Male Sex Ratio Research Articles

Survival and predictors of mortality in patients with heart failure in the cardiology department of the Center Hospitalier Basse Terre in Guadeloupe: historical cohort study

BackgroundDespite the progress made in recent years in the treatment of Acute Heart Failure (AHF), its prognosis remains poor in the developing country. The objective of this study is to analyze the survival and predictors of mortality of patients with acute heart failure in the cardiology department of the Basse Terre Hospital Center in Guadeloupe.Methodsthis was a historical cohort study carried out over a period from June 2021 to June 2022, targeting all acute heart failure patients undergoing cardiac monitoring in the cardiology department of the Basse Terre Hospital Center in Guadeloupe. Sociodemographic, clinical, biological characteristics and outcome (recovery or death) were studied. Survival was described using the Kaplan Meier method α = 5%.Resultsthis study involved 242 acute heart failure patients whose median age was 75 years and the majority were male (sex ratio 2 M/1F). Among these patients, 14.9% died, the most common cause of death was cardiogenic shock (52.8%). After adjustment, tobacco consumption (aHR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.36–8.09), Chronic Kidney Disease (aHR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.22–5.20), infection (aHR: 2.14; 95CI %: 1.99–4.58), hyponatremia (aHR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.10–2.86), mitral regurgitation (aHR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.98–9.47) and N-terminal pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide > 10000ng/ml (aHR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.21–5.49) were independently associated with the risk of death in heart failure patients.ConclusionAcute heart failure leads to high mortality, mainly due to cardiogenic shock and factors of multiple organ failure.

Autoantibodies in Type 1 Diabetes: prevalence and clinical profiles

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and is associated with acute and serious chronic complications. T1D is characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, with the emergence of circulating autoantibodies (a-Abs) targeting β cell antigens. Identifying autoantibodies can help predict the onset of T1D and associated autoimmune disorders, enhancing patient management strategies.We aimed to determine the prevalence of T1D autoantibodies and their clinical significance in the pediatric and adult populations. A multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out on 276 patient-first with T1D, including 167 pediatric (60.5%) and 109 adult (39.5%) cases, of which 144 were female and 132 were male (sex ratio = 0.91),with an average age of 14.1 ± 8.0 years. The immunological investigation was based on the detection of T1D related a-Abs, including anti-insulin, anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65), anti-insulinoma-associated antigen 2 (IA2), and anti-zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) specificities. The results revealed an overall autoantibody seropositivity rate of 75.36% (n = 208). Among the positive cases, GAD65 antibodies were the most prevalent at 37.31%, followed by anti-insulin and anti-ZnT8 antibodies, each at 36.59%, and anti-IA2 at 28.62%. Additionally, 45,67% of patients had one a-Abs, 28.36% had a two, 21.15% had three, and 4.8% had all four a-Abs.A statistically significant difference was observed between the seropositive and seronegative groups regarding the presence of associated autoimmune diseases (p=0.005). These findings align with the existing literature, highlighting the importance and scientific value of detecting a-Abs in patients with T1D.

Testing secondary sex ratio bias hypotheses in white-tailed deer in Mississippi, USA.

Natural selection favors individuals with the highest inclusive fitness (i.e., total number of descendants). In cases where one sex is more productive, one or both parents may maximize their inclusive fitness by investing in the offspring of the more prolific sex. Such preferential production can lead to skewed sex ratios at various life history stages, including at birth, resulting in secondary sex ratio bias. Several competing hypotheses have been proposed to explain observed variation in secondary sex ratios including Fisher's frequency dependence and two hypotheses related to maternal condition: Trivers-Willard and the local resource hypotheses. Although it has been shown that maternal condition can influence the number of offspring produced in white-tailed deer, there is no consensus as to which of the hypotheses drives sex ratio bias in wild populations. Using a spatiotemporally extensive dataset of pregnant white-tailed deer from Mississippi, USA, we examined fetal sex ratio in relation to the Fisherian frequency-dependence hypothesis and hypotheses related to maternal condition. While there was a male-sex ratio bias in pregnant females that reduced in intensity with the number of offspring, there was no support for condition-related hypotheses. Instead, secondary sex ratios for white-tailed deer in Mississippi were nearly consistent with Fisherian frequency dependence. Our findings add to the body of literature on secondary sex biases in white-tailed deer and help inform sex bias ratios for a southern population of a cervid of management importance in the US.

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) Population Dynamics and Infestation in a Raspberry Orchard of Loukkos Area, Morocco.

Raspberries (Rosales: Rosaceae) are considered to be one of most important crops in northwestern Morocco. However, this sector is seriously affected by the attack of Drosophila suzukii, which impairs the production and the export. Furthermore, the eco-ethology and population dynamics of D. suzukii under Moroccan conditions are still poorly understood. In Larache region, we monitored the population dynamics of D. suzukii adults using 4 traps baited with mashed ripe banana mixed with yeast, and reported the infestation levels during spring of 2022, 2023, and 2024 on raspberry cultivar Rubus idaeus var. Yazmin. Our results indicate that a maximum of 14, 20, and 28 D. suzukii adults per trap were caught weekly at the end of April 2022, in the middle of March 2023, and in the middle of April 2024, respectively. Furthermore, three peaks of D. suzukii adult flies were observed each year, whereas a total of six generations were predicted according to the accumulated degree-days. The male sex ratio of trapped D. suzukii was 1:0.32, 1:0.38, and 1:0.42 in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively. Raspberry fruit infestation reached a maximum of 76%, 75%, and 64% at the beginning of May 2022, middle of April 2023, and end of April 2024, respectively. Under the climate change scenario, knowledge of the eco-ethology of this insect and its population dynamics is essential for developing an IPM control strategy in Morocco, and further studies are ongoing to establish a biological and reasoned chemical approach based on degree-days.

Severe stroke: prognosis of ventilated patients

Objective. To determine the outcome of patients with severe stroke who required invasive mechanical ventilation. Materials and Methods. A retrospective study including all stroke patients admitted to the ICU during the last 4 years (2020 and 2023). The primary endpoint was ICU mortality. Results. Thirty-five patients, 20 of them male (sex ratio: 1,3), aged 56,7 ± 18,8 [5 - 79] years were included. Stroke was hemorrhagic in 15 patients (42,8%). 30 patients were intubated. Glasgow score before intubation was 7,4 ± 2,7 [5-13]. Arterial hypertension was found in 65,7 % and diabetes in 42,8% of patients. Three patients were on vitamin K antagonist and three others on antiplatelets. Blood glucose on admission was 1.94 ± 0.72 g/l and systolic blood pressure 152 ± 31 mm Hg. Glasgow score was 6.6 ± 1.9 in intubated patients and 12.4 ± 1.7 in non-intubated patients. Tracheostomy was performed in 28.5% and prolonged the length of stay by 25.2 ± 8.3 days (p: 0.005). The case fatality rate for ventilated patients was 93.5%. No patients were managed by the organ and tissue procurement coordinating team. Conclusion. The prognosis of ventilated strokes is extremely poor, raising the question of early diagnosis and medical and neuro-intensive management in the acute phase

The Correlation Between the Willingness to Marry and the Household Savings Rate in China

In recent years, the decrease in household savings rate and willingness to marry is an important problem facing society in China. The traditional competitive savings theory holds that the imbalance of the male and female sex ratio is an important factor affecting the household savings rate. However, in the context of the saving rate declining year by year after 2010, it is found that the traditional competitive savings theory can not fully explain the reasons for its decline. At the same time, according to the data statistics, it is found that the trend of marriage intention in China during 2000-2021 is similar to that of the savings rate, which increases first and then decreases. Therefore, this paper established a multiple linear regression model and ridge regression model for regression analysis, and observed the size of the regression coefficient and the positive and negative effects of willingness to marry on household savings rate in China. The regression results show that for every 1% change in willingness to marry, the savings rate will change 13.526% in the same direction on average. This indicates that the decline in willingness to marry plays a positive role in explaining the decline of household savings rate.

CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH CANCER UNDERGOING RADIOTHERAPY: WHAT IS THE IMPACT ON SCHOOLING?

