bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alkalization in patients with metabolic acidosis in the course of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Łącka-Gaździk Beata , Żak-Lenart Magdalena , Śnit Mirosław , Grzeszczak Władysław
Published: October 2017

Przewlekła choroba nerek (PChN) w różnych stadiach zaawansowania dotyczy ponad 10% populacji. O jej społecznym wymiarze świadczy fakt stałego zwiększania się grupy osób w 5 stadium rozwoju tego stanu chorobowego, a więc osób wymagających kosztownego leczenia nerkozastępczego. Powszechnym powikłaniem PChN jest kwasica metaboliczna. Powoduje liczne niekorzystne dla organizmu następstwa, w tym przyspieszenie tempa rozwoju przewlekłych nefropatii. Wiele badań potwierdza, iż wśród korzystnych efektów ogólnoustrojowej alkalizacji niezwykle istotne jest zwalnianie tempa progresji choroby nerek.
Celem pracy jest przedstawienie zagadnienia alkalizacji doustnej u pacjentów z kwasicą metaboliczną w przebiegu PChN, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem wpływu na hamowanie progresji przewlekłych nefropatii. Badania, zarówno na zwierzętach, jak i na ludziach, są bardzo optymistyczne i mogą mieć implikacje zarówno kliniczne, jak i ekonomiczne. Trzeba jednak podkreślić, iż podlegają pewnym ograniczeniom – prowadzone były na małej liczbie chorych i dotyczyły PChN w różnych stadiach zaawansowania. Różnice dotyczyły także czasu trwania obserwacji, leczenia pacjentów w grupach kontrolnych, a także samej terapii alkalizującej. Miejmy nadzieję, że wyniki toczących się badań klinicznych ostatecznie potwierdzą korzystne działanie długoterminowego leczenia alkalizującego u chorych na PChN, zwłaszcza w spowalnianiu postępu choroby. Stosowanie bowiem relatywnie taniej opcji terapeutycznej, jaką są preparaty wodorowęglanu sodu, przyczyniłoby się nie tylko do poprawy rokowania u poszczególnych chorych, lecz co nie mniej ważne, także do zmniejszenia kosztów opieki zdrowotnej w wymiarze ogólnospołecznym.
The influence of socioeconomic factors on dietary supplementation in pregnant women
Authors: Sobczyk Karolina , Woźniak-Holecka Joanna , Kowal Marlena
Published: October 2017

Wstęp

Stan zdrowia oraz sposób odżywiania kobiety ciężarnej wpływa bezpośrednio na rozwój i wzrost płodu oraz nowonarodzonego dziecka. W ciąży wzrasta zapotrzebowanie na składniki pokarmowe i mineralne, a ich podstawowym źródłem dla przyszłej matki powinna być zbilansowana dieta. Suplementacja diety zalecana jest dopiero w przypadku niedoborów witamin i minerałów. Celem pracy było określenie wpływu wybranych czynników socjoekonomicznych (dochód, wykształcenie, sytuacja zawodowa, miejsce zamieszkania) na suplementację diety kobiet ciężarnych.

Materiał i metody

Materiał do badań stanowiły dane z anonimowego badania kwestionariuszowego, przeprowadzonego wśród 1842 kobiet w pierwszych dobach po porodzie, hospitalizowanych na Oddziale Kliniki Ginekologiczno-Położniczej w Rudzie Śląskiej Śląskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Katowicach. Okres badania: 15.04.2013– 30.09.2014.

Wyniki

Kwas foliowy suplementowało 92,3% respondentek z wykształceniem wyższym, a jedynie 65,1% kobiet z wykształceniem podstawowym. W przypadku preparatów multiwitaminowych było to odpowiednio 79,2% oraz 51,6%, natomiast w odniesieniu do kwasów omega-3 – 44,1% oraz 14,3%. Kwas foliowy przyjmowało 94,1% kobiet w najwyższym przedziale dochodu netto na osobę w rodzinie oraz 75% w najniższym przedziale. W przypadku multiwitamin było to odpowiednio 74,3% i 59,3%, natomiast dla kwasów omega-3 – 46,1% i 23,6%. W grupie kobiet czynnych zawodowo kwas foliowy suplementowało 89,6%, multiwitaminy 75,7%, natomiast kwasy omega-3 38,5%. W przypadku bezrobotnych było to odpowiednio: 78,5%, 61,9% oraz 24%.

Wnioski

Kobiety z wyższym wykształceniem, zamieszkujące duże miasta lub wsie, czynne zawodowo oraz o wyższym dochodzie netto na osobę w rodzinie częściej suplementują dietę w okresie ciąży. Stan cywilny nie ma wpływu na decyzję o przyjmowaniu suplementów diety przez kobietę ciężarną.
Effect of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) supplementation on performance, immunity and HSP70 gene expression in broiler chicken during hot-dry summer
Authors: Rokade J. J. , Kagate Mukesh , Bhanja S. K. , Mehra M. , Goel A. , Vispute Mayur , Mandal A. B.
Published: October 2017

An experiment was conducted on broiler chicks (n=120), reared in cages on a standard diet up to 14th day of age and thereafter up to 42nd day (14-42d) on test diets with or without MOS. The 14th day old chicks were randomly distributed into three dietary treatment groups viz., T1 (control diet), T2 (control diet with MOS @ 0.3%) and T3 (control diet with MOS @ 0.5%). Each dietary treatment comprised of four replicates of eight birds each. Experiment was carried out during hot-dry summer. It was found that production indices improved (P>0.001) significantly during all phases. Cellular and humoral immunity at 28th day of age improved significantly (P>0.05) due to MOS supplementation. The percentage of hemoglobin, protein, AST and ALT increased significantly (P>0.001) in MOS supplemented group at 28th as well as 42nd day of age. While H:L ratio, serum corticosterone and cholesterol levels decreased significantly (P>0.001) in MOS supplemented groups. Supplementation of MOS at the both levels caused significant (P>0.001) down regulation of HSP70 expression in jejunum tissues during 28th and 42nd day. Based on this study it was concluded that supplementation of 0.3% MOS in broiler diets significantly improved their performance and welfare during heat stressed conditions.
Morphological structuring using principal component analysis of Rampur-Bushair sheep under transhumance production in western Himalayan region, India
Authors: Sankhyan Varun , Thakur Y. P. , Katoch Sanjeet , Dogra P. K. , Thakur Rakesh
Published: October 2017

Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed on 12 biometric traits of Rampur-Bushair sheep of Himachal Pradesh. Morphological and biometrical observations were recorded on 162 young and 566 adult animals. Multivariate statistics and principal component analysis revealed that body measurements except for peripheral traits were mostly positively and significantly correlated. The correlation among conformation traits ranged from -0.08 to 0.79 and “0.18 to 0.71 in young and adult sheep respectively. Three and four factors were extracted in young and adult sheep respectively, which accounted for 57% and 61% of variation. The principal component extracted contributed effectively to explain general body conformation. The regression analysis suggested that use of principal component was more appropriate than the use of original correlated variable in estimating body weights. Therefore, factor extracted could be helpful in breeding programme with sufficient reduction in the number of biometric traits to be recorded to explain the body conformation.
Biometry of tongue and its association with various body measurements in prediction of fetal age in Surti goat fetus (Capra hircus)
Authors: Chudasama Milan M. , Joshi Nirav H. , Desai Mahendra C. , Gupta Jay Prakash , Ghule Prakash M. , Chaurasia Shailendra
Published: October 2017

The present study was carried out on tongue measurements in Surti goat fetus to establish the relationship among various biometric measurements of the tongue and body in relation to prediction of fetal age. Total 39 apparently normal Surti goat fetuses were procured and categorized into three groups based on Crown-rump length. The body measurements like Crown-rump length, Curved Crown-rump length, height at withers and height at pin of fetuses were taken. The biometrical measurements of the tongue were recorded identically weight, length, width, thickness and circumference. Tongue biometry and body measurement’s association determined by simple linear correlation. Attempts were made for development of prediction equation for prediction of fetal age with tongue and body measurements. All the biometric measurements of tongue increase significantly (p£0.05) with advancement of age. Association among biometric measurements of the tongue and body expressed high degree of positive correlation. Predictability of regression equations is very high for prediction of fetal age. All biometric and body measurement’s correlations are highly significant (p£0.01).
Age and sex specific brain biometrical study in Vanaraja chickens
Authors: Panigrahy Kuldeep Kumar , Behera Kumaresh , Mohapatra Lal Mohan , Mandal Arun Kumar , Sethy Kamdev , Panda Sasmita , Gupta Shailesh Kumar , Behera Dayanidhi
Published: October 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the brain biometrical dynamics with advancement of age between sexes. One hundred fifty day-old sexed Vanaraja chicks (75 male + 75 female) were selected and distributed equally in two groups. Birds were slaughtered by cervical dislocation method at 21, 42, 63 and 84 days of age and biometrical measurements were taken. From our present study we observed brain volume had shown significant (P>0.05) changes with respect to age and sex of birds. The mean length of both left and right cerebral hemispheres between male and female birds had varied significantly (P>0.05). With advancement of age, hemispheric length varied significantly (P>0.05). The major finding was that cerebral width significantly (P>0.05) increased from 42-63 days of age and in male birds cerebellar length increased from 63 days onwards. There were age-specific changes in all the morphometrical parameters where as between sexes there were some minor variations.
Prediction of body weight from linear body measurements in sheep
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Dahiya S. P. , Dahiya Z. S. , Patil C. S.
Published: October 2017

Measurements of body conformation in sheep are of value in judging the quantitative characteristics of meat and also helpful in developing suitable selection criterion. Data on 349 Harnali sheep for body length (BL), body height (BH), heart girth (HG), paunch girth (PG), tail length (TL), head circumference (HC), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), face length (FL) and adult body weight (ABW) were analysed to study the relationship between linear body measurements and body weight. The mixed linear model with dam’s weight at lambing as covariate was used to study the effect of non-genetic factors on body measurements and body weight. High estimates of heritability were obtained for BL, BH, HG, TL, HC, EL, EW, FL and ABW while moderate estimate was obtained for PG. The phenotypic correlations of BL, BH, HG, PG, HC and FL with ABW were positive and significant (0.32±0.04 to 0.59±0.08). The genetic correlations of HG, PG, HC and FL with ABW were 0.51±0.13, 0.42±0.19, 0.44±0.13 and 0.43±0.15, respectively. Various combinations of linear type traits to predict ABW were found to have coefficient of determination as high as 0.92. It is concluded that heart girth is the most important trait for estimation of live weight in sheep and the prediction equation is Body weight = -63.72 + 1.23 HG with R2 = 0.87.
Evaluation of immunopotentiating effect of medicinal plant products in commercial layer flock vaccinated against Newcastle disease
Authors: Mohanambal K. , Selvaraju G. , Palanivel K. M. , Rajeswar J. Johson
Published: October 2017

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the immunopotentiating effect of medicinal plant products such as Withania somnifera, Tinospora cordifolia, Allium sativum and Azadirachta indica in commercial layer flock vaccinated against Newcastle disease and production parameters. The Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titre values in all the groups were above the protective level throughout the study period. Similar results were obtained in ELISA. The cell mediated immune response was assessed by Leukocyte Migration Inhibition Test (LMIT) and there was a significant mean per cent inhibition in treatment groups. There was no change in egg production, egg shell thickness, albumen index, Haugh unit and yolk index between treatment and control groups. In conclusion, W. Somnifera (Ashwagandha, Amukkara kizhangu), (1%), T. Cordifolia (Guduchi, Seendhil kodi), (1%), Azadirachta indica (Neem, Veembu) (0.2%) and A. Sativum (Garlic, Poondu), (0.3%) can be used as an immunostimulant in poultry against Newcastle disease vaccination without affecting the egg production and egg qualities.
Physiological responses in pigs on antioxidant supplementation during summer and winter
Authors: Chakraborty Arindam , Baruah Anubha , Sarmah B. C. , Goswami J. , Bora Arundhati , Dutta D. J. , Biswas R. K. , Kalita Dhireswar , Naskar S. , Vashi Y. , Phangchopi Donna
Published: October 2017

The objective of the study was to assess the variability in the physiological responses of growing pigs on melatonin and vitamin E supplementation during summer and winter seasons.36 nos. of weaned crossbred (Hampshire X Assam local) female pigs were selected for the study. Eighteen (18) animals were subjected to treatment separately during summer and winter. The selected animals were divided into three groups, with six pigs in each group, consisting of the control group (Treatment 1), a second group comprising of animals fed with melatonin (Meloset) @3 mg/animal (Treatment 2) and a third group in which the animals were fed Vitamin E (Evion) @100 mg (Treatment 3), for both the seasons. The rectal temperature, respiration and pulse rate differed significantly (P>0.01) between seasons. There was also significant difference (P>0.01) in the mean pulse rate between treatment.
Studies on physico-chemical environment and management of crab (Scylla serrata) farming in 24 Parganas (West Bengal)
Authors: Mandal Amit , Das S. K. , Majumder Amit
Published: October 2017

Management practices and environmental quality of the crab (Scylla serrata) farming ponds in Gosaba and Basanti blocks, 24 Parganas (South), West Bengal has been investigated. Split bamboo fenced rectangular culture units are preferred by over 70% of the farmers with highly variable stocking density. Total inorganic nitrogen and BOD increased with the increasing biomass of the crabs in both the sites. Salinity, total alkalinity and hardness played direct roles in body weight gain and survival rate. Water salinity of 17.50 to 20.0 ppt and hardness upto 1000 mg l-1 were found to be optimal for body weight gain of the cultured crabs.
Isolation and screening of Lactobacillus species from dogs for probiotic action
Authors: Sharif N. Mohammad , Sreedevi B. , Chaitanya R. K. , Sreenivasulu D.
Published: October 2017

The present study aimed at the detection of suitable Lactobacillus species from dogs for usage as probiotic. A total of 67 rectal swabs from healthy pups were analyzed and 49 (73.1%) Lactobacillus isolates were identified based on morphological, biochemical characteristics and confirmed by genus specific PCR targeting 16S rRNA gene. A total of 20 isolates that showed strong aggregation, high cell surface hydrophobicity, acid and bile tolerance were screened for in-vitro antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion assay, where prominent inhibitory zones were observed against majority of the test pathogens. Reduction in antibacterial activity was noticed after neutralization, proteinase K and heat treatment of supernatants. Partial 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence analysis of seven Lactobacillus isolates that showed prominent in-vitro antibacterial activity revealed maximum sequence homology with Lactobacillus fermentum (for six isolates) and Lactobacillus agilis (for one isolate). The in-vitro antibacterial activity results highlighted the need for in-vivo studies in India to establish probiotic potential of canine faecal Lactobacillus species in the near future.
Modeling lactation curve for genetic evaluation of Murrah buffaloes
Authors: Sahoo Saroj Kumar , Singh Avtar , Dash Shakti Kant , Ambhore G. S.
Published: October 2017

In this study, four lactation curve models viz. Gamma-type function (GF), Mixed log function (MLF), Exponential function (EF) and Polynomial regression function (PRF) were fitted to predict the weekly test-day milk yields pertaining to 961 Murrah buffaloes progeny of 101 sires spread over a period of 36 years (1977-2012) maintained at ICAR-NDRI, Karnal. The PRF was the best fit with highest R2 (99.3%) and lowest RMSE (0.3%) which was used subsequently to estimate the first lactation 305-day or less milk yield (FL305DMY) from weekly test-day milk yields. The sires were evaluated using four linear models viz. Least Squares(LSQ), Simple Regressed Least Squares (SRLS), Sire (BLUP-SM) and animal (BLUP-AM) models from actual as well as PRF predicted FL305DMYs. BLUP-AM was the most efficient, among the sire evaluation models, in predicting the breeding values. Sire evaluation on the basis of predicted data (using PRF) was similar to that on the basis of actual data indicating that the best fitted lactation curve function can be used as an alternative for early animal evaluation and reduction of generation interval.
Parental Overprotection and Emotional Abuse Predict the Presence of Psychopathic Traits in Adulthood
Authors: Durand Guillaume , Bali Polett
Published: October 2017

Recent findings support an association between childhood maltreatment and the presence of elevated psychopathic traits in adulthood. Using a community sample recruited online (N = 210), we sought to (1) confirm the relationship between childhood traumas and psychopathic traits, and (2) investigate the role of parenting styles in psychopathic traits. Consistent with our predictions, we found an association between all types of childhood traumas and disinhibition. Age and gender moderated the relations between psychopathic traits and childhood maltreatments. Parental rejection and overprotection were positively correlated with the presence of psychopathic traits, while parental emotional warmth was negative correlated. Although our results converge with previous findings, the strength of the correlations observed was not as compelling as in research on undergraduate students. We discuss the numerous interpretations for our findings, and highlight the limitations of research in the field of psychopathy and childhood trauma in the general population.
Analysis of a Regional Scale Chemical-Transport Model to Investigate the Potential Capability of Satellites for Identifying a Widespread Air Pollution Event
Authors: Welsh Jason , Fishman Jack
Published: October 2017

We use a regional scale photochemical transport model to investigate the surface concentrations and column integrated amounts of ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) during a pollution event that occurred in the St. Louis metropolitan region in 2012. These trace gases will be two of the primary constituents that will be measured by TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution), an instrument on a geostationary platform, which will result in a dataset that has hourly temporal resolution during the daytime and ~4 km spatial resolution. Although air quality managers are most concerned with surface concentrations, satellite measurements provide a quantity that reflects a column amount, which may or may not be directly relatable to what is measured at the surface. Our model results provide reasonably good agreement with observed surface O3 concentrations (correlation coefficients ranging from 0.69 to 0.87 at each of the nine monitoring stations in the St. Louis region), which is the only trace gas dataset that can be used for verification. The model shows that a plume of O3 extends downwind from St. Louis and contains an integrated amount of ozone of ~ 16 Dobson Units (DU; 1 DU = 2.69 x 1016 molecules cm-2), an amount lower than what was observed during two massive pollution episodes in the 1980s. Based on the smaller isolatable emissions coming from St. Louis, this quantity is not unreasonable, but may also reflect the reduction of photochemical ozone production due to the implementation of emission controls that have gone into effect since the 1980s.
Gut Microbiota and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Insights on Mechanism and Therapy
Authors: Ma Junli , Zhou Qihang , Li Houkai
Published: October 2017

Gut microbiota play critical roles in development of obese-related metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance, which highlighted the potential of gut microbiota-targeted therapies on these diseases. There are various ways that can manipulate gut microbiota including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, antibiotics and some active components from herbal medicines. In this review, we first reviewed the main roles of gut microbiota in mediating the development of NAFLD, and the advances in gut microbiota-targeted therapies on NAFLD in both the experimental and clinical studies, as well as the conclusions on the prospect of gut microbiota-targeted therapies in the future.
Non-Coding RNAs Mediate Chemotherapy Resistance in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Shao Yang , Li Hui , Du Ran , Meng Jiao , Yang Gong
Published: October 2017

With the advancement of next generation sequencing in past several years, a rising number of non-coding RNAs have been found as new actors to regulate gene expression. Non-coding RNAs not only play important roles in carcinogenesis, but also affect the clinical treatment strategies. They have been proved to be deeply correlated with chemoresistance in several cancers. Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death in gynecological malignancy, with low 5-year survival rate. Most patients are identified when they have late-stage disease. This review mainly makes a compilation of the most relevant research literature in this field with the purpose of shedding light on the relation between ncRNAs and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer.
Evolution of the Uranium Isotopic Compositions of the Groundwater and Rock in the Sandy-Clayey Aquifer
Authors: Malov Alexander I.
Published: October 2017

Uranium isotopes actively investigated as mechanistic or time scale tracers of natural processes. This paper describes the occurrence and redistribution of U in the Vendian aquifer of the paleo valley at NW Russia. Forty-four rock samples were collected from boreholes, and twenty-five groundwater samples. The U, Fe concentration, and 234U/238U activity ratio were determined in the samples. We estimated the 14C and 234U-238U residence time of groundwater in an aquifer. It has been established that the processes of chemical weathering of Vendian deposits led to the formation of a strong oxidation zone, developed above -250 m.a.s.l. The inverse correlation between the concentrations of uranium and iron is a result of removal of U from paleo valley slopes in oxidizing conditions and accumulation of U at the bottom of the paleo valley in reducing conditions, and accumulation of Fe on the slopes and removal from bottom. Almost all U on the slopes replaced by a newly formed hydrogenic U with a higher 234U/238U activity ratio. After that dissolution and desorption of hydrogenic U was occurred from the slopes during periods without any glaciations and marine transgressions. Elevated concentrations of U preserved in not oxidized lenses at the paleo valley bottom.
Sensitivity to Heavy-Metal Ions of Unfolded Fullerene Quantum Dots
Authors: Ciotta Erica , Paoloni Stefano , Prosposito Paolo , Tagliatesta Pietro , Lorecchio Chiara , Venditti Iole , Fratoddi Ilaria , Pizzoferrato Roberto
Published: October 2017

A novel type of graphene-like quantum dots, synthesized by oxidation and cage-opening of C60 buckminsterfullerene, has been studied as a fluorescent and absorptive probe for heavy-metal ions. The lattice structure of such unfolded fullerene quantum dots (UFQDs) is distinct from that of graphene since it includes both carbon hexagons and pentagons. The basic optical properties, however, are similar to those of regular graphene oxide quantum dots. On the other hand, UFQDs behave quite differently in the presence of heavy-metal ions, in that multiple sensitivity to Cu2+, Pb2+ and As(III) was observed through comparable quenching of the fluorescent emission and different variations of the transmittance spectrum. By dynamic light scattering measurements we confirmed, for the first time in metal sensing, that this response is due to multiple complexation and subsequent aggregation of UFQDs. Nonetheless, the explanation of the distinct behaviour of transmittance in the presence of As(III) and the formation of precipitate with Pb2+ require further studies. These differences, however, also make it possible to discriminate between the three metal ions in view of the implementation of a selective multiple sensor.
Advances in Concentrating Solar Power Tower
Authors: Boretti Albert , Castelletto Stefania , Al-Zubaidy Sarim
Published: October 2017

The paper examines design and operating data of current concentrated solar power (CSP) solar tower (ST) plants. The study includes CSP with or without boost by combustion of natural gas (NG) and with or without thermal energy storage (TES). The study then reviews the novel trends to produce better ratio of solar field power to electric power, better capacity factor, better matching of production and demand, lower plant’s cost and increased life span of plant’s components. The key areas of progress of CSP ST technology briefly summarized are materials and manufacturing processes, design of solar field and receiver, receiver and power block fluids, power cycle parameters, optimal management of daily and seasonal operation of the plant, new thermal energy storage concepts, integration of solar plant with thermal desalination, integration of solar plant with combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) installations and finally, specialization and regionalization of the project specification.
Concentrations of Carotenoids and Tocopherols in Breast Milk from Urban Chinese Mothers and their Associations with Maternal Characteristics：A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xue Yong , Giménez Esther Campos , Redeuil Karine Meisser , Lévèques Antoine , Actis-Goretta Lucas , Vinyes- Parés Gerard , Zhang Yumei , wang Peiyu , Thakkar Sagar K.
Published: October 2017

This study aims to quantify carotenoids and tocopherols in human milk from healthy Chinese women, and to explore their associations with region, lactation stage, and maternal socio-economic and obstetric factors. Human milk was obtained from 509 healthy mothers and the compounds of carotenoids and tocopherols were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography after mild saponification and solvent extraction. Socio-economic and obstetric characteristics of the mothers and their dietary intakes through a single 24-hour dietary recall were evaluated. The median content of each component [μg/100mL, median (interquartile range)] in colostrum and mature milk was, respectively, β-carotene 8.0 (4.7-15.2) and 1.8 (1.4-2.7), β-cryptoxanthin 6.2 (2.4-12.9) and 1.8 (1.1-3.4), lutein 5.7 (2.9-10.2) and 3.4 (1.5-6.0), lycopene 6.3 (4.0-9.9) and 1.4 (1.1-2.0), zeaxanthin 1.0 (0.6-1.5) and 1.0 (0.6-1.4), α-tocopherol 645 (388-1176) and 211 (131-321), γ-tocopherol 68 (48-121) and 77 (45-120). The levels of all those vitamins presented regional differences, and decreased as lactation stage increased except for zeaxanthin and γ-tocopherol. Associations of carotenoid contents with maternal education, delivery mode, and present body mass index were found in multivariate analyses. These results suggest that some region, lactation stage, obstetric and socio-economic factors are associated with human milk concentrations of carotenoids and tocopherols in healthy Chinese mothers.
A Structural Equation Model for Measuring the Impact of Human Resource Management Practices and Organizational Loyalty on Employee Retention: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Naidu Deepa , Rajesh Devi
Published: October 2017

The role of human resource management practices and organizational loyalty dealing with employee retention has been widely explored and examined in the existing literature. The majority of human resource management researchers have focused on the role of policies and practices in different sectors related to employee retention. However, less attention has been given to identifying the practices and procedures common across all industries and sectors. The present study attempts to determine and examine the most important constructs like HR practices and organizational loyalty of employee retention management and proposes a comprehensive structural equation model to measure the impact of these constructs on employee retention. After an extensive review of the literature, organizational loyalty, and human resources management practices like recruitment and selection, compensation and benefit, training and development, supervision and evaluation have been identified as four essential practices dealing with employee retention and are common across all industries. These practices constitute the component factors of an employee retention management predicting employee’s turnover intentions. The survey method was adopted, and the original data obtained through the self-administered questionnaire. The valid one hundred and eighty-nine (189) respondents analyzed by using Lisrel 8.7, Structural equation model (SEM) analysis results shows that human resource management practices and organizational loyalty have strong positive impact on employee retention. This study tends to assist human resource managers and decision makers in selecting the appropriate motivating factors to retain and satisfy their employees
Robot-Embodied Neuronal Networks as an Interactive Model of Learning
Authors: Shultz Abraham M , Lee Sangmook , Guaraldi Mary , Shea Thomas B. , Yanco Holly A.
Published: October 2017

Background and Objective:

The reductionist approach of neuronal cell culture has been useful for analyses of synaptic signaling. Murine cortical neurons in culture spontaneously form anex vivonetwork capable of transmitting complex signals, and have been useful for analyses of several fundamental aspects of neuronal development hitherto difficult to clarifyin situ. However, these networks lack the ability to receive and respond to sensory input from the environment as do neuronsin vivo. Establishment of these networks in culture chambers containing multi-electrode arrays allows recording of synaptic activity as well as stimulation.

Method:

This article describes the embodiment ofex vivoneuronal networks neurons in a closed-loop cybernetic system, consisting of digitized video signals as sensory input and a robot arm as motor output.

Results:

In this system, the neuronal network essentially functions as a simple central nervous system. This embodied network displays the ability to track a target in a naturalistic environment. These findings underscore thatex vivoneuronal networks can respond to sensory input and direct motor output.

Conclusion:

These analyses may contribute to optimization of neuronal-computer interfaces for perceptive and locomotive prosthetic applications.Ex vivonetworks display critical alterations in signal patterns following treatment with subcytotoxic concentrations of amyloid-beta. Future studies including comparison of tracking accuracy of embodied networks prepared from mice harboring key mutations with those from normal mice, accompanied with exposure to Abeta and/or other neurotoxins, may provide a useful model system for monitoring subtle impairment of neuronal function as well as normal and abnormal development.
Humeral Head Replacement and Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fracturesm
Authors: Frombach Aaron Andrew , Brett Kendra , Lapner Peter
Published: October 2017

Acute proximal humeral fractures in the elderly are generally treated non-operatively if alignment is acceptable and in stable fracture patterns. When operative treatment is indicated, surgical fixation is often difficult or impossible to obtain. Hemiarthroplasty has long been the standard of care. However, with its reliance on tuberosity healing, functional outcomes and patient satisfaction are often poor. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty has emerged as a new technology for treating proximal humeral fractures but the indications for its use remain uncertain. While not conclusive, the evidence suggests that reverse shoulder arthroplasty yields more consistent results, with improved forward elevation and higher functional outcome scores. The primary advantages of hemiarthroplasty are improved shoulder rotation and shorter operative time. Complication rates do not vary significantly between the two options. Although higher quality trials are needed to further define the role of reverse shoulder arthroplasty, current evidence suggests that this is a reasonable option for surgeons who are highly familiar with its use.
Changes of Prooxidant-Antioxidant Systems in Experimental Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Cherkasova Viktoria , Zaiats Luibomyr
Published: October 2017

Mortality in acute destructive pancreatitis, despite the development and introduction of new methods of treatment, remains stable high and in severe forms reaches 25-85%. Activation of neutrophils and macrophages in acute pancreatitis leads to an "oxygen burst", which is closely linked with the activation of lipid peroxidation.Goals. The purpose is to establish dynamic changes in the indexes of prooxidant-antioxidant systems in acute L-arginine-induced pancreatitis.Materials and methods. The study was performed on 62 white male rats of Wistar line weighing 180-220g, with modeled acute pancreatitis. Blood for analysis have been taken: the blood serum on 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of experiment to determine the activity level of thiobarbituric acid products, diene conjugates, catalase and lactate for assessment of the intensity of oxidative stress and antioxidant systems.Results. The obtained results of the study showed that acute L-arginine-induced pancreatitis is accompanied by an intensification of lipid peroxidation processes (LPO). Revealed that the most pronounced increase in all blood parameters is observed 24 hours after the beginning of the study. A significant increase in the active products of tiobarbituric acid (TBA-AP) and diene conjugates (DC) was detected - 1.98 and 2.7 times, respectively, and 2.2 times the growth of catalase (CT). At the next stage of the experiment there is a slowdown in the rate of LPO, as evidenced by the following values. Thus, for 48 years in the 3rd group: TBA-AP - they increased by 5.1% (p> 0.05), DC - by 3.3% (p> 0.05), and the level of CT - by 43.4% (P <0.05), compared with data for 24 hours. It is important to note that at 72 hours, the CT level decreased by 23.3% (p> 0.05), which may indicate an exhaustion of antioxidant systems. Indicators of LPO on 72 hours compared with 48 hours in group III: TBA-AP - increased by 1.7% (p> 0.05), DC - by 5.7% (p> 0.05).Conclusions. Acute L-arginine-induced pancreatitis is accompanied by an intensification of lipid peroxidation-oxidation processes that can potentiate the development of multiple organ failure in pancreatic inflammation. The most pronounced changes in lipid peroxidation-oxidation rates are observed for 24 hours of study.
Satisfaction Level of Progressive Additional Lens (PALs) Wearers
Authors: AHMAD NAJMEE NUR ARESYA
Published: October 2017

The number of presbyopia is increasing worldwide with highly reported on an inadequate correction which can reduce the visual satisfaction. A survey was conducted to study the level of vision satisfaction between the quality of vision and symptoms reported by progressive addition lens (PALs). Sixty questionnaires were mailed to the (PALs) wearers aged between 40 years and above from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Vision Care. The strongest correlation was found between the quality of vision at intermediate viewing with total satisfaction on seeing grocery shelves and computer screen with p<0.001. PALs wearers’ priority and needs should be considered in selecting the appropriate lens design to be matched for required tasks.
Effects of colour, area and height on space perception
Authors: Savavibool Nattha
Published: October 2017

Colours and the spatial properties of the workplace are primarily visually conveyed.  The aim of this study determines how colour, area and height influence space perception. 80 interior designers participated in this experiment to evaluate the sixteen workspace images on the internet-based questionnaires.  Four factors of space perception; spaciousness, openness, complexity, and order, were assessed using a semantic differential scale. The outcomes revealed that variations in space perception were significantly associated with the difference in colour, area, and height. Neutral colour in all area and height obtained the highest rating of the overall factors, followed by cool colours.
DRUG ABUSE IN INDIA: CAUSES AND SOLUTION
Authors: Kumawat Dharmendra Kumar
Published: October 2017

In India drug abuse is big problem it creates branches of problems like poverty, unemployment, irresponsibility towards family. If we are trying to discuss about any problem, we are getting two things in our mind usually those are causes and its solution. This study is a study on drug abuse in Indian perspective so this study is an attempt to discuss the causes and solution of the problem of drug abuse. Causes of drug abuse can be categorized in three ways social, economic and mental causes. At present we have various laws to prevent drug abuse but there is lack of implementation and lacunae in it. Social responsibility is also important to curb the problem of drug abuse, this study is an attempt to suggest social as well as legal responsibilities to curb it.
A STUDY OF VOCATIONAL CHOICES OF SECONDARY SCHOOL GIRL STUDENTS STUDYING IN CLASS IX IN PATNA
Authors: Singh Rimmy
Published: October 2017

The concise oxford dictionary gives two meanings to "vocation", the first (from the Latin Vocare,"to call") as a divine call to, or sense of fitness for, a career or occupation, "the second as a person's" employment, trade profession". For the purpose of this entry the term "vocation"(And by extension, "vocational") is given a broad connotation, having an affective component as suggested by the first dictionary definition. It is also presumed to include occupation encompassing the full range of type of work skills, not just those with less academic requirements. In this research the investigator used the survey method. The investigator takes the sample of 100 girl students' studying in class IX. For present study the investigator has constructed a questionnaire as data gathering tool and tries out small group before testing in school. The investigator has calculated percentage of the data.
TEACHER’S MENTAL HEALTH –IMPLICATIONS FOR TEACHING-LEARNING
Authors: SEBASTIAN VINI
Published: October 2017

Teaching is a multifarious activity and teachers have multiple roles to play. They are interacting with animate and inanimate aspects of the teaching –learning process. The effectiveness of teaching-learning depends on the extent to which the teacher has put in her efforts. The teaching profession today faces a number of challenges be it – different kinds of students, over burdened curriculum, over demanding parents, over powering technology, extensive evaluation and lack of infrastructural facilities. Under these circumstances the teacher needs to deliver her goods effectively and efficiently. What would be the mental health of the teacher? The study explores the mental health of few selected teachers and assesses the overall mental health using the MHI-38. The study will throw light on the importance of mental health equally as physical health and also helps to understand how to use the MHI-38 to assess the mental health of teachers.
Influence of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields on the Fertility System: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Roozbeh Nasibeh , Abdi Fatemeh , Amraee Azadeh , Atarodi Kashani Zahra , Darvish Leili
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Due to the increased number of users of mobile phones, tablets, and other devices over the past few years, concerns about the potential impact of mobile phones on health are growing. The influence of mobile phone exposure on male fertility has been studied in recent years. Other research has shown that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) increase macrophages in the corpus luteum and growing follicles. Due to conflicting results among studies and since no systematic review has been performed to analyze the effects of radiofrequency EMF exposure from electronic devices on the fertility system in recent years, this evidence-based study is necessary.

OBJECTIVE

The main objectives of this study are to determine the best evidence associated with the influence of radiofrequency EMFs on the fertility system and to provide insight into a potential mechanism using our observations.

METHODS

In this systematic review, the databases and gray literature will be searched with no language and date limitation. The following databases will be searched: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, ProQuest, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and other Persian databases. The combination of the Medical Subject Heading terms “radiofrequency electromagnetic” and “male reproductive system” or “female reproductive system” will be searched. Observational study designs will be included but case reports, case series, reviews, and letters to the editor will be excluded. Papers selected for retrieval will be evaluated by two independent referees for methodological validation before entering a review using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for nonrandomized studies and cohort studies.

RESULTS

The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication and also presented at PROSPERO.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review will provide evidence-based data on the effect of radiofrequency EMFs on the fertility system. This article will also classify the harmful effect of radiofrequency waves on primary and secondary infertility. This study could be useful for decreasing infertility. This is important because the rate of infertility is growing, leading to negative outcomes for couples and the health care system.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42017072462; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=72462 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6wjiE9R2q)
Influencing the Conversation About Masculinity and Suicide: Evaluation of the Man Up Multimedia Campaign Using Twitter Data (Preprint)
Authors: Schlichthorst Marisa , King Kylie , Turnure Jackie , Sukunesan Suku , Phelps Andrea , Pirkis Jane
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that some dominant aspects of traditional masculinity are contributing to the high suicide rates among Australian men. We developed a three-episode documentary called Man Up, which explores the complex relationship between masculinity and suicide and encourages men to question socially imposed rules about what it means to be a man and asks them to open up, express difficult emotions, and seek help if and when needed. We ran a three-phase social media campaign alongside the documentary using 5 channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Tumblr).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the extent to which the Man Up Twitter campaign influenced the social media conversation about masculinity and suicide.

METHODS

We used Twitter insights data to assess the reach of and engagement with the campaign (using metrics on followers, likes, retweets, and impressions) and to determine the highest and lowest performing tweets in the campaign (using an aggregated performance measure of reactions). We used original content tweets to determine whether the campaign increased the volume of relevant Twitter conversations (aggregating the number of tweets for selected campaign hashtags over time), and we used a subset of these data to gain insight into the main content themes with respect to audience engagement.

RESULTS

The campaign generated a strong following that was engaged with the content of the campaign; over its whole duration, the campaign earned approximately 5000 likes and 2500 retweets and gained around 1,022,000 impressions. The highest performing tweets posted by the host included video footage and occurred during the most active period of the campaign (around the screening of the documentary). The volume of conversations in relation to commonly used hashtags (#MANUP, #ABCMANUP, #LISTENUP, and #SPEAKUP) grew in direct relation to the campaign activities, achieving strongest growth during the 3 weeks when the documentary was aired. Strongest engagement was found with content related to help-seeking, masculinity, and expressing emotions. A number of followers tweeted personal stories that revealed overwhelmingly positive perceptions of the content of the documentary and strongly endorsed its messages.

CONCLUSIONS

The Man Up Twitter campaign triggered conversations about masculinity and suicide that otherwise may not have happened. For some, this may have been game-changing in terms of shifting attitudes toward expressing emotions and reaching out to others for help. The campaign was particularly effective in disseminating information and promoting conversations in real time, an advantage that it had over more traditional health promotion campaigns. This sort of approach could well be adapted to other areas of mental (and physical) health promotion campaigns to increase their reach and effectiveness.
Automating Quality Measures for Heart Failure Using Natural Language Processing: A Descriptive Study in the Department of Veterans Affairs (Preprint)
Authors: Garvin Jennifer Hornung , Kim Youngjun , Gobbel Glenn Temple , Matheny Michael E , Redd Andrew , Bray Bruce E , Heidenreich Paul , Bolton Dan , Heavirland Julia , Kelly Natalie , Reeves Ruth , Kalsy Megha , Goldstein Mary Kane , Meystre Stephane M
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

We developed an accurate, stakeholder-informed, automated, natural language processing (NLP) system to measure the quality of heart failure (HF) inpatient care, and explored the potential for adoption of this system within an integrated health care system.

OBJECTIVE

To accurately automate a United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) quality measure for inpatients with HF.

METHODS

We automated the HF quality measure Congestive Heart Failure Inpatient Measure 19 (CHI19) that identifies whether a given patient has left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%, and if so, whether an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor blocker was prescribed at discharge if there were no contraindications. We used documents from 1083 unique inpatients from eight VA medical centers to develop a reference standard (RS) to train (n=314) and test (n=769) the Congestive Heart Failure Information Extraction Framework (CHIEF). We also conducted semi-structured interviews (n=15) for stakeholder feedback on implementation of the CHIEF.

RESULTS

The CHIEF classified each hospitalization in the test set with a sensitivity (SN) of 98.9% and positive predictive value of 98.7%, compared with an RS and SN of 98.5% for available External Peer Review Program assessments. Of the 1083 patients available for the NLP system, the CHIEF evaluated and classified 100% of cases. Stakeholders identified potential implementation facilitators and clinical uses of the CHIEF.

CONCLUSIONS

The CHIEF provided complete data for all patients in the cohort and could potentially improve the efficiency, timeliness, and utility of HF quality measurements.