Intraspecific variation in crayfish behavioral traits affects leaf litter breakdown in streams.

Although intraspecific trait variation is increasingly recognized as affecting ecosystem processes, few studies have examined the ecological significance of among-population variation in behavioral traits in natural ecosystems. In freshwater habitats, crayfish are consumers that can influence ecosystem structure (e.g., macroinvertebrate communities) and function (e.g., leaf litter breakdown). To test whether crayfish behavioral traits (activity, boldness, and foraging voracity) are major contributors of leaf litter breakdown rates in the field, we collected rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) from eight streams across the midwestern USA and measured behaviors using laboratory assays. At the same streams, we measured breakdown rates of leaf packs that were accessible or inaccessible to crayfish. Our results provide evidence that among-population variation in crayfish boldness and foraging voracity was a strong predictor of leaf litter breakdown rates, even after accounting for commonly appreciated environmental drivers (water temperature and human land use). Our results suggest that less bold rusty populations (i.e., emerged from shelter more slowly) had greater direct impacts on leaf litter breakdown than bold populations (P = 0.001, r2 = 0.85), potentially because leaf packs can be both a shelter and food resource to crayfish. Additionally, we found that foraging voracity was negatively related to breakdown rates in leaf packs that were inaccessible to crayfish (P = 0.025, r2 = 0.60), potentially due to a trophic cascade from crayfish preying on other invertebrates that consume leaf litter. Overall, our results add to the growing evidence that trait variation in animals may be important for understanding freshwater ecosystem functioning.

Cambaraspora faxoni n. sp. (Microsporidia: Glugeida) from native and invasive crayfish in the USA and a novel host of Cambaraspora floridanus.

Crayfishes are among the most widely introduced freshwater taxa and can have extensive ecological impacts. Knowledge of the parasites crayfish harbor is limited, yet co-invasion of parasites is a significant risk associated with invasions. In this study, we describe a novel microsporidium, Cambaraspora faxoni n. sp. (Glugeida: Tuzetiidae), from two crayfish hosts in the Midwest USA, Faxonius virilis and Faxonius rusticus. We also expand the known host range of Cambaraspora floridanus to include Procambarus spiculifer. Cambaraspora faxoni infects muscle and heart tissue of F. rusticus and develops within a sporophorous vesicle. The mature spore measures 3.22 ± 0.14 µm in length and 1.45 ± 0.13 µm in width, with 8-9 turns of the polar filament. SSU sequencing indicates the isolates from F. virilis and F. rusticus were identical (100%) and 93.49% similar to C. floridanus, supporting the erection of a new species within the Cambaraspora genus. The novel parasite was discovered within the native range of F. rusticus (Ohio, USA) and within a native congeneric (F. virilis) in the invasive range of F. rusticus (Wisconsin, USA). Faxonius virilis is invasive in other regions. This new parasite could have been introduced to Wisconsin with F. rusticus or it may be a generalist species with a broad distribution. In either case, this parasite infects two crayfish species that have been widely introduced to new drainages throughout North America and could have future effects on invasion dynamics or impacts.

The Risk of Non-arteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Post-intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection.

OBJECTIVES: To report the incidence of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy in diabetic patients treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injection. METHODS: A prospective comparative analytic study was done in the King Hussein Medical Center during the period between June 2020 and June 2021. Inclusion criteria included diabetic patients who attended a retina clinic. Exclusion criteria included patients with pre-existing ischemic optic neuropathy. Patients were divided into two groups. The first group included diabetic patients who did not require bevacizumab injection and were treated either with follow-up visits or pan-retinal photocoagulation, and the second group included patients who were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. Patients were followed up for a period of one year. Data collected in two groups included the total number of patients and the number of patients with non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. Results were compared in both groups. A P-value was used to study the statistical significance and was considered to be statistically significant if ≤0.05. RESULTS: The mean age for patients in group 1 was 64.3 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.1 to 1. In group 2, the mean age was 66.2 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.2 to 1. The total number of patients in group 1 was 7375, among whom 68 patients had non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. While in group 2, the total number was 2468 and 49 of them had non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. Most cases of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy were seen in patients who had received three or more injections.  Conclusion: Intravitreal bevacizumab in diabetic patients is considered a risk factor for the development of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, especially in patients receiving more than three injections.

A missense variant remote from the active site impairs stability of human phosphoglucomutase 1.

Missense variants of human phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1) cause the inherited metabolic disease known as PGM1 deficiency. This condition is categorised as both a glycogen storage disease and a congenital disorder of glycosylation. Approximately 20 missense variants of PGM1 are linked to PGM1 deficiency, and biochemical studies have suggested that they fall into two general categories: those affecting the active site and catalytic efficiency, and those that appear to impair protein folding and/or stability. In this study, we characterise a novel variant of Arg422, a residue distal from the active site of PGM1 and the site of a previously identified disease-related variant (Arg422Trp). In prior studies, the R422W variant was found to produce insoluble protein in a recombinant expression system, precluding further in vitro characterisation. Here we investigate an alternative variant of this residue, Arg422Gln, which is amenable to experimental characterisation presumably due to its more conservative physicochemical substitution. Biochemical, crystallographic, and computational studies of R422Q establish that this variant causes only minor changes in catalytic efficiency and 3D structure, but is nonetheless dramatically reduced in stability. Unexpectedly, binding of a substrate analog is found to further destabilise the protein, in contrast to its stabilising effect on wild-type PGM1 and several other missense variants. This work establishes Arg422 as a lynchpin residue for the stability of PGM1 and supports the impairment of protein stability as a pathomechanism for variants that cause PGM1 deficiency. SYNOPSIS: Biochemical and structural studies of a missense variant far from the active site of human PGM1 identify a residue with a key role in enzyme stability.

