bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression profile of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A, B, and C paralogues in temporal neocortex tissue from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE)
Authors: Pazarlar Burcu A. , Aripaka Sanjay S. , Petukhov Viktor , Pinborg Lars , Khodosevich Konstantin , Mikkelsen Jens D.
Published: May 2022

Synaptic vesicle glycoprotein-2 (SV2) is a family of proteins consisting of SV2A, SV2B, and SV2C. This protein family has attracted attention in recent years after SV2A was shown to be an epileptic drug target and a perhaps a biomarker of synaptic density. So far, the anatomical localization of these proteins in the rodent and human brain have been reported, but co-expression of SV2 genes on a cellular level, their expressions in the human brain, comparison to radioligand binding, any possible regulation in epilepsy are not known. We have here analyzed the expression of SV2 genes in neuronal subtypes in the temporal neocortex in selected specimens by using single nucleus-RNA sequencing, and performed quantitative PCR in populations of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients and healthy controls. [3H]-UCB-J autoradiography was performed to analyze the correlation between the mRNA transcript and binding capacity to SV2A. Our data showed that the SV2A transcript is expressed in all glutamatergic and GABAergic cortical subtypes, while SV2B expression is restricted to only the glutamatergic neurons and SV2C has very limited expression in a small subgroup of GABAergic interneurons. The level of [3H]-UCB-J binding and the concentration of SV2A mRNA is strongly correlated in each patient, and the expression is lower in the TLE patients. There is no relationship between SV2A expression and age, sex, seizure frequency, duration of epilepsy, or whether patients were recently treated with levetiracetam or not. Collectively, these findings point out a neuronal subtype-specific distribution of the expression of the three SV2 genes, and the lower levels of both radioligand binding and expression further emphasize the significance of these proteins in this disease.
An evaluation of podiatry service use for people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases: a review of a rheumatology podiatry clinic in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Nguyen Vy , Brenton‐Rule Angela , Dalbeth Nicola , Rome Keith , Stewart Sarah
Published: May 2022

Background

Foot problems, including foot pain, structural deformities, skin and nail lesions, and footwear difficulties, are common in people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. However, dedicated podiatry services are limited, including in Aotearoa New Zealand. This study aimed to evaluate the podiatry service use for people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases who attended a specialist podiatric rheumatology clinic in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Methods

This retrospective review included people with an inflammatory rheumatic disease who attended the Auckland University of Technology Podiatric Rheumatology Clinic between 2010 and 2021. Data were extracted manually from patients' clinical records, including variables relating to patient characteristics, appointment details, presenting complaint, assessments performed, and treatments provided.

Results

From 2010 to 2021, 157 people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases attended 1570 appointments. The most common presenting concern was foot pain (reported by n = 121, 77.1% patients during at least one appointment), followed by skin/nail lesions (n = 98, 62.4%) and footwear/orthotic needs (n = 90, 57.3%). A range of podiatric interventions were provided to address foot‐care needs, in which education (n = 151, 96.2%) and general skin/nail care (n = 107, 68.2%) were the most common treatments provided. The majority of patients also received footwear interventions at some point during their period of service provision (n = 96, 61.1%), followed by orthoses, other padding/offloading devices, wound care, exercise prescription and referrals to other health professionals.

Conclusions

This is the first study to review podiatric service provision for people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases attending a specialist podiatric rheumatology clinic in Aotearoa New Zealand. The results of this study have shown that a podiatry clinic dedicated to people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases addresses the wide range of foot problems through an extensive provision of treatment services.
A case of facial nerve palsy in a pediatric patient associated with Covid-19
Authors: Iacono Alessandra , Pennisi Elisa , Benincasa Consuelo , Marchetti Federico
Published: May 2022

Background

Pediatric facial nerve palsy is acute and mostly idiopathic; other causes are post-infectious forms.

Case presentation

We describe a rare case of facial nerve palsy associated with COVID-19 in a 5-year-old boy. The diagnosis of post-infectious COVID-19-related facial paralysis was made by serology positivity for a previous infection (IgG positive, IgM and IgA weakly positive), in the presence of a negative molecular nasopharyngeal swab and in the absence of other etiologies. Early treatment with steroids (1 mg/day for 7 days followed by tapering) and supportive care solved the problem.

Conclusion

In a child with facial paralysis, COVID-19 must be considered as the cause and both nasopharyngeal swab and serology must be performed.
Management of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 5–11 years with allergies, asthma, and immunodeficiency: consensus of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (SIAIP)
Authors: Novembre Elio , Tosca Mariangela , Caffarelli Carlo , Calvani Mauro , Cardinale Fabio , Castagnoli Riccardo , Chiappini Elena , Cravidi Claudio , Del Giudice Michele Miraglia , Duse Marzia , Licari Amelia , Manti Sara , Martelli Alberto , Ricci Giampaolo , Pingitore Giuseppe , Marseglia Gian Luigi
Published: May 2022

BNT162b2 vaccine, developed by BioNTech and Pfizer ha recently approved for use in children aged 5 to 11 years. Recent data show evidence of safety on the administration and serious adverse events have been rarely reported. However, allergic systemic reactions could occur. In some cases, a correct allergic evaluation allows identifying patients at risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction. Risk assessment of allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines is useful to limit contraindications to vaccination and help to safely vaccinate people supposed to be at risk of allergic reactions.
The effect of two types of ankle orthoses on the repetitive rebound jump performance
Authors: Morikawa Masanori , Maeda Noriaki , Komiya Makoto , Kobayashi Toshiki , Urabe Yukio
Published: May 2022

Background

Ankle orthotics decreases the maximal vertical jump height. It is essential to maximize jump height and minimize ground contact time during athletic performance. However, the effect of ankle orthotics on athletic performance has not been reported. We aimed to investigate the effect of ankle orthotics on squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and repetitive rebound jump (RJ) performance.

Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers performed SJ, CMJ, repetitive RJ under no-orthosis and two orthotic conditions (orthosis 1 and orthosis 2). During SJ and CMJ, we measured the vertical ground reaction force and calculated the following parameters: jump height, peak vertical ground reaction force, rate of force development, net vertical impulse, and peak power. During repetitive RJ, the jump height, contact time, and RJ index were measured. A two-dimensional motion analysis was used to quantify the ankle range of motion in the sagittal plane during SJ, CMJ, and repetitive RJ.

Results

Multivariate analysis of variance and the post hoc test showed orthosis 2 significantly decreased in the vertical jump height (p = 0.003), peak power (p = 0.007), and maximum plantarflexion and dorsiflexion angles (p < 0.001) during SJ Ankle orthoses 1 and 2 did not influence to the RJ performance compared to those using the no-orthosis condition. Additionally, orthosis 2 significantly decreased the jump height at the end of repetitive RJ (p = 0.046).

Conclusions

These results suggest that ankle orthosis do not affect average RJ performance but should be considered when performing repetitive jumps frequently.
Treatment of critical aluminum phosphide (rice tablet) poisoning with high-dose insulin: a case report
Authors: Sedaghattalab Moslem
Published: May 2022

Background

Aluminum phosphide (rice tablet) is a highly efficient agent for preserving grains against rodents and insects. It accounts for a large number of poisoning cases. Aluminum phosphide poisoning has a high mortality rate of about 90%, and to date, no antidote is available. It releases phosphine gas after exposure to moisture, and this reaction is catalyzed by the acidity of the stomach. Phosphine is then absorbed throughout the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts and causes toxicity through inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase and formation of highly reactive free radicals. Treatment of patients with aluminum phosphide poisoning is supportive, including mechanical ventilation and vasopressors. The usage of infusion of glucose-insulin-potassium in rice tablet poisoning has been suggested, after its positive beneficial cardiac inotropic effects in patients with beta-blocker and calcium channel blocker poisoning.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 30-year-old Iranian woman with critical aluminum phosphide poisoning, presented with hypotension and other signs of shock and severe metabolic acidosis, successfully treated with high-dose regular insulin and hypertonic dextrose and discharged from hospital in good condition. In contrast to our previous experiences, in which nearly all patients with critical aluminum phosphide poisoning died, this patient was saved with glucose-insulin-potassium.

Conclusion

Aluminum phosphide poisoning has a high mortality rate, and to date, no antidote is available. Administration of high-dose intravenous regular insulin and dextrose is suggested as a potential life-saving treatment for patients with critical aluminum phosphide poisoning.
Intramuscular delivery of neural crest stem cell spheroids enhances neuromuscular regeneration after denervation injury
Authors: Li LeeAnn K. , Huang Wen-Chin , Hsueh Yuan-Yu , Yamauchi Ken , Olivares Natalie , Davila Raul , Fang Jun , Ding Xili , Zhao Weikang , Soto Jennifer , Hasani Mahdi , Novitch Bennett , Li Song
Published: May 2022

Background

Muscle denervation from trauma and motor neuron disease causes disabling morbidities. A limiting step in functional recovery is the regeneration of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) for reinnervation. Stem cells have the potential to promote these regenerative processes, but current approaches have limited success, and the optimal types of stem cells remain to be determined. Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), as the developmental precursors of the peripheral nervous system, are uniquely advantageous, but the role of NCSCs in neuromuscular regeneration is not clear. Furthermore, a cell delivery approach that can maintain NCSC survival upon transplantation is critical.

Methods

We established a streamlined protocol to derive, isolate, and characterize functional p75+ NCSCs from human iPSCs without genome integration of reprogramming factors. To enhance survival rate upon delivery in vivo, NCSCs were centrifuged in microwell plates to form spheroids of desirable size by controlling suspension cell density. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were also studied for comparison. NCSC or MSC spheroids were injected into the gastrocnemius muscle with denervation injury, and the effects on NMJ formation and functional recovery were investigated. The spheroids were also co-cultured with engineered neuromuscular tissue to assess effects on NMJ formation in vitro.

