Marginal Vein Research Articles

Prognostic value of the right coronary venous anatomy in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy

Abstract Background The size and distribution of the coronary veins (CV) reflect both intracavitary pressure and myocardial blood flow, and therefore, in patients with cardiomyopathy, CV anatomy could potentially become a biomarker of disease severity. While the left coronary veins have been well described, there are few descriptions of the right CV system. Purpose Given these considerations, the aim of the study was to evaluate the anatomy of the right CV system and its potential prognostic significance in patients with advanced cardiomyopathy. Methods We analyzed CV angiograms from 121 patients (age 67±14 years) undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The right ventricular (RV) veins were seen to fill during the injection of contrast through multiple connections with the left sided venous system. Patients were followed for a median of 43 [IQR 3-73] months, during which 12 patients expired. Results Anterior cardiac veins (ACV), which overlay the RV wall were observed in 85 (70%) patients and had a maximum ostial diameter of 2.04±0.8 mm. Multiple ACVs were seen in 62 patients. These veins were observed to empty directly into the venous sinus of right atrium (VSRA), into the RV, the right atrium (RA), or into the small cardiac vein (SCV) in 68, 9, 5, and 3 patients respectively. The right marginal vein (RMV) was visualized in 21 (17%) patients, had a diameter of 2.3±1.2 mm, and ran a course along the right border of the RV, emptying directly into RV, RA or into VSRA in 9, 4 and 8 patients respectively. The VSRA present in 91 (75%) patients, coursed parallel to the right coronary sulcus, collecting blood from the ACV’s and RMV’s and drained into the RA (Figure A); in 7 patients, 2 VSRA ostia were noted. VSRA lengths and diameters varied (11-119 mm, mean 41±25 mm) and (1.2-6.9mm, mean 2.7±1.2mm) respectively. The VSRA lengths correlated significantly with RV fractional area change, RV systolic pressure, tricuspid regurgitation severity evaluated by echocardiography, and P wave amplitude in ECG lead II (r=-0.65; p=0.041, r=0.88; p=0.019, r=0.52; p=0.030, and r=0.79; p=0.031 respectively). The VSRA diameters, which were significantly larger in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (3.6±1.5 vs. 2.3±1.2mm; p=0.021) correlated significantly with RV systolic pressure, and tricuspid regurgitation severity by echocardiography (r=0.77; p=0.009, and r=0.63; p=0.006 respectively). Patients who expired during follow-up had a significantly longer VSRA than patients who remained alive (Figure B). The VSRA length, RV fractional area change, and baseline QRS duration independently predicted survival in a Cox multivariate model that also included age and left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusions RV venous system demonstrates a highly variable anatomy that has not been previously well described. The size of the VSRA correlated with parameters of RV function and predicted survival in patients undergoing CRT.Figure

A new genus of Ambositrinae (Hymenoptera, Diapriidae) from Rovno amber and remarks on the Eocene distribution of the subfamily

Arcanys rostratus Chemyreva gen. et sp. nov. is described from the Eocene Rovno amber in the tribe Betylini (subfamily Ambositrinae) as the first member of this tribe discovered in Europe – in amber and in recent fauna. This new genus differs from other genera of the Ambositrinae by a combination of such features as: the pleurostomal carinae positioned at right angles to each other, the absence of notauli, the propodeum with strongly elevated plicae but without median carina and carina along posterior margin, the fore wings with short marginal and stigmal veins, and the base of T2 deeply arcuated but without notches and elongate grooves. The distribution of the subfamily Ambositrinae is discussed.

The effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy on catheter infection model

