Forage yield and nutritive value of Desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium Trin.) as affected by cutting heights in the central highlands of Ethiopia

Desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium Trin) an important fodder grass. However, information on its production is lacking. This study was carried out to evaluate the forage dry matter yield and nutritive value of Desho grass harvested at different cutting heights (CH), under rain-fed conditions in two different sites in central highlands of Ethiopia for two years. The treatments (T1-T8) were: 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, and 120 cm cutting heights, distributed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The root splits of the grass were planted in a 3 m × 4 m (12 m2) plot size with 0.5 m × 0.25 m inter and intra-row spacing. In the two locations, over the years, significant differences were observed among cutting heights. The interaction of cutting heights by locations, and location by years were also significant. The interaction among cutting height, location, and year was insignificant. The highest (number of leaves per plant) NLPP was attained as the plant height advance, while the number of tillers per plant (NTPP) showed non-significant differene in different treatments. The dry matter yield (DMY) increased linearly with an increase in CH (ranging from 12.2 to 20.1 t ha-1 at Holetta, and 4.2 to 11.4 t ha-1at Kulumsa). The grass's ash and crude protein (CP) contents decreased as the cutting height increased. An increase in CH increased the fiber content Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and Acid detergent lignin (ADL), resulting decrease in in-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). We recommend that desho grass be managed at 80-90 cm height resulting in optimum dry matter yield and nutritive value for use in smallholder farmers and market-oriented livestock producers of the central highlands of Ethiopia and major growing areas.

Inflammatory responses to Opisthorchis viverrini infection in animal models: A comparison between susceptible and nonsusceptible hosts in different anatomical locations

Background

Inflammation caused by Opisthorchis viverrini infection increases the risk of cholangitis, cholecystitis, and leads to bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma or CCA). However, only certain infected individuals are susceptible to CCA, suggesting the involvement of host factors in cancer development. In addition, there are reports indicating differences in the locations of CCA.

Aim

This study aims to investigate cellular inflammatory responses in the common bile duct (CB), intrahepatic bile duct (IHB), and gallbladder (GB) in susceptible and non-susceptible hosts following O. viverrini infection.

Methods

Thirty Syrian golden hamsters (a susceptible host) and 30 BALB/c mice (a non-susceptible host) infected with O. viverrini were studied at six time points (five animals per group). Histopathological evaluations were conducted on samples from the IHB, CB, and GB. Inflammatory cell infiltration was quantitatively assessed and compared between groups and time points. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results

Inflammation was significantly more pronounced in the IHB compared to the other two biliary locations. In comparison between susceptible and non-susceptible hosts, the intensity of inflammation was higher in the OV+H group than in the OV+M group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study highlights the association between host response to inflammation, tissue location, and host susceptibility, with the IHB showing particular susceptibility to inflammation and pathological changes. These findings contribute to our understanding of the increased risk of CCA in susceptible hosts.

Observational study of a series of basal cell carcinomas: Evaluation of location as a risk factor for recurrence

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is locally aggressive and its prognosis depends on the risk of recurrence. The initial location of the tumor is a key criterion for calculating the risk of recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sites that appear to be most at risk of recurrence of BCC. All cases of BCC analyzed at the anatomopathology laboratory of the University Hospital of Montpellier for 1 year were retrospectively included. In case of recurrence on the same site, only carcinomas that had previously been completely removed were analyzed. Among 803 BCC, 37 (4.6%) were confirmed as recurrent, including 34 (92%) on the head. The locations statistically at higher risk of recurrence were the temporal and frontal/temporal areas (32.4%), the medial canthus and lower eyelid area (18.9%), the ala and tip of the nose (16.2%), and the ears (8.1%). The frontal/temporal regions appear to be an area of major interest in this series. A high risk of recurrence was confirmed in the periorificial locations for the ear, the nose, and periorbital area, but not for the perioral area. In addition, the entire nose did not appear to be at risk, only the tip and the ala.

