Serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pediatric Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from inpatients and outpatients at Beijing Children's Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) isolates is important for pneumonia treatment and prevention. This research aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of S. pneumoniae isolated from pediatric inpatients and outpatients during the same period. METHODS: S. pneumoniae were isolated from unsterile samples of inpatients and outpatients younger than five years old between March 2013 and February 2014. The serotypes were determined using diagnostic pneumococcal antisera. The resistance of each strain to 13 antibiotics was tested using either the E-test or the disc diffusion method. The Sequence Types (STs) were analyzed via Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). RESULTS: The dominant serotypes obtained from inpatients were 19F (32.9 %), 19A (20.7 %), 23F (10.7 %), 6A (10.0 %), and 14 (8.6 %), while those from outpatients were 19F (13.6 %), 23F (12.9 %), 6A (10.0 %), 6B (10.0 %), and 19A (7.9 %). The coverage rates of 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) formulations were high in both groups. The nonsusceptibility to penicillin, cefuroxime, imipenem, erythromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole among the inpatient isolates was 7.1 %, 92.8 %, 65.7 %, 100 %, and 85.0 %, respectively, while that among the outpatient isolates was 0.7 %, 50.0 %, 38.6 %, 96.4 %, and 65.7 %, respectively. There were 45 and 81 STs detected from the pneumococci isolated from inpatients and outpatients, respectively. CC271 was common among both inpatients and outpatients (43.6 % and 14.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumococcal vaccine-related serotypes are prevalent among both inpatients and outpatients, especially among inpatients, who exhibit more severe antibiotic resistance. Therefore, universal immunization with PCV13 would decrease the hospitalization rate due to S. pneumoniae and the antibiotic resistance rate of S. pneumoniae.

Serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance of pediatric Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from inpatients and outpatients at Beijing Children's Hospital

Abstract Background Understanding the epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) isolates is important for pneumonia treatment and prevention. This research aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of S. pneumoniae isolated from pediatric inpatients and outpatients during the same period. Methods S. pneumoniae were isolated from unsterile samples of inpatients and outpatients younger than five years old between March 2013 and February 2014. The serotypes were determined using diagnostic pneumococcal antisera. The resistance of each strain to 13 antibiotics was tested using either the E-test or the disc diffusion method. The Sequence Types (STs) were analyzed via Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). Results The dominant serotypes obtained from inpatients were 19F (32.9 %), 19A (20.7 %), 23F (10.7 %), 6A (10.0 %), and 14 (8.6 %), while those from outpatients were 19F (13.6 %), 23F (12.9 %), 6A (10.0 %), 6B (10.0 %), and 19A (7.9 %). The coverage rates of 13-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) formulations were high in both groups. The nonsusceptibility to penicillin, cefuroxime, imipenem, erythromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole among the inpatient isolates was 7.1 %, 92.8 %, 65.7 %, 100 %, and 85.0 %, respectively, while that among the outpatient isolates was 0.7 %, 50.0 %, 38.6 %, 96.4 %, and 65.7 %, respectively. There were 45 and 81 STs detected from the pneumococci isolated from inpatients and outpatients, respectively. CC271 was common among both inpatients and outpatients (43.6 % and 14.3 %). Conclusions Pneumococcal vaccine-related serotypes are prevalent among both inpatients and outpatients, especially among inpatients, who exhibit more severe antibiotic resistance. Therefore, universal immunization with PCV13 would decrease the hospitalization rate due to S. pneumoniae and the antibiotic resistance rate of S. pneumoniae.

Monocyte/High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio Is Associated with Atrial High-Rate Episodes within One Year Detected by Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for predicting atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) detected by cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). METHODS: A total of 140 patients with CIED in our hospital from June 2013 to June 2018 were included and were followed up to observe whether they had AHREs. AHRE are defined as atrial rate ≥ 175 times/minute, lasting > 5 minutes, and reviewed by an experienced electrophysiologist with unclear clinical diagnosis. The patients fasted for 12 hours after implantation, and blood samples were collected for biochemical, lipid, and whole blood count detection. Follow-up was regular after discharge to record follow-up data of each patient and conduct statistical analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and forty patients were implanted with dual-chamber pacemakers, their median age was 70 years old, 44.29% were male, 27 patients had AHRE within one year, and AHRE incidence rate was 19.29%. The microcytic to hypochromic (M/H) ratio was calculated for all AHRE patients and compared with the patients without AHRE; the M/H value of AHRE patients was significantly higher. Throughout the entire follow-up period, a total of 44 patients developed AHRE; when adjusted by multivariate analysis, only M/H ratio ≥ 4.5 vs. < 4.5 had statistical significance, and the adjusted hazard ratio value was 4.313 (1.675-11.105). CONCLUSION: As an indicator, M/H ratio may play an important role in the occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation and can be used as a predictor of AHRE in patients with CIED.