Background/AimThis experimental study aimed to examine the effectiveness of transdermal antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) with and without antimicrobial lock therapy (ALT), on catheter biofilms. MethodsS. epidermidis and C. orthopsilosis biofilms were formed within peripheral venous catheters positioned in the marginal ear veins of New Zealand white rabbits. Biofilm formation was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy in two catheters. 24 catheters with staphylococcal biofilms and 24 with fungal biofilms were treated with APDT, ALT or “APDT plus ALT” for five days. Six catheters were separated as controls. APDT was applied with a red colored LED lamp and methylene blue as the photosensitizer. Vancomycin lock solutions were used as ALT for staphylococcal biofilms and amphotericin B for fungal biofilms. The effect of treatment procedures was evaluated by intraluminal biofilm viability testing based on spectrophotometric evaluation, and a quantitative (OD) value was obtained for each catheter. ResultsThe mean OD values obtained by 600 nm spectrophotometric reading at 24 h (biofilm viability) after “ALT”, “APDT” and “ALT plus APDT” procedures were 0.363, 0.151 and 0.128 for S. epidermidis and 0.092, 0.104 and 0.227 for C. orthopsilosis, respectively. All these OD values obtained after treatment procedures were lower than controls for both S. epidermidis (OD: 0,802) and C. orthopsilosis (OD: 0,315), although there were large fluctuations in our results. ConclusionsOur results suggest that transdermal APDT may be an effective method for treating staphylococcal and candida biofilms formed within intravenous catheters in our rabbit ear model. The combined use of APDT and ALT might be beneficial in these staphylococcal biofilms.

First Record of Genus Melancistrus Graham (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) with Description of a New Species from India

The genus Melancistrus Graham (Pteromalidae) was first time recorded from India. The specimen was collected from Odisha, India. The collected species is recognized as a new species with the key characteristics of Fore wing with speculum and a broad brownish spot present beneath the marginal vein, starting from the speculum, and described as Melancistrus macularis Kumar sp. nov. Also key to species has been updated based on the species recorded so far from the world.

A new species of Psidium and notes on Neomitranthes from the state of São Paulo, Brazil

Psidium riobonito, a new species of Myrtaceae from the Atlantic Forest of the northeastern portion of the Brazilian state of São Paulo, was collected in High Montane Dense Ombrophilous Forest and is described here. Morphological characters assign the new species to Psidium sect. Apertiflora, due to its leaves with brochidodromous veins, marginal vein parallel to the margin, inflorescences in auxotelic racemes, flowers with open buds with 5 calyx lobes, in addition to dark purple fruits when ripe, with few seeds. Psidium riobonito is morphologically close to P. involutisepalum and P. myrtoides, but differs by the marginal veins 2 to 5 mm from the margin (vs. 1 to 2 mm in P. myrtoides and 1.5 to 2 mm in P. involutisepalum), glabrous or glabrescent leaves when mature (vs. pubescent or sparsely pubescent mainly along the midrib on the abaxial surface in P. myrtoides and sparsely pubescent in P. involutisepalum), pedicels 14–26 mm long (vs. 3–12 mm in P. myrtoides and 8–10 mm in P. involutisepalum). The relationship of P. riobonito to morphologically close species, comments on its taxonomy, ecology and informal conservation status, and a table with morphological characteristics of P. sect. Apertiflora are also provided. We also present for the first time the descriptions of the fruits of Neomitranthes capivariensis and N. pedicellata.

Success rate and complication prevalence of peripheral catheterization of the cephalic, lateral saphenous and marginal ear veins in pet rabbits

BackgroundIntravenous catheter placement is a routine procedure in exotic pet medicine, yet the selection of the optimal venous site for catheterization in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) remains controversial. Recommendations differ between countries and authors, and lack evidence-based data. This prospective study aimed to document and compare the prevalence and types of complications secondary to peripheral venous catheterization in domestic rabbits as related to the vein catheterized. MethodsCatheterization events (n=151) were randomly attributed to three groups, named according to the venous site selected: cephalic (n=39), lateral saphenous (n=58) and marginal ear vein (n=54). Rabbits that needed a catheter for fluid therapy, surgery, or imaging, were included in the study. Catheters were placed by three veterinarians following a standardized method. Data regarding the patient, the type of catheter, and the treatment were recorded. Complications were evaluated every day after the catheter placement, at removal and after 15 days. ResultsMinor complications that were observed included catheters which were bent at the elbow or removed by the rabbit, and twisted or chewed tubing. Ear necrosis and signs of phlebitis were considered major complications. Catheter placement failure was significantly higher in the “cephalic” group (odds ratio = 4, 95% Confidence Interval = [16.67,1.04], p = 0.048), without differences between the operators. For the marginal ear vein, there was also a significant association between the failure rate and the length of the rabbit's ear (Wilcoxon effect size = 0.42, 95% CI = [0.14,0.64], p = 0.003). No major complication was observed in any groups. Minor complications occurred without significant differences between the groups. Conclusionsand clinical relevance: The results suggest that intravenous catheters in rabbits do not carry significant complications irrespective of the chosen site, but cephalic vein placement carries the highest risk of failure.

