A 23-year-old male that evolved to complete bilateral post-nuclear facial paralysis (House & Brackman Grade VI) after be involved in automobile accident followed by bilateral temporal bone fracture. The patient undergone a facial decompression surgery after performed an ENoG on the 18th day revealing bilateral absence of muscular response.

Objective: Finding the maternal and cycle associated factors that affect the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes when excluding paternal effect. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Setting: Public fertility center. Population: 1098 couples that received fresh IVF/ ICSI cycle with donor sperm. Methods: The associations of maternal factors and cycle-related parameters with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were depicted as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) / adjusted β and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Main outcome measures: Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Results: Women over 35 years had a distinctly decreased pregnancy and live birth rate (aOR 0.904; 95% CI 0.317–2.584 and aOR 0.905; 95% CI 0.398–2.768). Abortion and multiple ART-cycles were linked with increased risks of pregnancy failure, the oocyte retrieval and transferred embryo numbers improved pregnancy incidence. Blastocyst transfer increased both the probability of pregnancy and live birth (aOR 1.77; 95% CI 1.035–3.026 and aOR 1.364; 95% CI 1.041–1.788). For newborn, the negative contribution of transferred embryo number to birth weight and length was observed (adjusted β -0.30; 95% CI -0.533 to -0.277 and adjusted β -0.197; 95% CI -0.789 to -0.332). Female BMI and endometrial thickness both had a positive effect on birth weight and length. Conclusions: Oocyte number, transferred embryo number, and blastocyst transfer were positively associated with pregnancy or live birth. Females over 35 had an abortion, and multiple ART cycles experience linked to failure pregnancy. The transfer of multiple embryo poses a threat to newborn body weight and length, while higher mother BMI and endometrial thickness had positive influence.

A fifty years old woman with dyspnea of exertion and rupture of sinus Valsalva to right atrium in echocardiography referred to our hospital. After device closure of the rupture, she developed orthostatic hypoxemia. Invasive intra-cardiac evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome which was managed by device closure for PFO.

Hereditary disorders are frequently caused by genetic variants that affect pre-mRNA splicing. Whilst genetic variants in the canonical splice motifs are almost always disrupting splicing, the pathogenicity of variants in the non-canonical splice sites (NCSS) and deep intronic (DI) regions are difficult to predict. Multiple splice prediction tools have been developed for this purpose, with the latest tools employing deep learning algorithms. We benchmarked established and deep learning splice prediction tools on gold standard sets of variants in the ABCA4 and MYBPC3 genes associated with Stargardt disease (STGD1) and cardiomyopathy, respectively, with functional assessment in midigene and minigene splice assays. The best performing splice prediction tool for both NCSS and DI variants in ABCA4 was SpliceAI, whilst SpliceSiteFinder-like performed best for NCSS variants in MYBPC3. Overall, the performance in a real time clinical setting is much more modest than reported by the developers of the tools.

The niches of species that are geographically separated can either be conserved or diverge. This dynamic has been studied over time through Species Distribution Modeling and quantification of niche metrics. Here I have conducted this study for South Asian Dolphins. The Ganges River Dolphin and the Indus Dolphins are considered sub-species but there has been debate on this classification. The niche overlap was found to be very low meaning Indus Dolphin which most likely separated through the process of drainage capture has diverged from its original niche. The niche equivalency test also showed that there is a niche divergence is statistically significant. These dolphins could well be two separate species given their difference in niches but further study especially genetic studies are needed to affirm this. But the study highlights deviations from niche conservatism for the taxa due to significant niche shifts.

In this article, we introduce the notion of biorthgonoal nonuniform multiresolution analysis on the spectrum $\Lambda=\left\{0, r/N\right\}+2\mathbb Z$, where $N\ge 1$ is an integer and $r$ is an odd integer with $1\le r\le 2N-1$ such that $r$ and $N$ are relatively prime. We first establish the necessary and sufficient conditions for the translates of a single function to form the Riesz bases for their closed linear span. We provide the complete characterization for the biorthogonality of the translates of scaling functions of two nonuniform multiresolution analysis and the associated biorthogonal wavelet families. Furthermore, under the mild assumptions on the scaling functions and the corresponding wavelets associated with nonuniform multiresolution analysis, we show that the wavelets can generate Reisz bases.

