bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Information and Communication Technology Use in Workplace Romance Escalation and De-Escalation
Authors: Cowan Renee L. , Horan Sean M.
Published: September 2017

The primary purpose of this study was to learn how and why information and communication technologies (ICTs) are used to initiate, maintain, and dissolve workplace romantic relationships, creating a new model. Workplace romantic relationships are different from traditional romantic relationships in several ways: those in workplace romances may face additional implications following workplace romance disclosure and need to be mindful of how they disclose, they risk damaging gossip that could result in negative professional consequences, and they are influenced by organizational culture. How and why people chose to date those they met at work has important implications for individuals, organizations, and society. Using a constructivist grounded theory approach and collecting in-depth qualitative data, we uncovered a model of ICT use in workplace romantic relationships. We also found privacy was a predominant concern in both the initiation and maintenance stages and that communication was generally avoided during dissolution. Technology was used to end many of these relationships including text messages and social networking sites because they are asynchronous and help both parties avoid more direct communication. Theoretical and practical implications for employees, managers, and organizations are discussed.
Marriage markets as explanation for why heavier people work more hours
Authors: Grossbard Shoshana , Mukhopadhyay Sankar
Published: September 2017

Is BMI related to hours of work through marriage market mechanisms? We empirically explore this issue using data from the NLSY79 and NLSY97 and a number of estimation strategies (including OLS, IV, and sibling FE). Our IV estimates (with same-sex sibling’s BMI as an instrument and a large set of controls including wage) suggest that a one-unit increase in BMI leads to an almost 2% increase in White married women’s hours of work. However, BMI is not associated with hours of work of married men. We also find that a one-unit increase in BMI leads to a 1.4% increase in White single women’s hours of work, suggesting that single women may expect future in-marriage transfers that vary by body weight. We show that the positive association between BMI and hours of work of White single women increases with self-assessed probability of future marriage and varies with expected cumulative spousal income. Comparisons between the association between BMI and hours of work for White and Black married women suggest a possible racial gap in intra-marriage transfers from husbands to wives.
Insights from the draft genome into the pathogenicity of a clinical isolate of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica Em3
Authors: Chen Shicheng , Soehnlen Marty , Downes Frances P. , Walker Edward D.
Published: September 2017

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is an emerging, healthcare-associated pathogen causing a high mortality rate in immunocompromised patients. We report the draft genome sequence of E. meningoseptica Em3, isolated from sputum from a patient with multiple underlying diseases. The genome has a length of 4,037,922 bp, a GC-content 36.4%, and 3673 predicted protein-coding sequences. Average nucleotide identity analysis (>95%) assigned the bacterium to the species E. meningoseptica. Genome analysis showed presence of the curli formation and assembly operon and a gene encoding hemagglutinins, indicating ability to form biofilm. In vitro biofilm assays demonstrated that E. meningoseptica Em3 formed more biofilm than E. anophelis Ag1 and E. miricola Emi3, both lacking the curli operon. A gene encoding thiol-activated cholesterol-dependent cytolysin in E. meningoseptica Em3 (potentially involved in lysing host immune cells) was also absent in E. anophelis Ag1 and E. miricola Emi3. Strain Em3 showed α-hemolysin activity on blood agar medium, congruent with presence of hemolysin and cytolysin genes. Furthermore, presence of heme uptake and utilization genes demonstrated adaptations for bloodstream infections. Strain Em3 contained 12 genes conferring resistance to β-lactams, including β-lactamases class A, class B, and metallo-β-lactamases. Results of comparative genomic analysis here provide insights into the evolution of E. meningoseptica Em3 as a pathogen.
Reversing thyroid-hormone-mediated repression of a HSV-1 promoter via computationally guided mutagenesis
Authors: Figliozzi Robert W. , Chen Feng , Hsia Shaochung V.
Published: September 2017

Thyroid hormones (THs) and their DNA-binding nuclear receptors (TRs) direct transcriptional regulation in diverse ways depending on the host cell environment and specific promoter characteristics of TH-sensitive genes. This study sought to elucidate the impact on transcriptional repression of nucleotide sequence or orientation within TR binding sites – the TH response elements (TREs) of TH-sensitive promoters – to better understand ligand-dependent transcriptional repression of wild-type promoters. Computational analysis of the HSV-1 thymidine kinase (TK) gene TRE bound by TR and retinoid X receptor (RXR) revealed a single TRE point mutation sufficient to reverse the TRE orientation. In vitro experiments showed that the TRE point mutation had distinct impacts on promoter activity, sufficient to reverse the TH-dependent negative regulation in neuroendocrine differentiated cells. This point mutation altered the promoter's regulatory mechanism by discrete changes in transcription factor TR occupancy and altered enrichment of the repressive chromatin modification of histone-3-lysine-9-trimethyl (H3K9Me3). Insights relating to this negative TRE (nTRE) mechanism aids our understanding of other nTREs and TRE mutations associated with TH and herpes diseases.
Variation in developmental trajectories of physiological and somatic traits in a common songbird approaching fledging
Authors: Cornell Allison , Williams Tony D.
Published: September 2017

