Fruit Powder of Tetrapleura tetraptera in Local Feed on Some Zootechnical Performances of Juveniles of Clarias gariepinus in Concrete Tank

This study focused on the supplementation of four-sided spice fruit powder (Tetrapleura tetraptera) on some zootechnical performances of juveniles of Clarias gariepinus and was carried out from February 14 to July 20 at the Massoma Fish Farm of Bojongo Mbeidi located in the Littoral Region, Department of Wouri, Douala IV district. The farm benefits from a climate favorable to aquaculture activity. For this purpose, five (5) treatments were tested including T0+ (imported feed), T0-, T0.3, T0.4, and T0.5 respectively for the treatments with 0% supplemented food;0.3%;0.4% and 0.5% of Tetrapleura tetraptera powder. A total of 450 Clarias gariepinus fry with an initial average weight of 7 ± 1.5 g, were distributed in happas of 0.49 m2 each placed in Triplicate in a completely randomized device. Four isoprotein foods with 38% crude protein were formulated to feed these fry at 7% of their biomass per day for 15 days then to their fullness until the end of the experiment. Intermediate fishing was carried out every fortnight. 75 days later, the results recorded show that the highest average survival rate (96.44% ± 3.5%) was recorded with the subjects fed feed supplemented with 0.4% T. tetraptera powder. The average weight (120.93 ± 67.20), weight gain (113.93 ± 67.20), specific growth rate (3.64 ± 0.79% g/d) and total lengths and standard (26.43 ± 1.9 and 23.66 ± 1.76) the highest were recorded with the T0+ treatment (imported feed). The highest conditioning factor K (2.14 ± 0.15) was recorded with the treatment supplemented with 0.4% T. tetraptera. The lowest conversion ratio (1.28) was recorded with the treatment fed with imported blue crown food (T0+). Furthermore, the lowest production cost was recorded with the treatment supplemented with 0.4% T. tetraptera. It appears from this study that the juveniles of C. gariepinus better value the feed substituted with 0.4% of the powder of four sides (Tetrapleura tetraptera).

Study on Development of Formulated Feed for Improving Growth and Pigmentation of Koi Carp （Cyprinus carpio L,, 1758） Juveniles

The aim of the present study was to develop a formulated feed for improving skin pigmentation and growth performance of koi carp juveniles. Two experiments were conducted for determination of an optimal dietary astaxanthin and FM （fish meal） ration for koi carp juveniles. In the first experiment, three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic dietary treatments were designed with three different levels of astaxanthin consisted of 60, 80 and 100 mg/kg and a commercial feed served as a control. For the second experiment, four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic dietary treatments were formulated with graded inclusions of dietary FM replaced from 0% to 60% at 20% increments by SM （soybean meal）, PBM （poultry by-product meal）, and a CD （control diet）. Obtained results demonstrated that skin pigmentation of koi carp juveniles fed the diet containing 80 mg/kg astaxanthin, 36.02% protein, 7.78% lipid, 4.20 Kcal/g GE （gross energy） were more better than those at the diet with lower estaxanthin content and commercial diet. Moreover, the highest growth and feed utilization of fish were observed at this diet with WG （weight gain）, SGR （specific growth rate） and FCR （feed conversion ratio） were 121.80%, 0.95 （%/day） and 1.6, respectively.

Legal Frame for Criminal Proceedings Against Juveniles in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The paper analyzes applicability of legal frame of international standards on the protection of juvenile rights which are expressed through the concept of protection of ＂the best interests of a child and juvenile＂, in view of the question whether the Federation of Bill performs appropriate activities and to which extent, and are there controversy points that need to be resolved separately. It points out the unknowns which the practices of the courts in the Federation of Bill have not yet completely resolved, and are related to the applicability of the new rules adopted by the Law on Protection and Treatment of Children and Juveniles in Criminal Proceedings of the Federation of Bill. Also, it presents a set of legal rules that regulate criminal proceedings against juveniles within the Federation of Bill, with a special emphasis on the basic characteristics of this process. Finally, possible solutions to the mentioned ambiguities and dilemmas are proposed in accordance with the principle of legal certainty as essential to addressees of the relevant legal norms

Justice for Juveniles

THE brutality committed by a 10-year-old girl in southwest China＇s Chongqing Municipality that was captured on a surveillance camera shocked the country late last year. On the afternoon of November 25, 2013, the girl entered an elevator and unexpectedly picked up a one-and-half-year-old boy when he went following his grandmother and was left. The video footage from inside the elevator showed the girl hurling the toddler to the ground before beating and kicking him violently. When the elevator door opened on the 25th floor, the girl tossed him out of the elevator doors.