[Treatment by honey for skin wounds in Abidjan]. / Traitement des plaies par le miel a Abidjan.

AIMS: The authors tested the effectiveness of honey on various types of wounds. They report in this work, the preliminary results of their study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted over a period of 12 months in the orthopedic trauma unit of the Cocody Abidjan University Hospital. Thirty-seven patients with various types of wounds were included in the study. Honey dressings were made every 48 hours. RESULTS: The evolution of the wounds was satisfactory on bacteriological and local levels, with a reduced healing time. CONCLUSION: The use of honey in wound treatment dates back to ancient times. Currently we are rediscover its healing properties. Because of its high sugar concentration and its acidic pH, the honey is undeniably a hyperosmotic environment which inhibits the growth of pathogens. Honey also contains two product groups that act directly as antibacterial agents.

BUTS: Les auteurs ont testé l'efficacité du miel sur les plaies de nature diverses. Ils rapportent dans ce travail, les résultats préliminaires de leur étude. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agit d'une étude prospective sur une période de 12 mois qui fut réalisée au service de traumatologie orthopédie du CHU de Cocody Abidjan. Trente sept patients présentant des plaies de nature diverses ont été inclus dans l'étude. Les pansements au miel étaient faits toutes les 48 heures. RÉSULTATS: L'évolution des plaies fut satisfaisante sur le plan bactériologique et local, avec un raccourcissement des délais de cicatrisation. CONCLUSION: L'utilisation du miel dans le traitement des plaies remonte à la haute antiquité. Actuellement, on redécouvre ses propriétés cicatrisantes. En raison de sa forte concentration en sucre et de son pH acide, le miel est indéniablement un milieu hyperosmotique qui inhibe la croissance des agents pathogènes. Le miel contient également deux groupes de produits qui agissent directement comme des agents antibactériens.

Horner's syndrome after paediatric cardiac surgery: case report and review of the literature.

Iatrogenic Horner's syndrome is a rare complication that can occur after trauma, cervical central line insertion, chest tube insertion, and rarely following adult thoracic and neck surgery, especially in high risk patients with hypertension and diabetes. The majority of cases reported in the literature describe non-iatrogenic Horner's syndrome in adults as an unusual presentation for cervical tumours or apical lung carcinoma. In children, there are some reports describing acquired Horner's syndrome following trauma or invasive intervention near the cervical-thoracic area. Less has been written about the incidence of Horner's syndrome following paediatric cardiac surgery.

Prenatal alcohol exposure and its repercussion on newborns.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy, even when moderate, implies a risk of impaired neurodevelopment, physical impairments and malformations. Its early identification is essential for establishing preventive measures to diminish disabilities among newborns. METHODS: To determine the frequency of consumption of substance use in pregnant women, we have used the techniques of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry to detect drugs and markers of chronic consumption of alcohol in meconium. We performed a prospective study during a period of 10 months among 110 infants in our hospital, assessing anthropometry, neuromuscular development and determination of toxic substances in urine and meconium. Furthermore, meconium analysis identified fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) and ethyl glucuronide (Etg). We also conducted a survey regarding the obstetric history, toxic habits, and employment status of the mothers. RESULTS: According to early detection markers analyzed in meconium (FAEE >1000 ng/g and/or Etg >50 ng/g meconium), 34.65% of pregnant women consumed alcohol during pregnancy, and 17% were positive for both markers. Within the positive cases, 50% of those exceeding a FAEE's value of 5000 ng/g in meconium had low birth-weight children. Only 5/110 mothers (4.5%) admitted to occasional alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Nobody admitted to frequent intake. The cocaine test was positive in three cases; two of them were positive for alcohol as well. CONCLUSION: As expected, many screening devices do not accurately capture use during pregnancy and supplemental methods such as meconium analysis of biomarkers of chronic alcohol consumption may be warranted.

