The romanian supine and adjectival complementation. Tough constructions.

This paper provides an analysis of Romanian Tough constructions (i.e., structures like greu de citit "tough to read") as compared to French similar structures ("difficile à lire"). It accounts for agreement contrasts between the two languages: in Romanian there is a partial agreement, i.e. agreement of the copula, whereas in French the copula and the adjective both agree in the Tough construction. It is mainly argued that Romanian has two patterns of complementation, the one used in Tough constructions involves an adverbial predicate as Specifier of a vP "supine" projection.Cet article propose une analyse des structures de type Tough du roumain (à savoir structures comme greu de citit "difficile à lire") comparées aux structures similaires du français. L'analyse proposée rend compte des contrastes d'accord entre les deux langues: en roumain, il y a un accord partiel, seulement de la copule, tandis qu'en français la copule et l'adjectif Tough s'accordent. On propose essentiellement que le roumain dispose de deux modèles de complémentation, celui qui est utilisé dans les constructions Tough implique un prédicat adverbial qui est le Spécifieur d'une projection vP qui correspond à la structure non-finie enchâssée au supin

In vitro cytotoxic activity of phytosynthesized silver nanoparticles using Clematis vitalba L. (Ranunculaceae) aqueous decoction

In this study, we report a bottom-up approach for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis using aqueous decoction of aerial parts of Clematis vitalba L. The phytosynthesized AgNPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Bright Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (BFSTEM). The cytogenotoxicity and phytotoxicity assays of AgNPs were assessed by using Allium test, Evans blue and 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, root and stem growth potential, and biomass evaluation. The results revealed that AgNPs were in the size range of 1-15 nm and spherical shape. The biosynthesized AgNPs augment the mitodepressive effect, disruption of cellular metabolism, impairment of root and stem growth, and biomass reduction induced by C. vitalba aqueous extracts. These results outline the toxicological profile of the C. vitalba extracts, as well as of the phytogenerated AgNPs and provides scientific perspectives on the use of C. vitalba extracts as reducing and stabilizing agent for the phytosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles

THE ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF SOME EXTRACTS OF FERN GAMETOPHYTES

The nature freely offers us many resources for health and beauty. The ferns and their therapeutic properties are less exploit in Romania, except Lycopodium clavatum and Equisetum arvense. Some of the fern properties were demonstrated, like antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antihelmintic properties. Plants are reasonable alternative to synthetic drugs, avoid the side effect and high cost of synthetic drugs production. Also, the drug resistance bacteria can be controlled using plant derived remedies. In this study the antimicrobial effect of methanolic and ethanolic extracts from three fern species were tested. The extracts were gained from gametophytic stage of ferns obtained in vitro. The most obvious effect was observed for Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum extract. The total polyphenols and flavonoids content were established, too

Residents’ Perceptions towards Tourism Development—The Case of Galaţi-Brăila Conurbation, Romania

Business and transit tourism are representative of the Galati-Brăila conurbation. Its favorable geographical location, at the eastern border of Romania and the EU, and its natural and cultural tourist potential are the main assets towards tourism development. Therefore, future tourist facilities developed by public authorities or private investors could generate a viable economic alternative for its residents. The objectives of this study were to identify residents’ perceptions, both positive and negative, concerning the impact of tourism development on tourist potential, socio-economic characteristics and the environment of the region. Another major objective was to establish the correlation between the residents’ involvement in tourism activities and tourism development in the region. In this regard, based on social exchange theory and applying the Sem-Pls method, we designed hypotheses and a research model which were verified based on a questionnaire implemented online. The data were processed using SmartPls3 software, all the research hypotheses being validated

Preconceptional Counseling in Women with Hyperthyroidism

Preconception evaluation of couples wishing to conceive is an important step toward a healthy pregnancy and it is especially important in people with a chronic condition or at genetic risk. The most common endocrine disorders in women at reproductive age are those involving the thyroid gland and it is well recognized that hyperthyroidism (HT), over-function of the thyroid gland, is associated with risks of maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications. The aim of this paper is to review the latest evidence regarding the components of preconception counseling in women with HT that contemplate a pregnancy. We also want to raise awareness among healthcare professionals about the importance of periconceptional counseling in improving pregnancy outcomes and avoid maternal and fetal complications related to thyroid dysfunction. In women with Graves’ disease seeking pregnancy, it is essential to discuss all the treatment options along with the associated risks and benefits. Extensive prospective studies are still needed to understand the implications of current recommended strategies for the management of HT in preconception and during pregnancy

Body Composition as a Modulator of Bone Health Changes in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: Bone impairment of multifactorial etiology is a common feature in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Body composition parameters, which might be selectively modified in these patients, are important determinants of bone strength. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between components of body composition and bone parameters in IBD patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study including 80 IBD patients (43 women, 37 men). Lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN) and whole body DXA scans were performed to analyze regional bone mineral density (BMD), as well as body composition, including appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), total and visceral fat mass (VAT). Trabecular bone score (TBS) was assessed using iNsight Software. Results: Twenty (25%) IBD patients had inadequate LS-BMD z scores (<=−2DS). Lean mass (LM) was a significant determinant of LS-BMD, after adjusting for age, gender, BMI and fat mass (p < 0.01), while fat mass% remained associated with FN-BMD (p < 0.01). TBS correlated positively with BMI (r = 0.24, p < 0.05), LS-BMD (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), ASMI (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and negatively with VAT/total fat% (r = −0.27, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that ASMI, LS-BMD (positively) and VAT/total fat% (negatively) were independently associated with TBS. Conclusions: In IBD patients, skeletal muscle mass and fat percentage and distribution are important factors associated with bone health

The effect of the macrobiotic Ma-Pi 2 diet vs. the recommended diet in the management of type 2 diabetes: the randomized controlled MADIAB trial

Background: Diet is an important component of type 2 diabetes therapy. Low adherence to current therapeutic diets points out to the need for alternative dietary approaches. This study evaluated the effect of a different dietary approach, the macrobiotic Ma-Pi 2 diet, and compared it with standard diets recommended for patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A randomized, controlled, open-label, 21-day trial was undertaken in patients with type 2 diabetes comparing the Ma-Pi 2 diet with standard (control) diet recommended by professional societies for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Changes in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and post-prandial blood glucose (PPBG) were primary outcomes. HbA1c, insulin resistance (IR), lipid panel and anthropometrics were secondary outcomes. Results: After correcting for age, gender, BMI at baseline, and physical activity, there was a significantly greater reduction in the primary outcomes FBG (95% CI: 1.79; 13.46) and PPBG (95% CI: 5.39; 31.44) in those patients receiving the Ma-Pi 2 diet compared with those receiving the control diet. Statistically significantly greater reductions in the secondary outcomes, HbA1c (95% CI: 1.28; 5.46), insulin resistance, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and LDL/HDL ratio, BMI, body weight, waist and hip circumference were also found in the Ma-Pi 2 diet group compared with the control diet group. The latter group had a significantly greater reduction of triglycerides compared with the Ma-Pi 2 diet group. Conclusions: Intervention with a short-term Ma-Pi 2 diet resulted in significantly greater improvements in metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with intervention with standard diets recommended for these patient