The study sought to investigate the effect of roasting temperatures on antioxidant components and oxidative stability of peanut oils. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, α–tocopherol content, and phytosterol content in peanut oils was influenced by roasting at temperatures of 120℃, 140℃, and 160℃, while those roasting temperatures had no effect on the fatty acid profile and γ–tocopherol content of peanut oils. Roasting promotes the quality of peanut oil aroma via the Maillard reaction, particularly those derived from N–heterocyclic compounds (such as pyrazine and pyrrole). The oxidative stability of peanut oils was investigated using the Rancimat method, and the result shows that in relation to temperature, the natural logarithms of the induction period is linearly varied (R2: 0.959~0.998). This was determined based on the Arrhenius equation, which indicated the activation energies (Ea) were 82.08~108.61 KJ/mol. In PCA analysis, the antioxidant stability of the increasing levels of phenols released in the peanut oils was found to be rise with increment of roasting temperatures. The data obtained in this study should be helpful to peanut oil producers in terms of producing peanut oils that will be most appealing to consumers.

Proposed Theory for Management of COVID_19: Thermal Shock to Viral wall Lipoprotein. Abstract The global pandemic of COVID_19 is challenging the world, it pushes the health professional minds all over the world to think of a solution. Up to date there is shortage in the full information about the virus, however it is a viral RNA has lipoprotein membrane. Taking in consideration the available data and based on simple scientific facts, Author proposes a theory to be clinically investigated on a wide scale of COVID_19 infected Randomized control studies phase 2 without needing to animal studies as it depends on just hot vapor. This proposed thermal attack will eliminate a lot of viruses inside respiratory tract secretions. It literally means decreasing the COVID_19 Viruses load and allows body immune system to combat the virus with almost no or a little cytokine storm. It could decrease the spread of infection among contacts with cases infected with Corona viruses. This idea can simply quiet the morbidity and mortality curve. Keywords: COVID_19; Thermal; Destruction; Viral wall; Ventilator Setup.

A pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has infected more than 2 million people and killed exceeding 150,000 people around the world as of April 19,2020. We obtained the clinical data of all diagnosed patients in Fuyang, Anhui province to investigate indicators that can be used to assess severity of COVID-19. Of the 155 patients, 87(56.13%) were males. The mean age was 41.95 (SD 15.34) years. Only 30(19.35%) patients had critical condition. Fever (84.52%) followed by cough (81.94%) were the most common symptoms, and short of breath was more common in severe patients (P<0.01). Lymphopenia was observed in most patients (74, 47.7%). It showed the elevation of C-reaction protein (CRP) in 100 (64.5%) patients and the elevation of serum amyloid protein A (SAA) in 104 (67.1%) patients. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) was above the normal range in 104 (67.1%) patients. The calculated cut-off value of CRP was 19.35 mg/mL, the AUC was 0.777, sensitivity was 73.3%, specificity was 69.6%; SAA was 73.55 mg/L, 0.679, 83.3%, 56.8% respectively; IL-6 was 18.85 pg/mL, 0.797, 83.3%, 64.8%; D-Dimer was 0.325 mg/L, 0.673, 66.7% and 68.8%. The combination of CRP, SAA, IL-6 and D-Dimer was 0.823 in AUC, 73.3% in sensitivity and 78.4% in specificity. Old age, co-existing disease and lymphopenia are related to severe COVID-19. Elevated CRP, SAA, IL-6 and D-Dimer can be predictors to severe COVID-19. The combination of these four indicators can improve the effectivity and specificity of assessing severe COVID-19.

The difference in morbidity and mortality between adult and pediatric COVID-19 infections is dramatic. Understanding pediatric-specific acute and delayed immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 is critical for the development of vaccination strategies, immune-targeted therapies, and treatment and prevention of MIS-C. The goal of this review is to highlight research developments in understanding of the immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 infections, with a specific focus on age-related immune responses.

