Pravci selekcije novih ZP hibrida

This paper presents the newly released sixth generation of ZP maize hybrids characterized by high and stable yields obtained under different agroenvironmental conditions on soils with different natural fertility and production capacity. The newly developed ZP hybrid genotypes have exhibited remarkable yield stability and wide adaptability to different climatic conditions in numerous trials throughout Serbia. These studies serve as the basis for recommendations to grow new hybrids of FAO 300-600 maturity groups i.e. mid-early, middle maturity and mid-late hybrids, which have a number of improved properties compared to the older generation ZP hybrids. The main properties of the new ZP hybrids are shorter growing season, higher kernel drydown rate during maturation, excellent adaptability to adverse environmental conditions (high drought tolerance), lower stalks with ears formed low on the plant, resistance to lodging, causal agents of diseases and pests, etc. Among the new hybrids, standouts include ZP 333, ZP 366, ZP 388, ZP 427, ZP 555, ZP 560, ZP 600, ZP 606, ZP 666, ZP 388, ZP 427, ZP 555, ZP 560, ZP 600, ZP 606 ZP 666, ZP 552b, etc. harvested for grain and ear for food and feed. The genetic potential of the new high-yielding hybrids is above 20 t ha-1 dry kernel. Their yield is 14-46 t ha-1 in experiments and 14-15 t ha-1 by large producers and in favourable seasons (2014).U radu je prikazana najnovija VI generacija ZP hibrida kukuruza koja se odlikuje visokim i stabilnim prinosima gajenjem u različitim agroekološkim uslovima na zemljišta različite prirodne plodnosti i proizvodne sposobnosti. Najnoviji genotipovi ZP hibrida ispoljili su zavidnu stabilnost prinosa na široku adaptibilnost u različitim klimatskim uslovima, koja je ispitana u brojnim ogledima širom Srbije. Na osnovu ovih istraživanja data je preporuka za gajenje novih hibrida FAO grupe zrenja 300-600, tj. od rednje ranih, srednje stasnih do srednje kasnih hibrida, koji imaju niz poboljšanih osobina u odnosu na ZP hibride starijih generacija. Glavne osobine novih ZP hibrida su: kraća vegetacija i brže otpuštanje vlage iz zrna u procesu sazrevanja, odlična adaptibilnost na nepovoljne uslove spoljne sredine (visoka tolerantnost na stresne uslove suše), niže stablo sa nisko formiranim klipovima, otpornost na poleganje, prouzrokovače bolesti i štetočine, itd. Posebno se izdvajaju novi hibridi: ZP 333, ZP 366, ZP 388, ZP 427, ZP 555, ZP 560, ZP 600, ZP 606, ZP 666, ZP 388, ZP 427, ZP 555, ZP 560, ZP 600, ZP 606, ZP 666, ZP 552b itd za kombajniranje u zrnu, berbu u klipu za ishranu ljudi i stoke. Genetski potencijal novih, visokorodnih hibrida je iznad 20 t ha-1 suvog zrna, u ogledima se ostvaruje 14-46 t ha-1, a kod boljih proizvođača i u rodnoj godini (2014), 14-15 t ha-1

C-reactive protein elevation predicts in-hospital deterioration after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and in the development of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). However, the assessment and interpretation of classically defined inflammatory parameters is difficult in aSAH patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between easily assessable findings (hyperventilation, fever, white blood cell count (WBC), and C-reactive protein (CRP)) and the occurrence of DCI and unfavorable neurological outcome at discharge in aSAH patients. METHODS Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a single center cohort. We evaluated the potential of clinical signs of inflammation (hyperventilation, fever) and simple inflammatory laboratory parameters CRP and WBC to predict unfavorable outcomes at discharge and DCI in a multivariate analysis. A cutoff value for CRP was calculated by Youden's J statistic. Outcome was measured using the modified Rankin score at discharge, with an unfavorable outcome defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) > 3. RESULTS We included 97 consecutive aSAH patients (63 females, 34 males, mean age 58 years) in the analysis. Twenty-one (22%) had major disability or died by the time of hospital discharge. Among inflammatory parameters, CRP over 100 mg/dl on day 2 was an independent predictor for worse neurological outcome at discharge. The average C-reactive protein level in the first 14 days was higher in patients with a worse neurological outcome (96.6, SD 48.3 vs 56.3 mg/dl, SD 28.6) in the first 14 days after aSAH. C-reactive protein on day 2 was an indicator of worse neurological outcome. No inflammatory parameter was an independent predictor of DCI. After multivariate adjustment, DCI, increased age, and more than 1 day of mechanical ventilation were significant predictors of worse neurological outcome. CONCLUSIONS Early elevated CRP levels were a significant predictor of worse neurological outcome at hospital discharge and may be a useful marker of later deterioration in aSAH

The prognostic value of troponin release after adult cardiac surgery — a meta-analysis

To assess the accuracy of increased troponin (Tn) concentrations for the prediction of mid-term (≥12 months) mortality after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and valve surgery, we performed a systematic review identifying all studies reporting on the association between postoperative troponin release and mortality after cardiac surgery. Studies were identified through 30 April 2008 by electronic searches of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and BIOSIS databases. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed methodological quality and extracted the data. We primarily considered mid-term (≥12 months) and secondarily short-term (≤30 days) all-cause mortality. A bivariate random-effects model was used to study determinants and to pool measures of prognostic accuracy of Tn. Seventeen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria with a total of 237 mid-term deaths in 5189 patients and 296 short-term deaths in 9703 patients. The diagnostic odds ratio of increased Tn concentrations was 5.46 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0-14.6) for mid-term mortality and 6.57 (95% CI 4.3-10.1) for short-term mortality after adult cardiac surgery. Alternatively expressed, for troponin elevation, the sensitivity was 0.45 (0.26-0.67) and the specificity 0.87 (0.73-0.90) to predict mid-term mortality. The sensitivity was 0.59 (0.48-0.69) and the specificity 0.82 (0.72-0.89) for short-term mortality. Between-study variability was high. In conclusion, this meta-analysis provides evidence for an association between postoperative Tn release with mid- and short-term all-cause mortality after adult cardiac surgery. However, differences in populations, timing of Tn testing, Tn subunit and Tn assays make definitive conclusions about effect size and cut-off values difficul

A multicomponent family support intervention in intensive care units: study protocol for a multicenter cluster-randomized trial (FICUS Trial).

BACKGROUND Family members of critically ill patients face considerable uncertainty and distress during their close others' intensive care unit (ICU) stay. About 20-60% of family members experience adverse mental health outcomes post-ICU, such as symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. Guidelines recommend structured family inclusion, communication, and support, but the existing evidence base around protocolized family support interventions is modest and requires substantiation. METHODS To test the clinical effectiveness and explore the implementation of a multicomponent, nurse-led family support intervention in ICUs, we will undertake a parallel, cluster-randomized, controlled, multicenter superiority hybrid-type 1 trial. It will include eight clusters (ICUs) per study arm, with a projected total sample size of 896 family members of adult, critically ill patients treated in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The trial targets family members of critically ill patients with an expected ICU stay of 48 h or longer. Families in the intervention arm will receive a family support intervention in addition to usual care. The intervention consists of specialist nurse support that is mapped to the patient pathway with follow-up care and includes psycho-educational and relationship-focused family interventions, and structured, interprofessional communication, and shared decision-making with families. Families in the control arm will receive usual care. The primary study endpoint is quality of family care, operationalized as family members' satisfaction with ICU care at discharge. Secondary endpoints include quality of communication and nurse support, family management of critical illness (functioning, resilience), and family members' mental health (well-being, psychological distress) measured at admission, discharge, and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Data of all participants, regardless of protocol adherence, will be analyzed using linear mixed-effects models, with the individual participant as the unit of inference. DISCUSSION This trial will examine the effectiveness of the family support intervention and generate knowledge of its implementability. Both types of evidence are necessary to determine whether the intervention works as intended in clinical practice and could be scaled up to other ICUs. The study findings will make a significant contribution to the current body of knowledge on effective ICU care that promotes family participation and well-being. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05280691 . Prospectively registered on 20 February 2022

A multicomponent family support intervention in intensive care units: study protocol for a multicenter cluster-randomized trial (FICUS Trial)

Background: Family members of critically ill patients face considerable uncertainty and distress during their close others' intensive care unit (ICU) stay. About 20-60% of family members experience adverse mental health outcomes post-ICU, such as symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. Guidelines recommend structured family inclusion, communication, and support, but the existing evidence base around protocolized family support interventions is modest and requires substantiation. Methods: To test the clinical effectiveness and explore the implementation of a multicomponent, nurse-led family support intervention in ICUs, we will undertake a parallel, cluster-randomized, controlled, multicenter superiority hybrid-type 1 trial. It will include eight clusters (ICUs) per study arm, with a projected total sample size of 896 family members of adult, critically ill patients treated in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The trial targets family members of critically ill patients with an expected ICU stay of 48 h or longer. Families in the intervention arm will receive a family support intervention in addition to usual care. The intervention consists of specialist nurse support that is mapped to the patient pathway with follow-up care and includes psycho-educational and relationship-focused family interventions, and structured, interprofessional communication, and shared decision-making with families. Families in the control arm will receive usual care. The primary study endpoint is quality of family care, operationalized as family members' satisfaction with ICU care at discharge. Secondary endpoints include quality of communication and nurse support, family management of critical illness (functioning, resilience), and family members' mental health (well-being, psychological distress) measured at admission, discharge, and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Data of all participants, regardless of protocol adherence, will be analyzed using linear mixed-effects models, with the individual participant as the unit of inference. Discussion: This trial will examine the effectiveness of the family support intervention and generate knowledge of its implementability. Both types of evidence are necessary to determine whether the intervention works as intended in clinical practice and could be scaled up to other ICUs. The study findings will make a significant contribution to the current body of knowledge on effective ICU care that promotes family participation and well-being. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05280691 . Prospectively registered on 20 February 2022. Keywords: Anxiety (MeSH); Cluster-randomized controlled trial (non-MeSH); Depression (MeSH); Family (MeSH); Family nursing (MeSH); Intensive care (MeSH); Post-traumatic stress disorder (MeSH); Postintensive care syndrome – family (non-MeSH); Satisfaction with care (non-MeSH

End-tidal to arterial carbon dioxide gradient is associated with increased mortality in patients with traumatic brain injury: a retrospective observational study

Early definitive airway protection and normoventilation are key principles in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury. These are currently guided by end tidal CO2 as a proxy for PaCO2. We assessed whether the difference between end tidal CO2 and PaCO2 at hospital admission is associated with in-hospital mortality. We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients with traumatic brain injury who were intubated and transported by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services to a Level 1 trauma center between January 2014 and December 2019. We assessed the association between the CO2 gap-defined as the difference between end tidal CO2 and PaCO2-and in-hospital mortality using multivariate logistic regression models. 105 patients were included in this study. The mean ± SD CO2 gap at admission was 1.64 ± 1.09 kPa and significantly greater in non-survivors than survivors (2.26 ± 1.30 kPa vs. 1.42 ± 0.92 kPa, p < .001). The correlation between EtCO2 and PaCO2 at admission was low (Pearson's r = .287). The mean CO2 gap after 24 h was only 0.64 ± 0.82 kPa, and no longer significantly different between non-survivors and survivors. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the CO2 gap was independently associated with increased mortality in this cohort and associated with a 2.7-fold increased mortality for every 1 kPa increase in the CO2 gap (OR 2.692, 95% CI 1.293 to 5.646, p = .009). This study demonstrates that the difference between EtCO2 and PaCO2 is significantly associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with traumatic brain injury. EtCO2 was significantly lower than PaCO2, making it an unreliable proxy for PaCO2 when aiming for normocapnic ventilation. The CO2 gap can lead to iatrogenic hypoventilation when normocapnic ventilation is aimed and might thereby increase in-hospital mortality

Protocolised early de-resuscitation in septic shock (REDUCE): protocol for a randomised controlled multicentre feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND Fluid overload is associated with excess mortality in septic shock. Current approaches to reduce fluid overload include restrictive administration of fluid or active removal of accumulated fluid. However, evidence on active fluid removal is scarce. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and feasibility of an early de-resuscitation protocol in patients with septic shock. METHODS All patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a septic shock are screened, and eligible patients will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to intervention or standard of care. INTERVENTION Fluid management will be performed according to the REDUCE protocol, where resuscitation fluid will be restricted to patients showing signs of poor tissue perfusion. After the lactate has peaked, the patient is deemed stable and assessed for active de-resuscitation (signs of fluid overload). The primary objective of this study is the proportion of patients with a negative cumulative fluid balance at day 3 after ICU. Secondary objectives are cumulative fluid balances throughout the ICU stay, number of patients with fluid overload, feasibility and safety outcomes and patient-centred outcomes. The primary outcome will be assessed by a logistic regression model adjusting for the stratification variables (trial site and chronic renal failure) in the intention-to-treat population. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by the respective ethical committees (No 2020-02197). The results of the REDUCE trial will be published in an international peer-reviewed medical journal regardless of the results. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04931485

Influence of mechanochemical activation on the sintering of cordierite ceramics in the presence of Bi2O3 as a functional additive

Due to its outstanding electrical characteristics, such as the low temperature expansion coefficient, low dielectric constant and good mechanical properties, cordierite, 2MgO center dot 2Al(2)O(3)center dot 5SiO(2), is a very attractive high-temperature ceramic material. In order to accelerate the process of sintering, 2.50 mass% Bi2O3 has been added to the starting mixtures. Liquid phase sintering caused by the presence of bismuth-oxide lowers the temperature of cordierite formation. The mechanical activation of the starting mixtures (0-56 min in vibro-mill) additionally lowers sintering temperatures. The sintering process was performed at 1200, 1300, 1350 and 1400 degrees C, for 2 h. The particle size analysis (PSA) was employed in order to determine the changes in the particle size of the mechanically treated powders. The phase composition of the starting powders and sintered materials was analyzed by the X-ray diffraction method. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used in the analysis of the powder morphology. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved