Moderate Elevation Research Articles

Influence of Elevation on Falcataria moluccana [Miq.] Barneby & J.W. Grimes Gall Rust Incidence and Severity in Agusan del Norte, Philippines

Gall rust disease poses a significant threat to falcata (Falcataria moluccana [Miq.] Barneby & J.W. Grimes), particularly in different elevation ranges. This study aimed to assess the gall rust disease incidence and severity at low (0–200 masl), moderate (201–400 masl), and high (401–600 masl) elevations. Results showed a significant correlation between gall rust disease incidence and severity and elevation based on Spearman rho correlation analysis. Higher elevations were associated with increased gall rust disease incidence and severity. This suggests that environmental conditions specific to these elevations may aggravate gall rust development. Based on the findings, temperature and relative humidity, which vary with elevation, play a role in gall rust disease incidence. Conversely, light intensity significantly influences gall rust disease severity across elevation ranges. These findings signify the importance of elevation-related factors in disease management strategies in falcata plantations. By identifying the relationship between gall rust disease and elevation, this research provides insightful information that can be used to improve disease management strategies and create focused control measures. The results provide an in-depth understanding of gall rust disease dynamics and offer recommendations for reducing its impact. Keywords: disease incidence, disease severity, elevation, Falcataria moluccana, gall rust

Productivity of coniferous forests evaluated by remote sensing and field-based models

Abstract The inadequacy of Norway spruce (NS) monocultures in fulfilling ecosystem services, due to deteriorating health and consequent forest ecosystem collapses, has recently become a concerning issue for the forestry sector in Central Europe. This study investigates spruce forest productivity using in-situ field observations (DendroNetwork) and satellite remote sensing (RS) data in the Czech Republic during the past two decades. Tree growth index and moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer net primary productivity were used to assess productivity at the national scale along an elevation gradient. The analyses of spatiotemporal variation in carbon dynamics indicate a decreasing trend in productivity in 51% and 80% (2800 km2 and 4200 km2) of the spruce stands from the RS and in-situ data, respectively. The increasing trend is particularly evident in montane regions, where satellite data identified an elevation threshold around 900 m a.s.l. while in-situ data 700 m a.s.l. In these energy-limited montane areas, NS may benefit from increased temperatures and may remain relatively safe from drought stress. The decreasing trends detected by both approaches indicate deteriorating conditions for NS in lower elevations. This study suggests that combining in-situ and RS data provides an efficient and robust way to estimate forest productivity at the national scale. The anticipated response of spruce forests associated with declines in productivity and growth in areas with low to moderate elevation points to the adverse effects of climate change by shifting the ecological optimum to higher elevations. We conclude that detailed mapping of forest response to changing environmental conditions is critical to support sustainable forest management and decision-making, ultimately reflecting the need to adopt adequate strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and related natural and anthropogenic disturbances.

A moderate elevation and warm-humid climate of the Wulan Basin, NE Tibetan Plateau in the Middle Miocene indicated by Pueraria macrofossils

A moderate elevation and warm-humid climate of the Wulan Basin, NE Tibetan Plateau in the Middle Miocene indicated by Pueraria macrofossils

Differential recruitment drives pathogen-mediated competition between species in an amphibian chytridiomycosis system.

Pathogens that infect multiple host species have an increased capacity to cause extinctions through parasite-mediated apparent competition. Given unprecedented and continuing losses of biodiversity due to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the causative fungus of the amphibian skin disease chytridiomycosis, a robust understanding of the mechanisms driving cross-species infection dynamics is essential. Here, we used stage-structured, susceptible-infected compartmental models to explore drivers of Bd-mediated apparent competition between two sympatric amphibians, the critically endangered Litoria spenceri and the non-threatened Litoria lesueurii. We additionally simulated the impact of plausible L. spenceri conservation management interventions on competitive outcomes between these two species. Despite being more susceptible to disease than its competitor, a high relative rate of recruitment allowed the non-threatened L. lesueurii to reach substantially higher densities than L. spenceri in our baseline models, applying a strong absolute force of infection on L. spenceri as an amplifying host. However, simulated management interventions which bolstered L. spenceri recruitment (i.e., captive breeding and release, removal of predatory non-native trout) spurred strong recoveries of L. spenceri while simultaneously (1) increasing the force of Bd infection in the environment and (2) reducing L. lesueurii population density. At high and moderate elevations, combined captive breeding/release and non-native trout removal were sufficient to make L. spenceri the most abundant species. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance of recruitment in moderating pathogen dynamics of multi-host amphibian chytridiomycosis systems. While infection-based parameters are undoubtedly important in Bd management, modifying relative rates of recruitment can substantially alter pathogen-mediated competition between species of an amphibian community.

