bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Echo: Overused or Undervalued?
Authors: Wolfe Natasha K. , Wolfe Jonathan D. , Rich Michael W.
Published: June 2020

See related Special Series On Orthogeriatrics by Sinvani et al. in this issue.
Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state in a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Buscaglia Nicholas A. , Hanley Christopher S.
Published: June 2020

A 19‐year‐old female chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) presented for cachexia, acute weakness, hyporexia, icterus, and polyuria. The animal was diagnosed with a hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state, which is a well‐recognized syndrome in diabetic humans that is rarely diagnosed in animals. This case documents an important and likely under‐reported syndrome in non‐human primates.
Collateral circulation of the femoral and genicular systems in human lower limbs is highly uncommon
Authors: Jethwa Beeran , Sharma Ramaswamy , Tanner Jordan , Rahimi Omid B.
Published: June 2020

The descending branch of the lateral circumflex artery is a septocutaneous vessel that is vital for free and pedicle thigh flap transfer surgeries when repairing tissue defects. It also forms an anastomosis with the superior lateral genicular artery to create a collateral pathway for circumventing occlusions in the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Many anatomical texts and atlases imply the persistence of this anastomosis. However, previous studies indicate variability in the source of the arteries that form the anastomosis, and have reported cases where an anastomosis does not exist. We hypothesized that variations from the conventional accepted pattern can be predicted by comparisons of arterial diameters, and that unconventional anastomoses may be present to facilitate collateral circulation to the limb. Fifty‐one limbs were dissected and analyzed to establish the source of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex artery, classify the types of anastomoses, and compare the diameters of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex artery, the SFA and the profunda femoris artery to the common femoral artery (CFA). Vessel diameters were normalized to the diameter of the CFA to allow comparison of limbs from both sexes and to minimize the effects of cadaver size on correlating vessel size to the presence or absence of collateral circuits. We report that 62.7% of limbs (32/51) had typical branching patterns; however, only 27.4% of limbs (14/51) had any anastomosis to connect the proximal and distal regions of the thigh. Importantly, the SFA had a wider relative diameter in limbs without anastomoses than in limbs that had normal anastomoses, perhaps precluding the formation of a collateral pathway. Overall, collateral circulation of the lower limb was highly uncommon, in contrast to information inferred from anatomical texts. This study suggests the need for more thorough procedures for determining viable anastomoses prior to thigh flap surgeries to ensure flap survival.
Immunohistochemical panel of degenerated articular discs from patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Fernandes Bruno V. , Brancher João A. , Michels Arieli C. , Nagashima Seigo , Johann Aline Cristina B. R. , Bóia Ferreira Marianna , da Costa Delson J. , Rebellato Nelson Luis B. , Klüppel Leandro E. , Scariot Rafaela , Zielak João C.
Published: June 2020

Background

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a progressive degenerative disease caused by imbalance between anabolic and catabolic stimuli.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate histopathological changes, collagen degeneration and the expression of eleven TMJOA biomarkers in articular discs.

Methods

Specimens were obtained from eight female patients submitted to discectomy. Discs were divided into anterior band (AB), intermediate zone (IZ) and posterior band (PB) for computerised histomorphometric analyses. Each was assigned a histopathological degeneration score (HDS). Collagen degeneration was assessed with Picrosirius‐polarisation method. Biomarkers were evaluated through immunohistochemistry, including IGF‐1, OPG, VEGF, TNF‐α, FGF‐23, IHH, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, TGF‐β1, BMP‐2 and WNT‐3. Image processing software was used to calculate average immature collagen ratios and immunostained areas. Spearman rank tests were applied to verify correlations, with significance level of 0.05.

Results

The HDS showed negative correlation with expression of VEGF in IZ and PB (P < .05) and positive with TNF‐α in AB (P < .01). Collagen degeneration correlated with TGF‐β1 (P < .05), BMP‐2 (P < .01) and IHH (P < .05) immunostained areas in the IZ; TGF‐β1, BMP‐2 and IHH expression correlated among each other in AB and IZ (P < .05).

Conclusion

Angiogenesis and tissue fragmentation may result from aberrant physiologic responses mediated by VEGF and TNF‐α, compromising TMJ discs during OA progression. The expression of TGF‐β1, BMP‐2 and IHH could be related to collagen degeneration in displaced discs and may participate in TMJOA pathogenesis.
Guidance for the Treatment and Management of COVID‐19 Among People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Alexander Regi , Ravi Ambiga , Barclay Helene , Sawhney Indermeet , Chester Verity , Malcolm Vicki , Brolly Kate , Mukherji Kamalika , Zia Asif , Tharian Reena , Howell Andreana , Lane Tadhgh , Cooper Vivien , Langdon Peter E.
Published: June 2020

The current COVID‐19 pandemic is a pressing world crisis and people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are vulnerable due to disparity in healthcare provision and physical and mental health multimorbidity. While most people will develop mild symptoms upon contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), some will develop serious complications. The aim of this study is to present guidelines for the care and treatment of people with IDs during the COVID‐19 pandemic for both community teams providing care to people with IDs and inpatient psychiatric settings. The guidelines cover specific issues associated with hospital passports, individual COVID‐19 care plans, the important role of families and carers, capacity to make decisions, issues associated with social distancing, ceiling of care/treatment escalation plans, mental health and challenging behavior, and caring for someone suspected of contracting or who has contracted SARS‐CoV‐2 within community or inpatient psychiatric settings. We have proposed that the included conditions recommended by Public Health England to categorize someone as high risk of severe illness due to COVID‐19 should also include mental health and challenging behavior. There are specific issues associated with providing care to people with IDs and appropriate action must be taken by care providers to ensure that disparity of healthcare is addressed during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We recognize that our guidance is focused upon healthcare delivery in England and invite others to augment our guidance for use in other jurisdictions.
Comparison of3Dprinted and molded carrots produced with gelatin, guar gum and xanthan gum
Authors: Strother Heather , Moss Rachael , McSweeney Matthew B.
Published: June 2020

This study examined the effects of different hydrocolloids (guar gum, xanthan gum and gelatin) on the sensory and textural properties of pureed carrots. There were eight products involved in the study; 3D printed carrots and molded carrots without the addition of gums and with guar gum, xanthan gum and gelatin. All products were evaluated using trained panelists (n = 12) and underwent a texture profile analysis. No significant differences were found between the molded and 3D printed pureed carrots; instead, the samples were grouped based on the gum used in their production. The samples made with gelatin and xanthan gum were the hardest (texture profile analysis) and the densest samples when evaluated by the trained panelists. The 3D printing did not affect the taste properties of the pureed carrots, as they were evaluated to be similar to that of the molded carrots (p > .05). This study demonstrated that 3D printing did not affect the textural and sensory properties of pureed carrots when compared to molded carrots. However, changes in the printing parameters (infill percentage, nozzle diameter, flow rate, nozzle height) need to be evaluated to determine their effect on the sensory properties of 3D printed pureed carrots.
Abnormal liver function tests predict transfer to intensive care unit and death in COVID‐19
Authors: Piano Salvatore , Dalbeni Andrea , Vettore Elia , Benfaremo Devis , Mattioli Massimo , Gambino Carmine G. , Framba Viviana , Cerruti Lorenzo , Mantovani Anna , Martini Andrea , Luchetti Michele M. , Serra Roberto , Cattelan Annamaria , Vettor Roberto , Angeli Paolo ,   the COVID‐LIVER study group
Published: June 2020

Background

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has emerged as a relevant threat for humans worldwide. Abnormality in liver function tests (LFTs) has been commonly observed in patients with COVID‐19, but there is controversy on its clinical significance. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, the characteristics and the clinical impact of abnormal LFTs in hospitalized, non‐critically ill patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

In this multicentre, retrospective study, we collected data about 565 inpatients with COVID‐19. Data on LFTs were collected at admission and every 7 ± 2 days during the hospitalization. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of death or transfer to intensive care unit (ICU).

Results

Upon admission 329 patients (58%) had LFTs abnormality. Patients with abnormal LFTs had more severe inflammation and higher degree of organ dysfunction than those without. During hospitalization, patients with abnormal LFTs had a higher rate of transfer to ICU (20% vs 8%; P < .001), acute kidney injury (22% vs 13%, P = .009), need for mechanical ventilation (14% vs 6%; P = .005) and mortality (21% vs 11%; P = .004) than those without. In multivariate analysis, patients with abnormal LFTs had a higher risk of the composite endpoint of death or transfer to ICU (OR = 3.53; P < .001). During the hospitalization, 86 patients developed de novo LFTs abnormality, which was associated with the use of tocilizumab, lopinavir/ritonavir and acetaminophen and not clearly associated with the composite endpoint.

Conclusions

LFTs abnormality is common at admission in patients with COVID‐19, is associated with systemic inflammation, organ dysfunction and is an independent predictor of transfer to ICU or death.
Factors influencing dolphin depredation in coastal fisheries of the northern Aegean Sea: Implications on defining mitigation measures
Authors: Pardalou Androniki , Tsikliras Athanassios C.
Published: June 2020