Introduction and Aim of the Study:When a child or adolescent is diagnosed with cancer, it represents a challenging ordeal that often brings significant changes to their daily life. School is an important concern for young patients, but a cancer diagnosis usually leads to school disruptions. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of radiotherapy treatment on the schooling of children and adolescents affected by cancer. Materials and Methods:This is a prospective study conducted in the Radiotherapy Department of the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat from January 2022 to December 2022, including 40 children and adolescents aged between 6 and 16 years undergoing radiotherapy or concurrent radiochemotherapy treatment for cancer. Results:The median age of our patients was 10 years, with a predominance of males (sex ratio = 2). The most common neoplasms were malignant hemopathies (35%), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (20%), soft tissue sarcoma (17.5%), brain neoplasms (15%), and others (nephroblastoma , neuroblastoma 12.5%).42.5% of the patients had previously received chemotherapy alone, 30% had chemotherapy plus surgery, and 27.5% had surgery alone.During our study, all patients received either radiotherapy alone (80%) or concurrent radiochemotherapy (20%). The average number of sessions was 22, held daily from Monday to Friday.All our patients were attending school before their diagnosis. However, 96% discontinued school at the start of their treatment, with only 4% continuing to attend school. The heaviness of the treatments received and their side effects are the main cause of school discontinuation. The distance between the treatment location and the patients home was also factor for patients undergoing radiotherapy. Conclusion:The discontinuation of schooling for children and adolescents represents a significant disruption in their daily lives, potentially impacting their psychological well-being. Furthermore, feeling different from other children their age can be challenging for them. Therefore, it is important to offer an adaptation of their schooling with specialized education to enable their social development and well-being.

Investigation of possible predictive factors, clinical characteristics, and treatment in vascular Behçet's disease: real-life data from a single center

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the phenotypes, predictive factors, and treatment approach of Behçet's patients with vascular involvement. Material and Method: This retrospective study analyzed 123 patients with Behçet's disease, 28 of whom had vascular involvement, and were followed up in our center. The study presented the vascular involvement patterns of the patients along with their clinical characteristics and comorbid conditions. The drugs usage by the patients were analyzed based on the first line and current medications, duration of medical therapy, and drug retention rate. Results: In Behçet's patients with vascular involvement, the male sex ratio was statistically higher compared to those without vascular involvement (60.7% vs 37.9%; OR=2.82(1.17-6.77); p=0.018). The frequencies of Behçet's clinical manifestations, smoking, and comorbidities were similar in both groups. The most common subtype of vascular Behçet's is deep vein thrombosis (18; 64.2%), followed by superficial thrombophlebitis (5; 17.8%), neurovascular involvement (5; 17.8%), cardio-aortic (2; 7.1%) and pulmonary arterial (2; 7.1%). Azathioprine, glucocorticoid, and cyclophosphamide are the most preferred immunosuppressives in vasculo-Behçet's. Anticoagulant therapy was initiated in 67.8% (19; 28) of the patients at the first vascular event. Conclusion: The study presented that male gender predicts vascular involvement in Behçet's disease, with deep vein thrombosis being the most common vascular subtype. Although immunosuppressive drugs represent the cornerstone of treatment for vasculo-Behçet's disease, most patients had also received anticoagulant therapy following the initial attack.

Successive selection responses of tetraploid Crassostrea angulata: Comparison of growth, survival, sex ratio and ploidy composition between selected and unselected groups

Triploid Crassostrea angulata has the advantages of fast growth, poor fertility and high quality. However, due to poor fertility, direct genetic improvement is difficult. Mating between tetraploid males and diploid females has been shown to be the best method for commercial triploid production, so genetic improvement of tetraploids will directly affect the phenotypic traits of triploid offspring. However, to date, few studies have investigated the genetic improvement of tetraploid oysters. Based on the induced tetraploid C. angulata population, this study carried out three successive generations of growth selective breeding research, and systematically compared the growth, survival, ploidy composition and sex ratio of the selected group and the control group. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the survival rate from planktonic larvae to adult between the two groups. However, the growth of the selected group was significantly higher than that of the control group, that was, the shell height and whole weight of S3 were significantly higher than that of C3, and the selection advantage of shell height increased from 7.80% of S1 to 34.68% of S3. The ploidy composition of the two tetraploid groups was relatively stable before the 90th days, but on the 270th day, some tetraploids underwent chromosome loss and transformed into diploids or triploids, which might be related to gametogenesis of tetraploids. Moreover, with the increase of generations, the number of individuals with chromosome loss in the selected group gradually decreased, and their ploidy became more stable than that in the control group. In addition, both groups were fertile, with a sex ratio of more males than females, and a proportion of hermaphrodite individuals. In conclusion, this study successfully selected a fast growth line of tetraploid C. angulata, which can be used for commercial production of fast-growing triploid C. angulata, and provides a basis and reference for the genetic improvement of tetraploid oysters.

