Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of Cytopoint in the Allergic Dog

Allergic dermatitis is the most common type of skin disease in dogs. Of all dogs, 20 to 30% present with some type of allergic dermatitis. Pruritus is one of the most important signs of allergic dermatitis and is often the most challenging to control. Interleukin-31 (IL-31) has been found to be one of the main initiators of pruritus in dogs with allergic dermatitis. Cytopoint®, a caninized monoclonal anti-IL-31 antibody, has been shown to be effective for the treatment of dogs against allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. US label indication. A recent retrospective study reported that Cytopoint achieved treatment success in 87.8% of the cases with allergic dermatitis. No prospective cohort studies have been performed investigating the effects of Cytopoint in dogs with allergic dermatitis using the dosing protocol prescribed on the product label in the United States. In this study, our objectives were to assess the efficacy of Cytopoint for treatment of canine allergic dermatitis of variable etiologies and management of the associated pruritus, and add to the body of evidence available to the veterinarian as they make treatment recommendations. Dogs included in this study had moderate to severe pruritus according to the Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS; ≥ 50 mm) and a history of likely continuation of pruritus at the time of presentation. On day 0, investigators recorded the initial body weight and every patient received one dose of Cytopoint (minimum 2 mg/kg SQ) and an isoxazoline product for parasite control. Treatment success for this study was defined as a ≥20 mm reduction in PVAS from Day 0. On Day 7, 94% of the dogs had achieved treatment success. On Day 28, 98% had achieved treatment success and cumulatively by day 56, 100% of the dogs achieved treatment success. This prospective study provides evidence that Cytopoint effectively treats dogs with allergic dermatitis of different types and the associated pruritus.
3D drone-based time-lapse thermography: a case study of roof vulnerability characterization using photogrammetry and performance simulation implications

Thermal building performance simulation is regularly informed by and contrasted with thermal images, mainly focusing on defect identification using perspectives from the infrared (IR) spectrum. However, standard IR readings are typically undergone in singular points in time, when in several cases, such as varying pressure differences or latent heat gain, anomalies can only be revealed at specific times of the day, possibly in different seasons of the year. We present in this paper a novel workflow for 3D envelope modeling using aerial time-lapse IR data collection by utilizing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS, a.k.a. drones). A comprehensive envelope thermal profile is developed for the roof of a case study building employing photogrammetry software Agisoft Photoscan, which generates temporal IR inspections of building skins using multiple 3D thermography CAD models. The ultimate goal is to develop a building inspection framework that utilizes UAS equipped with IR cameras to collect data time series, which in turn informs envelope modeling for accurate performance simulation.
Nonsurgical Rehabilitation in Dachshunds With T3-L3 Myelopathy: Prognosis and Rates of Recurrence

Dachshunds are at significant risk of experiencing thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) during their lifetimes. Standard of care includes advanced imaging, surgical intervention, and postoperative rehabilitation. Conservative management is commonly recommended for cases where the standard of care is declined, and little is known about the prognosis of treatment with conservative management and rehabilitation (nonsurgical rehabilitation). This retrospective cohort study assessed 12-week functional outcome and recurrence of clinical signs in 40 dachshunds with T3-L3 myelopathy presumed to be due to Hansen's Type I disc herniation, treated with nonsurgical rehabilitation. The overall prognosis was good with 34 of 40 (85.0%, 95% CI 70.2–94.2) dachshunds achieving functional pet status by 12 weeks postinjury. Modified Frankel Score at presentation was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in dogs with a positive 12-week outcome compared to dogs that did not recover by 12 weeks. All 27 dogs with motor function at presentation had a positive outcome. Of the 9 dogs exhibiting paraplegia with intact deep nociception at presentation, 7 dogs (77.8%) had achieved a positive outcome by 12 weeks. None of the 4 dogs persistently lacking deep nociception had a positive outcome. Among 27 dogs with a positive outcome for whom follow-up records were available, the 1- and 2-year recurrence rates for T3-L3 myelopathy were 5 and 11%, respectively. Nonsurgical rehabilitation should be considered in dachshunds with mild to moderate T3-L3 myelopathy or in severe cases when advanced imaging and surgical intervention are not possible.
Artichoke Leaf Extract-Mediated Neuroprotection against Effects of Aflatoxin in Male Rats

