bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arterial tortuosity syndrome: phenotypic and cardiovascular features in 4 newly identified patients
Authors: Esmel-Vilomara Roger , Valenzuela Irene , Riaza Lucia , Rodriguez-Santiago Benjamin , Roses-Noguer Ferran , Boronat Susana , Sabate-Rotes Anna 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) is an autosomal recessive connective tissue disease caused by biallelic variants in the SLC2A10gene and characterized by tortuosity and elongation of the aorta and medium-sized arteries. It’s considered an extremely rare disease; only 106 individuals with genetically confirmed ATS have been identified to date. The aim of this study is to contribute to the phenotypic, cardiovascular and genetic characterization of this disease.
Four cases of ATS from two families are described, contributing to the clinical delineation of the entity. Two cases with diaphragmatic hernia and a case with complex uropathy, reported in the literature only 11 times, are highlighted. Regarding the vascular involvement, a predominant supra-aortic affectation stands out and only 1 case of focal stenosis is detected (renal artery). All presented severe intracranial tortuosity. To reduce hemodynamic stress on the arterial wall, beta-adrenergic blocking treatment was prescribed.
A not previously described mutation (c.899T>G (p.Leu300Trp)) is presented in a proband; it has an allegedly deleterious effect in compound heterozygosis with the pathogenic variant c.417T>A (p.Tyr139Ter). The 3 other patients, siblings born from healthy consanguineous parents, had an homozygous variant in SLC2A10: c.510G>A (p.Trp170Ter).
Mineral and heavy metal content in dry dog foods with different main animal components
Authors: Kępińska-Pacelik Jagoda , Biel Wioletta , Witkowicz Robert , Podsiadło Cezary 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Dogs’ caregivers, mainly for economic reasons and easy availability, choose dry, over the counter diets (OTC). The mineral composition of OTC foods depends primarily on the components used in the production of the pet food. Regardless of the main component of the food, it must meet the recommended minimum mineral content, established by nutritional guidelines. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the mineral (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo) and heavy metal content (Pb, Co, Cd, Cr, Ni) using the methods of colorimetry and mass spectrometry, of OTC dry dog foods and to compare with the FEDIAF and AAFCO nutritional guidelines. Dry foods pose no risk to dogs in terms of heavy metal content. The worst results in term of mineral content were obtained in mixed foods, therefore it is worth considering feeding the dog a mono-protein food. The PCA analysis disproved our hypothesis and revealed that the main animal source did not statistically significantly affect the levels of minerals and their ratios. However, the analysis of contrasts confirms the differentiation of the content of individual minerals between the groups of foods. For the first time, we proved that pet food with a mineral composition similar to the MIN-RL may be characterized by unfavorable mineral ratios. When feeding dogs with extruded dry foods, supplementation with calcium may be necessary due to its deficiency in foods, especially in mixed foods, with components from at least two different types of animals.
On finetuning Adapter-based Transformer models for classifying Abusive Social Media Tamil Comments
Authors: Subramanian Malliga , Shanmugavadivel Kogilavani , Subbarayan Nandhini , Ganesan Adhithiya , Ravi Deepti , Palanikumar Vasanth , Chakravarthi Bharathi Raja 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Speaking or expressing oneself in an abusive manner is a form of verbal abuse that targets individuals or groups on the basis of their membership in a particular social group, which is differentiated by traits such as culture, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation etc. In today's world, the dissemination of evil and depraved content on social media has increased exponentially. Abusive language on the internet has been linked to an increase in violence against minorities around the world, including mass shootings, murders, and ethnic cleansing. People who use social media in places where English is not the main language often use a code-mixed form of text. This makes it harder to find abusive texts, and when combined with the fact that there aren't many resources for languages like Tamil, the task becomes significantly challenging. This work makes use of abusive Tamil language comments released by the workshop “Tamil DravidianLangTech@ACL 2022” and develops adapter-based multilingual transformer models namely Muril, XLMRoBERTa and mBERT to classify the abusive comments. These transformers have been utilized as fine-tuners and adapters. This study shows that in low-resource languages like Tamil, adapter-based strategies work better than fine-tuned models. In addition, we use Optuna, a hyperparameter optimization framework to find the ideal values of the hyper-parameters that lead to better classification. Of all the proposed models, MuRIL (Large) gives 74.7%, which is comparatively better than other models proposed for the same dataset.
