bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Late‐onset Hypogonadism: Bone health
Authors: Rochira Vincenzo
Published: May 2020

Background

Bone health is underdiagnosed and undermanaged in men. Bone loss occurs in men with hypogonadism and in aging men. Thus, patients with a diagnosis of late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH) are at risk of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures.

Objectives

To provide an update on research data and clinical implications regarding bone health in men with LOH by reviewing literature articles on this issue.

Materials and Methods

A thorough search of listed publications in PubMed on bone health in older men with hypogonadism was performed, and other articles derived from these publications were further identified.

Results

Late‐onset Hypogonadism may be associated with reduced bone mineral density (BMD). In a pathophysiological perspective, the detrimental effects of testosterone (T) deficiency on BMD are partly ascribed to relative estrogen deficiency and both serum T and serum estradiol (E2) need to be above 200 ng/dL and 20 pg/mL to prevent bone loss. The effects of exogenous T on BMD are controversial, but most of the studies confirm that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) increases BMD and prevents further bone loss in men with hypogonadism. No data are available on TRT and the prevention of fractures.

Discussion and Conclusion

In men with documented LOH, a specific clinical workup should be addressed to the diagnosis of osteoporosis in order to program subsequent follow‐up and consider specific bone active therapy. TRT should be started according to guidelines of male hypogonadism while keeping in mind that it may also have positive effects also on bone health in men with LOH.
Significance of umbilical trocar size and intra‐abdominal pressure on postoperative pain after transabdominal preperitoneal repair for inguinal hernia
Authors: Kinoshita Shoichi , Ohyama Takao , Kawaguchi Chihiro , Ikeda Naoya , Sho Masayuki
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is reported to be associated with lower postoperative pain than open repair. However, in the actual clinical setting, some patients experience relatively severe pain. This study aimed to elucidate surgical factors that affect pain after transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair.

Methods

We evaluated 199 patients who underwent elective TAPP for inguinal hernia from 2014 to 2019 in Heisei Memorial Hospital. The umbilical trocar size was changed from 12 to 5 mm from October 2017. The pneumoperitoneum intra‐abdominal pressure was changed from 10 to 8 mmHg from 2019. Postoperative pain scores and analgesics were compared between patients who were grouped according to trocar size and intra‐abdominal pressure, as well as 80 patients who received open repair.

Results

Patients with a 12 mm trocar had significantly higher pain than open repair patients (P < .0001). Patients with a 5 mm umbilical trocar and 8 mm Hg intra‐abdominal pressure had significantly lower pain than a 12 mm trocar (P = .025) and did not significantly differ with pain after open repair. Analgesic use significantly decreased in patients using a 5 mm trocar than 12 mm (P = .002).

Conclusion

Umbilical trocar size and pneumoperitoneum intra‐abdominal pressure were significantly associated with post‐TAPP pain. Using a 5 mm umbilical trocar and 8 mm Hg intra‐abdominal pressure achieved pain levels as comparatively low as open repair.
Effects of Antimicrobial peptides on egg production, egg quality and caecal microbiota of hens during the late laying period
Authors: Chen Xiaochen , Zhan Yaowen , Ma Wenfeng , Zhu Yanzhi , Wang Zhanbin
Published: May 2020

This study was conducted to determine the effects of diet supplementation of laying hens with antimicrobial peptides (AMP) on egg production, egg quality and caecal microbiota. A total of 360 Hy‐Line Brown laying hens (72 weeks old) were divided into three groups with four replicates of 30 birds each. The laying hens were fed with the basal diet (Control), the basal diet + 50 mg/kg AMP (group 1) and the basal diet + 100 mg/kg AMP (group 2). The experiment lasted for 45 d. Eggs were collected daily and caecal samples were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that AMP supplementation caused a significantly increased laying rate and decreased feed/egg ratio (p ＜ .05). Meanwhile, a distinctive difference in cecal microbiota was observed between AMP and control groups and the average values of microbial diversity and richness were lower in the AMP group than in the control group. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia and Cyanobacteria were lower in the AMP group than in the control group. In conclusion, the results indicated that dietary supplementation with AMP can improve egg production and affect the cecal microbial community membership and structure of hens during late laying period.
Ferric citrate in the management of hyperphosphataemia and iron deficiency anaemia: A meta‐analysis in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Choi Yeo Jin , Noh Yoojin , Shin Sooyoung
Published: May 2020

Aims

Phosphate‐lowering effects of ferric citrate were reported in several clinical trials, but mostly in small‐scale studies. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to investigate the efficacy and safety of ferric citrate in controlling hyperphosphataemia and iron‐deficiency anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for clinical trials that enrolled CKD patients receiving ferric citrate for hyperphosphataemia. Two investigators performed systematic literature search to identify eligible studies, evaluated risk of bias and extracted relevant data.

Results

Sixteen studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Phosphate‐lowering effects of ferric citrate were greater compared to no active treatment (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −1.15; P < 0.001) and comparable to other phosphate binders (SMD = 0.03; P = 0.61). Calcium concentrations post ferric citrate treatment did not differ compared to no active treatment (SMD = 0.15; P = 0.21) but were significantly lower compared to other phosphate binders (SMD = −0.14; P = 0.01). These led to significant reductions in calcium‐phosphorus product with ferric citrate versus no active control (SMD = −1.02; P < 0.001) but no difference versus active control (SMD = −0.01; P = 0.93). Intact parathyroid hormone showed no substantial between‐group difference in both comparison against no active and active controls. Ferric citrate improved iron stores and anaemia parameters, but increased risk of diarrhoea, abdominal pain and discoloured faeces.

Conclusion

Ferric citrate was effective in lowering phosphorus and phosphorus‐calcium product versus no active treatment and had comparable effects versus other phosphate binders. Calcium levels were significantly lower with ferric citrate than with other phosphate‐lowering treatment. Ferric citrate had additive effects on iron repletion and anaemia control and was associated with mostly gastrointestinal side effects.
Conceptualizing the later stage of bipolar disorder: Descriptive analyses from the ORBIT trial
Authors: Tremain Hailey , Fletcher Kathryn , Murray Greg
Published: May 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the features of later stage bipolar disorder (BD) and specifically, factors underlying later stage BD and potential subgroups within this stage, to understand more about the later stage group and contribute to the measurement of stage.

Methods

An exploratory factor analysis was conducted using variables relating to current phenomenological aspects of illness, followed by cluster analyses based on the identified factors. Finally, the resultant clusters were compared based on course of illness variables.

Results

Fourteen extracted factors explained 57 percent of the variance. Latent structures aligned with current depressive symptoms, energy and interest, independence, occupational functioning, symptoms of anxiety, pain, elevated symptoms, interpersonal functioning, anger, perceptions of social connections, and perceptions of current medication effectiveness, cognitive issues, sleep issues, and sense of isolation. Two clusters were identified which differed significantly on each of these factors, and on a range of course of illness features including lifetime number of episodes, duration of illness and number of depressive hospitalizations.

Conclusions

Latent phenomenological features relevant to individuals in the later stage of BD were identified. Two clusters of individuals in later stage BD differ based on these features as well as course of illness, suggesting that there are distinct subgroups of individuals in the later stage of BD, distinguishable based on current phenomenology and illness history. However, findings are exploratory and therefore require confirmation before they can be applied clinically.
Creating equitable healthcare quality and safety for children with intellectual disability in hospital
Authors: Mimmo Laurel , Woolfenden Susan , Travaglia Joanne , Harrison Reema
Published: May 2020

Children with intellectual disability are susceptible to poor experiences of care and treatment outcomes, and this may compound existing health inequities. Evidence to date indicates three priority areas that must be addressed in order to reduce these inequities in the safety and quality of care for children with intellectual disability. Firstly, we need reliable methods to identify children with intellectual disability so that healthcare organizations understand their needs. Secondly, we need to develop quality metrics that can assess care quality and unwarranted care variation for children with intellectual disability in hospital. Finally, for a comprehensive understanding of the safety and quality of care for these children, and how to improve, it is critical that healthcare organizations partner with parents/carers and enable children with intellectual disability to voice their experiences of care. Children with intellectual disability have higher healthcare utilization than their peers; yet, their voice is rarely sought to optimize the safety and quality of their healthcare experience. Patient experience narratives enhance our understanding of the genesis of adverse events. By addressing these priorities, children with intellectual disability will be identified, and health services will measure and understand the problematic and beneficial variations in care delivery and can then effectively partner with children and their parents/carers to address the inequities in care quality and create safer healthcare.
Quantifying the relative performance of two undetected‐extinction models
Authors: Lum Deon , Tedesco Pablo A. , Hugueny Bernard , Giam Xingli , Chisholm Ryan A.
Published: May 2020

Extinctions of undiscovered species (undetected extinctions) constitute a portion of biodiversity loss that is often ignored. We compared the performance of 2 models of undetected extinctions – Tedesco and SEUX – when estimating undetected extinctions with both simulated and real‐world data. We generated simulated data by considering a birth‐death process in which less abundant species were more likely to go extinct. When detection rates were higher for common species, the 2 models underestimated the true number of undetected extinctions by up to 88.7%, and when detection rates were independent of abundance, the 2 models performed better; the SEUX model had an average bias of +3.1% and the Tedesco model had an average bias of −62.3%. We applied the models to 8 real‐world data sets (e.g., Australian amphibians, Australian birds, North American bivalves) and found that true extinctions may be from 15% to 180% higher than observed values. For 6 of the 8 data sets, the SEUX model yielded absolute estimates that were 5.7–66.8% lower than those of the Tedesco model. We mainly attributed this difference to the SEUX model's assumption that there are no undetected extant species currently. We assessed the accuracy of the models’ estimates with a logistic regression to test whether detection and extinction rates were uncorrelated across species. Rates were correlated for 3 of the 8 data sets; species discovered later had a higher probability of being extinct, suggesting that extinction numbers could be even higher for these groups. Despite caveats associated with the models, the evidence from both show biodiversity loss in these groups may be more severe than what has been documented.
Triple‐nanostructuring‐based noninvasive electro‐immune sensing of CagA toxin for Helicobacter pylori detection
Authors: Jain Utkarsh , Gupta Shaivya , Soni Shringika , Khurana Manish Punit , Chauhan Nidhi
Published: May 2020