Role of short-wavelength filtering lenses in delaying myopia progression and amelioration of asthenopia in juveniles

AIM： To evaluate the positive effects of blue-violet light filtering lenses in delaying myopia and relieving asthenopia in juveniles. METHODS： Sixty ametropia juveniles （aged range, 11-15y） were randomized into two groups： the test group （30 children, 60 eyes）, wearing blue-violet light filtering lenses; and the control group （30 children, 60 eyes）, wearing ordinary aspherical lenses. Baseline refractive power of the affected eyes and axial length of the two groups was recorded. After 1-year, the patients underwent contrast sensitivity （glare and non-glare under bright and dark conditions）, accommodation-related testing, asthenopia questionnaire assessment, and adverse reaction questionnaire assessment. RESULTS： After ly of wearing the filtering lenses, changes in refractive power and axial length were not significantly different between the two groups （P〉0.05）. Under bright conditions, the contrast sensitivities at low and medium- frequency grating （vision angles of 6.3, 4.0, and 2.5） with glare in the test group were significantly higher than in the control group （P〈0.05）, while the contrast sensitivity at low-frequency grating （vision angles of 6.3 and 4.0） in the absence of glare in the test group was higher than in the control group （P〈0.05）. Under glare and non-glare dark conditions, the contrast sensitivities of various frequencies in the test group did not show significant differences compared with those in the control group （P〉0.05）. In the test group, the amplitude of accommodation, accommodative lag, and accommodative sensitivity of patients wearing glasses for 6 and 12mo were significantly elevated （P〈0.05）, while the asthenopia gratings were significantly decreased （P〈0.05）. Nevertheless, in the control group,the amplitude of accommodation, accommodative lag, and accommodative sensitivity after 12mo were not significantly altered compared with baseline （P〉0.05）, and the asthenopia grating was not significantly decreased （P〉0.05）. In addition, after wearing glasses for 6 to 12mo, the asthenopia grating of patients in the test group decreased significantly compared with the control group （P〈0.05）. At 12mo, the constituent ratio of adverse reactions did not show significant difference between the two groups （P〉0.05）. CONCLUSION： A l-year follow-up reveal that compare with ordinary glasses, short-wavelength filtering lenses （blue/ violet-light filters） increase the low- and medium-frequency contrast sensitivity under bright conditions and improved accommodation. They effectively relieved asthenopia without severe adverse reactions, suggesting potential for clinical application. However, no significant advantages in terms of refractive power or axial length progression were found compared with ordinary aspheric lenses.

HYDROCHEMICAL STATE OF INTERMEDIATE CULTURE POND FOR CHINESE PRAWN JUVENILES

This study deals with the hydrochemical state and management measures for the intermediate culturepond for Chinese prawn (Penaeus orientalis) juveniles. The test result showed that the intermediate cultureof Chinese prawn juvenile can be advanced to around March 20 in the Shanghai area if they are culturedin ponds in simple greenhouses of plastic knitting cloth.The density of juveniles introduced was about35 million per hectare, survival was up to 55%.