#509 Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children in Chad

Abstract Background and Aims The objective of our study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of Nephrotic Syndrome (SN) in children from three major hospitals in one of the world's poorest countries, Chad. Method This observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and multicenter study took place over a period of 36 months (1 January 2019–31 December 2021) and was carried out in three hospitals in N'Djamena, Chad. Children aged 1–15 years presenting with NS were included in the study. Results Out of 16,776 children hospitalized or followed up with in outpatient clinics, 24 cases of NS were identified, yielding a prevalence of 0.14%. The median age at presentation was 6.16 years (1–10). Nineteen children were male (sex ratio 3.8). Eight cases were classified as impure NS (33.3%). Edema was present in all patients, while oliguria was present in 29.16% (n = 7), and arterial hypertension was present in 20.83% (n = 5) of cases. Mean proteinuria, albuminemia, and total proteins were 2.86 g/L, 19.13 g/L and 30.41 g/L, respectively. The median serum creatinine was 87.3 µmol/L (75–1375 µmol/L). Three patients experienced acute renal failure upon admission. Four patients had secondary NS. All idiopathic NS patients (n = 20) who had received corticosteroid therapy had a 90% response rate to steroids. Non-responsive or relapsed patients underwent kidney biopsy (n = 7), revealing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS; n = 4) as the most common histological lesion, followed by minimal change disease (n = 2) and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (n = 1). The median length of hospitalization stay was 10.67 (5–27) days. None of the patients with idiopathic NS died. At the last follow-up, sixteen patients (80%) achieved long-term complete remission with normal renal function; however, four of those had subsequent relapses. One patient with secondary NS died. Conclusion In Chad, childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome predominantly affects young males; steroid sensitivity is as high as 95%, and in the long-term, 80% of patients achieve remission with normal renal function.

Exposure to Ionizing Radiation from Initial Brain Computed Tomography for Injuries in the South-West Region of Cameroon

The increasing use of computed tomography (CT) in injury management is a growing concern as ionizing radiation (IR) is associated with cancer-related risks especially in young persons, who are most affected by injuries. This study aimed to assess ionizing radiation exposure from head CT in patients with injuries and to propose CT dose age-specific diagnostic reference levels (DRLs). Data was extracted from two prospectively collected CT registries over a period of 5 years at two community-based university-affiliated hospitals from 2019 to 2024. The linear relationship between CT dose (dose-length product; DLP) and age was assessed using Pearson’s correlation whilst linear regression was used to determine the strength of the relationship. The 75th percentiles and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the DLP were determined. Eligible initial head CT scans for patients with injuries were 1,155. There were 685 (59.31%) males (sex ratio of 1.5:1) and overall median age of 33 years (interquartile range: 21 to 46). Road traffic injuries were the source of injury in 1090 individuals (94.37%; 95% CI: 92.88 - 95.63%), followed by falls (50 cases; 4.33%; 95% CI: 3.23 - 5.67%) and assaults (10 cases; 0.87%; 95% CI: 0.42 – 1.59). The median DLP was 1,062 mGy.cm (range: 264 to 1,954 mGy.cm). There was a positive linear relationship between the DLP and the age of the patients (Pearson’s rho = 0.38, p<0.001). DRLs were comparable to international values. Measures to curb the rising incidence of injuries and the continuous implementation of CT optimization techniques will reduce IR exposure.

