bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dog‐assisted interventions and outcomes for older adults in residential long‐term care facilities: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jain Briony , Syed Shabeer , Hafford‐Letchfield Trish , O’Farrell‐Pearce Sioban
Published: May 2020

Objective

To comprehensively review studies on dog‐assisted interventions (DAIs) among older people in residential long‐term care facilities (RLTCFs) and to provide an overview of their interventions, outcomes and methodological quality.

Method

We searched 18 electronic databases to identify English articles (published January 2000–December 2019) reporting on well‐defined DAIs targeting older adults (≥65 years) in RLTCF. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Descriptive statistics were produced for quantitative studies, with key themes identified among qualitative studies. Where possible, estimates were pooled from randomised controlled trials using random effects meta‐analyses.

Results

Forty‐three relevant studies (39 quantitative; 4 qualitative) were identified. The majority of quantitative studies were assessed as low‐quality according to the MMAT criteria (n = 26, 67%). Almost half of the quantitative studies (n = 18, 46%) found no significant changes over time or between groups across outcomes measured. The most salient intervention effects included improved social functioning (n = 10), reduced depressive symptoms (n = 6) and loneliness (n = 5). A random‐effects meta‐analysis revealed a medium effect in favour of DAT on reducing depressive or loneliness symptoms (pooled SMD: 0.66, 95%CI 0.21–1.11; I2 = 50.5; five trials), relative to treatment as usual. However, compared to treatment as usual, no overall effect of DAI on activities of daily living was detected (p = .737). Key themes from qualitative studies included (a) animals as effective transitional objects, (b) the therapeutic value of pets and (c) the significance of the care environment and stakeholders in facilitating DAI.

Implications for practice

The findings of this review indicate that while DAI has value for older people in RLTCF, challenges remain in accurately measuring its impact to provide a stronger evidence‐base. Standardisation of DAI service design, delivery and evaluation is required for future research and practice in providing holistic care for older adults.
Axillary vein access for permanent pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation: Fluoroscopy compared to ultrasound
Authors: Migliore Federico , Fais Luisa , Vio Riccardo , De Lazzari Manuel , Zorzi Alessandro , Bertaglia Emanuele , Iliceto Sabino
Published: May 2020

Background

Axillary vein access (AVA) using fluoroscopic landmarks is an effective and safe approach for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) implantation. However, it may result in a higher radiation exposure. Ultrasound‐guided axillary access (USAA) is an effective alternative technique to conventional subclavian access for CIEDs implantation. Studies comparing USAA and AVA using fluoroscopic landmarks are lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety, efficacy, and radiation exposure data of the USAA approach with the AVA using fluoroscopic landmarks.

Methods

The study population included 95 consecutive patients (61% male, median age 78 years [71‐85 years]) referred for CIEDs implantation using AVA with fluoroscopic landmark (n = 46) or USAA (n = 49). Baseline characteristics and radiation exposure data (Air‐Kerma [mGy], DAP [Gy‐cm2], fluoroscopy time [seconds], and X‐rays emission time [seconds]) were compared according to the technique used for the AVA.

Results

Axillary vein was successfully accessed in 45 of 49 (92%) patients using ultrasound and in 42 of 46 (91%) patients using fluoroscopic landmarks (P = 1.00). Air‐Kerma, DAP, fluoroscopy time, and X‐rays emission time were shorter for USAA group compared with AVA using fluoroscopic landmarks (11 mGy [8‐20] vs 37 mGy [24‐81], P < .00001; 3 Gy‐cm2 [2‐5] vs 10 Gy‐cm2 [6‐16], P < .00001; 97 seconds [62‐163] vs 271 seconds [185‐365], P < .00001; and 7 seconds [4‐10] vs 21 seconds [13‐39], P < .00001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in median implant procedure time (P = .55). We did not encounter any acute or long‐term complications in both groups.

Conclusions

Ultrasound‐guided axillary vein cannulation for CIEDs implantation is a feasible and safe alternative approach and offers a significant reduction in fluoroscopy times without increasing procedural time.
Immune serum–activated human macrophages coordinate with eosinophils to immobilize Ascaris suum larvae
Authors: Coakley Gillian , Volpe Beatrice , Bouchery Tiffany , Shah Kathleen , Butler Alana , Geldhof Peter , Hatherill Mark , Horsnell William G.C. , Esser‐von Bieren Julia , Harris Nicola Laraine
Published: May 2020

Helminth infection represents a major health problem causing approximately 5 million disability‐adjusted life years worldwide. Concerns that repeated anti‐helminthic treatment may lead to drug resistance render it important that vaccines are developed but will require increased understanding of the immune‐mediated cellular and antibody responses to helminth infection. IL‐4 or antibody‐activated murine macrophages are known to immobilize parasitic nematode larvae, but few studies have addressed whether this is translatable to human macrophages. In the current study, we investigated the capacity of human macrophages to recognize and attack larval stages of Ascaris suum, a natural porcine parasite that is genetically similar to the human helminth Ascaris lumbricoides. Human macrophages were able to adhere to and trap A suum larvae in the presence of either human or pig serum containing Ascaris‐specific antibodies and other factors. Gene expression analysis of serum‐activated macrophages revealed that CCL24, a potent eosinophil attractant, was the most upregulated gene following culture with A suum larvae in vitro, and human eosinophils displayed even greater ability to adhere to, and trap, A suum larvae. These data suggest that immune serum–activated macrophages can recruit eosinophils to the site of infection, where they act in concert to immobilize tissue‐migrating Ascaris larvae.
Parent‐adolescent physiological synchrony: Moderating effects of adolescent emotional insecurity
Authors: Li Zhi , Sturge‐Apple Melissa L. , Liu Siwei , Davies Patrick T.
Published: May 2020