Attenuation of adverse effects of aflatoxin (AFB1) in brains of B1 rats by extracts of leaves of artichoke was studied. The active ingredients in extracts of leaves of artichoke, Cynara scolymus L. , were determined by HPLC analysis. In the 42-day experiment, rats were exposed to either sterile water, 4% DMSO, 100 mg artichoke leaf extract/kg body mass, 72 μg aflatoxin B1/kg body mass, or AFB1 plus artichoke leaf extract. Neurotoxicity of AFB1 was determined by an increase in profile of lipids, augmentation of plasmatic glucose and concentrations of insulin, oxidative stress, increased activities of cholinergic enzymes, and a decrease in activities of several antioxidant enzymes and pathological changes in brain tissue. Extracts of artichoke leaf significantly reduced adverse effects caused by AFB1, rescuing most of the parameters to values similar to unexposed controls, which demonstrated that adverse, neurotoxic effects caused by aflatoxin B1 could be significantly reduced by simultaneous dietary supplementation with artichoke leaf extract, which itself is not toxic.
THEORY AND PRACTICE WITH SOLUTION SYSTEMS

SUMMARY  e pharmaceutical industry’s development of the cascade impactor as a controlled performance testing methodology has allowed reliable comparison of formulations under standardised protocols.  e knowledge base created by application of these standardised protocols to drug delivery has allowed two fundamental delivery performance indicators of ethanol-based solution HFA pMDIs, mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), and ex-valve fiparticle fraction (FPF), to be characterised by two semi-empirical equations.  e independency of the equations allows target MMAD and ex-valve FPF to be selected and achieved independently by ‘armchair’ consideration of formulation and device.
Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur): a comparison of cat-free and cat-exposed populations

ABSTRACT Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous protozoan transmitted by felids and infection, morbidity, and mortality occur in numerous marsupial species. This study explores the relationship between cat exposure and Toxoplasma in burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur) in the Arid Recovery Reserve (ARR), South Australia. We estimated seroprevalence, using a modified agglutination test for T. gondii-specific immunoglobulins, in cat-free and cat-exposed bettong populations. Tissue samples collected opportunistically from bettong carcasses and from cats within and around the reserve were screened for T. gondii DNA using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (M-qPCR). Two cats trapped inside the ARR tested positive (50.0%; 95% CI: 15.0–85.0%). All bettongs tested from the cat-free (n = 48) and cat-exposed (n = 19) exclosures were seronegative (95% CI: 0–7.41% and 0–16.82% respectively). We found no evidence of fatal toxoplasmosis, with all bettong carcasses negative on M-qPCR (n = 11). We propose that T. gondii was not detected in bettongs coexisting with cats primarily due to low exposure of bettongs at the time of sampling, possibly due to poor oocyst viability in arid conditions or low shedding by cats. Ongoing screening throughout high and low rainfall years should be conducted to better establish the risk of Toxoplasma to bettongs in the ARR.
Preparation and Storage of Cryoprecipitate Derived from Amotosalen and UVA-Treated Apheresis Plasma and Assessment of In Vitro Quality Parameters

Cryoprecipitate is a plasma-derived blood product, enriched for fibrinogen, factor VIII, factor XIII, and von Willebrand factor. Due to infectious risk, the use of cryoprecipitate in Central Europe diminished over the last decades. However, after the introduction of various pathogen-reduction technologies for plasma, cryoprecipitate production in blood centers is a feasible alternative to pharmaceutical fibrinogen concentrate with a high safety profile. In our study, we evaluated the feasibility of the production of twenty-four cryoprecipitate units from pools of two units of apheresis plasma pathogen reduced using amotosalen and ultraviolet light A (UVA) (INTERCEPT® Blood System). The aim was to assess the compliance of the pathogen-reduced cryoprecipitate with the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) guidelines and the stability of coagulation factors after frozen (≤−25 °C) storage and five-day liquid storage at ambient temperature post-thawing. All pathogen-reduced cryoprecipitate units fulfilled the European requirements for fibrinogen, factor VIII and von Willebrand factor content post-preparation. After five days of liquid storage, content of these factors exceeded the minimum values in the European requirements and the content of other factors was sufficient. Our method of production of cryoprecipitate using pathogen-reduced apheresis plasma in a jumbo bag is feasible and efficient.
The Sacred Cowshed Tree in Urban Hanoi: A Home for Unredeemed Souls

Abstract The “Cowshed Tree” (Cây đa nhà Bò), located next to a maternity hospital in urban Hanoi, has long been a destination for women and men who offer prayers to ensure a successful birth and to give thanks for a healthy baby. As the nearby hospital also performs abortions, the crown of the huge banyan tree with its aerial roots has come to be regarded by many city residents as a home for unredeemed souls. But the history of the tree and narratives about its existence predate the construction of the hospital in the early 1960s and refer to the arrival of migrants from India in the French colonial period. In this article, I explore how the Cowshed Tree became a location where affective relations between the living and the dead are created and fostered through prayers and offerings, and hence as a site where sensations and material objects mediate between this world and other worlds. Taking the performance of popular religious practices at the Cowshed Tree as an ethnographic example, this essay aims to contribute to ongoing debates on the urban sacred in late socialist Vietnam and on unfortunate deaths and commemoration in times of rapid transformation; it also contributes to recent research on the relationship between humans, trees, and spirits in the urban environment.
Effect of grease grades on the tribological and vibrational behaviours of a radial ball bearing: Conventional vs. micro-grooved outer races

Comparative tribo-dynamic studies of radial ball bearings possessing micro-grooved and conventional outer races, employing three different grades of lithium soap-based greases (NLGI grade 000, 2 and 3), are presented in this paper. This research has been conducted to explore and understand the effectiveness of grease grades on the performance parameters in the presence of a circumferential micro-groove on the outer race as compared to conventional case. Indication of lubricating film thickness formation (in terms of capacitance), frictional torque, vibrations, and rise in temperature have been assessed for the conventional and micro-grooved outer race bearings at different operating parameters (pH = 0.9 to 1.4 GPa; speed = 1.4 to 4.2 m/s). The micro-grooved bearings (MB) provided the indication of better lubricating film formation in terms of capacitance reduction in the range of 11–19% as compared to the conventional bearing (CB) cases. However, the reduction in frictional torque, vibration and rise in temperature magnitudes have been found in the range of 14–26%, 6–23%, and 10–24% respectively, as compared to the CB cases.
State minimization of finite state machines using implicit techniques

State minimization is an important step in sequential synthesis of VLSI circuits. This dissertation addresses state minimization problems of various classes of finite state machines (FSM's). An exact algorithm usually consists of generation of compatibles and solution of a binate covering problem. State-of-the-art explicit minimizers fail on FSM's requiring an exponential number of compatibles, or huge binate tables. Such difficult examples do arise in practice. This dissertation first contributes a fully implicit algorithm for exact state minimization of incompletely specified FSM's, and a software implementation called ISM. Novel techniques are developed to represent and generate various subsets of compatibles implicitly. scISM can handle sets of compatibles and prime compatibles of cardinality up to 2$\sp{1500}. $ The dissertation also presents the first published algorithm for fully implicit exact binate covering. scISM can reduce and solve binate tables with up to 10$\sp6$ rows and columns. The entire branch-and-bound procedure is carried out implicitly. To handle a more general and more useful class of FSM's, the first implicit algorithm for exact state minimization of pseudo non-deterministic FSM's is presented. Its implementation scISM2 is shown experimentally to be superior to a previous explicit formulation. scISM2 could solve exactly all but one problem of a set of published benchmarks, while the explicit program could complete approximately one half of the examples, and in those cases with longer running times. A theoretical solution is presented for the problem of exact state minimization of general non-deterministic FSM's, based on the proposal of generalized compatibles. This gives an algorithmic foundation for exploring behaviors contained in an NDFSM. Recent research in sequential synthesis, verification and supervisory control relies, as a final step, on the selection of an optimum behavior to be implemented at a component FSM within a network of FSM's. This dissertation contributes an exact condition characterizing when an FSM-composition is well-defined. Exact and heuristic algorithms are proposed to find a minimum behavior contained in a PNDFSM (capturing all permissible behaviors) such that it is Moore or its composition with another DFSM (representing the environment) is well-defined, and the global behavior meets a specification.
Brimonidine Modulates the ROCK1 Signaling Effects on Adipogenic Differentiation in 2D and 3D 3T3-L1 Cells

The additive effects of an α2-adrenergic agonist, brimonidine (BRI), on the pan-ROCK inhibitor (ROCK-i), ripasudil (Rip), and the ROCK2-I, KD025, on adipogenic differentiation (DIF+) were examined using two- or three-dimension (2D or 3D) cultures of 3T3-L1 cells. The following analyses were carried out: (1) lipid staining (2D and 3D), (2) real-time measurements of cellular metabolism (2D), (3) mRNA expression of DIF+ related genes and extracellular matrix molecules (ECMs) including collagen (Col)-1, -4, and -6, and fibronectin (Fn), and (4) the sizes and physical properties of the 3D spheroids. The findings indicate that DIF+ induced (1) a substantial enhancement in lipid staining and enhanced expression of the Pparγ and Fabp4 genes, (2) significantly larger and softer 3D spheroids, and (3) down-regulation of Col1 and Fn and up-regulation of Col4 and Col6 genes. Treatment with Rip alone caused a significant enhancement in adipogenesis of both the 2D and 3D cultured 3T3-L1 cells and in the physical properties of the 3D spheroids; these effects were substantially inhibited by BRI, and the effects induced by BRI or KD025 were not insignificant. These collective findings indicate that the addition of BRI inhibited the Rip-induced enhancement of DIF+ in 3T3-L1 cells, presumably by modulating ROCK1 signaling.
International financial subordination: a critical research agenda

Abstract Despite a varied picture in terms of their relative economic strength, Developing and Emerging Economies (DEEs) remain in a subordinate position in the global monetary and financial system. While the IPE and economics literatures provide rich insights about the significance of this phenomenon, research efforts remain fragmented. To address this problem, we offer an umbrella concept—international financial subordination (IFS)—to channel research efforts towards cumulative theory-building. IFS is about unearthing why the structural power of finance takes a particularly violent form of expression in DEEs. To provide structure to IFS as a scholarly field, we first assess the contributions of IPE in analyzing various factors that reproduce IFS. To better ground these efforts in processes of accumulation and the histories of the relation between finance and (post)colonial development, we then offer a critical synthesis of three heterodox traditions—dependency theory, post-Keynesian economics, and Marxism. Next, we develop a pluridisciplinary research agenda organized around six analytical axes: the historical analysis of financial relations, the relations between financial and productive subordinations, the constitutive role of monetary relations as expressions of power, the role of the state, the actions and practices of non-state actors, and the spatial relations of financial subordination.
Combination of Bacillus velezensis RC218 and Chitosan to Control Fusarium Head Blight on Bread and Durum Wheat under Greenhouse and Field Conditions

Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto is, worldwide, the main causal agent of Fusarium head blight in small cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and oat. The pathogen causes not only reductions in yield and grain quality but also contamination with type-B trichothecenes such as deoxynivalenol. Prevention strategies include the use of less susceptible cultivars through breeding programs, cultural practices, crop rotation, fungicide application, or a combination of them through an integrated pest management. Additionally, the use of more eco-friendly strategies by the evaluation of microorganisms and natural products is increasing. The effect of combining Bacillus velezensis RC218 and chitosan on Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) and deoxynivalenol accumulation under greenhouse and field conditions in bread and durum wheat was evaluated. Under greenhouse conditions, both B. velezensis RC218 and chitosan (0.1%) demonstrated FHB control, diminishing the severity by 38 and 27%, respectively, while the combined treatment resulted in an increased reduction of 54% on bread wheat. Field trials on bread wheat showed a biocontrol reduction in FHB by 18 to 53%, and chitosan was effective only during the first year (48% reduction); surprisingly, the combination of these active principles allowed the control of FHB disease severity by 39 and 36.7% during the two harvest seasons evaluated (2017/18, 2018/19). On durum wheat, the combined treatment showed a 54.3% disease severity reduction. A reduction in DON accumulation in harvested grains was observed for either bacteria, chitosan, or their combination, with reductions of 50.3, 68, and 64.5%, respectively, versus the control.
Teaching and Learning Experiences in Medical Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Tanzania

Objective The purpose of this paper was to share teaching and learning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and mandated university closure. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among all eligible students and faculty members using voluntary anonymous questionnaires. To capture the attitudes and perceptions of respondents, five-point Likert scale questions were used. Results A total of 865 (58%) students and 57 (51%) faculty members participated in the survey. Uptake of e-learning platforms increased by 15.4% for students, 43.0% for faculty and by 22.3% in courses. The overall students’ strength of consensus measure of perception on accessibility of platforms was 65% and support entities 79%. About 70% of students owned a smartphone as a learning device. More than 67% of the students highlighted the cost of Internet bundles as a major challenge. Conclusion Shifting from blended learning to online learning during the lockdown was feasible given the pre-planned e-learning practices.
Direct Correlation of Noise and Flow of a Jet

A direct correlation between the flow and noise of a jet—between the “cause” and the “effect”—has been measured. Two kinds of correlations were explored, namely (1) the broad‐band turbulence signal (hot‐film) with the broad‐band acoustic signal (microphone), and (2) the narrow‐band filtered turbulence signal with the narrow‐band filtered acoustic signal; the latter approach was ultimately adopted. The correlations were analyzed in terms of an extension of Proudman's form of Lighthill's integral for aerodynamic noise; this yielded the relative intensity and spectrum of the noise originating from unit volume of a jet (35 locations) and received at a farfield point (r = 96D, φ = 40°); this in turn led to the relative emission of successive “slices” of a jet versus axial distance X over the measurement range (1D ⩽ × ⩽ 7D). Qualitative agreement was found with Ribner's X° law, and the spectral peaks for each slice were located in frequency essentially as predicted by Powell. The maximum normalized broad‐band c.
Evaluation of the effect of catheter on the guidewire motion in a blood vessel model by physical and numerical simulations

Various catheter simulators using a computer or blood vessel biomodels have been developed for training of medical students and young physicians. Moreover, we have developed a system to simulate a guidewire in blood vessels that uses both numerical analysis and experimental observation for the quantitative analysis of treatment technique, surgical planning, intra-operative assistance, and to facilitate the design of new guidewires. However, not limited to our group, there is a lack of studies evaluating the motions of both the guidewire and catheter and their interaction in a blood vessel. Therefore, in the present study, we modified our computer-based system and experimental apparatus to evaluate the catheter motion and compared both results. First, we added a mechanism to the experimental apparatus to move and evaluate the catheter in a poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogel blood vessel model. Second, we added a new catheter model to the calculation. We subsequently evaluated the behaviors of the medical devices (the guidewire and the catheter) by measuring the three-dimensional position and the contact force between the medical devices and the vessel wall. Comparison of the calculation and experimental results showed that the trajectories and the contact forces of both the experimental and numerically analyzed medical devices had the same tendencies. By considering the flexibility of the catheter in both the experimental and numerical analysis methods, we could reproduce the phenomena seen in clinical situations, such as movement of the catheter during the insertion or removal of the guidewire, and movement of the guidewire during the insertion of the catheter.