This report describes five cases of double outlet right ventricle (DORV) in four dogs (aged 3–18 months, two males and two females) and a domestic shorthair cat (aged 6 months, female) who presented ...with various clinical signs including tachypnea (n = 5), exercise intolerance (n = 5), mucous cyanosis (n = 3), delayed growth (n = 2), and/or lethargy (n = 2). The represented canine breeds were poodle, Yorkshire terrier, Samoyed, and Shetland sheepdog. For all animals, echocardiography revealed marked aortic dextroposition with both arterial trunks totally arising from the right ventricle, associated with a ventricular septal defect and various other congenital abnormalities, including subvalvular aortic stenosis (n = 2), minor aortic insufficiency (n = 5), subvalvular pulmonic stenosis with pulmonary trunk hypoplasia (n = 1), patent ductus arteriosus (n = 1), minor mitral and/or tricuspid dysplasia (n = 3). Subsequent cardiac remodeling was characterized by marked right ventricular hypertrophy for all patients, associated with right ventricular and right atrial dilation for most of them (4/5). Two dogs died soon after the initial DORV diagnosis (i.e. after 24 h and two months). A surgical correction attempted for another dog confirmed the presence of a DORV associated with patent ductus arteriosus, but the animal died during the procedure from sudden cardiac arrest. The fourth dog underwent a contrast-enhanced retrospective electrocardiogram-gated multidetector computed tomography angiography under general anesthesia, which confirmed the conotruncal malformation. Despite episodes of exercise intolerance, this dog is still alive, at the age of 53 months, as is the cat at the age of 21 months.
sPHENIX is a new experiment under construction for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider at Brookhaven National Laboratory which will study the quark-gluon plasma to further the understanding of ...quantum chromodynamics (QCP) matter and interactions. A prototype of the sPHENIX electromagnetic calorimeter (EMCal) was tested at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility in Spring 2018 as experiment T-1044. The EMCal prototype corresponds to a solid angle of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">\Delta \eta \times \Delta \phi = 0.2 \times 0.2 </tex-math></inline-formula> centered at pseudo-rapidity <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">\eta = 1 </tex-math></inline-formula>. The prototype consists of scintillating fibers embedded in a mix of tungsten powder and epoxy. The fibers project back approximately to the center of the sPHENIX detector, giving 2-D projectivity. The energy response of the EMCal prototype was studied as a function of position and input energy. The energy resolution of the EMCal prototype was obtained after applying a position-dependent energy correction and a beam profile correction. Two separate position-dependent corrections were considered. The EMCal energy resolution was found to be <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">\sigma (E)/\langle E\rangle = 3.5(0.1) \oplus 13.3(0.2)/\sqrt {E} </tex-math></inline-formula> based on the hodoscope position-dependent correction, and <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">\sigma (E)/\langle E\rangle = 3.0(0.1) \oplus 15.4(0.3)/\sqrt {E} </tex-math></inline-formula> based on the cluster position-dependent correction. These energy resolution results meet the requirements of the sPHENIX physics program.
The alpaca is the most important fiber producer of the South American camelid species, and is an important source of income for the Andean communities. Nowadays, fiber diameter is considered the main ...selection objective in alpaca populations throughout the world. However, fiber diameter increases with the age of the animals, and it would be preferable to select those animals that maintain a thin fiber throughout their life span. The goal of this study was to describe the genetic relationship between fiber diameter at weaning age (6 mo) and the evolution of fiber diameter along the life span. The analysis of the evolution of fiber diameter was studied as a useful model for canalization and as a longitudinal trait by hierarchical Bayesian analysis. The results suggested that substantial genetic variation exists for fiber diameter and also for the variability and linear growth of the fiber diameter. Thus, a genetic selection program is plausible to modify the evolution of fiber diameter with time, together with a favorable correlated decrease in fiber diameter.
A total of 15,645 records of birth weight (BrW), weaning weight (WW) and average daily gain (ADG) from 6055 cows belonging to 2121 different dam lines were analyzed to quantify the contribution of ...cytoplasmic line (l) effects to phenotypic variance of preweaning growth traits in a sample of Asturiana de los Valles beef cattle breed. Only dam lines with 2 or more cows having performance records in the database were used. Bayesian estimates were obtained fitting eight different univariate and multivariate models defined depending on the inclusion or not of the permanent maternal environment (c) and the l effects. Univariate models that included both the c and the l effects had the best fit with data (assessed by computing the logarithm of the conditional predictive ordinate; logCPO) for BrW and ADG while for WW this was the case for the model that only included the c effect. For multivariate models, the best fit with data was obtained for the model that only included the c effect (logCPO=−245,899) while the second “better” model was that which only include the l effect value (logCPO=−241,108). In general, whatever the estimation model used, estimates of heritability for the direct (h2) and maternal (m2) genetic effects and the genetic correlation between them (ram) obtained in the current study for BrW were slightly higher (ram more negative) than the most recent estimates reported in the breed. However, this is not true for WW and ADG when multivariate estimation models include the l effect. In these cases, estimates of h2 and m2 for WW and ADG tend to be lower and ram less negative than those previously estimated. In conclusion, the cytoplasmic line may have a marginal effect on growth performance in beef cattle but not sufficient in magnitude to justify including the l effect in models in beef improvement schemes.
Currently, the two most common surgical techniques for approaching the vas during vasectomy are the incisional method and the no-scalpel technique. Whereas the conventional incisional technique ...involves the use of a scalpel to make one or two incisions, the no-scalpel technique uses a sharp-pointed, forceps-like instrument to puncture the skin. The no-scalpel technique aims to reduce adverse events, especially bleeding, bruising, hematoma, infection and pain and to shorten the operating time.
The objective of this review was to compare the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of the incisional versus no-scalpel approach to the vas.
We searched the computerized databases of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, POPLINE and LILACS in May 2006. In addition, we searched the reference lists of relevant articles and book chapters.
Randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials were included in this review. No language restrictions were placed on the reporting of the trials.
We assessed all titles and abstracts located in the literature searches and two authors independently extracted data from the articles identified for inclusion. Outcome measures included safety, acceptability, operating time, contraceptive efficacy, and discontinuation.
Two randomized controlled trials evaluated the no-scalpel technique and differed in their findings. The larger trial demonstrated less perioperative bleeding (Odds ratio (OR) 0.49; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.27 to 0.89) and pain during surgery (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.93), scrotal pain (OR 0.63; 95% 0.50 to 0.80), and incisional infection (OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.78) during follow up than the standard incisional group. Both studies found less hematoma with the no-scalpel technique (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.36). Operations using the no-scalpel approach were faster and had a quicker resumption of sexual activity. The smaller study did not find these differences; however, the study could have failed to detect differences due to a small sample size as well as a high loss to follow up. Neither trial found differences in vasectomy effectiveness between the two approaches to the vas.
The no-scalpel approach to the vas resulted in less bleeding, hematoma, infection, and pain as well as a shorter operation time than the traditional incision technique. No difference in effectiveness was found between the two approaches.
We describe an in-situ method for inhibiting surface roughening during the thermal removal of the GaAs native oxide layer based on a thin sacrificial GaAs film deposited on top of the native oxide ...layer prior to sample heating. The required thickness of the sacrificial film is calculated to be of the order of 5 nm, fitting well with the experimental results. Atomic force microscopy and reflection high-energy electron diffraction indicate improvement in the surface smoothness, from an RMS roughness of 2.3 nm to 0.5 nm, while inhibiting the inherent pit formation commonly associated with thermal desorption.
Summary
Data from a divergent experiment for birthweight (BrW) environmental variability were used to estimate genetic parameters for BrW trait and its environmental variability by fitting both ...homoscedastic (HO) and heteroscedastic (HE) models. A total of 5 475 records of BrW from animals born from inbred dams, and 7 140 pedigree records were used. The heritability of BrW using the model HO was 0.27, with the litter effect much more important, 0.43. The model HE provided a genetic correlation between the trait and its environmental variability that was very high and negative, −0.97, and a high value for the additive genetic variance for environmental variability, suggesting an artefact in the model. The residual skewness was found to be essentially null. A model considering the genetic correlation null was also fitted, and used to obtain the breeding values for the selection process. Moreover, the trait was considered as maternal resulting in similar estimates under the model HO, but more reasonable for the genetic correlation between the trait and its environmental variability of 0.48 with a value of 0.25 for the additive genetic variance regarding environmental variability under the model HE. This led to the conclusion that environmental variability of BrW in mice must be selected via dams. Estimated parameters in a reduced dataset without inbred animals did not substantially change this conclusion.
Vasectomy is an increasingly popular and effective family planning method. A variety of vasectomy techniques are used worldwide, including various vas occlusion techniques (excision and ligation, ...thermal or electrocautery, and mechanical and chemical occlusion methods), as well as vasectomy with vas irrigation or with fascial interposition. Vasectomy guidelines largely rely on information from observational studies. Ideally, the choice of vasectomy techniques should be based on the best available evidence from randomized controlled trials.
The objective of this review was to compare the effectiveness, safety, acceptability and costs of vasectomy techniques for male sterilization.
We searched the computerized databases of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, POPLINE and LILACS. In addition, we searched the reference lists of relevant articles and book chapters.
We included randomized controlled trials comparing vasectomy techniques.
We assessed all titles and abstracts located in the literature searches. Two reviewers independently extracted data from articles identified for inclusion. Outcome measures include contraceptive efficacy, safety, discontinuation, and acceptability.
Six studies met the inclusion criteria. One trial compared vas occlusion with clips versus a conventional vasectomy technique. No difference was found in failure to reach azoospermia. Three trials examined vasectomy with vas irrigation. Two studies looked at irrigation with water versus no irrigation, while one examined irrigation with water versus the spermicide euflavine. None found a difference between the groups for time to azoospermia. However, one trial reported that the median number of ejaculations to azoospermia was lower in the euflavine group compared to the water irrigation group. One high-quality trial compared vasectomy with fascial interposition versus vasectomy without fascial interposition. The fascial interposition group was less likely to have vasectomy failure. Fascial interposition had more surgical difficulties, but the groups were similar in side effects. Lastly, one trial found that an intra-vas was less likely to produce azoospermia than was no-scalpel vasectomy. More men were satisfied with the intra-vas device, however.
For vas occlusion with clips or vasectomy with vas irrigation, no conclusions can be made as those studies were of low quality and underpowered. Fascial interposition reduced vasectomy failure. An intra-vas device was less effective in reducing sperm count than was no-scalpel vasectomy. Randomized controlled trials examining other vasectomy techniques were not available. More and better quality research is needed to examine vasectomy techniques.
The alpaca is the most important fiber producer of the South American camelid species, and is an important source of income for the Andean communities. Nowadays, fiber diameter is considered the main ...selection objective in alpaca populations throughout the world. However, fiber diameter increases with the age of the animals, and it would be preferable to select those animals that maintain a thin fiber throughout their life span. The goal of this study was to describe the genetic relationship between fiber diameter at weaning age (6 mo) and the evolution of fiber diameter along the life span. The analysis of the evolution of fiber diameter was studied as a useful model for canalization and as a longitudinal trait by hierarchical Bayesian analysis. The results suggested that substantial genetic variation exists for fiber diameter and also for the variability and linear growth of the fiber diameter. Thus, a genetic selection program is plausible to modify the evolution of fiber diameter with time, together with a favorable correlated decrease in fiber diameter. PUBLICATION ABSTRACT
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