Venous Anomalies in Overgrowth Syndromes

Overgrowth syndromes, particularly within the PIK3CA-related overgrowth syndrome (PROS)spectrum, are commonly associated with venous anomalies. The anomalies include spongiform venous malformations and persistent embryonic veins, such as the lateral marginal vein (of Servelle). The anomalous veins pose a significant risk of thromboembolic disease and should be occluded, preferably earlier in life. A thorough understanding of the conditions, anatomy, and interdisciplinary treatment of these complex anomalies is essential for optimal management. This review explores the clinical and imaging diagnosis of overgrowth syndromes and techniques for assessing and treating associated venous anomalies, particularly the endovenous closure of anomalous veins

Characteristics of Right-Sided Accessory Pathways Associated With Right Cardiac Veins.

The anatomy of myocardial fibers around the right cardiac veins (RCVs) and their roles in accessory pathways (APs) are rarely reported. Six RCV-APs were identified from 566 patients with right-sided APs. Mapping of retrograde atrial activation was performed using CARTO 3 system under orthodromic tachycardia or right ventricular pacing. Venography of RCVs was acquired at the earliest retrograde atrial activation. Patients enrolled had a median age of 30 (11-51) years, 5 of them were male. Venography of RCVs could be classified into 3 distinct patterns based on the identified ventricular branches, right marginal vein only (type I; n=3), both right marginal vein and anterior cardiac veins (type II; n=2), and anterior cardiac vein only (type III; n=1). Patients with type I venography had rS QRS pattern in lead V1, negative delta wave in lead III and negative or isoelectric delta wave in lead aVF. However, patients with type II and III venography had QS QRS patterns in lead V1 and variable patterns of delta wave in inferior leads. Earliest retrograde atrial activation was found at a median of 16.75 (14.60-20.00) mm away from the tricuspid annulus, all with A larger than V. At the earliest retrograde atrial activation, far-field ventricular electrogram was found 30 ms later than QRS onset in 1 patient under sinus rhythm. AP conduction was eliminated by mechanical pressure in 2 and by radiofrequency ablation in 4 at the ostium of the veins colocalizing with the earliest retrograde activation of the right atrium. No recurrence was observed during 36 (10-60) months follow-up. The RCV-AP is a rare form of right-sided APs characterized by atrial insertions distant from the annulus. ECG-speculated ventricular insertion sites conformed to the location of identified RCVs.

Adipose-derived stem cells can alleviate RHDV2 induced acute liver injury in rabbits

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) can cause fatal fulminant hepatitis, which is very similar to human acute liver failure. The aim of this study was to investigate whether adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) could alleviate RHDV2-induced liver injury in rabbits. Twenty 50-day-old rabbits were divided randomly into two groups (RHDV2 group, ADSCs + RHDV2 group). Starting from the 1st day, two groups of rabbits were given 0.5 ml of viral suspensions by subcutaneous injection in the neck. Meanwhile, the ADSCs + RHDV2 group was injected with ADSCs cell suspension (1.5 × 107 cells/ml) via a marginal ear vein, and the RHDV2 group was injected with an equal amount of saline via a marginal ear vein. At the end of the 48 h experiment, the animals were euthanized and gross hepatic changes were observed before liver specimens were collected. Histopathological analysis was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic acid schiff (PAS) and Masson's trichrome staining. For RHDV2 affected rabbits, HE staining demonstrated disorganized hepatic cords, loss of cellular detail, and severe cytoplasmic vacuolation within hepatocytes. Glycogen was not observed with PAS staining, and Masson's Trichrome staining showed increased hepatic collagen deposition. For rabbits treated with ADSCs at the time of inoculation, hepatic pathological changes were significantly less severe, liver glycogen synthesis was increased, and collagen fiber deposition was decreased. For RHDV2 affected rabbits, Tunel and immunofluorescence staining showed that the number of apoptotic cells, TGF-β, and MMP-9 protein expression increased. And that in the ADSC treated group there was less hepatocyte apoptosis. In addition, RHDV2 induces liver inflammation and promotes the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. In rabbits administered ADSCs at time of inoculation, the expression of inflammatory factors in liver tissue decreased significantly. Our experiments show that ADSCs can protect rabbits from liver injury by RHDV2 and reduce the pathological and inflammatory response of liver. However, the specific protective mechanism needs further study.