Dolphin interactions with coastal fisheries are of major concern, reportedly leading to gear damage, which increases the cost of coastal fishing globally and in the Mediterranean Sea. The aim of this study was to determine the effect that gear, target species, mesh size, depth, soaking duration, fishing area, and season have on net depredation frequency and to offer insights on possible mitigation solutions. From November 2013 to February 2016 we monitored 107 active coastal fishers in 22 ports of the northern Aegean Sea coastline, identified the main target species of the fishery and recorded the damages on gill nets and trammel nets caused by dolphins, mainly the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Quasi‐binomial generalized linear models were used to determine the relationship between the examined factors and depredation frequency. The analysis revealed that the gears mostly depredated were gill nets and trammel nets with small mesh sizes, mainly targeting surmullet (Mullus surmuletus), red mullet (Mullus barbatus), common sole (Solea solea), European hake (Merluccius merluccius), and caramote prawn (Melicertus kerathurus). The probability of depredation was also significantly dependent on the fishing area.
Psychometric properties and associations between subscales of a study approach measure
Authors: DaLomba Elaina , Stigen Linda , Johnson Susanne G. , Mørk Gry , Gramstad Astrid , Magne Trine A , Carstensen Tove , Åsli Lene A. , Bonsaksen Tore
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to (i) confirm the factor structure of the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students (ASSIST) in the current sample of undergraduate occupational therapy students and (ii) explore the pattern of associations between the 13 ASSIST subscales. Occupational therapy students (n= 171) across Norway completed the ASSIST. A three‐factor structure was confirmed. Several positive associations were found between the deep and strategic approach subscales, whereas several surface approach subscales were negatively associated with the deep and strategic approach subscales. In conclusion, the study showed that the Norwegian ASSIST has a well‐functioning three‐factor structure in line with its theoretical underpinnings, and it can therefore readily be adopted as a study process measure in Norwegian occupational therapy education programs. In view of the associations between subscales, there is support for a higher‐order concept of “productive” study approaches that encompasses both deep and strategic behaviors. The analysis of associations also suggests that students demonstrating unproductive study behaviors may need guidance and intervention that extends beyond the first detected problematic behavior.
Adaptive Designs for Optimal Observed Fisher Information
Authors: Lane Adam
Published: June 2020

Expected Fisher information can be found a priori and as a result its inverse is the primary variance approximation used in the design of experiments. This is in contrast with the common claim that the inverse of the observed Fisher information is a better approximation of the variance of the maximum likelihood estimator. Observed Fisher information cannot be known a priori; however, if an experiment is conducted sequentially, in a series of runs, the observed Fisher information from previous runs is known. In the current work, two adaptive designs are proposed that use the observed Fisher information from previous runs to inform the design of future runs.
Caffeine improves various aspects of athletic performance in adolescents independent of their 163 C > A CYP1A2 genotypes
Authors: Spineli Higor , Pinto Maryssa P. , Dos Santos Bruna P. , Lima‐Silva Adriano E. , Bertuzzi Romulo , Gitaí Daniel L. G. , de Araujo Gustavo G.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether variations in 163 C > A CYP1A2 genotypes (rs 762 551) (AA, AC, and CC) modify the ergogenic effects of caffeine (CAF) on strength, power, muscular endurance, agility, and endurance in adolescent athletes.

Methods

One hundred adolescents (age = 15 ± 2 years) were recruited. Participants ingested CAF (6 mg.kg−1) or placebo (PLA, 300 mg of cellulose) 1 hour before performing a sequence of physical tests: handgrip strength, vertical jumps, agility test, sit‐ups, push‐ups, and the Yo‐Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo‐Yo IR1).

Results

Compared to PLA, CAF enhanced (P < .05) sit‐up (CAF = 37 ± 9; PLA = 35 ± 8 repetitions) and push‐up repetitions (CAF = 26 ± 11; PLA = 24 ± 11 repetitions), and increased distance covered in Yo‐Yo IR1 test (CAF = 1010.4 ± 378.9; PLA = 903.2 ± 325.7 m). There was no influence of CAF on handgrip strength (CAF = 35.1 ± 8.9; PLA = 33.7 ± 8.7 kgf), countermovement jump height (CAF = 49.3 ± 12.6; PLA = 47.9 ± 13.8 cm), spike jump height (CAF = 54.2 ± 13.6; PLA = 52.9 ± 14.5 cm), and time in agility test (CAF = 15.8 ± 1.1; PLA = 15.9 ± 1.3 s, P > .05). When present, the ergogenic effect of CAF was not dependent of genotype.

Conclusion

CAF improves muscular endurance and aerobic performance in adolescent athletes, regardless of their 163 C > A CYP1A2 genotype.
Infectious complications in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients—A retrospective clinical and epidemiological cohort study
Authors: Pinto Tyane de Almeida , Jardim Bruno Araújo , Breda Giovanni Luís , Morales Hugo Manuel Paz , Bonfim Carmem , Raboni Sonia Mara
Published: June 2020

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an important therapeutic strategy for several hematologic diseases. In the absence of a matched related donor, allogeneic HSCT has been associated with increased risk of infectious complications. Here, we present the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of early infectious complications in children undergoing HSCT from Southern Brazil.

Methods

This is a retrospective unicentric cohort study of infections in all children receiving their first HSCT during the period between 2010 and 2017.

Results

Data from 292 patients were analyzed; bone marrow failures (52.7%) comprised most of the baseline diagnosis. Bone marrow (BM) was the stem cell source in 254 (87%), followed by cord blood (CB) in 34 (11.6%) children. The use of alternative donors (77.8%) and presence of acute graft‐vs‐host disease (GVHD) (23.6%) were associated with an increased risk of viral and fungal infection. Bacterial infection was observed in 79 patients (27%); 220 patients (75.3%) were diagnosed with viral infection, and 35 patients (12%) developed fungal infection. The presence of fungal disease together with the presence of multiple infections during follow‐up was associated with an increased risk of death (P < .001).

Conclusions

The clinical profile of HSCT‐related infections in this cohort suggests that prognosis in allogeneic HSCT is influenced by the source of stem cells (CB having worse prognosis), presence of acute GVHD and complications arising from fungal infections. The appropriate management of these factors has the potential to improve the overall prognosis rates in pediatric allogeneic HSCT recipients.
CELLULOSE SYNTHASE INTERACTING 1 is required for wood mechanics and leaf morphology in aspen
Authors: Bünder Anne , Sundman Ola , Mahboubi Amir , Persson Staffan , Mansfield Shawn D. , Rüggeberg Markus , Niittylä Totte
Published: June 2020

Cellulose microfibrils synthesized by CELLULOSE SYNTHASE COMPLEXES (CSCs) are the main load‐bearing polymers in wood. CELLULOSE SYNTHASE INTERACTING1 (CSI1) connects CSCs with cortical microtubules, which align with cellulose microfibrils. Mechanical properties of wood are dependent on cellulose microfibril alignment and structure in the cell walls, but the molecular mechanism(s) defining these features is unknown. Herein, we investigated the role of CSI1 in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides) by characterizing transgenic lines with significantly reduced CSI1 transcript abundance. Reduction in leaves (50–80%) caused leaf twisting and misshaped pavement cells, while reduction (70–90%) in developing xylem led to impaired mechanical wood properties evident as a decrease in the elastic modulus and rupture. X‐ray diffraction measurements indicate that microfibril angle was not impacted by the altered CSI1 abundance in developing wood fibres. Instead, the augmented wood phenotype of the transgenic trees was associated with a reduced cellulose degree of polymerization. These findings establish a function for CSI1 in wood mechanics and in defining leaf cell shape. Furthermore, the results imply that the microfibril angle in wood is defined by CSI1 independent mechanism(s).
Marginal zone lymphoma in a dog
Authors: Burgess Hilary J. , MacDonald Dickinson Valerie , Kerr Moira , Bienzle Dorothee
Published: June 2020

A 13‐year‐old spayed female American Cocker Spaniel was presented for evaluation of a cough and weight loss. Physical exam revealed generalized lymphadenopathy. The patient was diagnosed with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) on histopathology of an extirpated lymph node. This report demonstrates an unusual case of a pleomorphic neoplastic population documented on cytologic evaluation that had moncytoid features and peripheral blood involvement; a previously undocumented IgG1 monoclonal gammopathy was also an interesting feature of this canine MZL. The patient did not undergo chemotherapy for lymphoma and was euthanized over 4 years after the initial presentation.
A comparative study of subcutaneous, intralymphatic and sublingual immunotherapy for the long‐term control of dogs with nonseasonal atopic dermatitis
Authors: Fischer Nina M. , Rostaher Ana , Favrot Claude
Published: June 2020

Background

Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the only causative treatment of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). Different routes for administration of ASIT have been used; however, comparative studies are lacking.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The present study compared the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous (SCIT), intralymphatic (ILIT) and sublingual (SLIT) immunotherapy.

Animals

30 atopic dogs were included and allocation to three groups (SCIT, n = 8; ILIT, n = 12; SLIT, n = 10) was determined by the owners.

Methods and materials

ASIT was administered using routine protocols. The pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI), concurrent medications and adverse events were recorded initially and one, three, six and 12 months later. The main outcome measure was return to a normal status, which included CADESI <12, PVAS <2.5 and medication score <10.

Results

Drop‐outs were distributed evenly and 23 dogs finished the study (SCIT, n = 6; ILIT, n = 10; SLIT, n = 7). Adverse reactions to treatment were rare. At the start of the study, the three groups were homogeneous with respect to clinical signs and concurrent medications. After 12 months of ASIT, the CADESI and PVAS had decreased with a stable medication score in the ILIT and SCIT groups (P < 0.05), while all three scores had increased in the SLIT group. Return to normal state was achieved in one of six (17%) dogs receiving SCIT, in six of 10 (60%) dogs receiving ILIT and in one of seven (14%) dogs receiving SLIT.

Conclusions and clinical importance

These findings suggest that SCIT and ILIT improved clinical signs of cAD, whereas ILIT had a much higher return to normal rate.
Use of free oral mucosal graft for treatment of feline eyelid agenesis in seven patients
Authors: Warren Christi , Grozdanic Sinisa , Reinstein Shelby
Published: June 2020

Objective

To describe a simple and effective surgery for feline eyelid agenesis.

Procedure

Free oral mucosal grafts were harvested from the upper lips of the surgical patients. A recipient bed was created by incising the conjunctiva at the conjunctival‐skin border and opening a space in the tissue with blunt dissection without removal of tissue. The free oral mucosal graft was sutured into the space with simple continuous suture pattern of 7‐0 Vicryl.

Results

Eyelids were cosmetically acceptable at final examination, and areas of coloboma appeared less prominent. Patient comfort was improved in all subjects as subjectively noted by decreased blepharospasm. All grafts were successfully incorporated. All patients developed brown‐colored crusting over the grafts within days of the surgery, which gradually resolved over a 4‐ to 6‐week period. Three of seven patients developed few trichiatic hairs at the donor‐recipient junction, and two of these patients had follow‐up cryoepilation.

Conclusion

For feline eyelid agenesis, free oral mucosal graft implantation was successful in creating space between fur and cornea with insertion of smooth‐surfaced, hairless tissue, alleviating the discomfort of hair contacting the cornea. The extra tissue can also create a small overhang or fold of tissue (pseudo‐lid) which may also be protective. For two cases, cryoepilation of few trichiatic hairs at the donor‐recipient border was performed at a later date. As illustrated by case 3, use of a long and wide rectangular graft with squared edges is recommended to lessen the chance of trichiasis at lateral or medial edges of recipient‐donor junctions.
PERSONHOOD AND CREATION IN AN AGE OF ROBOTS AND AI: CAN WE SAY “YOU” TO ARTIFACTS?
Authors: Burdett Michael S.
Published: June 2020

This article explores the extent to which the I‐You relation should be applied to domains other than the human and the divine focusing particularly on artifacts and technology. Drawing first on the work of Martin Buber, Gabriel Marcel, and Martin Heidegger, I contend that the I‐You tradition has maintained I‐You relations with objects are possible even when these same figures level strong critiques of the I‐It relation. I extend these discussions and argue that some kind of You‐speaking for artifacts is needed to combat rampant consumption and reduction of the world to pure utility. But, I equally suggest that there are limitations to applying the I‐You relation to artifacts precisely when doing so keeps us from having genuine relationships with other people as outlined by psychologist Sherry Turkle. Finally, I outline how this proposal impacts the doctrine of creation. In sum, it expands our intuitions of what is included in that doctrine creation.
BUDDHISM, FREE WILL, AND PUNISHMENT: TAKING BUDDHIST ETHICS SERIOUSLY
Authors: Caruso Gregg D.
Published: June 2020

In recent decades, there has been growing interest among philosophers in what the various Buddhist traditions have said, can say, and should say, in response to the traditional problem of free will. This article investigates the relationship between Buddhist philosophy and the historical problem of free will. It begins by critically examining Rick Repetti'sBuddhism, Meditation, and Free Will(2019), in which he argues for a conception of “agentless agency” and defends a view he calls “Buddhist soft compatibilism.” It then turns to a more wide‐ranging discussion of Buddhism and free will—one that foregrounds Buddhist ethics and takes seriously what the various Buddhist traditions have said about desert, punishment, and the reactive attitudes of resentment, indignation, and moral anger. The article aims to show that, not only is Buddhism best conceived as endorsing a kind of free will skepticism, Buddhist ethics can provide a helpful guide to living without basic desert moral responsibility and free will.
Unique Factors of Best Value Procurement from the Perspective of Nigerian Construction Professionals
Authors: Simon-Peter Buba Gumgaro , Adul Hamid Razali , Mohamad Ramly Zuhaili , Sharon Jatau Tchad , David Jatau James
Published: June 2020

The construction industry is vital to the economic development of any country. It has a major role in providing built infrastructures in an innovative and cost-effective way using an effective procurement approach. In contrast, the most widely used procurement method in Nigeria is the traditional procurement approach which is known for plaguing the industry with the poor working condition and poor performances thus, reducing the sustainability and quality of products and services. For this reason, there is a need for a procurement approach which utilises expertise to minimise the risk of non-performance and create a win-win environment for both client and contractors, while increasing transparency and add value to the project such like, the Best Value Procurement. Against the background, this paper aims to establish the perception of the Nigerian construction professionals on the unique factors of the Best Value Procurement. The paper outlines the following objectives: To identify the unique factors of the Best Value Procurement and, to establish the perception of the Nigerian construction professionals on the Best Value Procurement unique factors. Using a questionnaire survey, data was collected form 314 construction professionals involving Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Builders and Civil Engineers. Kruskal Wallis Test and mean score ranking was used for data analysis. The findings show that the professionals generally agree that the Best Value Procurement unique factors can bring about transparency, accountability, increase project performance and the contractor is the best to control risk and adds value to the project. This paper derives its significance from the need to stabilise the procurement system in Nigeria by transferring the risk and control to contractors who must act in the best interest of the client.
3D Topological Validation of Compact Abstract Cell Complexes (CACC) Data Structure for Buildings in CityGML
Authors: Salleh Syahiirah , Ujang Uznir , Azri Suhaibah , Choon Tan Liat
Published: June 2020

3D models without the preservation of 3D topological information hinders the ability of 3D models to serve its full potential in terms of 3D analyses. The support of 3D topology is crucial for analyses that requires information regarding adjacencies and connectivity. One of the ways to maintain topological information is by implementing a topological data structure such as the Compact Abstract Cell Complexes (CACC) topological data structure. This paper demonstrates the topological validation for the implementation of the CACC topological data structure implemented for buildings in LoD2 CityGML. Directed graphs and adjacency matrices were constructed for the test datasets of buildings in CityGML. The in-degree and out-degree for all vertices were calculated based on the adjacency matrices. Based on the “Hand-shaking” theorem, the number of α₀-cycles of the CACC topological data structure which connects points to form 1D topological links was compared to the number of directed edges of the constructed directed graphs. Therefore, the implementation of the CACC topological data structure for buildings in LoD2 CityGML was found to be topologically sound.
A Novel Environmental Sustainable Composting Project Among Preschool Children/ Kelestarian Alam Dalam Kalangan Kanak-Kanak Menerusi Projek Penghasilan Baja Kompos
Authors: Abdul Rahman Norazizah , Mohd Yusop Noor Ashikin
Published: June 2020

Environmental sustainability of a developed nation is not only measurable from the aspect of infrastructure development and its public utility. However, the mainstay is the cleanliness, beauty and universal well-being through the use of green technology by 2050. This study is conducted in a qualitative study using a holistic single case study design involving Compound Steel Case. on a kindergarten in the state of Perak. Participants of the study involved in this study consisted of a focus group consisting of 18 children and an educator. The survey data was obtained through triangulation results from unstructured interviews, observations and documents. Overall, the findings show that the way children handle waste management issues is to produce compost fertilizers through project activities. In fact, the final product produced by children is the process of planting mulberry trees and worm terrarium using compost fertilizer produced.
Attitudes of Music Teacher Candidates for Non-Field Courses
Authors: Kabataş Mustafa
Published: June 2020

People dealing with music do not usually deal with other fields. Artist spirits do not allow for this reason; Music teacher candidates have difficulty in non-music lessons during their student years. The subject of this study is why non-field courses force them, how they will succeed and how they will achieve it. This research; It aims to determine how students of the Faculty of Education, Department of Fine Arts Education, Department of Music Education, view their perspectives on courses outside the field. Research; It was applied over 43 students of Kastamonu University Faculty of Education Fine Arts Education Department Music Education Department students. Likert type attitude scale was used while collecting the research data. The data obtained from the research is transferred in the findings section. The data obtained are discussed in the results and recommendations section. Research is important in terms of contributing to music education faculty students, academicians and music field experts.
Lipid peroxidation in the descending thoracic aorta of rats deprived of REM sleep using the inverted flowerpot technique
Authors: Nawi Afifah , Eu Koh Liew , Faris Asma Nadia Ahmad , Wan Ahmad Wan Amir Nizam , Noordin Liza
Published: June 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Deprivation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is associated with increased oxidative stress, but its effects on the blood vessels are poorly documented. We investigated whether REM sleep deprivation induces oxidative stress and causes lipid peroxidation in the aorta.

What is the main finding and its important?

We demonstrate that REM sleep deprivation induces oxidative stress and mediates lipid peroxidation in the aorta. This can cause endothelial changes and increased blood pressure. These findings will contribute to the growing body of literature on the mechanism underlying the effects of sleep deprivation on cardiovascular disease.

Oxidative stress‐mediated lipid peroxidation is a known cause of endothelial injury or dysfunction. Deprivation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is associated with oxidative stress. To date, the pathogenesis of increased blood pressure after sleep deprivation remains poorly understood, particularly in the REM sleep phase. Our aim was to investigate the effects of REM sleep deprivation on blood vessels in the REM sleep‐deprived rat model. Twenty‐eight male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups: free‐moving control rats, rats deprived of REM sleep for 72 h (REMsd), tank control rats and 72 h sleep‐recovered rats after 72 h of REM sleep deprivation. The rats were deprived of REM sleep using the inverted flowerpot technique. Food consumption, body weight gain and systolic blood pressure were monitored. At the end of the experiment, the descending thoracic aorta was isolated for the measurement of oxidative stress markers. Despite a significant increase in food consumption in the REMsd group compared with the other groups, there was a significant reduction in body weight gain. Systolic blood pressure also showed a significant increase in the REMsd group compared with the other groups. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly lower and malondialdehyde concentrations significantly higher in the REMsd group compared with the other groups. Increased levels of malondialdehyde are suggestive of lipid peroxidation in the blood vessels, and oxidative stress may be attributed to the initiation of the process. The changes after REM sleep deprivation revert during sleep recovery. In conclusion, the findings of the present study provide convincing evidence that REM sleep deprivation induced lipid peroxidation, leading to endothelial damage.
Maternal exercise attenuates the lower skeletal muscle glucose uptake and insulin secretion caused by paternal obesity in female adult rat offspring
Authors: Falcão‐Tebas Filippe , Marin Evelyn C. , Kuang Jujiao , Bishop David J. , McConell Glenn K.
Published: June 2020

Key points

Paternal obesity negatively influences metabolic outcomes in adult rat offspring.

Maternal voluntary physical activity has previously been reported to improve glucose metabolism in adult rat offspring sired by healthy fathers.

Here, we investigated whether a structured programme of maternal exercise training before and during gestation can attenuate the negative impacts that paternal obesity has on insulin sensitivity and secretion in female adult offspring.

Exercise before and during pregnancy normalised the lower insulin sensitivity in skeletal muscle and the lower insulin secretion observed in female offspring sired by obese fathers.

This paper presents a feasible, low‐cost and translatable intervention strategy that can be applied perinatally to support multifactor interventions to break the cycle of metabolic dysfunction caused by paternal obesity.

We investigated whether maternal exercise before and during gestation could attenuate the negative metabolic effects of paternal high‐fat diet‐induced obesity in female adult rat offspring. Fathers consumed a normal chow or high‐fat diet before mating. Mothers exercised on a treadmill before and during gestation or remained sedentary. In adulthood, female offspring were assessed using intraperitoneal insulin and glucose tolerance tests (IPITT and IPGTT, respectively), pancreatic morphology, ex vivo skeletal muscle insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake and mitochondrial respiratory function. Paternal obesity impaired whole‐body and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in adult offspring. Maternal exercise attenuated the lower insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in offspring sired by obese fathers but distal insulin signalling components (p‐AKT Thr308 and Ser473, p‐TBC1D4 Thr642 and GLUT4) remained unchanged (P > 0.05). Maternal exercise increased citrate synthase activity only in offspring sired by obese fathers. Maternal exercise also reversed the lower insulin secretion in vivo observed in offspring of obese fathers, probably due to an attenuation of the decrease in pancreatic beta cell mass. In summary, maternal exercise before and during pregnancy in rats attenuated skeletal muscle insulin resistance and attenuated the decrease in pancreatic beta cell mass and insulin secretion observed in the female offspring of obese fathers.
Increasing excitation versus decreasing inhibition in auditory cortex: consequences on the discrimination performance between communication sounds
Authors: Gaucher Quentin , Yger Pierre , Edeline Jean‐Marc
Published: June 2020

Key points

Enhancing cortical excitability can be achieved by either reducing intracortical inhibition or by enhancing intracortical excitation. Here we compare the consequences of reducing intracortical inhibition and of enhancing intracortical excitation on the processing of communication sounds in the primary auditory cortex.

Local application of gabazine and of AMPA enlarged the spectrotemporal receptive fields and increased the responses to communication to the same extent. The Mutual Information (an index of the cortical neurons’ ability to discriminate between natural sounds) was increased in both cases, as were the noise and signal correlations.

Spike‐timing reliability was only increased after gabazine application and post‐excitation suppression was affected in the opposite way: it was increased when reducing the intracortical inhibition but was eliminated by enhancing the excitation.

A computational model suggests that these results can be explained by an additive effect vs. a multiplicative effect

The level of excitability of cortical circuits is often viewed as one of the critical factors controlling perceptive performance. In theory, enhancing cortical excitability can be achieved either by reducing inhibitory currents or by increasing excitatory currents. Here, we evaluated whether reducing inhibitory currents or increasing excitatory currents in auditory cortex similarly affects the neurons’ ability to discriminate between communication sounds. We attenuated the inhibitory currents by application of gabazine (GBZ), and increased the excitatory currents by applying AMPA in the auditory cortex while testing frequency receptive fields and responses to communication sounds. GBZ and AMPA enlarged the receptive fields and increased the responses to communication sounds to the same extent. The spike‐timing reliability of neuronal responses was largely increased when attenuating the intracortical inhibition but not after increasing the excitation. The discriminative abilities of cortical cells increased in both cases but this increase was more pronounced after attenuating the inhibition. The shape of the response to communication sounds was modified in the opposite direction: reducing inhibition increased post‐excitation suppression whereas this suppression tended to disappear when increasing the excitation. A computational model indicates that the additive effect promoted by AMPA vs. the multiplicative effect of GBZ on neuronal responses, together with the dynamics of spontaneous cortical activity, can explain these differences. Thus, although apparently equivalent for increasing cortical excitability, acting on inhibition vs. on excitation impacts differently the cortical ability to discriminate natural stimuli, and only modulating inhibition changed efficiently the cortical representation of communication sounds.
Investigation of Interfacial Layer for Friction Stir Welded AA7075-T6 Aluminum to DP1180 Steel Joints
Authors: Hu Zhi-li , Yu Hai-yang , Pang Qiu
Published: June 2020

Interfacial layers greatly influence the performance of steel–aluminum friction stir welding (FSW) joints, and understanding the formation and evolution of intermetallic compounds (IMC) can help improve the mechanical properties of the welds. In this study, FSW was used to join DP 1180 high-strength steel to 7075 Al at different welding speeds. The effect of the galvanized layer on the IMC formation and evolution, and the mechanical performance of the steel–Al FSW joints were investigated. It was found that the galvanized steel–Al joints were formed only by metallurgical bonding, a continuous IMC layer composed of FeAl, Fe3Al, and Al–Zn eutectic developed at the joint interfaces. Joints were mechanically and metallurgically bonded in the non-galvanized steel, and a 3 µm thick IMC layer consisting of FeAl existed only in the stir zone (SZ). IMC layer formation was predicted according to thermodynamic principles, which is consistent with the interfacial microstructure evolution identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Shear tensile test results showed that the galvanized layer can effectively improve the metallurgical bonding strength of the steel–Al joints, and the optimum tensile properties were found in galvanized steel–Al joints.
YejM Controls LpxC Levels by Regulating Protease Activity of the FtsH/YciM Complex of Escherichia coli
Authors: Nguyen Daniel , Kelly Keilen , Qiu Nan , Misra Rajeev
Published: June 2020

Lipid homeostasis is critical for proper envelope functions. The level of LpxC, which catalyzes the first committed step of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) synthesis, is controlled by an essential protease complex comprised of FtsH and YciM. Work carried out here suggests YejM, an essential envelope protein, plays a central role in sensing the state of LPS synthesis and controls LpxC levels by regulating the activity of FtsH/YciM. All four essential proteins are attractive targets of therapeutic development.
Supplemental Material: Detrital zircon geochronology and Hf isotope geochemistry of Mesozoic sedimentary basins in south-central Alaska: Insights into regional sediment transport, basin development, and tectonics along the NW Cordilleran margin
Authors: Fasulo C.R. , al. et
Published: June 2020

Supplemental Data. (A) U-Pb analytical results from detrital zircons from the Nutzotin, Wrangell Mountains, and Wellesly basins. (B) Lu-Hf analytical results from detrital zircons from the Nutzotin and Wellesly basins.
Use of personal protective equipment against coronavirus disease 2019 by healthcare professionals in Wuhan, China: cross sectional study
Authors: Liu Min , Cheng Shou-Zhen , Xu Ke-Wei , Yang Yang , Zhu Qing-Tang , Zhang Hui , Yang Da-Ya , Cheng Shu-Yuan , Xiao Han , Wang Ji-Wen , Yao He-Rui , Cong Yu-Tian , Zhou Yu-Qi , Peng Sui , Kuang Ming , Hou Fan-Fan , Cheng KK , Xiao Hai-Peng
Published: June 2020

Objective

To examine the protective effects of appropriate personal protective equipment for frontline healthcare professionals who provided care for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19).

Design

Cross sectional study.

Setting

Four hospitals in Wuhan, China.

Participants

420 healthcare professionals (116 doctors and 304 nurses) who were deployed to Wuhan by two affiliated hospitals of Sun Yat-sen University and Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University for 6-8 weeks from 24 January to 7 April 2020. These study participants were provided with appropriate personal protective equipment to deliver healthcare to patients admitted to hospital with covid-19 and were involved in aerosol generating procedures. 77 healthcare professionals with no exposure history to covid-19 and 80 patients who had recovered from covid-19 were recruited to verify the accuracy of antibody testing.

Main outcome measures

Covid-19 related symptoms (fever, cough, and dyspnoea) and evidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, defined as a positive test for virus specific nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs, or a positive test for IgM or IgG antibodies in the serum samples.

Results

The average age of study participants was 35.8 years and 68.1% (286/420) were women. These study participants worked 4-6 hour shifts for an average of 5.4 days a week; they worked an average of 16.2 hours each week in intensive care units. All 420 study participants had direct contact with patients with covid-19 and performed at least one aerosol generating procedure. During the deployment period in Wuhan, none of the study participants reported covid-19 related symptoms. When the participants returned home, they all tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 specific nucleic acids and IgM or IgG antibodies (95% confidence interval 0.0 to 0.7%).

Conclusion

Before a safe and effective vaccine becomes available, healthcare professionals remain susceptible to covid-19. Despite being at high risk of exposure, study participants were appropriately protected and did not contract infection or develop protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Healthcare systems must give priority to the procurement and distribution of personal protective equipment, and provide adequate training to healthcare professionals in its use.
Michael Joseph Day
Authors:   The British Small Animal Veterinary Association and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Published: June 2020

A teacher, mentor, coworker, volunteer and friend who worked tirelessly to transform companion animal vaccination practice around the world and to champion companion animals within One Health.
Dependence of the performance of light-emitting diodes on the molecular weight of the electroluminescent polymer PFO-MEH-PPV
Authors: Brunner Pierre-Louis M. , Laliberté Dominic , Dang Minh Trung , Wantz Guillaume , Wuest James D.
Published: June 2020

Controlled synthesis of the electroluminescent polymer PFO-MEH-PPV (poly[(9,9-dioctyl-2,7-divinylenefluorenylene)-alt-co-(2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene)]) provided samples of varying molecular weight (Mw) in the range 20–360 kDa, as determined by gel-permeation chromatography and light scattering. The samples were used as the active layers in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and the performance of the devices was examined as a function of Mw. Turn-on voltages fell in the range 1.92–2.78 V, luminances varied from 231 to 5826 cd/m2, and luminous efficacies ranged from 0.06 to 0.90 lm/W. The emitted colour was found to vary from green to yellow as Mw increases. Optimal performance was attained by using PFO-MEH-PPV with Mw = 100 kDa. To help reveal how Mw determines the performance of OLEDs, relative quantum yields of photoluminescence in solutions and films were measured, and films were characterized by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.