bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beneficial consequences of probiotic on mitochondrial hippocampus in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Beltagy Doha M. , Nawar Nagat F. , Mohamed Tarek M. , Tousson Ehab , El-Keey Mai M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Alzheimer’s (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, causing dementia and brain cells death.

Objectives
This study aimed to assess the ameliorating effect of Acidophilus probiotic against AD induced in rats by d-galactose and AlCl3 injection via evaluating mitochondrial parameter changes in hippocampus.

Methods
This study was carried out on rats were classified into five groups; G1 (control group), G2 (probiotic group), G3 (AD group), G4 (co-treated group) and G5 (post-treated group). By the end of the experiment, some different neurotransmitters, oxidative stress biomarkers, zinc, blood glucose, Na+K−ATPase subunit alpha 1 (ATP1A1), and gene expression of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured.

Results
Significant changes in neurotransmitters, antioxidants levels and decreased ATP1A1 activity and gene expression of MMP in the hippocampus in G3 were detected if compared to control. Best improvement in G5 than G4 group was observed. These results were confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical studies in hippocampus.

Conclusions
Acidophilus probiotic was able to alleviate learning and memory associated injuries in AD by reducing mitochondrial dysfunction induced by d-galactose and AlCl3. This may be associated with its antioxidant properties.
The Sceptical Response to the Existential Problem of Systemic Suffering
Authors: Jonbäck Francis 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Recently, Yujin Nagasawa has argued that “systemic suffering” – suffering inherent in the evolutionary process – poses a problem for existentially optimistic theists and atheists who think that the world is overall good and therefore are happy and thankful to be alive in it. In short, he shows that it is difficult to consistently believe that the world is overall good when also recognising the existence of systemic suffering. In this article, I evaluate a sceptical response to the problem. The idea behind the response is a sort of scepticism according to which we do not know whether our knowledge about the realm of values is representative. I argue that the response fails, but that theism in conjunction with such scepticism succeeds. Atheism in conjunction with such scepticism, on the other hand, does not. I also argue that atheists can at least consistently hope that the world is overall good, despite systemic suffering. Finally, I answer objections and conclude.
„Schulreligion“. Anmerkungen zu einem Forschungsdesiderat empirischer Religionspädagogik
Authors: Kubik Andreas , Schatte Julika 
Published: March 2021

Zusammenfassung
Je weniger Kinder und Jugendliche in Familie und Kirche mit Religion in Kontakt kommen, desto wichtiger wird die Begegnung mit Religion in der Schule. Doch wie kommt Religion in der Schule vor? In der Forschung ist gelegentlich das Konzept der „Schulreligion“ zur Erklärung herangezogen worden. Allerdings ist bislang weder klar, was damit eigentlich genau gemeint sein soll, noch gibt es nähere empirische Forschungen zur „Schulreligion“. Der Artikel schlägt einen empirisch orientierten Begriff vor und entwickelt ein Forschungsprogramm, das auf einem bereits durchgeführten Pre-Test beruht. Hierzu werden zunächst begriffsgeschichtliche Befunde präsentiert sowie die wenigen bisherigen empirischen Ergebnisse diskutiert, bevor in einer systematischen Erwägung ein empirischer Begriff von „Schulreligion“ entwickelt wird. Es zeigt sich, dass die bisherige Verwendung von starken normativen Anteilen durchzogen ist, was zu empirischen Vorurteilen führt. Religionspädagogische Schlussfolgerungen über die theologische Bedeutung von „Schulreligion“ sollten erst gezogen werden, wenn das Phänomen empirisch einigermaßen klar vor Augen steht.
Running Training Combined With Blood Flow Restriction Increases Cardiopulmonary Function and Muscle Strength in Endurance Athletes
Authors: Chen Yun-Tsung , Hsieh Yao-Yi , Ho Jen-Yu , Lin Tung-Yi , Lin Jung-Charng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Chen, Y-T, Hsieh, Y-Y, Ho, J-Y, Lin, T-Y, and Lin, J-C. Running training combined with blood flow restriction increases cardiopulmonary function and muscle strength in endurance athletes . J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1228–1237, 2022—We investigated the effects of 8 weeks (3 d/wk) of running training (RT) combined with blood flow restriction (RT-BFR) on cardiopulmonary function and muscle strength in endurance athletes. Twenty endurance-trained male athletes (19–25 years; 177.6 ± 2.4 cm; 69.0 ± 2.2 kg) were pair matched and randomly assigned to RT-BFR and RT groups. The RT-BFR group performed running sessions (50% heart rate reserve; 3-minute × 5 sets; 1-minute rest interval) with pressure cuffs (1.3 × resting systolic blood pressure), whereas the RT group performed the same running sessions without pressure cuffs. V̇o
2max, muscle mass, isokinetic muscle strength, and hormones were assessed at pre-, mid- and posttraining. Compared with the RT group, the RT-BFR group exhibited a significantly greater increase in V̇o
2max (5.1 vs. −1.1%) and isokinetic knee extensor strength (16.5 vs. −5.9%). In addition, RT-BFR group presented higher leg muscle mass (10.3 vs. 9.7 kg) than that of RT group after 8 weeks of training. Furthermore, testosterone to cortisol (T:C) ratio at 24 hours after training session at pre-, mid-, and posttraining were maintained in the RT-BFR group, whereas significant decreases of T:C ratio at 24 hours after training session were observed in the RT group. These results suggested that RT combined with BFR may be a practical training strategy for promoting cardiopulmonary function and muscle strength in endurance runners.
Implementation and Efficacy of Plyometric Training: Bridging the Gap Between Practice and Research
Authors: Watkins Casey M. , Storey Adam G. , McGuigan Michael R. , Gill Nicholas D. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Watkins, CM, Storey, A, McGuigan, M, and Gill, ND. Implementation and efficacy of plyometric training: Bridging the gap between practice and research. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1244–1255, 2021—Plyometric training is an effective method for improving speed and acceleration. However, a gap seems to exist between research recommendations and practitioner's actual programs. Some reports suggest as many as 400 jumps per session, while anecdotally some strength and conditioning coaches are using as few as 15–40 jumps even with elite athletes. Thus, the purposes of this study were to obtain a clearer understanding of the practitioner's perspective on plyometric training strategies as compared to literary recommendations and to compare any trends across competition level or sport categories. An integrative mixed-methods model was used. Globally, 61 strength and conditioning practitioners completed an anonymous online survey, containing 5 sections: 1. Sport and coaching background information, 2. Plyometric training focus, 3. Periodization strategy, 4. Plyometric program details, and 5. Efficacy of plyometrics for sport performance. Questions included yes/no, multiple choice, Likert scale, percentage-based, and open-ended questions. The majority (70.5%) of respondents reported regularly implementing plyometric training and overwhelmingly (96.7%) reported positive athlete feedback surrounding its perceived efficacy. Findings confirmed that many practitioners regularly use significantly lower session volumes than previous literary recommendations (p < 0.05). In addition, significant differences were noted in many program details across competition level and sport category including volume periodization, exercise choice, and plyometric intensity. Practitioners may want to reflect on these reported group differences when building training programs best suited for their athletes. Meanwhile, future research should consider these reported perspectives when formulating interventions in attempts of bridging the gap between practice and theory.
Stronger Subjects Select a Movement Pattern That May Reduce Anterior Cruciate Ligament Loading During Cutting
Authors: Davies William T. , Ryu Joong Hyun , Graham-Smith Philip , Goodwin Jon E. , Cleather Daniel J. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Davies, WT, Ryu, JH, Graham-Smith, P, Goodwin, JE, and Cleather, DJ. Stronger subjects select a movement pattern that may reduce anterior cruciate ligament loading during cutting. J Strength Cond Res 36(7): 1853–1859, 2022—Increased strength has been suggested to reduce the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury as part of wider neuromuscular training programs; however, the mechanism of this is not clear. Cutting is a high-risk maneuver for ACL injury, but limited research exists as to how strength affects sagittal plane biomechanics during this movement. Sixteen subjects were split into a stronger and weaker group based on their relative peak isometric strength in a unilateral squat (stronger: 29.0 ± 3.4 N·kg−1 and weaker: 18.3 ± 4.1 N·kg−1). Subjects performed 45° cuts with maximal intent 3 times, at 3 different approach velocities (2, 4, and 6 m·s−1). Kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected using optical motion capture and a force platform. The stronger group had lower knee extensor moments, larger hip extensor moments, and a greater peak knee flexion angle than the weaker group (p < 0.05). There was a trend for greater knee flexion at initial contact in the stronger group. There were no differences in resultant ground reaction forces between groups. The stronger group relied more on the hip than the knee during cutting and reached greater knee flexion angles. This could decrease ACL loading by reducing the extensor moment required at the knee during weight acceptance. Similarly, the greater knee flexion angle during weight acceptance is likely to be protective of the ACL.
Effects of a Flexible Workout System on Performance Gains in Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Walts Cory T. , Murphy Sabrina M. , Stearne David J. , Rieger Randall H. , Clark Kenneth P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Walts, CT, Murphy, SM, Stearne, DJ, Rieger, RH, and Clark, KP. Effects of a flexible workout system on performance gains in collegiate athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1187–1193, 2021—Although research on the topic of periodization is abundant, investigations into different flexible periodization strategies in collegiate athletes are limited. Furthermore, how state of readiness (SOR) and workout autonomy affect training improvements is largely unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if a flexible periodization (FP) program would elicit significantly greater performance gains compared with a nonflexible periodization (NP) program (significance set p ≤ 0.05). A total of 32 male and female intercollegiate lacrosse players completed performance measures of vertical jump, sprinting speed, change of direction, and strength in bench press and deadlift. After pretesting, subjects were matched and randomly assigned to either FP (n = 17, age = 19.4 ± 1.4 years, height = 1.72 ± 0.10 m, mass = 72.29 ± 13.73 kg) or NP (n = 15, age = 19.9 ± 1.5 years, height = 1.72 ± 0.08 m, mass = 71.68 ± 13.55 kg) training groups. Both groups trained 3 days per week for 8 weeks. The NP group completed all workout volume and intensity as prescribed by a certified strength and conditioning coach. However, the FP group modified workout volume and intensity based on a daily SOR questionnaire. Although appreciable pretest to posttest improvements were observed for the entire subject cohort, multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a series of ANOVA tests demonstrated no statistically significant between-group differences for pretest to posttest changes on any of the performance tests (range of p values: 0.17–0.95). Although FP does not seem to be more effective than NP for eliciting performance gains, it may provide greater opportunities for autonomy while eliciting equivalent improvement levels. Therefore, flexible periodization based on SOR may be a viable training strategy.
Preferences of patients and clinicians for treatment of Graves’ disease: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: van Kinschot Caroline M J , Soekhai Vikas R , de Bekker-Grob Esther W , Visser W Edward , Peeters Robin P , van Ginhoven Tessa M , van Noord Charlotte 
Published: March 2021

Objective
Treatment options for Graves’ disease (GD) consist of antithyroid drugs (ATD), radioactive iodine (RAI) and total thyroidectomy (TT). Guidelines recommend to discuss these options with patients, taking into account patients’ preferences. This study aims to evaluate and compare patients’ and clinicians’ preferences and the trade-offs made in choosing treatment.

Design and methods
A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was performed with GD patients with a first diagnosis or recurrence in the previous year, and with clinicians. Participants were offered hypothetical treatment options which differed in type of treatment, rates of remission, severe side effects, permanent voice changes and hypocalcemia. Preference heterogeneity was assessed by latent-class analysis.

Results
In this study, 286 (82%) patients and 61 (18%) clinicians participated in the DCE. All treatment characteristics had a significant effect on treatment choice (P < 0.05). Remission rate was the most important determinant and explained 37 and 35% of choices in patients and clinicians, respectively. Both patients and clinicians preferred ATD over surgery and RAI. A strong negative preference toward RAI treatment was observed in a subclass of patients, whereas clinicians preferred RAI over surgery.

Conclusion
For both patients and clinicians, remission rate was the most important determinant of treatment choice and ATD was the most preferred treatment option. Patients had a negative preference toward RAI compared to alternatives, whereas clinicians preferred RAI over surgery. Clinicians should be aware that their personal attitude toward RAI differs from that of their patients. This study on patients’ and clinicians’ preferences can support shared decision making and thereby improve clinical treatment.
Social Responsibility Initiative Implementation in the Public Sector in Latvia
Authors: Voronchuk Inesa , Stariņeca Olga 
Published: March 2021

The public sector provides many different jobs in Latvia; however, the number of people employed in the public sector is small. Sometimes private sector organisations with a socially responsible culture are more attractive for specialists. The authors propose to evaluate Social Responsibility’s (SR) importance, benefits, and ways of possible implementation for several types of public sector organisations.
The objective of this paper is to enquire what kind of activities organisations need to carry out to be included in the Sustainability Index rating and overview the possible reasons of difficulties encountered by public organisations.
The authors describe the structure of the public sector and the Sustainability Index (SI) mechanism in Latvia and evaluate public organisations included in the SI rating by their activities directed to sustainable development; i.e., socially responsible (SR) activities.
The impact of budget deficit, public debt and education expenditures on economic growth in Poland
Authors: Konopczyński Michał 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates the relationship between economic growth in Poland and a few metrics of fiscal policy: budget deficit relative to GDP, the structure of public debt, education expenditures, and public consumption. We prove that with constant values of parameters of fiscal policy, over time the economy converges to the balanced growth path which is unique and globally asymptotically stable.Having calibrated the model with statistical data, we demonstrate that in the period of 2000–2016 economic growth in Poland was driven primarily by rapid improvement in the level of human capital (at a rate of 5.4% per annum), and secondarily due to the accumulation of capital (2.7% annually). If recent trends in fiscal policy are continued, the Polish economy will converge to the balanced growth path with GDP growing at 3.7%. This rate may be boosted, if fiscal policy is appropriately adjusted, for example by permanent reduction in budget deficit. We also analyse the effects of changes in the financing structure of public debt. Finally, we present several scenarios of increasing public and private spending on education.
Income inequality and the cost of recessions
Authors: Shahee Mostafa , Jenkins Glenn P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study empirically examines the relationship between the severity of recessions experienced by countries and their income distributions. The analysis is carried out for 28 higher middle- and high-income countries between 1970 and 2013. The empirical evidence derived from the changes in the Gini-index suggests that a greater degree of income inequality increases the cumulative loss of GDP inflicted by recessions. The increased cost emerges from both a longer duration and a deeper amplitude for the contractionary phase of the business cycle.
Asymmetric and nonlinear dynamics in trade flows sustainability: Serbia and Romania
Authors: Bošnjak Mile 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe research examines the sustainability of trade flows for two European post-communist economies: Serbia and Romania. We analysed two nonlinear forms of the relationship between exports and imports that cannot be explained by frequently applied linear model specifications. Newly developed nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag approach revealed the asymmetric and nonlinear long-run equilibrium between Serbian exports and imports. Nonlinearity tests indicated and the SETAR model specification confirmed threshold nonlinearity form in the Serbian trade flows pattern. Serbian trade flows still approach its sustainable equilibrium but the development pattern is promising. The results for Romania revealed another nonlinear form of the relationship between exports and imports, indicating a dependent cointegration. The paper provides robust results and supports the hypothesis that the relationship between exports and imports can be nonlinear and symmetric.
Comparative analysis of prothrombotic activity in patients with myocardial infarction with and without obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Vorobieva D. A. , Lugacheva Yu. G. , Kapilevich N. A. , Ryabov V. V. 
Published: March 2021

