bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower Bashkirian fusulinoideans from the upper part of the Tagnana Formation (Carboniferous, NW Algeria)
Authors: Van GINKEL Adriaan C.
Published: September 2021

The upper member of the Tagnana Formation of the Djebel Bechar Group (informally the Tagnana-3 or Tagnana Ill member) yielded fusulinoideans and other related foraminifera of the genera Pseudoendothyra (rare), Pseudostajfella (Semistaffella) (rare), Millerella, Pseudonovel/a, Plectostaffella, Eostaffella and Mediocris. The presence of Eostaffellina (rare) and Endostaffella is doubtful. The difference between Millerella and Eostaffella cannot be adequately defined by evolute versus involute coiling. Pseudonovella Kireeva, 1949 is redefined to include Seminovella Rauzer-Chernousova, 1951.
The foraminifera are from two samples, one from close to the top and the other from near the base of the Tagnana III Member. Conodonts from the same samples, in comparison with the fusulinoidean foraminifera indicate similar or slightly younger ages; combined evidence from conodonts and foraminifera shows that the Tagnana-III Member at its upper boundary is Askynbashky or Akavassky (probably late Akavassky), while its lower boundary is Akavassky or Siuransky (probably late Siuransky) in age.
Revisión de Favosites argentina Thomas, 1905, especie tipo de Argentinella nov. gen., coral tabulado del Devónico Inferior de Argentina
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Esperanza M. , Plusquellec Yves , Yourneur Francis
Published: September 2021

Se describe y figura el material tipo de Favosites argentina Thomas, 1905, procedente del Lochkoviense de Cerro del Fuerte (Precordillera Argentina), así como diverso material topotípico perteneciente a la misma colecci6n. El estudio de este material sirve de base para el establecimiento del nuevo género Argentinella. Dicho genero esta caracterizado por colonias ramificadas, con un fuerte desarrollo del aparato septal especialmente acusado en los calices que están ornamentados por 12 arrugas septales espinosas; espesamientos periféricos de la pared y las tabulas y paredes con una microestructura en la que coexisten microlamelas y lamelas.
Revisión de Douvillininae (Brachiopoda) de la Zona Centroibérica Meridional (Devónico Superior, España)
Authors: Pardo Alonso Miguel V.
Published: September 2021

La subfamilia Douvillininae en el Frasniense de la Zona Centroibérica meridional está representada por el género Douvillina, al que se atribuyen tres especies: Douvillina alvarezi, D. delta y D. radiata. Se propone enmendar la diagnosis del genero Douvillina que aparece en la edición revisada del Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology (Part H, Brachiopoda), en el sentido de admitir mayor variabilidad en la convexidad de las valvas. Se discute la atribución de D. alvarezi al género así enmendado y se incorporan a la especie ejemplares estratigráficamente más jóvenes que los del material típico.
Protobranch bivalves from the Piauí Formation (Middle Pennsylvanian), Parnaíba Basin, Brazil
Authors: Eduardo Anelli Luiz , Rocha-Campos Antonio Carlos , Simoes Marcello Guimaraes
Published: September 2021

Dolomitic limestones of the upper Piauí Formation of the Parnaíba Basin, Northern Brazil, preserve a rich and diversified invertebrate fauna of Middle Pennsylvanian age. The fauna shows affinities with the Pennsylvanian Itaituba Formation of the Amazon Basin, Brazil, and with Upper Paleozoic Andean faunas of the Cerro Prieto Formation and Tarma Group of Peru, and the Caño Indio Formation of Venezuela. In North America similar faunas are present in the Mississippian-Pennsylvanian Amsden Formation and in the Desmoinesian of Missouri. The Piauí fauna thus shows a clear "Tethyan" (boreal) affinity in contrast with other Late Paleozoic assemblages from southern South America. Bivalves comprise the majority of the fauna (60%, 31 species), followed by gastropods (17%, 9 species) and brachiopods (17%, 9 species). Other invertebrates including a cephalopod, a trilobite and a bryozoan make up the remainder of the fauna (6%, 3 species). Three species of protobranch bivalves, Polidevcia bellistriata, Nuculavus levatiformis and Solemya (Janeia) radiata are described here in. Obesity and elongation indexes as well as the external ornamentation and muscle scars of the nuculoid species here recovered are consistent with their interpretation as rapid (P. bellistriata) and slow, shallowly burrowing (N. levatiformis) deposit feeders. S. (Janeia) radiata, a slow shallow burrower, deposit feeder, is preserved in life position. This is the first of three publications that aim to ameliorate the present lack of paleontologic and paleobiogeographic knowledge on the Carboniferous of northern South America.
Revisión histórica de las especies de bivalvos citadas en el Jurásico de la Cordillera Ibérica, España
Authors: Delvene Graciela
Published: September 2021

La revisión de los trabajos sobre bivalvos del Jurásico de la Cordillera Ibérica revela la gran escasez de datos referidos especialmente a los materiales del Jurásico Medio y Superior. Ello se debe, por un lado, al deficiente estado de conservación que normalmente presentan los fósiles y por otro, a la baja abundancia de este grupo en materiales de edad Jurásico Medio-Superior en la Cordillera Ibérica, en comparación con los bivalvos del Jurásico Inferior. En este trabajo se hace una revisión de los autores que han estudiado, citado o figurado especies de bivalvos del Jurásico. Además, se compara el material del Jurásico Medio y Superior figurado por autores clásicos con la colección procedente de la Rama Aragonesa de la Cordillera Ibérica recientemente estudiada.
Nuevos Hammatoceratinae (Ammonitina) del límite Aaleniense/Bajociense de la Zona Subbética (Cordillera Bética, Sur de España)
Authors: Linares Asunción
Published: September 2021

Se analizan varios ejemplares de Hammatoceratinae correspondientes a formas nuevas procedentes del Aaleniense Superior-Bajociense inferior de la sección del Cortijo del Despeñadero, Montillana (provincia de Granada, Cordillera Bética). La morfología de las mismas nos permite incluirlas en el subgenero Eudmetoceras (Eudmetoceras). Una especie nueva, E. (E.) subbeticum n. sp., y otra posiblemente también nueva, E. (E.) sp. 1 aff. E. (E.) subbeticum, se describen por primera vez en este trabajo. E. (E.) subbeticum comprende hammatoceratinos de ombligo amplio y poco profundo con costillas radiales o ligeramente retroversas, provistas de tubérculos poco desarrollados. E. (E.) sp. 1 aff. E. (E.) subbeticum es muy similar a E. (E.) subbeticum, pero es más involuto y tiene los flancos más planos
EDITORIAL
Authors: Martínez Chacón María Luisa
Published: September 2021

Han pasado 8 años desde mi saludo y declaración de intenciones como editora, en el número 10(2) de la revista. Publicamos los correspondientes 8 volúmenes, cada uno con un numero de páginas comprendido entre 250 y 350, y un nuero de trabajos entre 20 y 27. Además, se publicaron 5 volúmenes extraordinarios. Además, durante el periodo se publicaron 5 volúmenes extraordinarios con las mismas exigencias de calidad que los ordinarios y reuniendo entre todos ellos 90 trabajos. Todo este gran volumen de obra impresa constituye una parte muy sustancial del mejor patrimonio de la Sociedad Española de Paleontología.
Como figura en el interior de su portada, la revista es la publicación periódica científica de la Sociedad Española de Paleontología, cuyos fines principales son los de promover y difundir la actividad paleontológica en España. En cuanto a la dificultad de este periodo, no ha sido fácil para la revista y el trabajo editorial ha sido duro. Sin embargo, ha pesar de todo se ha continuado con el mismo cuidado y exigencias en cuanto a calidad de la revista.
Desde la última Asamblea, la SEP tiene un nuevo Editor, Rodolfo Gozalo, en cuyo equipo se mantienen Sixto Fernández López y Miguel Pardo como Editores Adjuntos. El empuje y capacidad de trabajo, unidos a la experiencia previa de los Editores Adjuntos conducirán, sin duda, a una excelente gestión.
A review of the genus Kingaspis (Trilobita, Lower Cambrian) from Spain and its biostratigraphical consequences for correlation in the Mediterranean subprovince
Authors: Liñan Eladio , Dies M. Eugenia , Gozalo Rodolfo
Published: September 2021

Several specimens of the genus Kingaspis from the Lower Cambrian of Valdoré (León Province), Los Cortijos de Malagón (Ciudad Real Province), Murero, Ataca, Jarque and Tierga (Zaragoza Province) have been revised from a systematic point of view in order to decide their biostratigraphical value and their correlations within the Mediterranean subprovince. After the systematic study, the chronological order was found to be: Kingaspis (Kingaspidoides) velata, Kingaspis (Kingaspidoides) cf. velata and Kingaspis (Kingaspis) campbelli. Kingaspis (Kingaspidoides) velata is typical of the Marianian Stage while K. (Kingaspidoides) cf. velata belongs to the upper Marianian?-lower Bilbilian Stage. Kingaspis. (K.) campbelli was found in the upper Bilbilian levels of several Spanish localities. This fact facilitates the comparison between Spanish, Moroccan and Jordanian upper Lower Cambrian because this species is present in all these countries.
Estudio taxonómico y biométrico de Badulesia tenera (Hartt in Dawson, 1868), Trilobita. Caesaraugustiense (Cámbrico Medio) de las Cadenas Ibéricas (NE de España)
Authors: Chirivella Martorell Juan B. , Gozalo Rodolfo , Liñáiv Eladio
Published: September 2021

Se realiza el estudio de una sucesión estratigráfica desde la parte superior de la Formación Mansilla hasta la base de la Formación Murero, en la sección Jarque 1 de las Cadenas Ibéricas. En ella se ha encontrado un registro casi continuo de la especie Badulesia tenera (Hartt in Dawson, 1868), representada por unos doscientos especímenes, a lo largo de 18 m, siendo muy abundante en algunos de los niveles estudiados. Todo ello ha permitido realizar un estudio morfológico y un análisis morfométrico de las poblaciones halladas. Esta revisión ha llevado a enmendar la diagnosis del género Badulesia Sdzuy, 1968 y de la especie estudiada. También se han definido dos morfotipos del cranidio de la especie Badulesia tenera: Morfotipo A sin área preglabelar y Morfotipo B con área preglabelar. Además, se analiza un amplio rango de variaciones en algunos caracteres del cefalón, que también se han considerado como variaciones intraespecíficas. Desde el punto de vista bioestratigráfico se confirma la importancia de la primera aparición de esta especie, considerada como el inicio del piso Caesaraugustiense que, además, permite constatar la bondad de las correlaciones establecidas entre las subprovincias Avalónica y Mediterránea, gracias a esta especie.
Bimeristina binnekampi n. g., n. sp., meristeloideo (braquiópodo) del Devónico Inferior (Praguiense) de España
Authors: García-Alcalde Jenaro L.
Published: September 2021

Se describe y figura un nuevo género de braquiópodo Rhynchonellata meristeloideo. Bimeristina, basado en la nueva especie B. binnekampi. El nuevo taxon se distribuye a lo largo del borde distal de una plataforma carbonatada desarrollada durante el Devónico Inferior (Praguiense) en la llamada región Cántabro-Celtibérica (Cordillera Cantábrica. Dominio Palentino: parte superior del miembro E de la Formación Lebanza; Guadarrama oriental: miembros Ce3 y Ce4 de la Formación Cercadillo; Cordillera Ibérica oriental. Aragón: transición entre los miembros d2cα-d2cβ, de la Formación Nogueras). Esta nueva forma se caracteriza principalmente por combinar estructuras yugales similares a las de Meristella con un arco yugal en doble conexión con las lamelas primarias y secundarias del espiralio, inexistentes en dicho género y en el resto de los de la Subfamilia Meristellinae, y también por poseer un septalio en cuyo fondo se encuentra una elevación media, más o menos desarrollada.
El género Flabellipecten en el Neógeno de Andalucía occidental
Authors: Cárdenas Carretero Joaquín
Published: September 2021

Se hace una revisión de la presencia de las diferentes especies del género Flabellipecten en Andalucía occidental (provincias de Huelva, Sevilla y Cádiz) comprobando la existencia de las siguientes especies: F. solarium (Lamarck), F. fraterculus (Sowerby), F. burdigalensis (Lamarck). F. expansus (Sowerby), F. bosniasckii (De Stefani y Pantanelli) y F. flabelliformis (Brocchi), algunas de ellas bastante frecuentes y no citadas hasta ahora.
De cada especie se citan localidades y litologías donde han sido halladas. Se describen todas las especies, se hace una breve discusión y se dan algunos caracteres tafonómicos. También se hace una abundante recopilación de todas las citas en España y en otros países a fin de establecer su distribución geoestratigráfica conocida en la actualidad.
Respecto de F. expansus y F. burdigalensis, especies citadas en el Mioceno inferior y medio, se comprueba su frecuente presencia en el Mioceno final de la zona aquí estudiada.
Bioerosión en erizos irregulares (Clypeasteroidea) del mioceno Superior en el sector suroccidental de la cuenca del Guadalquivir (Provincia de Sevilla)
Authors: Santos Ana , Mayoral Eduardo , Muñiz Fernando , Bajo Ildefonso , Adriaensens Olga
Published: September 2021

Se han estudiado las evidencias de bioerosión registradas en diferentes equinoideos pertenecientes al orden Clypeasteroidea, concretamente en las especies Clypeaster cermenatii Checchia-Rispoli, 1925, C. marginatus Lamarck, 1816, C. portentosus Desmoulins, 1837, C. brevior Seguenza, 1879, C. aichinoi Checchia-Rispoli, 1925, C. tauricus Desor, 1858, C. franchii Checchia-Rispoli, 1925, C. altus Klein, 1734 y Clypeaster sp., procedentes del Mioceno Superior (Tortoniense superior) del borde septentrional de la Cuenca del Guadalquivir, en el sector comprendido entre Peñaflor y Alcolea del Río, en la provincia de Sevilla. Se han analizado las evidencias que implican comportamientos de búsqueda de alimento por depredación (perforaciones, roturas y/o hundimientos en el caparazón), y de domicilio o refugio. Dentro de la primera categoría se han identificado los icnotaxones Oichnus simplex Bromley, 1981 y Oichnus ichnosp. indet., así como roturas importantes del caparazón relacionadas con profundas incisiones o mordiscos por parte de depredadores. Asociado a estas roturas se encuentran evidencias de reparación por cementación de fragmentos calcáreos y zonas de secreción anormal de material secundario que han dado lugar a crecimientos teratológicos muy espectaculares. Estos registros ponen de manifiesto la existencia de depredadores relacionados muy probablemente con gasterópodos cassididos, así como con diversos crustáceos, equinodermos y peces. En la segunda categoría, se han identificado los icnotaxones Gastrochaenolites cf. digujus Kelley y Bromley, 1984 y Maeandropolydora sulcans Voigt, 1965, relacionados con la actividad de bivalvos litófagos y anélidos poliquetos respectivamente.
First Stegosaurian Dinosaur remains from the Early Cretaceous of Burgos (Spain), with a review of Cretaceous stegosaurs
Authors: Pereda Suberbiola Xabier , Galton Peter M. , Torcida Fidel , Huerta Pedro , Izquierdo Luis Ángel , Montero Diego , Pérez Gustavo , Urién Víctor
Published: September 2021

Stegosaurian remains from the Early Cretaceous (Wealden beds, probably Hauterivian-Barremian) of Aldea del Pinar (Burgos, Spain) are described. The material consists of the ?most posterior dorsal vertebra and a partial dermal plate. The general form of the vertebra, with a massive centrum, a prominent lateral depression and solid neural arch pedicels, is reminiscent of the dorsal vertebrae of Dacentrurus, but the centrum is even more massive than in this genus from the Late Jurassic. Pending the discovery of new fossils, the Burgos material is provisionally referred to as Stegosauria indeterminate. This is the first report of stegosaurs in the region of Castilla y León and one of the few records of this group of thyreophoran dinosaurs from the Early Cretaceous of Europe. The occurrence of other Cretaceous stegosaurs is reviewed.
Stratigraphy and brachiopod fauna of the Carboniferous El Imán Formation, Colombia
Authors: Angiolini Lucia , Racheboeuf Patrick R. , Villarroel Carlos A. , Concha Ana Elena
Published: September 2021

The three main outcrops of the El Imán Formation (Departamento de Tolima, central western Colombia) are fully described and revised. The study of a newly collected brachiopod fauna from the upper outcrop of the El Imán Formation, indicates a Carboniferous age (late Bashkirian-Moscovian) for the upper part of the El Imán Formation at the type locality. Although the fauna is not abundant, has low diversity, and is poorly preserved, the Bashkirian-Moscovian age is deduced from the association of the brachiopod genera Fimbrinia (Productida), Orthotichia (Orthida) and Alispirifer (Spiriferida). These occurrences affirm zoogeographic relationships between Australia and South America during the Late Carboniferous.
Daubreeia pateraeformis (Germar) Zeiller, a Stephanian sphenopsid from western Europe and North America
Authors: Van Amerom Hendrik W. J. , Gillespie William H. , Wagner Robert H.
Published: September 2021

Daubreeia pateraeformis (Germar 1844) Zeiller 1888, originally described from the upper Stephanian of the Saale Basin, Saxony (Germany), and the Stephanian B-C of Commentry (Massif Central, France), and recorded subsequently from the Upper Pennsylvanian of West Virginia (USA), and other parts of North America, has most recently been identified from the Stephanian B (sensu Carmaux) of the Ciñera-Matallana Coalfield (province León) in northwestern Spain. This plant megafossil proved to be identical with Kahleria carinthiaca Boersma and Fritz 1984, described from the upper Stephanian of the Kronalpe (Monte Corona) in Carinthia (Austria). It is placed with the Equisetales (laminae incertae sedis). A partial reconstruction is proposed. For the time being, Daubreeia pateraeformis appears to be restricted to Stephanian B-C, including the early Autunian. This plant seems to have favoured a wet habitat.
VALUE FOR MONEY IN PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS IN THE FIELD OF STREET LIGHTING IN THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA
Authors: Milenković Dejan , Đurić Vladimir
Published: September 2021

Public administration reform, better known as the New Public Management - NPM, which began in the mid-1970s, had a key impact on the development of modern public administration. The NPM emphasizes the economic values of public administration, to the detriment of its other values. Public Private Partnership- PPP is one of the basic elements of NPM doctrine. PPP is a partnership between the public and private sector that aims to provide a service traditionally provided by the public sector. An integral part of every PPP is the Value for Money methodology. The “Value for money”- VfM method emerged in this process of public administration reform, first in the UK. The document of the British Government Private Finance Initiative (PFI) from the year 1992, presented the basis for the creation of a new so-called “Venture”, which at that time was called a joint venture, and which is today known as PPP. PPP is a relatively new institute that has existed in the Republic of Serbia since 2011. In this paper, we will deal with the application of the VfM methodology in PPP projects related to street lighting in the Republic of Serbia, and try to give answer about social and economic justification of PPP and potential economic savings that can be achieved in the public sector through the implementation of PPP. At the present time, when there is more and more talk about the need for environmental protection, sustainable development and energy efficiency, PPP projects can have an increasing importance in this area. For this reason, we have limited the application of VfM methods in PPP projects in the Republic of Serbia only to street lighting projects which provide the mentioned goals.
Infection-exposure in infancy is associated with reduced allergy-related disease in later childhood in a Ugandan cohort
Authors: Lubyayi Lawrence , Mpairwe Harriet , Nkurunungi Gyaviira , Lule Swaib A , Nalwoga Angela , Webb Emily L , Levin Jonathan , Elliott Alison M
Published: September 2021

Background:

Lack of early infection-exposure has been associated with increased allergy-related disease (ARD) susceptibility. In tropical Africa, little is known about which infections contribute to development of ARDs, and at which time.

Methods:

We used latent class analysis to characterise the early infection-exposure of participants in a Ugandan birth cohort and assessed ARDs in later childhood.

Results:

Of 2345 live births, 2115 children (90%) had data on infections within the first year of life while 1179 (50%) had outcome data at 9 years. We identified two latent classes of children based on first-year infection-exposure. Class 1 (32% membership), characterised by higher probabilities for malaria (80%), diarrhoea (76%), and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) (22%), was associated with lower prevalence of wheeze, eczema, rhinitis, and Dermatophagoides skin prick test (SPT) positivity at 9 years. Based on 5-year cumulative infection experience, class 1 (31% membership), characterised by higher probabilities for helminths (92%), malaria (79%), and LRTI (45%), was associated with lower probabilities of SPT positivity at 9 years.

Conclusions:

In this Ugandan birth cohort, early childhood infection-exposure, notably to malaria, helminths, LRTI, and diarrhoea, is associated with lower prevalence of atopy and ARDs in later childhood.

Funding:

This work was supported by several funding sources. The Entebbe Mother and Baby Study (EMaBS) was supported by the Wellcome Trust, UK, senior fellowships for AME (grant numbers 064693, 079110, 95778) with additional support from the UK Medical Research Council. LL is supported by a PhD fellowship through the DELTAS Africa Initiative SSACAB (grant number 107754). ELW received funding from MRC Grant Reference MR/K012126/1. SAL was supported by the PANDORA-ID-NET Consortium (EDCTP Reg/Grant RIA2016E-1609). HM was supported by the Wellcome’s Institutional Strategic Support Fund (grant number 204928/Z/16/Z).
Consecuencias de los conflictos armados en la salud mental de niños y adolescentes: revisión de revisiones de la literatura
Authors: Piñeros-Ortiz Sandra , Moreno-Chaparro Jaime , Garzón-Orjuela Nathaly , Urrego-Mendoza Zulma , Samacá-Samacá Daniel , Eslava-Schmalbach Javier
Published: September 2021

Introducción. Los conflictos armados dejan consecuencias evidentes en la salud mental de la población infantil y adolescente. En ese marco, se ha documentado una serie de situaciones que tienen como factor común la vulnerabilidad de esta población y las afectaciones biopsicosociales significativas.Objetivo. Determinar y sintetizar las diferentes consecuencias de los conflictos armados en la salud mental de la población infantil y adolescente.Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática exhaustiva de revisiones bibliográficas hasta julio de 2019 en las bases de datos MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS y otras. Se seleccionaron los artículos y se analizaron de forma narrativa sus características, objetivos y consecuencias en salud mental en tres momentos: antes del conflicto, durante el conflicto y en el posconflicto.Resultados. De un total de 587 artículos potencialmente relevantes, se seleccionaron 72. En los estudios sobre el periodo anterior al conflicto, se detallaron experiencias psicológicas y síntomas somáticos anticipatorios. Durante el conflicto, se evidenciaron síntomas regresivos, conductuales y cognitivos, como enuresis, miedo, tristeza, agresión, hiperactividad e inatención, entre otros. Además, se establecieron consecuencias directas, como trastornos de adaptación, depresión, ansiedad y, en mayor medida, estrés postraumático. Por último, en el posconflicto, se recopiló la información sobre los procesos de transmisión de las consecuencias y la resiliencia. Por otro lado, se profundizó en las consecuencias potenciales en el desarrollo biopsicosocial, la moralidad, la identidad, el contexto, la cultura, la educación y la sociedad.Conclusiones. Las consecuencias de los conflictos armados en la salud mental se inscriben en un proceso complejo que se expresa en función de la etapa evolutiva de la exposición, del tiempo del conflicto armado y de los factores contextuales.
A novel activity on thymocytes cells exerted by the rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus cumanensis) venom
Authors: Pulido-Méndez María M. , Azuaje Elvia , Rodríguez-Acosta Alexis
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The thymus is active mainly during the neonatal and pre-adolescent periods.Objective: To test naïve thymocytes proliferation and monocytes stimulation.Materials and methods: We collected fresh thymus tissue from neonate mice after surgery. Suspension cells were coated onto Ficoll-Hypaque support. The obtained cells (thymocytes) were cultured measuring the proliferation of naïve T cells stimulated by Crotalus durissus cumanensis (Cdc) venom at sub-lethal doses (20 ng). Then, we supplemented the wells with AlamarBlue™ and incubated them for 5 h to test their proliferation. Mononuclear cells from mice peripheral blood were collected and layered onto the support of the Ficoll-Hypaque solution. We added the thymocytes actively dividing (25 x 105 cells) from cultures stimulated with Cdc venom at 20 ng/well to cultured monocytes freshly obtained from the Ficoll-Hypaque separation. Both cell populations were incubated for 36 h until monocytes matured to macrophages.Results: The naïve thymocytes rapidly proliferated after stimulation with the Cdc venom (NTCdc) and these successively induced the maturation and function of monocytes progenitor cells to mature macrophages, which ingested Chinese ink.Conclusions: The naïve thymocytes proliferated by stimulation with the Cdc venom and subsequently the NT/Cdc induced the rapid maturation and function of monocytes progenitor cells becoming mature macrophages with their phenotypic characteristics.
Definición diagnóstica en una familia con malattia leventinese en Colombia
Authors: Gelvez Nancy , Hurtado-Villa Paula , Flórez Silvia , Brieke Anne Charlotte , Rodríguez Francisco , Bertolotto Ana María , Tamayo Martha L.
Published: September 2021

La malattia leventinese es una enfermedad hereditaria autosómica dominante, cuyos síntomas se inician entre la segunda y la cuarta décadas de la vida. Se caracteriza por la aparición de drusas localizadas entre el epitelio pigmentario de la retina y la membrana de Bruch; suele reducir la visión drásticamente y progresar a ceguera. La variante patogénica p.Arg345Trp en el gen EFEMP1 se ha asociado con esta enfermedad.Se presenta aquí la caracterización clínica y molecular de una familia con malattia leventinese mediante un manejo integral que involucró a oftalmólogos, pediatras y genetistas, lo que es de gran importancia, ya que el fenotipo de esta enfermedad suele confundirse con la degeneración macular. A todos los individuos de la familia se les hizo la evaluación oftalmológica con imágenes diagnósticas de retina y extracción de ADN a partir de una muestra de sangre periférica. Todos los exones del gen EFEMP1 se amplificaron y secuenciaron. La variante patogénica p.Arg345Trp se identificó en los individuos afectados.Este es el primer reporte de malattia leventinese en una familia con la variante patogénica p.Arg345Trp en Colombia. El diagnóstico molecular de las distrofias retinianas es fundamental para diferenciar este tipo de enfermedades.
Quantitative trait locus mapping analysis of multiple traits when using genotype data with potential errors
Authors: Tong Liang , Zhou Ying , Guo Yixing , Ding Hui , Ji Donghai
Published: September 2021

Background

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis aims to locate and estimate the effects of the genes influencing quantitative traits and infer the relationship between gene variants and changes in phenotypic characteristics using statistical methods. Some methods have been developed to map QTLs of multiple traits in the case of no genotype error in a given dataset. However, practical genetic data that people use may contain some potential errors because of the limitations of biotechnology. Common genetic data correction methods can only reduce errors, but cannot calculate the degree of error. In this paper, we propose a QTL mapping strategy for multiple traits in the presence of genotype errors.

Methods

The additive effect, dominant effect, recombination rate, error rate, and other parameters of QTLs can be simultaneously obtained using this new method in the framework of multiple-interval mapping.

Results

Our simulation results show that the accuracy of parameter estimation can be improved by considering the errors of marker genotypes during the analysis of genetic data. Real data analysis also shows that the new method proposed in this paper can map the QTLs of multiple traits more accurately.
Locating ligand binding sites in G-protein coupled receptors using combined information from docking and sequence conservation
Authors: Vidad Ashley Ryan , Macaspac Stephen , Ng Ho Leung
Published: September 2021

GPCRs (G-protein coupled receptors) are the largest family of drug targets and share a conserved structure. Binding sites are unknown for many important GPCR ligands due to the difficulties of GPCR recombinant expression, biochemistry, and crystallography. We describe our approach, ConDockSite, for predicting ligand binding sites in class A GPCRs using combined information from surface conservation and docking, starting from crystal structures or homology models. We demonstrate the effectiveness of ConDockSite on crystallized class A GPCRs such as the beta2 adrenergic and A2A adenosine receptors. We also demonstrate that ConDockSite successfully predicts ligand binding sites from high-quality homology models. Finally, we apply ConDockSite to predict the ligand binding sites on a structurally uncharacterized GPCR, GPER, the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor. Most of the sites predicted by ConDockSite match those found in other independent modeling studies. ConDockSite predicts that four ligands bind to a common location on GPER at a site deep in the receptor cleft. Incorporating sequence conservation information in ConDockSite overcomes errors introduced from physics-based scoring functions and homology modeling.
Effectiveness and Utilization of Field Trip as a Method of Teaching and Learning Chemistry in Senior Secondary Schools in a Council Area of Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Appolinus I. Ehirim, , Nwankwo Ikechukwu- , C. Prisca , Kenneth O. Amanze, , StellaMaris O. Unegbu,
Published: September 2021

The study assessed the effectiveness and utilization of field trip as a method of teaching and learning chemistry at senior secondary schools in Owerri Municipal Council Area of Imo State, Nigeria. The population of the study was all the 4664 chemistry students in the government-owned secondary schools in the Council. Simple random sampling technique was used to select five schools and 20% of the numbers of chemistry students in each of the sampled schools were used to obtain the sample size of 288 chemistry students. Four research questions were posed for the study. The research was descriptive survey design and questionnaires were used to elicit relevant data while mean rating was used for the analyses of the data obtained for the study. The results gave grand means of 3.14, 1.70, 3.51 and 3.21 for research questions 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. These findings showed that field trip is interactive, motivating and provides opportunity for chemistry students to widen their practical knowledge of industrial application of chemistry; chemistry teachers do not utilize field trip in teaching and learning of chemistry; lack of chemistry and chemical process-based industries, time constraint, transportation cost/risk, and the organizing process are the factors that influence effective utilization of field trip. Based on the findings, it was recommended that school field trips should reinforce the curriculum and they should be arranged at every level of the Department at various times, criterion based set of guidelines for planning and conducting successful field trips should be developed; workshops and seminars should be organized for teachers on the importance of field trip and its utilization in the teaching and learning of chemistry. Again, when considering a field trip, teachers are advised to first consult with their administrator regarding existing school board policies and follow that recommended procedure. School authorities should assist in the provision of funds or transportation for field trips.
Influence of Yield and economic Viability of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill) under Varietal Replacement Demonstration in Bhagalpur District, Bihar, India
Authors: Kant Kamal , Gupta S. K. , Ghanshyam . , Kumar Sanoj , Kumar Amit , Kumari Anita , Patel A. B. , Vishwakarma Ramanuj , Sohane R. K.
Published: September 2021

The study was conducted to analyze the influence of yield and economic viability of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill) under varietal replacement demonstration in Bhagalpur District, Bihar, India during Rabi 2018-2019. Varietal adoption demonstrations were conducted on tomato by the active participation of the farmers. The improved technologies consist disease resistant variety (Kashi Vishesh), balanced fertilizers (Soil test based) application and integrated pest and disease management, etc. (All the recommended practices were provided to the selected farmers. The data related to the cost of cultivation, production, productivity, gross return and net return were collected as per scheduled and analysed. Results of the study revealed the higher yield in the demonstrations was recorded (498 q/ha) as compared to farmers practice traditional adopted by the farmers (396 q/ha). The percentage increase in the yield over farmer’s practice 25.75 was recorded. The technology gap, extension gap and technology index were computed 132 q/ha, 102 q/ha and 20.95% respectively. The demonstrated field gave higher net return Rs. 4, 02,000/- and B: C ratio and incremental demonstrated B: C ratio is 1: 4.12 and 1: 5.18 respectively. The result of the study indicated the gap existed in the potential yield and demonstration yield is due to soil fertility and weather conditions. Present results clearly show that the yield and economics of tomato can be boost up by adopting recommended technologies.
Bioremediation of Soil Contaminated with Spent Engine Oil using Pig Dung
Authors: Ibiene A. A. , Aleruchi O. , Nnodim L.C. , Ihunwo R. U.
Published: September 2021

Studies were carried out to investigate the bioremediation potential of pig dung in a soil contaminated with spent engine oil. Soil samples were obtained from the Ofrima complex, University of Port Harcourt. The soil samples were contaminated with various concentrations (50 ml and 100 ml) of spent engine oil and allowed for 21 days for proper exposure, mimicking natural spill. This was followed by the addition of the pig dung. The experimental setup was labeled sample A (1 kg soil + 100 g pig dung + 50 ml spent engine oil) and sample B (1 kg soil + 100 g pig dung + 100 ml spent engine oil). The physicochemical parameters and the microbiological analysis were done using standard methods. The total petroleum hydrocarbon was analyzed using gas chromatographic methods. Analyses were carried out at 14 days intervals for 28 days. The physicochemical parameter results showed a reduction in pH values in the contaminated soil samples, ranging from 6.21 - 6.65 in sample A and 6.57 - 6.87 in sample B. Temperature values were constant at 230C from day 1 to day 14 in sample A and increased at day 28 to 24 0C, also for sample B, the temperature was constant at 230C from day 1 to day14 and increased at day 28 to 26 0C. The amount of heavy metal (Lead) content decreased from 4.3645 - 1.93676 (mg/kg) and 6.18361 - 3.89654 (mg/kg) for samples A and B, respectively. There was also a significant reduction in the amount of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon, from 16631.86 - 3280.83 mg/kg for sample A and 18464.73 - 6784.60 mg/kg for sample B. The THB counts for samples A and B ranged from 7.73 - 7.91 and 7.05-8.20 (Log cfu/g), respectively. The fungal counts ranged from 3.99–4.58 and 5.12 - 7.93 (Log cfu/g) for samples A and B respectively. HUB counts ranged from 4.52–5.09 and 4.93- 5.55 (Log cfu/g) for samples A and B, respectively. The HUF counts ranged from 4.12 - 5.49 and 4.13 - 4.70 (Log cfu/g) for samples A and B, respectively. The results clearly showed that microorganisms capable of utilizing total petroleum hydrocarbon were present, also the pig dung showed both bio-stimulation and bio-augmentation tendency to attract high microbial load which supported the bioremediation of the spent engine oil contaminated soil.
Implementation of Trade-off, Local Component, and Offset Policy Pt. Pindad (Persero) in Supporting the Defense Economy
Authors: Arsita Savira Ayu , Saputro Guntur Eko , Sarjito Aris
Published: September 2021

The fundamental problems in economic development in Indonesia are the low level of welfare, unsustainable economic growth, and the inadequate development process of economic sectors. Defense Economics is a branch of science that applies economics to national defense issues. Defense economics as a multidisciplinary study discusses resource allocation, income distribution, economic growth, and political stability as applied to topics related to defense.  One of the efforts of the Indonesian government in increasing the capability of the defense industry is to implement a trade-off, local component, and offset policy also known as IDKLO. The Indonesian government in carrying out this mechanism has formed a cooperation with various industrial bodies, locally and internationally such as PT. Pindad (Persero). In carrying out its duties, PT. Pindad (Persero) experienced several obstacles for instance the limitations on the company's high technology mastery in building defense equipment, the availability of funding, and inadequate human resources regarding technical and academic matters. The purpose of this study was to find out how the implementation of the IDKLO policy was carried out by PT. Pindad (Persero) in developing the defense industry. The data collection process is carried out through a literature review method on scientific articles, laws and regulations, as well as PT Pindad's (Persero) annual report related to the IDKLO for the procurement of defense equipment. The results show that the implementation of PT Pindad's (Persero) (IDKLO) is divided into 3 main activities, namely the Ministry of Defense contract with the principal, the principal contract with the defense industry, and the completion of the local component and offsets (KLO) contract. Several variables to support the implementation of PT Pindad’s (Persero) IDKLO are the ability to communicate, its resources, the bureaucracy, and the disposition which could improve the capability of the defense industry of the Republic of Indonesia.
Challenges to Health and Safety Compliance for Construction Projects in South East, Nigeria
Authors: Emma-Ochu C. A. , Okolie K. C. , Ohaedeghasi C. I.
Published: September 2021

The aim of this research is to establish the challenges to health and safety compliance for construction projects in South East Nigeria. This study which is essentially survey based and empirical collected quantitative and qualitative data through questionnaire survey and field observations. The questionnaires were administered to indigenous construction firms and professionals in the construction projects in Abia, Anambra, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi States of the South East area of Nigeria which are the study population. The tools used for data analysis were Regression using Friedman Q Test Ranking and crosstab. The findings revealed that the challenges to health and safety compliance in South East Nigeria are bribery and corruption, ignorance of the benefits of compliance, lack of health and safety culture, perception of stakeholders, neglect of human rights and moral values, non-commitment of the major construction players, inadequate training of staff and lack of skilled health and safety personnel, non-inclusion of health and safety in contract document and tendering process and inadequate funding. This study concludes that the lack of awareness and understanding of health and safety significantly hinders compliance to health and safety. The study therefore recommends that using enforcement in form of incentives based approach will equally take care of the identified different challenges to Health and Safety Compliance in South East, Nigeria. Furthermore, the health and safety regulations should not be enforced only through inspections and sanctions, rather there should be economic incentives to encourage and motivate self- compliance.
A Cross-sectional Study to Assess the Risk of Diabetes Mellitus among Pre-diabetes Obese People of Selected Rural Area of Waghodia Taluka, Vadodara
Authors: Adithya S. , Ranganatha C. , Gayathri M.
Published: September 2021

Background: India is the diabetic capital of the world, with a maximum number of diabetic patients. There is a large burden of undetected diabetic cases in the community. There is an increasing risk of diabetes in urban slums and rural areas, because of illiteracy, lack of awareness, low socioeconomic status, and unhealthy lifestyle. The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) is a simple, low-cost, feasible tool for mass screening programs at the community level. This background study was planned with the following aim. Aim: As72.2% of the Indian population resides in rural areas, the current study was carried to assess the risk of diabetes mellitus among Pre-Diabetes obese people and to find out the association between the risk of diabetes mellitus and selected demographic variables. 

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was adapted. 400 subjects were recruited by non-probability purposive sampling technique among Pre-Diabetes obese people The data gathering was carried out with an Indian Diabetic Risk Score scale (IDRS). The collected data was optimized and analyzed by using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics.

Results: With regards to the risk assessment of Diabetes Mellitus, Out of 400subjects, 19.5% of the subjects belonged to no/low risk, 58.75% of the subjects belonged to moderate risk and 21.75% of the subjects belonged to very high risk as per IDRS.

Conclusion: The present study revealed that the risk of diabetes among adults is on rising in rural areas. Hence it is essential to create awareness about diabetes and accessibility to health care services among the rural population. Physical activity likes regular exercise, diet, and lifestyle modification are some of the interventions that can reduce the risk of diabetes.
A Rare Case of Pansinusitis Fungal Mucormycosis with Orbital Involvement in Post COVID-19 Patient and Its Treatment
Authors: Ghungrud Deepali , Sharma Ranjana , Singh Seema , Ankar Ruchira
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Covid-19 pandemic disease and its infections caused may be associated with bacterial and fungal co-infections.

Case Presentation: A 61- year-old male patient, after Covid-19 disease admitted in hospital with the complaints of headache, right eye swelling, watering of right eyes, loss of vision since 2 days, also has history of loss of appetite, no history of febrile illness. Patient having history of diabetic mellitus but it was under control. As per physical examination left eye’s vision was reduced but eye movement was present. In right eye there was swelling of periorbital region, redness, watering of eyes was present and perception of light was negative due to damaged optic nerve. Loss of vision was found, eye movement was not present. Patient having mucormycosis fungal infection which was confirmed on culture test. All blood investigations were done. All reports were normal except white blood cells (WBC) were raised with 13400cu.mm. Random blood sugar (RBS) 250 mg%. Without delay medical treatment was started and patient was kept under strict observation.Spo2 were 97%, pulse rate 78 beats/ min.

Conclusion: Here we would like to bring into notice that, Medical team members should know about the danger of secondary invasive fungal infection in a patient after Covid 19 disease. This type of cases can be prevented by using hygienic technique while handling of patient and proper standard treatment. It is necessary to prevent the spread of infection and its mortality and morbidity. Hence, medical practitioners should be aware of early clinical manifestation of the disease.
An evaluation of clinical decision support tools for Patient Health Questionnaire-9 administration
Authors: Maten Naweid , Kroehl Miranda E. , Loeb Danielle F. , Bhat Shubha , Ota Taylor , Billups Sarah J. , Schilling Lisa M. , Heckman Simeon , Reingardt Crystal , Trinkley Katy E.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Many health care institutions are working to improve depression screening and management with the use of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Clinical decision support (CDS) within the EHR is one strategy, but little is known about effective approaches to design or implement such CDS. The purpose of this study is to compare implementation outcomes of two versions of a CDS tool to improve PHQ-9 administration for patients with depression.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational study comparing two versions of a CDS. Version 1 interrupted clinician workflow, and version 2 did not interrupt workflow. Outcomes of interest included reach, adoption, and effectiveness. PHQ-9 administration was determined by chart review. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate associations between PHQ-9 administration with versions 1 and 2.

Results

Version 1 resulted in PHQ-9 administration 77 times (15.3% of 504 unique encounters) compared with 49 times (9.8% of 502 unique encounters) with version 2 (P = .011).

Discussion

An interruptive CDS tool may be more effective at increasing PHQ-9 administration, but a noninterruptive CDS tool may be preferred to minimize alert fatigue despite a decrease in effectiveness.
Disability and workers' compensation trends for employees with mental disorders and SUDs in the United States
Authors: Brook Richard A. , Kleinman Nathan L. , Beren Ian A.
Published: September 2021

Introduction

US employee absence benefits may include workers' compensation (WC) for work-related injuries/illnesses, short- and long-term disability (STD and LTD, respectively) for non–work-related injuries/illnesses, and discretionary sick leave (SL). Absences can significantly impact business performance, and employers are intensifying efforts to manage benefits and connections with employee health. This research compares all-cause STD/LTD/WC/SL use and variation from baseline (2002) for eligible employees (EMPs) with mental disorders (MDs) and SUDs to determine if use/payments varied over time.

Methods

Employees incurring medical claims with Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality MD and SUD ICD-9/10 codes were identified in the WorkPartners database (January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2019). Retrospective analysis was performed on annual prevalence, benefit use, mean days of leave, and median payments as a percent of salary (including lump-sum distributions and potentially extending beyond initiation year). WC claims without work absences were excluded. For each benefit, annual outcomes were calculated as a percent of baseline to show variability.

Results

Use was 48.1% to 202.2% (median, 102.8%) of baseline rates for SL (SUD-EMPs), and 87.3% to 108.4% (median, 97.3%) for STD (MD-EMPs). Days of LTD leaves were 21.5% to 657.8% (median, 359.2%) of baseline days (MD-EMPs), and 122.7% to 1042.2% (median, 460.0%) of baseline days for (SUD-EMPs). Median payments for WC were 78.6% to 253.6% (median, 114.6%) of baseline (MD-EMPs) and 97.9% to 481.6% (median, 104.0%) for SUD-EMPs.

Discussion

Employees with MD/SUD used absence benefits at differing rates over time with varying days of leave and payments as a percent of salary. Using a constant cost or salary replacement factor over time for all benefits is not accurate or appropriate.