Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular testing in the United States versus the rest of the world

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and compare the decline in volumes of cardiovascular procedures between the United States and non-US institutions during the early phase of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the care of many non-COVID-19 illnesses. Reductions in diagnostic cardiovascular testing around the world have led to concerns over the implications of reduced testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Methods: Data were submitted to the INCAPS-COVID (International Atomic Energy Agency Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocols Study of COVID-19), a multinational registry comprising 909 institutions in 108 countries (including 155 facilities in 40 U.S. states), assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of diagnostic cardiovascular procedures. Data were obtained for April 2020 and compared with volumes of baseline procedures from March 2019. We compared laboratory characteristics, practices, and procedure volumes between U.S. and non-U.S. facilities and between U.S. geographic regions and identified factors associated with volume reduction in the United States. Results: Reductions in the volumes of procedures in the United States were similar to those in non-U.S. facilities (68% vs. 63%, respectively; p = 0.237), although U.S. facilities reported greater reductions in invasive coronary angiography (69% vs. 53%, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more U.S. facilities reported increased use of telehealth and patient screening measures than non-U.S. facilities, such as temperature checks, symptom screenings, and COVID-19 testing. Reductions in volumes of procedures differed between U.S. regions, with larger declines observed in the Northeast (76%) and Midwest (74%) than in the South (62%) and West (44%). Prevalence of COVID-19, staff redeployments, outpatient centers, and urban centers were associated with greater reductions in volume in U.S. facilities in a multivariable analysis. Conclusions: We observed marked reductions in U.S. cardiovascular testing in the early phase of the pandemic and significant variability between U.S. regions. The association between reductions of volumes and COVID-19 prevalence in the United States highlighted the need for proactive efforts to maintain access to cardiovascular testing in areas most affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 infection

Assessment of genetic variability in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) genotypes

The evaluation of phenotypic characteristics is critical in the selection of top cotton lines. Cotton breeders want to use a variety of genotypes in hybrids to segregate for desired characteristics while also allowing for selection and genetic gain. Breeders can use phenotypic diversity information to aid in parental selection. In this context, a set of 12 advance cotton lines were evaluated for genetic diversity at Cotton Research Institute, Tandojam during Kharif season 2020. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications, while seven agronomical traits were included in the experiment. The mean squares of genotypes were significantly differences (P&lt;0.05) for all studied traits, representing that genetic diversity is existed in these cotton germplasms for further utilization. Considering the agronomic performance, the genotype B-2 was on top in average values for plant height (174.40 cm), bolls plant-1 (42.067), seed cotton yield plant-1(139.34 g), GOT% (37.800%) and staple length (28.00 mm), hence indicates its valuable breeding resources for future cotton breeding. The greater genetic distance of 92.683 was found between B5 and B2 genotypes, revealing that this pair may be used in hybridization program for vigorous hybrid production and better selection in subsequent generations. The variance percentages for the first, second, and third principle components were 42.70, 23.10, and 17.20, respectively; the first three components contributed 83.00 percent of the variation for genotypes, which is high enough for cotton crop improvements. The cotton genotypes were divided into three categories based on phenotypic data. The many groups obtained might be beneficial in generating cotton genotypes with a variety of characteristics and diversifying the cotton gene pool

Assessing the genetic potential of mustard genotypes for water stress through PEG-6000 treatments

Water stress is a primary constraint to achieve the goal of sustainable crop production. Water stress severely affects the seed production and oil yield of mustard genotypes. To overcome this problem, the development of water stress resilient mustard cultivars with potential seed and oil yield is a sustainable solution. Therefore, in vitro screening of mustard genotypes through PEG-6000 treatments were carried out on ten mustard genotypes. Along with control, two PEG-6000 levels were set to impose osmotic stress, such as, 6% and 10% PEG-6000. Data analyses depicted significant differences among all genotypes and between PEG-6000 treatments for all the studied traits, such as, shoot and root length, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight, K+ content, Ca++ content and K+/Ca++ ratio, demonstrating the availability of genetic differences in mustard genotypes for future stress breeding. Under PEG-6000 (6% and 10%) treatments, the genotypes like AARI-Canola, Khanpur Raya, Dhoom-1, Super Raya, Galaxy and Coral-432 exhibited high performance for seedling traits and less reduction due to PEG-6000 treatments. Hence, these mustard genotypes tend to provide useful genetic potential for water stress breeding

Combining Ability Estimates from Line x Tester Mating Design in Upland Cotton

Combining abilities of cotton varieties were evaluated using a line x tester mating design, twelve hybridswhich developed from 3 testers (male) and 4 lines (females). The experiment was conducted on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications during 2014. The data were recorded for plant height, sympodial plant-1, bollsplant-1, boll weight and seed cotton yieldplant-1. Chandi-95, NIA-Ufaq and Sadori displayed the highest mean performance and GCA for more or less all the traits, indicating their superiority for inclusion in future breeding programme. The crosses Chandi-95 x BT 802, Sadori x BT A-1, Sohni x BT A-1 and NIA-Ufaq x BT-802 manifested meaning full SCA effects for economic traits, which could be used either for hybrid seed programme or developing superior varieties by applying selection in late segregating generations

Combining Ability Estimates from Line x Tester Mating Design in Upland Cotton

Combining abilities of cotton varieties were evaluated using a line x tester mating design, twelve hybridswhich developed from 3 testers (male) and 4 lines (females). The experiment was conducted on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications during 2014. The data were recorded for plant height, sympodial plant-1, bollsplant-1, boll weight and seed cotton yieldplant-1. Chandi-95, NIA-Ufaq and Sadori displayed the highest mean performance and GCA for more or less all the traits, indicating their superiority for inclusion in future breeding programme. The crosses Chandi-95 x BT 802, Sadori x BT A-1, Sohni x BT A-1 and NIA-Ufaq x BT-802 manifested meaning full SCA effects for economic traits, which could be used either for hybrid seed programme or developing superior varieties by applying selection in late segregating generations

Comparison of Vicryl, Dexon and Intestinal Stapler for the Closure of Colon in Dogs

Eighteen healthy mongrel dogs of sexes, varying ages (16.50 ± 0.22 months) and weights (19.83 ± 0.16 kg) were used in this study. The experiment was conducted in the | department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam.A total of 18 dogs (male and female) were randomly divided into three groups placing 6 animals in each i.e., group-A (Vicryl 3/0 suture material), B (Dexon 3/0 suture material) and C (stapler). Physically healthy animals were used in this study in order to achieve the required results. Xylazine (9.91 ± 0.08 mg/dog) and thiopental Sodium (198.33 ± 1.05 mg/dog) was administered intramuscularly in all groups. The anaesthetized animals were placed on the dorsal recumbancy on surgical table in order to perform surgical procedure. The caudal ventral midline incision of 5 cm was made in all dogs to exteriorized the colon. One incision of 5 cm was given on colon and bleeding was controlled by artery forceps. Colon incision was closed with Vicryl (3/0) in group-A, Dixon (3/0) in group-B and intestinal stapling materials in dogs of group-C. The peritoneum in each dog was sutured with chromic catgut by simple interrupted suture technique, the linea alba was sutured with chromic catgut by simple continuous suture technique, sub-cutaneous layer was apposed with sub-cuticular suture technique using 3/0 chromic catgut. Skin was closed with simple interrupted suture pattern using silk 2/0 suture material in dogs.The total duration of anesthesia required was 328.33 ± 1.17, 330.00 ± 1.39 and 313.83 ± 2.52 minutes for closure of colon closed with Vicryl, Dexon and Stapling material respectively. The mean number of total stitches for colon closure with Vicryl, Dexon and stapling material was 15 ±0.57. 17.00 ± 0.36 and 6.66 ± 0.21 respectively. Though the partial development of mucosal folds can be seen on day 10 of post-surgery whereas fully development except lamina epithelia on day 20. It is concluded that Vicryl suture material showed the superiority in terms of better apposition of the sutured tissues and better healing and lesser complications like minimal adhesions between sutured site and other structures applied with double layer appositional suture technique for the closure of colon in dogs. This study also reveals that all suture materials were not completely free from complications but staple technique showed quicker application and lesser number of staples was required as compare to Vicryl and Dexon suture stitches and duration.

Comparison of Vicryl, Dexon and Intestinal Stapler for the Closure of Colon in Dogs