Aim.To compare parameters of prothrombotic activity in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) with obstructive (MICAD) and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA).Material and methods.The study included 40 patients with MI, which were divided into experimental (n=19) and control group (n=21). Three patients (15,7%) with acute myocarditis were excluded from the analysis. Hemostasiological and hematological blood tests were studied upon admission, on the 2nd, 4th, 7th days from hospitalization. Blood samples for protein C, antithrombin, von Willebrand factor (VWF), plasminogen, homocysteine were performed on 4th±1 day from hospitalization. To determine the IgG/IgM anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) antibodies in order to diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the ORGENTEC Anti- β2-Glycoprotein I IgG/IgM ELISA enzyme immunoassay was used. Blood tests for lupus anticoagulant were performed using an ACL-Top 700 analyzer (Werfen) with HemosIL SynthASil dRVVT screen/dRVVT confirm and with a SCT screen/SCT confirm quartz activator.Results.According to the data obtained, it was found that patients with MINOCA had a significantly lower level of plasminogen (p=0,007), as well as a higher level of homocysteine (p=0,03). For such indicators as protein C, antithrombin, ejection fraction, differences between the groups were not revealed (p<0,05). At the same time, protein C deficiency was detected in 2 (12,5%) patients with MINOCA and in 1 (5,3%) patient in the control group. Antithrombin deficiency was detected in 2 (12,5%) patients with MINOCA and in 2 (9,5%) patients with MICAD. An increase in the level of ejection fraction was found in 6 (37,5%) patients in the study group and in 7 (33,3%) patients in the control group. There were no differences in levels of lupus anticoagulant, aCL and β2-GPI antibodies (p>0,05). There was a higher platelet count in patients with MINOCA on the 2ndand 4thdays of acute MI (p=0,46 and p=0,01, respectively). However, the hemoglobin level in patients with MINOCA was significantly lower on admission, 4thand 7thday of MI (p=0,02, p=0,03 and p=0,04, respectively).Conclusion.According to the study results, in patients with MINOCA and MICAD, differences in blood thrombotic activity were revealed. A higher level of homocysteine and a lower level of plasminogen were determined in patients with MINOCA. For such parameters as protein C, antithrombin, VWF, aCL and β2-GPI antibodies, differences between the groups were not determined. According to laboratory data, patients with MINOCA showed higher platelet count, but lower levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the early postinfarction period.
Risk factors and psychosomatic status among the military population of Azerbaijan with coronary artery disease
Authors: Masimova A. E. , Mamedov M. N. 
Published: March 2021

Aim. To study the main behavioural and biological risk factors, as well as psychosomatic status among the military men of Azerbaijan with coronary artery disease (CAD).Material and methods. The study included 116 men with coronary artery disease, who were divided into 2 groups according to their social status. Group I consisted of 60 patients from military population, while group II — 56 patients from general population. All patients were treated in the cardiovascular department of the Central Hospital of the Armed Forces (Baku, Azerbaijan). The age range was 3065 years (mean age, 55±3,6 years). The following risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were studied: smoking, obesity, hypertension (HTN), hypercholesterolemia, stress and anxiety/depression.Results. In the study group, the most common risk factor was hypercholesterolemia, which occurred in 80% of patients (46 and 47 patients among military and general population, respectively). HTN occurred in 78% and 68% of military and general population, respectively. Smoking was significantly more often detected among military personnel (68%) compared with the control group (50%). Abdominal obesity and diabetes were significantly more common among general population with CAD (57% and 36% vs 38% and 20%, respectively). Psychosomatic disorders (chronic stress, anxiety and depression) were >50% more often recorded among military personnel than general population.Conclusion. In both groups of men with CAD, the most common risk factors are HTN and hypercholesterolemia. Smoking, chronic stress, anxiety/depression predominated among the military, while diabetes and abdominal obesity were more common among general population. The data obtained can be used to determine the strategy of treatment and secondary prevention of CVD among military population.