of the mixture nonaditively increases. The mutual influence of the consistency stabilizers (gum arabic (E 414) and carboxymethylcellulose (E 466)) on the value of the effective viscosity of the reconstituted hypertonic drink was investigated. The developed model mixture of a hypertonic drink is recommended to be used for the development of competitive dry mixtures of hypertonic drinks of plant and animal origin for the nutrition of athletes
ESTABLISHING THE ROTATION SPEED VARIATION RANGE LIMITS FOR AUTO-EXCITATION OF SELF-OSCILLATING GRINDING IN A TUMBLING MILL
Authors: Deineka Kateryna , Naumenko Yurii
Published: January 2021

The influence of the structure of a two-fraction polygranular feed of the chamber on the value of the drum rotation speed at auto-excitation of self-excited oscillations with a maximum swing is considered. Such a pulsating mode of movement of the charge is used in the self-oscillating process of grinding in a tumbling mill. The coarse fraction simulated the grinding bodies was steel bullets with a relative size ψdb=0.026. The fine fraction, simulated the particles of the crushed material, was a cement clinker with a relative particle size ψdm=0.00013. Variable factors of experimental studies were: the degree of filling the chamber in the state of rest κbr=0.25; 0.29; 0.33 and the degree of filling the gaps between the particles of the coarse fraction with particles of the fine fraction κmbgr=0.0625; 0.375; 0.6875; 1. The method of visual analysis of transient processes of self-oscillating modes of feed behavior in the cross section of the rotating drum chamber is applied. Measurements of the speed limits of the drum rotation were carried out with auto-excitation of self-oscillations of the filling. The magnitude of the self-oscillation swing was estimated by the increase in the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the filling dilatancy for one period of pulsations. An increase in the upper limit of the speed range ψω2 with a decrease in κbr and κmbgr was established. The growth rate of ψω2 increases at low values of κbr and κmbgr. Some increase in the lower limit of the ψω1 range with a decrease in κbr and κmbgr was revealed. An increase in the range of speeds of rotation was recorded at the maximum range of self-oscillations ψω1–ψω2 with a decrease in the connected interaction of the intra-mill filling. This coherent interaction is due to an increase in κbr and κmbgr. The value of the ψω1–ψω2 range varies from 1.01–1.03 at κbr=0.33 and κmbg=1 to 1.22–1.66 at κbr=0.25 and κmbgr=0.0625. The range gets its maximum value with fine and superfine grinding
IMPLEMENTATION OF A HYBRID INTERMITTENT HEAT SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Klymchuk Oleksandr , Ivanova Lidiia , Bodiul Olena
Published: January 2021

The experience of introducing a hybrid intermittent heating system for educational institutions is presented. The analysis of theoretical and experimental research, modern energy technologies for the integration of renewable energy sources into innovative and existing heat supply systems for buildings. The adaptation of modern developments of hybrid systems to buildings operating both in permanent and intermittent operation mode (administrative institutions, educational institutions and other public buildings) has been carried out. The conditions for increasing the efficiency of using heterogeneous renewable energy sources in combined heat supply systems have been established. For the proposed combined heat supply system, a hybrid heat generation is provided using low-potential renewable heat sources in the heat pump cycle and high-potential traditional heat sources in a pellet boiler. A mathematical model of the operating modes of a combined heat supply system using renewable heat sources is proposed, which can be used for numerical modeling of thermal processes in a variable heat supply mode for public buildings. The study of the dynamics of heating the premises when changing the climatic conditions of different regions of Ukraine, including the southern regions, is done. This makes it possible to analyze the efficiency of using alternative energy sources for heat supply and substantiate the conditions for including heat accumulators in the circuit. The research results are relevant because allow to achieve significant energy savings for heat supply of public buildings, characterized by a low level of energy efficiency. The proposed solutions indicate that the combined use of the capabilities of heterogeneous renewable energy sources can be effective only with a hybrid method of heat generation using a heat pump and a pellet boiler, taking into account the operating mode of buildings. As a result of theoretical and experimental studies, it was established: the dynamics of heating and cooling of premises with a high accumulation capacity; the share of replacement of the consumed thermal power in the hybrid use of heat generators. The conditions for the most effective use of heat accumulators in a combined heat supply system have been established. The results obtained make it possible to increase the efficiency of the use of renewable energy sources for public buildings, taking into account the mode of their operation, in which the heat supply system operates in an intermittent mode
Russian Youth Policy in the Post-Truth Space
Authors: Chirun Sergey , Chirun Mariya
Published: January 2021

he present research featured the effect of Postmodern on the state youth policy with its spatial characteristics and the post-truth concept. The authors examined the genesis and development of the post-truth space. The study involved intertextual, network, intent, and discourse analyses, which made it possible to describe the interpretative features of Postmodern. The authors believe that Russian state youth policy has become a "factoid factory": together with marketing and PR technologies, factoids led to the total simulation of state youth policy, which keeps generating new simulations instead of real success and achievements. Postmodern blurs and destabilizes the criteria for identity and stratification. Away from the scientific worldview, young citizens are ready to believe in irrational semantic constructions formed by a symbiosis of lies and post-truths, like in the pre-industrial epoch. The post-truth is a set of unreliable socio-political representations formed in a certain civilian environment through the targeted application of political technologies. The authors applied the nonlinear methodology to interpret the postmodern approach to the state youth policy. They used the categorical and conceptual apparatus of Postmodern to analyze the problems and typology of the domestic state youth policy. The paper focuses on the possibilities of the network approach in the optimization of the existing state youth policy, as well as on the prospects and potential obstacles to its implementation. The research also featured the institutional transformations of the youth policy in relation to the technologies of manipulation and data falsification in the political and administrative process, where the very interaction of political actors on post-truth network sites forms various forms of network interactions.
Human Capital Assets as a Source of Self-Preservation Behavior in Commercial Healthcare
Authors: Pilyushenko Alexandra
Published: January 2021

The research featured efficient self-preservation behavior in the context of healthcare commercialization, which affected the fundamental principles of medical service. The research objective was to study human capital assets as a resource of self-preservation behavior in the abovementioned conditions. The study involved a philosophical analysis based on the axiological approach, which made it possible to consider the ethical aspects of commercial medicine. The author also employed the structural method to study human capital as a complex structure. Human capital plays the leading role as it provides an effective implementation of self-preservation behavior in the context of healthcare commercialization. The research included an axiological analysis of the value-semantic context of the doctor-patient relationship and the ethical-axiological aspect of the phenomenon of commercial medicine. The author defines a number of indicators of human capital and defines productive self-preserving behavior in commercialized healthcare. Human capital assets turned out to be a valuable resource of self-preservation behavior in terms of health preservation. Its components could serve as performance indicators. They are basic medical literacy; effective cognitive skills in interpreting the empirical data obtained in life; adequate attitude to one’s own health, e.g. regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle, etc., as well as a sufficient well-being. Good awareness leads to effective self-preservation behavior, which is especially important in commercial healthcare.
Impact Factors Affecting the Rationality of Managerial Decisions in Business
Authors: Shumkin Evgeny
Published: January 2021

This paper provides a theoretical analysis of the key factors that affect the process of making managerial decisions in business. The research objective was to reveal the palliative meaning of the impact of certain external conditions on entrepreneurship. The model of social relations of business entities is determined by their desire to meet their needs. The normativity of these relations depends on an external regulator that presumes their rationality and integrity. The state dictates "the rules of the game" and guarantees balanced social and legal opportunities for business entities. As a basic component of entrepreneurship, managerial activity depends on the collaboration of many external and internal factors. Under their impact, the abstract model of business activity faces conditions that determine the evolutionary path of a commercial organization. Permanently manifested factors form a "pattern" of managerial decisions that ensure either growth and profit or losses and financial and legal insolvency for the company. The quality of management decisions depends on how well the enterprise manages risks, resources, and uncertainty. The goal of a commercial organization is connected with the conditions of certainty and uncertainty, social utility and the overall economic good. Under such circumstances, an ideal competing market (Pareto efficiency) seems unlikely due to the fact that external and internal factors affecting the business sphere change the social relations that form them. As a result, economic, social, and legal risks increase, but the welfare of society does not, and individual economic entities bear financial and image losses.
Project Management for the Implementation of Lean Manufacturing at an Industrial Enterprise
Authors: Belchik Tatyana , Ezhov Ilia
Published: January 2021

The present research featured the implementation of lean manufacturing based on project management technology. The research objective was to substantiate the possibility of using tools and methods of lean production at industrial enterprises. The study involved such scientific methods as participant and non-participant observation, statistical methods, process modeling, and survey. At industrial enterprises, lean production methods should be implemented as a project activity, i.e. in different business units and at different levels. To achieve total inclusiveness, managers should be trained in the basics of project, and all other employees – in the basics of lean production. Even separate projects of lean production can increase efficiency and labor productivity. However, the use of certain tools often becomes an end in itself, and not a way to solve the actual problems. Employees involved in lean manufacturing projects often lack awareness and motivation. Insufficient experience in independent project slows down the implementation of lean production projects. Nevertheless, the authors proved that lean production projects can be effective if implemented properly. They also identified some problems specific to industrial enterprises and outlined activities that can improve operational efficiency.
СВЯТИТЕЛЬ ЛУКА (ВОЙНО-ЯСЕНЕЦКИЙ) О НАУКЕ И РЕЛИГИИ
Authors:   Московская духовная академия, Лизгунов П.О.
Published: January 2021

The article reveals the views of St. Luke on the relationship between science and religion, set forth in his works "Spirit, Soul and Body" and "Science and Religion". St. Luke shows that between science and religion there are not and cannot be fundamental contradictions due to the very limited intersection of the areas of one and the other; shows that in many respects science and religion complement each other, gives a number of traditional and some original arguments proving the absence of fundamental contradictions between science and religion.
ПРОФЕССОР В.Ф. ВОЙНО-ЯСЕНЕЦКИЙ И АКАДЕМИК И.П. ПАВЛОВ: ДИАЛОГ ВЕЛИКИХ УЧЁНЫХ
Authors:   Курский государственный медицинский университет, Привалова И.Л. , Зотова О.М.
Published: January 2021

The article is devoted to the study of scientific contacts of Professor V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky (Saint Luke) and Academician I.P. Pavlov. Their correspondence is based on materials from the archives of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The basis of the article is an analysis of the work of Academician I.P. Pavlov in the work of Professor V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky (St. Luke) with the title "Spirit, Soul and Body." It is shown that Saint Luke’s deep knowledge of the teachings of I.P. Pavlov on higher nervous activity, on which he built his discussions about the properties of the human spirit, the idea of a person from the point of view of Orthodox Anthropology.
Information Law (Specialty 12.00.13): Statistical Study of Themes and the Number of Dissertations Presented to Defence
Authors:   Irkutsk Institute (Branch), All-Russian State University of Justice, Bychkova A.M.
Published: January 2021

The article presents the data of analytical research relating to the announcements of dissertations on the specialty «12.00.13 – Information Law» in the period from the beginning of 2001 to December 2020. The author analyzed the total number of dissertations, the number of various dissertation councils, participation of various schools in preparing dissertations, the distribution of dissertations according to areas within the specialty 12.00.13, the number and content of «information-oriented» dissertations on other specialties in the period from the beginning of 1995 to December 2020. In conclusion, the author draws attention to the existing trends and characteristics of the specialty under consideration.
CIRCUNSCREVENDO AS PEQUENAS PERFORMANCES PARA ISOLADOS
Authors: Nardim Thaise
Published: January 2021

O texto apresenta a ação em arte, educação e pesquisa intitulada “Pequenas Performances Para Isolados - arte do bem para mundos possíveis”, proposição mediada exclusivamente pelo aplicativo de mensagens instantâneas whatsapp. Após enunciar a localização epistêmica da autora e introduzir a noção de pesquisa-docência-criação, o texto busca circunscrever a proposta, observando, então, temática que ela incorpora. Por fim, retoma a relação entre a ação e a noção de pesquisa-docência-criação, apontando para a necessidade da materialização de orientações metodológicas em práticas.
A Retrospective Study Correlating Ultrasound Based Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) with Bethesda System for Thyroid Cytopathology in Thyroid Nodule Risk Stratification
Authors: Chaturvedi Rajeev , Kumar Ashok , Balasubramanian Balaji , Sreehari Sreekala
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of the ultrasound-based Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) in estimating the risk of malignancy in
thyroid nodules by correlating it with the Bethesda system of thyroid cytopathology.

Methods:

A retrospective single-center study was conducted in a specialty hospital in UAE from November 2017 to November 2019 on 259 thyroid nodules
that underwent ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Thyroid nodules were evaluated using American College of Radiology
(ACR) TIRADS and categorized as benign (TR1), not suspicious (TR2), mildly suspicious (TR3), moderately suspicious (TR4), or highly
suspicious (TR5) for malignancy. The risk of malignancy associated with each TIRADS category was evaluated by comparing it with the Bethesda
classification system of cytopathology.

Results:

Ultrasound and FNAC data of 259 nodules were reviewed. Out of these, 33 (12.7%) nodules were excluded because FNAC revealed atypia of
undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance. The estimated risk of malignancy in TR 3 was 13.6%, TR4 was 27%,
and TR5 was 63.6%. There was a statistically significant correlation between TIRADS and Bethesda system, which was determined using the Chisquare
test (p < 0.001). The receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis revealed specificity of 81.3% [95% CI, 74.9 - 86.6%], NPV of 91% [95% CI,
87.1 – 93.8%] and accuracy of 77.9% [95% CI, 71.9 – 83.1%], when differentiating benign from malignant nodules.

Conclusion:

The ultrasound-based ACR-TIRADS scoring correlates well with the Bethesda cytopathology in thyroid nodule risk stratification. Thus, it can be
used as a simple and effective tool to decide further management and avoid unnecessary FNAC and surgeries in thyroid nodules.
Non-Respiratory Manifestations of COVID-19 and Pathophysiological Evidences
Authors: Rajakumar Angeline S. , Green Siva R. , Lokesh S. , Venkatesh Prasanna , Gowtham V.K.
Published: January 2021

Globally, COVID-19 is a viral disease that has become a public health challenge in 2020. COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV
2, that was first discovered in the Hubei province of China and it commonly manifests as a respiratory illness but also with symptoms ranging from
mild myalgia to severe pneumonia. As our primitive understanding of this novel virus has evolved, COVID-19 has been shown to present in
atypical non-pulmonary clinical manifestations, such as diarrhea, acute kidney injury, hepatic and cardiovascular abnormalities, blood coagulation
and stroke along with loss of some special senses. We consolidated the publicly available information to precisely summarize the knowledge about
the significant non-respiratory clinical manifestations of COVID-19.
The State of the Problem of Achieving Extremely Low LDL Levels
Authors: Korneva Victoria , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Julius Ulrich
Published: January 2021

Patients who have achieved very low low-density lipoprotein CH (LDL-C) levels in clinical trials
have shown the lowest cardio-vascular risk. The current clinical guidelines set such a concentration for LDL-C
as < 1.4 mmol/L. However, the question of minimum permissible target values of the lipids remains unresolved.
A number of experimental and clinical studies showed some unfavorable consequences of low LDL-C
levels At the same time, the modern arsenal of lipid lowering drugs allows reducing LDL-C levels to extremely
low values. This review presents an analysis of literature about the safety of low lipid spectrum parameters.
In Silico Prediction and Designing of Potential siRNAs to be used as Antivirals Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sohrab Sayed S. , El-Kafrawy Sherif A. , Abbas Aymn T. , Bajrai Leena H. , Azhar Esam I.
Published: January 2021

Background:

The unusual pneumonia outbreak that originated in the city of Wuhan, China in December
2019 was found to be caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), or
COVID-19.

Methods:

In this work, we have performed an in silico design and prediction of potential siRNAs based on genetic
diversity and recombination patterns, targeting various genes of SARS-CoV-2 for antiviral therapeutics.
We performed extensive sequence analysis to analyze the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships, and
to identify the possible source of virus reservoirs and recombination patterns, and the evolution of the virus as
well as we designed the siRNAs which can be used as antivirals against SARS-CoV-2.

Results:

The sequence analysis and phylogenetic relationships indicated high sequence identity and closed clusters
with many types of coronavirus. In our analysis, the full-genome of SARS-CoV-2 showed the highest sequence
(nucleotide) identity with SARS-bat-ZC45 (87.7%). The overall sequence identity ranged from 74.3%
to 87.7% with selected SARS viruses. The recombination analysis indicated the bat SARS virus is a potential
recombinant and serves as a major and minor parent. We have predicted 442 siRNAs and finally selected only
19 functional, and potential siRNAs.

Conclusions:

The siRNAs were predicted and selected based on their greater potency and specificity. The predicted
siRNAs need to be validated experimentally for their effective binding and antiviral activity.
Targeting Abnormal Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Current Insights on Drug Targets and Influences on Neurological Disorders
Authors: Minj Elizabeth , Yadav Rajeshwar Kumar , Mehan Sidharth
Published: January 2021

The nuclear erythroid 2-related-factor (Nrf2) transcription factor/hemoxygenase
1 (HO-1) is a key regulator of an important neuroprotection response by driving
the interpretation of various cytoprotective gene to encode for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
and detoxifying proteins. Various studies investigated that the upregulation of
Nrf2/HO-1 has become the potential therapeutic approach in amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a motor neuron disease in which there
is a progressive loss of upper motor neuron and lower motor neurons of the motor
cortex, brain stem, and corticospinal tract. A result of this upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1
indicates that in the brain, anti-oxidant capacity is reinforced. Further, this shows a
cytoprotective effect against oxidative stress in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A study
reported functions associated with the Nrf2/HO-1 in the neuronal cell, oligodendrocytes,
microglia, and astrocytes. Although ALS's pathogenesis is not yet clear, but it is
compelling. The evidence shows any dysfunction in the brain such as mitochondrial
dysfunction, protein aggregation, glial cell activation, excitotoxicity, and apoptosis which
gives ALS-like symptoms. In this review, we have mainly focused on detailing the
downregulation of Nrf2/HO-1, which may be the prime reason and may further serve as
a pathological hallmark for ALS development. As surveyed, there are limited targetbased
interventions that only provide symptomatic relief but do not cure the disease
completely. Dysregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway leads to many
physiological changes contributing to neurological conditions, including ALS. Based on
the above view, we summarized the combined role of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in ALS and
explored potential therapeutic strategies for disease improvement through pathway
modulators.
Retinal Protein O-GlcNAcylation and the Ocular Renin-angiotensin System: Signaling Cross-roads in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Dennis Michael D. , Dierschke Sadie K.
Published: January 2021

It is well established that diabetes and its associated hyperglycemia negatively impacts retinal function, yet we know little about the role played by augmented flux through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP). This offshoot of the glycolytic pathway produces UDP-N-acetyl-glucosamine which serves as the substrate for post-translational Olinked modification of proteins in a process referred to as O-GlcNAcylation. HBP flux and subsequent protein OGlcNAcylation serve as a nutrient sensor, enabling cells to integrate metabolic information to appropriately modulate fundamental cellular processes including gene expression. Here we summarize the impact of diabetes on retinal physiology, highlighting recent studies that explore the role of O-GlcNAcylation-induced variation in mRNA translation in retinal dysfunction and the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Augmented O-GlcNAcylation results in widespread variation in the selection of mRNAs for translation, in part, due to O-GlcNAcylation of the translational repressor 4E-BP1. Recent studies demonstrate that 4E-BP1 plays a critical role in regulating O-GlcNAcylation-induced changes in translation of the mRNAs encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a number of important mitochondrial proteins, and CD40, a key costimulatory molecule involved in diabetes-induced retinal inflammation. Remarkably, 4E-BP1/2 ablation delays the onset of diabetes-induced visual dysfunction in mice. Thus, pharmacological interventions to prevent the impact of O-GlcNAcylation on 4E-BP1 may represent promising therapeutics to address the development and progression of DR. In this regard, we discuss the potential interplay between retinal O-GlcNAcylation and the ocular renin-angiotensin system as a potential therapeutic target of future interventions.
Therapeutic Potential of Herbal Molecules against Breast Cancer
Authors: Gupta Ramji , Mishra Prem Shankar , Kala Nidhi , Pai Aravinda , Malviya Rishabha
Published: January 2021

Background:

Since last decades, breast cancer has emerged as one of the most aggressive
forms of cancer which causes the highest mortality rates. The synthetic drugs that are available
for the treatment of breast cancer either have high toxicity or becoming resistant. Given this, researchers
are constantly in search of natural drugs that can control aggressive breast cancer and at
the same time possess less toxicity.

Aim:

The manuscript aims to summarize potential herbal molecules having significant activity
against breast cancer.

Methods:

Extensive literature survey was carried out to compile data obtained from primary and secondary
information sources. Google Scholar, Science Direct, Bentham Science, Springer,
PubMed, etc. were used as the source of data.

Results:

In the present review, an attempt has been made to summarize herbal molecules that have
shown promising results against breast cancer either in preliminary studies or in clinical studies.
Herbal molecules gain good attention among the scientific community for their therapeutic properties
against breast cancer.

Conclusion:

After the literature survey, it was also concluded that herbal molecules have significant
potential to control the growth of breast cancer.
Pesticides-induced Cardiovascular Dysfunctions: Prevalence and Associated Mechanisms
Authors: Adeyemi Joseph A. , Ukwenya Victor O. , Arowolo Olatunbosun K. , Olise Christian C.
Published: January 2021

:

Increased applications of pesticides, mainly in agriculture and public health, have resulted
in increased chances of human exposure to pesticides. Chronic exposure to pesticides has
been implicated in several human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases
are broadly used for various heart pathological conditions, including a defect in blood vessels,
and they include myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, stroke, cardiomyopathy, coronary heart
disease, etc. In this review, the association between human exposure to pesticides and the development
of cardiovascular diseases was discussed using epidemiological and laboratory data. The toxicokinetics
of pesticides in humans was reviewed, as well as the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
The important role of oxidative stress principally the induction of reactive oxygen species as
the signaling molecules for various signaling pathways involved in pesticides-induced cardiovascular
disease, was discussed.
Clinico-Radiological Features of Tumor-like Lesions of the Upper Limbs: don’t worry about those lumps
Authors: Ponti Federico , Borlandelli Elena , De Cinque Antonio , Sambri Andrea , De Paolis Massimiliano , Rotini Roberto , Marinelli Alessandro
Published: January 2021

Tumor-like lesions of the upper limb are more frequent than malignant neoplastic lesions
and they represent a wide and heterogeneous group of disorders. The combination of clinical
evaluation and imaging is the first pivotal step to attempt a distinction between benign and malignant
masses, since there are important implications for further management, such as the requirement
for conservative or interventional treatment. The classification of these pseudo tumoral lumps
remains arbitrary and is still a matter of debate, currently based on a conjunct clinico-radiologic approach.
In this article, we review various types of tumor-like lesions of the upper limb in terms of
imaging approach and related clinic features, proponing a descriptive classification, useful in clinical
practice to recognize these disorders, and to avoid unnecessary or potentially harmful procedures.
Determination of Salicylic Acid Using a Highly Sensitive and New Electroanalytical Sensor
Authors: Montazarolmahdi Maliheh , Masrournia Mahboubeh , Nezhadali Azizollah
Published: January 2021

Background:

A drug sensor (salicylic acid, in this case) was designed and made up of this research. The senor was made by modification of paste electrode (MPE) with CuO-SWCNTs and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (HMICl). The MPE/CuO-SWCNTs/HMICl showed catalytic activity for the oxidation signal of salicylic acid in phosphate buffer solution.

Methods:

Electrochemical methods were used as a powerful strategy for the determination of salicylic acid in pharmaceutical samples. Aiming at this goal, carbon paste electrode was amplified with conductive materials and used as a working electrode.

Results:

The MPE/CuO-SWCNTs/HMICl was used for the determination of salicylic acid in the concentration range of 1.0 nM – 230 µM using differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) method. At pH=7.0, as optimum condition, the MPE/CuOSWCNTs/HMICl displayed a high-quality ability for the determination of salicylic acid in urine, pharmaceutical serum, and water samples.

Conclusion:

The MPE/CuO-SWCNTs/HMICl was successfully used as a new and high performance working electrode for the determination of salicylic acid at a nanomolar level and in real samples.
High Throughput Study for Molecular Mechanism of Metformin
Pre-Diabetic Protection via Microarray Approach
Authors: Alrawashdeh Asma Y. , AL Shhab Mohammad A. , Zihlif Malek A.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Metformin is a biguanide that exhibits an antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory
properties. Despite well-known pancreatic protective effects, metformin's influence on pancreatic islet β-cell is yet
considerably unknown. Protecting the functional insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas is a key therapeutic challenge in
patients with type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective:

Current study aimed to analyze the protective effects of metformin on streptozocin-induced diabetic rats in
T1DM in hepatic tissues.

