bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathways to Profits: The Impact of Marketing vs. Finance Skills on Business Performance
Authors: Anderson Stephen J. , Chandy Rajesh , Zia Bilal
Published: March 2018

This paper examines the impact of improvements in marketing skills relative to finance skills among small-scale entrepreneurs. It addresses three important questions: (1) What is the impact of marketing or finance skills on business profits? (2) How do improvements in marketing and finance skills respectively affect different business outcomes? (3) When are increases in marketing relative to finance skills more beneficial? Through a randomized control study of 852 firms in South Africa, the analysis finds significant improvements in profitability from both types of business skills training. However, the pathways to achieve these gains differ substantially between the two groups. The marketing group achieves greater profits by adopting a growth focus on higher sales, greater investments in stock and materials, and hiring more employees. The finance group achieves similar profit gains but through an efficiency focus on lower costs. Both groups show significantly higher adoption of business practices related to their respective training program. Consistent with a growth focus, marketing/sales skills are significantly more beneficial to businesses run by entrepreneurs with ex ante less exposure to different market contexts. In contrast and in line with an efficiency focus, it is the more established businesses that benefit significantly more from finance/accounting skills.

This paper was accepted by Eric Anderson, marketing.

Data and the online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2920 .
Lipid emulsion in the management of poisoning
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: March 2018

Lipid emulsion therapy is the intravenous infusion of a parental lipid formulation, which can be used in the management of some toxic substances, particularly fat-soluble (lipophilic) compounds. Although the mechanism is not fully understood, the lipid is thought to act as a ‘shuttle’, facilitating redistribution of the toxic compound. Adverse effects from the use of lipid emulsion in the management of poisoning appear to be rare. Lipid is straightforward to administer and a relatively inexpensive treatment option, and should be considered in an animal failing to respond to other therapies after exposure to a substance that fits the criteria for lipid emulsion treatment: high lipid solubility, high volume of distribution and short to moderate half-life.
Spring parasite update
Authors: Stokes Laura
Published: March 2018

Spring has sprung and brought with it a whole host of beasts (from the East), pests (from the West) and parasites…from all directions! This article provides an overview of some of this season's hot topics, from domestic to exotic parasites. It also examines enquiries and interest from the public, pet owners and veterinary professionals, to identify possible trends so far in 2018.
Fleas and flea-borne diseases: biology, control & compliance
Authors: Bourne Debra , Craig Mark , Crittall Jamie , Elsheikha Hany , Griffiths Kate , Keyte Sophie , Merritt Bree , Richardson Emily , Stokes Laura , Whitfield Vanessa , Wilson Alison
Published: March 2018

Fleas, mainly Ctenocephalides felis on both cats and dogs, are a very basic but continuing and common issue in veterinary practice. Fleas are important for their direct effects on infested pets, particularly when animals develop flea allergic dermatitis, and for their transmission of pathogens that can cause serious disease in cats and/or in humans – such as Bartonella spp. Fleas also bite humans, and negatively affect the pet-human bond. This roundtable discussed flea biology, flea-borne diseases, efficacy of control measures available, and improving compliance and client engagement. Effective control of fleas requires an understanding of their biology, as this affects what strategies will and will not be effective: for example leaving a house empty will not control a flea infestation as the pupae can stay dormant for months. There is now a wide range of products that can be used to control fleas both on the pet and in the environment, including not only sprays but spot-on formulations, collars, oral tablets and injections. Used correctly, these are generally both safe and highly effective, with no signs of resistance developing, thankfully. However, owners often do not use products correctly, whether through inability to do so; lack of understanding of why correct use is important; or simple forgetfulness. A range of measures must be used to engage with clients, educate them and help them to remember to treat their pets against these pernicious parasites
Tick-borne encephalitis: What is it and how can it be prevented?
Authors: Graham Sharon
Published: March 2018

Tick-borne encephalitis is a potentially life-changing disease. Sharon Graham explains the transmission, risk and prevention of the disease in travellers

Tick-borne encephalitis is caused by a Flavivirus transmitted by the bite of the Ixodes tick or through consumption of unpasteurised dairy products. Tick-borne encephalitis is endemic across a large area of Europe and Asia. Clinical presentation can vary from mild, non-specific, febrile illness, to life-threatening illness with the potential for long-term sequelae affecting the central nervous system. This article will outline the transmission, risk and prevention of tick-borne encephalitis with details of the vaccines available in UK.
Preceptorship in primary care: Why is it needed?
Authors: Skelly Mia
Published: March 2018

Preceptorship is essential to the development of newly qualified nurses, as well as those moving into general practice from other areas of nursing. Mia Skelly discusses the need for preceptorship in primary care

Preceptorship programmes have been recognised as fundamental to the development of a newly qualified nurse into a competent and confident practitioner. All nurses who are new to general practice should be equipped for the role by accessing a standardised preceptorship programme. In September 2017, the CapitalNurse Programme launched its Pan-London Preceptorship Framework to standardise the preceptorship programmes being offered across London. If we are to attract, grow and nurture the next generation of newly qualified nurses into primary care, then best practice programmes need to be developed.
Playing a part in #PreventingType2 diabetes
Authors: Pickford Tracey
Published: March 2018

Practice nurses regularly see patients who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Tracey Pickford highlights how the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme has helped her patients
Menopause: A workplace issue?
Authors: Abernethy Kathy
Published: March 2018

