bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historiographic Reflections in the Field of the Bitsilli Studies
Authors:   Odessa National Maritime University, Levchenko Valery V. , Levchenko Halyna S. ,   Odessa National University named after I. I. Mechnikov
Published: June 2022

The article examines the monograph by the Israeli historian M. Birman “P. Bitsilli (1879– 1953). Life and Work”, which offers “a consolidated review of life and work” by the Russian and Bulgarian scholar and humanist Peter Bitsilli. It is noted that the monograph was written in the genre of intellectual biography, conventional for historiography, when the personal life and creative activities of the investigated historical figure are closely intertwined with broad cultural and historical contexts of the era. The article emphasizes that in contrast to the biographies of people of the past widespread in the scholarly literature, this narrative centres around a historical person, whose name remained in oblivion for more than half a century after his death, both in academic sphere and in historical memory. Despite the fact that the book poses many questions about the daily life and intellectual activity of a scholar, it does not provide the answers on the basis of research methods. It is not grounded on a rich source base; similarly to many other modern studies, the book is lacking in the information related to the considerable surviving number of archival documents, the materials of which would give answers to many questions regarding the biography of P. Bitsilli. Despite some shortcomings, omissions in the presentation of the material in the book, many questions posed for the first time by the author have been addressed and arouse genuine interest. One of the characteristic features of the reviewed work is its bibliographic component.
Characterization and evaluation of waste stabilization pond systems in Namibia
Authors: Sinn Jochen , Agrawal Shelesh , Orschler Laura , Lackner Susanne
Published: June 2022

Waste stabilization ponds (WSP) exist worldwide to treat wastewater, especially in warm climates. They are characterized by simple operation and maintenance and over 50 years many WSP were built in urban communities in Namibia. This study characterized and evaluated nine of these WSP systems in terms of their influent and effluent water quality and compared them with the requirements for water reuse in agriculture. In their current state none of them adhered with the Namibian or the new European reuse standards, especially due to tCOD concentrations above 100 mg/L caused by high algal fractions in the pCOD. The algae related chlorophyll-a concentrations correlated linearly with the pCOD and this correlation can therefore be used to fractionate the tCOD for further judgement. Additionally, microbial community analyses determined the composition of pathogens in the WSP influent and effluent, this helped to assess potential risks and distinguish between potentially toxic and non-toxic cyanobacteria. The EU requirement of less than 1,000 E. coli per 100 mL for fodder crop irrigation was only achieved with one WSP system which was enhanced with additional pre- and post-treatment. This research delivers a first overview of the current situation and can be used as basis to establish possible enhancement measures for existing WSP as well as to investigate possible effluent application in agricultural irrigation.
Evaluation of four gutta-percha removal techniques for endodontic retreatment
Authors: Janaína Barros Alves Medeiros  , Marilisa Carneiro Leão Gabardo  , Sergio Herrero Moraes  , Maria Isabel Anastácio Faria
Published: June 2022

The endodontic retreatment is the first choice in cases of endodontic treatment failure. Objective: To evaluate the ability of removing gutta-percha from root canal walls, through analyzing the time and different techniques. Material and methods: Sixty extracted human mandibular pre-molars were used. After instrumentation with crown-down technique, the obturation was performed by Tagger’s hybrid technique. The specimens were divided into 4 groups (n = 15), according to removal procedure: group I (manual + solvent), group II (manual + Gates-Glidden + solvent), group III (Protaper Universal Retreatment System) and group IV (Protaper Universal System + solvent). The time period for gutta-percha removal was measured with a stopwatch. The roots were sectioned and the remnants were visually evaluated, according to the following scores: 0 – without remnant, 1 – presence of only cement, 2 – presence of cement and gutta-percha in small amounts, and 3 – presence of cement and gutta-percha in large amounts. Data were statistically evaluated with the GraphPad InStat software. Results: Group II exhibited the shortest time of execution, with significant differences in relation to groups I and IV, which obtained the longest time periods. Group III showed an intermediate time period, with statistically significant differences in relation to group IV. Group IV obtained the best scores of cleaning, although there was no statistical difference among groups. Conclusion: There was no statistical significant difference among the techniques regarding the time and effectiveness in removing filling material from the root canal walls.
Ultra-thin porcelain laminates to restore esthetics of anterior teeth: case report
Authors: André Luíz Bizio  , Gabriel Elias Nascimento  , Natália Spadini de Faria  , Vivian Colucci  , Danielle Cristine Messias
Published: June 2022

The ultra-thin porcelain laminates provide the esthetic harmony to the smile compromised by the presence of diastema between maxillary incisors. Objective: To report the dental aesthetic recovery with ultra-thin porcelain laminates, so-called “contact lenses”. Case report: Patient sought treatment reporting presence of diastema between the anterior teeth. After the clinical examination, impressions were made to obtain study models and diagnostic wax-up. Home bleaching was conducted using 10% carbamide peroxide for 21 days. Next, the mock-up with bisacrylic self-curing composite resin and the functional impression were conducted. For cementation, dental surfaces were etched with 37% phosphoric acid followed by applying the adhesive system. The resin cement was inserted within internal part of the contact lenses previously treated with hydrofluoric acid and silane, and the prosthetic samples were positioned over the labial surfaces of the anterior teeth. After light-curing, the finishing procedure was performed. Conclusion: Ultra-thin porcelain laminates (contact lenses) were viable, efficient, and conservative procedures for recovering dental esthetic, with no need of invasive procedures.
Effect of dentin desensitizers on resin cement bond strengths
Authors: Rubens Nazareno Garcia  , Marcelo Giannini  , Tomohiro Takagaki  , Takaaki Sato  , Naoko Matsui  , Toru Nikaido  , Junji Tagami
Published: June 2022

The crown preparation promotes the exposure of dentin tubules. Thus, to avoid post-operative sensitivity, the first approach involves the use of dentin adhesives, and the second one the use of dentin desensitizers. Objective: This study evaluated the effect of dentin desensitizers on microtensile bond strengths (µTBSs) of a resin cement to dentin. Material and methods: Twenty bovine teeth were prepared until obtaining flat dentin surfaces. A standardized smear layer was created (#600-grit SiC paper). The samples were randomly divided into the following four groups (n = 5): no treatment (Control), treatment with Gluma Desensitizer (Heraeus Kulzer), Super Seal (Phoenix Dental) and Teethmate Desensitizer (Kuraray Noritake Dental). The dentin surfaces were then treated with ED Primer II (Kuraray Noritake Dental). Twenty composite blocks, 4 mm thick (Estenia C&B, Kuraray Noritake Dental) were used. The composite surfaces were abraded with aluminum oxide (50 µm), and then silanized. The composite block was bonded to the dentin surface with a resin cement (Panavia F 2.0, Kuraray Noritake Dental) according tothe manufacturer’s instructions. After 24-hour storage (37ºC, 100% RH), the bonded samples were cut into beam–shaped microtensile specimens and loaded in tension until failure. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and the Dunnett’s test (α = 0.05). An SEM was used to examine the failure modes. Results: The µTBSs (MPa ± SD) were: 24.4 ± 3.2 (Control), 14.0 ± 5.6 (Gluma Desensitizer), 8.6 ± 4.7 (Super Seal), and 34.7 ± 4.6 (Teethmate Desensitizer), in which there were significant differences among the four groups (p < 0.05). The Teethmate Desensitizer group showed the highest µTBS, while the Super Seal group showed the lowest mean of µTBS to dentin. Conclusion: The efficacy of the desensitizers is material-dependent; Gluma Desensitizer and Super Seal decreased the µTBSs, however, Teethmate Desensitizer improved it.
Influence of atmospheric temperature on the occurrence of irreversible pulpitis clinical cases
Authors: Bianca Pauline Sausen  , Tiago André Fontoura de Melo  , Itaborai Revoredo Kunert  , Gustavo Golgo Kunert
Published: June 2022

The present study aimed to examine the correlation between atmospheric temperature and the occurrence of irreversible pulpitis. Material and methods: Data was collected from the Department of Dentistry, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre between July 2011 and December 2012. A total of 52 pulpitis clinical cases were examined in 529 days in this study. Data on the atmospheric temperature in Porto Alegre on each day was collected from the Porto Alegre Meteorology Institute. Results and Conclusion: Correlation analysis of the temperature data and pulpitis cases was conducted using Student’s t-test, with a significance level of 5%. Although no correlation was observed between the occurrence of irreversible pulpitis and atmospheric temperature, the incidence rates were higher on days when the average temperature was greater than 25ºC.
An Explicative Review on the Progress of Quinazoline Scaffold as
Bioactive Agents in the Past Decade
Authors: Bansode Deepali , Jain Naman , Goel Tanvi , Thakar Snehal , Jadhav Madhav
Published: June 2022

In the last decade, quinazoline has been one of the most explored scaffolds by researchers
around the globe in medicinal chemistry. Its unique structural features provide a wide range of substitutions
for nitrogen and carbonyl groups. In the current situation of COVID-19, hydroxychloroquine,
an antimalarial drug of the quinoline category, was used for the treatment of severe infections.
Various substitution patterns, hybrids, and conjugates of quinazoline have been developed and
studied for various pharmacological activities like anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antitubercular,
etc. The scaffold can be considered a potential molecule for various pharmacological
activities, especially antimicrobial and anti-hypertensive. The current review aims to study the physicochemical
properties, chemistry, and pharmacological profile of quinazoline.
Glucose and Ethanol Checked by Flow Direct Catalytic Fuel Cell (DCFC)
and Energetic Considerations
Authors: Tomassetti Mauro , Castrucci Mauro , Dell’Aglio Emanuele , Campanella Luigi , Pezzilli Riccardo , Natale Corrado Di
Published: June 2022

Aims:

A new basic research was conducted concerning the possibility of using a flow DCFC
(Direct Catalytic Fuel Cell) for analytical purposes, checking ethanol and glucose. Also making considerations
on the energy conversion aspect of these fuels.

Background:

There are a large number of studies concerning catalytic or microbial fuel cells, which allow
to obtain electricity, both using liquid fuels, such as ethanol and methanol, or solid fuels, such as
carbohydrates, biomass and so on. These systems are frequently characterized by high conversion efficiency
but also high complexity and considerable costs.

Objective:

In the present research we investigated the possibility of using a very simple flow system to
carry out measurement of ethanol concentration, or glucose analysis, using the same flow system associated
with a small reactor containing yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

Methods:

The main operating conditions have been optimized and the concentration range where the flow
system response shows a linear correlation with the fuel concentration was also identified.

Result:

The current delivered by the catalytic system operating in flow was determined and the calibration
sensitivity values are higher than the sensitivity found in batch mode. It has also been shown that it is
possible to realize a very simple system, which can be used to study and evaluate the conversion of chemical
energy into electrical energy, using ethanol or glucose as fuel and the theoretical importance and analytical
advantages have been emphasized, so that the use of carbohydrates, such as solid fuels, could represent.

Conclusion:

Present research has shown how, by operating in flow mode, rather than in batch, it is possible
to have advantages from an analytical point of view, since a considerable increase in the sensitivity of
the method can be obtained, probably attributable to a reduction in the effects of poisoning. Moreover,
how it is possible to study and optimize the energy conversion conditions by means of a simple and inexpensive
apparatus.
Dextromethorphan-Induced Altered Level of Consciousness in Children:
A Case Series
Authors: Hotha Priyanka Pravinbhai , Gupta Rachna , Narang Manish
Published: June 2022

Background:

Dextromethorphan, a N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, has been used as cold and cough medication. Serious adverse events with therapeutic doses of dextromethorphan are rarely observed. Here, we report three cases of altered level of consciousness in children with therapeutic dose of dextromethorphan.

Case Presentation:

In all three cases, children developed altered level of consciousness after taking first dose of syrup dextromethorphan. Children were unresponsive to any verbal command and pain stimuli. Medical history revealed no pre-existing comorbidities. Other systemic, cardiovascular, abdominal, respiratory and nervous system examinations were normal. All patients were hospitalised and managed with symptomatic and supportive care. Dextromethorphan was stopped. After adequate treatment, all of them recovered satisfactorily. The causality assessment was done based on the World Health Organization Uppsala Monitoring Centre causality scale and it was probable/likely in all three cases.

Conclusion:

In children, altered level of consciousness could occur with therapeutic doses of dextromethorphan; hence, health care professionals should prescribe dextromethorphan with extreme caution.
Continuity-in-Change in David Almond’s The Savage: Narrative Self-Shaping in Moments of Metanarrative
Authors: Silva Emma-Louise
Published: June 2022

David Almond’s The Savage (2008), illustrated by Dave McKean, demonstrates how narrating enables the adolescent protagonist, Blue Baker, to explore themes of loss, grief and bullying in the embedded graphic narrative he creates about a savage boy, a story Blue calls ‘The Savage’. The primary narrative focuses on the interplay between Blue’s behaviour and his thoughts and feelings. Interspersed throughout this self-narrative are Blue’s metanarrative comments regarding his story-creating process. These metanarrative comments not only reveal Blue’s reflections regarding his role as narrator of ‘The Savage’, they are vital for understanding his experience of continuity-in-change. The metanarrative utterances in The Savage – which is ultimately a book about storytelling and illustrating – show Blue engaging in reflective and transformative ‘narrative self-shaping’ (Hutto 2016). Based on narrative medicine, cognitive narratology, age studies and children’s literature studies, this essay underscores that analyses of age-related metanarrative comments can reveal illuminating facets of characters’ coming of age, especially when they engage in creative acts of shaping the self via narratives. Ultimately, this essay shows how narrating tales and sharing stories can be empowering, and this across the lifespan.
Elizabeth Grubgeld, Disability and Life Writing in Post-Independence Ireland
Authors: Strauss Sara
Published: June 2022

During the last decades disability life writing has become an essential means to represent the experience of living with a disability. Against the background of the memoir boom since roughly around the turn of the millennium, autobiographical disability and illness narratives have gained popularity and receive increasing public and scholarly attention. As a result, they have also become a subject of research in various academic disciplines, first and foremost in disability studies, health care studies, literary and cultural studies, sociology as well as in the wider field of the medical humanities. Since many research activities and publications in these fields predominantly focus on US-American narratives and in view of a paucity of studies of life writing by disabled people from Ireland, Elizabeth Grubgeld’s monograph Disability and Life Writing in Post-Independence Ireland intends to close this persistent gap. Published in Palgrave Macmillan’s renowned book series Literary Disability Studies, it approaches the subject from an interdisciplinary perspective addressing major concerns of disability studies, literary and cultural studies as well as providing insights from Irish cultural history.
A life in science – marriage as an epistemic relationship and the joint scientific persona of Astri and John Runnström
Authors: Niskanen Kirsti
Published: June 2022

This article analyses an unpublished (auto)biographical account by Astri Runnström, wife of the internationally renowned Swedish zoologist John Runnström (1888-1971). Runnström pioneered his research area in Sweden, experimental zoology and cellular physiology. His research was based on long, recurring stays at marine biological stations in Sweden and abroad. Astri Runnström (1897-1978) accompanied her husband on these stays and worked as an assistant in his laboratory, without compensation and without ever gaining recognition in the creation of his successful career. I argue that Astri Runnström’s biography on John can be read as an autobiographical narrative, with the aim of negotiating Astri a place in her husband’s scientific legacy. Astri Runnström’s textual strategy was to create a joint scientific persona for the two of them and present marriage as an epistemic relationship, without which John Runnström’s scientific achievements would not have been possible to carry out.
Utricularia elephanthoides (Lentibulariaceae), especie nueva del Escudo Guayanés
Authors: Grande Allende José Ramón
Published: June 2022

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) incluye ca. 240 especies carnívoras de distribución cosmopolita. El Escudo Guayanés cuenta con 48, aproximadamente 20% del total mundial. De los 35 grupos en los que se divide el género, Utricularia sect. Orchidioides es uno de los más conocidos y mejor estudiado, pues suele presentar flores grandes y llamativas. En el presente trabajo se aclara la identidad de una de las especies de esta sección, presente en el Escudo Guayanés.Métodos: Se revisó la literatura taxonómica, material de herbario y fotos de plantas cultivadas disponibles en internet, procedentes del área en estudio (estados Bolívar y Amazonas de Venezuela, en la porción central del Escudo Guayanés). Adicionalmente, y con fines comparativos, se revisó material de las especies más afines (Utricularia asplundii, U. jamesoniana y U. uxoris). Resultados clave: Se describe e ilustra Utricularia elephanthoides sp. nov., la cual se caracteriza por presentar órganos fotosintéticos de ápice agudo, labio superior de la corola superficialmente tetralobulado, aplicado sobre el labio inferior, y espolón ≤1.5 veces el largo del labio inferior de la corola. Esta nueva especie conforma, junto a Utricularia asplundii, U. jamesoniana y U. uxoris, un grupo natural con flores relativamente pequeñas y lóbulo inferior de la corola profundamente trilobulado, el cual es nombrado aquí “complejo U. jamesoniana”. Se presenta un cuadro de caracteres morfológicos, una clave y dos mapas, por medio de los cuales se pueden comparar y diferenciar estas cuatro especies. Conclusiones: Las poblaciones guayanesas de Utricularia sect. Orchidioides con el labio inferior de la corola profundamente trilobulado y espolón con las porciones basal (cónica) y apical (subulada) de longitud similar deben ser asignadas al nuevo concepto (U. elephanthoides), hasta ahora solo conocido de Venezuela. Esta especie forma parte del complejo “Utricularia jamesoniana”, el cual es monofilético y de amplia distribución en el Neotrópico.
FAMILIA ULMACEAE
Authors:   Instituto de Ecología, A.C. Centro Regional del Bajío, Pérez-Calix Emmanuel , Carranza González Eleazar ,   Instituto de Ecología, A.C. Centro Regional del Bajío
Published: June 2022

Familia de 15 a 18 géneros y 150 a 200 especies principalmente del Hemisferio Norte, pero extendiéndose a las zonas subtropicales y tropicales del Hemisferio Sur. La madera de algunas especies se usa para construcción, mientras que otras se cultivan con fines ornamentales.
FAMILIA KRAMERIACEAE
Authors:   Departamento de Botánica Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Villarreal Q. José Á. , Carranza P. Miguel Á. ,   Departamento de Botánica Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro
Published: June 2022

Familia monotípica, de alrededor de 17 especies, distribuidas en Norte, Centro y Sudamérica, preferentemente en regiones de clima árido. A las raíces de algunos de sus representantes se les ha dado uso medicinal. Otras se utilizan para la extracción de materias colorantes. El grupo ha sido tratado como parte de las Leguminosae, con las cuales parece tener poca relación y está más bien emparentado con Polygalaceae.
FAMILIA TURNERACEAE
Authors:   Instituto de Ecología, A.C. Centro Regional del Bajío, Calderón de Rzedowski Graciela
Published: June 2022

Se reconocen 10 géneros con alrededor de 170 especies de regiones cálidas de África y sobre todo del continente americano. Sólo Turnera se encuentra representada en el área de esta Flora.
Effect of Heat Stress on Sperm Production, Oxidative Markers and their Association in Native Breeding Bulls
Authors: Dhami Arjun J , Suthar Vishal S , Chaudhari Dinesh V , Hadiya Kamlesh K
Published: June 2022

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of climatic conditions on fortnightly semen quality and its oxidative markers, and to evaluate the correlation between them in zebu cattle and buffalo breeding bulls under weekly twice semen collection schedule. The macro- (observatory; daily; n=330) and micro- (bull shed; hourly; n=8540) climatic parameters, viz., ambient temperature (AT °C) and relative humidity (RH %) were measured during Jan to Dec 2018 and temperature humidity index (THI) was generated. There were high associations between micro and macro AT (r=0.982), RH (r=0.897) and THI (r=0.985). Overall, micro-AT was 1.20°C higher, micro-RH was 5.42% lower and the micro-THI was 0.50 higher than the corresponding macro-climatic parameters. Therefore effect of micro-climatic AT, RH and THI was evaluated on biweekly collected 26 ejaculates of three bulls each of Surti, Murrah buffalo and Gir cattle breeds. The macro and microscopic parameters of semen and oxidative markers in seminal plasma, viz., catalase, lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined. During the day 72.6% of hours, bulls experienced stress (THI > 72). No impact of season was observed on seminal attributes and oxidative markers of cattle and buffalo bulls, however correlation coefficients were achieved. The results of our study warrants further investigation on more number of bulls including their semen freezability and fertility.
Effect of Roofing Materials on Hemato-Biochemical, Hormonal and Antioxidant Profile of Sheared and Non-Sheared Sheep
Authors: Khant Malhar , Modi Rakesh J , Patel Nitin R , Wadhwani Kishan N , Pathan Mohsin M
Published: June 2022

The effect of roofing material on hemato-biochemical, hormonal and antioxident parameters of sheared and non-sheared sheep was invastigated. Twenty four adult dry indigenous sheep were distributed randomly on the basis of body weight (20-35 kg) into two roof treatment groups, i.e., T1: asbestos roof and T2: agronet roof. Each treatment comprised of six sheared and six non-sheared animals. Hemoglobin (g/dL) and PCV (%) concentrations of sheep were comparable between roof treatments and between shearing practices. Serum glucose level was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in sheared and non sheared sheep reared under asbestose roof (44.76 ± 0.31, 45.29 ± 0.31 mg/dl) than the agronet roof shelter (43.78 ± 0.31, 43.46 ± 0.33 mg/dl). Serum uric acid level was significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased in sheared animals reared under agronet roofed shelter as compared to non-sheared animals reared under abstestos roofed shelter (0.41 ± 0.05 vs. 0.55 ± 0.06 mg/dL). Serum urea and creatinine levels of sheared sheep were lower than non-sheared ones under both the roofing materials with significant difference only in creatinine. The serum levels of hormone T3 and cortisol were statistically similar between roof treatments and shearing practices, whereas serum T4 was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in sheared animals (37.19 ± 3.17 ng/ml) reared under asbestos roofed shelter compared to agronet. Glutathione peroxidase activity was increased significantly (p less than 0.05) in sheared and non-sheared animals reared under asbestos roofed shelter, whereas superoxide dismutase activity decreased significantly (p less than 0.05) in sheared animals under agronet roof (5.73 ± 0.27 U/ml). However, lipid hydroperoxide, catalase and heat shock protein 70 activity were neither influenced significantly by roofing materials nor by shearing practices. The results indicated the role of effective roofing material of shelter and shearing plans in reducing the effect of heat stress on sheared and unsheared sheep.
Surgical Management of Non-Reducible Congenital Umbilical Hernia in a Piglet
Authors: Kaushik Rashmi , Sharma A K , . Reetu , Kumar Bidyabhushan , Kumar Vinod , Oraon Sunil , Minz Shradha AB
Published: June 2022

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Clinical Management of Hypothyroidism Associated Dermatological Signs in a Labrador: A Case Report
Authors: Das Gunajit , Deka Pubaleem , Dutta Kongkon Jyoti
Published: June 2022

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Prevention of Unwanted Pregnancy using Diethylstilbestrol in Mismated Bitches
Authors: Parmar Bhanusinh M , Panchal Mahesh T , Shukla Tejas B , Patel Jagdish A
Published: June 2022

Efficiency of diethylstilbestrol (DES) was evaluated for preventing unwanted pregnancy following misalliance in eight bitches of different breeds, age, and bodyweight along with use of vaginal cytology on the day of case registration for retrospective confirmation of stage of estrous cycle and time of mating. All the bitches were injected with diethylstilbestrol (DES) @ 2.0 mg/kg b. wt., i/m (Max. 20 mg) on day three and five post-mating and were subjected to blood examination on day zero and seven of DES injection. An ultra-sonographic scan was carried out in each of the bitch on day 30-35 post-mating to rule out the pregnancy status of the animal and success of therapy. All the bitches were followed up for 70-100 days post-treatment for any untoward effects. The major exfoliative cells found in vaginal cytology were of large intermediate/anuclear cells (94.37 ± 0.57 %) characteristics of a peak estrus phase, and 6 of 8 bitches also showed presence of sperm in the smear evinced mating. All the bitches were found to be non-pregnant on USG scan 30-35 days post-treatment and had no serious side effect during the follow-up period. The pre- and post-treatment mean values of hemoglobin (g/dL), WBCs (×103/?L) and RBCs (×106/?L) were 15.58 ± 0.59 vs. 15.33 ± 0.60, 9.10 ± 0.44 vs. 11.33 ± 1.60 and 6.94 ± 0.12 vs. 6.83 ± 0.22, respectively, differing non-significantly. It was concluded that the exfoliative vaginal cytology in bitches having fully cornified superficial/anuclear cells as predominant cells with sperm presence indicates misalliance during estrus phase. Injection diethylstilbestrol twice could prevent the conception and establishment of pregnancy in bitches having misalliance, with minimal effect on their health.
Characterization of Antigenic Property of Adult Spirocerca lupi Collected from Esophageal Nodules in Dogs
Authors: Wijekoon Suranji , Silva Niranjala De , Wijayawardhane Nayana , Munasinghe Madura , Rajapakse Jayanthe
Published: June 2022

Spirocerca lupi, the esophageal nematode of dog , causes a potentially fatal disease in domestic dogs. Immunological techniques can identify the parasite proteins which elicit an immune response. However, the antigenic properties of S. lupi adult worms have not been fully understood. The immuno-reactivity of the naturally infected dog sera with the S. lupi somatic antigens showed 7 prominent immunoreactive bands of distinct sizes at 199, 148, 100, 87, 49, 16, and 12 kDa, whereas 8 prominent bands at 230, 200, 100, 60, 49, 29, 16, and 12 kDa against hyper immune serum raised in the rabbits. Common antigen bands for both types of serum were observed at 100, 49 , 16 and 12 kDa. Intriguingly, the current study was able to indicate the detailed antigenic profile with specific molecular moieties which might be a manifesto for future investigation. Identified specific antigens merit further analysis as potential tools for the evaluation of treatment success and prognosis of spirocercosis, and development of a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for early detection of S. lupi in infected dogs.
Clinical Significance of Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and Worry Symptom Improvement Following Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction
Authors:   University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Psychology, Mail Stop 296, Reno, NV, USA, Hazlett-Stevens Holly
Published: June 2022

