bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity is associated with vitamin D deficiency in Danish children and adolescents
Authors: Plesner Johanne Lind , Dahl Maria , Fonvig Cilius Esmann , Nielsen Tenna Ruest Haarmark , Kloppenborg Julie Tonsgaard , Pedersen Oluf , Hansen Torben , Holm Jens-Christian
Published: December 2017

Background:

Sufficient serum concentrations of vitamin D are required to maintain bone health during growth. The aims of this study were to determine whether vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent among children and adolescents with obesity compared to their normal weight peers and to identify clinical and biochemical variables associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Methods:

One thousand four hundred and eighty-four children and adolescents with overweight/obesity and 2143 population-based controls were recruited from the Danish Childhood Obesity Biobank. Anthropometric variables and fasting concentrations of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D), plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphate were assessed at baseline. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25-OH-D concentrations <30 nmol/L. Linear and logistic regressions were used to identify variables associated with vitamin D deficiency.

Results:

A total of 16.5% of the children and adolescents with obesity (body mass index [BMI] standard deviation score [SDS]>2.33) exhibited vitamin D deficiency, with an odds ratio (OR) 3.41 (confidence interval [CI]: 2.27–5.71; p<0.0001) for being vitamin D deficient compared to their normal weight peers. BMI-SDS was independently and inversely associated with serum 25-OH-D concentrations. Other independent risk factors for vitamin D deficiency were being older than 14 years (OR: 2.39; CI: 1.28–4.48; p=0.006), more than 4 daily hours of screen time (OR: 4.56; CI: 2.59–8.05; p<0.0001) and blood sample assessment during winter-spring (OR: 6.44; CI: 4.47–9.26; p<0.0001).

Conclusions:

Vitamin D deficiency was common among Danish children and adolescents with obesity. The degree of obesity was independently associated with lower serum 25-OH-D concentrations.
Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia
Authors: Yuan Shi-Min
Published: December 2017

Congenital pulmonary lymphangiectasia (CPL) is a rare but fatal disease, usually having an onset from the first few hours to days after birth. Inconsistent nomenclatures were used for CPL in the past decades. Patients often present with intractable respiratory failure, hydrops fetalis and even sudden death. The etiologies of CPL remain unclear. Previous hypotheses suggested that CPL might be caused by conditions preventing normal regression of the lymphatics after the 18
Docetaxel/cisplatin therapy in myasthenia gravis with hypertension/diabetes
Authors: Qi Guoyan , Xue Yinping , Li Yongzhao , Yang Hongxia , Zhang Xiaojing
Published: December 2017

Background

Therapeutic options for thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis (MG) patients complicated with hypertension and/or diabetes post thymectomy are often conventional steroids. As the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension globally increases, other therapeutic options for these patients are of great importance.

Material/methods

9 patients with thymoma-associated MG complicated with hypertension and/or diabetes after thymectomy were administered 75 mg/m2 of docetaxel and 70 mg/m2 of cisplatin on day 1. The treatment could be repeated at 3-week intervals, ranging from 1 to 4 cycles according to the status of the patients. Therapeutic efficacy and side effects were evaluated.

Results

2 patients were complicated with type 2 diabetes, 6 with hypertension, and 1 with both diabetes and hypertension. After docetaxel/cisplain therapy, the MG symptoms were markedly improved in all patients (2, complete remission; 3, basic remission; 3, marked improvement; 1, improvement). Acetylcholine receptor (AchR) antibody levels were decreased in 8 patients. Minor adverse effects were observed in 2 patients, 1 with Grade II gastrointestinal reaction, and the other with pulmonary infection.

Conclusion

Docetaxel plus cisplatin might be an effective therapeutic option for thymoma-associated MG patients complicated with hypertension /diabetes post thymectomy without worsening thymoma and hypertension / diabetes.
Deutsch-jüdisches Gelehrtentum und altjiddische Literatur: Zur Rehabilitierung einer vergessenen Tradition
Authors: Elyada Aya
Published: December 2017

Im ausgehenden 18. Jahrhundert, als immer weitere Kreise deutscher Juden die jiddische Muttersprache durch die deutsche Sprache ersetzten, kam die Veröffentlichung altjiddischer Literatur in West- und Mitteleuropa de facto zum Stillstand. Dessen ungeachtet geriet dieses umfassende, einst äußerst populäre literarische Korpus keineswegs in Vergessenheit. Vielmehr erhielten diese Texte in den Arbeiten deutsch-jüdischer Wissenschaftler und Autoren aus dem 19. und frühen 20. Jahrhundert einen festen Platz: Sie wurden übersetzt und adaptiert sowie in kommentierten Anthologien, Literaturverzeichnissen und -übersichten paraphrasiert, diskutiert und analysiert. Oftmals verlieh man den altjiddischen Werken dadurch nicht nur ein „Nachleben“, sondern sie erfuhren dabei gleichermaßen eine Rehabilitierung, indem sie als literarische und historische Monumente einer verschwundenen jüdischen Vergangenheit neue Wertschätzung erhielten. Der vorliegende Beitrag konzentriert sich auf zwei entscheidende Momente in der Geschichte der Übersetzung und Rehabilitierung dieser vergessenen Tradition: einerseits das Werk Abraham M. Tendlaus, das vor dem Hintergrund der Akkulturationsbemühungen in der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts und der deutsch-jüdischen Nostalgiekultur gelesen werden muss; andererseits die Werke Max Grunwalds und anderer prominenter Volkskundler des ausgehenden 19. und frühen 20. Jahrhunderts – eine Zeit also, in der die liberale Idee einer deutsch-jüdischen Symbiose durch die aufkommenden Rassenideologien und den politischen Antisemitismus zunehmend untergraben wurde. Wie gezeigt werden soll, beeinflussten die verschiedenen historischen Kontexte sowohl die Rolle, die altjiddischen Texten in den Schriften dieser jüdischen Gelehrten zugesprochen wurde, als auch die Art und Weise, in der sie im Rahmen der deutsch-jüdischen Suche nach einer „verwertbaren Vergangenheit“ übersetzt, präsentiert und diskutiert wurden.
The Humanities through the Lens of Migration: Richard Koebner’s Transition from Germany to Jerusalem
Authors: Feldhay Rivka
Published: December 2017

The present article turns the spotlight onto epistemic-normative dilemmas that, in my estimation, stand at the heart of the humanities as a field of study (the reason for the hyphen between epistemic and normative will become evident as we progress). For the sake of elucidating these productive tensions, we will delve into the thought of Richard Koebner (1885–1958) – a Jewish historian that emigrated from Germany to Palestine in 1934. This transition crystallized the above-mentioned dilemmas in his own mind, from both a personal and theoretical standpoint. More specifically, he developed a critical historiographic outlook on the past and present alike. A major focus of his deliberations was the nature of humanistic knowledge, not least historiography. Though this question preoccupied Koebner throughout his academic career, the new circumstances in Palestine/Israel sharpened and shaped his perspective.
Mid-infrared integrated photonics on silicon: a perspective
Authors: Lin Hongtao , Luo Zhengqian , Gu Tian , Kimerling Lionel C. , Wada Kazumi , Agarwal Anu , Hu Juejun
Published: December 2017

The emergence of silicon photonics over the past two decades has established silicon as a preferred substrate platform for photonic integration. While most silicon-based photonic components have so far been realized in the near-infrared (near-IR) telecommunication bands, the mid-infrared (mid-IR, 2–20-μm wavelength) band presents a significant growth opportunity for integrated photonics. In this review, we offer our perspective on the burgeoning field of mid-IR integrated photonics on silicon. A comprehensive survey on the state-of-the-art of key photonic devices such as waveguides, light sources, modulators, and detectors is presented. Furthermore, on-chip spectroscopic chemical sensing is quantitatively analyzed as an example of mid-IR photonic system integration based on these basic building blocks, and the constituent component choices are discussed and contrasted in the context of system performance and integration technologies.
Crystal structure of bis(2-((allylcarbamothioyl)imino)-4-methylthiazol-3-ido-κ2
N,S)palladium(II), C16H20N6PdS4
Authors: Jambi Suhair M.S.
Published: December 2017

C16H20N6PdS4, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 13.2801(8) Å, b = 18.5771(8) Å, c = 10.2577(5) Å, β = 121.906(2)°, V = 2148.29(19) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0300, WR
ref(F
2) = 0.0721, T = 293 K.
Co-Determination as a Path to Goal Commitment: Managing Danish Upper Secondary Schools
Authors: Staniok Camilla Denager
Published: December 2017

Performance management systems that include goal setting have become a widespread instrument in public management, intended to ensure that the entire organization is working to meet the same goals. One key question, however, is how public managers can ensure their employees’ commitment to the goals that management has chosen to prioritize. This article examines the importance of “co-determination” for the relationship between managers’ goal prioritization and the goal commitment of the employees in upper secondary schools in Denmark. Co-determination has the potential to create a common direction and committed employees, thereby rendering it a valuable tool for public managers in goal setting processes. Analysis of ten qualitative interviews with teachers and principals provides rich insight into the concept of co-determination in the context of Danish education, and a quantitative analysis of two parallel questionnaires with 73 principals and 1353 teachers reveals how co-determination has a positive impact on the association between a school principal’s prioritization of the goal of achieving a high completion rate and the teachers’ commitment to the goal.
Synthesis, X-ray powder diffraction and DFT-D studies of indole-based compounds
Authors: Shalaby ElSayed M. , Srour Aladdin M. , Panda Siva S. , George Riham F. , Fitch Andrew N. , Girgis Adel S.
Published: December 2017

Four indole-based compounds have been synthesized and their crystal structures determined using high-resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. In vacuo density function theory (DFT) optimization has been used in building initial molecular models for structure solution with the help of the Cambridge structure database. All four compounds were found to crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c. Dispersion-corrected DFT (DFT-D) has been used for experimental crystal structure validation with acceptable agreement found between the DFT-optimized and final refined structures. Three of the compounds exhibit bronchodilation properties with potency comparable to the theophylline (standard reference).
Five-Hour Autoclave Test for Determining Potential Alkali-Silica Reactivity of Concrete Aggregates: A Multi-Laboratory Study
Authors: Wood Stephanie G. , Giannini Eric R. , Bentivegna Anthony F. , Rashidian-Dezfouli Hassan , Rangaraju Prasada Rao , Drimalas Thano , Ramsey Monica A. , Johnson Tyler R. , Moser Robert D.
Published: December 2017

Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is a deleterious chemical reaction that can lead to expansion and cracking of concrete structures. The reaction occurs between alkali hydroxides in the pore solution and reactive forms of silica present in some aggregates. To successfully mitigate ASR in new structures, the potential alkali reactivity of the aggregates must be known. Standardized test methods for this purpose are sometimes too time-consuming for rapid military construction operations. To assess the viability of a five-hour autoclaved mortar bar test method for ultra-rapid identification of aggregate reactivity, researchers in five laboratories participated in a multi-laboratory study led by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). The test method uses fine aggregate in mortar bars like those used in ASTM C1260, Standard Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Aggregates (Mortar-Bar Method), but the equivalent alkali content of the mortar is boosted to 3.5 % by mass of cement. Mortar bars are cured for 48 hours prior to autoclaving at 130°C for five hours at peak temperature. This paper details the test procedure, expansions, comparisons with the accelerated mortar bar test and the concrete prism test, within- and multi-laboratory precisions, and investigation into the amount of alkali leaching during the test. For 85 % of the 20 aggregates tested, there was agreement between the autoclave test and ASTM C1260 in determining whether or not an aggregate was reactive to some degree. The agreement between the autoclave test and ASTM C1293, Standard Test Method for Determination of Length Change of Concrete Due to Alkali-Silica Reaction, was 100 % for ten of the aggregates for which ASTM C1293 data were available. The average within- and multi-laboratory coefficients of variation were 5.9 and 20.0 %, respectively. Results showed alkali leaching to be between 6 and 9 % per mortar bar. This study demonstrated the viability of the five-hour autoclave test for rapidly assessing aggregate reactivity in military construction operations.
Incorporating the Strength Provided by Subgrade Stabilization in the Flexible Pavement Design Procedures
Authors: Al-Jhayyish Anwer K. , Sargand Shad M.
Published: December 2017

Chemical stabilization has been successfully used to treat weak subgrade soil by permanently changing its physical and chemical properties, such as reducing plasticity and increasing stiffness and load bearing capacity, so it can serve as a construction platform during constructions and provide long-term structural stability. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has adopted a policy to globally stabilize the subgrade for new construction. However, the strength provided by subgrade stabilization has not been incorporated into the design procedures for flexible pavement. Therefore, in this study, the impact of subgrade stabilization on the stiffness and performance of pavement layers was investigated. In situ testing, including the falling weight deflectometer (FWD) and the portable seismic pavement analyzer (PSPA), was performed on 20 pavement sections within the state of Ohio to evaluate pavement sections constructed with stabilized subgrade. Backcalculation of pavement layers’ moduli was carried out on the FWD data collected. Finite element analysis was performed using ABAQUS to validate the pavement layers’ stiffness obtained from backcalculation. The validated layer moduli were used to determine structural numbers and layer coefficients of pavement layers. The result was used to investigate the effect of subgrade stabilization on pavement design procedures. Significant reduction in the pavement thickness and distress was obtained as a result of incorporating subgrade stabilization into pavement design procedures.
Measuring Foliation Tensile Strength of Metamorphic Rock by Using Pull-Off Test
Authors: Weng Meng-Chia , Li Jin-Hong , Lin Cheng-Han , Liao Chu-Tsen
Published: December 2017

The tensile strength of rock is an important property of rock engineering. However, the measurement of the tensile strength of rock is often overlooked due to difficulties of specimen preparation and the accuracy of testing results. This study adopted the pull-off test to measure the foliation tensile strength of metamorphic rock such as slate, green schist, and black schist. Compared with contemporary tensile tests, this method is relatively simple and effective, with easy specimen preparation. Additionally, this approach can be conducted not only in the laboratory but also in the field, which is quite useful for evaluating the rock slope stability. This study recommends procedures for sample preparation and testing as well. The test results indicate that the black schist exhibited the greatest tensile strength and that the slate had the lowest strength. Besides this, the slate exhibited significant wetting deterioration. Examination of the failure patterns revealed that the failure planes of all specimens occurred on the foliation planes, indicating reasonable failure patterns. Finally, this study investigated the factors potentially affecting the validity of tensile strength measurement, including the failures occurring at (1) the preexisting joint during sample preparation and (2) the interface of rock and epoxy resin. Procedures for mitigating this effect were also suggested.
A Framework for Interpretation of the Compressibility Behavior of Soils
Authors: Soltani Amin , Deng An , Taheri Abbas , Sridharan Asuri , Estabragh A. R.
Published: December 2017

This paper aims at the development of a regression-aided analytical framework for modeling and analyzing the compressibility behavior of over-consolidated soils. A three-parameter rectangular hyperbola function (3P-RH) was proposed for describing the void ratio–effective stress relationship. Validation of the 3P-RH was carried out by a compiled database gathered from the literature. Simple analytical solutions were then proposed for determining the compressibility curve variables including the compression (Cc) and recompression (Cr) indices and the preconsolidation pressure (Pc), which are intended to replace the current subjective graphical method by providing consistent results. Equations for the preconsolidation pressure were derived in accordance with four common graphical constructions covering various levels of geometrical complexity (slightly to highly subjective). A probabilistic comparison among the graphical constructions was then carried out. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis with respect to the proposed preconsolidation pressure functions was considered to evaluate the influence of the 3P-RH fitting parameters (α and β) on the preconsolidation pressure value. The proposed 3P-RH compressibility model accompanied by the suggested analytical solutions for solving the compressibility curve variables construct a unique framework for modeling the compressibility behavior of soils with an acceptable degree of accuracy and, more importantly, by a simple objective approach.
Voltage Sensorless Controller for Photovoltaic Integrated Shunt Active Power Filter for Enhancement of Power Quality
Authors: Ramakrishnan C. , Pradeep R.
Published: December 2017

The shunt active power filter (APF) is one of the most effective custom power devices that provide compensation to current-based disturbances. The shunt APF topology consists of a voltage source inverter and a dc link capacitor. The current-based compensation ability of the shunt APF is influenced by the control technique, which is used to estimate the reference source current signal. Moreover, the controller decides the required number of devices and measurement practices; therefore, it determines the corresponding costs. In this paper, second order generalized integrator (SOGI) with a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) is utilized to estimate the reference source current of shunt APF. The proposed control algorithm makes use of the details about the converter and load currents; therefore, it does not require voltage-related information and sensors. The proposed topology employs a photovoltaic (PV) system with a supplementary energy storage unit to supply the active power requirement of the utility grid and provides the continuous compensation of current-based disturbances and voltage interruption in the power distribution system. The PV integrated shunt APF is tested with different load conditions and the performance of the system is investigated under steady and dynamic state conditions. To ensure the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm for the PV integrated shunt APF, the simulation and experimental results are presented.
Abstinence from Cocaine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference Produces Discrete Changes in Glutamatergic Synapses onto Deep Layer 5/6 Neurons from Prelimbic and Infralimbic Cortices
Authors: Pena-Bravo José I. , Reichel Carmela M. , Lavin Antonieta
Published: December 2017

Glutamatergic signaling in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a critical role in drug addiction and relapse. The mPFC is functionally subdivided into dorsal (prelimbic, PL) and ventral (infralimbic, IL) regions, and evidence suggests a differential role of these two divisions in the control of drug seeking and taking; however, there is a dearth of information on the cocaine-induced adaptations in PL- and IL-mPFC synaptic glutamate transmission and their regulation of behavioral responses to cocaine-associated stimuli. We tested male rats in a cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. In vitro whole-cell recordings were performed at different abstinence intervals to investigate the neuroadaptations in synaptic glutamate transmission in PL- and IL-mPFC deep layer (5/6) pyramidal neurons. Our results show that in naïve animals, PL-mPFC neurons expressed higher frequency of spontaneous events (sEPSCs) than IL-mPFC neurons. Following cocaine-CPP and a short abstinence (SA) period (8 d), we observed decreases in the amplitude of sEPSCs in both mPFC regions. Longer abstinence periods (30 d), resulted in a sustained decrease in the frequency of sEPSCs and an increase in AMPA receptor rectification only in PL-mPFC neurons. In addition, PL-mPFC neurons expressed a decrease in the area under the curve of sEPSCs, suggesting altered receptor activation dynamics. Synaptic glutamate transmission was not significantly different between retested and naïve rats. These results suggest that retention of cocaine-CPP requires differential modulation of glutamate transmission between PL- and IL-mPFC neurons and that these adaptations are dependent on the abstinence interval and reexposure to the cocaine context.
Mechanisms of β-cell dedifferentiation in diabetes: recent findings and future research directions
Authors: Bensellam Mohammed , Jonas Jean-Christophe , Laybutt D Ross
Published: December 2017

Like all the cells of an organism, pancreatic β-cells originate from embryonic stem cells through a complex cellular process termed differentiation. Differentiation involves the coordinated and tightly controlled activation/repression of specific effectors and gene clusters in a time-dependent fashion thereby giving rise to particular morphological and functional cellular features. Interestingly, cellular differentiation is not a unidirectional process. Indeed, growing evidence suggests that under certain conditions, mature β-cells can lose, to various degrees, their differentiated phenotype and cellular identity and regress to a less differentiated or a precursor-like state. This concept is termed dedifferentiation and has been proposed, besides cell death, as a contributing factor to the loss of functional β-cell mass in diabetes. β-cell dedifferentiation involves: (1) the downregulation of β-cell-enriched genes, including key transcription factors, insulin, glucose metabolism genes, protein processing and secretory pathway genes; (2) the concomitant upregulation of genes suppressed or expressed at very low levels in normal β-cells, the β-cell forbidden genes; and (3) the likely upregulation of progenitor cell genes. These alterations lead to phenotypic reconfiguration of β-cells and ultimately defective insulin secretion. While the major role of glucotoxicity in β-cell dedifferentiation is well established, the precise mechanisms involved are still under investigation. This review highlights the identified molecular mechanisms implicated in β-cell dedifferentiation including oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation and hypoxia. It discusses the role ofFoxo1, Mycand inhibitor of differentiation proteins and underscores the emerging role of non-coding RNAs. Finally, it proposes a novel hypothesis of β-cell dedifferentiation as a potential adaptive mechanism to escape cell death under stress conditions.
Efecto del dragado de un canal de comunicación al mar (estero) sobre la asociación de peces en la Laguna Larga, Cayo Coco, Cuba
Authors: Dulce Sotolongo Lisadys Bárbara , Pina Amarós Fabián
Published: December 2017

En este trabajo se caracterizaron el hábitat y la comunidad de peces en el canal de comunicación al mar de Laguna Larga, antes y después de un proceso de dragado realizado en el año 2012. Para ello el canal se dividió en cuatro secciones, dos iniciales cercanas al mar y dos finales cercanas a la laguna. Se realizaron 112 censos visuales mediante buceo libre. Para caracterizar el hábitat se midieron el área de refugio, sombra, temperatura del agua, salinidad, profundidad y velocidad de la corriente. Se determinaron la distribución espacio-temporal de los peces, riqueza de especies, densidad y frecuencia relativa en cada sección y se relacionaron con las características del hábitat. Se registraron 22 especies de peces distribuidas en 14 familias. Las especies Abudefduf saxatilis, Halichoeres bivittatus, Stegastes leucostictus y Lutjanus griseus fueron dominantes. Se encontró que las densidades y riquezas de peces en el inicio del canal eran más altas que en el extremo, particularmente la especie Lutjanus griseus, la cual cambió sus preferencias de nichos, desde el final del canal hacia el inicio. Se encontró que las comunidades de peces variaron espacial y temporalmente. El proceso de restauración produjo una disminución en la disponibilidad de refugios y, en consecuencia determinó la disminución de la densidad y riqueza de especies solo en el canal de entrada a la laguna. Los cambios más drásticos en el patrón espacial y temporal de los peces estuvieron asociados a las secciones finales del canal, las cuales sufrieron las mayores alteraciones de hábitat.
АХМАТОВА В ПОЛЕ РУССКОЙ ЛИТЕРАТУРЫ 1940–1960-х гг.: ПРАГМАТИКА И СЕМАНТИКА СТИХОТВОРНЫХ ПОСВЯЩЕНИЙ М. А. И Е. C. БУЛГАКОВЫМ
Authors: Михайлова Галина
Published: December 2017

В статье рассматривается один из примеров «позиций и траекторий» Анны Ахматовой внутри «поля» русской литературы. Подобные позиционные координаты и «движения» интерпретируются как осознанные поэтом действия (жесты). Эпитафия М. Булгакову, которую Ахматова включала в стихотворный цикл «Венок мертвым», и посвященное Е. Булгаковой стихотворение «Хозяйка» расцениваются как артефакты «культурного производства», причиной и целью которых были не только адресаты, но и стремление Ахматовой сформировать настоящее и будущее определенных фрагментов русского литературного поля.
РОМАН АНДРЕЯ ИВАНОВА «ПУТЕШЕСТВИЕ ХАНУМАНА НА ЛОЛЛАНД» КАК ПРОВОКАЦИЯ СОВРЕМЕННОГО ЧИТАТЕЛЯ (НА ОСНОВЕ ПОСТУЛАТОВ РЕЦЕПТИВНОЙ ЭСТЕТИКИ)
Authors: Шалкине Александра
Published: December 2017

В статье анализируется потенциал воздействия романа Андрея Иванова «Путешествие Ханумана на Лолланд» на читателей. Методологической основой исследования является рецептивно-эстетическая теория Х. Р. Яусса и В. Изера, согласно которой автор, создавая свой текст, ведет определенную игру с читателем. Основной прием воздействия – провокация, влекущая за собой изменение мировоззрения читателя, сдвиги горизонтов ожиданий и формирование «нового» значения текста для определенных социальных, исторических и культурных условий. Вскрывая семиотические коды чтения, уже заложенные в «Путешествии», можно объяснить успех книги у публики разных возрастов и стран, причины ее номинации на крупные российские премии и прочие аспекты. Последовательно анализируются название произведения, система персонажей и другие элементы текста. Объясняется, почему роман, с одной стороны, шокирует читателя обилием нецензурных слов и сленга, с другой – завораживает и держит в напряжении. С помощью разнообразных приемов манипуляции читательскими ожиданиями Андрей Иванов ведет диалог с современниками, побуждая их иначе взглянуть на устройство мира и его ценностные установки.
The prevalence of occupational health-related problems in dentistry: A review of the literature
Authors: Moodley Rajeshree , Naidoo Saloshni , van Wyk Jacqueline
Published: December 2017

The study was conducted to report on the scope and prevalence of occupational health related-problems experienced by dentists, dental therapists, and oral hygienists in their practice of dentistry.

Background

Professional practice and dental training have many risk factors, and the dental team should be able to recognize these factors to protect themselves. The prevalence of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, stress, percutaneous injuries, ears, and eyes are of concern. The dental team should also not forget hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV as risks in practice. Dental practitioners should protect themselves by self-recognizing risk factors and by maintaining proper working conditions.

Methods

The study targeted all empirical research, case studies, and systematic literature reviews written in English. All articles selected were subjected to a data analysis process. Data were captured on an Excel spreadsheet and reported in a comprehensive table.

Results

The literature addressing occupational health among dental practitioners included mainly crosssectional studies and review papers (2001-2016). Forty-nine studies were included in the review. Musculoskeletal disorders remain the most researched occupational health-related problems in dentistry. Eye protection compliance was low among practitioners. Percutaneous injuries especially among young dentists and students were still a concern.

Conclusion

Occupational health-related problems are still prevalent in current dentistry practice, despite changes in equipment and surgery design. The reported prevalence of occupational related-health problems and other findings of investigative studies highlight the need for continuous professional education and a need to improve clinical practice aspects of dentistry curricula.
Guidelines for personal exposure monitoring of chemicals: Part III
Authors: Hashimoto Haruo , Yamada Kenichi , Hori Hajime , Kumagai Shinji , Murata Masaru , Nagoya Toshio , Nakahara Hirohiko , Mochida Nobuyuki
Published: December 2017

This Document, “Guidelines for personal exposure monitoring of chemicals” (“this Guideline”), has been prepared by “The Committee for Personal Exposure Monitoring” (“the Committee”) of the Expert Division of Occupational Hygiene & Ergonomics, Japan Society for Occupational Health. Considering the background of the growing importance of personal exposure monitoring in risk assessment and the need to prepare for the introduction of monitoring using personal samplers from an administrative perspective in recent years, the Committee was organized in November 2012. The Committee has prepared this Guideline as a “practical guideline” for personal exposure monitoring, so as to offer proposals and recommendations to the members of the Japan Society for Occupational Health and to society in general. The scope of this Guideline covers all chemical substances and all related workplaces regarded as targets for general assessment and the management of risk. It thus is not to be considered to comment on legal regulations and methodology. The main text provides the basic methods and concepts of personal exposure monitoring, while 31 “ Appendices ” are provided in this Guideline throughout the series; technical descriptions, statistical bases, and actual workplace examples are provided in these appendices, to assist better understanding. The personal exposure monitoring described as per this Guideline is equivalent to an “ expert-centered basic method to reasonably proceed with the assessment and management of risk at workplaces.” It is considered that practicing and expanding on this method will significantly contribute in reforming the overall framework of occupational hygiene management in Japan.
IGF-1 Therapy in Children with Liver Dysfunction
Authors: Akbar Anum , Ahmad Ume Salmah
Published: December 2017

Human growth and development occur as a result of numerous processes which gets initiated under the influence of endocrine hormones. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) plays a most pivotal role in the growth and organ development of a child. IGF-1 is a peptide that belongs to somatomedins group of hormones, also known as somatomedin C. It releases from the liver and other tissues under the influence of growth hormone (GH). The liver is the main protagonist source of IGF-1 hence any disease that can cause liver dysfunction will eventually lead to growth impairment. During the period of growth regulation with GH therapy in liver disease and/or post liver transplantation, the persistent deficiency of IGF-1 proves to be a big challenge to therapy. Growth hormone therapy together with IGF-1 infusion can lead to good results on growth. Therefore, it is important to focus on IGF- level in serum along with Growth hormone while treating a child with poor growth in chronic liver disease and after liver transplantation. The role of IGF-1 therapy should also be considered for better growth and development.
Probiotics: An Adjuvant therapy for D-Galactose induced Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Mehta Varshil , Bhatt Kavya , Desai Nimit , Naik Mansi
Published: December 2017

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic and slowly progressing neurodegenerative disorder which has become a major health concern worldwide. The literature has shown that oxidative stress is one of the most important risk factors behind the cause of AD. Oxidative stress often leads to the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
D-Galactose, a physiological nutrient and reducing sugar, non-enzymatically reacts with amines of amino acids in proteins and peptides to form Advanced Glycation End products which activate its receptors coupled to Biochemical pathways that stimulate free radical production and induces mitochondrial dysfunction which damages the neuron intracellularly. High dosage of D-Galactose also suppresses the expression of nerve growth factors and its associated protein which results in the degeneration of nerve cells and reduction of acetylcholine levels in brain regions.
This article put forwards the advantages of using Lactic Acid Bacteria (Probiotics) possessing anti-oxidant properties and which produces Acetyl Choline against D-Galactose induced Alzheimer’s disease.
Why should you do Research?
Authors: Mehta Varshil , Chugh Charvi , Pervez Arshi
Published: December 2017

Today, the world is facing pandemic outburst of diseases. Many Physicians-Scientist are working really hard to find out the measures which can either prevent or cure these diseases. But, we are still lagging behind in one or the other way. The most important way through which we will be able to curb these diseases is by doing Research.  Research is defined as a process of investigation, interpretation and updating of the scientific knowledge. Research is a tool for building knowledge and efficient learning. It is also important for budding and veteran writers, both offline and online. For those looking for a job or a promotion in good hospitals, research is likewise a necessity. It helps in understanding various ongoing health hazards. It is also a way to discard old hypothesis and develop new facts on which the medical world can completely rely on. Research is the need of the day and everyone in medical profession is encouraged to do it including medical students. But their contribution to research is quite less when compared to students of other profession. History says that many inventions were created by medical students. One of the most important research was of insulin discovery and its purification which was made by Dr. Frederick Banting and his second-year medical student assistant Charles Best. Jay Mclean, a medical student from John Hopkins University had discovered Heparin. However, Research should not be made compulsory. Research entails both reading and writing. These two literacy functions help enable computation and comprehension. Without these skills, it is less likely for anyone to appreciate and get involved in research. Reading opens the mind to a vast horizon of knowledge, while writing helps a reader use her/his own perspective and transform this into a more concrete idea that s/he understands. Apart from reading and writing, listening and speaking are also integral in conducting research. Interviews, attending knowledge-generating events, and casual talks with anyone certainly aid in formulating research topics. They can also facilitate the critical thinking process. Listening to experts discuss the merits of their studies helps the listener to analyze a certain issue and write about such analysis. Curiosity may kill not just the cat, but the human as well. Yet, it is the same curiosity that fuels the mind to seek for answers. Indeed, research and doing research encourage people to explore possibilities, to understand existing disorders, and to disclose facts. Without research, healthy life would remain as fantasy. Reading, writing, observing, analyzing, and interacting with others facilitate an inquisitive mind's quest for knowledge and efficient learning. Research serves as an instrument to achieve that healthy world goal.
Should Research be Made Compulsory in Medical School?
Authors: Mehta Varshil
Published: December 2017

Healthcare decision-making is mostly reliant on evidence–based medicine. Building and upgrading skills in scientific reasoning and thinking amongst medical students has now became an important part of medical education. But due to unforeseen reasons, medical students in developing countries have no or very little opportunities to develop research skills and become evidence based physician-scientist. Moreover, there is also an alarming decline in the current number of physician-scientists, which also threatens the progress of translational medicine in the upcoming era. The compulsion of research work in residency, has no doubt, increased the quantity, but the quality has subsided. The only way, to improve the quality of research and medical evidence based health care, is by inculcating various research programs in school and motivating the professors and subsequently, the medical students. Many schools around the world have started various research training programs and the results are astonishing. Hence we suggest, instead of making research compulsory, there should be a location and school based research program which can help in developing interest
Patient Satisfaction in Chamber Setting in Bangladesh measured by Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9 Bangla)
Authors: Arafat S.M. Yasir , Andalib Amin , Shams Syed Faheem , Kabir Russell , Shah Md. Mohsin Ali , Fariduzzaman A.M. , Liton Mohammad Liakat Ali , Ansary Eusha Ahmad Fidalillah
Published: December 2017

Background: Assessment of patient satisfaction is crucial but there is significant lagging in this sector. Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of health care quality as well as a predictor of treatment adherence. The Good patient-doctor relationship is considered as an integral part of the patient satisfaction. In Bangladesh, this domain is yet to be explored in a large scale.

Aim: It was aimed to look into the patient satisfaction level in chamber setting in Bangladesh measured using the patient-doctor relationship questionnaire (PDRQ-9 Bangla).

Methods: PDRQ-9 is a short yet excellent tool for assessing the patient-doctor relationship. The data collection was done in private chamber setting by the PDRQ-9 and analyzed.

Results: Though the result was not completely in line with the existing literature, the PDRQ-9 was found to be a useful and brief measurement tool in the context of the patient-doctor relationship.

Conclusion: Large-scale research in this particular aspect of patient satisfaction in future may provide a more succinct result
Dear depression, why do you even exist in the budding medicos?
Authors: Mehta Varshil , Rajawat Monali
Published: December 2017

It is a matter of fact that the high demands and pressure of medical school and pre-residency entrance tests pose a tremendous challenge to the personal wellbeing for the physicians in training which leads to high rates of anxiety, burnout, decreased attention, increased incidence of errors, negligence and depression.
“Let food be your medicine ….” Inclusion of wheat porridge, a whole grain meal, and legumes lowers postprandial glucose in diabetic patient
Authors: Eapen John Thottukadavil
Published: December 2017

The present case report shows the importance of a meal consisting of whole grains and legumes in lowering postprandial glycaemia. A diabetic patient decided to try out diet and lifestyle modification to control the hyperglycemia. He incorporated wheat porridge for his breakfast and dinner along with other food. The postprandial glucose came down to 145 mg/dl after three months. To test the efficacy of wheat porridge in controlling the postprandial glycaemia, the intake of wheat porridge was stopped for 7 days. Then the glucose level increased to 231.4 mg/dl. However, the level came down after restarting the intake of wheat porridge (197.5mg/dl). After adding a small quantity of psyllium husk and black gram (a legume), the postprandial glucose came down to163.5 mg/dl, indicating the protective role in lowering postprandial glycaemia.

Keywords: Porridge, Wheat, Legumes, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.
Hiccups in the Neuro-Critical Care Unit: A Symptom Less Studied?
Authors: Arora Charu Dutt , Wanchoo Jaya , Khera Garima
Published: December 2017

Background: Hiccups (also referred to as “hiccoughs”) are usually a transient condition that affects almost everyone in their lifetime. However, persistent and intractable hiccups are the types which are often linked with unfavorable outcomes and can also result in respiratory alkalosis in the intubated patients. There is no accurate estimate of the prevalance of hiccups in the patients admitted in the neuro-ICU.The most commonly witnessed hiccups in the neuro-ICU are intractable and neurogenic in nature. In this communication, we discuss the strategy of respiratory care and pharmacological management of hiccups in an adult male post decompressive craniotomy in view of unilateral basal ganglion bleed.  He suffered from persistent hiccups and was managed conservatively with intravenous Metachlorpromide 10 mg on as and when needed (SOS) basis. In conclusion, it seems that persistent and intractable hiccups as a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients who are intubated and mechanically ventilated should be given due attention. We encourage clinical trials in this area of critical care medicine and should also encourage more studies to analyse the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods.