In avian species, little is known about the development of physiological traits in the days preceding fledging, a critical life history transition marked by a high mortality rate. Developmental trajectory during this period may be flexible based on ecological context or hardwired, with potential costs for variation in growth in the form of oxidative stress. Patterns in development are likely to relate to variation in life history, for which seabirds and aerial insectivores have been well studied, while our focal species is a grassland ground forager, the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris). We show that changes in hematocrit, body mass, and wing length are independent of year and brood quality, while changes in hemoglobin concentration are higher in low quality broods. Moreover, we also identify higher oxidative stress in low quality year and second broods, a potential cost for maintaining a hardwired developmental trajectory in a lower quality environment. Finally we experimentally test the effects of food supplementation on development and maturity of chicks at fledging to show that although food increases body mass early in development, it does not change the trajectory or final maturity of chicks at fledging. Collectively this study demonstrates that some developmental changes prior to fledging may be hardwired, but may have long-term oxidative costs in low quality environments.
Circannual testis and moult cycles persist under photoperiods that disrupt circadian activity and clock gene cycles in spotted munia
Authors: Agarwal Neha , Mishra Ila , Komal Ruchi , Rani Sangeeta , Kumar Vinod
Published: September 2017

We investigated if circannual rhythms underlying annual testis maturation and moult cycles were independent of the duration and frequency of light period and the circadian clock control in non-photoperiodic spotted munia. Birds were subjected to an aberrant light-dark (LD) cycle (3.5L:3.5D; T7, T=period length of LD cycle) and continuous light (LL, 24L:0D), with controls on 12L:12D (T24, 24 h LD cycle). Initial experiment measured the activity pattern and 24 h mRNA oscillations of circadian clock genes (bmal1, clock, per2, cry1, cry2) in the hypothalamus, putative site of the seasonal timing. Diurnal munia were rhythmic in behaviour with period of activity-rest cycle matched to T7 and T24, and became behaviourally arrhythmic with activity scattered througout 24 h under LL. Similarly, exposure to 3.5L:3.5D and LL caused arrhythmicity in 24 h clock gene expressions suggesting disruption of internal circadian timing at the transcriptional level; a significant rhythm was found under 12L:12D. In subsequent exposure of 80 weeks, munia showed 2–3 cycles of testis maturation and wing primaries moult under all photoperiods, although with a longer period length under 12L:12D. Thus, the frequency of light period under 3.5L:3.5D, or continuous light disrupted circadian clock gene cycles, but did not affect the generation of circannual testis and moult cycles. We conclude that the prevailing light environment and hypothalamic circadian gene cycles do not exert a direct control on the timing of annual reproductive cycle in spotted munia, and suggest independent generation of the circadian and circannual rhythms in seasonally breeding species.
A review of data sharing statements in observational studies published in the BMJ: A cross-sectional study
Authors: McDonald Laura , Schultze Anna , Simpson Alex , Graham Sophie , Wasiak Radek , Ramagopalan Sreeram V.
Published: September 2017

In order to understand the current state of data sharing in observational research studies, we reviewed data sharing statements of observational studies published in a general medical journal, the British Medical Journal. We found that the majority (63%) of observational studies published between 2015 and 2017 included a statement that implied that data used in the study could not be shared. If the findings of our exploratory study are confirmed, room for improvement in the sharing of real-world or observational research data exists.
Unintended consequences of machine learning in medicine?
Authors: McDonald Laura , Ramagopalan Sreeram V. , Cox Andrew P. , Oguz Mustafa
Published: September 2017

Machine learning (ML) has the potential to significantly aid medical practice. However, a recent article highlighted some negative consequences that may arise from using ML decision support in medicine. We argue here that whilst the concerns raised by the authors may be appropriate, they are not specific to ML, and thus the article may lead to an adverse perception about this technique in particular. Whilst ML is not without its limitations like any methodology, a balanced view is needed in order to not hamper its use in potentially enabling better patient care.
Shifting logics: limitations on the journey from ‘state’ to ‘market’ logic in UK higher education
Authors: Alexander Elizabeth A , Phillips Wendy , Kapletia Dharm
Published: September 2017

Our study of UK higher education institutions (HEIs) offers insights into the role of institutional logics in the adoption of organisational practices – specifically outsourcing. We identify two logics prevalent within HEIs: a public service ‘state logic’ and a ‘market logic’. While adherence to the market logic supports commercial-based practices such as outsourcing, organisations enact competing logics in complex ways. Outsourcing is mainly limited to peripheral activities segmented from the core while a nascent cooperative solution is emerging as HEIs co-opt practices and discourse of outsourcing to justify hybrid relationships that marry competing logics in a process of selective coupling.
Sylvia Pankhurst: Suffragette, socialist, anti-imperialist … and social worker?
Authors: Lavalette Michael
Published: September 2017

Sylvia Pankhurst was a well-known Suffragette from the period prior to the First World War. It is less well known that she was also a socialist activist, an anti-racist and a founding member of the British Communist Party. However, can we consider her a social worker? This piece looks at Sylvia’s early life and argues that her radical welfare interventions between 1912 and 1917 mark her out as a pioneer of radical social work interventions.
Moral panics and social work: a rejoinder to Smith et al
Authors: Pilgrim David
Published: September 2017

This is a rejoinder to a response from Mark Smith and his colleagues to my original article in this journal on social work and moral panics. At the outset, a brief concession is made to a couple of points from them but I go on to defend the main propositions in my original article.
Missão de formação na Biblioteca da Universidade Pedagógica de Cracóvia
Authors: Miguéis Ana Eva
Published: September 2017

A Universidade de Coimbra promove a mobilidade do pessoal para fins de formação, através do programa Erasmus. Dessas experiências resulta a realização de atividades de formação em instituições europeias ou em empresas localizadas num dos países participantes no Programa. No âmbito deste programa realizou-se uma missão de formação na Biblioteca Central da Universidade Pedagógica de Cracóvia (Polónia), em março de 2016. A visita em apreço surgiu após um convite desta entidade à Universidade de Coimbra, propondo uma colaboração entre as duas instituições.No texto que se apresenta dão-se a conhecer os pontos mais significativos da visita. Num outro plano, compara-se a realidade das duas instituições. No final procede-se a uma breve análise desta formação envolvendo um conjunto de iniciativas a aplicar no local de trabalho.
The place of central-acting drugs in the algorithms of treatment of primary obesity
Authors: Logvinova Oksana V. , Galieva Marina O. , Mazurina Natalia V. , Troshina Ekaterina A.
Published: September 2017

Pharmacotherapy is an essential component of obesity treatment, as well as efforts focused on changing the lifestyle, correcting the food consumption and increasing the physical activity. The administration of central-acting drugs as pharmacotherapy of obesity is pathogenetically justified and allows improving the effectiveness of treatment. In this article, the use of sibutramine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is considered in various aspects of endocrinologists practice. In addition to aforesaid there is an application of a specific clinical observation.
The metabolic syndrome as a risk factor for colorectal cancer
Authors: Nikitenko Tatiana M. , Shcherbakova Lilia V. , Malyutina Sofia K. , Mustafina Svetlana V. , Verevkin Eugene G. , Ragino Yuliya I. , Voytsitsky Vladimir E. , Pyatibratova Anna V. , Rymar Oksana D.
Published: September 2017

Objective. To evaluate the prognostic significance of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) using various MS criteria in Novosibirsk population.

Materials and Methods. The study was designed as nested case-control. Baseline population cohort (9360 men, women aged 4569) was examined in the HAPIEE project and followed-up during 11 years. The cases included all subjects, who had CRC during 11-year follow-up according to the Register of Cancer (n=99, M-52, M-47). The matched control group (2/1) was selected from HAPIEE cohort (n=198, m-104, w-94). The prospective study of CRC was supported by RSF. MS criteria were determined in accordance to VNOK (2009), IDF (2005), NCEP ATP III (2001). Statistical package SPSS v.11.0 was used. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between MS and risk of CRC.

Results. Women with glucose levels 6.1 mmol/l had 3 times higher 11-year risk of CRC then those with glucose 6.1 mmol/l (OR=3.11;

95%CI:1.237.87, VNOK, 2009; OR=3.20; 95%CI:1.278.08, NCEP ATP III, 2001). Blood pressure (BP) 130/85 mmHg was associated with decreased risk of CRC in women and in both sexes, but the relationship became insignificant after controlling for antihypertensive treatment. Other components of the MS were not significantly associated with CRC risk.

Conclusions. In studied sample the 11-year risk of developing CRC was significantly increased in women with elevated glucose levels. The negative relationship between elevated BP and the risk of CRC in women and both sexes became insignificant when adjusted for antihypertensive treatment; this finding requires further exploration.
Body fat distribution: the answer to the apparent paradox of obesity in cardiology?
Authors: Borodkina Daria A. , Gruzdeva Olga V. , Kvitkova Ludmila V. , Barbarash Olga L.
Published: September 2017

Today, despite all the measures taken, cardiovascular diseases remain the main cause of temporary invalidization, disability and mortality. Obesity is a major risk factor of cardiovascular diseases and complications from them. However, not all fat depots have the same proinflammatory, paracrine and metabolic activity. Recent studies have shown that the accumulation of visceral fat, and not subcutaneous fat, is associated with an increase in cardiometabolic risk. At the same time, there is evidence that an increase in the area of visceral fat is a protective mechanism against lipotoxicity. The purpose of this review is to discuss current literature data reflecting the characteristics of the visceral, epicardial and perivascular fat depots, and also their association with cardiovascular diseases.
Association of obesity susceptibility gene variants with metabolic syndrome in women
Authors: Kochetova Olga V. , Akhmadishina Leysan Z. , Korytina Gulnaz F. , Karpov Artyom A. , Mustafina Olga E.
Published: September 2017

Aim. The aim of the study was a replicative analysis of the association of polymorphic variants of genes associated with obesity revealed by results of wide-genomic studies (GWAS) with the development of a cluster of metabolic syndrome risk parameters in women of Bashkir and Tatar ethnicity. The polymorphic markers of the following genes were analyzed: SEC16B, FADS1, KCTD15, MAF, MAP2K5, NEGR1, BDNF, TMEM18.

