The internet: a reliable source for pregnancy and birth planning? A qualitative study

Aims and objectives: The study aims to explore why and how pregnant women use the internet as a health information source, what overall effect it has on their decision making and how this is affecting their interaction with their health care professional. Background: As the internet has become primarily a source of information among mothers-to-be, health care professionals require greater understanding of the impact of such technology to provide adequate support and advice to new mothers. Selection criteria: Pregnant women, from the time of their first meeting with their midwife until birth, were approached for the study. Supplementary criteria included: age 18 and above, living within Frimley Heath Foundation Trust, and fluency in the English language. Data collection and analysis: This was a primary research study with data collected through an online survey. As the purpose of the study was to collect data on an impact that cannot be directly observed, an online questionnaire was utilised to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The data was analysed and presented thematically. Results: In accordance with the UK government policy to promote registration of clinical studies and public access to research findings affecting health and social care, the research is registered on the public database. Authors’ conclusion: The use of the internet as a source of pregnancy-related information has become increasingly popular and influential among childbearing women. As health professionals, midwives have a responsibility to acknowledge the fact that women access the internet for support and pregnancy-related information. For the wider profession, midwifery leaders need to set the direction of travel for their profession in engaging with social media and provide guidance on directing pregnant women towards sources of information which are both evidence-based and valid

Germination and Early Seedling Growth Characteristics of Arachis hypogaea L. under Salinity (NaCl) Stress

Peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea L.) are glycophytes indicating their vulnerability to highly saline soils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different NaCl concentrations on seed germination characteristics and early seedling growth of peanut seeds of three Bulgarian cultivars - \u27Kremena\u27, \u27Kalina\u27 and \u274389\u27. Four different concentrations of NaCl (50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) were used as treatments and deionized water as control. To determine the salinity tolerance, the data for following germination characteristics - germination energy (%), final germination (%), coefficient of velocity of germination (% day-1), germination rate index and mean germination time (day) and seedling characteristics - shoot and root length (cm), fresh weight (mg plant-1) of shoot and root and dry weight (mg plant-1) of shoot and root were recorded. The Vigor index, coefficients of depression of roots and shoots and salt tolerance index were also calculated. The genotype had the strongest influence on the variance of the root length, while the salinity treatment had the strongest influence on germination energy, coefficient of velocity of germination, germination rate index, mean germination time, length of shoot, fresh weight of shoot and dry weigth of shoot and root. \u27Kremena\u27 was the most tolerant at seedling growth stage, while \u274389\u27 was the most sensitive especially at high levels of salt stress. Principal component (PC) analysis grouped analysed cultivars at different salinity stress according to similarity on the basis of investigated germination and seedling characters in two components in the factor plane

Germination and Early Seedling Growth Characteristics of Arachis hypogaea L. under Salinity (NaCl) Stress

Peanut plants (Arachis hypogaea L.) are glycophytes indicating their vulnerability to highly saline soils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different NaCl concentrations on seed germination characteristics and early seedling growth of peanut seeds of three Bulgarian cultivars - \u27Kremena\u27, \u27Kalina\u27 and \u274389\u27. Four different concentrations of NaCl (50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) were used as treatments and deionized water as control. To determine the salinity tolerance, the data for following germination characteristics - germination energy (%), final germination (%), coefficient of velocity of germination (% day-1), germination rate index and mean germination time (day) and seedling characteristics - shoot and root length (cm), fresh weight (mg plant-1) of shoot and root and dry weight (mg plant-1) of shoot and root were recorded. The Vigor index, coefficients of depression of roots and shoots and salt tolerance index were also calculated. The genotype had the strongest influence on the variance of the root length, while the salinity treatment had the strongest influence on germination energy, coefficient of velocity of germination, germination rate index, mean germination time, length of shoot, fresh weight of shoot and dry weigth of shoot and root. \u27Kremena\u27 was the most tolerant at seedling growth stage, while \u274389\u27 was the most sensitive especially at high levels of salt stress. Principal component (PC) analysis grouped analysed cultivars at different salinity stress according to similarity on the basis of investigated germination and seedling characters in two components in the factor plane

Feldenkrais method for cerebral palsy - a case report

Въведение: През април 2006 г. група консултанти към изпълнителния комитет на създадената в САЩ секция по Церебрална парализа (ЦП) с председател- професора по педиатрия д-р Питър Росенбаум определят Церебралната парализа като: „…група от постоянни нарушения на развитието на движенията и позата, причиняващи ограничения в дейностите, който са свързани с непрогресиращи увреждания, възникнали по време на развитието на мозъка на фетуса или периода на детството. Двигателните на-рушения често се съпровождат от нарушения на усета, познавателните процеси, поведението и връзката с околните, епилепсия и вторични мускуло-скелетни проблеми`. Тъй като абнормните промени на грубите и фини двигателни функции са в основата на клиничните прояви, свързани с ЦП, повечето терапевтични подходи са насочени към оптимизация на двигателните функции на болните. Новите методи за рехабилитация са насочени към стимулиране на мозъчната невропалстичност. Теорията за невропластичност се основава на непрекъснатата приспособимост и реорганизация на мозъчните функционални системи като по принцип липсват възрастови ограничения за осъществяването на тези промени. Механизмите на невропластичността и тяхното запускане зависят от постигането на желаното функционално възстановяване както и запаметяването на постигнатото, обучение към нови умения или заменяне на увредените мозъчни функции с други. Един от методите, прилаган при болни с ЦП е този на Фелденкрайс. Той спомага за реорганизацията на двигателната функционална система и учи пациента да контролира по-добре движенията си. Клиничен случай: Представяме случай на ЦП при пациент на 18 години, с уточнена форма на спастична хемиплегия. С цел подобряване на физическо състояние за период от 6 месеца беше приложен метода Фелденкрайс (осъзнаване чрез движение), основаващ се на теорията за невропластичност и дълбокотъканен масаж за преодоляване на спазъма Обсъждане: Прилагането на теорията за невропластичност, чрез метода Фелденкрайс и дълбокотъканен масаж като спомагателен за преодоляване на спастичността при този пациент с ЦП, показа намаление на мускулната спастичност в долните крайници, коригиране на походката и стоежа, подобряване на самостоятелността на пациента, както и обучение в самообслужване. Заключение: Избраният от нас подход за рехабилитация на ЦП, определено показва добри резултати по отношение на повлияване на функционалния капацитет на опорно-двигателния апарат, преодоляване на спазъма, както и самочувствието на пациента за самостоятелност и издръжливост в справяне с ежедневните дейности.Introduction: Cerebral palsy refers to a group of non-progressive neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination. Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by damage to or abnormalities inside the developing brain that disrupt the brain`s ability to control movement and maintain posture and balance. CP is often accompanied by seizures and/or im-pairment in perception, cognition, behavior as well as other medical disorders. The majority of the therapeutic approaches for cerebral palsy aim at optimization of the movements. Neuroplasticity theory is based on the idea of continuous development and remodeling of the nervous system. Application of the Feldenkrais method for patients with cerebral palsy contributes to the reorganization of the motor elements and helps the patients to control their movements better. Aim: The present study is aimed to evaluate the improvement in the clinical condition of a patient diagnosed with CP through application of basic principles of the neuroplasticity theory. Materials and Methods: We present clinical case of an 18-year-old patient with CP (spastic diplegia), who had undergone classical rehabilitation, including physical therapy and physiotherapy for 16 years. For this patient we applied neuroplasticity approach with two methods included: neuromuscular therapy (deep tissue massage) and Feldenkrais method (awareness through movement) for a period of 6 months. Results and Discussion: Deep tissue massage and Feldenkrais method as parts of the neuroplasticity ap-proach, applied for a period of 6 months, showed significant improvement of the clinical condition of the patient, relaxation of the spastic muscles of the lower limbs, better control of the abnormal reflexes, correction of the posture and gait, as well as improvement of the performance of self-service activities. Conclusion: The neuroplasticity approach in the therapeutic management of cerebral palsy showed very good effects in improving the functional capacity of the muscles, the phycho-emotional tonus and the self-esteem of the patient, as well as independence and stamina in everyday basic self-service activities

Characterization of Secretory Sphingomyelinase Activity, Lipoprotein Sphingolipid Content and LDL Aggregation in ldlr-/- Mice Fed on a High-Fat Diet

The propensity of LDLs (low-density lipoproteins) for aggregation and/or oxidation has been linked to their sphingolipid content, specifically the levels of SM (sphingomyelin) and ceramide. To investigate this association in vivo, ldlr (LDL receptor)-null mice (ldlr-/-) were fed on a modified (atherogenic) diet containing saturated fats and cholesterol. The diet led to significantly elevated SM content in all serum lipoproteins. In contrast, ceramide increased only in the LDL particles. MS-based analyses of the lipid acyl chain composition revealed a marked elevation in C16:0 fatty acid in SM and ceramide, consistent with the prevalence of palmitic acid in the modified diet. The diet also led to increased activity of the S-SMase [secretory SMase (sphingomyelinase)], a protein that is generated by ASMase (acid SMase) and acts on serum LDL. An increased macrophage secretion seemed to be responsible for the elevated S-SMase activity. ASMase-deficient mice (asm-/-/ldlr-/-) lacked S-SMase activity and were protected from diet-induced elevation in LDL ceramide. LDL from asm-/-/ldlr-/- mice fed on the modified diet were less aggregated and oxidized than LDL from asm+/+/ldlr-/- mice. When tested in vitro, the propensity for aggregation was dependent on the SM level: only LDL from animals on modified diet that have high SM content aggregated when treated with recombinant S-SMase. In conclusion, LDL-SM content and S-SMase activity are up-regulated in mice fed on an atherogenic diet. S-SMase mediates diet-induced changes in LDL ceramide content and aggregation. S-SMase effectiveness in inducing aggregation is dependent on diet-induced enrichment of LDL with SM, possibly through increased hepatic synthesis

A new monoclinic polymorph of dichlorido­tetra­kis(dimethyl sulfoxide)­ruthenium(II)

The title compound, cis,fac-dichloridotetra­kis(dimethyl sulfoxide)-κ3 S,κO-ruthenium(II), [RuCl2(C2H6OS)4], was obtained from newly synthesized ruthenium complexes of 3-amino-2-chloro­pyridine. The Ru atom has a distorted octa­hedral coordination with two cis-oriented chloride ligands and four dimethyl sulfoxide ligands. Three of the sulfoxide ligands are S-bonded in a fac configuration, while the fourth is O-bonded. The title compound represents a new, and fourth, polymorph of the complex. Two other monoclinic forms and an ortho­rhom­bic modification have been reported previously

Novel Interconnections in Lipid Metabolism Revealed by Overexpression of Sphingomyelin Synthase-1

This study investigates the consequences of elevating sphingomyelin synthase 1 (SMS1) activity, which generates the main mammalian sphingolipid, sphingomyelin. HepG2 cells stably transfected with SMS1 (HepG2-SMS1) exhibit elevated enzyme activity in vitro and increased sphingomyelin content (mainly C22:0- and C24:0-sphingomyelin) but lower hexosylceramide (Hex-Cer) levels. HepG2-SMS1 cells have fewer triacylglycerols than controls but similar diacylglycerol acyltransferase activity, triacylglycerol secretion, and mitochondrial function. Treatment with 1 mm palmitate increases de novo ceramide synthesis in both cell lines to a similar degree, causing accumulation of C16:0-ceramide (and some C18:0-, C20:0-, and C22:0-ceramides) as well as C16:0- and C18:0-Hex-Cers. In these experiments, the palmitic acid is delivered as a complex with delipidated BSA (2:1, mol/mol) and does not induce significant lipotoxicity. Based on precursor labeling, the flux through SM synthase also increases, which is exacerbated in HepG2-SMS1 cells. In contrast, palmitate-induced lipid droplet formation is significantly reduced in HepG2-SMS1 cells. [14C]Choline and [3H]palmitate tracking shows that SMS1 overexpression apparently affects the partitioning of palmitate-enriched diacylglycerol between the phosphatidylcholine and triacylglycerol pathways, to the benefit of the former. Furthermore, triacylglycerols from HepG2-SMS1 cells are enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is indicative of active remodeling. Together, these results delineate novel metabolic interactions between glycerolipids and sphingolipids

Drilling efficiency and stability comparison between Tricone, PDC and Kymera drill bits

Master's thesis in Petroleum engineeringThe primary object of this thesis is to analyse and optimise the drill bits performance that used to drill on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The three different types of bits that were utilized under drilling are described in the first part of the thesis. The different aspects of designs and features are discussed and their technological advantages are highlighted. In the second part of the thesis an experimental tests are conducted. The main purpose of this test is to evaluate the performance, efficiency and stability of 9 ½ inch Kymera (KM623), against 9 ½ inch PDC (6 bladed), and 9 ½ inch (TCI) VMD - 20. The test will compare the drillability (ROP), durability (dullgrade, wear etc) and stability of Kymera vs PDC and TCI. All the bits will be tested in the same formation types and strenghts at the same range of RPM and ROP parameters. Bit response, stability and MSE will be evaluated in order to better understand bit behavior in the subject formation. The analyses and conclusions will be used for future field drilling optimization and advice in offshore operations

ORGANIZATIONAL, LEGISLATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS OF TRAINING VETERINARIANS IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY IN SOME MEMBER STATES

Abstract In the EU legislation regarding the veterinary activities great attention is paid to the issues related to food safety and quality. The integrated European market requires unifi cation and standardization of methods for veterinary and sanitary control and examination of food. The requirements for these control and expert activities are directly related to the theoretical and practical training of veterinary students, and also with the postgraduate qualifi cation of veterinarians and their life-long learning. Having in mind these basic principles and rules, we set up the task to make a comparative analysis of the experience of some EU states, including Bulgaria, on their practical application in the process of training and continuing professional qualifi cation. For the realization of this aim an analysis of the curricula of some higher veterinary schools in Europe, including Bulgaria, was made. Several criteria were studieddevelopment of the food safety concept "from farm to fork" in the courses; training of specialists in food safety among veterinarians; implementation in the training process of international standards for quality and safety of foods of animal origin