Growth and Development of Larvae and Juveniles of Carassius auratus gibelio

The growth and development of larvae and juveniles was morphologically investigated in Carassius auratus gibelio. The results showed that it took 52 h from fertilization to hatching at 22 - 25℃. The newly hatched larvae had transparent body, with the head fight near the yolk sac; the yolk sac accounted for 2/3 of larval volume, which was exhausted in the four-day-old larvae that started the exogenous nutrient period. The larvae were found to develop into juveniles from a few scales on the 20^th day after hatching to whole scales, fingerling, on the 28^th day after hatching. The relationship between total length（TL） and age in days（D） was described as ： TL = 0.001 2D3 - 0. 038 8/32 ＋ 1.043 2D ＋ 3. 945 8 （ r^2 = 0.998 ）. The relationship between body length （L） and body weight （W） of larvae and juveniles was expressed as： m = 1E -05L^3.3769（ r^2 = 0.982 7）. The formula between body length and body height during the development of the fish was described as ： H = 0.0（30 1L3 -0. 028 4L2 ＋ 1. 281 6L -7. 250 5 （ r^2 = 0. 988 6）. The findings provided the theoretical instruction for practical production of C. auratus gibelio.

Survival of Red King Crab （Paralithodes Camtschaticus） Juveniles on Natural and Artificial Substrates

Understanding settlement tendencies and substrate preference is essential for king crab stock enhancement because structurally complex habitats provide red king crab juveniles with shelter and protect them from predation and cannibalism during critical stages of their lives. The growth and survival rates of juvenile red king crab （Paralithodes carntschaticus） from the first juvenile instar stage after settlement from the free-swimming glaucothoe （stage C 1）, to the third juvenile instar （stage C3）, that were reared in aquaria with natural rock, shell, and artificial substrate from June 8 to July 15, 2008 at the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery in Seward Alaska were evaluated. The percent of crabs surviving to the C3 juvenile stage was the highest （34%） for the artificial substrate, the lowest （24%） for the shell substrate, and intermediate （27%） for the rock substrate. No significant differences were found in the wet weight and carapace width （P〉0.05） among these three treatments, although the crabs were reared in the natural shell substrate, were heavier, （4.1±0.3 mg） than those reared in the natural rock （3.9±0.1 mg）, and artificial substrates （3.8±0.7 mg） and crabs reared in the natural rock substrate were larger （1.8±0.2 mm） than those reared in the natural shell （1.7±0.2 mm）, and the same as those in the artificial substrates （1.8±0.2 mm）. These results may be due to the short length of the experiment relative to the life cycle of the species. Further research is needed to understand the optimal environmental conditions for juvenile crabs and determine how their crucial habitats, which may be easily disturbed by human activities, can be conserved.

Systematic review and network meta-analysis of different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

BACKGROUND Various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)have been used for juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA).However,the optimal method for JIA has not yet been developed.AIM To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis to determine the optimal instructions.METHODS We searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)from PubMed,EMBASE,Google Scholar,CNKI,and Wanfang without restriction for publication date or language at August,2023.Any RCTs that comparing the effectiveness of NSAIDs with each other or placebo for JIA were included in this network meta-analysis.The surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)analysis was used to rank the treatments.P value less than 0.05 was identified as statistically significant.RESULTS We included 8 RCTs(1127 patients)comparing 8 different instructions including meloxicam(0.125 qd and 0.250 qd),Celecoxib(3 mg/kg bid and 6 mg/kg bid),piroxicam,Naproxen(5.0 mg/kg/d,7.5 mg/kg/d and 12.5 mg/kg/d),inuprofen(30-40 mg/kg/d),Aspirin(60-80 mg/kg/d,75 mg/kg/d,and 55 mg/kg/d),Tolmetin(15 mg/kg/d),Rofecoxib,and placebo.There were no significant differences between any two NSAIDs regarding ACR Pedi 30 response.The SUCRA shows that celecoxib(6 mg/kg bid)ranked first(SUCRA,88.9%),rofecoxib ranked second(SUCRA,68.1%),Celecoxib(3 mg/kg bid)ranked third(SUCRA,51.0%).There were no significant differences between any two NSAIDs regarding adverse events.The SUCRA shows that placebo ranked first(SUCRA,88.2%),piroxicam ranked second(SUCRA,60.5%),rofecoxib(0.6 mg/kg qd)ranked third(SUCRA,56.1%),meloxicam(0.125 mg/kg qd)ranked fourth(SUCRA,56.1%),and rofecoxib(0.3 mg/kg qd)ranked fifth(SUCRA,56.1%).CONCLUSION In summary,celecoxib(6 mg/kg bid)was found to be the most effective NSAID for treating JIA.Rofecoxib,piroxicam,and meloxicam may be safer options,but further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger trials with higher quality studies.

Detour for the inexperienced? Migration count data suggest mostly juvenile Greater Spotted Eagles appear in coastal peninsulas in China

Soaring bird migration often relies on suitable terrain and airflow;therefore,route selection is vital for successful migration.While age and experience have been identified as key factor influencing migration route selection among soaring raptors in the African-Eurasian Flyway,how they shape the migration route of soaring raptors in East Asia is still largely unknown.In this study,we investigated potential variations in the routes and timing in autumn migration of juvenile and older soaring birds,using count data of Greater Spotted Eagles(Clanga clanga)from two coastal sites and two inland sites in China.From 2020 to 2023,we recorded a total of 340 individuals,with the highest site averaging over 90 individuals per autumn,making it one of the world’s top single-season counts and thus a globally important site for this species.We found that 82% and 61% records from coastal sites were juveniles,significantly higher than inland sites(15% and 24%).Juveniles at all four sites exhibited markedly earlier median passage time than non-juveniles,with brief overlapping in their main migration periods.Both coastal sites are located on the tip of peninsulas stretching southwest,requiring long overwater flights if crossing the Bohai Bay or Beibu Gulf,which would be energetically demanding and increase mortality risk.Experienced individuals may have learned to avoid such terrain and subsequent detour,while juveniles are more prone to enter these peninsulas due to lack of experience and opportunities for social learning,or following other raptor species that are more capable of powered flight.Our findings highlight the importance of age and experience in migration route selection of large soaring birds.

Preliminary exploration of animal models of congenital choledochal cysts

BACKGROUND Various animal models have been used to explore the pathogenesis of choledochal cysts(CCs),but with little convincing results.Current surgical techniques can achieve satisfactory outcomes for treatment of CCs.Consequently,recent studies have focused more on clinical issues rather than basic research.Therefore,we need appropriate animal models to further basic research.AIM To establish an appropriate animal model that may contribute to the investigation of the pathogenesis of CCs.METHODS Eighty-four specific pathogen-free female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to a surgical group,sham surgical group,or control group.A rat model of CC was established by partial ligation of the bile duct.The reliability of the model was confirmed by measurements of serum biochemical indices,morpho-logy of common bile ducts of the rats as well as molecular biology experiments in rat and human tissues.RESULTS Dilation classified as mild(diameter,≥1 mm to<3 mm),moderate(≥3 mm to<10 mm),and severe(≥10 mm)was observed in 17,17,and 2 rats in the surgical group,respectively,while no dilation was observed in the control and sham surgical groups.Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotrans-ferase,total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,and total bile acids were significantly elevated in the surgical group as compared to the control group 7 d after surgery,while direct bilirubin,total bilirubin,and gamma-glutamyltransferase were further increased 14 d after surgery.Most of the biochemical indices gradually decreased to normal ranges 28 d after surgery.The protein expression trend of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in rat model was consistent with the human CC tissues.CONCLUSION The model of partial ligation of the bile duct of juvenile rats could morphologically simulate the cystic or fusiform CC,which may contribute to investigating the pathogenesis of CC.

The biosynthesis of alarm pheromone in the wheat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi is regulated by hormones via fatty acid metabolism

Aphids are major insect pests in agriculture and forestry worldwide.Following attacks by natural enemies,many aphids release an alarm pheromone to protect their population.In most aphids,the main component of the aphid alarm pheromone(AAP)is the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon(E)-β-farnesene(EβF).However,the mechanisms behind its biosynthesis and regulation remain poorly understood.In this study,we used the bird cherry–oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi,which is an important wheat aphid,to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of EβF biosynthesis.Our results showed that EβF biosynthesis occurs during the mature embryo period and the molting period of the 1st-and 2nd-instar nymphs.Triglycerides provide the prerequisite material for EβF production and release.Based on transcriptome sequencing,RNAi analysis,hormone treatments,and quantitative measurements,we found that the biosynthesis of EβF utilizes acetyl coenzyme A produced from fatty acid degradation,which can be suppressed by juvenile hormone but it is promoted by 20-hydroxyecdysone through the modulation of fatty acid metabolism.This is the first systemic study on the modulation of EβF production in aphids.The results of our study provide insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms of AAP biosynthesis,as well as valuable information for designing potential aphid control strategies.