Safety Assessment: a Comparative Analysis of Quantitative Content of Bacterial Endotoxins and Evaluation of Pyrogenicity of the Kazakhstan Vaccine QazCovid-in® against COVID-19.

We measured the levels of bacterial endotoxins in the bulk vaccine product (BVP) and finished vaccine QazCovid-in® and evaluated the effect of aluminum hydroxide (adjuvant) on the results of LAL test and pyrogenicity of samples in vivo (in rabbits receiving intravenous injection into the marginal ear vein). Administration of BVP with LPS resulted in a dose-dependent increase in body temperature in rabbits similar to that caused by LPS alone, which suggests that aluminum hydroxide in the vaccine did not affect the pyrogenic response in rabbits. Moreover, the LAL test showed that the aluminum hydroxide did not hinder LPS activity after serial dilution of samples.

Prolonged efficacy of cefazolin in intraosseous regional prophylaxis for total knee arthroplasty: a rabbit model study

BackgroundA novel approach known as intraosseous regional administration (IORA) has emerged as a technique for delivering prophylactic antibiotics, and it results in higher tissue concentrations around the knee. It is hypothesized that IORA of cefazolin for antibiotic prophylaxis during total knee arthroplasty will result in sustained effective levels for a longer duration. The aim of the current study was to investigate temporal changes in peri-knee cefazolin blood concentrations after IORA of cefazolin.MethodsTwelve rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, with six rabbits in each group. In control group a single intravenous bolus injection of cefazolin (10 mL, 100 mg) was administered into the marginal ear vein. In experimental groupexperimental group the same dose of cefazolin was injected into the left tibial marrow cavity after tourniquet inflation at the base of the left thigh. Blood samples were collected periodically at different timepoints, and cefazolin concentrations were determined.ResultsThe intraosseous treatment resulted in significant differences in plasma cefazolin concentrations at all timepoints. Experimental group exhibited higher plasma cefazolin concentrations than control group.ConclusionsCefazolin in intraosseous regional prophylaxis exhibits effectiveness in intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis by maintaining concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration for extended durations, rather than relying solely on high concentrations.

O06 Clinical phenotype of the Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome with mosaic PIK3R1 mutations

Abstract Segmental overgrowth syndromes with cutaneous vascular malformations (Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS), CLOVES syndrome) are mainly due to mosaic PIK3CA mutations, but the GNAQ, GNA11, HRAS, KRAS, MAP2K1, AKT1, AKT3, and PIK3R1 genes may also be involved. We sought to determine the frequency and phenotype of patients with PIK3R1-related segmental overgrowth. Patients were ascertained nationwide in the French MUSTARD cohort of skin mosaic phenotypes. We searched for PIK3R1 mutations by next-generation sequencing on affected tissue in 297 patients with a clinical presentation suggestive of PIK3CA related overgrowth (PROS), but without PIK3CA variants. We retrospectively studied the clinical phenotype of PIK3R1-positive patients. We identified three missense variants and six in-phase indels of PIK3R1 in 15 patients (5.0%), exclusively in affected tissue. Variant allele fraction was 2.0% to 12.0%. We found extensive pale or dark capillary malformations in 14 patients, segmental overgrowth in 11, venous truncal anomalies (varicose veins or persistent lateral marginal vein) in 10, lymphatic malformation in six and a café-­au-lait macule or naevus spilus in three, thus defining phacomatosis pigmento-vascularis (PPV). One patient had limb hypoplasia. None had MCAP (Megalencephaly-Capillary malformation). PIKR1 mutations account for a minority of patients with KTS/CLOVES (5%). They are about 20 times less common than PIK3CA mutations. Truncal venous malformations, limb hypoplasia and PPV (spilorosea or melanorosea type) may be more common in PIK3R1-related KTS. No patient had severe or life-threatening involvement. Whether Sirolimus or Alpelisib are treatment options remains to be determined.