Impact of high-intensity interval training on body mass index in college students / Impacto do treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade sobre o índice de massa corporal em estudantes universitários / Impacto del entrenamiento por intervalos de alta intensidad en el índice de masa corporal de estudiantes universitarios

ABSTRACT Introduction: Due to academic pressure, many college students feel unmotivated to exercise, leading to serious obesity problems. One of the effective resources for weight loss is high-intensity interval training, but there is no extensive research on the effect on this specific group. Objective: To explore the impact of high-intensity interval training on body fat index (BFI) in college students, analyzing the scientific basis and safety of this exercise training through heart rate indicators. Methods: Two experimental groups, MICT (moderate-intensity continuous training) and HIIT (high-intensity interval training), were compared. The HIIT group used stationary bicycles, according to the high-intensity interval training method. MICT is a moderate-intensity continuous training method, so the load was half that of the HIIT group. Results: The IGC of women after training was 22.81±2.87, the IGC was significantly reduced, and there was a very significant difference; the IGC of men after training was 22.74±2.12, the IGC was significantly reduced, and they very significant difference. This shows that the exercises have a good effect on weight loss. Conclusion: HIIT training is more effective, both in time and strength of adherence. It has a good effect on improving cardiopulmonary function, and optimizing IGC are strongly impacted. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: Devido à pressão acadêmica, muitos estudantes universitários sentem-se desmotivados para o exercício, acarretando a sérios problemas de obesidade. Um dos recursos eficazes para a perda de peso é o treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade, porém não há pesquisas amplas sobre o efeito nesse grupo específico. Objetivo: Explorar o impacto do treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade no índice de gordura corporal (IGC) dos estudantes universitários, analisando o embasamento científico e a segurança desse treinamento de exercício através dos indicadores de frequência cardíaca. Métodos: Dois grupos experimentais MICT (treinamento contínuo de intensidade moderada) e HIIT (treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade) foram comparados. O grupo HIIT utilizou bicicletas estacionárias, de acordo com o método de treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade. MICT é um método de treinamento contínuo de intensidade moderada, portanto a carga foi a metade do grupo HIIT. Resultados: O IGC das mulheres após o treinamento foi de 22,81±2,87, o IGC foi significativamente reduzido e houve uma diferença muito significativa, o IGC dos homens após o treinamento foi de 22,74±2,12, o IGC foi significativamente reduzido e houve uma diferença muito significativa. Isso mostra que os exercícios têm um bom efeito na perda de peso. Conclusão: O treinamento HIIT é mais eficaz, tanto em tempo quanto na resistência da adesão. Tem um bom efeito de melhora na função cardiopulmonar, sendo a otimização do IGC fortemente impactada. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: Debido a la presión académica, muchos estudiantes universitarios se sienten desmotivados para hacer ejercicio, lo que conduce a graves problemas de obesidad. Uno de los recursos efectivos para la pérdida de peso es el entrenamiento de intervalos de alta intensidad, sin embargo, no hay amplias investigaciones sobre el efecto en este grupo específico. Objetivo: Explorar el impacto del entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad en el índice de grasa corporal (IGC) de estudiantes universitarios, analizando la base científica y la seguridad de este entrenamiento de ejercicio a través de indicadores de frecuencia cardíaca. Métodos: Se compararon dos grupos experimentales MICT (entrenamiento continuo de intensidad moderada) y HIIT (entrenamiento por intervalos de alta intensidad). El grupo HIIT utilizó bicicletas fijas, según el método de entrenamiento por intervalos de alta intensidad. El MICT es un método de entrenamiento continuo de intensidad moderada, por lo que la carga era la mitad que la del grupo HIIT. Resultados: El IGC de las mujeres después del entrenamiento fue de 22,81±2,87, el IGC se redujo significativamente y hubo una diferencia muy significativa, el IGC de los hombres después del entrenamiento fue de 22,74±2,12, el IGC se redujo significativamente y hubo una diferencia muy significativa. Esto demuestra que los ejercicios tienen un buen efecto en la pérdida de peso. Conclusión: El entrenamiento HIIT es más efectivo, tanto en tiempo como en resistencia a la adherencia. Tiene un buen efecto de mejora de la función cardiopulmonar, con un fuerte impacto en la optimización del IGC. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Monocyte/High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio Is Associated with Atrial High-Rate Episodes within One Year Detected by Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the risk factors for predicting atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) detected by cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Methods: A total of 140 patients with CIED in our hospital from June 2013 to June 2018 were included and were followed up to observe whether they had AHREs. AHRE are defined as atrial rate ≥ 175 times/minute, lasting > 5 minutes, and reviewed by an experienced electrophysiologist with unclear clinical diagnosis. The patients fasted for 12 hours after implantation, and blood samples were collected for biochemical, lipid, and whole blood count detection. Follow-up was regular after discharge to record follow-up data of each patient and conduct statistical analysis. Results: One hundred and forty patients were implanted with dual-chamber pacemakers, their median age was 70 years old, 44.29% were male, 27 patients had AHRE within one year, and AHRE incidence rate was 19.29%. The microcytic to hypochromic (M/H) ratio was calculated for all AHRE patients and compared with the patients without AHRE; the M/H value of AHRE patients was significantly higher. Throughout the entire follow-up period, a total of 44 patients developed AHRE; when adjusted by multivariate analysis, only M/H ratio ≥ 4.5 vs. < 4.5 had statistical significance, and the adjusted hazard ratio value was 4.313 (1.675-11.105). Conclusion: As an indicator, M/H ratio may play an important role in the occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation and can be used as a predictor of AHRE in patients with CIED.

Evaluation of Zika virus DNA vaccines based on NS1 and domain III of E.

BACKGROUND: A large-scale outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) has occurred in Brazil and other South American countries, and has rapidly spread to 60 countries and regions worldwide since 2015, but no approved anti-ZIKV vaccines are available as of 2021. METHODS: We developed four types of anti-ZIKV DNA vaccine candidates: VPC-NS1, VPC-prME, VPC-prME-NS1, and VPC-EIII-NS1. They were developed against the structural proteins prM and E, and non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of ZIKV using the mammalian cell expression vector pcDNA3.1(+) as the backbone. For immunization, we intramuscularly injected mice with each vaccine candidate (n = 12 to 15 per group) on day 0 and day 14, with mice injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and pcDNA3.1(+) backbone vector as controls. On day 7, 21, and 35 after initial immunization, the effect of DNA vaccines was evaluated by ZIKV-specific humoral immunity determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), ZIKV-specific T cell immunity determined by intracellular cytokine staining by flow cytometry and serum neutralization capacity determined by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT50) assay. RESULTS: The sequencing results showed that DNA vaccine vectors were successfully constructed. Western blotting and immunofluorescence results demonstrated the successful expression of immunogens carried by the DNA vaccines. On day 21 and 35 after the initial immunization, the levels of serum total immunoglobulin (Ig)G in all vaccine-given groups were slightly higher (approximately 1.5- to 2-fold) than those in the control groups. By contrast, ZIKV-specific IgG levels of all vaccine-given groups were significantly higher (approximately 10- to 1000- fold) than those of the control groups. The PRNT50 assay showed that the average serum dilution factors for neutralizing half ZIKV virions from vaccine-given groups were at least 32-fold (highest, 93-fold), while the sera from control group showed no protection. For cellular immunity, the proportions of CD11b+ myeloid cells, CD19+ B lymphocytes and CD3+ T lymphocytes in the mouse spleens as well as the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ subsets of T cell were not changed 35 days after initial immunization. By contrast, the proportions of ZIKV-specific CD4+T cell and CD8+T cell in all vaccine-given groups were 2- to 10-folds and 2- to 30-fold than those in the control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: All four DNA vaccines designed for the ZIKV induced neutralizing IgGs and cellular immune responses against ZIKV. Particularly, VPC-EIII-NS1 induced high level of humoral response comparable to the vaccine candidate containing prM, E and NS1 polyprotein, suggesting a potent reduced ADE effect and reserved neutralizing activity. Our findings may provide guidance for improving safety of anti-ZIKV vaccines in the future.

Probiotic supplements for endurance exercise performance and immune function / Suplementação probiótica para o desempenho do exercício de resistência e função imunológica / Suplementación probiótica para el rendimiento del ejercicio de resistencia y la función inmunitaria

ABSTRACT Introduction: After long-term research, it was found that athletes are susceptible to suffering from upper respiratory tract infections and digestive system diseases when subjected to high-intensity exercise for long periods. Objective: To verify whether consuming probiotic supplements after exercise can significantly improve the function of the immune system and play a positive role in the health of athletes. Method: This is a quantitative study with distribution analysis to verify whether probiotic supplements could improve immune response after exercise. Results: After using probiotic supplements, by recording the individual differences in the distribution characteristics of athletes› gastrointestinal flora, we found that the changes of subjects› sports performance, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and gastrointestinal flora after six weeks of special training were different. Conclusion: Long-term oral probiotics for athletes can effectively reduce inflammation in the body, reduce damage to the body during exercise, and effectively improve the gastrointestinal tract›s immune function. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: Após pesquisas de longo prazo, descobriu-se que os atletas são suscetíveis a infecções do trato respiratório superior e doenças do sistema digestivo quando submetidos a exercícios de alta intensidade por longos períodos de tempo. Objetivo: Verificar se a suplementação probiótica pós-exercício pode melhorar significativamente o funcionamento do sistema imunológico e desempenhar um papel positivo na saúde dos atletas. Métodos: Este foi um estudo quantitativo com análise distributiva para verificar se os suplementos probióticos poderiam melhorar a resposta imunológica após o exercício. Resultados: Após o uso de suplementos probióticos, ao registrar diferenças individuais nas características de distribuição da flora gastrointestinal dos atletas, descobrimos que as mudanças no desempenho esportivo dos sujeitos, leucócitos, neutrófilos, linfócitos e flora gastrointestinal após seis semanas de treinamento especial foram diferentes. Conclusão: Probióticos orais de longo prazo para atletas podem efetivamente reduzir a inflamação no corpo, reduzir os danos corporais durante o exercício e efetivamente melhorar a função imunológica do trato gastrointestinal. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: Tras una investigación a largo plazo, se descubrió que los atletas son susceptibles de sufrir infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior y enfermedades del sistema digestivo cuando se someten a ejercicios de alta intensidad durante largos períodos. Objetivo: Verificar si el consumo de suplementos probióticos después del ejercicio puede mejorar significativamente la función del sistema inmunológico y desempeñar un papel positivo en la salud de los atletas. Método: Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo con análisis de distribución para verificar si los suplementos probióticos podrían mejorar la respuesta inmunitaria después del ejercicio. Resultados: Después de usar suplementos probióticos, al registrar las diferencias individuales en las características de distribución de la flora gastrointestinal de los atletas, encontramos que los cambios del rendimiento deportivo de los sujetos, los leucocitos, los neutrófilos, los linfocitos y la flora gastrointestinal después de seis semanas de entrenamiento especial eran diferentes. Conclusión: Los probióticos orales a largo plazo para los atletas pueden reducir eficazmente la inflamación en el cuerpo, reducir el daño al cuerpo durante el ejercicio y mejorar eficazmente la función inmune del tracto gastrointestinal. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

ß-glucosidase from Hevea brasiliensis seeds: Purification, homology modeling, and insights into the substrate-binding model.

The isolation of ß-glucosidase from Hevea brasiliensis (Hbglu) seeds was investigated and a homology model was built on the MODELLER software to understand the structure feature. The quality of the model was evaluated on PROCHEK. The refined model was used for molecular docking on AutoDock 4.2 to determine the substrate- binding sites and potential substrates based on their calculated binding affinities. The substrate specificity of Hbglu was verified through the kinetic measurement of hydrolytic activities. Molecular dynamic simulations of cyanogenic ß-glucosidase and ligand-bound complex showed that the free energy (ΔG) for the binding of p-nitrophenyl-ß-D-glucopyranoside and daidzein-7-O-ß-D-glucoside were -8.6 and -7.92 kcal/mol, respectively. Thus, daidzein-7-O-ß-D-glucoside is a potential substrate. Future studies on the physicochemical properties and catalytic mechanisms will provide information on the molecular biological properties of Hbglu. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study reported the 3D structural simulation of ß-glucosidase from Hbglu. The docking condition between Hbglu and various different substrates were assessed on Autodock. The results can be used as reference in designing enzymes, and improving the utilization of ß-glucosidases for the hydrolysis of flavor precursors from fruits, teas, and wines and for the production of flavonoid compounds and cyanogenic glycoside degradation.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection promotes apoptosis in piglets.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), as a universal pathogen, often causes diarrhea in animals and humans. However, whether ETEC infection induces apoptosis in host remains controversial. Herein, we use ETEC-infected piglet to investigate apoptosis in the jejunum. Apoptosis and the activation of capase-3 are observed in piglet jejunum after ETEC infection. Additionally, ETEC infection induces the activation of caspase-8 pathway, but inhibits the activation of caspase-9 pathway in piglet jejunum. These findings demonstrate that ETEC infection may inhibit the intrinsic pathway and activate the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis in piglets.

Genome-wide Analysis of LBD (LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES Domain) Gene Family in Brassica rapa

ABSTRACT LOB (lateral organ boundaries)-domain proteins define a family of plant-specific transcription factors involved in developmental process from embryogenesis to seed production. They play a crucial role in shaping the plant architecture through coordinating cell fate at meristem to organ boundaries. Identification of LBD genes from Brassica rapa genome, and analysis of phylogeny，gene structure, chromosome location, phylogenetic and tissue expression pattern analysis of LBD family genes in Chinese cabbage will be useful to the functions identification of plant LBD genes. Based on Brassica rapa genome database and bioinformatic method, Chinese cabbage LBD family genes were identified and the genes were sequenced. A phylogenetic tree was created using the MEGA5 program. Gene structure and chromosomes location were done by MapDraw, GSDS and Clustal X. Expression pattern of LBD genes at different development stages was analyzed based on RNA-seq. A total of 62 LBD genes were identified and could be classified into two classes and four subclasses according to the gene structure and conserved domain phylogeny relationship. Distribution mapping showed that the predicted LBDs were unevenly localized on all the 10 chromosomes, suggesting that they have an extensive distribution on the Brassica rapa chromosomes. Most of the LBD genes had differential expression pattern and showed highly diverse tissue-specific expression and functional diversity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a genome wide analysis of the Brassica rapa LBD gene family, which would provide valuable information for understanding the classification and putative functions of the gene family.

New Bergamotane Sesquiterpenoids from the Plant Endophytic Fungus Paraconiothyrium brasiliense.

Brasilamides K-N (1-4), four new bergamotane sesquiterpenoids; with 4-oxatricyclo (3.3.1.0 (2,7))nonane (1)and 9-oxatricyclo(4.3.0.0 (4,7))nonane (2-4) skeletons; were isolated from the scale-up fermentation cultures of the plant endophytic fungus Paraconiothynium brasiliense Verkley. The previously identified sesquiterpenoids brasilamides A and C (5 and 6) were also reisolated in the current work. The structures of 1-4 were elucidated primarily by interpretation of NMR spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of 1-3 were deduced by analogy to the co-isolated metabolites 5 and 6; whereas that of C-12 in 4 was assigned using the modified Mosher method. The cytotoxicity of all compounds against a panel of eight human tumor cell lines were assayed.

Racial/ethnic differences in survival of United States children with birth defects: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine racial/ethnic-specific survival of children with major birth defects in the US. STUDY DESIGN: We pooled data on live births delivered during 1999-2007 with any of 21 birth defects from 12 population-based birth defects surveillance programs. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to calculate cumulative survival probabilities and Cox proportional hazards models to estimate mortality risk. RESULTS: For most birth defects, there were small-to-moderate differences in neonatal (<28 days) survival among racial/ethnic groups. However, compared with children born to non-Hispanic white mothers, postneonatal infant (28 days to <1 year) mortality risk was significantly greater among children born to non-Hispanic black mothers for 13 of 21 defects (hazard ratios [HRs] 1.3-2.8) and among children born to Hispanic mothers for 10 of 21 defects (HRs 1.3-1.7). Compared with children born to non-Hispanic white mothers, a significantly increased childhood (≤ 8 years) mortality risk was found among children born to Asian/Pacific Islander mothers for encephalocele (HR 2.6), tetralogy of Fallot, and atrioventricular septal defect (HRs 1.6-1.8) and among children born to American Indian/Alaska Native mothers for encephalocele (HR 2.8), whereas a significantly decreased childhood mortality risk was found among children born to Asian/Pacific Islander mothers for cleft lip with or without cleft palate (HR 0.6). CONCLUSION: Children with birth defects born to non-Hispanic black and Hispanic mothers carry a greater risk of mortality well into childhood, especially children with congenital heart defect. Understanding survival differences among racial/ethnic groups provides important information for policy development and service planning.

Effects of crowding and sex on fecal cortisol levels of captive forest musk deer.

BACKGROUND: Restricted space and close contact with conspecifics in captivity may be stressful for musk deer, as they are highly territorial and solitary in the wild. So we tested the effects of crowding on stress of forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) in heterosexual groups, using fecal cortisol analysis as a non-invasive method. 32 healthy adults during non-breeding seasons were chose as our experimental objects. Group 1 was defined as higher crowding condition, with 10-15 m2/deer (6 enclosures, 10♀ and 6♂); group 2 was defined as lower crowding condition, with 23-33 m2/deer (6 enclosures, 10♀ and 6♂). Every enclosure contained 1 male and 3 female. These patterns had been existed for years. RESULTS: The results showed that females in lower crowding condition (217.1 ± 9.5 ug/g) had significantly higher fecal cortisol levels than those in higher crowding condition (177.2 ± 12.1 ug/g). Interestingly, crowding seemed have no effect on male fecal cortisol levels (148.1 ± 9.1 ug/g and 140.5 ± 13.3 ug/g, respectively). At both groups, cortisol was significantly lower in males than in females. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that chronic crowding may affect stress status of captive forest musk deer. The captive environment should consider the space need for musk deer.

Effects of crowding and sex on fecal cortisol levels of captive forest musk deer

BACKGROUND: Restricted space and close contact with conspecifics in captivity may be stressful for musk deer, as they are highly territorial and solitary in the wild. So we tested the effects of crowding on stress of forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) in heterosexual groups, using fecal cortisol analysis as a non-invasive method. 32 healthy adults during non-breeding seasons were chose as our experimental objects. Group 1 was defined as higher crowding condition, with 10-15 m²/deer (6 enclosures, 10♀ and 6♂); group 2 was defined as lower crowding condition, with 23-33 m²/deer (6 enclosures, 1010♀ and 6♂). Every enclosure contained 1 male and 3 female. These patterns had been existed for years. RESULTS: The results showed that females in lower crowding condition (217.1 ± 9.5 ug/g) had significantly higher fecal cortisol levels than those in higher crowding condition (177.2 ± 12.1 ug/g). Interestingly, crowding seemed have no effect on male fecal cortisol levels (148.1 ± 9.1 ug/g and 140.5 ± 13.3 ug/g, respectively). At both groups, cortisol was significantly lower in males than in females. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that chronic crowding may affect stress status of captive forest musk deer. The captive environment should consider the space need for musk deer.

Maternal race/ethnicity and survival experience of children with congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the existence of racial/ethnic disparity in mortality risk among children with individual congenital heart defects and identify any other risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: The study cohort, comprising children born between 1983 and 2006 with a selected congenital heart defect, was matched to death records to ascertain vital status. The birth and maternal risk factors were obtained from birth certificates. RESULTS: After adjusting for covariates using a multivariate regression model, the risk of mortality was significantly higher in children of non-Hispanic black mothers with transposition of the great arteries (hazard ratio (HR), 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.60), tetralogy of Fallot (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.06-1.69), and coarctation of the aorta (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.10-1.79), compared with children of non-Hispanic white mothers. Time trends analysis examining the mortality risk by survival age and birth period found a significant decrease in 5-year mortality risk from 1983 to 2003 births, with a nearly 50% reduction for hypoplastic left heart syndrome and coarctation of the aorta across 3 maternal racial/ethnic groups examined. CONCLUSION: Our findings may help identify at-risk populations and mortality risk factors and thereby contribute to improved survival and quality of life for these children across the lifespan.