Evaluation of gray-matter and white-matter microstructural abnormalities in children with growth hormone deficiency: a comprehensive assessment with synthetic magnetic resonance imaging.

Pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a disease resulting from the impaired growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH-IGF-1) axis, but the effects of GHD on children's behavior and brain microstructural structure alterations have not yet been fully clarified. We aimed to investigate the quantitative profiles of gray matter and white matter in pediatric GHD using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The data of 50 children with GHD and 50 typically developing (TD) children were prospectively collected. Group differences in brain volumetric parameters, individual-level T1 and T2 relaxometry values, and myelin volume fraction (MVF) were assessed. Subsequently, magnetic resonance-based indices with significant differences between groups were correlated with clinical variables via partial correlation. Compared with TD children, children with GHD showed significantly decreased whole-brain gray-matter volume [P false discovery rate (PFDR) <0.001] and increased non-gray-matter/white-matter/cerebrospinal fluid (NoN) volume (PFDR<0.001). For gray-matter microstructural profiles, altered T1 and T2 relaxometry values in children with GHD were mainly distributed in the default mode (PFDR<0.001) and central executive networks (PFDR<0.001). For white-matter microstructural profiles, widespread increased regional MVF was mainly distributed in the corpus callosum, corticospinal tract, internal capsule, external capsule, and cingulum (all PFDR values <0.001). Meanwhile, the T2 relaxation values in the left cuneus (r=0.400; P=0.005) and MVF in the right corticospinal tract (r=0.313; P=0.032) had a positive relationship with IGF-1. Altered T1 and T2 relaxometry values and MVF in gray and white matter indicate the relevance of the default mode, central executive, somatosensory, visual, and cerebellar networks underlying pediatric GHD, which may imply the involvement of the GH-IGF-1 axis and myelin in the pathophysiological mechanism of GHD. Moreover, the brain microstructure alteration in cortico-striatal-limbic loop might be influenced by the GH-IGF-1 axis and play an important role in the behavioral impairments in children with GHD.

A Retrospective Study in Trans Individuals Undergoing Gender Affirming Testosterone Treatment: Can Changes in Prolactin Counteract the Negative Effects on the Lipid Profile?

Background/Objectives: Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is known to influence the lipid profiles of trans men and transmasculine individuals. Recent data show that moderate prolactin (PRL) elevations might exert beneficial metabolic effects ("HomeoFIT-PRL model"). The aim of this study is to investigate changes in PRL levels and possible associations between PRL and lipid profiles in this population after a year of GAHT. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, 97 participants, who received GAHT with testosterone, were included. Blood lipids, PRL, and sex steroid hormone levels were evaluated prior to and at 10-14 months after treatment started. Results: The difference in PRL levels between baseline and follow-up was significant (p = 0.007) with a median difference of +2.3 ng/mL. Concerning blood lipids, the decline in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) reached statistical significance (median 56 mg/dL versus 50 mg/dL; p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride levels increased (p = 0.023 and p = 0.045, respectively). Individuals with a PRL > 25 ng/mL at follow-up (n = 20, 20.6%) revealed increases in total cholesterol and LDL-C significantly less often. Overall, participants frequently displayed unfavorable changes in their lipid profile after 10-14 months of GAHT, as well as a slight but significant increase in PRL. About 20% of patients showed mild-to-moderate hyperprolactinemia (PRL > 25 ng/mL). However, such changes were associated with potentially beneficial dynamics in the lipid profile, at least for triglycerides. Conclusions: These findings seem in line with the HomeoFIT-PRL model suggesting that moderate elevations in PRL levels might exert beneficial metabolic effects. Increases in PRL after testosterone were common.