Background and Purpose: In the development of vaccines, it is important to increase the antigen of the vaccine. We have confirmed the potential of Morus alba L., a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activator, as an adjuvant as a method for increasing the antigenicity of the vaccine. Experimental Approach: TLR4 is highly expressed on immune cells, therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the underlying immunological processes of Morus alba L. as an oral adjuvant in a mouse model. Mice were immunized with two types of antigen (ovalbumin (OVA) or inactivated influenza vaccine) combined with Morus alba L. Key Results: In the OVA antigen model, the co-administration of Morus alba L. significantly promoted phagocytosis in murine peritoneal macrophages. The maturation and function of dendritic cells were significantly up-regulated the expression of MHC-II, CD86, and CD80 compared to OVA alone. The titers of OVA-specific IgG, IgG subtype responses, and IgA were increased, the proliferation of T and B-cells was markedly enhanced, and the production of IL-12, IFN-, and IL-4 was better than OVA alone. In the inactivated influenza H1N1(PR8) vaccine model, the co-administration of Morus alba L. with vaccine significantly increased the IgM, IgG, and IgG subtype responses. The immunization of mice with Morus alba L. adjuvant reduced mortality in mice after a lethal challenge with influenza virus. Conclusion and Implications: Morus alba L. is a novel mucosal adjuvant for vaccination that provided safe and effective adjuvant effects and successfully induced both serum and mucosal antibody responses and cell-mediated responses.

Crystallographic B-factors provide direct dynamical information on the internal mobility of proteins that is closely linked to function, and are also widely used as a benchmark in assessing elastic network models. A significant question in the field is: what is the exact amount of thermal vibrations in protein crystallographic B-factors? This work sets out to answer this question. First, we carry out a thorough, statistically sound analysis of crystallographic B-factors of over 10,000 structures. Second, by employing a highly accurate all-atom model with the well-known CHARMM force field, we obtain computationally the magnitudes of thermal vibrations of nearly 1,000 structures. Our key findings are: (i) the magnitude of thermal vibrations, surprisingly, is nearly protein-independent, as a corollary to the universality in vibrational spectra of globular proteins established earlier; (ii) the magnitude of thermal vibrations is small, less than 0.1 Å2 at 100 K; (iii) the percentage of thermal vibrations in B-factors is the lowest at low resolution and low temperature (<10%) but increases to as high as 60% for structures determined at high resolution and at room temperature. The significance of this work is that it provides for the first time, using an extremely large dataset, a thorough analysis of B-factors and their thermal and static disorder components. The results clearly demonstrate that structures determined at high resolution and at room temperature have the richest dynamics information. Since such structures are relatively rare in the PDB database, the work naturally calls for more such structures to be determined experimentally.

Background: The influence of farming on plant, animal and microbial biodiversity has been carefully studied and much debated. Here, we compare an isolate-based study of 196 Rhizobium strains to amplicon-based MAUI-seq analysis of rhizobia from 17,000 white clover root nodules. We use these data to investigate the influence of soil properties, geographic distance, and field management on Rhizobium nodule populations. Results: Overall, there was good agreement between the two approaches and the precise allele frequency estimates from the large-scale MAUI-seq amplicon data allowed detailed comparisons of rhizobium populations between individual plots and fields. A few specific chromosomal core-gene alleles were significantly correlated with soil clay content, and core-gene allele profiles became increasingly distinct with geographic distance. Field management was associated with striking differences in Rhizobium diversity, where organic fields showed significantly higher diversity levels than conventionally managed trials. Conclusions: Our results indicate that MAUI-seq is suitable and robust for assessing nodule Rhizobium diversity. We further observe possible profound effects of field management on microbial diversity, which could impact plant health and productivity and warrant further investigation.

Dylan K Wainwright et al. indicated high-performance Tuna platform for designing autonomous underwater vehicles [1]. Although their research will be useful, they should focus on the role of fins. Vadim Pavlov, et al. described hydraulic control of tuna fins [2]. During the late 18th century, wing designs were based on anatomical studies on dolphins, trout and tuna by the “father of aerodynamics”, Sir George Cayley [3,4]. Fish that are adapted for fast swimming, like tuna, are generally fusiform in shape and this is considered an efficient, hydrodynamic shape [5,6]. The hydraulic-fin-manufacture utilized multiple small fins instead of large hydraulic fins through the experiment for adopting better boat stabilizers [7]. By using two, four or six smaller active fins grouped together, the more small fins system produces better results without causing drag and slowing boats [7]. Tuna has such efficient hydrodynamic multiple small fins including 1st dorsal fin, 2nd dorsal fin, finlets, caudal fin, pelvic fin, pectoral fin, and anal fin. Every tuna fin may have the special role for better performance in stabilization of any vehicles.References:1. Dylan K Wainwright and George V Lauder 2020 Bioinspir. Biomim.15 0350072. Vadim Pavlov, et al., Hydraulic control of tuna fins: A role for the lymphatic system in vertebrate locomotion, Science, 21 Jul 2017, Vol.357, Issue 6348, pp.310-3143. Bio-mimetic Drag Reduction – Part 2: Aero- and Hydrodynamics, March 31, 2012http://aerospaceengineeringblog.com/bio-mimetic-drag-reduction-2/4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Cayley5. Eric Pickhartz, The ‘Tuna Robot’ is the Navy’s Newest Underwater Drone, July 4, 2014http://www.wideopenspaces.com/tuna-robot-navys-newest-underwater-drone/6. Kirk Janowiak, Are fish aerodynamic?, Jan 12, 2015https://www.quora.com/Are-fish-aerodynamic7. High-Performance Active Fin Stabilizers Improve Boat Speed and Performance, Feb 21, 2017http://www.gyrogalestabilizers.com/high-performance-active-fin-stabilizers-improve-boat-speed-performance/

Keywords: STEM education; scientific laws; scientific public policy

E,E-2,4-hexadienal is probably a precursor of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and plays an important role in the atmospheric chemistry. Its main degradation routs are the reactions with OH, Cl, NO3 as well as photolysis. Atmospheric hydroxyl radical, as the most important oxidant, generally controls the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. Thus, the quantum chemical calculations are used to investigate the reaction mechanism of E,E-2,4-hexadienal with hydroxyl radical, which would give better understanding for the main degradation products. The reaction paths of E,E-2,4-hexadienal with OH radical have been calculated accurately at the BMC-CCSD//M06-2X/6-311G (d, p) level at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. There are six hydrogen abstraction and four carbon addition paths at the first stages of this reaction. Due to the low energy barrier and reaction exotherm, the ten paths would contribute to the total reaction. Furthermore, the peroxy (RO2) and alkoxy (RO) radicals from the most important adduct IM1(CH3CHOHCHCH=CHCHO) would be formed in the atmospheric environment. The reaction mechanism of the peroxy radical (CH3CHOHCHO2CH=CHCHO) with NO, NO2, HO2, and self-reaction have been studied by using the same quantum chemical methods. And the reaction paths of alkoxy radical (CH3CHOHCHOCH=CHCHO) have been also originally studied. The subsequent reactions play a key role in the cycling of atmospheric radicals, production of ozone, and SOA formation. What’s more, the reaction mechanism of this study accords with the reported experimental observations.

Globally, urban wetlands are facing immense pressure of land use land cover changes (LULCCs) and associated water quality degradation that is severely affecting the trophic status of these pristine ecosystems. This study analyzed water quality degradation resulting due to the land system changes in the vicinity of Khushalsar, an urban wetland, in Srinagar city from 1980-2017. The analysis of satellite data indicated that the wetland has lost ~18.1 ha from 1980-2017. During the same period the urban area within the wetland increased from 0.2% to 16.5%. The land cover changes assessed in the immediate vicinity of wetland indicated an increase of 119% in built-up and 62.8% in roads. The analysis of surface water quality of the wetland showed much greater degradation of Khushalsar wetland. The Trophic State Index (TSI) ranged from 73.4-84.6 thereby indicating the hyper-eutrophic nature of the wetland. A snapshot of comparative water quality data from 2002-2018 revealed that the mean concentration of NO3–N increased from 219-433 µg L-1 and total phosphorus (TP) increased from 135.4-1236 µg L-1 indicative of continuous nutrient enrichment. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) clustered 8 sampling sites into 4 groups based on likeness of water quality characteristics. Similarly, discriminant analysis (DA) showed the formation of similar patterns of clusters, authenticating the outcomes of HCA. Wilk’s λ quotient dispersion highlighted the role of nutrients and ions in the development of clusters. Principal component analysis (PCA) formed three principal components (PC’s) accounting for a cumulative variance of 90.61%.

Here we report an extremely rare case of congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (CCTGA) associated with Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) type A and ventricular septal defect (VSD) in a preterm baby. Antenatally diagnosed as large VSD and severe Coarctation of aorta. Echocardiogram done revealed that left ventricle with the mitral valve lay on the right side in continuation with the venous right atrium and was connected to the pulmonary artery. The right ventricle lay on the left in continuation with the arterial left atrium and was connected to the aorta. Smallish transverse arch with Interruption of aorta below the left subclavian artery. Large VSD with bidirectional shunt. Small PDA with restrictive right to left flow. As far we know, only one similar case was reported earlier by Cottrell, at el. (4). At that time the initial diagnosis was done by cardiac angiography as 2D color echocardiography was not available at their center, after one year they were able to use echocardiogram and same diagnosis was confirmed. In our case despite the complex anatomy we were able to diagnose our case by 2D color Echocardiogram. The Echocardiogram images and loops were so clear and confirmative that no other cardiac imaging was required. Baby was stable clinically on prostaglandin and underwent successful aortic arch repair (end to end anastomosis) and PA banding. We believe that Echocardiography still is a basic tool for diagnosis of complex congenital cardiac anomalies specially in centers where other higher diagnostic modalities are still not available.

Preferential flow plays an important role in soil water retention, movement, and solute transport. Heterogeneity, uncertainty, and the scale of preferential flow are the focus of the current research. The multi-index method and preferential flow classification method were used to identify and quantify preferential characteristics and flow types at three points on a slope in the upstream portion of a drinking water supply area. Results show that the infiltration depth of the preferential flow on the hillslope is about 400 mm. The preferential flow fraction of the stain profile ranges from 56.6 to 74.8%. The result of multi-index evaluation indicates that the weight of the peak value of the stained area and coefficient of variation are the two indexes that have a greater influence on the preferential flow. Regarding the difference in preferential flow at different slope positions, the peak value of the stained area at mid-slope is higher and the coefficient of variation is lower, indicating that the preferential flow at mid-slope is more developed than upslope and downslope. The results of the quantitative analysis of preferential flow types indicate that the dyeing depth can be divided into three parts with dividing points at 100 and 275 mm due to the distribution of the stain width. The main flow type is macropore flow, especially macropore flow with mixed interaction, accounting for 49.8, 52.2, and 61.3% of the flow types at upslope, mid-slope, and downslope locations, respectively. The interaction between macropores gradually decreases with increasing soil depth and increasing elevation. As for the factors influencing preferential flow type, correlation analysis found that the higher the soil moisture content, the stronger the interaction between macropores. Influenced by bulk density, saturated conductivity, and porosity, matrix flow in the soil is relatively stable with a depth of approximately 10 cm. The study results can provide a reference for subsequent research on the preferential infiltration mechanism at different slope positions and the transport characteristics of water and nutrients.

Drought is one of the most significant natural disasters in the arid and semi-arid areas of China. The growth stages of populations or plant organs often differ in how they respond to drought and other adversities. At present, little is known about size- and leaf age-dependent differences in the mechanisms of shrubs-related drought resistance in China’s deserts. We studied Artemisia ordosica Krasch to evaluate its photosynthesis responses to drought stress. A field experiment conducted in Mu Us Desert, Ningxia, China. Rainfall was manipulated by installing outdoor shelters, with four rainfall treatments applied to 12 plots (each 5  5 m). There were four precipitation levels CK (ambient), -30%, -50%, -70%, each with three replications. Taking individual crown size as the dividing basis, the responses of the plants’ photosynthetic systems to drought were measured at different growth stages, i.e. large-sized (＞1 m2), medium-sized (0.25-1 m2), small-sized (＜0.25 m2). In the meanwhile, leaves were divided into mature leaves and new ones for separately measurement. Our results showed that (1) under drought stress, the transfer efficiency of light energy captured by antenna pigments to the PSII reaction center decreased, and the heat dissipation capacity increased simultaneously. To resist the photosynthetic system damage caused by drought, A. ordosica enhanced free radical scavenging by activating the antioxidant enzyme system. (2) The threshold for a reduction in rainfall was 70%; beyond this value, the adaptive regulation of the photosynthetic system in A. ordosica failed. (3) The growth stages and leaves age led to differences in the photosynthetic system reaction to drought. Small A. ordosica plants could not withstand severe drought stress (70% rainfall reduction), whereas large A. ordosica individuals could absorb deep soil water to ensure their survival. Under mild drought stress, tender (younger) leaves had a greater ability to resist drought than older leaves, whereas the latter were more resistant to drought under severe stress.

Trees’ total amount of nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) stores and the proportion of these stores residing as insoluble starch are vital traits for individuals living in variable environments. However, our understanding of how stores vary in response to environmental stress is poorly understood as the genetic component of storage is rarely accounted for in studies. Here, we quantified variation in NSC traits in branch samples taken from over 600 clonally transplanted black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) trees grown in two common gardens. We found heritable variation in both total NSC stores and the proportion of stores in starch (H2TNC = 0.19, H2PropStarch = 0.31), indicating a substantial genetic component of variation. In addition, we found high amounts of plasticity in both traits in response to cold temperatures and significant genotype-by-environment (GxE) interactions in the total amount of NSC stored (54% of P is GxE). This finding of high GxE indicates extensive variation across trees in their response to environment, which may explain why previous studies of carbohydrate stores’ responses to stress have failed to converge on a consistent pattern. Overall, we found high amounts of environmental and genetic variation in NSC storage concentrations, which may bolster species against future climate change.

We analyze risk factors correlated with the initial transmission growth rate of the recent COVID-19 pandemic in different countries. The number of cases follows in its early stages an almost exponential expansion; we chose as a starting point in each country the first day $d_i$ with 30 cases and we fitted for 12 days, capturing thus the early exponential growth. We looked then for linear correlations of the exponents $\alpha$ with other variables, for a sample of 126 countries. We find a positive correlation, {\it i.e. faster spread of COVID-19}, with high confidence level with the following variables, with respective $p$-value: low Temperature ($4\cdot10^{-7}$), high ratio of old vs.~working-age people ($3\cdot10^{-6}$), life expectancy ($8\cdot10^{-6}$), number of international tourists ($1\cdot10^{-5}$), earlier epidemic starting date $d_i$ ($2\cdot10^{-5}$), high level of physical contact in greeting habits ($6 \cdot 10^{-5}$), lung cancer prevalence ($6 \cdot 10^{-5}$), obesity in males ($1 \cdot 10^{-4}$), share of population in urban areas ($2\cdot10^{-4}$), cancer prevalence ($3 \cdot 10^{-4}$), alcohol consumption ($0.0019$), daily smoking prevalence ($0.0036$), UV index ($0.004$, smaller sample, 73 countries), low Vitamin D serum levels ($0.002-0.006$, smaller sample, $\sim 50$ countries). There is highly significant correlation also with blood type: positive correlation with types RH- ($3\cdot10^{-5}$) and A+ ($3\cdot10^{-3}$), negative correlation with B+ ($2\cdot10^{-4}$). We also find positive correlation with moderate confidence level ($p$-value of $0.02\sim0.03$) with: CO$_2$/SO emissions, type-1 diabetes in children, low vaccination coverage for Tuberculosis (BCG). Several of the above variables are correlated with each other and likely to have common interpretations. We thus performed a Principal Component Analysis, in order to find the significant independent linear combinations of such variables. We also analyzed the possible existence of a bias: countries with low GDP-per capita, typically located in warm regions, might have less intense testing and we discuss correlation with the above variables

The influence of the hole surface integrity on the fatigue life of 2024-T351 aluminium drilled parts was investigated. Fatigue tests were conducted on open-hole specimens and a large campaign was carried out to characterize the hole surface integrity (roughness measurements, hardness measurements, metallographic observations and residual stress analysis). An innovative technique, the Hole Opening Comparative Technique, was set up in order to analyse the residual stress state of the parts. In this study, strain hardening of the hole subsurface seems to be the main factor influencing the fatigue behaviour, associated with a residual stress state of the part.

The inverse nodal problem for Sturm-Liouville operator with a constant delay has been investigated in the present paper. To do so, we have computed the nodal points and nodal lengths. Therefore, we have tried Chebyshev interpolation method to obtain the numerical solution of inverse nodal problem. Following that, a number of numerical examples have been given. The numerical calculations in the present paper have been conducted via pc applying some programs encoded in Matlab software.

Background: Patients with chronic urticaria (CU) often report an impaired quality of life (QoL). Although a positive effect of addressing spirituality in health care has been proved in several chronic diseases, its potential role in CU has received no attention. This study evaluated spirituality and QoL in CU subjects with different control levels. Methods: In a single-centre observational study, 100 CU subjects were investigated using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp-12) scale, Chronic Urticaria Quality of life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL) and Urticaria Control Test (UCT). Results: Of 100 subjects, 82 were female and 18 were male. It was observed that subjects with not controlled CU presented FACIT Sp-12 meaning/peace (p = 0.004) significantly lower, and CU-Q2oL (p <0.0001) significantly higher (worst QoL) than subjects with controlled CU. There was no difference in the FACIT Sp-12 faith (p = 0.43) between groups. There was moderate direct correlation between FACIT Sp-12 faith and FACIT Sp-12 meaning/peace (r = 0.483; p <0.0001; n = 100). There was a significant strong inverse correlation between the CU-Q2oL and the UCT (r = -0.762; p <0.0001; n = 100). No correlation was found between the FACIT Sp-12 faith and CU-Q2oL, neither with UCT. Conclusion: No study has ever investigated the role of spirituality in managing patients with urticaria. Our findings support the impact of poorly controlled urticaria in spiritual well-being and QoL. Therefore, clinicians should pay more attention to spirituality among CU patients. We suggest that urticaria guidelines should include specific recommendations on spirituality assessment.