Materials and methods. The study involved 243 women with metabolic syndrome and 298 women without the metabolic syndrome. Amplification of DNA fragments was performed using real-time PCR and TaqMan technique.

Results. We found the association the metabolic syndrome with genetic markers of genes MAF and TMEM18 from Tatar. Protective informative marker of the metabolic syndrome among Tatar and Bashkir was the TT haplotype TMEM18 gene (rs2860323 and rs6548238) (р=0.005 and р=0.001, respectively). We identified the association marker rs2241423 MAP2K5 gene with the level of waist circumference (p=0.003) and with the level of cholesterol (p=0.014), the marker rs11084753 KCTD15 gene with glucose levels after exercise (p=0.002), the level of triglycerides (p=0.003) and HDL (p=0.0008) among Tatar women. We identified the association rs2241423 MAP2K5 gene marker to glycated hemoglobin level (p=0.002) and a marker gene rs174550 FADS1 with triglyceride levels (p=0.02) among Bashkir women.

Conclusion. It can be assumed that the polymorphic variants FADS1, KCTD15, MAF, MAP2K5, TMEM18 genes are an important part of the genetic structure of predisposition to metabolic syndrome and/or to a cluster of clinical and biochemical indicators of the risk of metabolic syndrome.
Nutritional profile of the morbidly obese patients attending a bariatric clinic in a South Indian tertiary care centre
Authors: Joseph Mini , Kapoor Nitin , Ramasamy Shobana , Jiwanmall Stephen Amarjeet , Kattula Dheeraj , Abraham Vijay , Samarasam Inian , Paul Thomas , Thomas Nihal
Published: September 2017

Background: Obesity is sweeping across continents and is a major public health concern of the modern society.

Aims: The main objective of this study was to study the demographic, anthropometric and dietary patterns of the morbidly obese and study region wise variation in their nutrient intake.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 101 morbidly obese individuals from different regions of India who attended the Bariatric clinic of a tertiary care hospital in India. Their socio-demographic details, anthropometric measurements were collected. The dietary assessment was done using a 24 hour dietary recall and a food frequency questionnaire. The study was approved by the Institutional review board and informed consent was obtained from them.

Results: More than 3/4th of the patients were females and 61 per cent had Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mean age of the male and female population was 41.3 + 15.5 years and 36.7 + 11.9 years respectively. Their mean BMI was 41kg/m2. The mean daily intake of calories was more than 2200kcal/day with a gross deficit in the intake of micronutrients. Bonferroni Test showed that there was region wise variation in dietary intake, South Indian female population had the lowest intake of the micronutrients and those from East India had the highest intake. In the male population, there was a significant regional difference in intake of Proteins (p=0.039) and Energy (p=0.024). Independent Sample T test showed that South Indian had the highest intake of Energy and proteins. Anthropometric measures showed positive relation with various macronutrient intakes.

Conclusion: The obese patients require intense counselling by a dedicated team of an endocrinologist, psychiatrist, dietician, bariatric surgeon and a social worker to make achievable changes in the quality of life of the morbidly obese patients. Regional influences must be considered when counselling the patient.
Synthesis, activation and deactivation of glucocorticoids. The biological role of cortisol in metabolic disorders
Authors: Artemova Ekaterina V.
Published: September 2017

In the light of the emerging new data, the view of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-target organs system undergoes significant changes, and along with the negative feedback mechanism, there are suggestions of the existence of other regulatory mechanisms for synthesis, activation, and deactivation of glucocorticosteroids (GCS). However, there is currently a relatively small amount of data on the relationship between systemic and local cortisol production in tissues. The inconsistent increase in the number of patients with diabetes mellitus (predominantly type 2) and obesity poses new challenges in developing effective medicines and their delivery forms, Methods of timely detection and prevention of the development of the disease. Understanding these processes will create the necessary scientific basis for the search and development of new targets for the pharmacotherapy of diseases associated with a violation of synthesis, activation and action of GCS.
Differential diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus associated with Cushig’s disease
Authors: Dzeranova Larisa K. , Bibik Ekaterina E. , Pigarova Ekaterina A. , Panevin Taras S. , Grigor'ev Andrey Yu.
Published: September 2017

Diabetes mellitus associated with endogenic hypercortisolism is one of the most frequent symptoms of Cushings disease and may mask other implications. Achievement of the diseases remission not always leads to complete involution of its complications. The new glucose-lowering drugs can exert a complex positive impact in patients with hypercortisolemic comorbidities. To treat diabetes mellitus associated with the central hypercortisolism groups of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors should be taken into account.
Insulin resistance in therapeutic clinic
Authors: Pashentseva Anna V. , Verbovoy Andrey F. , Sharonova Lyudmila A.
Published: September 2017

Today an obesity became the global epidemic striking both children, and adults and represents one of the most important problems of health care worldwide. Excess accumulation of fatty tissue is resulted by insulin resistance and a compensatory hyperinsulinaemia which are the main predictors of development of a diabetes mellitus type 2. Insulin resistance is also one of key links of a pathogenesis of such diseases as cardiovascular pathology, not-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes and many others.
Depression of sensitivity of tissues to insulin can be physiological reaction of an organism to stress factors and pathological process. The endogenic reasons also take part in development of insulin resistance besides factors of the external environment. The role of genetic predisposition, a subclinical inflammation of fatty tissue, thyroid hormones, adipokines and vitamin D in formation of this pathological process is studied.
As insulin resistance takes part in a pathogenesis of various diseases, methods of its diagnostics and correction are of great importance in therapeutic practice. At purpose of treatment it is worth giving preference to the drugs which are positively influencing sensitivity of tissues to insulin.
Why Continuous Motions Cannot Be Composed of Sub-motions: Aristotle on Change, Rest, and Actual and Potential Middles
Authors: Cohoe Caleb
Published: September 2017

I examine the reasons Aristotle presents in Physics VIII 8 for denying a crucial assumption of Zeno’s dichotomy paradox: that every motion is composed of sub-motions. Aristotle claims that a unified motion is divisible into motions only in potentiality (δυνάμει). If it were actually divided at some point, the mobile would need to have arrived at and then have departed from this point, and that would require some interval of rest. Commentators have generally found Aristotle’s reasoning unconvincing. Against David Bostock and Richard Sorabji, inter alia, I argue that Aristotle offers a plausible and internally consistent response to Zeno. I defend Aristotle’s reasoning by using his discussion of what to say about the mobile at boundary instants, transitions between change and rest. There Aristotle articulates what I call the Changes are Open, Rests are Closed Rule: what is true of something at a boundary instant is what is true of it over the time of its rest. By contrast, predications true of something over its period of change are not true of the thing at either of the boundary instants of that change. I argue that this rule issues from Aristotle’s general understanding of change, as laid out in Phys. III. It also fits well with Phys. VI, where Aristotle maintains that there is a first boundary instant included in the time of rest, but not a “first in which the mobile began to change.” I then show how this rule underlies Aristotle’s argument that a continuous motion cannot be composed of actual sub-motions. Aristotle distinguishes potential middles, points passed through en route to a terminus, from actual middles. The Changes are Open, Rests are Closed Rule only applies to actual middles, because only they are boundaries of change that the mobile must arrive at and then depart from. On my reading, Aristotle argues that the instant of arrival, the first instant at which the mobile has come to be at the actual middle, cannot belong to the time of the subsequent motion. If it did, the mobile would already be moving towards the next terminus and thus, per Phys. VI 6, would have already left. But it cannot have moved away from the midpoint at the very same moment it has arrived there. This means that the instant of arrival must be separated from the time of departure by an interval of rest. I show how Aristotle’s reasoning applies generally to rule out any continuous reflexive motion or continuous complex rectilinear motion. On my interpretation, however, the argument does not apply to every change of direction. When, as in the case of projectile motion, multiple movers and their relative powers explain why the mobile changes directions, distinct sub-motions are not involved. Aristotle holds that such motions cannot be continuous, not because they involve intervals of rest, but because they involve multiple causes of motion. My interpretation of the Changes are Open, Rests are Closed Rule allows us to make better sense of Aristotle’s argument than any previous interpretation.
The Myth of Cronus in Plato’sStatesman: Cosmic Rotation and Earthly Correspondence
Authors: Gartner Corinne , Yau Claudia
Published: September 2017

The cosmological myth in Plato’sStatesmanhas generated several longstanding scholarly disputes, among them a controversy concerning the number and nature of the cosmic rotation cycles that it depicts. According to the standard interpretation, there are two cycles of rotation: west-to-east rotation occurs during the age of Cronus, and east-to-west rotation occurs during the age of Zeus, which is also our present era. Recent readings have challenged this two-cycle interpretation, arguing that the period of rotation opposed to our own is governed neither by Cronus nor by Zeus, but is instead a separate rotational cycle during which chaos reigns before a divine ruler reestablishes control. We introduce a new constraint on any plausible interpretation of the myth. According to theCorrespondence Principle, changes in fundamental cyclical processes that shape the way of life on earth (mode of generation, growth, aging, and mode of death) occur if and only if there is a change in the direction of cosmic rotation. We use theCorrespondence Principleto defend a version of the standard two-cycle interpretation.
Role of the gut-brain axis in the eating behavior of children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Siwek Justyna , Kawala-Janik Aleksandra , Walecki Piotr
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

The occurrence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has significantly increased in the last few years. One of the common problems in this group are eating disorders and ailments from the gastrointestinal systems. According to some studies, these problems have a significant impact on the occurrence and severity of symptoms in the neurological system, so it is crucial to increase the attention paid on the role of diet in the treatment of this disease. One of the theories connects ASD with disorders of the digestive system and the intestinal bacterial flora. This theory is based on the gut-brain axis, which means the interaction between the gastrointestinal and nervous systems.

Objectives:

To demonstrate the differences in behavior habits, interest in nutrition, and frequency of consumption of food products between children suffering from ASD and healthy children.

Materials and methods:

The study was conducted among 44 children suffering from ASD and 33 healthy children as a control group. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was specially designed for this study. The questionnaire contained questions about eating habits and the frequency of consumption of selected food products.

Results:

Parents of healthy children showed more interest in their children’s way of feeding and nutritional recommendations compared to parents of children with ASD (4% and 11.3%, respectively). In addition, 24.3% more children with ASD consulted with a nutritionist compared to the control group. Complaints of the digestive system were 21.1% more likely by children with ASD. Children suffering from ASD were characterized by a higher intake of red meat and giblets and less frequent consumption of milk and milk products compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between the study group and the control group in terms of frequency of consumption of products, which are the source of gluten, artificial food additives-preservatives, and artificial colors.

Conclusions:

There are differences in the habits and eating behaviors and the frequency of consumption of selected food products between a group of children with ASD and a group of healthy children.
Evaluation of the Ecstasy influence on tramadol and its main metabolite plasma concentration in rats
Authors: Jamali Bardia , Sheikholeslami Behjat , Hosseinzadeh Ardakani Yalda , Lavasani Hoda , Rouini Mohammad-Reza
Published: September 2017

Background:

Tramadol is prone to be abused alone, or in combination with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy). It was reported that 95% of people with a history of substance abuse in the United States used tramadol in 2004. According to the WHO report in 2016, there was a growing number of tramadol abusers alone or in combination with psychoactive substances such as MDMA in particular in some Middle East countries. Higher concentrations of tramadol in plasma may lead to adverse drug reactions or lethal intoxication. In this study, the effect of MDMA on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol was examined in male rats.

Methods:

The effect of MDMA on T

Results:

When tramadol administered intraperitoneally, the absorption rate of this drug was reduced, and a lower C

Conclusions:

According to the obtained data, MDMA treatment affected the absorption, distribution and metabolism phases of tramadol. This treatment increased the concentration of tramadol if administered intravenously and can latent the absorption of tramadol in oral route. However, MDMA was introduced as CYP2D6 inhibitor; in this study, MDMA inhibited CYP3A4 isoenzymes as well. This finding is important for the compounds that are metabolized through CYP3A4. It can be proposed that in abusers of MDMA who only receive tramadol for medical or nonmedical purposes in short intervals, the dangers of the intravenous administration of tramadol should be considered, and if tramadol is administered orally, the desired effect may not be achieved at the routine dose.
Distribution of P2O5 between P-rich Phase and Matrix Phase in P-bearing Steelmaking Slag
Authors: Lin Lu , Bao Yan-ping , Gu Chao , Wu Wei , Zeng Jia-qing
Published: September 2017

To recycle the phosphorus in P-bearing steelmaking slag and use the slag as phosphate fertilizer, it is necessary to study the distribution of P2O5 between the P-rich phase and matrix phase in P-bearing steelmaking slag. The addition of MgO and MnO into the slag has no effect on the phosphorus form of existence in the slag and has little effect on the %(P2O5)SS. In contrast, Na2O and CaF2 in the slag change the phosphorus form of existence in the slag and increase %(P2O5)SS obviously. Lp’, ${\gamma _{{{\rm{P}}_2}{{\rm{O}}_5}(SS)}}$, ${\gamma _{{{\rm{P}}_2}{{\rm{O}}_5}(M)}}$, CP(M) and CP(SS) were calculated, and it was found that %(CaO), %(T.Fe) and %(P2O5) in the P-rich phase and matrix phase significantly affect Lp’. MnO and MgO in the slag have little effect on the distribution of P2O5 between the P-rich phase and matrix phase, whereas Na2O and CaF2 affect the distribution of P2O5 between the P-rich phase and matrix phase.
Stability Analysis of HIV/AIDS Transmission with Treatment and Role of Female Sex Workers
Authors: Rani Pratibha , Jain Divya , Saxena Vinod Prakash
Published: September 2017

This paper concentrates on the role of prostitutes in HIV/AIDS disease transmission among common population. In this communication, a nonlinear Susceptible-Infected-Treated-AIDS infected (SITA) model is developed to study the transmission dynamics of HIV/AIDS infection in three different classes. The behavior of the model is analyzed by the basic reproduction number R
0 and the results of the model are investigated by using stability theory of differential equations. Analysis of the model demonstrates that the disease-free equilibrium is locally stable for

R
0

<

1

${R_0}\, \lt \,1$

and at

R
0

>

1
,

${R_0} \gt \,1, \,$

the endemic equilibrium is globally stable. Further, numerical simulation of the model is carried out.
Rosenau-KdV Equation Coupling with the Rosenau-RLW Equation: Conservation Laws and Exact Solutions
Authors: Muatjetjeja Ben , Rashid Adem Abdullahi
Published: September 2017

We compute the conservation laws for the Rosenau-Kortweg de Vries equation coupling with the Regularized Long-Wave equation using Noether’s approach through a remarkable method of increasing the order of the Rosenau-KdV-RLW equation. Furthermore, exact solutions for the Rosenau- KdV-RLW equation are acquired by employing the Kudryashov method.
A multimodal approach to investigating temporality expression in L2: What does gesture analysis reveal?
Authors: Saddour Inès
Published: September 2017

Research on temporality expression has had a prolific history within second language acquisition (SLA) research and has provided a clear picture of temporal and aspectual (henceforth Tem) markers and their order of emergence and development in L2 acquisition. However, most of the studies have only examined speech and neglected the gestural modality. This study is an attempt to fill this gap and contribute to the relatively recent investigation of L2 gestures; examining with a combinative approach Tem devices in speech and the gestures produced concomitantly with those linguistic markers in longitudinal video-recorded narratives produced by four low-proficiency tutored French second language (L2) learners. Our results suggest that speech and gesture form an interconnected system and that gestures play a function in dealing with the abstract domain of temporal reference in early SLA. Analyses reveal that L2 learners do not gesture randomly when expressing Tem values. Their gestures co-occurring with different types of Tem linguistic devices are generally different in proportion, duration and type. Gestures are more frequent in non-finite uninflected verbal contexts. Additionally, they are often iconic and last longer on average than those produced simultaneously with verbal morphology or with adverbials. Differences in gesture rate, duration and nature in the different marking contexts and over the data collection period of 5 months suggest that gesturing may help to reduce the cognitive load brought about by the complexity of morphological marking, and may therefore be used strategically to handle hesitant Tem devices in speech in early SLA.
The Contribution of Marketing and Branding Efforts in Food Exports: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Drivas Kyriakos
Published: September 2017

This paper examines the relationship between food-related trademark activity, approximating for branding and marketing efforts, and food exports for the 48 contiguous states of the US over the period 1999–2015. We find a strong and positive relationship between these two variables. Further robustness checks, including an instrumental variables approach, provide evidence that marketing and branding activities contribute to food exports. With respect to food export policy our results point to providing incentives to the private sector (cooperatives, farmers, firms) to pursue marketing and branding efforts.
Congruence analysis of geodetic networks – hypothesis tests versus model selection by information criteria
Authors: Lehmann Rüdiger , Lösler Michael
Published: September 2017

Geodetic deformation analysis can be interpreted as a model selection problem. The null model indicates that no deformation has occurred. It is opposed to a number of alternative models, which stipulate different deformation patterns. A common way to select the right model is the usage of a statistical hypothesis test. However, since we have to test a series of deformation patterns, this must be a multiple test. As an alternative solution for the test problem, we propose the p-value approach. Another approach arises from information theory. Here, the Akaike information criterion (AIC) or some alternative is used to select an appropriate model for a given set of observations. Both approaches are discussed and applied to two test scenarios: A synthetic levelling network and the Delft test data set.

It is demonstrated that they work but behave differently, sometimes even producing different results. Hypothesis tests are well-established in geodesy, but may suffer from an unfavourable choice of the decision error rates. The multiple test also suffers from statistical dependencies between the test statistics, which are neglected. Both problems are overcome by applying information criterions like AIC.
Protective effect of salusin-α and salusin-β against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats
Authors: Tanyeli Ayhan , Eraslan Ersen , Polat Elif , Bal Tuğba
Published: September 2017

Background:

Alcohol consumption has been found to be associated with gastric ulcers, including gastric mucosal lesions. Salusin-α and salusin-β are bioactive peptides having 28 and 20 amino acids, respectively. Salusin-α and salusin-β immunoreactivity has been detected in the stomach and in the intestines. It has been reported that the salusins regulate the cytokine levels and decrease the infarct area in the heart tissue after ischemia. In this study, we investigated the effects of the salusins in the gastric injury formed with ethanol.

Methods:

Thirty-two sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided into four groups, including eight rats in each group as follows: Group 1: control; Group 2: ethanol 5 mL/kg; Group 3: ethanol 5 mL/kg+5 nmol/kg salusin-α; Group 4: ethanol 5 mL/kg+5 nmol/kg salusin-β.

Results:

The salusin-α level increased at a significant level in the ulcer group formed with ethanol (p<0.001); the change in the salusin-β level is not significant. As for malondialdehyde (p<0.05) and myeloperoxidase (p<0.001), when compared with the control group, tumor necrosis factor-α (p<0.05) levels increased in the group to which ethanol was applied and decreased significantly with the application of salusins. Levels of GSH and IL-1β did not change at a significant level. In addition, histopathologic analysis demonstrated that, in salusin-administered groups, mucosal injury and caspase-3 expressions were reduced.