Menopause is often thought of as a taboo topic, but it is something all women experience. Kathy Abernethy discusses the effect menopause can have on women in the workplace
Reading Well Books on Prescription Programme
Authors: Robinson Annie
Published: March 2018

Practice nurses can signpost patients with long-term conditions, dementia, and common mental health conditions to Reading Well Books on Prescription, as Annie Robinson explains
Do dog owners recognise behavioural indicators of canine cognitive dysfunction and can environmental enrichment techniques slow its progression?
Authors: Coupland Sarah , Reynolds Helen
Published: March 2018

Background: Veterinary professionals have seen a rise in geriatric patients suffering from canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Previous literature has supported the use of environmental enrichment therapies which have been considered to reduce the progression of cognitive decline in CCD. However, CCD is commonly undiagnosed within the companion dog population.

Aim: To determine whether owners of older dogs are able to notice behavioural changes, and in addition, explore knowledge around the term environmental enrichment which may help owners slow the progression of CCD through further education.

Method: The study involved quantitative research using a questionnaire with 11 questions. Data were subsequently statistically analysed. Of the participants 16 worked within a veterinary practice, 52 were customers visiting a pet shop and 39 respondents formed a web survey group predominantly of veterinary professionals.

Results: Owners of geriatric dogs working within a veterinary-related field were more likely to notice behavioural changes possibly associated with CCD compared with the average owner of a geriatric dog, and were also more likely to understand the term environmental enrichment.

Conclusion: This study informs the veterinary field that improved education strategies implemented within nurse clinics may help pet owners recognise behavioural indicators of CCD, and treatment recommendations may assist in slowing the progression of CCD in geriatric dogs.
Current parasitological threats in the UK
Authors: Wright Ian
Published: March 2018

In recent years, the threat posed to both pets and people by parasites has grown, fuelled by a milder climate and increased pet travel. Here in the UK, fleas and ticks are growing in numbers and infest pets all year round. Angiostrongylus vasorum is rapidly spreading north up the country and Echinococcus granulosus is potentially being spread through abattoirs. In addition to this, pet travel and importation is increasing in the face of a widening distribution of vector-borne disease abroad. This is increasing the risk of exposure and the risk of bringing novel infections back to the UK. Veterinary practices remain in the front line of keeping pets and their owners safe from these threats and veterinary nurses play a pivotal role in giving accurate advice to clients. This article summarises information given to nurses at the recent parasite CPD day held by The Veterinary Nurse and sponsored by Bayer, considering the current parasitic threats to UK cats and dogs and how to address them.
Nourishing dogs and cats through their twilight years
Authors: Lumbis Rachel H
Published: March 2018

Ageing dogs and cats represent a significant proportion of the canine and feline population. Factors attributed to increasing longevity in these species include improved veterinary health care; nutrition; and a healthier lifestyle. Lifespan is also reportedly influenced by genetics and breeding, gender, size, breed and neuter status. Appropriate nutrition and dietary management have contributed to improved quality of life, and life expectancy of senior dogs and cats, and should be considered a key component of the care of these companion animals. The current article will explore the terms used to describe an ageing dog or cat; consider the species-specific nutritional adaptations required during this latter life-stage; and discuss how these can be met through dietary provision.
Are Mangiferin and Mangiferin-Containing Plant Extracts Helpful for Iron-Loaded Transfusion-Dependent and Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassaemia Patients?
Authors: Estuningtyas Ari , Zwicker Klaus , Wahyuni Tri , Fajri Purnama , Wahidiyat Pustika Amalia , Freisleben Seruni K.U. , Freisleben Hans-Joachim
Published: March 2018

Treatment of iron overload in thalassaemia is still a great burden for patients, their families and the health care system in developing countries like Indonesia, because of expensiveness and unwanted side effects of chemical iron-chelating therapeutics. This animal study investigates an extract from the leaves of Mangifera foedica L (EMF) and its major active compound, mangiferin, for chelating and antioxidant treatment of iron overload. Sixty rats were randomly divided into 10 groups: control, iron overload (IO), and IO with mangiferin doses between 50 and 200 mg/g BW or 2390 mg of EMF, applied via gastric tubes. For comparison, deferiprone (DFP) was used. Iron overload was induced by intraperitoneal iron dextran resembling two models, transfusion-dependent (TDT) or nontransfusion-dependent thalassaemia (NTDT). Increasing oral doses of mangiferin and EMF did not result in higher mangiferin plasma levels; however, mangiferin administered for four weeks roughly doubled blood levels compared to two weeks. In the TDT model, mangiferin significantly lowered ferritin levels by 21% and plasma iron levels by 60% (EMF by 50%), almost like DFP (by 70%) and increased iron excretion 6-fold via urine (DFP 15-fold, EMF 2-fold). In the NTDT model mangiferin and EMF decreased ferritin levels significantly by about 30%, without significantly decreasing excess plasma iron. Mangiferin increased iron excretion via urine 4-fold (EMF 2-fold) and tended to diminish Fe accumulation in liver and heart. Iron chelating effects of EMF were weaker than of mangiferin, but its in vivo antioxidant activity was stronger. In vitro, both mangiferin and the mangiferin/FeIII complex are potent superoxide radical scavengers, the iron complex being superior.
Immunohistochemical Expression of p53 and Bcl-2 in Algerian Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Khalissa Deffar , Abdelhalim Khenchouche , Xie Xing , Li Ying , Soraya Ouhida , Abbes Mahnane
Published: March 2018