Effect of a HEART Score Best Practice Alert on Discharge Decisions and Outcomes of Patients Presenting to an Emergency Department with Chest Pain

BackgroundContemporary evaluation of chest pain (CP) utilizes a high sensitivity troponin (hsTn) accelerated decision protocol (ADP). Whether the addition of a bioclinical risk score such as the HEART score improves performance of a hsTn ADP is not clear. ObjectivesTo determine the effect of an automated best practice alert (BPA) that guided capture of the HEART score on emergency department (ED) discharge decision-making and outcomes when added to a hsTn ADP. MethodsRetrospective cohort study of patients evaluated for CP in a 6 month period before and 10 month period following launch of a HEART score BPA in May 2022. Discharge percentages and 30-day major adverse cardiac event rates (MACE) were determined for the pre- vs. post-BPA cohort and stratified by both peak hsTnT value and HEART score. ResultsCompared to the pre-BPA cohort (n=4438), post-BPA (n=6794) with a completed HEART score had a higher rate of ED discharge (5.5% vs. 3.6%, p<0.001). Patients with low (≤3) risk HEART scores had significantly lower (1.6% vs. 0.6%, p=0.001) and patients with high risk scores had significantly higher (1.6% vs. 6.6%, p<0.001) rates of 30-day MACE vs. pre-BPA. The relationship of HEART score to MACE had the most discriminatory power in patients with peak hsTnT 12/51ng/dl (3.9% vs. 6.7%, p<0.028). ConclusionThe addition of a HEART score BPA to a hsTnT ADP was associated with a higher rate of discharge and improved risk stratification of 30-day MACE among patients for whom a discharge disposition was made, particularly among patients with moderate elevations (12-51ng/dl) of hsTnT.

Dysregulation of sympathoadrenal system activity in patients with microvascular angina

Abstract Introduction Recent studies have highlighted that a significant proportion of patients (up to 47%) undergoing coronary angiography due to clinical indications do not exhibit significant stenosis in epicardial vessels. Among these patients, up to 50% may suffer from microvascular angina (MVA). Despite the absence of intramural coronary artery lesions typically associated with atherosclerosis, the occurrence of transient myocardial ischemia and cardiac pain syndrome raises interest due to the incomplete understanding of their underlying mechanisms. Objective This study aims to comprehensively investigate sympathoadrenal system activity in patients with microvascular angina. Materials and Methods A total of 40 patients diagnosed with MVA, aged 35-76 years, including 11 (27.5%) men and 29 (72.5%) women, were enrolled, along with 20 healthy individuals. Assessment of sympathoadrenal system (SAS) activity involved determining daily urinary excretion levels of free and conjugated catecholamine fractions (CA) using solid-phase enzyme immunoassay: adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), and DOFA. Additionally, catecholamine deamination enzyme activity—monoamine oxidase (MAO)—was determined using solid-phase EIA. Results Patients with MVA exhibited a significant increase in the excretion of all CA fractions. Specifically, adrenaline (A) excretion increased by 56.7%, surpassing the control by 1.7 times (p&amp;lt;0.001). Noradrenaline (NA) levels were elevated by 59.5% in MVA patients, which was 1.6 times higher than the control group (p&amp;lt;0.001). Dopamine (DA) levels in MVA patients increased by 31.0%, surpassing control values by 1.36 times (p&amp;lt;0.001). Moderate elevation in DOFA levels by 19.7% was observed, which was 1.23 times higher than the control (p&amp;lt;0.01). Ratios of CA sulfocatecholamine formation processes indicated pronounced deviations from normal. Gender differences revealed marked changes in sympathoadrenal activity, particularly in women (p&amp;lt;0.001). Studies of MAO activity on the first day identified a moderate decrease in its activity in MVA patients—0.03±0.002 units/ext. (p&amp;lt;0.01), while healthy individuals exhibited an activity level of 0.07±0.001 units/ext. Conclusion The findings underscore the crucial pathogenetic role of SAS in the development of MVA. The study demonstrates that the severity of ischemia correlates with disruptions in SAS components. Notably, these disruptions are pronounced in MVA, indicating an overload of the sympathoadrenal system—a critical component of organismal homeostasis. Under conditions of SAS overload, the pivotal enzyme in biogenic amine oxidation, MAO, undergoes significant transformation, leading to reduced activity towards monoamines. These findings were consistent with our clinical investigation.

Exploring the Relationship between Canine Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) Serum Activity and Liver Disease Classified by Clinico-Pathological Evaluation.

Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), a liver-synthesized enzyme, acts as a negative acute-phase reactant during systemic inflammation in dogs. Given the hepatic synthesis of this enzyme, the presence of liver diseases may influence PON-1, thus affecting its reliability as a biomarker for inflammatory/oxidative systemic diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate PON-1 activity variations among dogs suspected of liver injury or failure, evaluating the influence of hepatic diseases on PON-1 activity. A total of one-hundred-sixty dogs were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into three groups based on clinical presentation and laboratory results: control (C = 20), suspected liver injury (INJ = 114), and suspected liver failure (FAIL = 26). The INJ group was further divided into subgroups based on the severity of the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase. Both the INJ and FAIL groups were further divided based on serum macroscopic appearance. The PON-1 activity was quantified using a paraoxon-based method, which is already validated in dogs. No significant difference in PON-1 activity was observed between the C and INJ groups, despite a significant increase in the subgroups with moderate and severe elevations of ALT. The dogs with icteric serum exhibited decreased PON-1 activity, while lipemic serum was associated with an increased PON-1 activity. A significant reduction in PON-1 activity was noted in the FAIL group, compared to both C and INJ groups (p < 0.0001), regardless of serum appearance. Given the retrospective nature of this study, additional evaluations (e.g., histopathology, imaging) were not performed. The results obtained here suggest the importance of interpreting PON-1 activity cautiously in dogs with suspected liver disease.

5119 Structural basis for glucocorticoid receptor multimerization

Abstract Disclosure: E. Estébanez-Perpiñá: None. Abstract ENDO-2024 - BostonStructural basis for glucocorticoid receptor multimerization Andrea Alegre-Martí[1]*, Alba Jimenez-Panizo2*, Agustina Lafuente3, Montserrat Abella[1], Thomas A Johnson2, Paloma Pérez4, Juan Fernández-Recio5, Diego M. Presman3, Gordon L. Hager2, Pablo Fuentes-Prior[1], Eva Estébanez-Perpiñá[1] [1]Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain.2National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5055, USA.3IFIBYNE, UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires, C1428EGA, Argentina.4Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV)-CSIC, 46010, Valencia, Spain.5Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (ICVV), CSIC - Universidad de La Rioja - Gobierno de La Rioja, 26007 Logroño, Spain. Abstract: The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ubiquitously e2xpressed ligand-regulated transcription factor essential for life and one of the most targeted proteins in drug discovery due to its powerful anti-inflammatory actions. The functional oligomeric state of the full-length receptor, which is essential for its transcriptional activity in cells, remains disputed. Here we present a new crystal structure of agonist-bound ancient GR-LBD in a large cell, along with a thorough analysis of previous structural work. The building block of the current structure is a homodimer we previously identified in GR-LBD crystals and its biological relevance has been verified by studying a battery of GR point mutants including crosslinking assays in solution and quantitative fluorescence microscopy in live cells. Several mutually exclusive multimeric assemblies of this dimer in the crystal highlight the versatility of GR-LBD for self-association and reveal implications for the conformation of the active full-length receptor. Our results underscore the relevance of non-canonical dimerization modes for GR-LBD, especially of contacts made by key residues such as Tyr545, Pro637 and Asp641. Of note, a non-conservative mutation of the latter, p.Asp641Val, causes Chrousos syndrome in humans. Understanding relevant quaternary assemblies of the GR is pivotal not only to understand and predict the therapeutic outcome of major blockbuster drugs but also to lessen their deleterious side effects and open new avenues for drug design. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Protein Kinase C Delta as Novel Biomarker For HCC

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the most common primary malignant tumour of the liver. It is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the world. It occurs most commonly on top of a cirrhotic liver due multiple risk factors ranging from viral hepatitis, aflatoxin, alcohol intake, and metabolic syndrome the most prevalent of which is HCV infection. Aim of the Work This work aimed to study the relation between PKCd and AFP in HCC patients. Also, to correlate PKCd with different laboratory parameters. And finally, to evaluate the diagnostic value of PKCd in patients with HCC at early stages, alone and in combination with AFP. Patients and Methods The study was conducted on 75 subjects who were divided into three groups. Group A included 25 patients with clinically diagnosed HCC most of whom were in the early stages of HCC. (Stage 0 and stage A by BCLC staging system), group B; 25 patients with clinically diagnosed with cirrhosis and group C; 25 apparently healthy subjects as the control group. Results Our analysis showed that the mean level of PKCd was significantly higher in patients with HCC (Group A) compared to the control group with moderate elevation in cirrhotic patients. PKCd shows higher sensitivity in group A compared to AFP. Another finding is that there was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.431, p = 0.031) in patients with early-stage HCC (Group A) between PKCd and AFP. This strengthens our conclusion about the possibility of using PKCd as a novel biomarker for diagnosis of early HCC. Conclusion We propose that PKCd can be used as a potential non-invasive biomarker that has several advantages in diagnosis of HCC especially in patients with early-stage HCC as it can potentially surpass the diagnostic performance of other conventional biomarkers such as AFP in those patients.