Keywords: Anaesthesia, Critical care, Hiccups, Mechanical ventilation, Basal ganglia.
Association of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Lipid Profile in Pregnancy
Authors: Mehta Varshil , Pusukuru Raghuram , Ghodke Babita
Published: December 2017

Introduction: Thyroid hormones have significant functions in embryogenesis and fetal development. Evidence suggests that thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) may exert extra-thyroidal effects and modify the profile of blood lipids. Aim: To determine the association between maternal blood lipid profile and thyroid stimulating hormone in second and third trimester of pregnancy. Methods & Materials: The present study was carried out at MGM Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India. 200 antenatal cases from October, 2012 to October 2014 were enrolled after taking an informed consent. The blood samples for Thyroid stimulating hormone and lipid profile were taken at 16th and 32nd weeks. Results: The mean TSH level in second trimester was 1.53 mIU/L, with a standard deviation of 1.147 mIU/L. In third trimester, the mean TSH level was increased to 2.60 mIU/L with a standard deviation of 0.836mIU/L. The t-stat value was found to be -10.649 (p < 0.001). In third trimester, TSH was negatively correlated with Cholesterol (r= -0.214, p < 0.01) and VLDL (r= -0.148, p < 0.05). Conclusion: TSH levels rises according to the gestational age, being higher in third trimester as compared to second trimester. There is a significant negative correlation between TSH levels and cholesterol & VLDL in third trimester of the pregnancy. Hence, TSH levels should be looked for, especially in third trimester, in order to keep the thyroid related problems in check.
Keywords: TSH, Lipid Profile, Pregnancy.
Is Insulin like Growth Factor a new wonder drug?
Authors: Goel Shakti
Published: December 2017

Insulin has been used since a long time to treat Diabetes Mellitus. Little is known about the potential new uses of insulin due to its structural similarities with Insulin Like Growth Factors (IGFs). This brief communication aims to throw light on the potential uses of this hormone and its future prospects.

Keywords: Insulin, Growth factor, CTGF, Restenosis, Spinal injury, Fibrosis.
Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of Clavicle in a Six-Year-Old Male Child
Authors: Patel Rushin P. , Goel Shakti , Patel Pankaj R.
Published: December 2017

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst (ABCs) is a cystic expansile lesion which is usually found in solitary locations in the metaphysis of long bones. The most common locations of ABC are long bones of lower limbs. There is little knowledge about the presence of this tumor in Clavicle. Here we present a case of a six year old male child who presented with complaint of swelling in left shoulder for four months. There was a dilemma in the diagnosis of the swelling due to its unusual presentation and appearance. The Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology was also inconclusive. The diagnosis of ABC was made only by excision biopsy. The Clavicle regenerated to nearly normal anatomy at 15 weeks follow up period. The patient is asymptomatic now and is able to perform all daily activities without any restrictions. The uniqueness of this case lies in the fact that this is the first case where ABC has been reported in Clavicular region in young Asian male of less than 10 years age.

Keywords: ABC, Bone tumor, Expansile lesion.
Best Paper, Reviewer and Editor Awards - 2017
Authors: Editorial Team JMRI
Published: December 2017

The Journal of Medical Research and Innovation would like to thank each and every one who has helped us in any way possible. We really appreciate it and as a token, we would like to present certificates to the authors of the best paper (based on citations and metrics) of the 2017, reviewer (based on the quality and quantity of reviewing the articles for JMRI) and editor (based on the quantity of work shared with the Editor in Chief).E-Certificates of Appreciation shall be sent through emails to the awardees soon.

 

Best Paper of 2017 Zaman, S., & Hossain, N. (2017). Universal Health Coverage: A burning need for developing countries. Journal Of Medical Research And Innovation, 1(1), 18-20.

 

Best Editor of 2017 Dr. Shakti Goel

 

Best Reviewer(s) of 2017 Dr. Arjun Ballal and Dr. Narayani Srivastava Once again, JMRI would like to congratulate the winners.
Vegetarian Diet: A Boon or Bane for Health?
Authors: Mehta Varshil
Published: December 2017

In recent times, there have been many scientific evidences which suggest that wholesome vegetarian diets offer significant advantages compared to diets containing meat and other foods of animal origin. The benefits ranges from lower intakes of cholesterol, saturated fats, animal proteins and higher intakes of dietary fiber, vitamin C and E, carotenoids, magnesium, folic acid,  and other phytochemicals. However, it is often said that vegetarian diet lacks the nutrients like vitamin B12, proteins, zinc, calcium etc., but if an “Appropriate diet with proper planning” involving supplements is consumed, these deficiencies will never exist. Through the present editorial, I would like to show few benefits of having a vegetarian meal.
Keywords: Vegetarian diet, Benefits, Cardiovascular diseases, Cataracts, Kidney stones, Hyperlipidemia, Obesity.
Humility: A Key to get Published
Authors: Goel Shakti
Published: December 2017

Humility has been little understood despite being an important part of the scientific writing. Many manuscripts with good data remain unpublished due to their lack of humility leading to repeated rejections. This Editorial aims to highlight the importance of humble writing and how it can be incorporated by authors it in their scientific methodology.

Key words: Research, manuscript, Humble writing.