Hjortcarlsson4103

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are systems in which a user's real-time brain activity is used to control an external device, such as a prosthetic limb. BCIs have great potential for restoring lost motor functions in a wide range of patients. However, this futuristic technology raises several ethical questions, especially concerning the degree of agency a BCI affords its user and the extent to which a BCI user ought to be accountable for actions undertaken via the device. This paper examines these and other ethical concerns found at each of the three major parts of the BCI system the sensor that records neural activity, the decoder that converts raw data into usable signals, and the translator that uses these signals to control the movement of an external device.Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to contribute to neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD), yet the cellular events that lead to mitochondrial disruption remain unclear. Post-mortem studies of PD patient brains and the use of complex I inhibitors to model the disease previously suggested a reduction in mitochondrial activity as a causative factor in PD, but this may represent an endpoint in the disease process. In our recent studies, we identified a novel link between branched-chain amino acid metabolism and PD, and uncovered mitochondrial hyperactivity as a potential alternative mechanism of PD pathogenesis. Increased mitochondrial activity may occur in a subset of PD patients, or may be a more common early event that precedes the ultimate loss of mitochondrial function. Therefore, it may be that any imbalance in mitochondrial activity, either increased or decreased, could cause a loss of mitochondrial homeostasis that leads to disease. An effective therapeutic strategy may be to target specific imbalances in activity at selective stages of PD or in specific patients, with any efforts to reduce mitochondrial activity constituting a surprising new avenue for PD treatment.The recent outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has impacted the world severely. The binding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and its intake by the host cell is a necessary step for infection. ACE2 has garnered widespread therapeutic possibility as it is entry/interactive point for SARS-CoV-2, responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and providing a critical regulator for immune modulation in various disease. Patients with suffering from cancer always being on the verge of being immune compromised therefore gaining knowledge about how SARS-CoV-2 viruses affecting immune cells in human cancers will provides us new opportunities for preventing or treating virus-associated cancers. Despite COVID-19 pandemic got center stage at present time, however very little research being explores, which increase our knowledge in context with how SARS-CoV-2 infection affect cancer a cellular level. Therefore, in light of the ACE-2 as an important contributor of COVID-19 global, we analyzed correlation between ACE2 and tumor immune infiltration (TIL) level and the type markers of immune cells were investigated in breast cancer subtypes by using TIMER database. Our findings shed light on the immunomodulatory role of ACE2 in the luminal A subtype which may play crucial role in imparting therapeutic resistance in this cancer subtype.Head injury is the largest cause of mortality in paediatric trauma. Infants ( less then 1 year old) are a high-risk group and vulnerable to non-accidental injury. A single-centre retrospective study at a major trauma centre collected data on infants presenting with a head injury over a 48-month period. 1127 infants presented with a head injury. 135 CT heads were performed. 38% of scans showed intracranial pathology. The decision about which infants to send for CT scans remains complex. Liberal use risks over-exposure to ionising radiation while restrictive use may miss subtler injuries.

Aggressive crystalloid resuscitation increases morbidity and mortality in exsanguinating patients. Polytrauma patients with severe tissue injury and subsequent inflammatory response without major blood loss also need resuscitation. This study investigated crystalloid and blood product resuscitation in non-exsanguinating polytrauma patients and studied possible adverse outcomes.

A 6.5-year prospective cohort study included consecutive trauma patients admitted to a Level 1 Trauma Center intensive care unit (ICU) who survived 48 hours. Demographics, physiologic and resuscitation parameters in first 24 hours, Denver Multiple Organ Failure scores, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) data and infectious complications were prospectively collected. Patients were divided in 5 L crystalloid volume subgroups (0-5, 5-10, 10-15 and >15 L) to make clinically relevant comparisons. Data are presented as median (IQR); p value <0.05 was considered significant.

367 patients (70% men) were included with mediants received large amounts of crystalloids with few FFPs <24 hours. In patients with <10 L crystalloids, <24-hour mortality and MODS rates were not influenced by crystalloid resuscitation. Mortality increased 6-fold in patients who received >15 L crystalloids ≤24 hours. Efforts should be made to balance resuscitation with modest crystalloids and sufficient amount of FFPs.

Level 3.

Population-based cohort study.

Population-based cohort study.

Whole blood viscoelastic testing (VET) devices are routinely used in a variety of clinical settings to assess hemostasis. The Quantra QStat System is a cartridge-based point of care VET device that measures changes in clot stiffness during coagulation and fibrinolysis using ultrasound detection of resonance. The objective of this study was to assess the ability of the Quantra QStat System to detect coagulopathies in trauma patients.

A multicenter observational study was conducted on adult subjects at two level 1 trauma centers. For each subject, whole blood samples were drawn upon arrival to the emergency department and again, in some cases, after administration of blood products and/or antifibrinolytics. Samples were analyzed on the Quantra in parallel to ROTEM

. The QStat cartridge provides measures of Clot Time (CT), Clot Stiffness (CS), Fibrinogen and Platelet Contributions to clot stiffness (FCS and PCS), and Clot Stability to Lysis (CSL). Data analyses included linear regression of Quantra and ROTEM parameters and an assessment of the concordance of the two devices for the assessment of hyperfibrinolysis.

A total of 56 patients were analyzed. 42% of samples had a low QStat CS value suggestive of an hypocoagulable state. The low stiffness values could be attributed to either low PCS, FCS or combination. Additionally, 13% of samples showed evidence of hyperfibrinolysis based on the QStat CSL parameter. Samples analyzed with ROTEM assays showed a lower prevalence of low CS and hyperfibrinolysis based on EXTEM and FIBTEM results. The correlation of CS, FCS and CT versus equivalent ROTEM parameters was strong with r-values of 0.83, 0.79 and 0.79, respectively.