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is gram‐negative, spiral, and microaerophilic bacteria which can survive in ~2%‐10% oxygen level. It was reported to populate in human gastric mucosa and leads to gastric cancer without any age or gender difference.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we are targeting label‐free electrochemical immunosensor development for rapid H pylori detection after covalently immobilizing the antibody (CagA) over the nanomaterials modified Au electrode. Titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs), carboxylated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (c‐MWCNT), and conducting polymer polyindole carboxylic acid (Pin5COOH) composites (TiO2NPs/c‐MWCNT/Pin5COOH) were synthesized and further utilized in immunosensor development as an electrochemical interface onto Au electrode. The stepwise modifications of CagAantibody/TiO2NPs/c‐MWNCT/Pin5COOH/Au electrode were electrochemically studied.

Results

Possessing the unique features of advanced materials, the proposed immunosensor reported low sensing limit of 0.1 ng/mL in dynamic linear range of 0.1‐8.0 ng/mL with higher stability and reproducibility. Furthermore, developed sensor‐based determination of H pylori in five human stool specimens has shown good results with suitable accuracy.

Conclusions

This work lays strong foundation toward developing nanotechnology‐enabled electrochemical sensor for ultrasensitive and early detection of H pylori in noninvasively collected clinical samples.
Robust effects of stress on early lexical representation
Authors: Segal Osnat , Keren‐Portnoy Tamar , Vihman Marilyn
Published: May 2020

This study aims to elucidate the factors that affect the robustness of word form representations by exploring the relative influence of lexical stress and segmental identity (consonant vs. vowel) on infant word recognition. Our main question was which changes to the words may go unnoticed and which may lead the words to be unrecognizable. One‐hundred 11‐month‐old Hebrew‐learning infants were tested in two experiments using the Central Fixation Procedure. In Experiment 1, 20 infants were presented with iambic Familiar and Unfamiliar words. The infants listened longer to Familiar than to Unfamiliar words, indicating their recognition of frequently heard word forms. In Experiment 2, four groups of 20 infants each were tested in each of four conditions involving altered iambic Familiar words contrasted with iambic Unfamiliar nonwords. In each condition, one segment in the Familiar word was changed—either a consonant or a vowel, in either the first (unstressed) or the second (stressed) syllable. In each condition, recognition of the Familiar words despite the change indicates a less accurate or less well‐specified representation. Infants recognized Familiar words despite changes to the weak (first) syllable, regardless of whether the change involved a consonant or a vowel (conditions 2a, 2c). However, a change of either consonant or vowel in the stressed (second) syllable blocked word recognition (conditions 2b, 2d). These findings support the proposal that stress pattern plays a key role in early word representation, regardless of segmental identity.
Changes in self‐reported and observed parenting following a randomized control trial of parent–child interaction therapy for the treatment of preschool depression
Authors: Whalen Diana J. , Gilbert Kirsten E. , Luby Joan L.
Published: May 2020

Background

Parenting in early childhood exerts substantial influence over children’s emotional health and development. Using data from a randomized controlled trial of a novel treatment for early childhood depression, Parent–Child Interaction Therapy Emotion Development (PCIT‐ED), we explored two broad dimensions of parenting (behavior and affect) to determine whether any changes could be detected following treatment when compared to those in a waitlist control condition.

Method

229 caregiver–child dyads, 114 randomly assigned to PCIT‐ED for preschool‐onset depression, and 115 assigned to a waitlist completed two structured interaction tasks at baseline and post‐treatment. Interactions were later coded by observer's blind to diagnostic and treatment status.

Results

Greater reductions were found in self‐reported negative parenting behaviors and observed negative affect and greater increases in self‐reported positive parenting behaviors and observed positive affect among the caregivers in the treatment group. Increases in the overall positivity of the observed interactional style of caregivers, but no observed parenting behavior change was found following treatment. Discrepancies between self‐reported and observed parenting were greater among caregivers on the waitlist.

Conclusions

Following PCIT‐ED treatment, caregivers self‐reported improvements in parenting practices and declines in punitive practices along with observed increases in positive affect and decreases in negative affect when interacting with their child. Moreover, coherence between self‐reported and observed parenting was higher in the treatment group. These findings highlight the efficacy of PCIT‐ED in improving parenting behaviors and the need to use multiple methods to assess parenting in treatment studies.
Contribution of magmatism, partial melting buffering and localized crustal thinning on the late Variscan thermal structure of the Agly massif (French Pyrenees)
Authors: Siron Guillaume , Goncalves Philippe , Marquer Didier , Pierre Trap , Paquette Jean‐Louis , Vanardois Jonas
Published: May 2020

Low pressure‐high temperature (LPHT) metamorphism, with geothermal gradients in the order of 50–100°C/km, is a common feature of the late evolution of collisional orogens. These abnormal thermal conditions may be the results of complex interactions between magmatism, metamorphism and deformation. The Agly massif, in the French Pyrenees, preserves the metamorphic footprints of the late Variscan thermal structure of an almost continuous section from the upper and middle continental crust. The upper crust is characterized by a very high geothermal gradient of ~55°C/km, evolving from greenschist to amphibolite facies, while the middle crust, exposed in a gneissic core, exhibits granulite facies conditions with a near isothermal geothermal gradient (<8°C/km) between 740 and 790°C. The abnormal and discontinuous crustal geothermal gradient, dated at c. 305 Ma on syn‐granulitic monazite by LA‐ICP‐MS, is interpreted to be the result of magmatic intrusions at different structural levels in the crust: the Ansignan charnockite (c. 305 Ma) in the deepest part of the gneissic core, the Tournefort granodiorite (c. 308 Ma) at the interface between the gneissic core and the upper crust and the Saint‐Arnac granite (c. 304 Ma) in the upper section of the massif. The heat input from these magmas combined with the thermal buffering effect of the biotite dehydration‐melting reaction resulted in the near isothermal geothermal gradient in the gneissic core (melt‐enhanced geotherm). The higher geothermal gradient (>50°C/km) in the upper crust is only due to conduction between the hot middle crust and the Earth's surface. The estimated maximum finite pressure range suggests that ~10 to 12 km of crust are exposed in the Agly massif while the present‐day thickness does not exceed 5–6 km. This pressure/depth gap is consistent with the presence of several normal mylonitic shear zones that could have contributed to the subtraction of ~5 km of the rock pile. Monazite U–Th–Pb ages carried out on monazite overgrowths from a highly mylonitized sample suggest that this vertical thinning of the massif occurred at c. 296–300 Ma. This later Variscan extension might have slightly perturbed the 305 Ma geothermal gradient, resulting in an apparent higher conductive geothermal gradient in the upper crust. Although the Agly massif has been affected by Cretaceous extension and Eocene Alpine compression, we suggest that most of the present‐day thickness of the column rock was acquired by the end of the Palaeozoic.
Home monitoring of maintenance intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in patients with chronic inflammatory neuropathy
Authors: Doneddu Pietro Emiliano , Mandia Daniele , Gentile Francesco , Gallia Francesca , Liberatore Giuseppe , Terenghi Fabrizia , Ruiz Marta , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo
Published: May 2020

To evaluate the utility of different outcome measures to monitor dose adjustment of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy in patients with chronic inflammatory neuropathy (CIN). We assessed the adjustment of IVIg maintenance therapy in 20 patients (10 CIDP and 10 MMN) by regularly monitoring grip strength (GS) using a Martin Vigorimeter, RODS, and quality of life using the SF‐36 questionnaire. These measures were regularly performed by the patient at home. We also assessed the extended MRC sumscore (eMRC sumscore) at each outpatient visit for IVIg infusion. We also enrolled 30 healthy controls to measure any possible training effect of GS with time and to analyze random fluctuation of GS. Clinically relevant change was detected by eMRC sumscore in 14 (93%) patients, by RODS in 11 (73%) patients, and by GS in 8 (53%) patients. Early sensitivity was greatest for RODS (73%), followed by GS (53%), and eMRC sumscore (27%). This differed from CIDP, with an early change in RODS in 100% of patients, and MMN with an early change in GS in 75%. None of the outcome measures alone was sufficient to detect clinically significant changes in all patients. Home monitoring of outcome measures objectively assisted clinical decision during individualization of IVIg treatment. We recommend a multimodal approach using different outcome measures to monitor the individual patient with CIN.
Child protection in the time of COVID‐19
Authors: S S Teo Stephen , Griffiths Glenys
Published: May 2020

As the number of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by the virus SARS‐CoV‐2 rises exponentially in Australia with consequences for the health system and society at large, we need to remember that during this pandemic that necessary social distancing measures, effective school closures and rising unemployment levels may lead to an increased risk for child abuse and neglect.
Respiration cycle duration and seawater flux through open blowholes of humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae)and North Atlantic right (Eubalaena glacialis)whales
Authors: Martins Maria Clara Iruzun , Miller Carolyn , Hamilton Phillip , Robbins Jooke , Zitterbart Daniel P. , Moore Michael
Published: May 2020

Little is known about the dynamics of baleen whale respiratory cycles, especially the mechanics and activity of the blowholes and their interaction with seawater. In this study, the duration of complete respiration cycles (expiration/inhalation events) were quantified for the first time in two species: North Atlantic right whale (NARW) and humpback whale (HW) using high resolution, detailed imagery from an unoccupied aerial system (UAS). The mean duration of complete respiration cycles (expiration/inhalation event) in the NARW and HW were 3.07 s (SD= 0.503,n= 15) and 2.85 s (SD= 0.581,n= 21), respectively. Furthermore, we saw no significant differences in respiration cycle duration between age and sex classes in the NARW, but significant differences were observed between age classes in the HW. The observation of seawater covering an open blowhole was also quantified, with NARW having 20% of all breaths with seawater presence versus 90% in HW. Seawater incursion has not been described previously and challenges the general consensus that water does not enter the respiratory tract in baleen whales. Prevalent seawater has implications for the analysis and interpretation of exhaled respiratory vapor/mucosa samples, as well as for the potential inhalation of oil in spills.
Change in modifiable maternal characteristics and behaviours between consecutive pregnancies and offspring adiposity: A systematic review
Authors: Taylor Elizabeth J. , Wilding Sam , Ziauddeen Nida , Godfrey Keith M. , Berrington Ann , Alwan Nisreen A.
Published: May 2020

Causal evidence links modifiable maternal exposures during the periconceptional period with offspring obesity. The interconception period may be an important time to intervene. We systematically identified studies examining change in modifiable maternal exposures between pregnancies and offspring adiposity. We searched for longitudinal studies published between 1990 and 2019, which included measurements taken on at least two occasions in the period from 1 year prior to the conception of the first birth to the time of the second birth, and which included a measure of adiposity in second, or higher order, siblings. Age, ethnicity and genetics were not considered modifiable; all other factors including length of the interpregnancy interval were. Eleven studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Higher interpregnancy weight gain or loss, maternal smoking inception, mothers smoking in their first pregnancy and quitting, increasing the number of cigarettes smoked and longer interpregnancy intervals were positively associated with adiposity in second or higher order children. Vaginal birth after caesarean delivery was protective. Further research is needed to ascertain whether the risk of adiposity is fixed based on first pregnancy exposures or if interpregnancy change alters the risk for a subsequent child. This can inform the type and effectiveness of interventions for mothers prior to a subsequent pregnancy.
Is dental caries associated with liver transplantation? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Oliveira Carla de Souza , Galdino Tuélita Marques , Limeira Francisco Ivison Rodrigues , Moreira Allyson Nogueira , de Magalhães Cláudia Silami , Abreu Lucas Guimarães
Published: May 2020

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the experience of dental caries in individuals pre‐ or postliver transplant.

Materials and Methods

Searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, and Lilacs from databases’ inception date up to April 2020 were undertaken. Gray literature and manual searches were also conducted. Observational studies were eligible. The retrieved references were evaluated by two independent reviewers. Meta‐analysis and risk of bias assessment using the University of Adelaide tool were conducted. The strength of the evidence was assessed with GRADE.

Results

The search retrieved 1990 references. Twenty‐four cross‐sectional studies were included. One subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant difference in the number of teeth with dental caries between pre‐liver transplant and healthy individuals (mean difference = 1.65, confidence interval = −0.87 to 4.17). The prevalence of dental caries among pre‐liver transplant individuals was 73.82% and in the post‐transplant individuals was 72.83%. In the included studies, the main concern regarding risk of bias was the absence of control for confounding variables. The strength of the evidence was very low.

Conclusions

Dental caries may be a relevant issue in pre‐ and postliver transplant individuals. Oral health counseling should be included in the care of pre‐ and/or postliver transplant individuals.
Geospatial Modeling of Containment Probability for Escaped Wildfires in a Mediterranean Region
Authors: Rodrigues Marcos , Alcasena Fermín , Gelabert Pere , Vega‐García Cristina
Published: May 2020

Despite escalating expenditures in firefighting, extreme fire events continue to pose a major threat to ecosystem services and human communities in Mediterranean areas. Developing a safe and effective fire response is paramount to efficiently restrict fire spread, reduce negative effects to natural values, prevent residential housing losses, and avoid causalties. Though current fire policies in most countries demand full suppression, few studies have attempted to identify the strategic locations where firefighting efforts would likely contain catastrophic fire events. The success in containing those fires that escape initial attack is determined by diverse structural factors such as ground accessibility, airborne support, barriers to surface fire spread, and vegetation impedance. In this study, we predicted the success in fire containment across Catalonia (northeastern Spain) using a model generated with random forest from detailed geospatial data and a set of 73 fire perimeters for the period 2008–2016. The model attained a high predictive performance (AUC = 0.88), and the results were provided at fine resolution (25 m) for the entire study area (32,108 km2). The highest success rates were found in agricultural plains along the nonburnable barriers such as major road corridors and largest rivers. Low levels of containment likelihood were predicted for dense forest lands and steep‐relief mountainous areas. The results can assist in suppression resource pre‐positioning and extended attack decision making, but also in strategic fuels management oriented at creating defensive locations and fragmenting the landscape in operational firefighting areas. Our modeling workflow and methods may serve as a baseline to generate locally adapted models in fire‐prone areas elsewhere.
Unfolding the diagnosis of subspectacular fluid opacity in a corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus)
Authors: Cleymaet Allison M. , Ehrhart EJ , Sadar Miranda J. , Johnston Matthew , Wotman Kathryn , de Linde Henriksen Michala
Published: May 2020

Objective

To present the results of clinical, surgical, and histopathologic procedures and how these were compared with the initial presumptive clinical diagnosis in a corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) presenting with subspectacular fluid opacity; and to improve upon currently established surgical enucleation techniques in the snake.

Animal studied

An 8‐month‐old corn snake was presented for enlarged globe OD.

Procedures

The following diagnostics were performed: systemic and ophthalmic examinations, complete blood count, cytology and culture of subspectacular fluid, and histopathology of enucleated globe and spectacle. Enucleation was performed in a routine fashion with the addition of a porcine small intestinal submucosa bioscaffold graft (SISplus™; Avalon Medical, Stillwater, MN), sutured over the orbit.

Results

Systemic examination revealed signs of maxillary stomatitis. Ophthalmic examination revealed semitransparent fluid in the subspectacular space. Complete blood count was unremarkable. Cytology of fluid obtained via subspectacular centesis was acellular, and culture grew Clostridium perfringens, which was consistent with the clinical suspicion of right maxillary stomatitis. Histopathology of the enucleated globe revealed spectaculitis, characterized by regional heterophilic inflammation, and no evidence of lymph dissection in the (peri)ocular tissues. The final diagnosis was a subspectacular abscess. Follow‐up revealed that the SIS graft provided excellent healing and cosmesis of the surgical site.

Conclusions

While there are reports of lymphatic fluid dissection between skin layers during ecdysis, which can result in an opaque spectacle, the fluid opacity in this case was attributed to a subspectacular abscess secondary to an ascending oral infection. Addition of biological wound dressing may contribute to positive post‐enucleation outcome in the snake.
The use of the GeeniusTM HIV‐1/2 Rapid confirmatory test for the enrolment of patients and blood donors in the WHO Universal Test and Treat Strategy in Cameroon, Africa
Authors: Tagny Claude T. , Bissim Marie , Djeumen Rolande , Ngo Sack Françoise , Angandji Prisca , Ndoumba Annick , Kouanfack Charles , Eno Laura , Mbanya Dora , Murphy Edward L. , Laperche Syria
Published: May 2020

Background and objective

In the WHO Universal test and treat strategy, false‐positive HIV blood donors and patients may be unnecessarily put under antiretroviral treatment and false‐negative subjects may be lost to follow‐up. This study assessed the false positivity rate of the Cameroonian national HIV screening testing algorithm and the benefit of a confirmation test in the enrolment of patients and donors in the HIV care programme.

Methods

We included initial HIV reactive blood donors and patients in a cross‐sectional study conducted in two Cameroonian hospitals. Samples were retested according to the Cameroon national algorithm for HIV diagnosis. A positive or discordant sample was retested with the Geenius Bio‐Rad HIV 1&2 (Bio‐Rad, Marnes‐la‐Coquette, France) for confirmation. The Geenius HIV‐1‐positive results with ‘poor’ profiles were retested for RNA as well as the Geenius indeterminate results.

Results

Of the 356 participants, 190/225 (84·4%) patients and 76/131 (58%) blood donors were declared positive with the national algorithm; 257 participants (96·6%) were confirmed HIV‐1‐positive. The study revealed that about 34/1000 blood donors and patients are false‐positive and unnecessarily put on treatment; 89/1000 blood donors and patients declared discordant could have been included immediately in the HIV care programme if confirmatory testing was performed. The second test of the algorithm had a false‐negative rate of 3%. Eleven samples (3·1%) were Geenius poor positive and NAT negative.

Conclusion

The universal test and treat strategy may identify and refer more individuals to HIV care if a third rapid confirmatory test is performed for discordant cases.
Numerical Analysis of Magnetic Field and Heat Transfer of a Reciprocating Magnetocaloric Regenerator Using a Halbach Magnet Array
Authors: Akış Tunahan , Hamad Abdullatif , Ezan Mehmet Akif , Yanık Erim , Yılancı Ahmet , Çelik Serdar , Ekren Orhan
Published: May 2020

In this study, a numerical model of a reciprocating magnetocaloric regenerator using a Halbach magnet array is developed in ansys-fluent software. The model consists of three components, namely, (i) the Halbach magnet array, (ii) the magnetocaloric material (MCM), and (iii) the heat transfer fluid. A two-dimensional (2D) domain is studied due to the axisymmetric geometry of the physical model. A pressure difference is defined between the inlet and outlet sections of the fluid domain to maintain a reciprocating fluid flow. In the proposed computational scheme, a segregated approach is followed to consider the spatial distribution of the magnetic field in the thermal analyses. Therefore, a 2D magnetic field within the MCM is computed using an analytical approach at first, and its results are integrated into ansys-fluent with a user-defined function (UDF). Hydrodynamic and heat transfer characteristics of the proposed regenerator model are evaluated under various Reynolds numbers and cycle durations. Moreover, the temperature drop at the cold side of the regenerator is represented in terms of the pressure difference, flow duration, and the diameter of Gadolinium (Gd) as the MCM. For the current geometrical configurations, it is observed that the magnetic field varies from 0.4 T to 1 T within Gd. The highest temperature spans are measured as 8.4 K, 7.5 K, and 7.2 K numerically for the cycle durations of 1.2 s, 2.2 s, and 4.2 s, respectively.
Elucidating ecological complexity: Unsupervised learning determines global marine eco-provinces
Authors: Sonnewald Maike , Dutkiewicz Stephanie , Hill Christopher , Forget Gael
Published: May 2020

Global marine eco-provinces are determined toward tackling complexity and to explore community structure using unsupervised ML.
Specific Root Exudate Compounds Sensed by Dedicated Chemoreceptors Shape Azospirillum brasilense Chemotaxis in the Rhizosphere
Authors: O’Neal Lindsey , Vo Lam , Alexandre Gladys
Published: May 2020

Plant root exudates play critical roles in shaping rhizosphere microbial communities, and the ability of motile bacteria to respond to these gradients mediates competitive colonization of root surfaces. Root exudates are complex chemical mixtures that are spatially and temporally dynamic. Identifying the exact chemical(s) that mediates the recruitment of soil bacteria to specific regions of the roots is thus challenging. Here, we connect patterns of bacterial chemotaxis responses and sensing by chemoreceptors to chemicals found in root exudate gradients and identify key chemical signals that shape root surface colonization in different plants and regions of the roots.
Fourth-Generation QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus: What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Shafeque Arena , Bigio Jacob , Hogan Catherine A. , Pai Madhukar , Banaei Niaz
Published: May 2020

QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) is the latest generation of interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) to receive approval from the U.S. FDA, replacing its predecessor, QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT). The novelty of QFT-Plus is that it elicits a response from CD8 T cells, in addition to CD4 T cells, thus collecting a broader response from T-cell subsets than QFT-GIT. It was developed with the aim to improve the detection of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), especially among recently exposed contacts, immunocompromised hosts, and young children.
Pleistocene organic matter modified by the Hiawatha impact, northwest Greenland
Authors: Garde Adam A. , Søndergaard Anne Sofie , Guvad Carsten , Dahl-Møller Jette , Nehrke Gernot , Sanei Hamed , Weikusat Christian , Funder Svend , Kjær Kurt H. , Larsen Nicolaj Krog
Published: May 2020

The 31-km-wide Hiawatha impact crater was recently discovered under the ice sheet in northwest Greenland, but its age remains uncertain. Here we investigate solid organic matter found at the tip of the Hiawatha Glacier to determine its thermal degradation, provenance, and age, and hence a maximum age of the impact. Impactite grains of microbrecchia and shock-melted glass in glaciofluvial sand contain abundant dispersed carbon, and gravel-sized charcoal particles are common on the outwash plain in front of the crater. The organic matter is depleted in the thermally sensitive, labile bio-macromolecule proto-hydrocarbons. Pebble-sized lumps of lignite collected close to the sand sample consist largely of fragments of conifers such as Pinus or Picea, with greatly expanded cork cells and desiccation cracks which suggest rapid, heat-induced expansion and contraction. Pinus and Picea are today extinct from North Greenland but are known from late Pliocene deposits in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and early Pleistocene deposits at Kap København in eastern North Greenland. The thermally degraded organic material yields a maximum age for the impact, providing the first firm evidence that the Hiawatha crater is the youngest known large impact structure on Earth.
Reduction of secondary transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in households by face mask use, disinfection and social distancing: a cohort study in Beijing, China
Authors: Wang Yu , Tian Huaiyu , Zhang Li , Zhang Man , Guo Dandan , Wu Wenting , Zhang Xingxing , Kan Ge Lin , Jia Lei , Huo Da , Liu Baiwei , Wang Xiaoli , Sun Ying , Wang Quanyi , Yang Peng , MacIntyre C. Raina
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Transmission of COVID-19 within families and close contacts accounts for the majority of epidemic growth. Community mask wearing, hand washing and social distancing are thought to be effective but there is little evidence to inform or support community members on COVID-19 risk reduction within families.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 335 people in 124 families and with at least one laboratory confirmed COVID-19 case was conducted from 28 February to 27 March 2020, in Beijing, China. The outcome of interest was secondary transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) within the family. Characteristics and practices of primary cases, of well family contacts and household hygiene practices were analysed as predictors of secondary transmission.

Results

The secondary attack rate in families was 23.0% (77/335). Face mask use by the primary case and family contacts before the primary case developed symptoms was 79% effective in reducing transmission (OR=0.21, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.79). Daily use of chlorine or ethanol based disinfectant in households was 77% effective (OR=0.23, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.84). Wearing a mask after illness onset of the primary case was not significantly protective. The risk of household transmission was 18 times higher with frequent daily close contact with the primary case (OR=18.26, 95% CI 3.93 to 84.79), and four times higher if the primary case had diarrhoea (OR=4.10, 95% CI 1.08 to 15.60). Household crowding was not significant.

Conclusion

The study confirms the highest risk of transmission prior to symptom onset, and provides the first evidence of the effectiveness of mask use, disinfection and social distancing in preventing COVID-19. We also found evidence of faecal transmission. This can inform guidelines for community prevention in settings of intense COVID-19 epidemics.
Obstructed left retrocaval ureter in a dog
Authors: Schwarz Tobias , Simpson Matthew , Saunders Jimmy , Bommer Nick
Published: May 2020

Retrocaval ureters form due to a congenital malformation of the caudal vena cava. This anomaly has been reported in cats and is usually incidental. Retrocaval ureters are rare in dogs, but have been associated with ureteral obstruction. When presented with a dog with hydroureter and hydronephrosis, an obstructed retrocaval ureter should be considered as a rare differential. This case report describes a left retrocaval ureter causing ureterohydronephrosis diagnosed by CT.
Interactive effects of water and CO2 on light response efficiency and gas exchange traits in pine (Pinus) and spruce (Picea) species
Authors: Major John E. , Mosseler Alex
Published: May 2020

Photosynthetic light response curves were parameterized for eight species in two genera, Pinus and Picea, grown in a 2 × 2 factorial of atmospheric CO2 and soil moisture treatments. Four of the pines and three of the spruces are native to eastern North America, and the fourth spruce, Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), is native to Europe. There was a significant genus × CO2 interaction in apparent quantum efficiency (AQE): spruce AQE was greater under ambient CO2 (CO2) than elevated CO2 (eCO2), but pine AQE were equal. Under drought treatment (DR), AQE declined for both genera. Assimilation at light saturation (Alsat) was greater for spruces than pines, and for both genera, Alsat decreased under eCO2 and DR. Water-use efficiency was greater for pines than spruces and greater for pines and unchanged for spruces under DR. Examining AQE and Alsat change (%) from aCO2 to eCO2, there was a significant positive relationship to biomass growth stimulation (%) across species. These relationships support the theory of sink (biomass growth) regulation of assimilation traits and also the importance of needle nitrogen. Our results in response to eCO2 and DR suggest a shift toward increased use of pines in forest management for eastern North America.
Nonoverlapping Dirichlet–Neumann method for transient bioheat transfer in the human eye
Authors: Ahmedou Bamba Salem , Ellabib Abdellatif
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a 2D simulation of transient heat transfer in the human eye using appropriate boundary conditions. The mathematical model governing bioheat transfer in the human eye is discussed and the existence and uniqueness of the solution are proven. Four methods based on finite element method and nonoverlapping domain decomposition method to obtain transient heat transfer in the human eye are presented and described in details. After conducting numerous simulations using realistic parameters obtained from the open literature and after comparison with measurements reported by previous experimental studies, all proposed methods gave an accurate representation of transient heat transfer in the human eye. The results obtained by the domain decomposition of the human eye into four subdomains are found to be the closest to reality.
A note on Steiner reciprocal degree distance
Authors: Sarala D. , Ayyaswamy S. K. , Balachandran S. , Kannan K.
Published: May 2020

The concept of reciprocal degree distance [Formula: see text] of a connected graph [Formula: see text] was introduced in 2012. The Steiner distance in a graph, introduced by Chartrand et al. in 1989, is a natural generalization of the concept of classical graph distance. The [Formula: see text]-center Steiner reciprocal degree distance defined as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the Steiner [Formula: see text]-distance of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the degree of the vertex [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text]. Motivated from Zhang’s paper [X. Zhang, Reciprocal Steiner degree distance, Utilitas Math., accepted for publication], we find the expression for [Formula: see text] of complete bipartite graphs. Also, we give a straightforward method to compute Steiner Gutman index and Steiner degree distance of path.
Wiener index of unicycle graphs with given number of even degree vertices
Authors: Luo Peter , Zhang Cun-Quan , Zhang Xiao-Dong
Published: May 2020

The Wiener index of a connected graph is the sum of the distance of all pairs of distinct vertices. It was introduced by Wiener in 1947 to analyze some aspects of branching by fitting experimental data for several properties of alkane compounds. Denote by [Formula: see text] the set of unicyclic graphs with [Formula: see text] vertices and [Formula: see text] vertices of even degree. In this paper, we present a structural result on the graphs in [Formula: see text] with minimum Wiener index and completely characterize such graphs when [Formula: see text].
Dynamic relation between global Islamic and conventional sectoral stock and bonds indexes
Authors: Tuysuz Sukriye
Published: May 2020

This paper examines the relationship between 10 Global sectoral conventional and Islamic assets. For each sector, a conventional, an Islamic stock index and a bond are retained. The analyzed relations are done by taking into account diverse investment horizons by using MODWT and GARCH-DCC-type models. Our results indicate that adding bond indexes into a portfolio composed with conventional stock or Islamic stock is efficient. As for the correlations between conventional and Islamic sectoral indexes, they depend on the sector. Relations between returns of securities are quite similar to the relations between high-frequency part of these series and are very volatile at low frequency.
Regularly-spaced grooves on shore platforms in north Northumberland, UK
Authors: Tymon Alison M. , Tymon Barry G.
Published: May 2020

Unusual regularly-spaced grooves are found between low water mark (LWM) and high water mark (HWM) on several shore platforms in north Northumberland. References in the literature are sparse, so data were collected to establish the nature of the grooves and to elucidate the processes that might have formed them. Groove formation is confined to strata with widely spaced bedding planes on shore platforms dipping at no more than 5° towards the sea. The grooves are symmetrical, bifurcation is common and grooves on sandstones are deeper and more sinuous than those on limestones. Grooves at mid-tide levels are wider than grooves near LWM and HWM and the trend of the grooves is not related to joint trends. The process that has formed the characteristically smooth surfaces of the grooves is considered to be abrasion by sand and pebbles carried by waves in the surf zone of the shore platform. The width of the grooves is remarkably regular, and it is suggested that this may be due to the effects of the increase in incident wave energy given by edge waves.