scholarly journals 40Ar–39Ar ages and isotope geochemistry of Cretaceous basalts in northern Madagascar: refining eruption ages, extent of crustal contamination and parental magmas in a flood basalt province

2012 ◽  
Vol 150 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. CUCCINIELLO ◽  
L. MELLUSO ◽  
F. JOURDAN ◽  
J. J. MAHONEY ◽  
T. MEISEL ◽  
...  

AbstractThe Madagascar Cretaceous igneous province exposed in the Mahajanga basin is represented by basalt and basaltic andesite lavas. New40Ar–39Ar plateau ages (92.3 ± 2.0 Ma and 91.5 ± 1.3 Ma) indicate that the magmatism in the Mahajanga basin started about 92 Ma ago. Four geochemically distinct magma types (Groups A–D) are present. Group A and C rocks have low to moderate TiO2(1.2–2.6 wt%), Nb (3–9 μg g−1) and Zr (82–200 μg g−1), and show large variations in ɛNdi(+0.1 to −10.8),206Pb/204Pb (15.28 to 16.33) and γOs(+11.4 to +7378). The large isotopic variations, particularly in Os, Nd and Pb isotopic compositions, are likely due to crustal contamination. The low Pb isotope ratios observed in the Group A and C rocks suggest involvement of continental crust with low μ (238U/204Pb). Group B and D rocks have moderate to high TiO2(2.2–4.9 wt%), Nb (8–24 μg g−1) and Zr (120–327 μg g−1). Age-corrected isotopes of Group B and D lavas show a small range in ɛNdi(+1.0 to +4.0) and a wide range in γOs(+128 to +1182). Values of207Pb/204Pb are within the range for Groups A and C, but the Group D206Pb/204Pb (16.52–17.08) and208Pb/204Pb (37.51–38.01) values are higher, indicating a different crustal contaminant. Pb isotopic values of the Group B rocks seem to reflect the isotopic features of their mantle source. The magma groups of Mahajanga display a wide range of trace element and isotopic compositions that cannot be explained only by open-system crystallization processes but, rather, by distinct mantle sources.

1997 ◽  
Vol 134 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. THISTLEWOOD ◽  
P. T. LEAT ◽  
I. L. MILLAR ◽  
B. C. STOREY ◽  
A. P. M. VAUGHAN

Mafic dykes (Groups A–D) intruded into Mesoproterozoic basement amphibolites, gneisses, and granitoids of the Cape Meredith Complex on the southern tip of West Falkland, provide an important record of at least three periods of lithospheric extension during Palaeozoic and Jurassic times. Group A dykes are calc-alkaline lamprophyres that were generated by partial melting of an enriched subcontinental lithospheric mantle in Cambro-Ordovician times. Group B dykes are Ordovician dolerites derived from an asthenospheric mantle source, perhaps during the same extensional episode as Group A dykes. Group C dykes were also derived from an asthenospheric source and are possibly of Silurian age. The youngest, Group D, dykes are part of the widespread Jurassic Gondwana province. This group contains an oceanic island basalt-like sample and an enriched sample similar to both Group A lamprophyres and to the Jurassic Ferrar province in Antarctica. These correlations have interesting implications for the composition and evolution of mantle sources through time; the co-existence of Cambrian lamprophyres and Jurassic Ferrar-type magmas in the Cape Meredith Complex demonstrate for the first time that the enriched lithospheric mantle source postulated for the Ferrar magmas existed as far back as Cambrian times.


1986 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 558-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Verrall

Microbiologists traditionally have relied on biochemical and serologic tests to identify only group A, group B, and group D streptococci isolated from patients with serious infections. Until recently there has been little interest in the further classification of other streptococci isolated from clinical specimens.In 1956, Guthof repeatedly isolated a particular streptococcus from dental abscesses and named the organism Streptococcus milleri in honor of the microbiologist, W.D. Miller. In 1976, Parker and Ball associated this microorganism with other pyogenic infections and later described the characteristics of 346 strains. The Streptococcus milleri group is now recognized as both virulent and invasive and some believe it is responsible for more suppurative infections than any other group of streptococci. Physicians need to consider the unique ability of these bacteria to form abscesses in a wide range of tissue. Microbiology laboratories, therefore, need to develop schemes to identify this important group of streptococci.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 536-551
Author(s):  
Heidi Amezcua Hempel ◽  
María Salud Rubio Lozano ◽  
Eliseo Manuel Hernández Baumgarten ◽  
Pablo Correa Girón † ◽  
Oscar Torres Ángeles ◽  
...  

The study was to determine the presence of Classical Swine Fever virus (CSFv), in the meat of vaccinated pigs with the PAV-250 strain and then challenged using the same strain. Five treatment groups were established (each with four pigs). Group A: Pigs thatwere fed with processed hams from negative animals; Group B: Pigs that were fed with processed hams from commercial pigs inoculated with the ALD (reference strain) (titre of 104.0/ml); Group C: Pigs fed with processed hams from pigs infected with the virulent ALD strain (titre of 102.5/ml); Group D: Pigs fed with processed hams from pigs vaccinated with the PAV-250 strain and challenged with the ALD strain (titre of 101.1/ml); and Group E: Pigs fed with processed hams from pigs vaccinated with two doses of the PAV-250 strain and challenged with the ALD strain (negative). Blood samples were taken at d 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 for biometric analysis. Groups B, C and D manifested clinical signs of CSFv: 40 °C temperature, anorexia, paralysis, vomiting, diarrhea, tremor, hirsute hair and cyanosis. Pigs were slaughtered and necropsies performed to identify lesions in tissues. Results of direct immunofluorescence testing of tissues were positive and the virus was recovered. Under these study conditions, it was found that CSFv resisted the cooking method at 68 °C for 40 min in hams from unvaccinated pigs, and that the virus was able to transmit the disease to healthy unvaccinated pigs, whereas the hams from the vaccinated animals did not transmit the virus.


Obesity Facts ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Serdar Sahin ◽  
Havva Sezer ◽  
Ebru Cicek ◽  
Yeliz Yagız Ozogul ◽  
Murat Yildirim ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> The aim of this was to describe the predictors of mortality related to COVID-19 infection and to evaluate the association between overweight, obesity, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We included the patients &#x3e;18 years of age, with at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Patients were grouped according to body mass index values as normal weight &#x3c;25 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group A), overweight from 25 to &#x3c;30 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group B), Class I obesity 30 to &#x3c;35 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group C), and ≥35 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (Group D). Mortality, clinical outcomes, laboratory parameters, and comorbidities were compared among 4 groups. <b><i>Results:</i></b> There was no significant difference among study groups in terms of mortality. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation requirement was higher in group B and D than group A, while it was higher in Group D than Group C (Group B vs. Group A [<i>p</i> = 0.017], Group D vs. Group A [<i>p</i> = 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [<i>p</i> = 0.016]). Lung involvement was less common in Group A, and presence of hypoxia was more common in Group D (Group B vs. Group A [<i>p</i> = 0.025], Group D vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [<i>p</i> = 0.006], and Group D vs. Group C [<i>p</i> = 0.014]). The hospitalization rate was lower in Group A than in the other groups; in addition, patients in Group D have the highest rate of hospitalization (Group B vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group C vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group D vs. Group A [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], Group D vs. Group B [<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001], and Group D vs. Group C [<i>p</i> = 0.010]). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> COVID-19 patients with overweight and obesity presented with more severe clinical findings. Health-care providers should take into account that people living with overweight and obesity are at higher risk for COVID-19 and its complications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1510.1-1511
Author(s):  
T. Kuga ◽  
M. Matsushita ◽  
K. Tada ◽  
K. Yamaji ◽  
N. Tamura

Background:Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is detected in up to 50% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients1and major cause of death2. Even clinically silent SLE patients can develop left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction3. Proper echocardiographic follow up of SLE patients is required.Objectives:To clarify how the prevalence of LV abnormalities changes over follow-up period and identify the associated clinical factors, useful in suspecting LV abnormalities.Methods:29 SLE patients (24 females and 5 men, mean age 52.8±16.3 years, mean disease duration 17.6±14.5 years) were enrolled. All of them underwent echocardiography as the baseline examination and reexamined over more than a year of follow-up period(mean 1075±480 days) from Jan 2014 to Sep 2019. Patients complicated with pulmonary artery hypertension, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and underwent cardiac surgery during the follow-up period were excluded. Left ventricular(LV) systolic dysfunction was defined as ejection fraction (EF) < 50%. LV diastolic dysfunction was defined according to ASE/EACVI guideline4. LV dysfunction (LVD) includes one or both of LV systolic dysfunction and LV diastolic function. Monocyte to HDL ratio (MHR) was calculated by dividing monocyte count with HDL-C level.Prevalence of left ventricular abnormalities was analysed at baseline and follow-up examination. Clinical characteristics and laboratory data were compared among patient groups as follows; patients with LV dysfunction (Group A) and without LV dysfunction (Group B) at the follow-up echocardiography, patients with LV asynergy at any point of examination (Group C) and patients free of LV abnormalities during the follow-up period (Group D).Results:At the baseline examination, LV dysfunction (5/29 cases, 13.8%), LV asynergy (6/29 cases, 21.7%) were detected. Pericarditis was detected in 7 patients (24.1%, LVD in 3 patients, LV asynergy in 2 patients) and 2 of them with subacute onset had progressive LV dysfunction, while 5 patients were normal in echocardiography after remission induction therapy for SLE. At the follow-up examination, LV dysfunction (9/29 cases, 31.0%, 5 new-onset and 1 improved case), LV asynergy (6/29 cases, 21.7%, 2 new-onset and 2 improved cases) were detected. Though any significant differences were observed between Group A and Group B at the baseline, platelet count (156.0 vs 207.0, p=0.049) were significantly lower in LV dysfunction group (Group A) at the follow-up examination. Group C patients had significantly higher uric acid (p=0.004), monocyte count (p=0.009), and MHR (p=0.003) than Group D(results in table).Conclusion:LV dysfunction is progressive in most of patients and requires regular follow-up once they developed. Uric acid, monocyte count and MHR are elevated in SLE patients with LV asynergy. Since MHR elevation was reported as useful marker of endothelial dysfunction5, our future goal is to analyse involvement of monocyte activation and endothelial dysfunction in LV asynergy of SLE patients.References:[1]Doria A et al. Lupus. 2005;14(9):683-6.[2]Manger K et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2002 Dec;61(12):1065-70.[3]Leone P et al. Clin Exp Med. 2019 Dec 17.[4]Nagueh SF et al. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2016 Apr;29(4):277-314.[5]Acikgoz N et al. Angiology. 2018 Jan;69(1):65-70.Numbers are median (interquartile range), Mann-Whitney u test were performed, p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Huo ◽  
Hansheng Liang ◽  
Yi Feng

Abstract Background Pernicious placenta previa (PPP) can increase the risk of perioperative complications. During caesarean section in patients with adherent placenta, intraoperative blood loss, hysterectomy rate and transfusion could be reduced by interventional methods. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of maternal hemodynamics control and neonatal outcomes of prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon (PTAAB) occlusion for patients with pernicious placenta previa. Methods This was a retrospective study using data from the Peking University People’s Hospital from January 2014 through January 2020. Clinical records of pregnant women undergoing cesarean section were collected. Patients were divided into two groups: treatment with PTAAB placement (group A) and no balloon placement (group B). Group A was further broken down into two groups: prophylactic placement (Group C) and balloon occlusion (group D). Results Clinical records of 33 cases from 5205 pregnant women underwent cesarean section were collected. The number of groups A, B, C, and D were 17, 16, 5 and 12.We found that a significant difference in the post-operative uterine artery embolism rates between group A and group B (0% vs.31.3%, p = 0.018). There was a significant difference in the Apgar scores at first minute between group A and group B (8.94 ± 1.43 vs 9.81 ± 0.75,p = 0.037),and the same significant difference between two groups in the pre-operative central placenta previa (29.4% vs. 0%,p = 0.044), complete placenta previa (58.8% vs 18.8%, p = 0.032),placenta implantation (76.5% vs 31.3%, p = 0.015). We could also observe the significant difference in the amount of blood cell (2.80 ± 2.68vs.10.66 ± 11.97, p = 0.038) and blood plasma transfusion (280.00 ± 268.32 vs. 1033.33 ± 1098.20, p = 0.044) between group C and group D. The significant differences in the preoperative vaginal bleeding conditions (0% vs 75%, p = 0.009), the intraoperative application rates of vasopressors (0% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.044) and the postoperative ICU (intensive care unit) admission rates (0% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.044) were also kept. Conclusions PTAAB occlusion could be useful in reducing the rate of post-operative uterine artery embolism and the amount of transfusion, and be useful in coping with patients with preoperative vaginal bleeding conditions, so as to reduce the rate of intraoperative applications of vasopressors and the postoperative ICU (intensive care unit) admission. In PPP patients with placenta implantation, central placenta previa and complete placenta previa, we advocate the utilization of prophylactic temporary abdominal aortic balloon placement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Liu ◽  
Donggui Zeng ◽  
Shicai Fan ◽  
Yongxing Peng ◽  
Hui Song ◽  
...  

Abstract Background How to perform minimally-invasive surgery on Tile C pelvic fractures is very difficult, and it is also a hot topic in orthopedic trauma research. We applied minimally-invasive treatment using an anterior internal fixator combined with sacroiliac screws. Objectives To compare the biomechanical properties of different fixation models in pelvic facture specimens, using an internal fixation system or a steel plate combined with sacroiliac screws. Methods Sixteen fresh adult cadaver pelvic specimens were randomly separated into four groups named A, B, C, and D. The four groups were respectively stabilized using a two-screwed, three-screwed, or four-screwed anterior internal fixator or a steel plate with sacroiliac screws. All models were tested in both standing and sitting positions. Vertical loads of 600 N were applied increasingly. Shifts of bilateral sacroiliac joints and pubis rupture were measured. Results The shifts in sacroiliac joints and pubis rupture in the standing position were all less than 3.5 mm, and the shifts in the sitting position were all less than 1 mm. In the standing position, the results of shifts in the sacroiliac joints were group C < group D < group B < group A. For comparisons between A:B and C:D, P > 0.05. For comparisons between A, B:C, and D, P < 0.05. The results of shifts in pubis ruptures were group D < group C < group B < group A. In the comparison between C:D, P > 0.05; for comparisons between A:B, A:C, A:D, B:C, and B:D, P < 0.05. In the sitting posture, the results of shifts in the sacroiliac joints were group C < group D < group B < group A, and the shifts in the pubis ruptures were group D < group C < roup B < group A. For comparison between C:D, P > 0.05. For comparisons between A:B, A:C, A:D, B:C, and B:D, P < 0.05. Conclusion Use of an anterior internal fixator combined with sacroiliac screws effectively stabilized Tile C3 pelvic fractures. The stability of specimens increased as the number of screws in the internal fixator increased.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 164
Author(s):  
Labrini V. Athanasiou ◽  
Victoria M. Spanou ◽  
Eleni G. Katsogiannou ◽  
Panagiotis D. Katsoulos

Exposure of sheep to Borreliaburgdorferi sensulato (s.I.) complex, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis (LB), has been reported in tick-abundant areas worldwide, while no data have been reported in Greece. The aim of the study was to identify the hematological alterations in sheep with seropositivity against Borrelia burgdorferi (s.I.). Blood samples were obtained from 318 tick infested sheep for blood analysis and serological determination of IgG and IgM antibodies against B. burgdorferi by indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay after exclusion of endo-ectoparasites and other tick-borne infections. A total number of 162 sheep met the inclusion criteria, allocated in four groups based on the presence or absence of IgG and/or IgM; sheep found negative for IgM and IgG (Group A), positive for IgM (Group B), positive for both IgM and IgG (Group C) and positive for IgG (Group D). Anemia, thrombocytopenia and normal or decreased leukocyte count, mainly due to lymphopenia were the main hematological features observed in seropositive sheep. The presence of these features raises the suspicion of Borrelia infection in tick infested sheep. The seropositivity of 23.58% in sheep raises concerns of Borrelia circulation, especially in rural areas and potential risk of transmission to humans.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 516.1-516
Author(s):  
S. H. Chang ◽  
J. S. Lee ◽  
J. S. Lee ◽  
C. H. Park ◽  
M. U. Kim ◽  
...  

Background:Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a severe extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the effect of RA disease activity on the course of ILD is not yet known.Objectives:To assess the natural course of lung physiology of RA-ILD and the relation between arthritis activity and pulmonary physiology in patients with RA-ILD.Methods:The Korean Rheumatoid Arthritis ILd (KORAIL) cohort is the prospective observational cohort and aims to investigate the natural course of RAILD. Based on either 1987 or 2020 ACR criteria, patients diagnosed with RA and ILD based on CT scan were recruited from six tertiary medical hospitals in Korea since January 2015. RA disease activity was assessed using disease activity (DAS)28-ESR and CRP, annually. Pulmonary function tests (PFT), including FVC and DLCO were conducted annually. According to the transition of DAS28-ESR status, we classified patients into four groups: Group A. persistent remission or low disease activity, Group B. improvement, Group C. worsening, Group D. persistent moderate to high disease activity.Results:We analyzed 143 patients who completed a 2-year follow-up (visit 2) or had died with available PFT results at least twice. Mean duration since RA diagnosis and since ILD diagnosis was 7.6±8.0 and 2.7±3.1 years, respectively. Twenty-four patients were Group A, 33 Group B, 10 Group C and 30 Group D. The mean of FVC (mL) and % of the predicted value in FVC was significantly lower in Group D than in other groups (Table 1). The annual rate of decline in FVC was -42 (95% CI -93~10) mL·year-1 in Group B while -113 (95% CI -206~-21) mL·year-1 in Group C (Figure 1A). The annual decline rate in Group C was further exaggerated in patients with ≥ 80% of FVC predicted (-141, 95% CI -251~-32 mL·year-1). During two years of follow-up, patients ever experienced a relative decline of ≥10% from the enrollment in FVC predicted was 27.3%(n-9/33) in Group B whereas 30.0% (3/10) in Group C. The annual rate of decline in % of DLco predicted value was also the largest in Group C (-4.6 %·year-1, 95%CI -8.5~-0.7), which further exaggerated in patients with ≥ 80% of FVC predicted (-4.9%·year-1, 95 %CI -8.3~-1.5, Figure 1B). Of note, about half of patients with maintained not only low disease activity (Group A) but also moderate to severe disease activity (Group D) improved in DLco at least 10% or more from the enrollment of DLco predicted value (Group A: 54.2%, n=13/24, Group D: 46.7%, n=14/30).Conclusion:RA disease activity is associated with the change of lung physiology in patients with RA-ILD; worsening disease activity associated with a further decrease of annual change in FVC and maintaining low disease activity associated with a further increase of annual change in % of DLco predicted value.Table 1.The analysis of forced vital capacity (FVC) according to disease activity transition group.Group AGroup BGroup CGroup DFVC (mL), mean±SD2810.0±771.12528.8±735.32801.0±952.72048.3±575.7FVC % of predicted, mean±SD87.5±14.586.5±16.693.0±15.677.2±17.3Rate of FVC decline, mL·year-1 (95% CI)-52 (-112,7)-42 (-93,10)-113 (-206, -21)1 (-52, 54)A 10-point decline from V1 in predicted FVC value, n (%)29 (20.3)6 (25.0)6 (18.2)3 (30.0)Relative decline of 10% from the enrollment in predicted FVC value, n (%)35 (24.5)5 (20.8)9 (27.3)3 (30.0)Figure 1.The annual change of pulmonary physiology according to disease activity transition group.Acknowledgements:This work was supported by the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Republic of Korea (grant no.HI14C1277).Disclosure of Interests:None declared


Author(s):  
Elizabeth Hirakauva ◽  
Ana Bianchi-Ferraro ◽  
Eliana Zucchi ◽  
Marcio Kajikawa ◽  
Manoel Girão ◽  
...  

Introduction The presence of bacteria in urine is called bacteriuria, which may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. The manipulation of the urinary tract during urodynamic study (UDS), which is an invasive procedure, can result in urinary tract infection (UTI). Studies on the use of prophylactic antibiotics for UDSs are contradictory. Some investigators concluded that they were valuable and others did not. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis before UDS. This is a placebo-control randomized double-blind study. Methods Two-hundred and seventeen women affected by urinary incontinence were eligible for this study. All patients had presented negative urine culture previous to the UDS. They were randomized in four groups: group A received placebo, group B received 500 mg of levofloxacin, group C received 80 mg trimethoprim and 400 mg sulfamethoxazole and group D received 100 mg of nitrofurantoin. A urine culture was performed 14 days after the UDS. Results We observed asymptomatic bacteriuria after the UDS in five patients in group A, one in group B, one in group C and one in group D. Only one patient on group A had symptomatic bacteriuria. We didn't observe statistical difference between the groups. When we recategorized the patients in two groups, the incidence of bacteriuria was significantly higher in the placebo group compared with the antibiotic group. Conclusion The conclusion is that antibiotic prophylaxis before the UDS did not reduce the incidence of UTI in women within the target population.


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