To the editor,Following the online podcast recorded the 31 March 2020 by the International Committee of the American Thoracic Society Pediatrics Assembly and recently published in Pediatric Pulmonology1, we have interesting discussion with my international colleagues about the likelihood of acute bronchiolitis caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection in absence of RSV co-infection. Here, we report 2 cases of COVID-19 in infants < 3 months old admitted to our paediatric unit. The infants presented fever and neurological symptoms and after a short period, acute bronchiolitis.Case 1 : A term-born boy with unremarkable history was admitted to the emergency department with poorly tolerated high fever (38.8°C) and rhinitis. The parents, who had no history of asthma or allergy, showed clinical signs suggesting SARS-CoV-2 infection. RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 on a nasopharyngeal swab was positive for the father and the grandfather, who was hospitalized in the intensive care unit. Neurologic examination of the infant revealed lethargy and hypotonia with a bulging anterior fontanelle. The respiratory condition and clinical examination findings including hemodynamics were normal.The first blood test showed isolated lymphopenia (lymphocyte count 1.56 x109/L; normally 4-6x109/L) without modification of biological inflammatory parameters, as assessed by normal levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT). Spinal fluid analysis, cytobacteriological urine analysis and blood culture were negative. RT-PCR of a nasopharyngeal swab was positive for SARS-CoV-2 but negative for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus (IV). The patient received fluid volume expansion(20 ml/Kg of 0.9% sodium chloride solution) together with antibiotic treatment (cefotaxime, amoxicillin and gentamicin at meningeal doses) for 24 hr, that was stopped with a positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 and negative blood culture. Favourable clinical outcome was obtained shortly thereafter, allowing the infant to return home 2 days later.Ten days later, the child returned with acute bronchiolitis. Respiratory symptoms included polypnea, shortness of breath, wheezing and hypoxia (SpO2< 92 %). Lung ultrasonography revealed signs of interstitial syndrome with thickened and irregular pleural line associated with confluent B lines and small multifocal subpleural consolidations. RT-PCR for RSV and IV remained negative. Treatment associated supplemental oxygen and enteral nutrition for 6 days. A second episode of acute bronchiolitis occurred 1 month later, but a RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 was negative. The chest X-ray was normal. The child remained hospitalized for 5 days with enteral nutrition support but did not require oxygen supplementation. Long-term treatment with inhaled daily corticosteroids (fluticasone) was introduced.Case 2 : A term-born eutrophic male with otherwise unremarkable neonatal history was referred for poorly tolerated high fever at age 2 months. Both parents had clinical signs of COVID-19 but were not tested (a member of the family had a positive test). The neurologic examination revealed lethargia and hypotonia in the child; the respiratory condition and clinical examination findings including hemodynamics were normal. The first blood test showed lymphopenia (lymphocyte count: 1.86 x109/L; normally 4-6x109/L)without modification of biological inflammatory parameters. Cytobacteriological examination of urine and blood culture were negative and spinal fluid analysis was not performed. RT-PCR testing of a nasopharyngeal swab was positive for SARS-CoV-2 but negative for RSV and IV. The patient did not receive any antibiotics. On day 3 after admission, the respiratory condition progressively worsened, with retraction, wheezing, increased respiratory rate at 80/min and hypoxia (SpO2 < 92%) requiring supplemental oxygen together with enteral nutrition for 3 days. The chest X-ray was normal, and no lung ultrasonography was performed. The infant was returned to the emergency department 2 weeks later with a non-severe wheezing episode and was discharged at home.These 2 cases of COVID-19 in infants hospitalized for poorly tolerated high fever and neurological symptoms in whom acute bronchiolitis developed at a delay of 2 to 8 days suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause acute bronchiolitis in absence of viral co-infection such as RSV. Pneumonia is the most common diagnosis among symptomatic children with COVID-191. High-resolution CT scan usually shows ground-glass opacities or bilateral lung consolidations, especially in the periphery, and lung ultrasonography, as in our case 1, reveals signs of lung involvement. In contrast, to the best of our knowledge, acute bronchiolitis due to SARS-CoV-2 infection has never been reported. The wheezing episodes described in our patients were likely due to SARS-CoV-2 infection for the following reasons: first, RT-PCR tests for RSV and IV were always negative in both children, and second, the epidemic season for both viruses was over and the lockdown in France was still active at the time of the cases. Finally, previous study of virus repartition in positive respiratory samples from infants with acute bronchiolitis detected close to a 5% frequency of coronaviruses OC43 and 229E2. Moreover, a recent experimental model of COVID-19 in ferrets showed lung lesions compatible with bronchiolitis3. Our patients showed bronchiolitis symptoms several days after those of COVID-19, which may explain the lack of wheezing episodes reported in the literature. Case 2 was diagnosed with recurrent wheezing presumably due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. RSV as well as rhinovirus bronchiolitis is a risk factor for recurrent wheezing and asthma4,5,but little is known about the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in lung function trajectory, which emphasizes the need to follow these children. Whether the infection in symptomatic or asymptomatic infants may predispose to recurrent wheezing or asthma remains to be determined.

Abstract Introduction: Pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) is a reliable and noninvasive method of assessing pulmonary hemodynamics in children and adults, but it lacks validity for preterm infants. The aim of this study was to assess changes in PAAT among preterm infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) who are receiving pulmonary surfactant (PS) therapy, and to determine its potential significance in terms of respiratory outcomes. Methods: Between January and December 2019, 62 preterm infants with a gestational age of 27–31 weeks, a risk of NRDS, and who had been started on nasal continuous positive airway pressure were reviewed. Infants who received PS treatment were allocated to the PS group, and those who did not were allocated to the control group. We then studied PAAT and other ultrasonic parameters at three different time points after birth, comparing the groups’ values . Results: PAAT increased after PS treatment, but over time (up to 36 weeks postmenstrual age) PAAT in the PS group increased at a slower rate than that in the control group. Conclusion: PAAT is a convenient and sensitive method of accurately assessing pulmonary vascular diseases among preterm infants. Preterm infants with NRDS might still have respiratory diseases in the late postnatal period; thus, they require full attention and long-term follow-up observation.

A novel virus, designated mink Torque teno virus (mink TTV), was identified in mink. Mink TTV possesses a typical genomic organization that is consistent with those of reported anelloviruses. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that mink TTV is genetically most closely related to, but distinct from, giant panda anellovirus and swine TTV strains. This virus differs significantly from currently known members of the family Anelloviridae and represents a new species. Host-specific adaptation analysis indicates that TTVs are highly adapted to humans and primates, and observed incongruence suggests that the emergence of mink TTV was likely the result of a recent host switch from giant panda into mink. Co-infection detection indicates that mink TTV can potentially enhance the pathogenic effects of Aleutian mink disease virus and mink circovirus to cause disease.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is one of the most common neonatal diseases causing early life morbidity and mortality. We present a case of a full-term baby born to consanguineous parents who died due to severe progressive respiratory failure (PRF). Whole exome sequencing (WES) identified a homozygous disease-causing variant in the ABCA3 gene. Histopathological and electron microscopic examination of postmortem lung tissue revealed characteristic findings consistent with congenital surfactant deficiency along with the ultrastructural evidence of ‘fried-egg’ like inclusions. Our study provides thorough clinical, radiological, and ultrastructural analysis of the variant’s clinical impact and elucidates WES’s valuable role in the molecular diagnosis of (PRF).

Water scarcity is a key challenge to global development. In Brazil, the Sao Francisco River Basin (SFB) has experienced water scarcity problems because of decreasing streamflow and increasing demands from multiple sectors (e.g., food and energy production and urban supply). However, the drivers of decreased streamflow, particularly the potential role of groundwater withdrawals, have not been yet investigated. Here, we assess long-term trends in baseflow, quickflow, and streamflow of the SFB during 1980–2015 and constrain the most likely drivers of observed decreases through trend analysis of precipitation (P), evapotranspiration (ET), and terrestrial water storage change (TWS). We found that over 82% of the observed decrease in streamflow can be attributed to a significant decreasing baseflow trend (< -20 m3 s-1 y-1) along the SFR with spatial agreement between decreased baseflow, increased ET, and irrigated agricultural land. We also found a decrease in TWS across the SFB with trends exceeding -20 mm y-1. Overall, our findings indicate that decreasing groundwater contributions (i.e., baseflow) are the primary cause of the observed reduction in total SFR flow. A lack of significant climate trends indicates that climate variability likely has not caused the observed baseflow reduction, mainly in the Middle and Sub-middle SFB, and therefore groundwater and surface withdrawals may be the most likely driver of water scarcity over the SFB. We call for increased attention on groundwater’s key role for the SFB and integrated regional management of surface and groundwater.

Water management interventions play an important role in ensuring sustainable food production and mitigating climate risks. This study was carried out in a watershed located in low rainfall (400-600 mm) region of western India. The paper analyses the changes in hydrological processes with the implementation of various rainwater harvesting (RWH) interventions using field measurements and SWAT simulation. The model was calibrated using the runoff gauging, storage levels, soil loss and groundwater measurements between 2000 and 2006. Various agricultural water management interventions have helped to enhance groundwater recharge from 30 mm to 80 mm, reduced surface runoff from 250 mm to 100 mm and enhanced base flow. The structures were filled 2 to 3 times depending on rainfall variability and total precipitation. The RWH interventions were found to build system resilience by enhancing groundwater availability even in dry years, which was the main reason for crop intensification and protected the landscape from heavy erosion. Sediment erosion reduced more than 75 percent compared to non-intervention stage. Moreover, 100-150 ha fallow land was brought under cultivation with high value crops such as horticulture, vegetables and fodder. The household income increased manifolds compared to non-intervention stage. The study showed about 50 percent reduction in downstream water availability, which could be the major concern. However, there are number of ecosystem trade-offs such as improved base flow and reduction in soil loss. The study is useful for larger scale decision making about optimal water harvesting for achieving sustainable development goals.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare but serious, sequala of acute pulmonary embolism. Symptoms can be subtle and non-specific and the prognosis is poor if severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular dysfunction are present. While PH-targeted therapies are often used, there is only one FDA approved therapy, and only for disease that is deemed inoperable. The greatest chance for potential cure and long-term survival is surgical pulmonary endarterectomy. We report a 6-year-old male with a history of asthma and two unprovoked deep venous thromboses who presented with syncope. Chest x-ray showed cardiomegaly and an echocardiogram showed severe PH with severely decreased right ventricular (RV) function. Ventilation-perfusion scan showed mismatched perfusion defects involving the right lower lobe, and CT of the chest showed right lower lobe subsegmental pulmonary thrombus, suspicious for chronic thromboembolism. Given his clinical presentation and the severity of his right ventricular dysfunction, he was started on ambrisentan, sildenafil and subcutaneous treprostinil. Bilateral pulmonary endarterectomy was performed with resection of level 2 to 3 disease and he was successfully weaned off all PH therapy. Four months post-op, he is clinically asymptomatic and his echo shows normal RV function without PH. In conclusion, CTEPH is a rare but likely underdiagnosed disease process in pediatrics. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for at risk patients with unexplained dyspnea. Even if right ventricular dysfunction and severe PH are present, surgical pulmonary endarterectomy can be performed successfully in young children.

Gastropleural fistula (GPF) is a pathological communication between the stomach and the pleura which might develop secondary to infections, malignancy, and repair of congenital defects. Recently, it has been reported secondary to sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in the adult population. Here we describe the first case of pediatric GPF secondary to SG that was complicated by hydropneumothorax and lung abscess. It was managed endoscopically with an over the scope clip (OVESCO) after failure of surgical repair.

Our case was initially admitted with presumptive diagnosis of Non-ST elevated myocardial infarction in congestive heart failure and was later found to have large left atrial (LA) mass. Apart from complete echocardiography study, we took help of multimodality imaging to better characterise this LA mass.However we did not have a confirmed diagnosis. Cardiac surgery was performed and surprisingly revealed large LA mass with pockets of fresh blood inside LA. Pathological specimen confirmed the presence of hematoma ruling out other atrial neoplasms. Though contrast echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were closest to intra-operative diagnoses, In the absence of any pre-disposing factors, final diagnosis was made at surgery and histopathological diagnosis.