Protective effects of vitamin C on hormonal level and testicular histopathology of rabbit bucks with metronidazole-induced toxicity

Objective: This study evaluates the protective effects of Vitamin C on hormonal level and testicular histopathology in rabbit bucks with metronidazole-induced toxicity. Methods: Twenty adult rabbit bucks which were weighed and divided into four groups with five in each group were used for the study. Group I is the control, group II was given metronidazole 400 mg/kg/day for 30 days, group III was co-administered 400 mg/kg/day of metronidazole and 200 mg/kg/day of Vitamin C for 30 days and group IV was given 200 mg/kg/day Vitamin C for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, the rabbit bucks were weighed, and blood samples were collected from the marginal ear vein into a plain bottle and serum extracted through centrifugation for hormonal assay. FSH, LH and Testosterone assay were carried out using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits according to manufacturers’ instruction. One testis from each rabbit was removed for testicular histology. Results: The study found out that there was no significant difference in the body weights of the rabbit bucks before and after the experiment, metronidazole significantly (p < 0.05) affects hormonal concentration in the bucks and there was significant improvement following vitamin C administration. The study also found out that metronidazole caused testicular degeneration which was reversed by Vitamin C administration. Conclusion: Vitamin C has protective effect against metronidazole-induced toxicity and its use in therapeutic application in prolong use of metronidazole is recommended.

Pharmacokinetics evaluation of newly formulated beads alginate/gum acacia loaded ketoconazole in rabbit plasma by oral administration.

The combination of alginate and gum acacia in previous studies showed good results in inhibiting ketoconazole precipitation due to the supersaturation phenomenon. Ketoconazole-loaded alginate and gum acacia can produce hydrogel beads through cross-linking with Ca2+ using ionotropic gelation techniques. However, the pharmacokinetic study of the ketoconazole beads loaded to alginate and gum acacia needs further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate pharmacokinetic parameters using rabbits via oral administration. The drug was administered orally to 2 groups of rabbits: pure ketoconazole (KTZ) and formulation of ketoconazole (AG75) groups. Blood samples were obtained from the ear marginal vein at various time points: 0 (before administration), 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 240, 300, 360, and 420 minutes after oral dosage. The pharmacokinetic study employed a non-compartment analysis to calculate the area under the curve (AUC), the volume of distribution (Vd F-1), clearance (Cl F-1), maximum concentration (Cmax), and time to reach maximum concentration (tmax). The data obtained from the parameter result was analyzed using the independent-sample T-test. The results of the KTZ group include AUC of 15.83±0.62 h μg mL-1, VdF-1 of 8.95±1.17 mL, ClF-1 of 3.45±0.3 mL h-1, Cmax of 4.7±0.69 μg mL-1, and tmax of 1.67±0.17 h. The results of the AG75 group include AUC of 27.8±1.01 h μg mL-1, VdF-1 of 11.5±2.4 mL, ClF-1 of 2.15±0.11 mL h-1, Cmax of 4.49±0.52 μg mL-1, and tmax of 2.5±0.5 h. The formulation incorporating ketoconazole beads resulted in a higher AUC0-∞ than the pure ketoconazole. This finding suggests that the created formulation has enhanced the bioavailability of ketoconazole.

Pharmacokinetics of a New Dimethylamineethanol Derivative Administered Orally to Laboratory Animals

A new derivative of dimethylaminoethanol, butanedioic and trans-butenedioic acids (laboratory code ADK-17) was synthesized at the Organic Chemistry Department of the Saint Petersburg State Chemical and Pharmaceutical University (SPSPU). This promising nootropic and anti-asthmatic agent is planned for use in an oral dosage form. The aim was to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters of the synthesized compound and to determine its possible biotransformation pathways. Rabbits of the Soviet Chinchilla breed were used as a test system in the preclinical study of the compound pharmacokinetics. In accordance with the designed schedule, blood was taken from the marginal vein of the ear, and urine samples were taken. Quantitative determination in biological media was carried out using an Ultimate 3000 liquid chromatograph with a Q-Exactive mass-selective detector with electrospray ionization in accordance with OFS 1.2.1.100015 (Chromatography) of the State Pharmacopoeia by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). To study the pharmacokinetics of the ADK-17 preparation, a measurement procedure was developed with a detection limit in biological media ranging from 10-6 to 10-3 mg/ml. The determined harmacokinetic parameters show that the absorption of ADK-17 into the systemic circulation from the gastrointestinal tract occurs at an average rate, with its maximum concentration in blood plasma during the oral route of administration being observed between 60–90 min. The elimination half-life from the systemic circulation comprises 4.3 h. Urinary excretion in the first 4 h proceeds at a high rate; however, the compound is detected in the urine within 3 days and in the blood within 2 days from the moment of administration.