Effect of prolonged photoperiod on growth, gonadal development, sex ratio, and skin coloration of red tilapia (O. mossambicus × O. urolepis hornorum)

Farming of red tilapia is one promising direction in aquaculture. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of long-day photoperiod on the growth performance, reproductive parameters, maturity, sex ratio, β-carotene content, and skin coloration of red tilapia. Early life larvae were allocated into three treatment groups in triplicates: T1 = control group (12L:12D), T2 = long-day group (18L:6D), and T3 = continuous illumination group (24L:0D) for 90 days. By the end of the experiment, gonadosomatic index (GSI), relative fecundity, steroid hormones, maturity stages, sex ratio, and ovarian and testicular histology were examined; also, growth performance, survival rate, skin color, and total β-carotene content were measured. The results indicated that GSI% and serum testosterone (T) in T3 group significantly increased with greater amount of spermatozoa of male fish. Also, growth parameters and HSI% in female fish displayed significantly increased for T3 group. Females in group T2 showed significant elevation in GSI%, relative fecundity, and estradiol (E2) with higher number of mature stage. Continuous light group (T3) showed shifted male sex ratio, while female percentage was higher in T2 group. The total β-carotene content of T3 group showed significant elevation with less number of black spots. This study demonstrated that continuous light manipulation during red tilapia early life could stimulate the growth and enhance coloration by reducing black spots that significantly affects economic profitability. Long-day application was effective in female reproductive performance and maturity. This study also served as an important reference for red tilapia aquaculture.

Voltinism and life‐history traits of the invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) feeding on corn

AbstractVoltinism and life‐history traits of the invasive fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda were investigated under semi‐natural conditions for a period of 2 years. The FAW invaded the corn field in the suburbs of Nanchang (28°46′ N, 115°50′ E) in early summer and produced six complete generations. FAW had the characteristics of short developmental time, high survival rates and strong fecundity. The development time of female pupae was significantly faster than that of male pupae, resulting in the emergence of female pupae earlier than male pupae. Except for the sixth generation in 2021, there was no significant difference between female and male sex ratio, which was close to 1:1. FAW showed male‐bias sexual size dimorphism with male pupae being significantly larger than female pupae. Unlike pupal weight, in most generations, male adult weighed significantly less than females, because the weight loss of male pupae during metamorphosis was significantly greater than that of female pupae. The temporal variation of pupal weight did not conform to the temperature–size rule. Compared with 22.8°C, the 29.2°C high temperature not only significantly reduced the development time of larvae but also significantly increased pupal weight. The adult fecundity feeding on fresh corn leaves was higher than that feeding on live corn plants in most generations. In most generations, pupal weight was positively correlated with larval development time and adult weight was positively correlated with fecundity. In conclusion, climate differences between generations and years have significant effects on developmental time, body weight, sexual size dimorphism and fecundity of the FAW. These results add to the understanding of the evolution of life‐history traits in the FAW and may have important implications for predicting population dynamics of the FAW and optimising control strategies.

A retrospective clinico epidemiological study of leprosy cases treated at tertiary care hospital Tirupur

Leprosy is a chronic communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium Leprae. The disease mainly affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Aim is to describe the clinical-epidemiological profile, and type of MDT given for leprosy cases treated at tertiary care hospital Tirupur. A Retrospective study was done by obtaining records of all leprosy patients from the OP Leprosy registration card for a duration of one year from April 2021 – March 2022 were included in the study. The details of patients such as clinical and epidemiological profile were noted and descriptive analysis was done. During the study period, 35 cases of leprosy were included in the study. Majority of the cases were in age group 18 – 45 years. Male female sex ratio was found to be 2.5:1 and no childhood leprosy was recorded. Lepromatous leprosy was the most common type noted in this study. MB MDT was given in most patients. Grade 1 disability was recorded highly than grade 2. Type 1 reaction was found to be more and majority of the cases were noted in local group compared to migratory group. The present study provides an insight into the disease burden as well as the effectiveness of the health-related services at a tertiary care hospital, Tirupur. The study also highlights the early diagnosis and management of leprosy and the importance of the surveillance activity, thereby minimizing the risks of leprosy in Tirupur.

National Surveillance Data on the Epidemiology of Meningitis in Niger, 2005 - 2020

Background: Bacterial meningitis is a major public health problem, especially in low-income countries. We analyzed national surveillance data and isolates from Niger to describe the epidemiology of bacterial meningitis from 2005 to 2020.
 Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of nationwide case-based surveillance data of all reported meningitis cases in Niger from 2005 to 2020. Modified case definition was used to classify the cases.
 Results: A total of 47,953 suspected meningitis cases and 3,276 deaths (CFR=6.83%) were reported, corresponding to an incidence of 189.01 cases per 100,000 population. The male represented 55.41% ( sex-ratio male : female = 1.30) and 40.52% were 5 -14 y. A total of 29,998 cases were reported through RNL, of which 10,979 (36.60%) were confirmed, of which 6,149 (56.01%), were confirmed by culture. The predominant organism identified was N. meningitidis serogroup A (33.91%). All regions reported meningitis cases and a consistent and substantial reduction was seen in confirmed NmA cases, with no cases occurring in the country after the completion of mass campaigns. Nevertheless, other pathogen species and Nm variants, including NmX, NmC, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, have become more prevalent.
 Conclusion: Increased surveillance of multiple serogroups throughout is necessary, as well as consideration of vaccination with combination vaccines rather than just using a single strain as is currently the case with NmA.

Clinical and radiological characteristics and outcomes of patients with recurrent or relapsing tumefactive demyelination

BackgroundRelapsing or recurrent tumefactive demyelination is rare and has not been studied beyond individual case reports. ObjectiveWe examined the clinical course, neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), treatment and outcomes of patients with recurrent tumefactive demyelinating lesions (TDLs). MethodsWe used PubMed to identify reports of recurrent TDLs and included the details of an additional, unpublished patient. ResultsWe identified 18 cases (11F, 7 M). The median age at onset of the index TDL was 37 years (range 12–72) and most were solitary lesions 72 % (13/18). CSF-restricted oligoclonal bands (OCBs) were detected in 25 % (4/16). Only one of those tested (n = 13) was positive for AQP4-IgG. A moderate-to-marked treatment response (high dose corticosteroid with or without additional plasmapheresis, IVIg or disease modifying therapies) was evident in 89 % of treated patients. Median EDSS at the median follow-up of 36 months (range 6–144) was 2 (range 1–10). Most remained ambulatory (EDSS < 4 in 13/18), but 1 patient died. ConclusionThe median age of patients with relapsing TDLs is similar to that of typical MS, but differences include a lower female:male sex ratio, larger lesions, and a comparative lack of CSF-restricted OCBs. Outcomes vary among this group of patients ranging from minimal disability through to death.

Comparative study of single vs. dual plating in distal femur fracture

Abstract Background: Despite recent advances in techniques and implants, the treatment of intra-articular, multifragmentary distal femoral fractures OTA type C remains a challenge. Fracture shortening with extension and varus deformities of the distal articular surface is typical. During the fixation of such injuries, the surgeon aims to achieve anatomical articular reduction and preserve the blood supply while providing rigid, stable, fixation that is strong enough to withstand early functional mobilization. Objectives: The purpose is to compare and evaluate the functional outcome, subjective outcome, radiological outcome of union, and complications of single vs. dual plating. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 among patients presenting with all distal femur fractures OTA type C in the age group 20–65 years. About 20 patients were managed by single plating with a lateral surgical approach, and 20 were managed by dual plating with a modified swashbuckler approach. Results: The dual plating group showed better functional results than the single plating group according to the knee society score. The age distribution of patients was bimodal, and there was no significant difference between the sex ratio of males and females in both groups. Comparing the range of motion, the dual plating group showed excellent results. The mean union time in the dual plating group was statistically significant. In the single plating group, complications such as varus deformity, wound dehiscence, and implant failure were observed in some cases.Complications in some cases of dual plating induced wound dehiscence and infection. Conclusions: On comparing the dual plating cases with the single plating, we found that the dual plating group is superior to that of the single plating group both in terms of functional outcome and the extent of complications. Also, the dual plating group has a better knee range of motion. The medial and lateral locking plate technique demonstrates a higher union rate with possible lower rates of revision surgery compared to a single lateral plate in highly comminuted distal femur fractures.