Identifying locations and sources of groundwater discharge into Poyang Lake (eastern China) using radium and stable isotopes (deuterium and oxygen-18)

Knowledge of groundwater discharge (location and sources) into Poyang Lake is needed for water resources management and ecological security. In this study, hydrochemical and stable (δD and δ¹⁸O) and radium (²²³Ra, ²²⁴Ra, ²²⁶Ra, and ²²⁸Ra) isotopic approaches were employed to study the hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics of groundwater and surface water (river water and lake water) to identify the places where groundwater discharged into Poyang Lake and the groundwater discharge sources. The results showed that the groundwater discharge area was extensive during the dry season. The locations of predominant groundwater discharge were indicated by the evolution of radium and stable isotopes in lake water along two water flow profiles. At the confluence of Ganjiang and Xiushui rivers, groundwater with more negative δ¹⁸O value than that of the lake water discharged into this area, and the estimated groundwater discharge proportion in this area was close to that of the river water input. The main sources of groundwater input for Poyang Lake were inferred to originate from clastic rock pore-fissure aquifer and bedrock fissured aquifer around this lake. This study also found that groundwater affected by the anthropogenic activities may have discharged into Poyang Lake. Future studies are required to focus on groundwater discharge into Poyang Lake for its management and protection.

Early effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and sedentary behavior in children living in the U.S

Background

COVID-19 restrictions such as the closure of schools and parks, and the cancellation of youth sports and activity classes around the United States may prevent children from achieving recommended levels of physical activity (PA). This study examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on PA and sedentary behavior (SB) in U.S. children.

Method

Parents and legal guardians of U.S. children (ages 5–13) were recruited through convenience sampling and completed an online survey between April 25–May 16, 2020. Measures included an assessment of their child’s previous day PA and SB by indicating time spent in 11 common types of PA and 12 common types of SB for children. Parents also reported perceived changes in levels of PA and SB between the pre-COVID-19 (February 2020) and early-COVID-19 (April–May 2020) periods. Additionally, parents reported locations (e.g., home/garage, parks/trails, gyms/fitness centers) where their children had performed PA and their children’s use of remote/streaming services for PA.

Results

From parent reports, children (N = 211) (53% female, 13% Hispanic, M_age = 8.73 [SD = 2.58] years) represented 35 states and the District of Columbia. The most common physical activities during the early-COVID-19 period were free play/unstructured activity (e.g., running around, tag) (90% of children) and going for a walk (55% of children). Children engaged in about 90 min of school-related sitting and over 8 h of leisure-related sitting a day. Parents of older children (ages 9–13) vs. younger children (ages 5–8) perceived greater decreases in PA and greater increases in SB from the pre- to early-COVID-19 periods. Children were more likely to perform PA at home indoors or on neighborhood streets during the early- vs. pre-COVID-19 periods. About a third of children used remote/streaming services for activity classes and lessons during the early-COVID-19 period.

Conclusion

Short-term changes in PA and SB in reaction to COVID-19 may become permanently entrenched, leading to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in children. Programmatic and policy strategies should be geared towards promoting PA and reducing SB over the next 12 months.

Long-term follow-up for ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma in a single tertiary medical center and a literature review

BACKGROUND

Ectopic ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma (EAPA) are a rare cause of Cushing's disease. Due to the lack of consensus and experience in terms of the diagnosis and treatment of EAPAs, preoperative identification and optimal treatment remain challenging.

PURPOSE

To investigate the characteristics of EAPAs and offer some proposals for the diagnosis and management of this uncommon disease, the EAPA patients admitted to our center and all of the EAPA cases reported in the literature were reviewed.