Novel compound heterozygous mutations in the hemojuvelin gene in a juvenile hemochromatosis patient:A case report

BACKGROUND Juvenile hemochromatosis(JH)is an early-onset,rare autosomal recessive disorder of iron overload observed worldwide that leads to damage in multiple organs.Pathogenic mutations in the hemojuvelin(HJV)gene are the major cause of JH.CASE SUMMARY A 34-year-old male Chinese patient presented with liver fibrosis,diabetes,hypogonadotropic hypogonadism,hypophysis hypothyroidism,and skin hyperpigmentation.Biochemical test revealed a markedly elevated serum ferritin level of 4329μg/L and a transferrin saturation rate of 95.4%.Targeted exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing revealed that the proband had a novel mutation c.863G>A(p.R288Q)in the HJV gene which was transmitted from his father,and two known mutations,c.18G>C(p.Q6H)and c.962_963delGCinsAA(p.C321*)in cis,which were inherited from his mother.The p.R288W mutation was previously reported to be pathogenic for hemochromatosis,which strongly supported the pathogenicity of p.R288Q reported for the first time in this case.After 72 wk of intensive phlebotomy therapy,the patient achieved a reduction in serum ferritin to 160.5μg/L.The patient's clinical symptoms demonstrated a notable improvement.CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of screening for hemochromatosis in patients with diabetes and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.It also suggests that long-term active phlebotomy could efficiently improve the prognosis in severe JH.

Evolution of treatment options for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

A recent study published in World J Clin Cases addressed the optimal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)for juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA).Herein,we outline the progress in drug therapy of JIA.NSAIDs have traditionally been the primary treatment for all forms of JIA.NSAIDs are symptom-relief medications,and well tolerated by patients.Additionally,the availability of selective NSAIDs further lower the gastrointestinal adverse reactions compared with traditional NSAIDs.Glucocorticoid is another kind of symptom-relief medications with potent anti-inflammatory effect.However,the frequent adverse events limit the clinical use.Both NSAIDs and glucocorticoid fail to ease or pre-vent joint damage,and the breakthrough comes along with the disease-mo-difying antirheumatic drugs(DMARDs).DMARDs can prevent disease pro-gression and reduce joint destruction.Particularly,the emergence of biologic DMARDs(bDMARDs)has truly revolutionized the therapeutics of JIA,compared with conventional synthetic DMARDs.As a newly developed class of drugs,the places of most bDMARDs in the management of JIA remain to be well estab-lished.Nevertheless,the continuous evolution of bDMARDs raises hopes of improving long-term disease outcomes for JIA.

Clinical and laboratory features of juvenile idiopathic arthritis with wrist involvement:Results of a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Previous studies in the pre-biological era showed an association of wrist inflammation in juvenile idiopathic arthritis(JIA)with progressive disease course,polyarticular involvement and failure of methotrexate treatment.AIM To describe features of JIA,associated with wrist arthritis.METHODS Data from about 753 JIA patients were included in this retrospective cohort study.The clinical and laboratory features of patients with and without wrist involvement were analyzed.RESULTS Wrist involvement was found in oligoarthritis(5.8%),RF(−)/RF(+)polyarthritis(44.9%/15.0%),enthesitis-related arthritis(17.7%),and systemic(58.6%)JIA categories.Unilateral wrist involvement was typical for oligoarthritis patients,bilateral involvement was either equal to that of unilateral involvement or was more frequent in other categories.Wrist arthritis was found to be associated with female sex,a low incidence of uveitis,and more indications of systemic inflammation,including elevated levels of C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,and platelets,as well as involvement of the cervical spine,temporomandibular,shoulder,elbow,metacarpophalangeal,proximal interphalangeal,distal interphalangeal,hip,ankle,and tarsus arthritis.The number of patients with hip osteoarthritis and hip replacement was also higher.Wrist arthritis was associated with a lower probability of achieving remission[hazard ratio(HR)=1.3(95%CI:1.0-1.7),P=0.055],and a higher probability of being treated with biologics[HR=1.7(95%CI:1.3-2.10,P=0.00009)].CONCLUSION Wrist arthritis in JIA patients is a marker of a severe disease course,characterized by more intensive inflammation,unfavorable outcomes,and.requiring more intensive treatment with early administration of biologics.Close monitoring of wrist inflammation with ultrasound and MR assessment with early biological treatment might improve the outcomes.

Conceptual Updating and Improvement Path for China’s Criminal Norms of Juvenile Delinquency

China’s criminal norms of juvenile delinquency suffer problems such as outdated legislative models,a lack of special pro-visions on convictions,an extensive criminal punishment system,and an oversimplified rights recovery system.Therefore,it is necessary to find an appropriate path to improve and strengthen the protection of special,prior rights of minors,based on updating relevant concepts.From the perspective of the law of juvenile delinquency,the law of hu-man development reflects the decisiveness of juvenile delinquency,and the law of age-crime curve showcases the stages of juvenile delinquen-cy.In terms of the treatment of juveniles who have committed crimes,the approach to juvenile delinquency in criminal law should shift from“commutation for children at discretion”to“child-friendly”and from social defense to individual rehabilitation.Based on conceptual updat-ing,the criminal norms for juvenile delinquency should be improved in four aspects:first,establishing special rules to broaden the path of exculpation;second,promoting the leniency of sentencing by taking into account the perpetrator factor;third,introducing special types of punishment and methods of enforcement to strengthen preventive and educational punishments;fourth,building a multilevel rights recovery system to ensure the rehabilitation and development of juvenile offend-ers.

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis–associated lung disease: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Lung damage in systemic juvenile arthritis(sJIA)is one of the contemporary topics in pediatric rheumatology.Several previous studies showed the severe course and fatal outcomes in some patients.The information about interstitial lung disease(ILD)in the sJIA is scarce and limited to a total of 100 cases.AIM To describe the features of sJIA patients with ILD in detail.METHODS In the present retrospective cohort study,information about 5 patients less than 18-years-old with sJIA and ILD were included.The diagnosis of sJIA was made according to the current 2004 and new provisional International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria 2019.ILD was diagnosed with chest computed tomography with the exclusion of other possible reasons for concurrent lung involvement.Macrophage activation syndrome(MAS)was diagnosed with HLH-2004 and 2016 EULAR/ACR/PRINTO Classification Criteria and hScores were calculated during the lung involvement.RESULTS The onset age of sJIA ranged from 1 year to 10 years.The time interval before ILD ranged from 1 mo to 3 years.The disease course was characterized by the prevalence of the systemic features above articular involvement,intensive rash(100%),persistent and very active MAS(hScore range:194-220)with transaminitis(100%),and respiratory symptoms(100%).Only 3 patients(60%)developed a clubbing phenomenon.All patients(100%)had pleural effusion and 4 patients(80%)had pericardial effusion at the disease onset.Two patients(40%)developed pulmonary arterial hypertension.Infusion-related reactions to tocilizumab were observed in 3(60%)of the patients.One patient with trisomy 21 had a fatal disease course.Half of the remaining patients had sJIA remission and 2 patients had improvement.Lung disease improved in 3 patients(75%),but 1 of them had initial deterioration of lung involvement.One patient who has not achieved the sJIA remission had the progressed course of ILD.No cases of hyper-eosinophilia were noted.Four patients(80%)received canakinumab and one(20%)tocilizumab at the last follow-up visit.CONCLUSION ILD is a severe life-threatening complication of sJIA that may affect children of different ages with different time intervals since the disease onset.Extensive rash,serositis(especially pleuritis),full-blown MAS with transaminitis,lymphopenia,trisomy 21,eosinophilia,and biologic infusion reaction are the main predictors of ILD.The following studies are needed to find the predictors,pathogenesis,and treatment options,for preventing and treating the ILD in sJIA patients.

Juvenile Xanthogranuloma: A Case Report with Literature Review

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (XGJ) is the most common form of non-Langerhansian histiocytosis. We report a pediatric case of multiple XGJ without visceral involvement in a 6-month-old female infant who was hospitalized with disseminated congenital skin nodules, of firm consistency, of variable diameter ranging from a few millimetres to 1 cm, involving the face, scalp, trunk and limbs. There was no mucosal localization. The remainder of the somatic examination was unremarkable. The diagnosis of disseminated XGJ was confirmed by skin biopsy without visceral or systemic involvement. Therapeutic abstention was recommended. This observation underlines the fact that XGJ is a rare clinical entity that should not be overlooked when faced with congenital skin nodules.

Serum Zinc and Copper Level in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Patients and Its Correlation with Disease Duration-A Tertiary Hospital Study

Background: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent rheumatic disease in children. It is associated with abnormal levels of serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) as during inflammation serum copper concentration increases and zinc decreases. Objective: To assess the serum Zn and Cu levels in different sub-types of JIA patients and their correlation with the disease duration. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over twelve months at the Pediatric Rheumatology Division, Department of Paediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Sixty-nine JIA cases that fulfilled the International League of Association for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria were taken as cases and age and sex-matched healthy children were considered as controls. The serum Zn and Cu tests were done using the spectrophotometric method with INDIKO PLUS Drug Analyzer. Data were recorded in a pre-designed questionnaire. Data were checked, verified and analyzed manually where continuous variables were analyzed using unpaired t-test and categorical variables using the ANOVA test. Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was used to see the correlation of serum zinc and copper levels with disease duration. Results: Boys were predominant in both case and control groups, with the majority within the 10 to 16-year-age group. Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) was the most common subtype followed by sJIA, Oligo JIA, Poly JIA (RF-) and unclassified subtypes. Disease duration was found less than 12 months in 30.4% of JIA patients. Serum analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in mean zinc levels and increased copper levels in JIA patients compared to controls. This study observed a negative correlation between serum zinc levels and disease duration, whereas serum copper levels exhibited a positive correlation with disease duration. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed that JIA patients exhibit alterations in serum zinc and copper levels. Serum copper levels showed a positive correlation and serum zinc levels showed a negative correlation with the duration of the disease.

Effect of the enrichment time with the tuna orbital oil emulsion on the fatty acids profile of juveniles of Artemia franciscana

Artemia is deficient in polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFAs),particularly in arachidonic(ARA,20:4n-6),eicosapentaenoic(EPA,20:5n-3),and docosahexaenoic acid(DHA,22:6n-3).The aim of this study was to determine the optimal time in which the higher contents of PUFAs in juveniles of Artemia franciscana were obtained by the effect of enrichment with the tuna orbital oil emulsion.Six enrichment periods were evaluated:3,6,9,12,15 and 18 h,in addition to a control treatment(0 h).The most abundant fatty acids in A.franciscana were monounsaturated(43.10%±4.35–52.92%±5.82%),followed by saturated(33.83%±1.71–42.33%±2.31%)and PUFAs(8.86%±2.83%–21.32%±2.38%).ARA decreased over the enrichment time;the maximum content was 5.74±0.37%at 3 h,which was not statistically different with respect to the content recorded at 0 h.The highest content of EPA was at 3 h(6.47%±1.44%),without significant differences with the content registered at 0 h,while that from 6 h and until 15 h tended to decrease significantly.At 6 h,the content of DHA(8.84%±2.72%)was significantly higher compared to the rest of the treatments,which did not differ among themselves,or with the control.After to the 6 h and until 15 h,the content of PUFAs tended to decrease,which could indicate the metabolization of them by A.franciscana,coupled with the possible oxidation of these fatty acids in the enrichment solution.