Utilidad de la distracción mandibular en la secuencia de Pierre Robin en el período neonatal / Usefulness of mandibular distraction in the Pierre Robin sequence in neonates

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Fallo hepático agudo neonatal: presentación de 2 casos y revisión de la bibliografía / Acute neonatal liver failure: two case studies and literature review

El fallo hepático agudo neonatal es una entidad poco frecuente, con una mortalidad muy elevada. La sospecha de fallo hepático ante situaciones de mal estado general y disfunción hepática, hipoglucemia recurrente o persistente y clínica de sepsis es fundamental para establecer un tratamiento precoz y efectivo. Existen pruebas de primera y segunda línea para poder orientar un diagnóstico etiológico, a la vez que se instauran medidas generales que permitan su estabilización, antes de considerar otras medidas terapéuticas, como el trasplante hepático. Presentamos el inicio y la evolución de 2 casos de fallo hepático neonatal diagnosticados de hemocromatosis y linfohistiocitosis hemofagocítica familiar (AU)

Acute neonatal liver failure is a rare entity with a high mortality rate. In order to establish an early and effective treatment, a high index of suspicion in newborns with a poor general condition and hepatic dysfunction, recurrent or persistent hypoglycaemia and signs and symptoms of sepsis, is critical. There are first- and second-line test to establish the aetiology, parallel to the implementation of general stabilization measures, and prior to the consideration of other therapeutic options such as liver transplantation. We present the onset and the outcome of two patients affected from acute neonatal liver failure that were diagnosed of hemochromatosis and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, respectively (AU)

Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours ofadolescents in relation to STIs, pregnancy,contraceptive utilization and substance abuse inthe Mhlakulo region, Eastern Cape

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS are a major problem in South Africa. This; coupled with a high incidence of teenage pregnancy; alcohol and drug abuse; is of grave concern; especially its impact among the young (15-24 years) and in economically poor; rural populations. This study aimed to assess the youths' knowledge; attitudes and behaviours regarding STIs; teenage pregnancy; contraception and substance abuse.Methodology: This is an interview-based; descriptive study. The sample design employed a stratified sample (using schools as strata) of young people aged 15 to 24 years in three schools in the Mhlakulo region; Eastern Cape province. From each school; a sample of learners from grades 10 to 12 was selected randomly. Questionnaires covering relevant parameters were used to interview the learners; after which the data were assimilated and analysed.Results: A total of 150 learners were surveyed (86 females and 64 males). In total; 56of them knew about STIs. About 88of the participants learned about STIs from health care workers/nurses/doctors/clinics; the media; educators; the school and friends. Most preferred to communicate to friends (38.67) and siblings (28); only 15communicated with parents. Among the sexually active; 54reported the use of condoms; of these only 62used them consistently. Of the participants; 7.33had more than five sexual partners. Of the young women; 12.8reported to have fallen pregnant with one-sixth of them wanting to become pregnant. Thirty per cent of those pregnant had to quit school; but did return subsequently. Common contraceptives used were condoms (54) and pills (58). Twenty-two per cent of the youths admitted to the use of recreational drugs at some time; most of these were related to alcohol (19.33). A small fraction (1.33) used dagga (cannabis).Conclusion: There is lack of knowledge of STIs and their prevention and condom and contraceptive use among young people of this community. Sexual promiscuity and teenage pregnancy in the group is a cause for concern. Substance abuse is another important problem that requires urgent attention

Myocardial revascularisation after acute myocardial infarction.

One hundred and twenty-three patients had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) within 30 days of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) from May 1992 to November 1997. Commonest infarct was anterior transmural (61.8%) and commonest indication of surgery was post-infarct persistent or recurrent angina (69.1%). Ten patients were operated within 48 h and 36 between 48 h to 2 weeks of having MI. Out of these, nine patients were having infarct extension and cardiogenic shock at the time of surgery. Pre-operatively fourteen patients were on inotropes of which six also had intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support. All patients had complete revascularisation with 3.8+/-1.2 distal anastomoses per patient. By multivariate analysis, we found that independent predictors of post-operative morbidity [inotropes >48 h, use of IABP, ventilation >24 h, ICU stay >5 days] and complications [re-exploration, arrhythmias, pulmonary complications, wound infection, cerebrovascular accident (CVA)] were left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <30%, Q-wave MI, surgery <48 h after AMI, presence of pre-operative cardiogenic shock and age >60 years (P < or = 0.01). Mortality at 30 days was 3.3%. LVEF <30%, Q-wave MI, surgery <48 h after AMI, presence of pre-operative cardiogenic shock and age >60 years were found to be independent predictors of 30 days mortality (P < or = 0.01). Ninety patients were followed up for a mean duration of 33 months (1 to 65 months). There were three late deaths and five patients developed recurrence of angina. To conclude, CABG can be carried out with low risk following AMI in stable patients for post-infarct angina. Patients who undergo urgent or emergent surgery and who have pre-operative cardiogenic shock, IABP, poor left ventricular functions, age >60 years and Q-wave MI are at increased risk.

Congo/Crimean haemorrhagic fever in Iraq.

Congo/Crimean haemorrhagic fever was recognized for the first time in Iraq in 1979. The first case was reported on 3 September 1979 and since then a further 9 patients have been investigated. Eight patients gave a history of previous contact with sheep or cattle, while 2 patients, a resident doctor and an auxiliary nurse, acquired their infections in hospital by direct contact with patients. The causal virus was isolated from patients' blood and postmortem liver specimens. The virus isolates were found to be closely related if not identical serologically to members of the Congo/Crimean haemorrhagic fever virus group. Eight of the patients had no epidemiological relationship to one another and lived in widely separated areas around Baghdad and Ramadi (110 km to the west of Baghdad).