Variability of Hot Pepper Genotypes in Ascorbic Acid Content

Seeds of twenty nine (29) genotypes from Capsicum species (Family: Solanaceae) of hot pepper were selected from the USDA National Germplasm Collection (Griffin, GA) to represent four hot pepper species: Capsicum annuum L., C. baccatum L., C. chinense Jacq., and C. pubescens Ruiz & Pav. Seedlings of 60 days old were planted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) under field conditions. At harvest, fruits were collected from each genotypes and analyzed for ascorbic acid content. The main objective of this investigation was to select candidate genotypes for use in commercial pepper production and as parents in breeding for fruit quality characteristics. Hot pepper producers look for pepper varieties that yield large quantities of high-quality peppers. Consumer’s characteristics of interest include fruits with great antioxidants content. The project could help KSU meet its objective of assisting limited-resource farmers who may grow and produce new Capsicum cultivars for use as a cash crop. Our preliminary results revealed that fruits of PI 631144, PI 439420, and PI 209028 contained 583, 566, and 244 µg ascorbic acid per gm fresh fruit, respectively

Improved Outcomes Associated with the use of Shock Protocols: Updates from the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative

BACKGROUND: The National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative is a single-arm, prospective, multicenter study to assess outcomes associated with early mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMICS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Between July 2016 and February 2019, 35 sites participated and enrolled into the study. All centers agreed to treat patients with AMICS using a standard protocol emphasizing invasive hemodynamic monitoring and rapid initiation of MCS. Inclusion and exclusion criteria mimicked those of the SHOCK trial with an additional exclusion criteria of intra-aortic balloon pump counter-pulsation prior to MCS. RESULTS: A total of 171 consecutive patients were enrolled. Patients had an average age of 63 years, 77% were male, and 68% were admitted with AMICS. About 83% of patients were on vasopressors or inotropes, 20% had a witnessed out of hospital cardiac arrest, 29% had in-hospital cardiac arrest, and 10% were under active cardiopulmonary resuscitation during MCS implantation. In accordance with the protocol, 74% of patients had MCS implanted prior to PCI. Right heart catheterization was performed in 92%. About 78% of patients presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction with average door to support times of 85 ± 63 min and door to balloon times of 87 ± 58 min. Survival to discharge was 72%. Creatinine ≥2, lactate \u3e4, cardiac power output (CPO) CONCLUSION: In contemporary practice, use of a shock protocol emphasizing best practices is associated with improved outcomes

Improved Outcomes Associated with the use of Shock Protocols: Updates from the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative.

BACKGROUND: The National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative is a single-arm, prospective, multicenter study to assess outcomes associated with early mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMICS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Between July 2016 and February 2019, 35 sites participated and enrolled into the study. All centers agreed to treat patients with AMICS using a standard protocol emphasizing invasive hemodynamic monitoring and rapid initiation of MCS. Inclusion and exclusion criteria mimicked those of the SHOCK trial with an additional exclusion criteria of intra-aortic balloon pump counter-pulsation prior to MCS. RESULTS: A total of 171 consecutive patients were enrolled. Patients had an average age of 63 years, 77% were male, and 68% were admitted with AMICS. About 83% of patients were on vasopressors or inotropes, 20% had a witnessed out of hospital cardiac arrest, 29% had in-hospital cardiac arrest, and 10% were under active cardiopulmonary resuscitation during MCS implantation. In accordance with the protocol, 74% of patients had MCS implanted prior to PCI. Right heart catheterization was performed in 92%. About 78% of patients presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction with average door to support times of 85 ± 63 min and door to balloon times of 87 ± 58 min. Survival to discharge was 72%. Creatinine ≥2, lactate \u3e4, cardiac power output (CPO) CONCLUSION: In contemporary practice, use of a shock protocol emphasizing best practices is associated with improved outcomes