bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of a Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae serum ELISA for antibody detection in processing fluids
Authors: Magtoto Ronaldo , Armenta-Leyva Betsy , Dizon-Magtoto Precy , Cheng Ting-Yu , Clavijo Maria , Johnson Clayton , Lopez Will , Baum David , Zimmerman Jeffrey , Gimenez-Lirola Luis
Published: May 2022

The diagnostic performance of a commercial Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MHP) serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated for MHP antibody detection in processing fluids (n = 494) using samples from three commercial swine farms. Based on historical monitoring, one farm was considered MHP positive and two were considered MHP negative. Samples were tested at a 1:10 dilution and diagnostic sensitivities and specificities estimated for specific ELISA sample-to-positive (S:P) cutoffs. At S:P ≥ 0.40, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were estimated as 97.6% and 100.0%, respectively. Overall, the results suggest that processing fluids can be used for MHP antibody surveillance in breeding herds.
Characterization of changes in productivity parameters as breeding herds transitioned through the 2021 PRRSV breeding herd classification system
Authors: Osemeke Onyekachukwu , Donovan Tara , Dion Kate , Holtkamp Derald , Linhares Daniel
Published: May 2022

Using retrospective data from 6 breed-to-wean herds over 4 years, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) statuses were assigned by week according to the 2021 American Association of Swine Veterinarians PRRSV classification. Productivity changes were characterized as herds transitioned through status categories. Overall, productivity improved as farm status improved.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella multocida, and Streptococcus suis isolated from diseased pigs in the United States and Canada, 2016 to 2020
Authors: Sweeney Michael , Gunnett Lacie , Mohan Kumar Dipu , Lunt Bryce , Galina Pantoja Lucina , Bade Donald , Machin Chandra
Published: May 2022

Objective: To report the in vitro susceptibility to veterinary antimicrobial agents of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella multocida, and Streptococcus suis isolated from diseased pigs in the United States and Canada from 2016 to 2020. Materials and methods: In vitro broth microdilution susceptibility testing for minimal inhibitory concentration values were performed using ten antimicrobial agents (ampicillin, ceftiofur, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, penicillin, tetracycline, tilmicosin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tulathromycin) with A pleuropneumoniae (n = 250), B bronchiseptica (n = 602), P multocida (n = 874), and S suis (n = 1223) following methods and susceptibility breakpoints approved by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Results: Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates were 100% susceptible to ceftiofur, florfenicol, and tulathromycin and P multocida isolates were 100% susceptible to ceftiofur. High rates of susceptibility (95% to > 99%) were observed for A pleuropneumoniae to tilmicosin; for P multocida to ampicillin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, penicillin, tilmicosin, and tulathromycin; for S suis to ampicillin and florfenicol; and for B bronchiseptica to tulathromycin. Tetracycline exhibited low susceptibility rates against A pleuropneumoniae (0% to 10.6%), P multocida (23.2% to 38.2%), and S suis (0.8% to 2.1%). No susceptibility of B bronchiseptica to ampicillin (0%) and low rates of susceptibility to florfenicol (3.9% to 15.2%) were also observed. Implications: Under the conditions of this study, the predominant pathogens associated with swine respiratory disease in the United States and Canada, A pleuropneumoniae, B bronchiseptica, P multocida, and S suis collected during 2016 to 2020, display high rates of susceptibility to most veterinary antimicrobial agents.
Syrian war shrapnel injury: cubital nerve defect grafting during humanitarian surgical mission. Clinical case presentation
Authors:   Constantin Papilian Military Emergency Hospital Cluj – Napoca, Vidrașcu Argentina , Polihovici Paul ,   Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj Napoca
Published: May 2022

Background and aim of this clinical case presentation is to reveal the importance of early nerve injury diagnosis and surgical treatment in war wounded patients. Methods. The author treated patients in Amman Charity Hospital were among different plastic surgery cases where limb nerve injuries with nerve grafting indication. The presented case was treated with autologus sural nerve graft. Results were evaluated at 3 months after the surgery and revealed detectable nerve conductibility at the Electromiography test. In conclusion, in cases with delayed nerve repair surgical treatment in war wounded patients, the vascularised nerve graft can be a better solution for nerve defect surgical treatment.
Salivary matrix metalloproteinases activity in periodontal disease
Authors:   Faculty of Dental  Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine  and Pharmacy, Bucharest,  Romania, Miricescu Daniela , Ștefani Constantin ,   Faculty of General  Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine  and Pharmacy, Bucharest,  Romania,   Carol Davila University  Central Emergency  Military Hospital,  Bucharest, Romania, Stanescu Iulia I ,   Faculty of Dental  Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine  and Pharmacy, Bucharest,  Romania, Totan Alexandra ,   Faculty of Dental  Medicine, “Carol Davila”  University of Medicine  and Pharmacy, Bucharest,  Romania, Radulescu Radu ,   Faculty of Dental  Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest,  Romania, Didilescu Andreea ,   Faculty of Dental  Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine  and Pharmacy, Bucharest,  Romania, Ciobanu Lidia ,   Faculty of Dental  Medicine, “Carol Davila”  University of Medicine  and Pharmacy, Bucharest,  Romania, Greabu Maria ,   Faculty of Dental  Medicine, “Carol Davila”  University of Medicine  and Pharmacy, Bucharest,  Romania
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key enzymes involved in degradation of extracellular colagen matrix during periodontal disease progression. The aim of our work was to study the levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9 and MMP-10 in saliva of patients with chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods: The study included 22 patients with chronic periodontal disease and 15 controls. We collect unstimulated whole saliva from all volunteers included in the study. Salivary levels of mentioned MMPs were analyzed using magnetic bead-based multiplex assays and Luminex technology. Results: MMP-1, MMP-7, MMP-9 and MMP-10 present statistically increased salivary levels at patients with periodontal disease versus the control group (p<0.05). Salivary level of MMP-2 at patients with chronic periodontitis was increased but statistically insignificant compared with healthy subjects (p=0.1). Conclusions. The increased level of these enzymes in patients diagnosed with periodontal disease reflects their implication in periodontal tissue degradation. Saliva is an excellent fluid useful in monitoring the severity of this oral disease that affects about half of the adult population around the world.
Survival following repetitive ventricular fibrillation caused by monoamine oxidase inhibitor overdosing (MAOI)
Authors:   ICU II Toxicology, Clinical  Emergency Hospital,  Bucharest, Romania, Danescu Ilenuţa L , Tudosie Mihail S ,   “Carol Davila” University  of Medicine and  Pharmacy, Bucharest,  Romania, Caragea Genica ,   Military Medical  Research Center,  Bucharest, Romania, Avram Ruxandra ,   Military Medical Research Center, Bucharest, Romania,   ICU II Toxicology, Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania, Ştefani Constantin ,   “Carol Davila” University  of Medicine and  Pharmacy, Bucharest,  Romania, Cioca Gabriela ,   „Lucian Blaga”  University of Sibiu,  Romania, Macovei Radu A ,   “Carol Davila” University  of Medicine and  Pharmacy, Bucharest,  Romania,   ICU II Toxicology, Clinical  Emergency Hospital,  Bucharest, Romania
Published: May 2022

One of the great dreams of humanity has been the improvement of its behavioural, affective and emotional status. Depression represents the suffering of beings over their existential course, as a point of passage between the human condition and its destiny. The attempts of psychiatry to introduce efficient and increasingly performing antidepressants represent one of medicine’s great achievements. At the same time, antidepressant overdosing may lead to cardiotoxic manifestations presenting lethal risks as consequences [1]. We hereby present the case of a patient that was poisoned with tianeptine, ingested for suicidal purposes, who survived repetitive episodes of ventricular fibrillation, electrically converted to sinusal rhythm. The GC/MS analytical diagnosis played an essential part in detecting tianeptine in the biological samples. The rapid and very competent therapeutic intervention allowed for the patient’s survival, despite further complications. A review of main tianeptine information is also presented, as this type of intoxication may have deadly consequences.
PELATIHAN MENGENAL POTENSI DIRI DAN KUALITAS PRIBADI BAGI SISWA SMK
Authors: Kartianti Sahrestia , Asgar Sukitman
Published: May 2022

Pemahaman diri adalah penting bagi setiap individu untuk memahami dirinya secara realistis, baik kekuatannya maupun kelemahannya. Tujuan akhir pemahaman diri adalah menerima dirinya, dirinya seperti apa adanya. Pemahaman diri didasarkan pada adanya informasi tentang diri yang akurat dan sahih. Informasi diri yang akurat akan dapat digunakan untuk bahan pertimbangan dalam pengarahan diri, penentuan dan pengambilan keputusan terkait dengan karir atau pekerjaan yang akan dimasukinya. Mengenal potensi diri dan kualitas pribadi sangat penting dalam upaya untuk memahami diri, mengarahkan diri dan juga mengembangkan diri. Metode yang digunakan dalam kegiatan  ini adalah menggunakan metode ceramah untuk memaparkan materi dan latihan kepada peserta dengan menggunakan instrumen berupa lembar kerja / lembar tugas. Berdasarkan hasil kegiatan tersebut, maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa setalah mengikuti pelatihan, siswa sudah mampu mengenal potensi diri dan kualitas pribadinya sendiri yang dilihat dari tingkat pemahaman sebesar 75%.
Prepartum and/or postpartum supplementation with monensin-molasses multinutrient blocks to optimize fertility and calf performance in primiparous beef cows
Authors: Lima Chechin Catussi Bruna , Garcia da Silva Laísa , Schalch Júnior Fernando  José , Angelieri Auder Rafaela Maria Sutiro , Morales Gómez Juan  Fernando , Mingoti Rodolfo  Daniel , Franco Morgulis Sergio  Carlos , Sampaio Baruselli Pietro
Published: May 2022

Objective: Pregnant Nelore heifers (n = 417) were used to evaluate the effects of supplementation with monensin-molasses multinutrient block (B) during pre and/or postpartum on reproductive and progeny performance.Methods: Heifers were allocated in four treatments: i) CC: heifers received control supplement (C) in loose meal form (0.06% of body weight [BW] offered daily before and after parturition; n = 108); ii) CB: received C before parturition and B (0.07% of BW offered weekly after parturition; n = 117); iii) BC: received B before and C after parturition (n = 103) and iv) BB: received B before and after parturition (n = 89). During pre and postpartum periods, concentration of metabolites/hormones and cow/calf performance was evaluated over time. Cows were synchronized twice for fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) using an estradiol/progesterone-based protocol. Data was analyzed by orthogonal contrasts (C).Results: B increased pregnancy at first FTAI (p = 0.04) and overall pregnancy rate (C1: CC vs BB+BC+CB; p = 0.05). Supplemented cows had greater body condition score (BCS) only at parturition (D0; p = 0.04) and at D40 (p = 0.02). B increased BW (p = 0.03), glucose concentrations (p = 0.01) and subcutaneous fat thickness (p = 0.03) only at D40. Concentrations of insulin were higher in supplemented cows (p = 0.008). Calves born by cows supplemented before and after parturition (C2: BB vs BC+CB) were heavier at 80 (p<0.001), 120 (p<0.001), 170 (p = 0.002) and 210 (p = 0.02) days old.Conclusion: Regardless of period of treatment, block supplementation increased pregnancy at first FTAI and overall pregnancy rate. Additionality, block supplementation during both pre and postpartum periods improved progeny weight until weaning. Block supplementation can be a tool to optimize fertility and calf performance in Nelore primiparous cows.
Structural Impediments to Tax Reform: The Environment as Case Study
Authors: Martinez Leo P.
Published: May 2022

“Things shouldn’t be so hard.”While the goal of any system of taxation is to be fair, however elusive the concept of fairness, there are two kinds of obstacles that impede or affect our ability to be fair. I categorize these two kinds of obstacles as those that resound in politics and those that are structural. This article deals with the structural aspects of how we go about taxing ourselves. The politics of taxation I leave for another day.Because the United States Internal Revenue Code (the Code) is vast and complicated, I examine the structural problems of taxation in the single context of the Code — the environment — as the vehicle to evaluate the prospects for reform. This focus on a single area is undertaken with two underlying observations. First, the Code is necessarily complex. A focus on a single area is manageable and serves as a useful case study. Second, the problems we all face from a degraded environment allow for the possibility that attention will be paid. The paper will move from the general to the specific, first highlighting the strengths and the weaknesses of the Code, and second, highlighting structural problems that affect tax policy. The aim will be to guide legislators and policymakers toward a sane tax policy.
Startup Ltd.: Tax Planning and Initial Incorporation Location
Authors: Morse Susan C.
Published: May 2022

Do startup firms consider taxes when they decide where to organize? This Article analyzes the incorporation decisions of relatively new, US-based private business enterprises with global ambitions. Such startup firms generally organize as US corporations. This Article theorizes this dominant structure and its exceptions, drawing from prior literature and illustrating with informal interview results. It identifies explanatory factors including limited tax benefits of non-US incorporation, legal benefits of US incorporation, startups’ liquidity and other resource constraints, and investor preferences.Part II explains the different treatment of US- and non-US-parented multinational corporations (MNCs) under US federal income tax law. Some non-US-parented MNC structures have tax advantages compared to US-parented MNC structures. This prompts the hypothesis that US-based startup corporations may incorporate outside the United States, for example in a tax haven jurisdiction, if the non-tax costs of a non-US incorporation decision are sufficiently low.Part III reports that available empirical work shows few examples of startup corporations headquartered in the United States and incorporated in tax haven jurisdictions. Prior work and informal interviews reported here support the conclusion that venture-backed Silicon Valley startups generally organize in the United States, form corporations rather than partnerships or LLCs, and prefer the state of Delaware as an incorporation jurisdiction. Available examples, drawn in large part from initial public offering (IPO) evidence, corroborate the conclusion that Delaware incorporation is the norm. The evidence also reveals exceptions to the general rule of US incorporation concentrated in particular industries, such as insurance and marine transportation. Part III also identifies several additional examples of US-based, non-US-incorporated firms, scattered among different industries.Part IV explores several possible reasons for the dominant structure of US incorporation for startup firms. One reason is the limited relative tax advantages of non-US incorporation. For example, US-parented MNCs can often obtain low tax rates on non-US income, sometimes access offshore cash without onerous US tax results, and erode their US taxable income base to some extent. Another reason is that a US-parented structure can provide corporate governance and other non-tax legal advantages
Paritätsgesetze und repräsentative Demokratie
Authors: Gloßner Anna
Published: May 2022

This paper contains a comprehensive analysis of the constitutional admissibility of gender-related electoral provisions and considers the latest jurisprudence in this regard, including at state level. The author examines fundamental and hitherto unresolved challenges in the implementation of constitutional law that stem from the need to reconcile fundamental electoral principles with equality rights and Article 3 (2) sentence 2 of the Grundgesetz. The paper concludes by suggesting a practical approach that does not require regulatory changes, but relies on soft law and advances that can be made through political discourse.
Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior, and Self-efficacy Among Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Basir Leila , Beigi Sepideh
Published: May 2022

Background: Poor oral health is recognized as a silent epidemic. Numerous individual and structural barriers are related to oral health status. Oral health promotion is essential for the general health and well-being of health professionals. Objectives: This study aimed to assess oral health-related knowledge, attitude, behavior, and self-efficacy among healthcare professionals. Methods: The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 404 participants from all health personnel (female = 234, male = 170) in Khuzestan, Iran, in 2021. The sample was obtained using the simple random sampling method. Data collection tools included a valid and reliable questionnaire, including items on demographics, knowledge, self-efficacy, attitude, and behavior regarding oral health. The questionnaire link was sent to employees via WhatsApp messenger. Data were analyzed using the t-test, ANOVA, and SPSS version 24. Results: The mean age of the participants was 37.38 ± 6.75. About 91% of the respondents had bachelor’s degree, and 91% were office employees. The mean score of knowledge (P < 0.001), attitude (P = 0.004), behavior (P = 0.023), and self-efficacy (P < 0.001) of women was more than men. Regular dental visits were more observed in single employees compared to married (2.38 times) and employees with diploma qualifications compared to bachelor (10 times) and PhD degrees (10 times). Conclusions: Demographic characteristics, oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavior of employees are intercorrelated with the frequency of dental clinic visits. Oral health promotion programs should be more focused on the improvement of oral health behaviors and practices, especially among males. Moreover, oral health programs should shift from focus on employees’ education to oral health practices and actions.
An intention-to-treat-analysis of the efficacy of immunotherapy using Mycobacterium w vaccine and Purified Protein Derivative of Tuberculin for warts with assessment of improvement in quality of life
Authors: Mohta Alpana , Sharma Manoj  Kumar , Kumari Pramila , Ghiya Bhikam Chand , Soni Prasoon , Metha Rajesh Dutt
Published: May 2022

INTRODUCTION:  Lately, immunotherapy has evolved as a safe and reliable management option for treatment of warts. Various antigens in use included vaccines and antigens like BCG, MMR, candida, trichophyton, purified Protein Derivative of Tuberculin (PPD) and mycobacterium w (Mw) or mycobacterium indicum prani vaccines to name a few.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This prospective, randomized open label study was aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety profile of intralesional Mw vaccine against intralesional PPD for the management of multiple warts with assessment of the improvement in quality of life using the DLQI questionnaire.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged above 12 years with ≥2 warts were recruited for the study. These individuals were randomized into groups A and B, namely Mw vaccine (group A) and PPD Tuberculin (group B). At each visit 0.1-0.2 ml of active antigen was infiltrated intralesionally into the largest/mother wart. The injections were repeated after ever 4 weeks, for the next 12 weeks. Quality of life improvement was measured.

RESULTS: This intention to treat analysis was completed by 102 patients, of which 55 were in group A and 47 in group B. The rate of complete clearance was comparable in group A (76.3%) than group B (65.9%) pvalue=0.064. Prior to treatment initiation, the most severely impacted domain of life by warts was ‘symptoms and feelings’. There was a statistically significant improvement in quality of life at the end of the treatment (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION: Mw vaccine and PPD are equally effective and safe in treatment of warts., however, Mw vaccine holds leverage over PPD with a marginally higher rate of clearance and lesser adverse events.
Fractional carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser alone versus fractional CO₂ laser combined with triamcinolone acetonide or tricholoroacetic acid in keloid treatment: A comparative clinical & radiological study
Authors: Elazhary Engy , Abd Al-Salam Fatma , Abd El-Hafiz Hala , Maghraby Hala
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Keloids are benign fibro-proliferative scarring extending outside the initial wound. Different modalities of treatment as intralesional corticosteroid injection, fractional CO₂ laser and others can be used either as mono or combined therapies.
Objectives: To assess the role of fractional CO2 laser versus fractional CO2 laser accompanied with either triamcinolone acetonide or trichloroacetic acid 20% in keloid treatment clinically and radiologically.
Methods: The current study was conducted on 45 Egyptian participants with keloid scar at different sites of the body. They were classified into three groups treated by fractional CO2 laser only (group I), fractional CO2 laser followed by triamcinolone acetonide (group II) or trichloroacetic acid application (group III) respectively. Evaluation of the keloid was done with Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Color Doppler Ultrasound (CDU) before and after treatment. Four sessions, one month apart were applied for the patients. They were followed up for 8 weeks after the last session.
Results: After treatment, there was high statistically significant reduction in Vancouver Scar Scale among the three groups (P value ≤ 0.001), reduction was more in group II then I then III. Also, high statistically significant reduction in keloid scar thickness assessed by Doppler was recorded (P value ≤0.001 in group II and P value ≤0.01 in group I & III).
Conclusion: Combined therapy is favorable in treatment of keloids. Trichloroacetic acid is a promising modality in treating keloid; hence it can be tried in different combinations. Color Doppler Ultrasound is a promising method of keloids pre- and post-treatment assessment.
Apremilast survival and reasons for discontinuation in psoriasis: five-year experience from a Greek tertiary care centre
Authors: Sotiriou Elena , Tsentemeidou Aikaterini , Sideris Nikolaos , Lallas Aimilios , Kougkas Nikolaos , Ioannides Dimitrios , Vakirlis Efstratios
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Drug survival is an indirect measure of efficacy and safety and its post-marketing assessment using real-life data is invaluable.

Objectives: To investigate the survival of apremilast in a cohort of psoriasis patients treated with apremilast in a Greek hospital.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study examined adult psoriasis patients receiving apremilast (March 2016 to January 2021). Primary endpoint was the cumulative survival probability at 52 weeks. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate survival probability. Cox regression analysis was performed to investigate potential risk factors for apremilast discontinuation.

Results: 102 patients (29.4% females) with a mean age of 55.94 years (Standard Deviation 15.21) were included. 65 patients (63.7%) had discontinued treatment by lock date: 19 (18.6%) due to lack of efficacy, 24 (23.5%) due to loss of efficacy, 15 (14.7%) due to adverse reactions, and 7 (6.86%) due to other reasons. Cumulative survival probability at 52 weeks was 52.1%. Median survival time for all reasons for discontinuation was 58 weeks 95%Confidence Interval (40.02, 75.98).

Conclusions: Approximately half of patients remained on apremilast after a year of treatment. Secondary drug failure was the most common reason for discontinuation.
Eccrine Porocarcinoma of the face is a great imitator with aggressive behavior
Authors: Seretis Konstantinos , Bounas Nikolaos , Lampri Evangeli , Lykoudis Efstathios
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Eccrine porocarcinoma (EPC) is a rare subtype of non-melanoma skin cancer developing in the intraepithelial portion of eccrine sweat glands. It is branded with a highly metastatic potential and increased rate of local recurrence after treatment. EPC showcased a trend of developing on the extremities, with presentation on the face sparse.

Objectives: Aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency, clinical features, and course of this malignancy presented on the face.

Methods: A retrospective review of the skin cancers excised between January 2010 and June 2021 was conducted in the plastic surgery department of a tertiary hospital. Patients were included in the study if EPC on the face was histologically confirmed. A prospectively maintained clinic database and the pathological reports were used to collect data.

Results: 4 EPC cases on the face out of 3984 confirmed skin cancers were identified. None of the cases was suspected clinically, but the diagnosis was established following the histopathologic examination. An aggressive postoperative behavior was confirmed in two cases.

Conclusions: The variance in the clinical presentation and the non-specific characteristics are perplexing clinical diagnosis, with the histopathologic examination representing the current standard for confirmation. Early diagnosis and adequate surgical resection are recommended as treatment cornerstones. Clinical awareness ought to be raised and a definitive treatment protocol be established for optimized results.
Detecting morphological gaps in tooth outlines of a Pachyrukhinae (Hegetotheriidae, Notoungulata) lineage: systematic and palaeobiogeographical significance of the records from Northwestern Argentina
Authors: ARMELLA Matías A. , ERCOLI Marcos D. , BONINI Ricardo A. , GARCÍA-LÓPEZ Daniel A.
Published: May 2022

Pachyrukhinae (Hegetotheriidae, Notoungulata) is a highly frequent clade in the Late Miocene-Pliocene outcrops of southern South America. In Argentina, two genera have been recognized for this span: Tremacyllus Ameghino, 1891 and Paedotherium Burmeister, 1888. The simplified ­euhypsodont dentition of these Neogene forms creates significant difficulties when cheek teeth are described for systematic purposes. Tremacyllus has been scarcely studied in comparison with Paedotherium, and taxonomic analyses have interpreted diagnostic features as intraspecific variations and proposed the monospecific status of the genus. Given the discussion regarding the validity of Tremacyllus species and the fact that dental elements are the most abundant remains in the fossil record, we employed a quantitative framework provided by geometric morphometrics and multivariate statistics to discriminating intra- from interspecific variability by tooth outline. We analyzed a large sample of 82 specimens and two hypotheses were tested: 1) there are morphological gaps within the analyzed sample; and 2) morphology follows a pattern of geographical variation within the sample, suitable for recognition of species. We found that morphological variability is organized into two clusters. Morphological gaps are associated with geographical patterns in the P4 and upper premolars datasets. Based on the classification of the type specimens and supported cluster structure, we recognize Tremacyllus incipiens Rovereto, 1914 as a valid taxon, endemic from western outcrops of Northwestern Argentina. Segregation between northern and southern morphologies agrees with two different palaeo-phytogeographic provinces. This approach proved to be very effective to address intra- and interspecific variation and contribute to the knowledge of available techniques to assess morphological variation.
Respiratory drive, inspiratory effort, and work of breathing: review of definitions and non-invasive monitoring tools for intensive care ventilators during pandemic times
Authors: Ríos-Castro Francisco , González-Seguel Felipe , Molina Jorge
Published: May 2022

Technological advances in mechanical ventilation have been essential to increasing the survival rate in intensive care units. Usually, patients needing mechanical ventilation use controlled ventilation to override the patient’s respiratory muscles and favor lung protection. Weaning from mechanical ventilation implies a transition towards spontaneous breathing, mainly using assisted mechanical ventilation. In this transition, the challenge for clinicians is to avoid under and over assistance and minimize excessive respiratory effort and iatrogenic diaphragmatic and lung damage. Esophageal balloon monitoring allows objective measurements of respiratory muscle activity in real time, but there are still limitations to its routine application in intensive care unit patients using mechanical ventilation. Like the esophageal balloon, respiratory muscle electromyography and diaphragmatic ultrasound are minimally invasive tools requiring specific training that monitor respiratory muscle activity. Particularly during the coronavirus disease pandemic, non invasive tools available on mechanical ventilators to monitor respiratory drive, inspiratory effort, and work of breathing have been extended to individualize mechanical ventilation based on patient’s needs. This review aims to identify the conceptual definitions of respiratory drive, inspiratory effort, and work of breathing and to identify non invasive maneuvers available on intensive care ventilators to measure these parameters. The literature highlights that although respiratory drive, inspiratory effort, and work of breathing are intuitive concepts, even distinguished authors disagree on their definitions.
Implementing NIST infiltration correlations
Authors: Teo Jyrteanna , Ng Lisa C
Published: May 2022

This tutorial is a guide on how to implement the NIST infiltration correlations (Ng et al., 2021) into EnergyPlus building energy simulation software for the US Department of Energy prototype commercial buildings. The implementation can also be generalized to other building energy simulation software and other building models.
Advancing Employment for Secondary Learners with Disabilities through CTE Policy and Practice
Authors: McKay Colleen E. , Langer Ellison Marsha , Narkewicz Emma L.
Published: May 2022

The Data tables for the figures in Advancing Employment for Secondary Learners with Disabilities through CTE Policy and Practice brief are available to download under "Additional Files" below.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V, P.L. 115-224) provides new opportunities for states to serve learners with disabilities in CTE. Perkins V specifies that learners with special population status, including learners with disabilities, need to be prepared for high-wage, high-skill, in-demand employment opportunities or post-secondary education. Perkins V requires state and local leaders to describe how CTE will be made available to learners with special population status and provides flexible funding and policy levers to achieve that goal.

Even though Perkins V is in the early stages of implementation (the law went into full effect on July 1, 2020), states can leverage facets of the new law to address the challenges of supporting CTE access and success among learners with disabilities. Perkins V emphasizes supporting learners with special population status, giving states an opportunity to:

Build upon prior equity work to provide greater access to CTE among learners with disabilities.

To restructure systems and policies to better support these learners.

To explore how this opportunity has been used by states in their Perkin V plans, UMass Chan Medical School partnered with Advance CTE to survey State CTE Directors for secondary education. This brief summarizes survey results, provides state examples, and offers policy and programmatic considerations.
On the Pathogenicity of Metarhizium Pemphigi against Ips Typographus L.
Authors: Takov Danail , Barta Marek , Toshova Teodora , Doychev Danail , Pilarska Daniela
Published: May 2022

Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium pemphigi was evaluated against Ips typographus adults in a laboratory bioassay for the first time. A series of four conidial concentrations (2×104–2×107 conidia/ml) were used. The cumulative mortality caused by M. pemphigi varied between 75% and 100% ten days post-treatment, with LC50 value of 2.9×103 conidia/ml and LC90 value of 6.4×104 conidia/ml. The median lethal time (LT50) of treated beetles depended on conidial concentrations and ranged from 1.78 to 5.98 days. Pathogenicity of M. pemphigi was reported for the first time and the tested strain was found to be promising for further evaluation in terms of management options against the spruce bark beetle.
Comparison between hydroxyapatite and polycaprolactone in inducing osteogenic differentiation and augmenting maxillary bone regeneration in rats
Authors: Luchman Nur Atmaliya , Megat Abdul Wahab Rohaya , Zainal Ariffin Shahrul Hisham , Nasruddin Nurrul Shaqinah , Lau Seng Fong , Yazid Farinawati
Published: May 2022

Background

The selection of appropriate scaffold plays an important role in ensuring the success of bone regeneration. The use of scaffolds with different materials and their effect on the osteogenic performance of cells is not well studied and this can affect the selection of suitable scaffolds for transplantation. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the comparative ability of two different synthetic scaffolds, mainly hydroxyapatite (HA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds in promoting in vitro and in vivo bone regeneration.

Method

In vitro cell viability, morphology, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MC3T3-E1 cells on HA and PCL scaffolds were determined in comparison to the accepted model outlined for two-dimensional systems. An in vivo study involving the transplantation of MC3T3-E1 cells with scaffolds into an artificial bone defect of 4 mm length and 1.5 mm depth in the rat’s left maxilla was conducted. Three-dimensional analysis using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and immunohistochemistry analyses evaluation were performed after six weeks of transplantation.

Results

MC3T3-E1 cells on the HA scaffold showed the highest cell viability. The cell viability on both scaffolds decreased after 14 days of culture, which reflects the dominant occurrence of osteoblast differentiation. An early sign of osteoblast differentiation can be detected on the PCL scaffold. However, cells on the HA scaffold showed more prominent results with intense mineralized nodules and significantly (p < 0.05) high levels of ALP activity with prolonged osteoblast induction. Micro-CT and H&E analyses confirmed the in vitro results with bone formation were significantly (p < 0.05) greater in HA scaffold and was supported by IHC analysis which confirmed stronger expression of osteogenic markers ALP and osteocalcin.

Conclusion

Different scaffold materials of HA and PCL might have influenced the bone regeneration ability of MC3T3-E1. Regardless, in vitro and in vivo bone regeneration was better in the HA scaffold which indicates its great potential for application in bone regeneration.
Predicting surface abundance of federally threatened Jollyville Plateau Salamanders (Eurycea tonkawae) to inform management activities at a highly modified urban spring
Authors: Adcock Zachary C. , MacLaren Andrew R. , Jones Ryan M. , Villamizar-Gomez Andrea , Wall Ashley E. , White IV Kemble , Forstner Michael R. J.
Published: May 2022

Urban expansion has contributed to the loss of habitat for range restricted species across the globe. Managing wildlife populations within these urban settings presents the challenge of balancing human and wildlife needs. Jollyville Plateau Salamanders (Eurycea tonkawae) are a range restricted, federally threatened, species of neotenic brook salamander endemic to central Texas. Almost the entire geographic range ofE. tonkawaeis embedded in the Austin, Cedar Park, and Round Rock metropolitan areas of Travis and Williamson counties, Texas. AmongE. tonkawaeoccupied sites, Brushy Creek Spring has experienced some of the most extensive anthropogenic disturbance. Today the site consists of small groundwater outlets that emerge in the seams within a concrete culvert underlying a highway. Salamanders persist within this system though they are rarely detected. Here, we model the occurrence of salamanders within the surface habitat of Brushy Creek Spring using generalized linear models. In the absence of available data regarding the amount of water that is discharged from the spring, we use accumulated rainfall as a proxy for discharge to estimate salamander abundance. Additionally, we present evidence of reproduction, recruitment, and subterranean movement byE. tonkawaethroughout this site. Infrastructure maintenance is inevitable at Brushy Creek Spring. We intend for our results to inform when maintenance should occur,i.e., during environmental conditions when salamanders are less likely to be observed in the surface habitat, to avoid unnecessary impacts to this federally threatened species.
Yoga Intervention for Patients with Systemic Lupus ErythematosusA Research Protocol
Authors: Shobana R , Bhaskar Emmanuel , Maheshkumar K , Silambanan Santhi
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most common systemic autoimmune disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. SLE patients experience periods of exacerbation or flare and quiescent disease activity. An increase in the frequency of exacerbations or flares causes permanent organ damage, increased morbidity, and early mortality, which are mainly due to the increased activity of immune-mediated inflammatory reactions. Yoga interventions have an immunemodulatory potential that regulates the psycho-neuro-immune axis, moderates disease activity, and improves the Quality Of Life (QOL) for patients. Aim: To report the methodology for the six months specified yoga interventions to reduce the inflammatory markers and enhance health-related QOL among SLE patients. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled trial will be conducted with a sample size of 128 SLE participants. Newly diagnosed and treatment-resistant SLE participants, patients more than 18 years of age, will be recruited. Participants divided into three groups: newly diagnosed, treatment-resistant SLE, and control; patients diagnosed with SLE within six months, unresponsive to "standard therapy" will be placed in the respective group. Participants in the newly diagnosed and treatment-resistant groups are given yoga sessions, and the effects will be compared with controls. Results: A baseline and postintervention (after six months) assessment will be performed for all the patients. Primary outcomes like anti-double stranded Deoxyribonucleic Acid (anti-dsDNA), complements-C3, C4, and inflammatory markers like Interleukin 6 (IL-6), 10, 17, Interferon-gamma, and plasma micro-RNA will be measured and quantified. The secondary outcome included measurement of health-related QOL using the Lupus-QoL questionnaire. Conclusion: Yoga integration, along with conventional treatment for SLE, as adjunctive therapy might enhance physical functioning and improve psychological health.
Developing, Implementing and Evaluating Training for Online Graduate Teaching Assistants Based on ADDIE Model
Authors: Jonnalagadda Ratnaditya , Singh Pallavi , Gogineni Avinash , Reddy Roopesh Reddy Sadashiva , Reddy Hima Bindu
Published: May 2022

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) play an important instructional role in teaching undergrad- and graduate-level courses, yet they receive very little training. The most common form of teaching professional development to GTAs is a pre-semester workshop held at the course, department, or college level. In this study, we describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of GTA training programs using the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). We used observation and interviews for data collection. ADDIE is generally used in instructional design. The results show the value of utilizing ADDIE in developing and evaluating a training program. It is intended to analyze the multi-dimensional connection of designing a training program: meeting expectations of trainees seeking to acquire skills sets as well as understanding the nuances and navigating the complex system that is needed to be successful on the job.
Insight into the Utilization of the Blue Sources of Funds in Fisheries Investment as a Key Sector in Blue Economy in Zanzibar
Authors: Nassir Maryam N. , Abdallah Zuhura M. , Hafidh Hafidh A.
Published: May 2022

The study examined the insight into utilization of the blue sources of funds for fishery investment in Zanzibar. The study intended to help the blue economy plans in showing the importance of financing fishing sector in order to empower those who are engaged. Using questionnaire and interview collected the primary data. The study applied both (quantitative and qualitative) analyses. Quantitative method was in the form of descriptive statistics using frequency distribution while the qualitative method was in the form of content analysis. The findings of the study showed that funds were utilized in purchasing boats, equipment’s and machines. The results showed that self-finance and retained earnings were used mostly to purchase machines. However government grants were used to purchase boats while loans were used to purchase equipment’s. This implies that most of the fisher folks are very poor to finance themselves to purchase boats explaining why they use government grants to purchase boats. Therefore, the owners of the boats and fisher folks should ensure the effective utilization of funds obtained from different sources for fisheries activities in order to generate higher return on fisheries investments.
Anthropocene Bearing on Snow-Avalanche Disasters over the West Indian Himalayas: An Appraisal
Authors: Mishra Siba Prasad , Samal Arnada
Published: May 2022

The Himalayas is massive mountainous hills of altitude about 2000m to 6500m garlanding India in the north extending about 2500km arc-shaped snowy glaciers covering parts of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, and Bhutan at various heights in sub-tropics. Snow avalanches in winter with floods and landslides cause maximum fatalities with increasing vulnerability in West Indian Himalayas (WIH) dropping temperature to ≈ -60°C. The ignored calamity has encountered unplanned relief to inaccessible areas that warrant a disaster risk reduction (DRR) approach with modern structural interventions under downsizing glacier due to Anthropocene stresses.

 The present study envisions the various avalanche occurrences in the three most pretentious states Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, in WIH. Correlation between geological vs meteorological responsibilities such as temperature, earthquake, snowfalls, and Indian summer monsoon with avalanche sorted out and causes depicted. Present investigation is about vulnerability, risk, track, impact, forecasting procedures, early warning system (EWS), disaster risk reduction processes, moderating strategies and other factors. 

The inferred results are the cause of avalanche formation, the decline in the glacier area, the increase in frequency, and intensity, and the disaster risk reduction processes including the disaster management action plan (DMAP).  The vulnerability area designation, awareness among people, disaster mitigation by public private partnership (PPP) mode, as combined effort on war footing basis by the line departments.
Inhibition of Cell Proliferation by Houttuynia cordata Extract on Gastric Cancer Cells via Induction of Apoptosis
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Quang , Nguyen Hoang Nhat Minh , Le Van Minh , Ngo Dai-Hung , Vo Thanh Sang
Published: May 2022

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. is an edible and medicinal plant that belongs to the family of Saururaceae and widely distributes in Eastern Asia countries. H. cordata have been reported as a promising anticancer agent against various cancer cells. This study was to determine anti-proliferative effect of H. cordata extract on gastric cancer cells using an in vitro experimental model. The cytotoxicity was examined via the 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while cell migration was conducted by wound healing assay. The gene expression level was measured by real time PCR. The result showed that butanol extract exhibited highest anti-proliferative activity against BGC-823 cells with IC50 value of 193 µg/ml. Moreover, the wound healing assay determined the suppressive capacity of butanol extract on cell migration at concentration of 50 µg/ml. Notably, butanol extract treatment (50 µg/ml) was able to up-regulate the mRNA expression of apoptosis-mediated signaling molecules, including caspase-8, Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3 in gastric cancer cells. These results indicate that butanol extract of H. cordata possesses inhibitory activity on tumor development and metastasis via induction of the process of programmed cell death.
α‐Synuclein phase separation and amyloid aggregation are modulated by C‐terminal truncations
Authors: Huang Shuai , Mo Xiaoli , Wang Jieyi , Ye Xinyi , Yu Haijia , Liu Yinghui
Published: April 2022

The aggregation of α‐synuclein (α‐Syn) is a key pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD). α‐Syn undergoes liquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS) to drive amyloid aggregation. How the LLPS of α‐Syn is regulated remains largely unknown. Here, we discovered that the C‐terminal region modulates α‐Syn phase separation through electrostatic interactions. The wild‐type (WT) and PD disease‐related truncated α‐Syn can co‐exist in the condensates. The truncated α‐Syn could dramatically promote WT α‐Syn phase separation. Further studies demonstrated that the truncated α‐Syn accelerated WT α‐Syn turning to amyloid aggregates by modulation of phase separation. Together, our findings disclose the role of the C‐terminal domain in the LLPS of α‐Syn and pave the path for understanding the mechanism of truncated α‐Syn in PD pathology.
COPII vesicles in plant autophagy and endomembrane trafficking
Authors: Li Baiying , Zeng Yonglun , Jiang Liwen
Published: April 2022

In eukaryotes, the endomembrane system allows for spatiotemporal compartmentation of complicated cellular processes. The plant endomembrane system consists of the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, the trans‐Golgi network, the multivesicular body and the vacuole. Anterograde traffic from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus is mediated by coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicles. Autophagy, an evolutionarily conserved catabolic process that turns over cellular materials upon nutrient deprivation or in adverse environments, exploits double‐membrane autophagosomes to recycle unwanted constituents in the lysosome/vacuole. Accumulating evidence reveals novel functions of plant COPII vesicles in autophagy and their regulation by abiotic stresses. Here, we summarize current knowledge about plant COPII vesicles in endomembrane trafficking and then highlight recent findings showing their distinct roles in modulating the autophagic flux and stress responses.