Bitter Gourd: Breeding and Genomics

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is known tropical cucurbitaceous vegetable for its nutritional, medicinal and curative properties. The immature fruit is valued for its bitter taste and richness in calcium, phosphorous, iron, copper, potassium and vitamins A, B1, B2 and C. The genus Momordica consist of 60 species worldwide and out of them 7 species (Momordica charantia, M. balsamina, M. dioica, M. cochinchinensis, M. tuberosa, M. subangulata M. macrophylla) are found in Indian sub-continent which expressed large variability with respect to fruit shape, size, coulour due to varied edaphic and climatic conditions. Breeding efforts for emergence of early pistillate flower at earlier nodes, high female to male sex ratio, earliness, fruit color, firm fruit with narrow seed cavity, less seed development, desirable fruit shape, size, non-ridge fruits, thick flesh, thick flesh, resistant to leaf mosaic and fruit fly and suitability for export, canning and dehydration. Considering the above traits, several varieties and hybrids in different segments has been developed by public and private seed companies. Due to monoecism and expression of gynoecism has played a vital role in development of high yielding varieties, hybrids and seed production. The major limitations of molecular markers are limited in number, and their association with few economically important traits in bitter gourd. Generation of high-density genetic maps is the best way to identify the closely associated or functional markers for marker assisted selection and map-based cloning for fruit-related traits, gynoecium sex and yield. Crop wild relative can play an important role as a source of stress tolerance. The availability of whole genome information, selection of biotic and abiotic stress tolerant genes along with heterosis related alleles can be easily accomplished in breeding programmes.

Male parental care in insects

Parental care is traditionally defined as costly behaviour by parents that increase the fitness of offspring. It may be uniparental, biparental or alloparental. In uniparental care, paternity assurance is usually repeated for copulation just before oviposition. Biparental care is favoured when sexual selection is not intense and when the adult sex ratio of males to females is not strongly skewed. Alloparental care is a seemingly altruistic and reproductively costly behaviour observed in over 120 mammalians and 150 avian species. Male parental care evolved exclusively from no care. Supporting models like the “enhanced fecundity model” and “overlapping brood model” hypothesize that male care is favoured because females do avoid care of their offspring. Biparental care largely arose by males joining caring females and was more labile in Holometabola than in Hemimetabola. Paternal care can be maintained under sexual selection which helps caring males to attract more mates.

Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Children in Chad: Epidemiology and Clinical Outcomes.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) remains the most common presentation of glomerular diseases in children. Moreover, NS is primarily idiopathic, accounting for 90% of cases, with an average onset age between 2 and 10 years. The objective of our study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of NS in children from three major hospitals in one of the world's poorest countries, Chad. This observational, cross-sectional, descriptive, and multicenter study took place over a period of 36 months (1 January 2019-31 December 2021) and was carried out in three hospitals in N'Djamena, Chad. Children aged 1-15 years presenting with NS were included in the study. Out of 16,776 children hospitalized or followed up with in outpatient clinics, 24 cases of NS were identified, yielding a prevalence of 0.14%. The median age at presentation was 6.16 years (1-10). Nineteen children were male (sex ratio 3.8). Eight cases were classified as impure NS (33.3%). Edema was present in all patients, while oliguria was present in 29.16% (n = 7), and arterial hypertension was present in 20.83% (n = 5) of cases. Mean proteinuria, albuminemia, and total proteins were 2.86g/L, 19.13g/L and 30.41g/L, respectively. The median serum creatinine was 87.3 µmol/L (75-1375 µmol/L). Three patients experienced acute renal failure upon admission. Four patients had secondary NS. All idiopathic NS patients (n = 20) who had received corticosteroid therapy had a 90% response rate to steroids. Non-responsive or relapsed patients underwent kidney biopsy (n = 7), revealing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS; n = 4) as the most common histological lesion, followed by minimal change disease (n = 2) and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (n = 1). The median length of hospitalization stay was 10.67 (5-27) days. None of the patients with idiopathic NS died. At the last follow-up, sixteen patients (80%) achieved long-term complete remission with normal renal function; however, four of those had subsequent relapses. One patient with secondary NS died. In Chad, childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome predominantly affects young males; steroid sensitivity is as high as 95%, and in the long-term, 80% of patients achieve remission with normal renal function.