Description of a new genus and species of Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) from Danish amber, based on a male specimen featuring an antenna with a distinct anellus.

Electroanellus belokobylskiji Simutnik gen. et sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is described and illustrated based on a male specimen from late Eocene Danish amber. The presence of an anellus between the pedicel and the first funicular segment is the main difference between the new taxon and most extant encyrtids, as well as all described fossil species. The new fossil also differs from all known Eocene Encyrtidae by its relatively short marginal vein, which is as long as broad. The placement of the new genus in the subfamily Tetracneminae is supported by the absence of the filum spinosum of the linea calva.

Study of pharmacological activity of dry extract of sakhalin willow shoots against the background of experimental thrombophlebitis

The aim. The objective of the research was to study the pharmacological activity of dry extract of Sakhalin willow shoots – DEWS against the background of experimental thrombophlebitis. Materials and methods. Dry extract of Sakhalin willow shoots (DEWS) was the object matter of the present research and served as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent. In the experiment conducted, rabbits weighing 2.0 – 2.5 kg were used. The animals were divided into three groups. Group 1 was a control group; group 2 were animals that had been intragastrically injected with DEWS at a dose of 30 mg/kg prior to modelling thrombophlebitis; group 3 similarly received Eskuvit 20 mg/kg as a reference drug – pills (JSC Halychpharm, Ukraine). The dose for animals was recalculated, taking into account body weight according to the Rybolovlev method. Experimental thrombophlebitis was caused by injecting an intravenous solution of 2 % lugol at a dose of 0.1 ml into the marginal vein of the ear. Statistical data processing was carried out using the Statistica for Windows 11.0 program based on variance analysis for repeated measurement data using the Mann-Whitney criteria at a probability level of p<0.05. Results. Against the background of the development of experimental thrombophlebitis in rabbits, the development of thrombosis of the ear vein and the inflammatory process of adjacent tissues were observed. The inflammatory process was accompanied by pronounced hyperemia and oedema. Prophylactic administration of DEWS for 6 days contributed to a decrease in the inflammatory process already on the 5th day of observation. The area of the injured area was 20 % smaller than in the control pathology group. The therapeutic and prophylactic effect of herbal medicine can be explained by the content of flavonoids and salicylates in its composition. Eskuvit showed a less pronounced thrombolytic effect in terms of its influence on thrombosis and thrombolysis. Conclusions. The administration of DEWS in the therapeutic and prophylactic regimen at a dose of 30 mg/kg has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic and venoprotective effect in experimental peripheral venous thrombophlebitis in rabbits. The results of the studies obtained allow us to recommend DEWS as a promising venoprotective agent with thrombolytic activity

First fossil evidence of samaras of Ailanthus Desf. (Simaroubaceae) from India and its implications

Even though it is now widespread in Asia and was widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere during the Cenozoic, fruits of the genus Ailanthus Desf. (Simaroubaceae) have not previously been documented from the Cenozoic of India. Here, we report the first Indian occurrence of fossil winged fruits corresponding to the modern genus Ailanthus having samaroid mericarps with a centrally placed seed from the latest Neogene sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau, eastern India. We determine their taxonomic position based on a detailed morphological comparison with similar modern and fossil specimens and discuss their palaeoclimatic significance. The fossil fruits are elongated, elliptic samaroid mericarps with a centrally placed seed and a marginal ventral vein starting from the seed extend to the base of the fruit. The fruits are 24–39 mm long and 11–16 mm wide. Based on the available morphological characters including locations of the stylar scar, main ventral vein, and the size of the samara, we assign these specimens to the fossil species Ailanthus confucii Unger. This species has a rich fossil record from the Cenozoic sediments of Europe, North America, and eastern Asia. However, this is the first report of A. confucii in India, which is significant for this species’s biogeographic and evolutionary history. Based on morphological comparisons, A. confucii shows affinity to modern A. altissima. Here, we also review the biogeographic history of Ailanthus and suggest its possible migratory routes.