RGB1, a subunit of heterotrimeric G protein, plays important roles in regulating grain size and weight of rice. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying controlling grain filling process by G protein are still largely unclear. In the present study, we show that, RGB1 controls not only the grain size, but the grain filling process. Knock-down of RGB1 significantly delayed grain development and reduced starch accumulation and grain weight, which was closely related to the delayed and lower expression of genes encoding sucrose metabolism and starch biosynthesis related enzymes during grain filling stage. Suppression of RGB1 expression also resulted in the lower auxin content in grains, which was correlated with the lower expression of OsNF-YB1 and OsYUC11 during grain filling stage. Further biochemical evidence showed that OsYUC11 expression was under control of OsNF-YB1 by its interaction with promoter of OsYUC11. Taken together, we propose that RGB1 controls rice grain development and grain filling process by changing auxin homeostasis in endosperm cells, and OsNF-YB1, which acts as a key downstream effector of RGB1, interacts directly with the promoter of OsYUC11 and promotes the transactivation of OsYUC11, thereby regulating auxin biosynthesis and starch accumulation and grain size.

Ethiopia considered to have abundant water resources potential is facing flood and drought possibly from poor water resource management and reluctant policy. Awash river basin classified in to upper, middle, and lower crosses Ethiopian plateau through the Afar desert. Among the basin classes, the upper basin is socio-economically important wherein the early and modern agriculture start is the most irrigated basin. Addis Ababa the capital and different major towns are getting their domestic Water supply from this basin. The study aimed to assess the basin’s hydroclimate variability under the climate change during study time series. Basin’s Metrological trend is analyzed with systematic topographical classes as Lowland, midland, and highland. Lowland (Mojo and Bishoftu station) revealed nonsignificant increasing trend except for the Bona and Birraa season respectively. Midland area stations revealed a seasonal decrease with precipitation except Asgori station is increasing in the Birraa season. Highland area stations exhibited a decreasing trend annually and in Arfaasaa seasons except Sendafa station got an increasing trend. Addis Alem station decreased Annually at a 95% significance level while other are statistically insignificant. The streamflow of the basin evaluated with Awash-Hombole and Mojo main tributary river flow. Awash-Hombole main tributaries resulted in increasing trend annually and during Ganna season. Berga, Holota, Melka-Kunture and Hombole stations are insignificantly increasing annually. Mojo main tributary resulted in a significant decreasing trend during the Arfaasaa, Ganna and Birraa season at 99% significant level. Basin streamflow change within the study time series is observed within the model’s observation confidence interval of 95% except for the 1996 steam flow. Therefore, there is change observed within the basing both with rainfall and streamflow according to basin’s topographic nature. Thus, the basin’s hydroclimate variated by 11.38% and 38.19% rainfall and streamflow respectively from the mean value within the study time series.

Rational and aims: Early intervention is considered best practice for children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Given that access to such intervention is known to vary, we aimed to investigate whether children with CP in Uppsala County, Sweden, have equal access to timely physiotherapy. Furthermore, we describe their birth history and CP profile to learn more about typical features that might enable earlier identification. Method: We conducted a retrospective chart review study including children born in the county from 2010 to 2016, who received a CP diagnosis by December 2018. Entries by doctors and physiotherapists working at Uppsala University Children’s Hospital were reviewed. Results: Thirty-eight children were included (21 girls). Twenty-two (58%) were term born. Age at first visit to physiotherapy varied greatly and depended on referral source (p<0.000) and number of risk factors for CP (p<0.000). Children considered at low risk for CP received therapy later. Severity of motor impairment (p=0.001) and number of risk factors (p=0.014) influenced age at referral to habilitation services. Twenty-eight (74%) children were ambulatory at 2 years of age. Unilateral (n=16) and bilateral (n=17) spastic CP was most common. Children referred from the child health services (CHS) had milder forms of CP. Conclusion: Children with CP have unequal access to timely physiotherapy, and children referred from the CHS have the most delayed access. All professionals performing developmental surveillance and health monitoring should receive proper training and use evidence-based assessment methods when available to provide safe and equal care. Physiotherapy should be available prior to formal medical diagnosis.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of early ambulation on the functionality of patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement surgery. Methods: Prospective cohort study in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement surgery. Patients had their functionality assessed preoperatively using the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) and Perme Intensive Care Unit Mobility Score scales. At ICU discharge, they were divided into two groups: walking group (WG) and, non-walking group (NWG). At discharge, the two functional scales were reapplied in these patients. Results: 170 patients were evaluated, 110 (65%) male, with a mean age of 48 ± 2 years. In relation to Perme Score, the WG had a decrease of 11 ± 2 and in the NWG the decrease was 13 ± 2 (p=0.34). Regarding FIM, those who walked had a decrease of 27 ± 3 against those who did not walk, which reduced 36 ± 5, with a significance level of p<0.001. Conclusion: Based in the FIM data found, patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement surgery who underwent early mobilization had less decrease of functionality compared to patients who did not ambulate.