The Objective of the present study is to evaluate the expression levels of Bcl-2 and p53 proteins in squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix, and try to explain their role as prognostic markers for this cancer. The cohort comprised 90 cases of the cervix lesions. The samples were assessed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of Bcl-2 and p53 proteins. The results showed that the Bcl-2 expression was either absent, low or moderate respectively in 38.96%; 50.65% and 10.39% of SCC cases. However, it was absent or expressed in 76.92% and 23.08% of adenocarcinoma cases respectively. The p53 protein was absent or present respectively in 75.32% and 24.68% of SCC cases as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. p53 was almost absent in adenocarcinoma samples where only 7.70% of cases were positive. There was no significant correlation between Bcl-2 and p53 expression (p=0.352). We conclude that p53 expression, detected by immunohistochemistry, does not appear to be a prognostic marker for cervical cancer. Nevertheless, Bcl-2 expression seems to provide more information for this disease. It may represent an important indicator for cervical cancer.
Sperm Dynein AAA1 and AAA2 Expression in Human Sperm : A Regulation in Sperm Preparation
Authors: Lestari Silvia W. , D. Larasati Manggiasih , Mansur Indra G. , Soelaeman Muhammad F. , Rahmat Favian A. , Azzahra Fira , Al-Rasyid Fariz A.
Published: March 2018

Axoneme structures in sperm tail, is a supramolecular protein complex with motor protein and regulatory which playing a crucial role in determining sperm motility. Dynein, one of the three members of cytoskeletal motor protein, has a ring of six AAA+ which linked together into one large polypeptide that contribute to the formation of sperm flagella bending. The previously research reported that the first two AAA motor domains, AAA1 and AAA2, were a major site in ATP hydrolysis associated with motility in the flagellum. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) as a management of infertility requires sperm preparation procedures, by Swim-up (SU) and Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC), in order to enhance the quality regarding concentration and motility of the initial sperm. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of the DGC and SU methods in selecting sperm, based the expression of sperm dynein AAA1 and AAA2. Semen samples were obtained from men underwent sperm preparation for IUI and divided into two groups, normozoospermia and asthenozoospermia, according to World Health Organization 2010 guideline. Semen analysis was performed to measure the sperm motility and velocity, before and after sperm preparation. The axoneme was isolated from the obtained samples from SU and DGC methods, while the level of AAA1 and AAA2 was measured by ELISA. This study showed that the percentage of motile sperm and velocity of prepared sperm in both groups in prepared sperm (post-SU and post-DGC) was higher compared to whole semen. The expression of sperm dynein AAA1 of prepared sperm in normozoospermia group showed higher, while in asthenozoospermia group showed lower activities compared to whole semen. The expression of sperm dynein AAA2 of prepared sperm in both groups showed lower activities compared to whole semen. The sperm preparation enhanced the quality of sperm and may increase the expression of sperm dynein AAA1 compared to the whole semen, without the involvement of sperm dynein AAA2.
Antimicrobial Utilization in Wound Infections in Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Rachamanti Ramya , kumar V. Prem , Das M. C. , Srikanth Manam Mani , Shravanthi M. Lakshmi
Published: March 2018

To identify the utilization pattern of antimicrobials in patients with suspected wound infections and skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) according to WHO (World Health Organization) drug utilization indicators.This is a cross-sectional, record based study conducted in a tertiary care hospital after obtaining Institutional Ethical Committee approval. Patients of all ages admitted into N.R.I hospital between June to October 2017 suspected of wound and SSTIs were included in this study. Data of patients was collected from Medical records Department of the hospital. Analysis was done on 100 patients basing on inclusion criteria. Wound infections and SSTIs were found to be more common in males and in age group below 35 yrs. The major co-morbid conditions associated were diabetes and hypertension. Evaluation of prescriptions based on WHO drug utilization indicators showed that a total 201 antimicrobials were prescribed for 100 patients irrespective of positive or negative culture. Among antimicrobials, 31.8% were prescribed by their generic name.42.78 % were in the form of injections. 94.51 % of antimicrobials were in the National list of essential medicines 2015. Average duration of treatment given was for 7±3 days in the hospital. All the patients recovered well and got discharged. None of the patients died during the treatment among these 100 patients. The results obtained will be useful for implementing the modifications in the prescription for betterment of the patients and for the community.
Estimating Global Termite Species Richness Using Extrapolation
Authors: Constantino Reginaldo
Published: March 2018

Cumulative species description curves since 1758 are given for all termites of the world and for each biogeographical region (Australian, Ethiopian, Nearctic, Neotropical, Oriental, Palearctic, and Papuan). A cumulative description curve is also given for world genera. Estimation by maximum likelihood using the Michaelis-Menten model suggests a maximum of 5366 ± 175 species (p < 2.2E-16) and 704 ± 77 genera (p < 4.387E-13). Model fitting was poor for most individual biogeographical regions, with the exception of the Ethiopian region (estimate = 1295 ± 57 species, p < 2.2E-16). World War I and World War II had marked negative impacts on termite description rates. Data from China was treated separately due to the atypical rate of description of new termites in that country during the last two decades of the 20th century.
The philosophy of the Ramones
Authors: Dixon Wheeler Winston
Published: March 2018