Relationship of topography and soil chemistry with plant richness and distribution in the temperate forest of Chandragiri hill, Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Gharti Parvati , Dani Ram Sharan , Baniya Chitra Bahadur 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Species richness in mountain region is governed by topographic, edaphic and climatic factors. The present study aims to find the relationship of topography and soil chemistry with species richness and distribution in the study area. The study was carried out in the temperate community forest of Chandragiri hill, Central Nepal. Altogether, 35 quadrats of 100 m2 each were established between 1500–2500 m. Quadrats of 10 m × 10 m, 5 m × 5 m and 1 m × 1 m were established for the assessment of trees, shrubs and herbs respectively. Soil was collected from the four corners of the quadrat and mixed to form a composite soil sample. Soil chemical properties were determined in the laboratory. Data analysis was carried out using correlation, generalized linear model and ordination. Altogether, 180 species were recorded from the study site. Among variables studied, soil pH showed statistical significant negative relationship with total species richness and richness of shrubs, herbs and climbers. Richness of herbs and climbers showed statistical significant relation with SOM and TN. Plant species composition on the other hand affected by altitude, pH and TN. The relationship of species richness found to be more prominent to soil than topography of the studied area. However, plant distribution determined both by topography and soil. At the local level, soil heterogeneity is the factor determining species richness. Present study provides information about species richness in the study site and hence can be precious for the development of conservation strategies. In addition, it also helps in prioritizing the site on the basis of biodiversity.
Non-invasive biomechanical intervention leads to low rates of total knee replacement and reduced utilization of healthcare resources among older adults with chronic knee pain: a 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Shema-Shiratzky Shirley , Mor Amit , Elbaz Avi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chronic knee pain, primarily associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA), is a leading cause of disability among older adults and place an immense burden on patients and healthcare systems, exceeding $80 billion in direct medical costs annually. Current non-surgical solutions to treat chronic knee pain provide limited relief of symptoms. The present study aims to assess the long-term effect of a biomechanical, non-invasive intervention on total knee replacement (TKR) incidence and the utilization of healthcare resources over five years.
METHODS: This was a retrospective study among older adults with chronic knee pain, primarily due to OA, who received the biomechanical intervention between 2014 and 2017. An independent survey institute contacted patients between August and September 2022 to confirm their surgical status and utilization of other healthcare services, covering at least five years of follow-up. During the intervention, patients were provided with a FDA-cleared shoe-like device, which includes two convex pods attached to the sole. The pods are attached to the shoe in a customized manner based on the patient's gait and pain (i.e., calibrated). The device shifts the foot's center of pressure to reduce the knee joint load and alleviate pain. The device also creates controlled perturbation that challenges gait and posture stability and creates neuromuscular training. Patients were instructed to wear the device for up to 2-3 hours a day during their daily routine and invited to follow-up sessions for treatment modifications.
RESULTS: Four hundred and fourteen patients responded to the survey. Their mean (SD) age was 66.5 (4.2) years, 65% were women and 82% of patients were diagnosed with knee OA. At five years since inception, the TKR incidence rate was 18.4% with 95% CI (14.6%, 22.1%). Most responders (79%) reported using other healthcare resources and services to treat their knee pain before the intervention. Of them, 64% ceased receiving intra-articular injections to the knee, 44% discontinued using pain medication and 46% stopped receiving physiotherapy.
CONCLUSION: This biomechanical, non-invasive intervention is a beneficial and sustainable intervention that reduces healthcare resource utilization, including avoidance of TKR and chronic knee pain. With the constant increase in the prevalence of chronic knee pain, offering this intervention to patients can help address the increasing burden on the healthcare system and society.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: NIH protocol no. NCT00767780
A note on striction curves
Authors: Shaikh Absos Ali , Ghosh Pinaki Ranjan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we have studied the striction curves of a normal ruled surface. We have shown that the evolute of a base curve is the striction curve of a normal ruled surface and the singularities of such surface lie on the evolute of the base curve. We have proved that the striction curves orthogonally cut the planar base curves. Also, we have proved that the surface area between a planar base curve and striction curve of a normal ruled surface is identical to the surface area between the evolutes of the base curve and striction curve. We have obtained different conditions for which the striction curve coincides with the base curve of some ruled surfaces. We have proved that the striction curve of a tangential Darboux developable of a space curve coincides with the base curve if and only if the space curve is a helix. We have deduced a beautiful form of surface area between the base curve and striction curve of a tangential Darboux developable.
The validation of predictive potential via the system of self-consistent models: the simulation of blood-brain barrier permeation of organic compounds
Authors: Toropova Alla P. , Toropov Andrey A. , Roncaglioni Alessandra , Benfenati Emilio , Leszczynska Danuta , Leszczynski Jerzy 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In order to apply quantitative relationships "structure-endpoint" approach its reliability of prediction is necessary but sometimes challenging to achieve. Here, an attempt is made to accomplish the reliability of forecasts by creating a set of random partitions of data into training and validation sets, followed by constructing random models. A system of random models for a useful approach should be self-consistent, giving a similar or at least comparable statistical quality of the predictions for models obtained using different splits of available data into training and validation sets. Developed computer experiments aimed at obtaining blood-brain barrier permeation models showed that, in principle, such an approach can be used for the above purpose taking advantage of specific algorithms to optimize the modelling steps. Results so obtained are good, and better than what reported previously. The suggested approach to validation of models is non-identic to traditionally applied manners of the checking up models. The concept of validation can be used for arbitrary models (not only for models of the blood-brain barrier).
Rapid screening methods for universal binding peptide aptamers against SARS-CoV-2 variant spikes, including omicron variants, and their application to diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
Authors: Hayashi Nakanobu 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The development of mRNA vaccines and oral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 has been useful in protecting against Covid-19 infection. Since then, however, many variants of delta and omicron strains with enhanced infectivity and immune escape capacity have emerged. A 7-amino acid random peptide ribosome display library screening system was used to perform a rapid in vitro screening of peptide aptamers that universally bind to the SARS-CoV-2 wild-type, delta, and Omicron variant BA.1, BA.2, and BA.5 spike RBD (Receptor Binding Domain). Screening resulted in four peptide aptamers that showed positive binding reactions in ELISA. Interestingly, Amino Acid Sequence Determination of the four clones predicted that three of the four clones contain 2 ~ 3 Cys residues in their sequences, forming a complex higher-order structure with disulfide (S-S) bonds. The 7-amino acid random peptide ribosome display library screening system allows for rapid in vitro screening of peptide aptamers that bind to other unknown emerging infectious disease pathogens that may be pandemic in the future. The peptide aptamers are as small as 30 amino acids and can be easily synthesized and purified as peptides or proteins, or simply used as mRNA drugs.
Do High-Performance-Work-Practices (HPWPs) really work?
Authors: Odiaka Kika , Chang Kirk , Tamimi Hussein Al Tamimi , Cheng Kuo-Tai 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose:

High-performance-work-practices (HPWPs) are popular managerial strategies, in which employees are invited to participate in decision-making-process and contribute to the policy implementation, aiming to maximize employee potential. HPWPs sound ideal but their importance to employee engagement and performance in the service industry is still unclear.

Method:

To further understand the importance and influence of HPWPs, the current project adopts the AMO Model to review the knowledge gaps and develop research questions. Research data are collected from hotels in Nigeria, an emerging but little-known sector in the service industry. Employee’s experiences of HPWPs are collected through semi-structured interviews and then thematically analyzed.

Findings:

Engaged employees are keen to support the implementation of HPWPs, recognizing their imperativeness and behaving conscientiously in delivering hotel services. Managers’ positive attitudes (i.e., appreciation of employees’ effort & managers’ trust in employees’ capability) both facilitate the efficacy of HPWPs, leading to higher levels of engagement and more service-oriented citizenship behavior (S-OCB). However, when the level of employee engagement is low and managers’ positive attitudes are absent, HPWPs barely work.

Originality:

Unlike prior studies which link HPWPs to performance directly, we have proposed an alternative rationale to clarify the HPWPs-performance relationship. Specifically, research findings have helped clarify how HPWPs affect S-OCB by explaining the role of employee engagement and managers’ positive attitude as the underlying mechanism,

Practical implications:

Our research findings have clarified two important factors (i.e., employee engagement & managers’ positive attitudes) during the implementation of HPWPs, hence bringing new insights into the “HPWPs-Employee engagement” literature. Suggestions for implementing HPWPs in the service industry are also discussed.
Housing, Vaccinations, Parasites and Other Dry Cow Problems
Authors: Acree Howard 
Published: February 2023

I would like to tell you something about my practice area. In the five-county area which we cover, there are about 60 dairies, ranging in size from 100 to 10,000 cows (the average having 300 to 400 cows). We are responsible for about 10,000 of these cows. My brother, who is also a veterinarian, is in practice with me. We have an 800-cow dairy which he manages while I1'1anage the practice. This arrangement has helped us tremendously because it has convinced us and our clients that a dairy manager cannot run a dairy and keep up with the changes in veterinary medicine. We know that a veterinarian is a valuable member of the dairy management team.
The greatest cause of health problems in our area is high temperature, high humidity, and high water. When I say high water, I mean deep mud. I have seen charts that combine temperature and wind velocity to arrive at a chill factor. I wish someone would chart a heat factor from temperature and humidity. We can have 80° weather with 80-90% humidity and the cows will hunt any kind of shade, even a fence post, and stand or lie breathing heavily with tongues hanging out. Our worst months are June through September or October. Average daytime temperature is over 90° and 80% relative humidity. We have more than 70 days during these months with temperatures over 90°. At the same time we have over 63% of our annual rainfall which is over 54 inches.
Economic Impact of Antimicrobial Use in Feedlots
Authors: Booker Calvin W. , Guichon P. Timothy , Schunicht Oliver C. , Wildman Brian K. , Jim G. Kee 
Published: February 2023

In beef feedlot production, antimicrobials are used daily to control disease and improve production. The vast majority of feedlot animals receive ionophores in the feed to control coccidiosis and improve feed efficiency, and antimicrobials in the feed to reduce the incidence of liver abscesses. Other antimicrobials, such as decoquinate, chlortetracycline and sulfamethazine occasionally are used according to label recommendations to prevent or control specific disease outbreaks and/or to "aid in the maintenance of weight gains and feed efficiency in cattle during periods of stress, due to weaning, shipping or handling." Parenteral antimicrobials also are used in high-risk populations according to label recommendations to prevent, control and/or treat disease.
Because increasing antimicrobial resistance in human pathogens poses a serious threat to the treatment of infectious disease in humans, use of antimicrobials in animal agriculture is under heavy scrutiny from several prominent scientists. The source of this resistance is speculated to lie with in the widespread use of antimicrobials in farm animal production. As a result, it has been suggested that the use of antimicrobials in animal agriculture be limited to therapeutic applications, which would substantially reduce the cost of production associated with antimicrobial costs. The latter theory ignores the economic benefits associated with non-therapeutic antimicrobial usage. It is imperative that these economic benefits are accurately described so that rational, informed, data-based decisions regarding the future of antimicrobial usage in food animal production can be made.
Diagnostic Use of Pooled Metabolic Profiles in Czech Dairy Herds
Authors: Van Saun R. J. , Davidek J. 
Published: February 2023

Use of blood chemistries in the form of metabolic profiles to determine nutritional status has been advocated, but acceptance has been limited as a result of high cost and interpretation difficulties. A pooled sample approach to metabolic profiling could provide a more comprehensive snapshot of herd metabolic status with minimal economic investment compared to individual sampling. Study objectives were to evaluate diagnostic reference criteria to determine if pooled sample blood analyte concentrations collected at different periods relative to calving can differentiate between herds with and without health problems, and provide diagnostic value in assessment of transition cow problems.
Veterinary Prescriptions and Drug Distribution
Authors: Lust Elaine 
Published: February 2023

Veterinarians have come to expect reliable and predictable services from wholesale drug distributors. Due to valid concerns regarding counterfeit human medications and the security of the drug supply chain, changes at the federal and state levels have directly affected veterinary wholesale drug distributors. This manuscript will highlight state and federal regulations that influence production animal medicine business models where veterinary prescription drugs are sold/delivered to end users upon the valid order of a veterinarian within the context of a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR).
This presentation will review federal acts and state statutes and regulations that affect the sale and distribution of prescription drugs used in production animal medicine. Additionally, it focuses on regulatory affairs and regulatory compliance issues that impact practicing veterinarians and veterinary drug distributors.
Identification and antimicrobial resistance of Bibersteinia trehalosi
Authors: Dewell G. A. , Thompson C. , Plummer P. J. , Frana T. , Dewell R. D. , Phillips G. J. 
Published: February 2023

Bibersteinia trehalosi, (formally Pasteurella trehalosi and Pasteurella haemolytica complex biovar T) is a known cause of disease in ruminants worldwide. Typically, B. trehalosi is associated with pneumonia or septicemia in sheep. Although infection with B. trehalosi is rare in cattle, it is a potential agent responsible for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Anecdotal reports of increasing prevalence of B. trehalosi in cattle with severe disease have heightened producer and veterinary awareness.
Proper identification of B. trehalosias as a source of an infection is important for making treatment and prevention management decisions. Misidentification of respiratory pathogens is possible without utilization of the proper diagnostic tools. Traditionally, laboratories have relied solely on colony morphology, hemolysis patterns, and sugar fermentation to identify B. trehalosi. The aim of the study was to properly identify B. trehalosi on the basis of phenotypic and biological characterization. Additionally, evaluation of the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of B. trehalosi from bovine respiratory cases were used to determine the impact of antimicrobial resistance on pathogenicity.
Group-housed feeding systems for dairy calves
Authors: Thomas Mark J. , Capel Michael 
Published: February 2023

The practice of group, ad libitum feeding of preweaned calves has recently re-emerged in North America as an alternative to individual housing and management. The interest in these systems has largely been driven by the desire to optimize growth rates through the increased intake of milk or milk replacer, and to reduce labor and management requirements. The benefits of increased rates of gain in milk-fed calves have been well documented through a number of key research trials and meta-analyses. In addition to the apparent health benefits to the young calf, the long-term effect on future milk production has been recognized.
As calf feeding programs have evolved, there has often been the challenge of allowing the calf to consume sufficient milk to meet the needs of accelerated growth. Free access to milk or milk replacer has provided the opportunity to maximize intakes and capitalize on some of the potential benefits of early socialization in a group environment. Additionally, acidification of milk or milk replacer has been shown to have some direct benefits in reducing enteric diseases, and has made it easier to alter traditional management systems.
Some new challenges have also arisen with these feeding and management systems. The ability to provide sufficient ventilation, space, and bedding is a key aspect of minimizing the effect of disease in the group-housed environment. This paper reviews the practical application of group feeding of milk-fed calves, with emphasis on application of ad libitum, acidified milk or milk replacer feeding.