Geo-spatial assessment of geomorphic characteristics of Swat Valley, Pakistan

Morphometric analysis is essential for understanding drainage networks and landform evolution, particularly in complex mountainous regions like the Swat Valley. Accurate characterization of these features aids in water resource management and mitigating climate-induced challenges. The study employed GIS and remote sensing technologies, utilizing SRTM-30m DEM data to perform a comprehensive morphometric and hypsometric analysis. Key morphometric parameters such as basin size, stream order, bifurcation ratio, drainage density, circularity ratio, and elongation ratio were calculated by using Whitebox tool. Additionally, three-dimensional parameters including basin relief, roughness number, ruggedness index, and slope were analyzed. Hypsometric analysis was conducted to examine area-elevation relationships, using empirical formulas and contour data. The basin was found to be irregularly shaped, with an elongation ratio of 6.97 and a circulatory ratio of 0.3091, indicating an elongated form. Flow accumulation data highlighted areas of rapid and moderate water flow. Hypsometric analysis showed that 14 sub-basins were in an erosional stage, 8 were mature, and the remainder were older and more resistant to erosion. The overall hypsometric integral (HI) of 0.406 reflects moderate elevation variation across the basin. The study provides critical insights into the geomorphometric controls of the Swat Valley's drainage system, contributing to improved water resource management strategies. Understanding morphometric and hypsometric characteristics is vital for adapting to climate-induced risks and safeguarding water resources in mountainous landscapes.

Effect of high-dose multivitamin supplements on alanine aminotransferase elevations among adults living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Tanzania.

HIV infection can cause malabsorption and rapid utilization of nutrients. A randomized trial of multivitamin supplementation among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Tanzania was stopped early due to increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations in the multiple recommended dietary allowances (RDA) multivitamin group. We conducted detailed analysis to assess the effect of multivitamins on ALT elevations and evaluate whether subgroups of PLWHA have greater hepatotoxicity risks associated with the use of high-dose multivitamins. We utilized data from a randomized, double-blind trial conducted in 2006-2009 that assessed the effect of high-dose multivitamins that contained vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin E at multiple RDA as compared to standard-dose multivitamins containing single RDAs among adults initiating ART in Tanzania. We evaluated the effect of high-dose multivitamins on incident mild/moderate ALT elevations > 40 IU/L, persistent ALT elevations > 40 IU/L (2 + clinic visits), and severe ALT elevations > 200IU/L using Cox proportional hazard models. We then evaluated effect modification by patient characteristics to determine if subgroups of PLWHA experienced different magnitudes of risk for ALT elevations associated with high-dose multivitamins. High-dose multivitamins increased the risk of incident mild/moderate ALT elevations > 40 IU/mL as compared to standard-dose multivitamins (hazard ratio (HR): 1.41; 95%CI: 1.26,1.58) as well as incident sustained mild/moderate ALT elevations (HR: 1.19; 95%CI: 1.04,1.36), but there was no overall effect on severe ALT elevations (HR: 1.44; 95% CI: 0.91,2.28). There was no evidence that the effect of high-dose multivitamins on any or sustained mild/moderate ALT elevations was modified by any patient characteristic. However, CD4 T-cell count was found to modify the effect of high-dose multivitamins on severe ALT elevations (p-value for interaction:0.01). Among participants with a baseline CD4 T-cell count ≤ 100 cells/µL, individuals receiving high-dose multivitamins had 3.74 times (95%CI: 1.52-9.17) the risk of incident severe ALT elevations compared to standard-dose multivitamins, while participants with CD4 T-cell counts > 100 cells/µL, appeared to have no effect of high-dose multivitamins on severe ALT elevations (HR:0.92; 95% CI: 0.50,1.67). High-dose RDA multivitamin supplementation increased the incidence of any mild to moderate ALT elevations among adults starting ART in Tanzania and the magnitude of the risk does not appear to differ by patient characteristics. However, immunocompromised PLWHA with CD4 T-cell counts < 100 cells/µL may experience greater risk of severe ALT elevations associated with the use of high-dose multivitamins. Although the study findings offer significant insights, it is essential to take into account limitations imposed by newer cART regimes.