Results

NCSCs cultured in spheroids displayed enhanced secretion of soluble factors involved in neuromuscular regeneration. Intramuscular transplantation of spheroids enabled long-term survival and retention of NCSCs, in contrast to the transplantation of single-cell suspensions. Furthermore, NCSC spheroids significantly improved functional recovery after four weeks as shown by gait analysis, electrophysiology, and the rate of NMJ innervation. MSC spheroids, on the other hand, had insignificant effect. In vitro co-culture of NCSC or MSC spheroids with engineered myotubes and motor neurons further evidenced improved innervated NMJ formation with NCSC spheroids.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that stem cell type is critical for neuromuscular regeneration and that NCSCs have a distinct advantage and therapeutic potential to promote reinnervation following peripheral nerve injury. Biophysical effects of spheroidal culture, in particular, enable long-term NCSC survival following in vivo delivery. Furthermore, synthetic neuromuscular tissue, or “tissues-on-a-chip,” may offer a platform to evaluate stem cells for neuromuscular regeneration.
The circadian clock has roles in mesenchymal stem cell fate decision
Authors: Gao Wenzhen , Li Rong , Ye Meilin , Zhang Lanxin , Zheng Jiawen , Yang Yuqing , Wei Xiaoyu , Zhao Qing
Published: May 2022

The circadian clock refers to the intrinsic biological rhythms of physiological functions and behaviours. It synergises with the solar cycle and has profound effects on normal metabolism and organismal fitness. Recent studies have suggested that the circadian clock exerts great influence on the differentiation of stem cells. Here, we focus on the close relationship between the circadian clock and mesenchymal stem cell fate decisions in the skeletal system. The underlying mechanisms include hormone signals and the activation and repression of different transcription factors under circadian regulation. Additionally, the clock interacts with epigenetic modifiers and non-coding RNAs and is even involved in chromatin remodelling. Although the specificity and safety of circadian therapy need to be further studied, the circadian regulation of stem cells can be regarded as a promising candidate for health improvement and disease prevention.
The impacts of observational learning and word-of-mouth learning on farmers’ use of biogas in rural Hubei, China: does interpersonal trust play a role?
Authors: Zeng Yangmei , Qiu Feng , Zhang Junbiao
Published: May 2022

Background

Residue-based biogas is considered as a renewable energy that should be used to improve energy security and household livelihoods in rural areas. Observational learning and word-of-mouth learning are critical in the dissemination of knowledge about agricultural technologies. Yet, scholars have little understanding of the impacts of these learning methods on farmers’ use of residue-based biogas. Using survey data from rural areas of Hubei China, this study estimates the impacts of observational learning and word-of-mouth learning from different subjects (i.e., relatives, neighbors, cadres, cooperative members, and technical instructors) on the use of residue-based biogas by farmers. Additionally, the moderating role of interpersonal trust in these relationships is explored.

Results

Results from logistic regression models show that observational learning from technical instructors significantly increases farmers’ use of biogas. Furthermore, interpersonal trust significantly and positively influences the impact of observational learning on farmers’ decisions to use biogas. Similarly, interpersonal trust significantly and positively moderates the influence of positive word-of-mouth learning on farmers’ decision to use biogas. In contrast, a negative moderating role exists in the relationship between negative word-of-mouth learning and farmers’ decision to use biogas. These impacts are further affirmed by robustness checks.

Conclusions

The results presented here show that enhancing farmers’ interpersonal trust promotes the use of residue-based biogas by farmers. One important implication is that the government might promote the use of residue-based biogas by organizing technology demonstration activities, providing communication platforms, and enhancing mutual trust between farmers and relevant groups.
Development of the circadian system in early life: maternal and environmental factors
Authors: Wong Sachi D. , Wright Kenneth P. , Spencer Robert L. , Vetter Céline , Hicks Laurel M. , Jenni Oskar G. , LeBourgeois Monique K.
Published: May 2022

In humans, an adaptable internal biological system generates circadian rhythms that maintain synchronicity of behavior and physiology with the changing demands of the 24-h environment. Development of the circadian system begins in utero and continues throughout the first few years of life. Maturation of the clock can be measured through sleep/wake patterns and hormone secretion. Circadian rhythms, by definition, can persist in the absence of environmental input; however, their ability to adjust to external time cues is vital for adaptation and entrainment to the environment. The significance of these external factors that influence the emergence of a stable circadian clock in the first years of life remain poorly understood. Infants raised in our post-modern world face adverse external circadian signals, such as artificial light and mistimed hormonal cues via breast milk, which may increase interference with the physiological mechanisms that promote circadian synchronization. This review describes the very early developmental stages of the clock and common circadian misalignment scenarios that make the developing circadian system more susceptible to conflicting time cues and temporal disorder between the maternal, fetal, infant, and peripheral clocks.
Construction of nominal ionospheric gradient using satellite pair based on GNSS CORS observation in Indonesia
Authors: Supriadi Slamet , Abidin Hasanuddin Zainal , Wijaya Dudy Darmawan , Abadi Prayitno , Saito Susumu , Prabowo Dwiko Unggul
Published: May 2022

Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS) is a GNSS augmentation system that meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements to support precision approach and landing. GBAS is based on local differential GNSS technique with reference stations located around an airport to provide necessary integrity and accuracy. The performance of the GBAS system can be affected by gradient in the ionospheric delay between aircraft and reference stations. A nominal ionospheric gradient, which is bounded by a conservative error bound, is represented by a parameter σvig. The parameter σvig is commonly determined using station pair to GNSS Continuous Operating Reference Station (CORS) data. The station-pair method is susceptible to doubling of the estimation error of receiver inter-frequency bias (IFB) and is not suitable with the CORS conditions in Indonesia. We propose a satellite-pair method that is found to be more suitable for the CORS network over Indonesia which is centered in Java and Sumatra islands. An overall value of σvig (5.21 mm/km) was obtained using this method along with preliminary results of a comparison of σvig from Java and Sumatra islands.

Graphical Abstract
Successful treatment with steroid pulse therapy for a COVID-19 case with progressive respiratory failure during treatment for pleural metastasis of breast cancer
Authors: Jimbo Hikari , Horimoto Yoshiya , Hiki Makoto , Tabe Yoko , Watanabe Junichiro , Saito Mitsue , Naito Toshio
Published: May 2022

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected patients are at high risk for developing severe conditions if other comorbidities are present, such as advanced cancer. Although the regulation of immune response is thought to play an important role in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), physicians often have difficulties in selecting the most appropriate treatment. Furthermore, the impact that interrupting breast cancer treatment due to a COVID-19 infection has on patient outcomes is still unknown. Herein we report a case of advanced breast cancer in a patient whose COVID-19 acute respiratory failure was successfully treated with minimal interruption to their anticancer therapy for recurrent breast cancer.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old woman developed carcinomatous pleurisy after curative surgery for breast cancer. One month after the initiation of targeted therapy with palbociclib and fulvestrant, the pleural effusion decreased, but soon after she developed a COVID-19 infection. Dexamethasone (8 mg/day) was administered due to a prolonged fever, but her respiratory symptoms got worse and pneumonia appeared on a computed tomography (CT) scan 7 days after hospitalization. Thus, steroid pulse therapy (methylprednisolone 1000 mg/day) was administered for 3 days. Her respiratory condition rapidly improved. Two weeks after hospital discharge, complete regression of pneumonia was confirmed on CT scan, and her targeted therapy was resumed at the same dose and strength. More than 6 months later, her metastatic disease remains stable while on the same treatment. Retrospective analysis of the patient's neutralizing antibodies found the neutralizing activity was low in the early stages of infection, but became high after recovery. This suggests the patient acquired an immunity to SARS-CoV-2 through the infection, despite having a mild myelosuppression due to treatment for recurrent breast cancer.

Conclusions

Steroid pulse therapy is available worldwide, and may have an important role in cancer patients who develop severe pneumonia from SARS-CoV-2, by enabling them to avoid any long-term disruption to anticancer therapy. Moreover, it might also be useful when antiviral therapies lose their efficacy due to mutations of the virus, such as the Omicron variant. A critical element in cases such as this one is that treatment decisions are made by a team of specialists, including pulmonologists.
Re-thinking the drivers of regular and irregular migration: evidence from the MENA region
Authors: Dennison James
Published: May 2022

Why do individuals vary in their desire to emigrate? Why are some willing to emigrate irregularly? This article tests four theoretical approaches—socio-demographics; economic and political context; access to migrant networks; and psychological factors—across the Middle East and North Africa region. Data from the Arab Barometer is used to show that the most prevalent factors are youth, university education, being male, and stress levels as well as negative economic and political perceptions, being unmarried, trust in social media, remittances, and low religiosity. Notably, economic factors such as unemployment and income are shown to rarely have an effect. The determinants of being willing to emigrate without papers are fewer and distinct: gender and lower income especially as well as lower education and negative economic and political perceptions. Several contributions to our understanding of emigration are made: a two-step model of irregular emigration based on findings across 12 countries, new evidence of the complex and, within-country, muted role of economic factors, the centrality of psychology, and how, tentatively, it appears that both extreme wealth and war interact with the most fundamental socio-demographic drivers.
The codesign of implementation strategies for children’s growth assessment guidelines in the dental setting
Authors: Villarosa Amy Ruth , Maneze Della , Ramjan Lucie Michelle , Kong Ariana , George Ajesh
Published: May 2022

Background

Considering the interdisciplinary role dental staff can play in addressing overweight and obesity in childhood, this study aimed to codesign guideline implementation strategies for children’s growth assessment and dietary advice guidelines in the dental setting.

Methods

This qualitative study utilised principles of codesign and appreciative inquiry through a series of four, two-hour focus groups with dental staff and parents. Focus groups were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Discussion fell into two main themes, engaging patients throughout their care journey and supporting staff to engage with the guidelines. Six strategies were developed within these themes: (1) providing growth assessment information to patients and families before appointments, (2) providing refresher training to staff, (3) involving dental assistants in the growth assessment, (4) keeping dental staff updated regarding referral outcomes, (5) culturally appropriate information resources for patients and families, and (6) enabling longitudinal growth tracking in patient information systems.

Conclusions

This study successfully designed six implementation strategies for children’s growth assessment guidelines in the dental setting. Further research is required to determine their impact on guideline adherence.
Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy in a 4 generations family of South-East Asian Descendent with FZD4 mutation (c.1501_1502del)
Authors: Wai Yong Zheng , Chong Yong Yuin , Lim Lik Thai , Hamzah Norhafizah , Rahmat Jamalia
Published: May 2022

Background

Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a hereditary disorder characterized by peripheral avascular retina with neovascularization. Although FEVR has been thoroughly described in multiple literature publications from different countries, there are currently limited articles describing the phenotypes of FEVR among South-East Asian Descendent. This paper describes the clinical phenotype of the FZD4 gene with c.1501_1502 deletion in a 4-generation case series of a South East Asian family.

Methods

We reviewed a 4-generation case series of a South-East Asian descendent family consisting of 27 family members with 10 members diagnosed with FEVR. We observed the clinical phenotype of these series of patients, including some of the family members who underwent whole-exome sequencing, PCR amplification and DNA sequencing techniques to identify the mutated gene.

Results

Frameshift mutation (c.1501_1502del) were found in FZD4 gene in this series of patients with the age ranging from 1 month old to 69 years old. There was a 100% (4/4) of our paediatric patients being diagnosed within 21 days of life. It was also found that 75% of patients (6/8) less than 40 years old exhibited disease asymmetry of 2 stages or more and 80% (8/10) had a history of vitreoretinal surgery or diode laser photocoagulation, with a further 50% of the adult patients identified as legally blind; the mean age of blindness was 18-years-old.

Conclusions

Phenotypic manifestation of FZD4 gene with c.1501_1502del mutation can be identified within the neonatal period. They have relatively greater clinical asymmetry of 2 stages or more compared to other mutations. Without treatment, most of them will have bilateral severe visual impairment around the adolescent age group.
Internal structure and classification of pelvic floor dysfunction distress by PFDI-20 total score
Authors: de Arruda Guilherme Tavares , de Andrade Dalton Francisco , Virtuoso Janeisa Franck
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the internal structure (structural validity and internal consistency) and propose a classification for the distress caused by the presence of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) symptoms based on the total score of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20).

Methods

Cross-sectional study conducted with Brazilian women over 18 years of age. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed with Parallel Analysis and to test three models to compare them with the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) and Comparative Fit Index (CFI). Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. Partial credit model (PCM) was performed to classify the total score of the PFDI-20.

Results

Data from 237 women (49.62 ± 16.95 years) were analyzed. The one-dimensional structure had 43.74% of the explained variance with α = 0.929. The one-dimensional model was the most appropriate (CFI = 0.987 and RMSEA = 0.022). The total PFDI-20 score was classified as the absence of symptoms (score zero), symptoms with mild distress (1 to 15 points), symptoms with moderate distress (16 to 34 points), and symptoms with severe distress (35 to 40 points).

Conclusion

The PFDI-20 has an one-dimensional structure and the distress caused by the presence of PFD symptoms can be classified as mild, moderate and severe. Health professionals and future studies can use our classification to facilitate the understanding of the patient's health status and to obtain other analyses on the severity of the distress of the symptoms of PFD.
Characterization of indigenous Bacillus thuringiensis isolate RM11 toxic to the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
Authors: Navya R. Naga Sri , Balasubramani V. , Raveendran M. , Murugan M. , Lakshmanan A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner is an omnipresent soil bacterium used as world’s leading biopesticide to combat agriculturally important insect pests. This study was aimed at protein and gene profiling of an indigenous Bt isolate RM11, which was toxic to the larvae of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) in laboratory bioassays.

Results

Indigenous Bt isolate RM11 was characterized along with the standard checks B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) HD1 and 78/11, based on colony characters, protein profile and PCR screening. All three Bt colonies were fried egg type, white in color with flat elevation and undulated margin. PCR screening revealed the presence of cry1Ac and vip3A genes, which encode lepidopteran toxic proteins in RM11. SDS-PAGE results showed the presence of a prominent protein band of cry1Ac, vip3A with molecular weights 135 kDa, 88 kDa and other bands at 70, 50, 32 and 10 kDa. In leaf disk bioassay with spore crystal mixture, RM11 exhibited toxicity with LC50 of 4.51 µg/ml as against 0.07 µg/ml in positive standard HD1, based on mortality at 72 h after treatment. At LC50 of 4.51 µg/ml, solubilized and insolubilized protein of RM11 was found to produce 56 and 70% mortality.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that RM11 could be a viable alternative for consideration in developing a native Bt formulation and for inclusion in the integrated management of P. xylostella with other native isolates producing different toxins. Furthermore, these findings imply that RM11 could be a source of new cry toxin, which can be confirmed through whole-genome sequencing analysis.
Clinical features, laboratory characteristics and risk factors for mortality of COVID-19 patients in a secondary hospital in Oman during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Almayahi Zayid K. , Raveendran A. V. , Al Malki Rashid , Safwat Amira , Al Baloshi Muradjan , Abbas Amal , Al Salami Ahmed S. , Al Mujaini Sami M. , Al Dhuhli Khalid , Al Mandhari Said
Published: May 2022

Background

The changing epidemiological profile of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertain clinical picture of patients characterise this ongoing and most challenging health event.

Objectives

To report clinical features, laboratory characteristics, and mortality risk factors among COVID-19 patients admitted to a secondary hospital in Oman.

Methods

A retrospective study for the first 455 patients admitted with COVID-19 to Rustaq hospital from 12th April, 2020 to 27th September, 2020. A predesigned questionnaire collected data from the hospital medical electronic system.

Results

The mean age was 42.84 (SD = 19.86) years, and the majority of patients were aged 30 to 59 and 60 or above; 207 (45.5%) and 189 (41.5%), respectively. Male patients constituted approximately two-thirds of the subjects. Fever, dyspnea and cough were the most common presenting symptoms (69%, 66%, and 62%, respectively), while comorbidities with diabetes mellitus and hypertension were 47% and 44%, respectively. Bacterial growth was identified at approximately 10%. Bivariate analysis turned out to be significant with a number of factors. However, multivariate analysis showed significance with patients aged over 60 (OR = 7.15, 95% CI 1.99–25.63), dyspnea (OR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.5–5.33), dyslipidemia (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.02–3.66) and being bed-ridden (OR = 5.01, 95% CI 1.73–14.44). Durations from onset of symptoms to admission and respiratory distress were lower among patients who died; p = 0.024 and p = 0.001, respectively. Urea, Troponin and LDH may act as potential diagnostic biomarkers for severity or mortality.

Conclusions

This study identified groups of patients with a higher risk of mortality, with severe disturbance in the laboratory markers while some could act as potential diagnostic biomarkers.
Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on Moroccan patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kaddar Rochdi , Tarik Chayma , Atmani Maryam , Enakhil Ikrame , Fakhri Nada , Khalis Mohamed , Lotfy Abdellah , El Kadmiri Nadia
Published: May 2022

Background

The implementation of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown has affected the daily practices of subjects with chronic diseases such as diabetes and caused negative impact on their lifestyle and habits such as physical activity, dietary habits and accessibility to medications. Diabetic people are considered the most vulnerable groups to COVID-19, and the lockdown measure has disturbed the diabetes self-management. In our study, we aimed to assess, for the first time at the regional level (Souss Massa Region), the COVID-19 lockdown impact on HbA1c levels in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We carried out a cross-sectional quantitative analysis at the health center of the industrial district in Agadir City.

Results

We found a significant improvement in post-lockdown mean ± SD HbA1c in 150 subjects suffering from T1D and T2D; p = 0.005). Our analysis revealed a significant association of HbA1c deviation with educational level and medical coverage (p = 0.01). No significant association was detected between HbA1c deviation and age, gender, weight, height, current BMI status, fasting blood sugar, family history, urban or rural areas, marital status, professional activity, socioeconomic income, type of diabetes, dietary, comorbidities, diabetic complications, housing, adherence to the dietary recommendations, physical activity, medical appointments, stopping medication, self-monitoring, fasting and anxiety about getting COVID-19.

Conclusions

COVID-19 lockdown had no deleterious effect on HbA1c levels in Moroccan patients with T1D and T2D.
Robust facial expression recognition system in higher poses
Authors: Owusu Ebenezer , Appati Justice Kwame , Okae Percy
Published: May 2022

Facial expression recognition (FER) has numerous applications in computer security, neuroscience, psychology, and engineering. Owing to its non-intrusiveness, it is considered a useful technology for combating crime. However, FER is plagued with several challenges, the most serious of which is its poor prediction accuracy in severe head poses. The aim of this study, therefore, is to improve the recognition accuracy in severe head poses by proposing a robust 3D head-tracking algorithm based on an ellipsoidal model, advanced ensemble of AdaBoost, and saturated vector machine (SVM). The FER features are tracked from one frame to the next using the ellipsoidal tracking model, and the visible expressive facial key points are extracted using Gabor filters. The ensemble algorithm (Ada-AdaSVM) is then used for feature selection and classification. The proposed technique is evaluated using the Bosphorus, BU-3DFE, MMI, CK + , and BP4D-Spontaneous facial expression databases. The overall performance is outstanding.
Vascular endothelial growth factor A with two genetic variants for prediction of mixed microvascular diabetic complications
Authors: Omar Thoria Ahmed , El-Saeed Gehan Kamal , Khodeer Seham Ahmed , Dawood Alaa Abdelsalam , El-Deeb Sara Mahmoud , ELShemy Asmaa Mohammed , Montaser Belal Abdelmohsen
Published: May 2022

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signal protein, induces cell proliferation, and enhances the permeability of the endothelial cells. VEGF-A gene is highly polymorphic, with different near-gene variants at varied frequencies linked with altered VEGF protein expression, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) susceptibility, and associated microvascular complications. The present study aimed to investigate the role of two genetic variants of VEGF-A, − 583C > T (rs3025020) and + 936 C/T (rs3025039), for predicting mixed microvascular complications in T2DM. This case–control study was performed on 26 T2DM patients with mixed microvascular complications and 26 apparently healthy individuals, as a control group. Clinical, neurological, funds examinations, and biochemical laboratory investigations were conducted on all groups. The serum level of VEGF-A was measured using ELISA. Genotyping of VEGF-A was performed by real-time PCR allelic discrimination system.

Results

Serum level of VEGF-A was significantly increased in T2DM with mixed complications. T allele of VEGF-A rs3025020 showed higher frequency among T2DM patients with mixed complications than in control group [OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.03–6.91; p = 0.04], while CT genotype and T allele of VEGF-A rs3025039 had a high frequency in mixed complication group [OR 4.08; 95% CI 1.32–17.44; p = 0.01 and OR 4.02; 95% CI 1.52–10.63; p = 0.004, respectively].

Conclusion

VEGF-A increased the level contributed in the pathogenesis of mixed diabetic microvascular complications. T allele of VEGF-A rs3025020, CT genotype, and T allele of VEGF-A rs3025039 had the highest frequency in mixed diabetic microvascular complications, so they were considered risk genes for mixed diabetic microvascular complications.
Pericardial cyst in a one-year-old boy with ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Panthee Nirmal , Pradhan Sidhartha , Koirala Raamesh , Pant Anil Dev , Pokhrel Bishow , Shah Subhash Chandra , Timala Rabindra Bhakta
Published: May 2022

Background

Pericardial cysts are rare, with the most common etiology being congenital. Ventricular septal defect is the most common congenital heart disease in children. However, the combination of pericardial cyst, ventricular septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus is extremely rare.

Case presentation

A one-year-old boy with ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus was planned for surgical correction. Intraoperatively, we made an additional diagnosis of a large pericardial cyst; and the cyst was excised along with ventricular septal defect closure and patent ductus arteriosus ligation.

Conclusions

Pericardial cysts can sometimes be missed with transthoracic echocardiography. Excision of the cyst can safely be done during concomitant cardiac surgery.
Outcomes of transnasal endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Baban Muaid I. , Shareef Deman J. , Hadi Sahar J. , Shawkat Abdulrahman , Castelnuovo Paolo
Published: May 2022

Background

Although cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair of the anterior and middle skull base defect by endonasal endoscopic surgery (EES) presents one of the more difficult challenges, it has shown high success rates with less morbidity. Our objective is to evaluate the outcomes of transnasal endoscopic repair of CSF leak regarding success rate, impact on olfaction, and sinonasal function.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the CSF leak repair outcomes related to the site, size of the defect, surgical techniques, and the materials that been used through Smell Identification Test (SIT), 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22), Perioperative Sinus Endoscopy score (POSE), and Lund-MacKay Scoring (LM) of CT scan.

Results

Twenty-one patients were enrolled in the study; 12 out of 21 were females with a higher prevalence of traumatic causes of 61.9%. Different techniques and materials were used for the repair with a success rate recorded at 90.5% after the first closure attempt. The mean standard deviation (SD) scores postoperatively (after 6 months) was markedly decreased in SNOT 22 with mean (SD) 5.55 ± 3.6, slightly increase in POSE (mean ± SD = 0.43 ± 0.6), and slightly decrease in SIT (mean ± SD =10.31 ± 4.7) and LM (mean ± SD = 0.57 ± 0.7).

Conclusion

Transnasal endoscopic CSF leak repair is an effective technique for skull base defect closure with a high success rate and no valuable morbidity to sinonasal function other than mild hyposmia in patients where nasoseptal (NSF) and septal flap have been used.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the institutional review board and ethics committee of (The Arab Board of Health Specializations) with order no. (453) on 1April 2018.
Is interleukin-17 implicated in early knee osteoarthritis pathogenesis as in rheumatoid arthritis?
Authors: Abdel-Naby Hoda M. , El-Tawab Sarah S. , Rizk Mohamed M. , Aboeladl Nesrin A.
Published: May 2022

Background

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a cytokine that promotes activation of multiple catabolic pathways resulting in cartilage and tissue damage. It has features making it increasingly attractive as a biological marker, especially in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). However, its expression is heterogeneous; not all patients’ exhibit high IL-17 levels, and its level along the disease course is still challenging to predict.

Aim of the work

The objectives of this study were to compare serum IL-17 levels in patients with early knee OA and in RA patients, to determine its correlation with disease activity in RA and to determine if it is correlated with functional scores in both RA and OA.