This article traces the history and influence of The Ramones, an American rock & roll band that founded the ‘punk rock’ movement, which then spread to England and such bands as The Sex Pistols, The Clash, along with many other similar groups. Although they never achieved mainstream success during their more than twenty year career, The Ramones are now are considered by many to be one of the most important pop music groups of the later twenty-century, transforming 1970s rock & with a stripped-down style that combined speed, simplicity, and a confrontational approach to performance. Though all the members of the group have died, their music has become part of the fabric of American pop culture, inspiring such contemporary bands as Green Day, Nirvana and Metallica.
COMPOSIÇÃO E DIGESTIBILIDADE PROTEICA DE SUPLEMENTOS ALIMENTÍCIOS CONTENDO PROTEÍNA DE SORO DE LEITE (WHEY PROTEIN)
Authors: Tavano Olga Luisa , Silva Sara Cristina Oliveira , Paula Hudsara Aparecida de Almeida , Oliveira Vitoria Rufino de
Published: March 2018

Dentre os suplementos dietéticos, os fabricados com proteína de soro de leite apresentam um excelente perfil aminoacídico e caracterizam-se como proteínas de alto valor biológico. No entanto, como resultado da falta de uniformidade, a qualidade nutricional deste tipo de produto é incerta. Assim, este estudo verificou a composição proteica e digestibilidade in vitro desses produtos. Foram adquiridas 12 amostras de suplementos e o teor de proteínas foi determinado pelo método de Kjeldahl. Para a determinação da digestibilidade proteica in vitro foi adotado amedida do percentual de hidrólise de cada amostra, após tratamento com sequência de enzimas pepsina e pancreatina. Ao comparar a composição proteica com os valores declarados nos rótulos dos produtos comercializados observou-se que a maioria das amostras analisadas estava de acordo com o valor declarado. Quanto a digestibilidade proteica in vitro, constatou-se grandes diferenças entre os resultadosdas amostras. Os valores encontrados oscilaram entre 24,2% e 42,2% e estavam abaixo do valor de hidrólise proteica da caseína (48,9%). Esta grande variação pode ser devido às diferentes composições proteicas dos suplementos alimentícios, já que, embora sejam suplementos que trazem em seu rótulo principal o termo whey protein, também veiculam muitas vezes outras proteínas, como proteínas de soja. Além disso, as formulações podem ter em sua composição sucos de frutas ou cacau.Como conclusão, o estudo dos reais teores proteicos, em comparação declarado no rótulo, e mesmo o grau de hidrólise alcançado destas formulações, como indicativo de suas digestibilidades, se mostra cada vez mais importante.
COMPOSIÇÃO PROXIMAL, COR E QUALIDADE LIPÍDICA DE QUEIJO AZUL FRESCO E MATURADO
Authors: Laurindo Jaqueline , Tonial Ivane Benedetti , Prado Naimara Vieira do , Morés Silvane , Cislaghi Fabiane Picinin de Castro
Published: March 2018

O queijo azul é considerado fresco aos 35 dias de maturação. Este mesmoqueijo pode ser denominado tipo gorgonzola após 90 dias maturação, podendo sofrer variações em suas características físicas e físico-químicas. Objetivou-se, no presente estudo, comparar as variações nas características de cor e de composição físico-química de queijo azul fresco e maturado, bem como determinar os índices de qualidade lipídica. Foram separadas três repetições de um mesmo lote de queijo azul(0 dia), os quais foram submetidos às análises de cor (L*, a*, b*), físico-químicas (umidade, cinzas, proteínas, lipídeos, carboidratos e sódio) e perfil de ácidos graxos. As demais porções de queijo azul foram submetidas ao processo de maturação sob as mesmas condições de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar. Para as amostras dequeijos maturadas (45 dias), foram realizadas as mesmas análises para efeito de comparação e alteração das características iniciais. Os resultados mostraram que o processo de maturação do queijo interferiu e alterou a cor, especialmente pelo desenvolvimento do fungo adquirindo coloração verde intensa. Os parâmetros físico-químicos mostraram alterações significativas nos percentuais de umidade, cinzas e sódio. O perfil de ácidos graxos revelou alterações significativas no percentual deácidos graxos, somatórios, razões e índices de qualidade lipídica, conferindo ao queijo maturado maior potencial aterogênico e trombogênico.
Customer participation in the creation and implementation of the service for internet banking
Authors: . Ronny
Published: March 2018

This study aims to answer two important issues such as what value of internet banking services that is prioritized by the bank in the implementation of internet banking, and how the bank tries to involve the customers in creating and implementing the value of internet banking services. This study conducted by an In-depth interview on 3 informant bank officials from three banks in Indonesia who have authority to handle internet banking services. The analysis was based on the interview result. The results shows that banks expect customers to participate in 5 aspects of internet banking security, feedback in form of input and assessment of internet banking, customer support on the use of adequate technology, customer knowledge and skills about information technology, and customer involvement in new feature development trials of Â Internet banking. Such customer participation leads to service value creation such as security, convenience, benefits, emotional, and communication.
Kemampuan Tanah Liat dengan Campuran Serbuk Gergaji sebagai Penahan Lindi di Tempat Pengolahan Akhir Sampah
Authors: Budihardjo Mochamad Arief
Published: March 2018