Regulatory Effects of 5-Day Oral and Intraperitoneal Administration of a Thienopyrimidine Derivative on the Thyroid Status in Rats.

In experiments on rats, we studied the effect of 5-day intraperitoneal (15 mg/kg/day) and oral (40 mg/kg/day) administration of compound TPY3m, a stimulator of the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland developed by us, on the blood levels of thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone and on morphology of the thyroid gland. With both routes of administration, TPY3m caused a sustained moderate elevation of thyroid hormones, mainly thyroxine, with little effect on the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone. TPY3m did not reduce the stimulating effect of thyroliberin on the levels of thyroid hormones and had no damaging effect on the thyroid gland. During long-term administration, compound TPY3m stimulates the production of thyroid hormones without weakening the activity of the thyroid axis. Thus, TPY3m is a prototype of drugs for correcting thyroid hormone deficiency.

Cardiac function and energetics in mice with combined genetic augmentation of creatine and creatine kinase activity

Improving energy provision in the failing heart by augmenting the creatine kinase (CK) system is a desirable therapeutic target. However, over-expression of the creatine transporter (CrT-OE) has shown that very high creatine levels result in cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. We hypothesise this is due to insufficient endogenous CK activity to maintain thermodynamically favourable metabolite ratios. If correct, then double transgenic mice (dTg) overexpressing both CrT and the muscle isoform of CK (CKM-OE) would rescue the adverse phenotype. In Study 1, overexpressing lines were crossed and cardiac function assessed by invasive haemodynamics and echocardiography. This demonstrated that CKM-OE was safe, but too few hearts had creatine in the toxic range. In Study 2, a novel CrT-OE line was generated with higher, homogeneous, creatine levels and phenotyped as before. Myocardial creatine was 4-fold higher in CrT-OE and dTg hearts compared to wildtype and was associated with hypertrophy and contractile dysfunction. The inability of dTg hearts to rescue this phenotype was attributed to downregulation of CK activity, as occurs in the failing heart. Nevertheless, combining both studies in a linear regression analysis suggests a modest positive effect of CKM over a range of creatine concentrations. In conclusion, we confirm that moderate elevation of creatine is well tolerated, but very high levels are detrimental. Correlation analysis lends support to the theory that this may be a consequence of limited CK activity. Future studies should focus on preventing CKM downregulation to unlock the potential synergy of augmenting both creatine and CK in the heart.

Association of Raised C-Reactive Proteins With Prolonged ICU Stay in Children with Bronchopneumonia: A Cross Sectional Study

Objective To study the association of raised CRP with prolonged ICU stay in children with bronchopneumonia at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, for a duration of six months (June 2023 to December 2023). Out of 127 children admitted into ICU, 82 met the inclusion criteria, aged 2-60 months, diagnosed with bronchopneumonia. Upon admission, blood sample was taken for CRP levels and these levels were correlated with ICU stay, TLC count, O2 dependency, and antibiotics duration of the patients. Patients were divided into five groups based on CRP counts. CRP counts less than 0.3 mg/dL were taken as normal. CRP counts from 0.4-0.9 mg/dL were taken as mild, 1-10 mg/dL were considered moderate, 11-49 mg/dL were considered marked, and ≥50 mg/dL were considered severe. Results Out of 82 patients, 45 (54.88%) were males and 37 (45.12%) were females. This study found that raised CRP was present in 73 (89.02%) out of 82 children (p&lt;0.04). Amongst 73 (89.02%), 08 (10.96%) patients had mild elevation of CRP, 36 (49.32%) had moderate elevation, 22 (30.14%) had marked, 07 (9.59%) had severe elevation. Moreover, a direct relation was observed among CRP and ICU stay (3.82±3.12), O2 requirements (3.72±3.07), TLC (13.36±5.18), antibiotic treatment duration (9.52±3.94) of broncho pneumonic patients. Conclusion Higher CRP levels significantly result in longer ICU stays and higher oxygen requirements in children with bronchopneumonia.

The Use of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (PAP) for Improved Beef Cattle Management.

Pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) determines cattle's susceptibility to High Altitude Disease (HAD), also known as Brisket Disease, High Mountain Disease, and right-sided heart failure (RHF). This non-infectious disease causes pulmonary hypertension due to hypoxia. PAP measures the resistance of blood flow through the lungs. It is estimated that 1.5 million head of cattle are raised in high-altitude environments (above 1500 m), and HAD accounts for 3-5% of calf death loss yearly. In addition, there have been increasing concerns about feedlot cattle succumbing to RHF at moderate elevations. This review focuses on the historical background, explanation of PAP measurement and scores, genetic implications, and the relationship between PAP and economically relevant traits. Specifically, traits such as gestation length, birth weight, weaning weight, and yearling weight may impact PAP scores. In addition, environmental effects and other factors impacting PAP score variations are discussed. Information gaps and research needs are addressed to determine where missing information could improve the understanding of PAP while also benefiting beef cattle producers in high-elevation production systems.

Investigating the drivers of urban cover-collapse sinkholes in shanghai: analyzing dominant factors and proposing mitigation strategies

Urban cover-collapse sinkholes pose a significant global challenge due to their destructive impacts. Previous studies have identified groundwater fluctuations, subsurface soil conditions, pipeline leakage, precipitation, and subterranean construction activities as key contributors to these phenomena. However, unique geological settings across different urban environments lead to variations in the primary factors influencing sinkhole formation. This study focuses on Shanghai, a city notable for its extensive urbanization and rich historical context, to explore the dynamics of sinkholes within urbanized areas worldwide. We employ spatial analysis and statistical methods to examine data on sinkholes recorded in the past two decades in Shanghai, correlating these events with the city’s shallow sand layer, ground elevation, and proximity to surface water. Our goal is to identify the dominant factors governing sinkhole occurrence in Shanghai and to lay the groundwork for their effective scientific management and prevention. Key findings indicate that most sinkholes in the area are associated with a thin shallow sand layer, low to moderate ground elevations, and the absence of nearby rivers. Additionally, many sinkholes correlate with subterranean voids within the confined aquifer beneath the cohesive soil layer. The lack of historical river channels, obscured by urban development, also indirectly contributes to sinkhole formation. We recommend enhancing urban river management and drainage systems to mitigate potential damage from water accumulation.

Study of C-reactive Protein Levels in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy.

Introduction Globally, one of the main causes of maternal and perinatal deaths is hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP). Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific syndrome characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria after 20-week gestation. Women who develop preeclampsia are at increased risk for the development of many systemic complications. Materialsandmethods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, SHKM, Nuh, Haryana in collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 200 study subjects; Group 1: cases - 100 HDP, Group 2: controls - 100 age-matched normotensive pregnant women. The specimen of 3 mL venous blood was collected under aseptic precautions. The data was evaluated using statistical evaluation tools. Result Out of 200 subjects, mean C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were normal in three cases and 35 controls. Minor elevation of CRP was observed in 11 cases and 29 controls (very significant). Moderate elevation of CRP was observed in 61 cases and 36 controls (highly significant). Marked elevation of CRP was observed in 25 cases. Mean CRP levels increased from preeclampsia without severe features (3.9 mg/dL), preeclampsia with severe features (5.2 mg/dL), and eclampsia (12.7 mg/dL) when compared with the respective control group (1.1 mg/dL, 1.16 mg/dL, and 1.2 mg/dL). Conclusion There is a highly significant association between CRP levels and HDP. Additionally, one useful indicator of the severity of preeclampsia is CRP, a measure ofsystemic inflammation. Elevated CRP levels in mild PE can be used as an indicator of the progress of the disease and early prevention can be done.

Common bile duct obstruction caused by synthetic linear foreign material in a dachshund

AbstractA 1‐year‐old, female, spayed dachshund presenting with clinical signs associated with cholangiohepatitis and cholangitis was found to have synthetic linear foreign material causing a common bile duct obstruction. The patient underwent a cholecystectomy, and foreign material was removed from the common bile duct via retrograde flushing into the duodenal papilla and manual retrieval. At the 6‐month post‐operative follow up visit, the patient had an improved cholestatic hepatopathy, with only a mild alkaline phosphatase elevation, moderate dilation of the common bile duct on ultrasonography, and was doing clinically well at home. 8 months post‐operatively, the patient re‐presented for an episode of septic cholangiohepatitis, with linear foreign material visualised within a dilated common bile duct on ultrasound. This episode was medically managed and was resolved with a 2‐week course of antibiotics. 1.5 years post‐operatively, the patient is doing clinically well, but continues to have persistent, moderate elevations of alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase.