Management of ventricular septal defect: a survey of practice in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: A survey of pediatric cardiac surgeons was performed to establish current opinions in the United Kingdom concerning closure of ventricular septal defect. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to 14 pediatric cardiac centers in 1995 (16 surgeons, 100% response), and again in 1997 (20 surgeons, 100% response). RESULTS: Results are presented for 1997, with findings from 1995 shown in parentheses. Eleven (6) surgeons used bypass exclusively, 9 (10) sometimes used circulatory arrest. Operative techniques were similar, although the material used for the patch varied. Multiple defects were approached via the transatrial route by 18 (15), right ventriculotomy by 11 (7) and left ventriculotomy by 7 (6). The juxta-arterial defect was approached via the transpulmonary route by 16 (13), a combination by 9 (11), transatrial by 10 (6), and transventricular by 9 (5). The most common indications for pulmonary arterial banding were "Swiss cheese" defect for 13 (13), and functionally single ventricle for 5 (6). Ventricular septal defect associated with coarctation was repaired in two stages by 13 (10), a single stage by 5 (3), or either by 1 (3). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric cardiac surgeons in the United Kingdom demonstrate a uniform, evidence-based approach to the management of ventricular septal defect.     

Inheritance of Biomass Yield and Tropane Alkaloid Content in Hyoscyamus muticus

The nature of gene action for biomass yield and tropane alkaloid content was ascertained through diallel analysis in Egyptian henbane, HYOSCYAMUS MUTICUS L. Dominance variation was preponderant over additive genetic variance, dominance being in the overdominance range for both traits. On an overall basis, recessive alleles had a positive (i.e. increasing) effect on both the characters. However, the positive or negative effects of recessive or dominant alleles were genotype-specific. Hence, transgressive breeding was suggested for isolating segregants with dominant alleles for herb yield and with recessives for alkaloid content so as to achieve overall high yields of tropane alkaloid per unit area.     

Neurobehavioral biomarkers of aging: influence of genotype and dietary restriction

Because of the importance of central nervous system (CNS) functions to productive capacity and quality of life, biomarkers of these functions will play a key role in evaluating the success of interventions targeting aging processes. The CNS biomarkers may also be useful for predicting aging in other systems and in the organism as a whole. Age-related behavioral changes, the products of CNS aging, have content and predictive validity with respect to human functional capacities and may, therefore, represent important "neurobehavioral" markers of functional aging. This article presents a discussion of some behavioral paradigms which are currently being considered as neurobehavioral biomarkers of aging in mice and the experimental approaches being employed in the assessment of their validity. Studies conducted in the authors' laboratory using dietary restriction and genetic comparisons to evaluate the validity of neurobehavioral biomarkers have revealed several methodological concerns, and hypothetical and empirical examples of these pitfalls are described and discussed. In spite of those concerns, it is concluded that approaches to validity using genetic comparisons and dietary restriction can be successfully implemented and should ultimately lead to identification of valid and useful neurobehavioral biomarkers of aging.     

Feasibility of Spotlight Consultations Tool in Routine Care: Real-World Evidence

Background:Burnout in people with diabetes and healthcare professionals (HCPs) is at an all-time high. Spotlight AQ, a novel “smart” adaptive patient questionnaire, is designed to improve consultations by rapidly identifying patient priorities and presenting these in the context of best-practice care pathways to aid consultations. We aimed to determine Spotlight AQ’s feasibility in routine care.Materials and Methods:The Spotlight prototype tool was trialed at three centers: two UK primary care centers and one US specialist center (June-September 2020). Participants with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) completed the questionnaire prior to their routine consultations. Results were immediately available and formed the basis of the clinical discussion and decision-making within the clinic visit.Results:A convenience sample of 49 adults took part, n=31 T1D, (n=18 female); and n=18 T2D (n=10 male, n=4 female, n=4 gender unreported). Each identified two priority concerns. “Psychological burden of diabetes” was the most common priority concern (T1D n = 27, 87.1%) followed by “gaining more skills about particular aspects of diabetes” (T1D n=19, 61.3%), “improving support around me” (n=8, 25.8%) and “diabetes-related treatment issues” (n=8, 25.8%). Burden of diabetes was widespread as was lack of confidence around self-management. Similarly, psychological burden of diabetes was the primary concern for participants with T2D (n=18,100%) followed by “gaining more skills about aspects of diabetes” (n=7, 38.9%), “improving support around me” (n=7, 38.9%) and “diabetes-related treatment issues” (n=4; 22.2%).Conclusions:Spotlight AQ is acceptable and feasible for use in routine care. Gaining more skills and addressing the psychological burden of diabetes are high-priority areas that must be addressed to reduce high levels of distress.     

Investigating the Human Host—ssRNA Virus Interaction Landscape Using the SMEAGOL Toolbox

Viruses have evolved numerous mechanisms to exploit the molecular machinery of their host cells, including the broad spectrum of host RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). However, the RBP interactomes of most viruses are largely unknown. To shed light on the interaction landscape of RNA viruses with human host cell RBPs, we have analysed 197 single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viral genome sequences and found that the majority of ssRNA virus genomes are significantly enriched or depleted in motifs for specific human RBPs, suggesting selection pressure on these interactions. To facilitate tailored investigations and the analysis of genomes sequenced in future, we have released our methodology as a fast and user-friendly computational toolbox named SMEAGOL. Our resources will contribute to future studies of specific ssRNA virus—host cell interactions and support the identification of antiviral drug targets.     

Rehabilitation of undernourished children in Tanzania using locally available food

The rehabilitative effects of a long‐term feeding trial in Tanzania with moderately undernourished children are reported. It lasted 88 weeks and involved 49 children. Food consisted of locally available cereals (maize), legumes (beans), and vegetables for 74 weeks, supplemented by animal protein for 14 weeks. Children stayed in a day‐care center for 6 days of the week, and were medically supervised and treated, if necessary. In addition to anthropometric measurements, biochemical tests were carried out at regular intervals, and previous diseases and vaccinations were ascertained.

Forty‐one children grew faster than, and 6 about parallel to, the Baganda standard for the first 74 weeks. While for the former no growth acceleration was observed in the meat diet period (weeks 75–88), the latter group grew faster than the Baganda standard during that period. Methionine supplementation of the diet did not seem to produce any noticeable growth improvements.