Tempat Pengolahan Akhir (TPA) Sampah dengan sistem lahan urug harus dilengkapi dengan lapisan semi kedap (liner) yang berfungsi sebagai penahan lindi agar tidak mencemari lingkungan sekitar TPA. Di Indonesia, TPA banyak menggunakan lapisan tanah liat yang dipadatkan sebagai liner. Salah satu jenis tanah liat yang digunakan sebagai liner adalah bentonit. Bentonit memiliki permeabilitas rendah sehingga dapat menahan lindi dengan baik. Namun bentonit juga memiliki nilai batas-batas atterberg yang cukup tinggi sehingga mudah mengembang dan menyusut yang dapat memicu terjadinya retakan yang berpotensi mengurangi kemampuan liner dalam menahan lindi. Pada penelitian ini, serbuk gergaji yang memiliki sifat menahan air di tambahkan sebagai campuran tanah liat dengan tujuan untuk melihat pengaruhnya terhadap karakteristik dari bentonit. Pengujian batas-batas atterberg seperti batas cair, batas plastis, pengembangan bebas dan permeabilitas dari bentonit dengan penambahan serbuk gergaji dilakukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh serbuk gergaji terhadap perilaku bentonit. Penambahan serbuk gergaji yang diuji pada studi ini adalah sebesar 2%, 3% dan 5% dari total berat kering. Hasil percobaan menunjukkan bahwa penambahan serbuk gergaji menurunkan batas cair, batas plastis dan pembengkakan bebas dari bentonit. Disisi lain, penambahan serbuk gergaji meningkatkan permeabilitas bentonit dari semula sebesar 1,24 x 10-11 m/detik menjadi 3,98 x 10-10 m/detik dengan penambahan serbuk gergaji sebesar 8%.
Inventarisasi dan Sebaran Emisi Aktivitas Pelabuhan dengan Aermod View
Authors: Huboyo Haryono Setiyo , Andarani Pertiwi , Hadiwidodo Mochtar
Published: March 2018

Transportasi laut termasuk penyumbang emisi polutan udara baik dari aktivitas pelayaran di laut maupun aktivitas di pelabuhan.Inventarisasi emisi polutan udara sektor transportasi laut masih sangat jarang.Kajian ini dilakukan untuk mengkuantifikasi dan mengestimasi sebaran emisi dari sektor transportasi laut di pelabuhan.Inventarisasi menggunakan data operasional pelabuhan dan faktor emisi sekunder.Sebaran emisi polutan udara dari aktivitas pelabuhan diperkirakan dengan model AERMOD View. Hasil inventarisasi beban emisi dari aktivitas transportasi laut di pelabuhan didominasi oleh aktivitas pelayaran dalam pelabuhan yaitu pada saat approaching time disusul oleh aktivitas mesin bantu saat bongkar muat (berthing time). Aktivitas bongkar muat di darat hanya berkontribusi 1% dari aktivitas mesin bantu saat berthing time.Sebaran emisi polutan udara aktivitas bongkar muat cenderung mengarah ke Barat Laut-Tenggara, sementara sebaran emisi dari aktivitas pelayaran cenderung merata ke sebagian besar area Semarang kawasan tengah dan Utara.
Spa and Wellness Tourism in Slovakia (A Geographical Analysis)
Authors: Kasagranda Anton , Gurňák Daniel
Published: March 2018

Spa industry is presently an inherent part of Slovak tourism. For this reason, it has become a major interest of scientific and professional literature (economics, management, sociology, or geography). The main topic of this paper is the evaluation of tourism in Slovakia through a geographic analysis. This paper briefly evaluates the development and the importance of spa, spa tourism and wellness and their main research areas and issues. Furthermore, the primary sources of tourism development, the overview of spa tourism and the wellness resorts, the accommodation establishments and the visitation rate are evaluated as well. In conclusion, functional and spatial typification of spa tourism and wellness in Slovakia is presented. The structure of the paper is designed to be appropriate for a comparison with V4 countries.
Lipedema: friend and foe
Authors: Torre Yanira Sanchez-De la , Wadeea Rita , Rosas Victoria , Herbst Karen L.
Published: March 2018

Background

Lipedema is a chronic disorder presenting in women during puberty or other times of hormonal change such as childbirth or menopause, characterized by symmetric enlargement of nodular, painful subcutaneous adipose tissue (fat) in the limbs, sparing the hands, feet and trunk. Healthcare providers underdiagnose or misdiagnose lipedema as obesity or lymphedema.

Materials and methods

The benefits (friend) and negative aspects (foe) of lipedema were collected from published literature, discussions with women with lipedema, and institutional review board approved evaluation of medical charts of 46 women with lipedema.

Results

Lipedema is a foe because lifestyle change does not reduce lipedema fat, the fat is painful, can become obese, causes gait and joint abnormalities, fatigue, lymphedema and psychosocial distress. Hypermobility associated with lipedema can exacerbate joint disease and aortic disease. In contrast, lipedema fat can be a friend as it is associated with relative reductions in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. In new data collected, lipedema was associated with a low risk of diabetes (2%), dyslipidemia (11.7%) and hypertension (13%) despite an obese average body mass index (BMI) of 35.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2.