The present study investigated physiological synchrony in the parasympathetic nervous system among fathers, mothers, and adolescents during a real‐time family interaction, and child characteristics that may moderate the level of physiological synchrony. Our sample consisted of 191 families with adolescents (Mage = 12.4 years) and both of their parents, who participated in a triadic family conflict discussion. During the discussion, respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was measured for all three family members. Multilevel analysis indicated a significant positive concurrent synchrony between adolescents and their mothers, as well as between fathers and mothers on a minute‐to‐minute basis. No RSA synchrony was found between adolescents and their fathers. Furthermore, adolescent emotional insecurity significantly moderated mother‐adolescent RSA synchrony. Whereas adolescents with low emotional insecurity exhibited positive synchrony with their mothers, no synchrony was observed when adolescent emotional insecurity was high. In conclusion, findings of the present study illuminate the patterns of RSA synchrony among parents and adolescents and highlight a link between adolescent emotional insecurity and attenuated mother‐adolescent physiological synchrony.
Patterns of Educational, Occupational, and Residential Aspirations of Rural Youth: The Role of Family, School, and Community*
Authors: Wang Donghui , Hagedorn Annelise DeJong , McLaughlin Diane K.
Published: May 2020

Research on youth and adolescents increasingly suggests that youths' aspirations are complex, multidimensional constructs. This is especially the case for rural youth, who may face conflicting goals when considering their educational, occupational, and residential aspirations. However, few studies have explored rural youths' aspirations from a MultiDimensional perspective. Using data from the younger cohort of the Rural Youth Education study, this research applies latent class analysis to examine the heterogeneity of rural youths' educational, occupational, and residential aspirations. Five distinct subgroups of youth are identified (1) ambitious stayers (27 percent), (2) ambitious yet uncertain youth (28 percent), (3) typical achievers (13 percent), (4) unambitious movers (8 percent), and (5) typical stayers (24 percent). These five subgroups of youth differ in their aspirations, the certainty of those aspirations, and perceived relationships among aspirations. Subsequent multinomial analysis shows strong associations of family, school, and community characteristics with youths' aspirational profiles. Youth with better family economic resources and good parent–child relationships are more likely to fall into the “typical achiever” category, relative to the other four categories. Understanding the interrelationship of rural youth's aspirations can help policymakers and community members develop strategies to assist rural youth in achieving an array of future goals.
Definitive maxillary obturator prosthesis: Timelines for fabrication and follow‐up
Authors: Ahmed Zain Uddin , Flynn Jessica , Riedel Elyn R. , Huryn Joseph M. , Rosen Evan B.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

A definitive maxillary obturator prosthesis can be used to rehabilitate a maxillary defect with the aim of improving speech, deglutition, and elimination of oronasal regurgitation. The aims of this study were (1) to determine the time required to fabricate a definitive maxillary obturator prosthesis and (2) to compare the fabrication and follow‐up times between a patient's first and second definitive maxillary obturator prosthesis.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review was completed of patients that had maxillary definitive obturators fabricated following head and neck surgery from 2002 to 2018 (n = 173). Demographics, clinical data, date of surgery, start date of fabrication, follow‐up dates, and prosthesis follow‐up data were collected.

Results

The median time to delivery of the patient's first definitive maxillary obturator prosthesis from the date of surgery was 7.7 months for nonradiated patients and 9.6 months for radiated patients (P ≤ .05). Additionally, there was a significant difference in the median number of appointments to fabricate the 1st definitive maxillary obturator prosthesis as compared to the 2nd prosthesis (6 vs 5; P ≤ .05).

Conclusion

Fabrication timelines differed based on history of radiotherapy and patient experience. This data is helpful to set expectations for patients and practitioners regarding the process for prosthesis fabrication and follow‐up.
Viral hepatitis in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Winston Anna , Wurcel Alysse G. , Gordon Craig , Goyal Nitender
Published: May 2020

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C (HCV) prevalence are higher in people on hemodialysis (HD) than the general population. Through implementation of prevention interventions including vaccines, serologic screening, and post‐exposure management, transmissions linked to HD have decreased dramatically. In this manuscript, we review epidemiology of viral hepatitis, summarize current screening and vaccine recommendations, and appraise the available data about efforts to decrease incidence within HD facilities, including isolation of people with viral hepatitis within HD units. Also included is a discussion of the highly effective all‐oral HCV treatment options and treatment for HCV in people awaiting kidney transplant.
Mechanism underlying the self‐enhancement effect of voice attractiveness evaluation: self‐positivity bias and familiarity effect
Authors: Peng Zhikang , Hu Zhiguo , Wang Xinyu , Liu Hongyan
Published: May 2020

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the self‐enhancement effect of voice attractiveness evaluation is due to general self‐positivity bias and/or the familiarity effect. The participants were asked to rate the attractiveness of their own voice, a friend's voice and strangers' voices. In addition, a self‐reference valence (SR‐valence) task was adopted in the experiment. Significant self‐enhancement effects in voice attractiveness ratings were demonstrated, regardless of whether the participants recognized their self‐voice or not. However, the friend‐enhancement effect was found in only those participants who successfully recognized their friend's voice. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between self‐positivity bias in the SR‐valence task and the self‐enhancement effect (but not the friend‐enhancement effect). Our findings suggest that both the familiarity effect and self‐positivity bias account for the vocal self‐enhancement effect, and the influence of self‐positivity bias could be implicit. The present study thus provides empirical evidence to clarify the potential explanations for the self‐enhancement of voice attractiveness assessment.
Modification and validation of the mixed‐format Engineering Concept Assessment for middle school students using many‐facet Rasch measurement
Authors: Koskey Kristin L. K. , Makki Nidaa , Ahmed Wondimu , Garafolo Nicholas G. , Visco Donald P.
Published: May 2020

Integrating engineering into the K‐12 science curriculum continues to be a focus in national reform efforts in science education. Although there is an increasing interest in research in and practice of integrating engineering in K‐12 science education, to date only a few studies have focused on the development of an assessment tool to measure students’ understanding of engineering design. Most of the existing measures focus only on knowledge and understanding of engineering design concepts using multiple‐choice items with the exception of the mixed‐format Engineering Concept Assessment (ECA). Also, advanced measurement models are lacking application in the testing of such mixed‐format assessments in science education. This study applied many‐faceted Rasch measurement to the modified ECA for eighth‐grade (ECA/M8) and a newly constructed rubric applied by five judges across 497 eighth‐grade students’ responses after experiencing an integrated learning unit on the engineering design process. The results supported the fit of the items and rubric rating scales to the Rasch specifications. Recommendations are made for item wording, and further reliability and validity testing of the ECA/M8, and use of the ECA/M8 in science education and research.
What does it mean to critique? An exploration of the types of critiques promoted in seventh‐grade mathematics curriculum and assessment materials
Authors: Ray Amy
Published: May 2020

While research in mathematics education has shown that mathematics assessments are highly consequential, traditional assessments often lag behind advancements in instructional methods. One such advancement is the promotion of mathematical habits of mind such as students' abilities to critique others' reasoning. This study explored the use of student work embedded in seventh‐grade curriculum‐based mathematics assessment tasks as a mechanism for critiquing others' thinking. The researcher investigated the prevalence and nature of student work in assessment tasks as compared to textbook tasks from five seventh‐grade, Common Core State Standards for Mathematics‐aligned curriculum series. The text analyses findings revealed that while there were multiple critique types in student work across both assessment and textbook tasks, there were substantial differences between students' opportunities to make sense of someone else's mathematical thinking in curriculum‐based assessments as compared to the student textbooks. These findings reinforced prior curriculum and assessment research that found assessment often lags behind instructional methods.
Outcome comparison between radiation therapy and surgery as primary treatment for dogs with periarticular histiocytic sarcoma: An Italian Society of Veterinary Oncology study
Authors: Marconato Laura , Sabattini Silvia , Buchholz Julia , Polton Gerry , Finotello Riccardo , Martano Marina , Willman Michael , Massari Federico , Agnoli Chiara , Gedon Julia , Cancedda Simona , Campigli Michela , Rohrer Bley Carla
Published: May 2020

Localized histiocytic sarcoma may occur as a primary lesion in periarticular tissues of large appendicular joints. Treatment options for the primary lesion include radical surgical excision, radiation therapy (RT), or both, in combination with chemotherapy for potential systemic metastases. In an effort to better characterize the time to progression (TTP) following surgical vs non‐surgical approaches for periarticular histiocytic sarcoma (PAHS), a contemporary European population of affected dogs was retrospectively surveyed. Medical records were queried for newly‐diagnosed PAHS cases undergoing surgery (predominantly limb amputation) or RT followed by systemic chemotherapy. Of 49 dogs, 34 underwent RT and 15 underwent surgery. All dogs received adjuvant chemotherapy. There was no statistically significant difference in TTP or overall survival between groups. The median TTP was 336 days for the operated dogs and 217 days for the irradiated dogs (P = .117). The median overall survival time was 398 days for the operated dogs and 240 days for the irradiated dogs (P = .142). On multi‐variable analysis, the variables significantly associated with an increased risk of both tumour progression and tumour‐related death were regional lymph node and distant metastasis at admission. Survival and local control rates following RT may be comparable to radical resection. These data may better inform shared decision‐making processes between multi‐disciplinary care providers and owners.
Retention of basic suturing skills with brief or extended practice in veterinary students
Authors: Shaver Stephanie L. , Yamada Nalani , Hofmeister Erik H.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of practice duration on accuracy, retention, and confidence when learning how to tie basic surgical knots.

Study design

Prospective study.

Sample population

Fifteen first‐year veterinary students.

Methods

Students were randomly assigned to a 2‐week practice (TWP) or an 8‐week practice (EWP) to learn how to tie surgeon's, strangle, and miller's knots. Students' knot‐tying accuracy and confidence were evaluated immediately after training, at an intermediate time point (2‐6 weeks postpractice), and at 12 weeks postpractice.

Results

Students who had been trained during an extended period tied the strangle knot correctly more often at all assessments (P = .025). The ability of students trained for 2 weeks to tie the strangle knot correctly decreased over time (P = .028). These students lost some confidence (P = .03) and repositioned suture more frequently (P = .03) while constructing the strangle knot at the final time point compared with students trained for 8 weeks. Students who completed TWP felt more confident at placing surgeon's knots than friction knots at the final assessment period (P = .0164 miller's knot, P = .0056 strangle knot), whereas confidence did not differ between knot types for students who completed EWP. All students felt less confident with their knot‐tying skills at 12 weeks postpractice.

Conclusion

Training for 8 weeks rather than for 2 weeks resulted in superior knot tying skills. Students' confidence decreased 12 weeks after training.

Clinical significance

Prolonged distributed practice is recommended to train students for more complex tasks such as placement of a strangle knot.
Previous recreational cold exposure does not alter endothelial function or sensory thermal thresholds in the hands or feet
Authors: Eglin Clare M. , Costello Joseph T. , Tipton Michael J. , Massey Heather
Published: May 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does recreational cold exposure result in cold sensitivity and is this associated with endothelial dysfunction and impaired sensory thermal thresholds?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Previous cold exposure was correlated with cold sensitivity of the foot, which might indicate the development of a subclinical non‐freezing cold injury. Endothelial function and thermal detection were not impaired in cold‐sensitive individuals; therefore, further research is required to understand the pathophysiology of subclinical and clinical forms of non‐freezing cold injury.

In this study, we investigated whether cold‐sensitive (CS) individuals, who rewarm more slowly after a mild cold challenge, have impaired endothelial function and sensory thermal thresholds (STTs) and whether this is related to reported cold exposure. Twenty‐seven participants with varying previous cold exposure undertook three tests: an STT test, i.e. determination of warm and cold STTs of the fingers and dorsal foot; an endothelial function test, i.e. measurement of cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) during iontophoresis of ACh on the forearm, finger and foot; and a CS test, involving immersion of a foot for 2 min in water at 15°C followed by 10 min of rewarming in air at 30°C. Toe skin temperature (Tsk) measured during the CS test was used to form a CS group (<32°C before and 5 min after immersion) and an otherwise closely matched control group [Tsk >32°C; n = 9 (four women) for both groups]. A moderate relationship was found between cold exposure ranking and Tsk rewarming (r = 0.408, P = 0.035, n = 27) but not STT or endothelial function. The Tsk and blood flow were lower in CS compared with control subjects before and after foot immersion [Tsk, mean (SD): 30.3 (0.9) versus 34.8 (0.8) and 27.9 (0.8) versus 34.3 (0.8)°C, P < 0.001; and CVC: 1.08 (0.79) versus 3.82 (1.21) and 0.79 (0.52) versus 3.45 (1.07) flux mmHg−1, n = 9, P < 0.001, respectively]. However, no physiologically significant differences were observed between groups for endothelial function or STT. A moderate correlation between previous cold exposure and toe Tsk rewarming after foot immersion was observed; however, CS was not associated with impaired endothelial function or reduced thermal detection.
The performance of active noise control systems on ground with two parallel reflecting surfaces
Authors: Zhong Jiaxin , Chen Baicun , Tao Jiancheng , Qiu Xiaojun
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates the performance of active noise control (ANC) systems with two reflecting surfaces that are placed vertically on ground in parallel. It employs the modal expansion method and the boundary element method to calculate the noise reduction of the systems with infinitely large and finite size reflecting surfaces, respectively. Both experimental and simulation results show that the noise reduction of the system can be significantly increased after optimizing the surface separation distance and their locations with the sound sources. It is found that the sound radiation of the primary source can be completely reduced in principle if the surface interval is less than half the wavelength and the source line is perpendicular to the surfaces for infinitely large reflecting surfaces. Even with finite size ones, the noise reduction performance improvement is still significant compared with those without any reflecting surfaces. For example, for an ANC system with a source distance of 0.074 m, experiments achieve an improvement of 8.6 dB at 800 Hz where two 0.2 m × 0.2 m parallel reflecting surfaces are placed with a distance of 0.15 m around the system on ground. The mechanisms for the performance improvement are discussed.
Anterior–Posterior Balance Perturbation Protocol Using Lifelike Virtual Reality Environment
Authors: Sandri Heidner Gustavo , Rider Patrick M. , Mizelle J.C. , O’Connell Caitlin M. , Murray Nicholas P. , Domire Zachary J.
Published: May 2020

Virtual reality (VR) paradigms have proved to be a valid method to challenge and perturb balance. There is little consensus in the literature on the best protocol design to perturb balance and induce postural sway. Current VR interventions still lack a well-defined standardized metric to generate a virtual environment that can perturb balance in an efficacious, lifelike, and repeatable manner. The objective of this study was to investigate different configurations of amplitude and frequency in an anterior–posterior translation VR environment, that is, lifelike and scaled. Thirteen young adults with no conditions affecting balance were recruited. Balance was challenged by anterior–posterior sinusoidal movement of the lab image within the VR headset. Four different amplitudes of the sinusoidal movement were tested: 1, 5, 10, and 20 cm, with each amplitude being presented at 2 test frequencies : 0.5 and 0.25 Hz. Mean center of pressure velocity was significantly greater than baseline at 0.5 Hz and amplitudes of 10 and 20 cm. Mean center of pressure at approximate entropy was greater than baseline at 0.5 Hz and amplitude of 20 cm. The results suggest that sinusoidal movement of a realistic VR environment produces altered balance compared with baseline quiet standing, but only under specific movement parameters.
Physical Exercise as an Immunomodulator of Chronic Diseases in Aging
Authors: Ciolac Emmanuel Gomes , Rodrigues da Silva José Messias , Vieira Rodolfo Paula
Published: May 2020

Background: The progressive dysfunction of the immune system during aging appears to be involved in the pathogenesis of several age-related disorders. However, regular physical exercise can present “antiaging” effects on several physiological systems.Methods: A narrative review of studies investigating the chronic effects of exercise and physical activity on the immune system and its association with age-related chronic diseases was carried out according to the guidelines for writing a narrative review.Results: There is compelling evidence suggesting that age-related immune system alterations play a key role on the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, hypertension, chronic heart failure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, arthritis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. On the other hand, the regular practice of physical activity appears to improve most of the inflammatory/immunological processes involved in these diseases.Conclusion: Epidemiological, experimental, and clinical studies permit us to affirm that regular physical activity improves immunomodulation and may play a key role in the prevention and treatment of several age-related chronic diseases. However, further studies are needed to better describe the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of physical exercise in specific organs of older individuals, as well as the mechanisms involved in such response.
Phosphoproteomics of CD2 signaling reveals AMPK-dependent regulation of lytic granule polarization in cytotoxic T cells
Authors: Zurli Vanessa , Montecchi Tommaso , Heilig Raphael , Poschke Isabel , Volkmar Michael , Wimmer Giuliana , Boncompagni Gioia , Turacchio Gabriele , D’Elios Mario Milco , Campoccia Giuseppe , Resta Nicoletta , Offringa Rienk , Fischer Roman , Acuto Oreste , Baldari Cosima Tatiana , Kabanova Anna
Published: May 2020

CD2-stimulated AMPK activation mediates lytic granule organization in cytotoxic T cells.
CLUHing in mitochondria to starvation
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2020

The RNA-binding protein CLUH helps reprogram hepatocyte mitochondria in response to starvation.
Open Development and Clinical Validation of Multiple 3D-Printed Nasopharyngeal Collection Swabs: Rapid Resolution of a Critical COVID-19 Testing Bottleneck
Authors: Callahan Cody J. , Lee Rose , Zulauf Katelyn E. , Tamburello Lauren , Smith Kenneth P. , Previtera Joe , Cheng Annie , Green Alex , Abdul Azim Ahmed , Yano Amanda , Doraiswami Nancy , Kirby James E. , Arnaout Ramy A.
Published: May 2020

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a severe international shortage of the nasopharyngeal swabs that are required for collection of optimal specimens, creating a critical bottleneck blocking clinical laboratories’ ability to perform high-sensitivity virological testing for SARS-CoV-2. To address this crisis, we designed and executed an innovative, cooperative, rapid-response translational-research program that brought together health care workers, manufacturers, and scientists to emergently develop and clinically validate new swabs for immediate mass production by 3D printing.
Chimeric Protein Designed by Genome-Scale Immunoinformatics Enhances Serodiagnosis of Bovine Neosporosis
Authors: Pereira Higor Sette , e Almeida Ludmila Tavares , Fernandes Vitória , Senra Renato Lima , Fontes Patrícia Pereira , Bittar Eustáquio Resende , Ribon Andréa de Oliveira Barros , Rotta Polyana Pizzi , Menezes-Souza Daniel , Bittar Joely Ferreira Figueiredo , Mendes Tiago Antônio de Oliveira
Published: May 2020

Neosporosis has become a concern since it is associated with abortion in cattle. Currently,
in situ
diagnosis is determined through anamnesis, evaluation of the history, and perception of the clinical signs of the herd. There is no practical and noninvasive test adapted to a large number of samples, which represents a gap for the use of new approaches that provide information about infections and the risks of herds. Here, we performed a search in the
Neospora caninum
genome by linear B-cell epitopes using immunoinformatic tools aiming to develop a chimeric protein with high potential to bind specifically to antibodies from infected cattle samples.
Iron Metabolism, Pseudohypha Production, and Biofilm Formation through a Multicopper Oxidase in the Human-Pathogenic Fungus Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Chakraborty Tanmoy , Tóth Zsófia , Tóth Renáta , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Gácser Attila
Published: May 2020

C. parapsilosis
is the second or third most common opportunistic human-pathogenic
Candida
species, being responsible for severe fungal infections among immunocompromised patients, especially low-birth-weight infants (0 to 2 years of age). Among the major virulence factors that pathogenic fungi possess is the ability to compete with the host for essential micronutrients, including iron. Accessible iron is required for the maintenance of several metabolic processes. In order to obtain accessible iron from the host, pathogenic fungi have developed several iron acquisition and metabolic mechanisms. Although
C. parapsilosis
is a frequent cause of invasive candidiasis, little is known about what iron metabolic processes this fungus possesses that could contribute to the species’ virulent behavior. In this study, we identified the multicopper oxidase
FET3
gene that regulates iron homeostasis maintenance and also plays important roles in the morphology of the fungus as well as in biofilm formation, two additional factors in fungal virulence.
Recent advancements in geochronology, geologic mapping, and landslide characterization in basement rocks of the San Gabriel Mountains block
Authors: Nourse Jonathan A. , Swanson Brian J. , Lusk Alexander D. , Barth Nicolas C. , Schwartz Joshua J. , Vermillion Karissa B.
Published: May 2020

This field trip examines Paleoproterozoic basement, Neoproterozoic metasedimentary strata, and crosscutting Mesozoic intrusive rocks at Frazier Mountain, Placerita Canyon, and Limerock Canyon in the western San Gabriel Mountains block, California. We present new U-Pb zircon geochronology results that constrain the Proterozoic through Cretaceous tectonic and magmatic history. The excursion ends in San Antonio Canyon in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains where several large rock avalanche deposits are sourced from distinct basement rocks. 10Be surface exposure ages and post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence burial ages demonstrate late Pleistocene to Holocene movements for these landslides.
Fibrous myopathy induced by intramuscular injections of cyclizine
Authors: Tinker Rory James , Wiltshire Ryan , du Plessis Daniel , Lilleker James B
Published: May 2020

A 63-year-old woman was referred to neurology with bilateral severe progressive pain and stiffness in her thighs. The patient had a 3-year history of injecting intramuscular cyclizine into the anterior thigh to treat nausea associated with a longstanding pan-enteric dysmotility syndrome. MRI of the thighs demonstrated fibrotic appearances. A biopsy of the left vastus lateralis and surrounding fascia identified pathology consistent with a fibrous myopathy. The patient was advised to stop intramuscular injections of cyclizine and undergo physiotherapy but she still remained in considerable pain. Although fibrous myopathy occurring as a consequence of recurrent intramuscular drug injections, particularly heroin, has been previously described, this is the first report of fibrous myopathy associated with the use of intramuscular cyclizine. We highlight this rare association and suggest that the long-term use of intramuscular cyclizine be avoided.
DRESS syndrome: an important differential for eosinophilia with systemic organ dysfunction
Authors: Mukit Whoasif , Cooper Richard , Moudgil Harmesh , Ahmad Nawaid
Published: May 2020

Drug rash occurring with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome is a potentially fatal adverse drug reaction that requires immediate action in order to minimise patient harm. Initially implicated with the use of anticonvulsants, it has also been shown to be caused by many other medications but less frequently with vancomycin. Patients typically present with fever, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia and systemic organ dysfunction. Diagnosis is aided using probability calculators such as RegiSCAR (Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction), as well as clinical response on removing the responsible medication. Here, we present a case without any systemic organ dysfunction that improved with withdrawal of the offending drug vancomycin.
Choroidal osteoma: the varied response of subretinal fluid to anti-VEGF agents
Authors: Narang Subina , Sindhu Meenakshi , Sheoran Khushboo , Kaur Ravinder
Published: May 2020

The present case shows a remarkable long-term response of the choroidal neovascular membrane and serous retinal detachment associated with choroidal osteoma to two injections of ranibizumab which is an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agent.
How do the prevalence and relative risk of non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal thoughts vary across the population distribution of common mental distress (the p factor)? Observational analyses replicated in two independent UK cohorts of young people
Authors: Polek Ela , Neufeld Sharon A S , Wilkinson Paul , Goodyer Ian , St Clair Michelle , Prabhu Gita , Dolan Ray , Bullmore Edward T , Fonagy Peter , Stochl Jan , Jones Peter B
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To inform suicide prevention policies and responses to youths at risk by investigating whether suicide risk is predicted by a summary measure of common mental distress (CMD (the p factor)) as well as by conventional psychopathological domains; to define the distribution of suicide risks over the population range of CMD; to test whether such distress mediates the medium-term persistence of suicide risks.

Design

Two independent population-based cohorts.

Setting

Population based in two UK centres.

Participants

Volunteers aged 14–24 years recruited from primary healthcare registers, schools and colleges, with advertisements to complete quotas in age-sex-strata. Cohort 1 is the Neuroscience in Psychiatry Network (n=2403); cohort 2 is the ROOTS sample (n=1074).

Primary outcome measures

Suicidal thoughts (ST) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).

Results

We calculated a CMD score using confirmatory bifactor analysis and then used logistic regressions to determine adjusted associations between risks and CMD; curve fitting was used to examine the relative prevalence of STs and NSSI over the population distribution of CMD. We found a dose–response relationship between levels of CMD and risk of suicide. The majority of all subjects experiencing ST and NSSI (78% and 76% in cohort 1, and 66% and 71% in cohort 2) had CMD scores no more than 2 SDs above the population mean; higher scores indicated the highest risk but were, by definition, infrequent. Pathway mediation models showed that CMD mediated the longitudinal course of both ST and NSSI.

Conclusions

NSSI and ST in youths reflect CMD that also mediates their persistence. Universal prevention strategies reducing levels of CMD in the whole population without recourse to screening or measurement may prevent more suicides than approaches targeting youths with the most severe distress or with psychiatric disorders.
Innovations in applied decision theory for health and safety
Authors: Richardson David B , DeBono Nathan L , Berriault Colin , Demers Paul A
Published: May 2020

Objectives

There are established methods for occupational epidemiological cohort analysis, such as proportional hazards regression, that are well suited to aetiological research and yield parameter estimates that allow for succinct communication among academics. However, these methods are not necessarily well suited for evaluation of health impacts of policy choices and communication to decision makers. An informed decision about a policy that impacts health and safety requires a valid estimate of the policy’s potential impact.

Methods

We propose methods for data summarisation that may facilitate communication with managers, workers and their advocates. We calculate measures of effect in a framework for competing events, graphically display potential impacts on cause-specific mortality under policy alternatives and contrast these results to estimates obtained using standard Poisson regression methods. Methods are illustrated using a cohort mortality study of 28 546 Ontario uranium miners hired between 1950 and 1996 and followed through 2007.

Results

A standard regression analysis yields a positive association between cumulative radon progeny exposure and all-cause mortality (log(RR per 100 WLM)=0.09; SE=0.02). The proposed method yields an estimate of the expected gain in life expectancy (approximately 6 months per worker) and reduction of 261 lung cancer deaths under a policy that eliminated occupational radon progeny exposure.

Conclusions

The proposed method shifts attention from covariate-adjusted risk ratios or rate ratios to estimates of deaths that are avoided or delayed under a potential policy. The approach may help inform decision-making and strengthen the connection of epidemiological approaches to data analysis with developments in decision theory and systems engineering to improve health and safety.
Morphological Characterization of Functional Brain Imaging by Isosurface Analysis in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Castillo-Barnes Diego , Martinez-Murcia Francisco J. , Ortiz Andres , Salas-Gonzalez Diego , RamÍrez Javier , Górriz Juan M.
Published: May 2020

Finding new biomarkers to model Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a challenge not only to help discerning between Healthy Control (HC) subjects and patients with potential PD but also as a way to measure quantitatively the loss of dopaminergic neurons mainly concentrated at substantia nigra. Within this context, this work presented here tries to provide a set of imaging features based on morphological characteristics extracted from I[Formula: see text]-Ioflupane SPECT scans to discern between HC and PD participants in a balanced set of [Formula: see text] scans from Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database. These features, obtained from isosurfaces of each scan at different intensity levels, have been classified through the use of classical Machine Learning classifiers such as Support-Vector-Machines (SVM) or Naïve Bayesian and compared with the results obtained using a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP).

The proposed system, based on a Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon U-Test for feature selection and the SVM approach, yielded a [Formula: see text] balanced accuracy when the performance was evaluated using a [Formula: see text]-fold cross-validation. This proves the reliability of these biomarkers, especially those related to sphericity, center of mass, number of vertices, 2D-projected perimeter or the 2D-projected eccentricity, among others, but including both internal and external isosurfaces.
First analytical calculation of black hole shadow in McVittie metric
Authors: Tsupko Oleg Yu. , Bisnovatyi-Kogan Gennady S.
Published: May 2020

Cosmic expansion influences the angular size of black hole shadow. The most general way to describe a black hole embedded into an expanding universe is to use the McVittie metric. So far, the exact analytical solution for the shadow size in the McVittie metric, valid for arbitrary law of expansion and arbitrary position of the observer, has not been found. In this paper, we present the first analytical solution for angular size of black hole shadow in McVittie metric as seen by observer comoving with the cosmic expansion. We use a method of matched asymptotic expansions to find approximate solution valid within the entire range of possible positions of observer. As two particular examples, we consider black hole in de Sitter and matter-dominated universe.
Short-Term Response of a Bridge-Winglet Sectional Model under Active Flutter Control
Authors: Yan Bowen , Li Ke , Li Shaopeng , Qian Guowei , Hui Yi
Published: May 2020

Active winglets, with a manually controlled attitude angle, can take advantage of the self-excited force to suppress the flutter tendency of a bridge girder. Previous studies mostly focused on the effectiveness and robustness under long-term closed-loop control. However, the deck-winglet system’s short-term response, due to the memory effect of the aerodynamic force, is of concern. A bridge sectional model with active winglets was developed to investigate this problem. Experiments with different phase shifts between the members of the winglet pair were carried out in a wind tunnel. We found that the influence residue of an instantaneous change of the control pattern lasted about three pitching cycles, indicating that a large control interval was acceptable for practical applications. A theoretical relationship between the control effect and control phase was derived to explain the results of the open-loop control. The system responses under different control intervals were analyzed by the closed-loop control, demonstrating that a large control interval was acceptable if some time-consuming algorithms are used in a practical bridge’s flutter control operation.
Numerical and Experimental Study on the Dynamic Behavior of an Innovative Steel-Concrete Composite Hollow Waffle Floor
Authors: Zhang Xi , Li Qing , Wang Yousan , Wang Qiming
Published: May 2020

The U-shaped steel-concrete composite hollow waffle (CHW) floor is an innovative slender large-span floor composed of a thin slab and bidirectional orthogonal steel-concrete composite hollow beams. Large vibrations may occur under human excitations, and vibration guidelines for CHW floors are still lacking. Thus, this paper undertook a parametric and experimental study to explore the vibration performance of the CHW floors. First, the modal properties and vibration response under walking tests considering the varying frequencies and routes were obtained from the measurements, which validated the accuracy of the finite element analysis (FEA). Then, the influence of the structural parameters on the floor vibration was investigated by numerical modeling. The parametric study shows that the medium-sized long-span (MLS) (28[Formula: see text]m) CHW floors present the best vibration serviceability, the small-sized long-span (SLS) (14[Formula: see text]m) CHW floors vibrate substantially under walking excitation, and the large-sized long-span (LLS) (42[Formula: see text]m) CHW floors are vulnerable to resonance. Finally, this paper provides recommendations for design guidelines for CHW floors and indicates that controlling the span-to-height (SH) value and beam spacing (BS) at a small value are the most effective methods of vibration control.
On semirings all of whose semimodules have injective envelopes
Authors: Il’in S. N.
Published: May 2020

It was shown in [Y. Katsov, Tensor products and injective envelopes of semimodules over additively regular semirings, Algebra Colloq. 4 (1997) 121–131.] that each semimodule over an additively regular semiring has an injective envelope. We show the converse statement is true as well; moreover, the result holds even if each finitely generated semimodule has an injective envelope.
Numerical semigroups generated by concatenation of arithmetic sequences
Authors: Mehta Ranjana , Saha Joydip , Sengupta Indranath
Published: May 2020

We introduce the notion of numerical semigroups generated by concatenation of arithmetic sequences and show that this class of numerical semigroups exhibit multiple interesting behaviors.
Framework Study for Agile Software Development Via Scrum and Kanban
Authors: Zayat Wael , Senvar Ozlem
Published: May 2020

This paper provides a systematic comparison between two well-known Agile methodologies: Scrum, which is a framework of doing projects by allocating tasks into small stages called sprints, and Kanban, which is a scheduling system to manage the flow of work by means of visual signals. In this regard, both methodologies were reviewed to explore similarities and differences between them. Then, a focus group survey was performed to specify the preferable methodology for product development according to various parameters in the project environment including project complexity, level of uncertainty, and work size with consideration of output factors like quality, productivity, and delivery. Results show the flexibility of both methodologies in approaching Agile objectives, where Scrum emphasizes on the corporation of the customer and development teams with a focus on particular skills such as planning, organization, presentation, and reviewing which makes it ideal for new and complex projects where a regular involvement of the customer is required, whereas Kanban is more operative in continuous-flow environments with a steady approach toward a system improvement.
Screening metal-dicorrole-based dyes with excellent photoelectronic properties for dye-sensitized solar cells by density functional calculations
Authors: Zheng Lifeng , Meng Yang , Wang Xiangqian , Zhu Chun , Liang Jin-Xia
Published: May 2020

The dye molecules behaving as photosensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells are the most critical factors to determine the power conversion efficiency. Therefore, ways to design dye molecules with excellent photoelectric properties has been the focus of dye-sensitized solar cells research. Here, we selected four representative different metal-corrole monomers to characterize their structures and photoelectronic properties. Then based on these metal-corrole monomers, six different architectures of metal-dicorroles were designed by varying the linking forms. The most stable architecture [Formula: see text] was screened out by binding energy calculations. A further two types of metal-dicorrole-based dyes were constructed by incorporating different bridge groups with the cyanoacry acceptor into the stable metal-dicorroles. A large number of density functional theory calculations and photoelectric properties analysis indicate that among these different metal-dicorrole-based dyes, Ga-dicorrole dyes have two strong and wide absorption bands in the visible region corresponding to Soret and Q bands, respectively, and have high charge separation efficiency under optical excitation. Especially for Ga-SN dye, by incorporating a [Formula: see text]-bridge-conjugated group, its Soret absorption band is greatly enhanced, broadened and red-shifted, resulting in its merging with the Q band into one absorption band. Moreover, its charge transfer efficiency is up to 76.86%, which will facilitate its coupling with semiconductor materials and transfer its electrons to the semiconductor materials.