Subjects and methods

Twenty early knee OA patients (32.7 ± 3.7) years were included. Diagnosis of early OA was based on Luyten et al. 2012 early knee OA classification (early OA 2012). This study also included 25 RA patients aged 32.8 ± 5.1 years, and the diagnosis was according to 2010 ACR-EULAR classification criteria for RA. The current work also included a control group of 20 healthy volunteers aged 31.9 ± 3.2 years. The serum IL-17 level was assessed by using the ELISA technique.

Results

Serum IL-17 level was significantly high in early knee OA patients (5.2 pg/ml) and was significantly higher in RA patients (5.9 pg/ml) compared to the control group (4.9 pg/ml) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The increased serum IL-17 level in patients with early knee OA suggests its pathogenic role in the disease. Serum IL-17 positive correlation with the severity of knee OA-related pain proposes that it may be a potential marker to target for early treatment of knee OA-related pain.
The Making of Index Numbers in the Early 1920s: A Closer Look at the Fisher-Mitchell Debate
Authors: Cruz-e-Silva Victor , Almeida Felipe
Published: May 2022

The systematic emergence of the test approach to index numbers took place in the early 1920s, a period marked by pluralism in American economics. Promoted by Irving Fisher, the test approach to index numbers aimed to select a universally valid, ideal formula for index numbers by employing a series of mathematical tests. However, from the first presentation of Fisher's approach, at the 1920 Annual Meeting of the American Statistical Association, to the publication of his book The Making of Index Numbers, in 1922, he faced a series of criticisms, not addressed to his ideal formula per se, but rather aimed at the very idea that a universal formula for index numbers could be singled out. The most prominent individuals involved in this debate were Wesley Mitchell, Warren Persons, Correa Walsh (Fisher's only supporter), and Allyn Young. Among them, the foremost representative of Fisher's antagonists was Mitchell. This study aims at reconstructing this antagonism, arguing that the disagreements between Fisher and Mitchell resulted from their different backgrounds and their distinct understandings of economics as a science. More specifically, this article illustrates how Fisher, as a mathematical economist, privileged a universalist conception of science, while Mitchell, as an institutionalist, understood economics as a contextual and historical discipline, and it illustrates how these preconceptions spilled over to their debates on index numbers. To illuminate such positions, this study explores their archival correspondence.
“Come vertute in petra prezïosa”
Authors: Pace Matteo
Published: May 2022

Although in the last few decades scholars have dedicated much attention to the juridical world and the academic environment of Bologna and its flourishing university in the second half of the thirteenth century, totally uncharted territory are the connections between Guido Guinizzelli di Magnano (1230s–1276), judge, prosecutor, and one of the main literary references of the upcoming Dolce Stilnovo, and the professional activity of Taddeo Alderotti (1206/1215–1295), the catalyst of the new scientific trends of the Bolognese medical school. Guido Guinizzelli’s canzone “Al cor gentil” offers a groundbreaking theory of nobility that philosophically conflates love with nobility. This article argues that the philosophical progress of the canzone presents an understanding of medical and scientific terminology that must be put in contact with Taddeo and his interest in Avicenna’s medical philosophy. Guinizzelli’s correspondence between love and nobility is nurtured by Avicenna’s increasingly popular doctrine of forma specifica, which structures the reasoning and the examples of the vernacular poem. Guinizzelli therefore frames the idea of nobility in the heart of the lover as the forma specifica of the noble man, and conceives the lady as the divine intelligence that reduces to act his potentiality.
Tell Me about Yourself
Authors: Gutierrez Michael Keenan , Singer Sarah Ann
Published: May 2022

This article describes an autoethnography project used in an undergraduate creative writing course and discusses its pedagogical benefits. Drawing on results from a survey and interviews with former students and a supporting librarian, the article considers how the assignment might be adapted for diverse institutional contexts.
Presenilin enhancer 2 is crucial for the transition of apical progenitors into neurons but into not basal progenitors in the developing hippocampus
Authors: Xia Yingqian , Zhang Yizhi , Xu Min , Zou Xiaochuan , Gao Jun , Ji Mu-Huo , Chen Guiquan
Published: May 2022

Recent evidence has shown that presenilin enhancer 2 (Pen2; Psenen) plays an essential role in corticogenesis by regulating the switch of apical progenitors (APs) to basal progenitors (BPs). The hippocampus is a brain structure required for advanced functions, including spatial navigation, learning and memory. However, it remains unknown whether Pen2 is important for hippocampal morphogenesis. To address this question, we generated Pen2 conditional knockout (cKO) mice, in which Pen2 is inactivated in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the hippocampal primordium. We showed that Pen2 cKO mice exhibited hippocampal malformation and decreased population of NPCs in the neuroepithelium of the hippocampus. We found that deletion of Pen2 neither affected the proliferative capability of APs nor the switch of APs to BPs in the hippocampus, and that it caused enhanced transition of APs to neurons. We demonstrated that expression of the Notch1 intracellular domain (N1ICD) significantly increased the population of NPCs in the Pen2 cKO hippocampus. Collectively, this study uncovers a crucial role for Pen2 in the maintenance of NPCs during hippocampal development.