Sex Disparities in Arteriovenous Fistula Maturation Outcomes

The end-stage kidney disease life-plan aims to individualize hemodialysis (HD) access selection in patients requiring renal replacement therapy. Paucity of data on risk factors for poor arteriovenous fistula (AVF) outcomes limits the ability of physicians to guide their patients on this decision. This is especially true for female patients, who are known to have worse AVF outcomes when compared to male patients. The goal of this study was to identify risk factors associated with poor AVF maturation outcomes in female patients that will help guide individualized access selection. A retrospective review of 1,077 patients that had AVF creation between 2014 and 2021 at an academic medical center was performed. Maturation outcomes were compared between 596 male and 481 female patients. Separate multivariate logistic regression models were created for the male and female cohorts to identify factors associated with unassisted maturation. AVF was considered mature if it was successfully used for HD for 4-week sessions without need for further interventions. Unassisted fistula was defined as an AVF that matured without any interventions. The male patients were more likely to receive more distal HD access; 378 (63%) male versus 244 (51%) female patients had radiocephalic AVF, P<0.001. Maturation outcomes were significantly worse in female patients; 387 (80%) AVFs matured in females and 519 (87%) in male patients, P<0.001. Similarly, the rate of unassisted maturation was 26% (125) in female patients versus 39% (233) in male patients, P<0.001. Mean preoperative vein diameters were similar in both groups; 2.8±1.1mm in male versus 2.7±0.97mm in female patients, P=0.17. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the female patients revealed that Black race (odds ratio [OR]: 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4-0.9, P=0.045), radiocephalic AVF (OR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9, P=0.045), and preoperative vein diameter <2.5mm (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 10.33-0.901.1-1.7, P=0.014) were independent predictors of poor unassisted maturation in this cohort. In male patients, preoperative vein diameter <2.5mm (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.7, P<0.001) and need for HD prior to AVF creation (OR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9, P=0.018) were independent predictors of poor unassisted maturation. Black women with marginal forearm veins may have worse maturation outcomes, and upper arm HD access should be considered when advising patients on their end-stage kidney disease life-plan.

Study on the antipyretic mechanism of large pushing Tianheshui for young rabbits with endotoxin-induced fever

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of large pushing Tianheshui manipulation intervention on the body temperature of young rabbits with endotoxin-induced fever and discuss its antipyretic mechanism.MethodsThirty-two young rabbits meeting the standards were selected from 40 ordinary young male New Zealand rabbits after being adapted for 7 d, and randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a large pushing Tianheshui group, and an ibuprofen group according to the random number table method, with 8 rabbits in each group. Rabbits in the model group, the large pushing Tianheshui group, and the ibuprofen group were subjected to preparing the endotoxin-induced fever model by intravenous lipopolysaccharide from the marginal ear vein. Rabbits in the large pushing Tianheshui group received Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) manipulation intervention 1.5 h and 2.5 h after modeling, respectively. Rabbits in the ibuprofen group were intragastrically given ibuprofen suspension 1.5 h after modeling. The dynamic changes in body temperature were observed for the young rabbits after fever modeling. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the content changes in positive mediators of hypothalamic body temperature, including prostaglandin (PG) E2 and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), as well as negative mediators of hypothalamic body temperature, including arginine vasopressin (AVP) and α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH).ResultsThe body temperature of the young rabbits in the model group was significantly higher than that in the normal group at 0.5–4.0 h, 5.0 h, and 5.5 h after modeling (P<0.01), showing two obvious fever peaks in the model group at 1.5 h and 3.0 h after modeling, respectively, with the highest peak at 1.5 h. Compared with the model group, body temperatures of the large pushing Tianheshui group and the ibuprofen group decreased significantly after 0.5 h of intervention (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the contents of PGE2 and cAMP were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the contents of AVP and α-MSH were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the hypothalamus of the model group. Compared with the model group, the contents of PGE2 and cAMP were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the levels of AVP and a-MSH were significantly increased (P<0.01) in the hypothalamus in the large pushing Tianheshui group and the ibuprofen group. There were no significant differences in the PGE2, cAMP, AVP, and α-MSH contents in the hypothalamus between the ibuprofen group and the large pushing Tianheshui group (P>0.05).ConclusionLarge pushing Tianheshui manipulation has a significant antipyretic effect on endotoxin-induced fever in young rabbits. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the positive regulators (PGE2 and cAMP) and promoting the negative regulators (AVP and α-MSH) of hypothalamic control of body temperature.