Background: The efficacy and safety of omalizumab in adult patients with refractory chronic urticaria (CU) is well established, but there is little information on the treatment of children. Here, we assessed the efficacy, time to onset of effects, improvement of quality of life, and safety of omalizumab in children and adolescents with CU. Methods: Patients aged < 18 years with antihistamine-resistant CU were treated with 150 or 300 mg of omalizumab every four weeks. We used the recently validated Chinese version of urticaria control test (UCT) to assess disease control status, children’s dermatology life quality index (CDLQI) to evaluate quality of life impairment, and monitored adverse events to assess the safety. Results: We treated 12 CU patients (7 female, mean age 10.2 ± 4.4 years, range 3–16) with omalizumab. Two thirds (67%) of the patients achieved well-controlled CU (defined as a UCT score ≥ 12) after the first administration. The UCT score significantly increased from 2.5 (0.0-5.8) at baseline to 12.0 (1.3-13.8) after four weeks (Z=-3.063, P=0.002) and 15.0 (13.5-16.0) after 16 weeks (Z=-3.065, P=0.002). The CDLQI score decreased from 17.5 (14.5-20.5) at baseline to 9.0 (3.0-13.8) after four weeks (Z=-2.984, P=0.003) and 2.0 (0.0-6.8) after 16 weeks (Z=-3.063, P=0.002). No adverse events were observed. Conclusion: Omalizumab is effective, fast acting and safe for children and adolescents with antihistamine-resistant chronic urticaria.

Background: There is in Europe variations in geographical exposures, sensitizations and related clinical allergic manifestations to pollens. This study analyzed the molecular profile of allergen sensitization of a cohort of birch and/or grass pollen allergic patients with or without pollen-related food allergy. Methods: Patients with birch and/or grass allergic rhino-conjunctivitis and/or asthma were included and submitted to standardized questionnaire, skin prick tests (aeroallergens and fresh foods) and serum IgE assays. Results: Based on clinical history, 74 patients were included with birch (n=10), grass (n=31) or mixed (n=34) pollen allergy. Mono-sensitization to pollen was seen in 10 % of patients. In the birch allergic group, Bet v 1 was the major allergen (100 %); 50 % were co-sensitized to grass pollen and 80 % had a plant food allergy. In the grass allergic group, 50 % were co-sensitized to birch pollen; major allergens were rPhl p 1, nPhl p 4, rPhl p 2, rPhl p 5 b, rPhl p 6 while 32 % had a plant food allergy. In the mixed pollen allergic population, rBet v 1, rPhl p 1, nPhl p 4, rPhl p 5b and rPhl p 2 were major allergens, and food allergy was present in 76 %. In the 3 groups, patients with food allergy (mainly oral allergy syndrome) had a stronger and higher prevalence of IgE-sensitization to birch pollen and Bet v 1 allergen. Conclusions: IgE sensitization to birch pollen is frequent in grass allergic patients: Bet v 1 represents a marker of cross-plant food allergy.

Aims:  In infants with chronic neonatal lung disease (CNLD), we aimed to identify predictors of home oxygen duration, predictors of discharge oxygen flow rates and the association of oxygen flow rates with respiratory outcomes.Methods:  Retrospective review of infants with CNLD requiring home oxygen in 2016 and 2017.  Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated from Cox proportional hazards regression models in the cohort.  A multinomial logistic regression model examined the effects of maternal and infant variables on discharge oxygen flow rates.  Kruskal-Wallis test with univariate linear regression and Fisher’s exact test with binomial univariate logistic regression were used to examine associations between oxygen flow groups and post-discharge clinical variables.Results:  149 infants were included.  Median corrected gestational age (CGA) at oxygen cessation was 6.8 months (IQR 4.4) with 87.2% of infants weaned by 12 months CGA.  Shorter initial neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay predicted faster oxygen weaning at 9 months (HR 0.99, 95%CI 0.98-1.00, p=0.02) and 12 months (HR 0.99, 95%CI 0.98-1.00, p=0.02).  Infants with hypercarbia at discharge or discharged from NICU at higher CGA had higher odds of requiring ≥200mL/min relative to ≤125 mL/min oxygen.  Infants discharged with >250mL/min oxygen were more likely to have a respiratory related admission before two years chronologic age. Conclusion:  Shorter initial NICU stay was the best predictor of earlier home oxygen cessation.  At NICU discharge, infants with hypercarbia or a higher CGA may require more home oxygen and experience more respiratory related hospital admission in the first two years of chronological age.