Conclusion

Lipedema is a painful psychologically distressing fat disorder, more foe than friend especially due to associated obesity and lymphedema. More controlled studies are needed to study the mechanisms and treatments for lipedema.
Antimicrobial properties of terrestrial snail and slug mucus
Authors: Cilia Giovanni , Fratini Filippo
Published: March 2018

Snail and slug mucus is a viscous-elastic substance secreted by specific glands with adhesive and lubricants properties that allows them to adhere tenaciously to many different surfaces. It has been used since ancient times for care and human health and it is still very important in traditional and folkloristic medicine. Recently, mucus from snail and slugs and its protein and components have been subjected to some investigations on their antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity due to extensive traditional uses and for a future application in medicine. Antimicrobial activities of crude mucus, and its components, against different microorganism have been reported, showing antimicrobial activities that lead their potential employment in several fields as natural additives. The purpose of this Review is to summarize the results of antimicrobial studies of snail and slug mucus and its compounds from the first scientific applications to the isolation of the single components in order to better understand its application and propose an employment in future studies as a natural antimicrobial agent.
Periodization in College Soccer
Authors: Favero Terence G. , White John
Published: March 2018

PERIODIZATION OPTIMIZES TRAINING RESPONSES TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE. COLLEGE SOCCER PRESENTS A UNIQUE CHALLENGE TO PERIODIZED APPROACHES BECAUSE OF A SHORT PRESEASON AND CONDENSED MATCH SCHEDULE. ACADEMIC CHALLENGES OF CLASS TIME AND INTENSIVE EXAMINATION SCHEDULES IMPACT ATHLETE'S SLEEP AND INTERFERE WITH FULL RECOVERY OFTEN LEAVING ATHLETES FATIGUED AND TIRED DURING AND AT THE END OF THE SEASON. THIS ARTICLE OUTLINES A MODEL SYSTEM TO ORGANIZE PERIODIZED TRAINING OVER AN ENTIRE YEAR, INCLUDING SUMMER TRAINING, PRESEASON, AND THE COMPETITIVE COLLEGIATE SEASON. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS ARE OFFERED TO ADDRESS ACADEMIC AND SEASONAL CHALLENGES WHILE PREVENTING INJURY, AVOIDING BURNOUT, AND LATE SEASON PERFORMANCE DECLINES.
A comparison of the intranigral distribution of nigrotectal neurons labeled with horseradish peroxidase in the monkey, cat, and rat
Authors: Beckstead RM , Edwards SB , Frankfurter A
Published: March 2018

The location of neurons in the substantia nigra's pars reticulata (SNR) that send their axons to the superior colliculus was compared in the monkey, cat, and rat using the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) retrograde cell-labeling method. Although several cases of large, unilateral HRP deposits in the superior colliculus show that in all three species, the nigrotectal cells are confined, for the most part, to the rostral one- half of SNR, the following differences were noted in the precise location of the nigrotectal neurons and in the degree of bilaterality of the nigrotectal projection. In the monkey, labeled nigrotectal cells were particularly numerous in the extreme rostrolateral portion of SNR. From this region of high concentration, a progressively decreasing number of cells spreads medially in a ventral stratum immediately dorsal to the pes pedunculi. No labeled cells were found in the extreme medial part of SNR. A substantial number of HRP-positive cells were present in the contralateral SNR in a similar distribution. In the cat, labeled cells were less selectively localized in SNR's mediolateral expanse, being distributed more or less randomly in its middle portion with a scattering of cells in both medial and lateral parts of SNR. Although some cell labeling occurred in the contralateral SNR, it was less substantial than in the monkey. In the rat, the HRP-positive cells were especially concentrated throughout the mediolateral extent of a ventral stratum of SNR immediately dorsal to the pes pedunculi. Although some cells were located more dorsally, they were far fewer in number and consistently less heavily labeled. Only one or two labeled cells could be detected in the contralateral SNR of the rat. These anatomical differences suggest that the influence of the corpus striatum on the tectal control of orienting responses may vary considerably from one mammalian species to the next.
The effect of habituating vestibular and optokinetic nystagmus on each other
Authors: Skavenski AA , Blair SM , Westheimer G
Published: March 2018

Currently, the vestibulo-ocular and optokinetic reflexes are both thought to require a velocity storage mechanism within their neural pathways. To test whether these storage mechanisms are shared by both reflexes, animals were given programs of stimulation known to change the status of the storage mechanism of one of the type of nystagmus. The other type of nystagmus was examined then to ascertain whether the characteristic of its velocity storage system had remained invariant. Horizontal eye movements of three macaque monkeys were recorded during post-rotatory nystagmus and optokinetic afternystagmus (OKAN) before and after 20 habituating exposures to either vestibular or optokinetic stimulation. Repetitive exposures to vestibular stimulation alone markedly reduced the time constant of post-rotatory nystagmus and this effect was accompanied only occasionally by a reduction in the time constant of OKAN. Repetitive exposure to optokinetic stimulation alone reliably reduced the time constant of OKAN but produced no reliable change in the time constant of post-rotatory nystagmus. These results suggest that the vestibulo-ocular and optokinetic reflexes do not share a single common velocity storage mechanism.
Striatal tyrosine hydroxylase activity: multiple conformational kinetic oscillators and product concentration frequencies
Authors: Mandell AJ , Russo PV
Published: March 2018

Samples from rat striate cortices, taken in triplicate at 2-min intervals from a supernatant maintained at 4 degree C, then assayed for 1 min at 37 degree C for tyrosine hydroxylase activity, manifested average amplitudes of time-dependent variation that were related to the level of mean velocity and were not influenced by changing temperature or pharmacological ligands. In contrast, the frequencies of variation manifested characteristic wavelengths of about 26, 7.5, and 5 min, and the relative proportions of those frequencies were changed by an increase in temperature and by certain drugs that are active in the dopamine system (D-amphetamine, haloperidol, and propranolol). Hypothetical, contemporaneous multiple quasi-stable states, each with a characteristic spectral frequency of fluctuation, are consistent with the appearance of reiterative enzyme saturation functions when supernatant and column-enriched preparations were examined within the physiological cofactor range over increasing substrate concentrations. Pharmacologically sensitive time distribution of multipole enzyme conformations, each a kinetic oscillator, determining product concentration frequencies, may be a mechanism by which drugs influence neurotransmitter periodicities in brain.
Relation of size and activity of motor cortex pyramidal tract neurons during skilled movements in the monkey
Authors: Fromm C , Evarts EV
Published: March 2018

Activity of motor cortex pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) was recorded in monkeys making large (20 degrees), high velocity and small (1 to 2 degrees), low velocity pronation-supination arm movements in a visual pursuit-tracking paradigm. Antidromic response latencies (ADLs) or PTNs were examined in relation to PTN modulation with the large and small movements to test the hypothesis that PTNs would exhibit a “size principle” analogous to that of spinal cord motoneurons. It was found that smaller PTNs (i.e., those having longer ADLs) discharged just as strongly with small, slow movements as with large, fast movements, while about one-third of the larger PTNs (even those selected for a significant relation to small movement) discharged more intensely with the large movement. Another analysis dealing with PTNs in a selected set of penetrations in an area focal for pronation-supination showed that PTNs with longer ADLs (greater than 1 msec) were more likely to reach maximum frequency with small, slow movement. There was, however, much overlap in the behavior of small and large PTNs, and while there was a statistically significant relation between size and movement- related activity of PTNs, there did not seem to be a “size principle” in the strict sense that this term has been used with reference to spinal cord motoneurons.
The loss of neuron-specific proteins during the course of Wallerian degeneration of optic and sciatic nerve
Authors: Soifer D , Iqbal K , Czosnek H , De Martini J , Sturman JA , Wisniewski HM
Published: March 2018

To identify axonal proteins which are unique constituents of neurons, the spectrum of detectable proteins of degenerating nerves has been compared with that of intact control nerves from the same animals. Wallerian degeneration was induced in rabbits by unilateral transection of the optic and sciatic nerves. Proteins of nerve homogenates were compared by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis and by two- dimensional electrophoresis. Four non-myelin proteins disappear from degenerating nerve. These include the three neurofilament proteins (P68, P150, and P200) and a polypeptide with a molecular weight of about 65,000 daltons (P65) which is not associated with filaments.
Morphology of physiologically identified W-cells in the C laminae of the cat's lateral geniculate nucleus
Authors: Stanford LR , Friedlander MJ , Sherman SM
Published: March 2018

The projections from the retina through the lateral geniculate nucleus to the visual cortex in the cat are comprised of three parallel, independent pathways. These three pathways involve, respectively, W-, X- , and Y-cells in the retina and the lateral geniculate nucleus. In this study, we investigated the morphology of those neurons in the C laminae of the lateral geniculate nucleus that receive input from retinal W- cells. Micropipettes filled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were used to record the responses of single geniculate neurons identified as W-, X-, or Y-cells. Five W-cells in the C laminae then were stained intracellularly by impalement of the cell with the microelectrode followed by iontophoresis of HRP. Each of these neurons has a small to medium size soma and fine dendrites oriented roughly parallel to the plane of the geniculate laminar borders. These geniculate W-cells differ among themselves mainly in the detail of their dendritic processes. Three of these cells have virtually no dendritic appendages, while the other two have complex appendages not previously reported among neurons in the C laminae. Also, the degree of horizontal orientation of the dendrites differs considerably among these cells. Overall, the morphology of these W-cells is generally consistent with the class 4 cell briefly described by Guillery (Guillery, R. W. (1966) J. Comp. Neurol. 128: 21–50), and consequently, our data indicate that class 4 neurons are the morphological correlate of neurons physiologically classified as W-cells. Since greater morphological detail is presented by these HRP-filled cells than by previous Golgi- impregnated preparations, we can describe more completely the morphology of class 4 cells.
Presynaptic inhibitory effect of acetylcholine in the hippocampus
Authors: Valentino RJ , Dingledine R
Published: March 2018