Eighteen healthy mongrel dogs of sexes, varying ages (16.50 ± 0.22 months) and weights (19.83 ± 0.16 kg) were used in this study. The experiment was conducted in the | department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam.A total of 18 dogs (male and female) were randomly divided into three groups placing 6 animals in each i.e., group-A (Vicryl 3/0 suture material), B (Dexon 3/0 suture material) and C (stapler). Physically healthy animals were used in this study in order to achieve the required results. Xylazine (9.91 ± 0.08 mg/dog) and thiopental Sodium (198.33 ± 1.05 mg/dog) was administered intramuscularly in all groups. The anaesthetized animals were placed on the dorsal recumbancy on surgical table in order to perform surgical procedure. The caudal ventral midline incision of 5 cm was made in all dogs to exteriorized the colon. One incision of 5 cm was given on colon and bleeding was controlled by artery forceps. Colon incision was closed with Vicryl (3/0) in group-A, Dixon (3/0) in group-B and intestinal stapling materials in dogs of group-C. The peritoneum in each dog was sutured with chromic catgut by simple interrupted suture technique, the linea alba was sutured with chromic catgut by simple continuous suture technique, sub-cutaneous layer was apposed with sub-cuticular suture technique using 3/0 chromic catgut. Skin was closed with simple interrupted suture pattern using silk 2/0 suture material in dogs.The total duration of anesthesia required was 328.33 ± 1.17, 330.00 ± 1.39 and 313.83 ± 2.52 minutes for closure of colon closed with Vicryl, Dexon and Stapling material respectively. The mean number of total stitches for colon closure with Vicryl, Dexon and stapling material was 15 ±0.57. 17.00 ± 0.36 and 6.66 ± 0.21 respectively. Though the partial development of mucosal folds can be seen on day 10 of post-surgery whereas fully development except lamina epithelia on day 20. It is concluded that Vicryl suture material showed the superiority in terms of better apposition of the sutured tissues and better healing and lesser complications like minimal adhesions between sutured site and other structures applied with double layer appositional suture technique for the closure of colon in dogs. This study also reveals that all suture materials were not completely free from complications but staple technique showed quicker application and lesser number of staples was required as compare to Vicryl and Dexon suture stitches and duration.

Impact of COVID-19 on Cardiovascular Testing in the United States Versus the Rest of the World

Objectives: This study sought to quantify and compare the decline in volumes of cardiovascular procedures between the United States and non-U.S. institutions during the early phase of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the care of many non-COVID-19 illnesses. Reductions in diagnostic cardiovascular testing around the world have led to concerns over the implications of reduced testing for cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Methods: Data were submitted to the INCAPS-COVID (International Atomic Energy Agency Non-Invasive Cardiology Protocols Study of COVID-19), a multinational registry comprising 909 institutions in 108 countries (including 155 facilities in 40 U.S. states), assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volumes of diagnostic cardiovascular procedures. Data were obtained for April 2020 and compared with volumes of baseline procedures from March 2019. We compared laboratory characteristics, practices, and procedure volumes between U.S. and non-U.S. facilities and between U.S. geographic regions and identified factors associated with volume reduction in the United States. Results: Reductions in the volumes of procedures in the United States were similar to those in non-U.S. facilities (68% vs. 63%, respectively; p = 0.237), although U.S. facilities reported greater reductions in invasive coronary angiography (69% vs. 53%, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more U.S. facilities reported increased use of telehealth and patient screening measures than non-U.S. facilities, such as temperature checks, symptom screenings, and COVID-19 testing. Reductions in volumes of procedures differed between U.S. regions, with larger declines observed in the Northeast (76%) and Midwest (74%) than in the South (62%) and West (44%). Prevalence of COVID-19, staff redeployments, outpatient centers, and urban centers were associated with greater reductions in volume in U.S. facilities in a multivariable analysis. Conclusions: We observed marked reductions in U.S. cardiovascular testing in the early phase of the pandemic and significant variability between U.S. regions. The association between reductions of volumes and COVID-19 prevalence in the United States highlighted the need for proactive efforts to maintain access to cardiovascular testing in areas most affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 infection.</p

Reduction of cardiac imaging tests during the COVID-19 pandemic: The case of Italy. Findings from the IAEA Non-invasive Cardiology Protocol Survey on COVID-19 (INCAPS COVID)

Background: In early 2020, COVID-19 massively hit Italy, earlier and harder than any other European country. This caused a series of strict containment measures, aimed at blocking the spread of the pandemic. Healthcare delivery was also affected when resources were diverted towards care of COVID-19 patients, including intensive care wards. Aim of the study: The aim is assessing the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac imaging in Italy, compare to the Rest of Europe (RoE) and the World (RoW). Methods: A global survey was conducted in May–June 2020 worldwide, through a questionnaire distributed online. The survey covered three periods: March and April 2020, and March 2019. Data from 52 Italian centres, a subset of the 909 participating centres from 108 countries, were analyzed. Results: In Italy, volumes decreased by 67% in March 2020, compared to March 2019, as opposed to a significantly lower decrease (p &lt; 0.001) in RoE and RoW (41% and 40%, respectively). A further decrease from March 2020 to April 2020 summed up to 76% for the North, 77% for the Centre and 86% for the South. When compared to the RoE and RoW, this further decrease from March 2020 to April 2020 in Italy was significantly less (p = 0.005), most likely reflecting the earlier effects of the containment measures in Italy, taken earlier than anywhere else in the West. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic massively hit Italy and caused a disruption of healthcare services, including cardiac imaging studies. This raises concern about the medium- and long-term consequences for the high number of patients who were denied timely diagnoses and the subsequent lifesaving therapies and procedures