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) teaches mindfulness meditation to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and related forms of distress among a variety of patients. Much research has documented statistically significant reductions across a variety of self-report measures following MBSR, but researchers rarely assessed and reported the clinical significance of MBSR symptom reduction in accordance with specific criteria famously established by Jacobson and Truax [1]. Patients reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or other stress-related concerns received MBSR in an outpatient mental health clinic. In order to assess the clinical significance of reported symptom reduction, specific criteria to determine reliable clinical improvement and recovery were applied to the data from each patient across the main symptom outcome measures. This secondary clinical significance analysis was conducted with all 23 patients who completed MBSR and completed assessment measures both before and after the intervention in the original open trial. A reliable change index and a cutoff point for outcome measures of worry, depression, anxiety, and stress were obtained so that reliable clinical improvement and recovery on each measure could be assessed for each patient. The proportion of patients who were elevated in the clinical range above the cutoff before the intervention was determined, as well as the proportion of those reporting symptom reduction, the proportion showing reliable improvement, and the proportion recovered at the final MBSR session. Clinical significance analyses revealed that over half of the patient sample scored in the clinical range on each measure before MBSR. At the end of the intervention, the vast majority of these patients reported symptom reduction, and depending on the measure, 45-69% of patients who were clinically elevated initially and reported symptom reduction following MBSR exhibited reliable clinical improvement. Furthermore, 29-50% of those patients showing reliable clinical improvement also met criteria as recovered at the conclusion of the MBSR program. These results suggest that the symptom reduction observed following MBSR is substantial and clinically meaningful for many patients – an outcome that cannot be determined with statistical tests of significance alone. Clinical significance criteria, such as those applied in this study, could be implemented in randomized controlled trial protocols to supplement conventional tests of statistical significance and shed light on how clinically meaningful obtained changes on outcome measures are for patients.
COVID-19 Vaccine Fact-Checking Posts on Facebook: Observational Study
Authors: Xue Haoning , Gong Xuanjun , Stevens Hannah
Published: June 2022

Background

Effective interventions aimed at correcting COVID-19 vaccine misinformation, known as fact-checking messages, are needed to combat the mounting antivaccine infodemic and alleviate vaccine hesitancy.

Objective

This work investigates (1) the changes in the public's attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines over time, (2) the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine fact-checking information on social media engagement and attitude change, and (3) the emotional and linguistic features of the COVID-19 vaccine fact-checking information ecosystem.

Methods

We collected a data set of 12,553 COVID-19 vaccine fact-checking Facebook posts and their associated comments (N=122,362) from January 2020 to March 2022 and conducted a series of natural language processing and statistical analyses to investigate trends in public attitude toward the vaccine in COVID-19 vaccine fact-checking posts and comments, and emotional and linguistic features of the COVID-19 fact-checking information ecosystem.

Results

The percentage of fact-checking posts relative to all COVID-19 vaccine posts peaked in May 2020 and then steadily decreased as the pandemic progressed (r=–0.92, df=21, t=–10.94, 95% CI –0.97 to –0.82, P<.001). The salience of COVID-19 vaccine entities was significantly lower in comments (mean 0.03, SD 0.03, t=39.28, P<.001) than in posts (mean 0.09, SD 0.11). Third-party fact checkers have been playing a more important role in more fact-checking over time (r=0.63, df=25, t=4.06, 95% CI 0.33-0.82, P<.001). COVID-19 vaccine fact-checking posts continued to be more analytical (r=0.81, df=25, t=6.88, 95% CI 0.62-0.91, P<.001) and more confident (r=0.59, df=25, t=3.68, 95% CI 0.27-0.79, P=.001) over time. Although comments did not exhibit a significant increase in confidence over time, tentativeness in comments significantly decreased (r=–0.62, df=25, t=–3.94, 95% CI –0.81 to –0.31, P=.001). In addition, although hospitals receive less engagement than other information sources, the comments expressed more positive attitudinal valence in comments compared to other information sources (b=0.06, 95% CI 0.00-0.12, t=2.03, P=.04).

Conclusions

The percentage of fact-checking posts relative to all posts about the vaccine steadily decreased after May 2020. As the pandemic progressed, third-party fact checkers played a larger role in posting fact-checking COVID-19 vaccine posts. COVID-19 vaccine fact-checking posts continued to be more analytical and more confident over time, reflecting increased confidence in posts. Similarly, tentativeness in comments decreased; this likewise suggests that public uncertainty diminished over time. COVID-19 fact-checking vaccine posts from hospitals yielded more positive attitudes toward vaccination than other information sources. At the same time, hospitals received less engagement than other information sources. This suggests that hospitals should invest more in generating engaging public health campaigns on social media.
The Current State of Remote Physiotherapy in Finland: Cross-sectional Web-Based Questionnaire Study (Preprint)
Authors: Hellstén Thomas , Arokoski Jari , Sjögren Tuulikki , Jäppinen Anna-Maija , Kettunen Jyrki
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has required social, health, and rehabilitation organizations to implement remote physiotherapy (RP) as a part of physiotherapists’ daily practice. RP may improve access to physiotherapy as it delivers physiotherapy services to rehabilitees through information and communications technology. Even if RP has already been introduced in this century, physiotherapists’ opinion, amount of use, and form in daily practice have not been studied extensively.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate physiotherapists’ opinions of the current state of RP in Finland.

METHODS

A quantitative, cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire was sent to working-aged members of the Finnish Association of Physiotherapists (n=5905) in March 2021 and to physiotherapists in a private physiotherapy organization (n=620) in May 2021. The questionnaire included questions on the suitability of RP in different diseases and the current state and implementation of RP in work among physiotherapists.

RESULTS

Of the 6525 physiotherapists, a total of 9.9% (n=662; n=504, 76.1% female; mean age 46.1, SD 12 years) answered the questionnaire. The mean suitability “score” (0=not suitable at all to 10=fully suitable) of RP in different disease groups varied from 3.3 (neurological diseases) to 6.1 (lung diseases). Between early 2020 (ie, just before the COVID-19 pandemic) and spring 2021, the proportion of physiotherapists who used RP increased from 33.8% (21/62) to 75.4% (46/61; P<.001) in the public sector and from 19.7% (42/213) to 76.6% (163/213; P<.001) in the private sector. However, only 11.7% (32/274) of physiotherapists reported that they spent >20% of their practice time for RP in 2021. The real-time method was the most common RP method in both groups (public sector 46/66, 69.7% vs private sector 157/219, 71.7%; P=.47). The three most commonly used technical equipments were computers/tablets (229/290, 79%), smartphones (149/290, 51.4%), and phones (voice call 51/290, 17.6%). The proportion of physiotherapists who used computers/tablets in RP was higher in the private sector than in the public sector (183/221, 82.8% vs 46/68, 67.6%; P=.01). In contrast, a higher proportion of physiotherapists in the public sector than in the private sector used phones (18/68, 26.5% vs 33/221, 14.9%; P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, physiotherapists increased their use of RP in their everyday practice, although practice time in RP was still low. When planning RP for rehabilitees, it should be considered that the suitability of RP in different diseases seems to vary in the opinion of physiotherapists. Furthermore, our results brought up important new information for developing social, health, and rehabilitation education for information and communications technologies.
A Fork in the Road: Mapping the Paths of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Blogs and Podcasts (Preprint)
Authors: Lin Michelle , Phipps Mina , Gisondi Michael A. , Yilmaz Yusuf , Nash Christopher , Chan Teresa M.
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Free, open access meducation (FOAM) refers to open access, online learning resources in medicine. It includes all formats of digital products including blogs and podcasts. The number of FOAM sites in emergency medicine and critical care increased dramatically from 2002 to 2013, and physicians began to rely on the availability of these resources. The current state of FOAM is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to (1) estimate the current number of active, open access blogs and podcasts in emergency medicine and critical care, and (2) describe observed and anticipated trends in the FOAM movement using Christensen’s Theory of Disruptive Innovation as a theoretical framework.

METHODS

The authors used multiple resources and sampling strategies to identify active, open-access blogs and podcasts between April 25-May 8, 2022, and classified these websites as blogs, podcasts, or blogs+podcasts. For each category, they reported the following outcome measures using descriptive statistics: age, funding, affiliations, and team composition. Based on these findings, the authors projected trends in the number of active sites using a positivist paradigm and Christensen’s Theory of Disruptive Innovation as a theoretical framework.

RESULTS

The authors identified 109 emergency medicine and critical care websites, comprised of 50 blogs, 25 podcasts, and 34 blogs+podcasts. Ages ranged from 0 to 18 years; 27.5% sold products, 18.3% used advertisements, 44% had institutional funding, and 27.5% had no affiliation or external funding sources. Team sizes ranged from 1 (23.9%) to ≥5 (55%) individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a sharp decline in the number of emergency medicine and critical care blogs and podcasts in the last decade, dropping 40.4% since 2013. The initial growth of FOAM and its subsequent downturn align with principles in Christensen’s Theory of Disruptive Innovation. These findings have important implications for the field of medical education.
Telerehabilitation program maintains functional capacity in patients with chronic lung disease during a period of social isolation owing to covid-19 (Preprint)
Authors: Miozzo Aline Paula , Camponogara Righi Natiele , Yumi Shizukuishi Maria Luiza , Ferreira Marques Hérica , Florian Juliessa , da Costa Machado Scheila , Schardong Jociane , Della Méa Plentz Rodrigo
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary diseases represent a great cause of disability and mortality in the world and, considering the progression of these pathologies, pulmonary rehabilitation programs are proven to be effective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation becomes an alternative for these patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine results in outcomes such as functional capacity and quality of life when comparing telerehabilitation to usual care in patients previously participating in face-to-face pulmonary rehabilitation program.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental retrospective study realized between Abril 2020 to August 2021. Thirty-two patients with chronic diseases were included, divided between control and intervention groups. The intervention group performed telerehabilitation synchronously twice a week supervised by a physical therapist with breathing, strengthening and aerobic exercises. Dyspnea and leg wear were adjusted by changing BORG. The control group did not perform any activity during the period of social isolation. Quality of life was assessed by the minute walk test and quality of life by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey.

RESULTS

The telerehabilitation group reduced 39 meters in the six-minute walk test, while the control group reduced 120 meters. There was difference of 81 meters between the groups (p=0.02). In relation to the quality of life of telerehabilitation was shown improve in two domains, social functioning and mental health.

CONCLUSIONS

telerehabilitation program for these patients can ease the deleterious effects of disease progression and maintain functional capacity and improve aspects of quality of life.
Reflections on New Public Management-Style Reform in U.S. National Administration and Public Trust in Government, 1993–2003
Authors: Rosenbloom David H. , Piotrowski Susanne J.
Published: June 2022

A concerted effort to introduce thoroughgoing reforms into U.S. national administration began in September 1993, when the Clinton-Gore administration issued the first report of the National Performance Review (NPR). The continuing reform effort, which is generally called “reinventing government” in the United States, shares many characteristics with the broader global New Public Management (NPM) movement and is often treated as part of it. The American NPM-style reform program was augmented by congressional attempts to make national agencies more performance-oriented. President George W. Bush, who took office in January 2001, continued to advance several NPM goals, though with some important differences. There is no parallel period of such fundamental, comprehensive, and concentrated administrative reform in American history. The reform agenda has been coherent and consistent enough to allow reflection on its efficacy in terms of its own objectives. These were: 1) making government work better and cost less and 2) building citizens’ trust in it. We made two conclusions within this paper. First, the record of the NPM's achievement of greater cost-effectiveness is ambiguous, disputing the Clinton-Gore administration's central claims; the public as a whole perceives no reduction in the waste of its tax dollars. Second, the NPM fell far short of building significantly greater trust in government.
Dynamics of Policy Change in China: A Case Study of the Renewable Energy Law
Authors: Tan Honggang
Published: June 2022

With its rapid economic development, China plays a key role in the world energy economy. Its future energy path will influence the world's future. On February 28, 2005, China passed a comprehensive Renewable Energy Law, which was a major policy change for the Chinese government. This article investigates the legislative process of the law and uses this as a case to analyze the dynamics of policy change in China. Throughout this article, I try to explain two highlights of the process: that the law was passed quickly and overwhelmingly, and that the process included various actors, including international and domestic environmental NGOs, which is very rare in China. Applying two Western theoretical frameworks—punctuated-equilibrium theory and advocacy coalition framework—to analyze this case, I partly explain the process. However, I also find the inapplicability of these frameworks in China's special political context. I argue that some exogenous pressures influenced both dominant core and advocacy groups. With few retarding forces, these strong driving forces made the law pass quickly and overwhelmingly. Generally speaking, the Chinese government is seeking to utilize these NGOs to achieve its own goals. Common interest is a key factor for the involvement of NGOs.
EFFICACY OF THE SOLVENTS ON THE PHYTOCHEMICAL LOAD AND POLYPHENOL CONTENT OF THE AQUATIC PLANT AZOLLAMICROPHYLLA
Authors: PKM ANU GEETHAM , A MALARVIZHI
Published: June 2022

Objectives: Azolla microphylla which is an aquatic macrophyte is used to find out efficacy of the different solvents on phytochemical load and polyphenol content. The whole plant was extracted in the Soxhlet apparatus using different solvents such as aqueous, hydro-ethanol, hydro-methanol, and hydro-acetone.
Methods: The four plant extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening by standard procedure. The polyphenol content was estimated in the four extracts using Folin-Ciocalteu method.
Results: The phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenols, saponins, diterpenes, and protein were present in all the four solvent extracts. The higher proportions of phytochemicals were seen in hydro-methanol extract. The polyphenol content was also higher in the hydro-methanol extract.
Conclusion: The results showed that the extraction of the phytochemicals varied not only plant wise but also from solvent to solvent. The present study revealed the fact that the combination of water and organic solvents gave a better result than aqueous extract.
EVALUATION OF IN VIVO ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY OF ROOT OF CRATAEVA MAGNA LOUR., ON STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Authors: M SAKTHI ABIRAMI , A MANOJKUMAR
Published: June 2022

Objective: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect of the ethanolic extract of root of Crataeva magna Lour., on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Methods: Streptozotocin (45 mg/kg) was used to induce the diabetes mellitus in rats. Afterward, the diabetic rats will be divided into four groups Group I rats served as diabetic control rats, Group II rats were induced diabetes and treated with standard drug through oral intragastric tube, Group III and Group IV were treated with ethanolic extract (200 and 400 mg/kg). Glibenclamide as reference was to evaluate the effect of the extract.
Results: The administration of extract decreased the fasting blood glucose and body weight as well as increased level of total cholesterol and triglycerides which and decreased and HDL level. SGPT and SGOT level were significantly reduced in treatment group. Blood urea and creatinine were a significant difference in blood urea and creatinine.
Conclusion: The extract of C.magna Lour. exhibited significant anti-diabetic activity evident from blood glucose level, body weight, serum cholesterol profile, SGOT, SGPT, serum creatinine, and serum urea level.