This is the first study describing a cohort of Mainland China patients broaden the clinical and molecular spectrum of Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) or 22q13 deletion syndrome. A total of 30 Mainland China patients were clinically and genetically evaluated. We discover that nineteen patients with 22q13.3 deletions, one patient with terminal deletions and duplications, one patient with duplications, and nine patients with SHANK3 mutations were included. Six novel heterozygous variants, c.3838_3839insGG, c.3088delC, c.3526G>T, c.3372dupC, c.3120delC and c.3942delC, were firstly reported. Besides, we demonstrated speech delay, DD/ID, ASD, hypotonia and hyperactivity were prominent clinical features. Since most reported cases used to genotype-phenotype analyses are caused by 22q13 deletions usually encompassing many genes including SHANK3, we performed genotype-phenotype analysis, and found hypotonia was 100% of cases with loss of SHANK3 alone and there was no significant difference between loss of SHANK3 alone and deletions encompass more than SHANK3 gene regarding hypotonia, DD/ID, ASD, increased pain tolerance, gait abnormalities, impulsiveness, repetitive behaviors, regression and nonstop crying which are high frequency in loss of SHANK3 alone group. This analysis improves the understanding that SHANK3 haploinsufficiency is a major contributor to the neurological phenotypes of PMS and also responsible for other important phenotypes such as hypotonia.

Leaching of nutrients due to the application of sewage sludge and poultry manure is a major problem in intensive farming. Simulating helps assess the nutrient loss and establish better methods for fertilization. This study was conducted to investigate the leaching of nutrients (NH4-N, NO3-N, Na, K, Ca, and Mg) from soils amended with different rates (1%, 3%, and 5%) of sewage sludge and poultry manure. The breakthrough curves of cations were also simulated by the PHREEQC program. The addition of sewage sludge and poultry manure to the soil columns increased the leaching of nutrients compared to the control soil. For all soil columns, the highest concentrations of leached nutrients were observed in the first leachate and decreased exponentially over time. Regardless of the amount of amendments applied, the percentage (the proportion of cumulative nutrient leached relative to the exchangeable one) of cumulative leaching losses of NO3-N, Na, K, Ca and Mg were significantly higher, while NH4-N was lower from poultry-amended soils than sewage sludge-amended soils. Based on the results, more attention should be paid to the potential risk of soil nutrient leaching especially NH4-N, K and NO3-N posed after applying sewage sludge and poultry manure, respectively. The simulation results indicated that predicting breakthrough curves of NH4-N, K, and Ca (mean NRMSE < 1) by the PHREEQC program was better than Mg and Na (mean NRMSE > 1) and cation exchange was the main mechanism to control the concentrations of cations in the leachates.

The utility of whole exome sequencing (WES) with targeted gene analysis has been important for establishing diagnosis and prognosis of severe early-onset epileptic encephalopathies, but the contribution of pathogenic gene variants to epileptogenesis after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures is not known. We performed a case-control study of 20 trios in children with a history of acute symptomatic neonatal seizures: 10 with and 10 without post-neonatal epilepsy. We used WES and identified pathogenic de novo, transmitted, and non-transmitted variants from genes with known association with epilepsy and correlated prevalence of these variants with epilepsy outcomes. We performed a sensitivity analysis with genes associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Among 200 known genes associated with epilepsy, we identified pathogenic variants in six children with post-neonatal epilepsy and in two children without subsequent epilepsy (OR 6.0, 95% CI 0.6-80, p=0.07). There was no difference in the number of children with pathogenic variants in CAD genes between groups. Larger studies evaluating this association may lead to a better understanding of the risk of epilepsy after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures and elucidate molecular pathways that are dysregulated after brain injury and implicated in epileptogenesis.

We previously demonstrated that 31/1,032 (3%) asymptomatic healthcare workers (HCW) from a large teaching hospital in Cambridge UK tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in April 2020.1 26/169 (15%) HCWs with symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also tested positive. Here, we report on our ongoing studies, and provide a temporal analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection rates during the ongoing UK ‘lockdown’. Corresponding with a decline in patient admissions with COVID-19, the proportion of both asymptomatic and symptomatic HCWs testing positive rapidly declined to near-zero between 25th April and 24th May 2020. These data demonstrate how infection prevention and control measures including staff testing may help prevent hospitals from becoming independent ‘hubs’ of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and illustrate how, with appropriate precautions, organisations in other sectors may be able to resume on-site work safely.

End-stage heart failure (ESHF) represents the leading cause of death for adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) and heart transplant (HT) remains the first-line treatment. Although many patients are ineligible for transplantation due to advanced comorbidities, left ventricle assist devices (LVAD) is considered a valid option. Herein we present a case of dextrocardia in situs viscerum inversus totalis (SVIT) who was implanted with LVAD HeartMate II ten years ago. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first case of dextrocardia treated with a totally intrathoracic device and he is to date the longest survivor with a HeartMate II in SVIT.

Background and Purpose: Quercetin is a prominent neuroprotective compound from flavonoids. Previous studies found it may relieve psychiatric disorders, cognition deficits, and memory dysfunction through anti-oxidation and/or radical scavenging mechanisms. In addition, Quercetin also was found to modulate the physiological function of a few types of ion channels. However, the detailed ionic mechanisms of quercetin’s bioeffect remain unknown. Experimental Approach: We examined the effect neuronal activities changes in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its ionic mechanisms upon quercetin application by using GCaMP calcium imaging and patch clamp in acute brain slices. Then we explored the potential ionic mechanism of quercetin on D-amphetamine induced manic-like using c-fos staining and the open field behavior test. Key Results: Quercetin reduced calcium influx triggered by PFC pyramidal neuronal activity. This effect was caused by increasing the rheobase of neuronal firing through decreasing membrane resistance upon quercetin treatment. Spadin, a TREK-1 potassium channel (a two-pore-domain background potassium channel) inhibitor, could block the effect of quercetin on the membrane resistance and neuronal firing. And also, Spadin can block the neural protective effects of quercetin. In addtion, intraperitoneal injection of quercetin could relieve the manic hyperlocomotion of the mice induced by D-amphetamine, which can be partially alleviated by Spadin. Conclusion and Implications: Our results demonstrated that TREK-1 channel is a novel target on quercetin treatment, which could contribute to both the neuroprotection and anti-manic-like effects.

Background and aims: Cordycepin has been proved to have neuroprotection and to improve learning and memory in cerebral ischemia. However, the potential mechanisms are unclear so far. Plasticy of synaptic structure and synaptic function are considered as the neural mechanisms of learning and memory. Therefore, we investigated the effects of cordycepin on dendritic morphology and synaptic function in cerebral ischemic models. Experimental Approach: The impact of cordycepin was studied using oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) and global cerebral ischemia (GCI) models. Synaptic transmission and behavioral long-term potentiation (LTP) were investigated with electrophysiological recordings. Dendritic morphology was assessed by Golgi staining. The densities of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors (A1R and A2AR) were evaluated with western blots and immunofluorescence. Key Results: Cordycepin alleviated the ischemia-induced damages of dendritic morphology and behavioral LTP in hippocampal CA1 area, improved the learning and memory abilities and up-regulated the expression of A1R but not A2AR in hippocampus of GCI rats. In the in vitro experiments, cordycepin pre-perfusion could reduce the hippocampal slices injury and synaptic transmission impairment induced by OGD, improved adenosine content and reduced the expression of A1R but did not alter A2AR. Furthermore, the protection of cordycepin on synaptic transmission against OGD was eliminated by using the antagonist of A1R instead of A2AR. Conclusion and Implications: These findings indicated that cordycepin alleviated synaptic dysfunction and dendritic injury in vivo and in vitro ischemic models by modulating A1R, which may be the neural mechanisms of cordycepin to improve learning and memory in cerebral ischemic animals.