METHODS

In a retrospective electronic medical chart review, 6 patients (0.39%) with EAPAs were identified from 1536 consecutive patients who were admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome between January 2000 and August 2019. A literature review was performed on the online databases PubMed and EMBASE, and 52 cases conformed to the criteria. The data regarding biochemical tests, imaging examinations and follow-ups were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients with EAPAs was 37.7 years old, and an obvious female predominance (3.5: 1) was demonstrated. The most common location of EAPAs was the cavernous sinus (34.5%), followed by the sphenoid sinus (31.0%) and the suprasellar region (20.7%). No significant differences in the biochemical test results were found among tumors in different locations. Except for sex, no risk factors related to remission were found. Although no significant differences among different locations were found, the tumors in the cavernous sinus had a relatively higher rate of invisibility in terms of imaging and a higher non-remission rate than tumors in other locations.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with negative intrasellar findings, the uncommon disease of EAPA should be considered. Due to the endocrine similarity between intrasellar pituitary corticotrophin adenoma and EAPA, the preoperative identification of EAPA depends on a careful review of the imaging examinations. Locations such as the cavernous sinus, sphenoid sinus and suprasellar region should be considered first. Tumor resection is recommended when the diagnosis is confirmed.

Predictors of clinical outcome in patients with acute perforating artery infarction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We aimed to determine the predictive factors for super-acute perforating artery infarctions (PAI) involving lenticulostriate arteries infarctions (LSAI), anterior pontine arteries infarctions (APAI) and thalamic arteries infarctions (TAI). Whether intravenous thrombolysis (iv-tPA) therapy would influence the clinical outcome was also studied.

METHODS

We analyzed 84 consecutive patients within 12h of stroke symptom onset from January 2008 to June 2015. All patients had an imaging-proven acute infarction in the perforating territory of LSA (n=53), TA (n=21) and APA (n=10). Favorable clinical outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale ≤1 at 90days. Patients were divided into groups according to clinical outcome, lesion location and thrombolysis therapy. Baseline demographic data, past medical history, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and infarction volume were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were recruited (median age: 61y; 67.9% male). All patients with TAI (n=21), 34/53 (64.2%) patients with LSAI and 4/10 (40%) patients with APAI achieved favorable clinical outcome (mRS≤1). Ninety-day clinical outcome was associated with age, previous stroke, baseline NIHSS, infarct location, infarct volume. Intravenous thrombolysis improved 24h NIHSS, but was not significantly associated with favorable outcome at 90days. In multivariate analysis, only previous stroke/TIA (OR 0.09, 95%CI 0.01-0.68, p=0.020) and infarct volume (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.43-0.96, p=0.032) were independently associated with the outcome of acute PAI at 90days.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous stroke/TIA, infarct location and infarct volume were independently associated with the short-term clinical outcome of acute PAI.

Unusual mode of presentation of intrathoracic bronchogenic cyst: A double location

A 63 year old woman presenting chronic back pain and neuralgia had abnormal shadow on chest radiograph. She has a history of pulmonary tuberculosis treated in 1977. The chest-CT scan showed a soft tissue mass in the lower lobe of the right lung and a cystic mass in the paravertebral region. The patient had right lower lobectomy and complete excision of a paraoesophageal cyst. Both masses were bronchogenic cysts at histology. The patient had an uneventful discharge the seventh postoperative day. After 4 years and 7 months of follow-up with CT-scann, the patient was free of symptoms with no evidence of recurrent disease.

The secreted fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase as a broad spectrum vaccine candidate against pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture

The development of aquaculture has been hampered by different aquatic pathogens that can cause edwardsiellosis, vibriosis, or other diseases. Therefore, developing a broad spectrum vaccine against different fish diseases is necessary. In this study, fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBA), a conserved enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, was demonstrated to be located in the non-cytoplasmic components of five aquatic pathogenic bacteria and exhibited remarkable protection and cross-protection against these pathogens in turbot and zebrafish. Further analysis revealed that sera sampled from vaccinated turbot had a high level of specific antibody and bactericidal activity against these pathogens. Meanwhile, the increased expressions of immune response-related genes associated with antigen recognition and presentation indicated that the adaptive immune response was effectively aroused. Taken together, our results suggest that FBA can be utilized as a broad-spectrum vaccine against various pathogenic bacteria of aquaculture in the future.