(1) In order to investigate the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) on synaptic transmission in the rat hippocampus, extracellular and intracellular recordings were made from pyramidal neurons in an in vitro slice preparation while synaptic inputs to the cell population were stimulated. ACh was applied ionophoretically into somatic and dendritic layers of the slice. (2) ACh applied into the apical dendritic layer of the CA1 region reduced the size of the locally evoked field excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) without altering the size of the afferent fiber volley. Likewise, dendritically applied ACh reduced the size of intracellularly recorded EPSPs. This effect of ACh appeared to be muscarinic since it was not affected by hexamethonium (up to 3 X 10–5 M) but was antagonized by atropine in a dose-dependent manner. (3) The distribution of Ach-sensitive sites matched closely the spatial distribution of activated synapses on the pyramidal cell dendrites as shown by ionophoretic mapping experiments. (4) In contrast to the effects of dendritic applications of ACh, ionophoresis of ACh into the cell layer resulted in an increase and prolongation of EPSPs and a transient decrease in the size of recurrent somatic inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs). These effects on synaptic potentials could not be explained by the observed changes in membrane potential and input resistance following somatic application of ACh. (5) Short dendritic applications of ACh had no consistent effect on the membrane potential or slope conductance of pyramidal neurons and did not attenuate the depolarization evoked by brief dendritic applications of glutamate. In addition, the time course of ACh-reduced EPSPs was not different from control. (6) We conclude that ACh exerts a presynaptic inhibitory effect on both excitatory and inhibitory afferents to hippocampal pyramidal neurons. This effect of ACh is widespread, occurring in all regions of Ammon's horn tested as well as in stratum moleculare of fascia dentata.
In vitro resetting of the circadian clock in the Aplysia eye. I. Importance of efferent activity in optic nerve
Authors: Prichard RG , Lickey ME
Published: March 2018

A transition from constant light (LL) to constant darkness (DD) will reset the circadian rhythms of most organisms to a phase that normally occurs near dusk. We tested the circadian oscillator in the Aplysia eye for this property. The test was run in vitro under two conditions. Using the two eyes of a single animal, one eye was left attached to the cerebral ganglion by its intact optic nerve and the other was detached by cutting its nerve. The amount of LL preceding LL/DD was the independent variable; the phase of the two eyes was the measured variable. When LL less than 12 hr, neither the cut nor the attached eye was reset by LL/DD. When 12 less than or equal to LL less than or equal to 24 hr, the attached eye was reset but the detached eye was not. Thus, for these durations of LL, resetting by LL/DD was found to be dependent on the integrity of optic nerve. When LL was about 21 hr, the differential response of the two eyes caused them to be about 12 hr out of phase. When LL was between 27 and 75 hr, LL/DD reset both eyes but there was a low amplitude cyclic modulation of about +/- 3 hr in the phase to which they were reset by LL/DD. This modulation shows that LL did not stop the eye clock but rather that LL/DD reset its phase while it was free running in LL.
Internalization of alpha-bungarotoxin on neurons induced by a neurotoxin that blocks neuronal acetylcholine sensitivity
Authors: Ravdin PM , Nitkin RM , Berg DK
Published: March 2018

A protein neurotoxin (Bgt 3.1) present as a minor component in the venom of Bungarus multicinctus has been shown previously to block acetylcholine (ACh) sensitivity on chick ciliary ganglion (CG) neurons in cell culture. Alpha-bungarotoxin (Bgt. 2.2) binds to the neurons but does not block ACh sensitivity; the function of the Bgt. 2.2 binding site is unknown. The present studies demonstrate that Bgt 3.1 can induce the rapid internalization of Bgt 2.2 bound on the surface of CG and sympathetic neurons. The rapid internalization of bound Bgt 2.2 caused by Bgt. 3.1 can be seen with fluoresence microscopy using rhodamine-labeled Bgt 2.2 as the probe and by immunological techniques using anti-Bgt 2.2 antiserum to locate the bound 125I-Bgt 2.2. The rapid internalization is blocked by low temperature or by high concentrations of Bgt 2.2 and is not induced by Bgt 2.2 itself or by small cholinergic ligands. Bound 125I-Bgt 2.2 is released into the medium as degraded material after internalization is induced. Bgt 3.1 does not induce internalization of Bgt 2.2 bound to skeletal myotubes in culture nor does it induce the internalizaton of rhodamine-labeled nerve growth factor bound to sympathetic neurons, suggesting that its effect on neuronally bound Bgt 2.2 might be a specific one. Competition binding studies suggest that Bgt 3.1 may trigger the internalization of bound Bgt 2.2 by direct interaction with a Bgt 2.2 binding site. The effect of Bgt 3.1 on neuronal ACh sensitivity, however, does not depend on internalization of Bgt 2.2 binding sites since full inhibition of ACh sensitivity is still achieved by Bgt 3.1 under conditions where internalization is blocked. Neurons may have more than one class of Bgt 2.2 on the neurons. The internalization of Bgt 2.2 binding sites induced by Bgt 3.1 provides an unusual opportunity to study cellular mechanisms by which neurons can regulate the number and distribution of their surface components.
Rohon-Beard neuron origin from blastomeres of the 16-cell frog embryo
Authors: Jacobson M
Published: March 2018

Clonal origins of Rohon-Beard neurons in Xenopus were determined quantitatively by injecting horseradish peroxidase into individual blastomeres at the 16-cell stage and later counting labeled and unlabeled Rohon-Beard neurons. Two different patterns of cleavage were selected. In pattern X, all Rohon-Beard neurons originated from three blastomeres (V1.1, V1.2, and V2.2) on each side; in pattern Y, all Rohon Beard neurons originated from two blastomeres (V1.2 and V2.2) on each side. Counts of Rohon-Beard neurons at larval stages 32 to 34 showed that 96 to 100% (mean 99%) originated from blastomeres on the same side; of these, 68 to 90% (mean 75%) descended from V1.2, 20 to 31% (mean 24%) descended from V2.2, 0 to 7% descended from V1.1. The significance of the regionally restricted origin of Rohon-Beard neurons is discussed.