Conclusions:

The suppression of salusin-α and salusin-β on caspase-3 expression by means of their effects on oxidative injury and TNF-α levels shows that these two hormones could serve as anti-ulcerative agents.
Effects of single or combined administration of salmon calcitonin and omega-3 fatty acids vs. diclofenac sodium in sodium monoiodoacetate-induced knee osteoarthritis in male Wistar rats
Authors: Adeyemi Wale J. , Olayaki Luqman A.
Published: September 2017

Background:

There is a continuous search for a better therapy in osteoarthritis (OA) management. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of salmon calcitonin (Sct) and/or omega-3 fatty acids (N-3) relative to diclofenac sodium (DF) in induced knee osteoarthritic male Wistar rats.

Methods:

The 40 rats that were used in this study were divided into 8 groups (n=5 rats), viz: Normal control; OA control; OA+N-3; OA+Low dose of Sct (Sct.Lw); OA+High dose of Sct (Sct.Hi); OA+N-3+SCt.Lw; OA+N-3+Sct.Hi; and, OA+DF. OA was induced with 4 mg of sodium monoiodoacetate in 40 μL of saline. The solution was injected into the left knee joint space of anaesthetised rats. Sct was administered at 2.5 and 5.0 IU/kg b.w. (im), whereas N-3 and DF were administered at 200 and 1 mg/kg b.w. (p.o.), respectively. Treatments commenced 9 days after the induction of OA, and they lasted for 28 days.

Results:

Sct and/or N-3 significantly reduced c-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX-1), collagen type 2 α-1 (C2M), malondialdehyde (MDA), uric acid (UA), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), but, significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) after OA induction. Both therapies had additive effects on C2M, MDA, SOD, and catalase (CAT), but, non-additive actions on UA, IL-6, and CTX-1. Like the Sct and N-3, DF significantly reduced CTX-1, C2M, UA, and IL-6. However, it had no significant effect on SOD and MDA, even though it significantly reduced CAT activity. None of the therapies had significant effect on total alkaline phosphatase activity, except N-3+Sct.Lw.

Conclusions:

The combined, and sometimes the single administration of Sct and N-3 proved to be better therapies in OA management than DF.
Evaluation of neurodevelopment of children with congenital hypothyroidism by the Denver Developmental Screening Test
Authors: Buluş Ayşe Derya , Tiftik Esra
Published: September 2017

Background:

Thyroid hormones are essential for growth and brain development in childhood. Although congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common reason for mental retardation, normal neurological development can be achieved through early and effective treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the neurological development of CH patients aged 24–56 months.

Methods:

The study included a total of 116 healthy control subjects and 112 patients aged 24–56 months who were diagnosed with CH during the neonatal period and were being followed up at the Pediatric Endocrinology Department, Keçiören Training and Research Hospital, between 2012 and 2015. Demographics and clinical data of interventions and outcomes were retrieved for each patient. Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired Student’s t-test to compare means and χ

Results:

There were no significant differences between the CH and control groups with respect to gestational age, birth weight, height standard deviation scores (HSDS) and body weight standard deviation scores (BWSDS) (p>0.05). When the groups were compared according to the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST), no significant differences were found in terms of personal-social, fine motor skills, or language development (p=0.325, p=0.087 and p=0.636, respectively). However, a significant difference was found between the two groups with respect to gross motor development and the result of the DDST (p=0.001). No statistical difference was found between the control and patient groups on the day of starting treatment but the number of patients with an abnormal result in the DDST starting treatment at >15 days was found to be significantly higher than the number of patients starting treatment ≤15 days. No associations were found between the DDST results of the CH group and the following factors: initial L-thyroxine (LT4) level, initial LT4 dose and the onset of treatment.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study indicate that the DDST results in patients with CH are generally good. Initiating treatment immediately after diagnosis and during the first days of life is absolutely imperative. However, in contrast to timing, we could not find strong evidence for determining the precise optimal dosage of LT4 to initiate treatment in children diagnosed with CH. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology recommend 10–15 μg/kg/day as the initial dose.
A retrospective review of initial bisphosphonate infusion in an inpatient vs. outpatient setting for bisphosphonate naïve patients
Authors: Kreikemeier Rose M. , Gosnell Heather , Halbur Lisa M. , Rush Eric T.
Published: September 2017

Background:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and convenience of initial bisphosphonate infusion therapy in inpatient and outpatient settings for patients with low bone mineral density.

Methods:

All data were collected from retrospective chart reviews of heterogeneous groups of patients. Abnormal findings prior to the infusion and side effects during the infusion were documented. Patients were contacted following the infusion to discuss post-infusion adverse events.

Results:

The majority of both outpatients (80%, n=44) and inpatients (50%, n=27) did not experience any adverse events related to the infusion. Some patients reported minor adverse events that were expected. Only one of the inpatients had a severe adverse event (SAE) after the infusion.

Conclusions:

For patients at low risk for severe reactions to treatment, the infusion center appears to be a safe and possibly more convenient treatment setting for both the patient and the hospital, although more expensive for the patient at our institution.
Enthusiasmus und Ekel
Authors: Scheerlinck Ryan
Published: September 2017

The interpretation of the second treatise of the