Methods:

In the present study, male wistar rats (n=24) were randomly assigned into 2 groups (n=12 for each control and
test) by which metformin (100 mg/kg/day) were given for 7 weeks. Afterwards, diabetes was induced by streptozocin (STZ)
at a single dose of (150 mg/kg). Blood glucose was daily examined before and after STZ induction. The animals were
euthanized by cervical dislocation 5 days after streptozocin injection, after which liver and pancreas were harvested from
each rat.

Results:

The biochemical analyses revealed that metformin resulted in significantly reduced plasma glucose levels and
higher pancreatic insulin levels in the test group. Using a restrictive cut-off of at least 2-FC and an adjusted p-value (qvalue) of ≤0.05 a sum of 747 genes for the metformin group were shown to be differentially regulated compared to controls
(320 Down and 427 Up), by which they were obtained from the liver. Furthermore, evidence is attained that metformin may
hinder the loss of critical β-cells by reducing inflammatory and apoptosis signaling, promoting fatty acid β-oxidation and
inducing metabolism.

Conclusion:

Collectively, this study has demonstrated a decrease in blood glucose levels and a rise in insulin-levels and
thus a consequent prophylactic effects in metformin-given STZ-induced diabetic rats.
Bovine lactoferrin as a Modulator of Neuroendocrine Components of Stress
Authors: Guzmán-Mejía Fabiola , Vega-Bautista Alan , Molotla-Torres Daniel E. , Aguirre-Garrido José F. , Drago-Serrano Maria E.
Published: January 2021

Stress is a condition that maintains the homeostasis of the organism through the activation
of different neuroendocrine pathways and secretion of a wide array of chemical mediators, including
corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), neurotransmitters and glucocorticoids hormones.
These molecules fulfill important physiological functions, but under stressful conditions, they can
induce or aggravate a pathological state depending on type, severity and duration of stress. For this
reason, the search for compounds that modulate the activity of the neuroendocrine pathways is crucial
for the control of diseases associated with stressful situations.

Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) is an iron-binding multifunctional glycoprotein that exhibits modulatory
properties on the neuroendocrine system. Bovine lactoferrin affects the production and secretion of
neuroendocrine components of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Neuroendocrine
mechanisms of bLf entail either the down- or up-modulation of adrenal corticosteroids via HPA
pathway activation, nitric oxide (NO) generation and opioid nervous system pathway activation.
This manuscript is focused on reviewing the current contributions of bLf modulatory actions on the
response of hormones, neurotransmitters involved in stress and behavior. Sustained use of drugs
for stress-associated dysfunctions loses efficacy and requires the dose increase by tolerance and
drug dependence. Therefore, bLf may be included as a therapeutic and/or adjunctive agent of drugbased
therapies for the treatment of stress-associated emotional-disturbances.
Feasibility of Delivering a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy-Based Resilience Curriculum to Young Mothers by Public Health Nurses
Authors: Catamaran Thyna , Savoy Calan , Layton Haley , Lipman Ellen , Boylan Khrista , Lieshout Ryan J. Van
Published: January 2021

Background:

Young mothers have higher rates of mental health problems, yet can be difficult to engage in care. Few interventions exist targeting the full range of mental health problems these women face. While transdiagnostic psychotherapies have been utilized in adolescent groups, they have not been tested in young mothers.

Objective:

Our objective was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a public health nurse-delivered transdiagnostic CBT-based resilience curriculum for young mothers in a supported school setting, and to determine preliminary estimates of the program’s effects.

Methods:

56 mothers, 21 years of age or younger were recruited from a supported high school program in Canada. Using a pretest/post-test design with no control group, measures of maternal depression, anxiety, emotion regulation, and offspring behaviour were collected immediately before and after the completion of the weekly 10-session intervention.

Results:

The intervention was feasible and acceptable to young mothers. While few statistically significant changes were noted in the complete sample, for those with moderate-severe depression at baseline, program participation resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in depression, anxiety, and emotion regulation.

Conclusion:

Provision of a transdiagnostic CBT-based resilience-building program delivered by public health nurses in a supported school setting was both feasible and well-tolerated. Given the preliminary nature of this study, its clinical utility is unclear, though it may have benefits for young mothers with more significant mental health problems at baseline.