This first clinical experience with the Quantra in trauma patients showed that the QStat Cartridge was strongly correlated with ROTEM parameters and that it could detect coagulopathies associated with critical bleeding.

Diagnostic test, Level II.

Diagnostic test, Level II.

Older individuals sustaining low-energy falls (LEF) and presenting to the emergency department (ED) demand straightforward diagnostic measures for injury detection. Plain radiography (XR) series for diagnosis of fall-related injuries are standard of care, but frequently subsequent CT examination is required for diagnostic assurance. A systematic database search of diagnostic accuracy of XR for detection of fractures in older LEF patients was performed.

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, WHO International Clinical Trial Platform, and Clinical trials.gov databases from inception to January 2020 for studies including older patients (≥65 years) with LEF and obtaining CT examination and XR of the skeleton in an ED setting.

From 8944 references screened, 11 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Performance of XR for detection of fractures of the pelvic ring and hip was analyzed in nine studies, two studies investigated XR performance to detect rib fractures, and two studies compared diagnostic acted outcome as well.The management of complex liver injury has changed during the last 30 years. Operative management has evolved into a non-operative management (NOM) approach, with surgery reserved for those who present in extremis or become hemodynamically unstable despite resuscitation. This NOM approach has been associated with improved survival rates in severe liver injury and has been the mainstay of treatment for the last 20 years. Patients that fail NOM and require emergency surgery are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Better patient selection may have an impact not only on the rate of failure of NOM, but the mortality rate associated with it. The aim of this article is to review the evidence that helped shape the evolution of liver injury management during the last 30 years.

Rib fractures are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in polytraumatized patients. There is considerable variability in the management (operative vs. non-operative) and timing of operative intervention. Although Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) guidelines recommend early operative intervention in patients with flail chest, there are no strong recommendations regarding operative fixation in patients with a non-flail chest rib fracture pattern.

We reviewed our Trauma Quality Improvement Program database for patients aged 18 to 99 who underwent operative intervention of ribs from January 2016 to July 2019. We examined hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, ventilator days, Injury Severity Score, age, discharge disposition and packed red blood cell transfusions. Similarly, we collected data from patients aged 18 to 99 who had one or more rib fractures in this time frame. We compared results in a 41 ratio of patients managed non-operatively to patientsncidence of displaced rib fractures and the presence of a flail segment in the operative group demonstrate congruence with EAST guidelines. A subgroup analysis of patients without flail segment did not demonstrate differences in outcomes nor shoulder girdle injury characteristics.

This article presents level III evidence that can be used by other clinicians to analyze eligibility for patients to undergo surgical stabilization of rib fracture (SSRF) and to provide counterarguments for performing SSRF in a heterogenous group of patients.

This article presents level III evidence that can be used by other clinicians to analyze eligibility for patients to undergo surgical stabilization of rib fracture (SSRF) and to provide counterarguments for performing SSRF in a heterogenous group of patients.

To describe the pattern of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) in Bietti's crystalline dystrophy (BCD).

From the National Institutes of Health EyeGene database of 2769 patients with known pathogenic mutations, 5 patients with BCD-causing CYP4V2 mutations who had FAF images were selected. Demographic and genetic information and imaging files were obtained. From the FAF imaging files, unique autofluorescence (AF) patterns and correlation with retinal structures were assessed by three investigators for clinical significance.

Five patients (four males, one female; mean age 56 years, range 42-76 years) were included, all with different CYP4V2 mutations. All patients displayed varying degrees of hypo-AF in the posterior pole. In four out of five patients, there was a relative hyper-AF of choroidal vessels within the hypo-AF area; this feature was limited to sclerotic vessels only. A transitional zone of speckled AF was visible around the hypo-AF area. This zone corresponded to the area containing retinal crystals on colour fundus photography; however, retinal crystals did not demonstrate hyper or hypo-AF.

This study presents a previously unreported characteristic finding in patients with BCD with CYP4V2 mutations. AF of choroidal vessels may aid in differentiating BCD from other retinal dystrophies.

This study presents a previously unreported characteristic finding in patients with BCD with CYP4V2 mutations. AF of choroidal vessels may aid in differentiating BCD from other retinal dystrophies.

This study aimed to evaluate and report the national prevalence of disability across undergraduate medical education (UME) and examine differences in the category of disability, and accommodation practices between allopathic (MD)- and osteopathic (DO)-granting programs.

Between May 20 and June 30, 2020, 75% of institutional representatives at eligible DO schools responded to a web-based survey. The survey assessed the aggregate prevalence of disabled DO students, prevalence of DO students by category of disability, and prevalence of accommodations granted. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize results. Using 2019 MD data, comparisons were made between MD and DO programs to calculate overall prevalence and differences in accommodation practices across undergraduate medical education.

DO-granting programs reported a disability prevalence of 4.27% of the total enrollment. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), psychological disabilities, and chronic health disabilities were reported most ve as a benchmark for DO programs, with implications for curricular development, instructional planning and disability support, and resource allocation in medical education.Background. Variability in outpatient specialty clinic schedules contributes to numerous adverse effects including chaotic clinic settings, provider burnout, increased patient waiting times, and inefficient use of resources. This research measures the benefit of balancing provider schedules in an outpatient specialty clinic. Design. We developed a constrained optimization model to minimize the variability in provider schedules in an outpatient specialty clinic. Schedule variability was defined as the variance in the number of providers scheduled for clinic during each hour the clinic is open. We compared the variance in the number of providers scheduled per hour resulting from the constrained optimization schedule with the actual schedule for three reference scenarios used in practice at M Health Fairview's Clinics and Surgery Center as a case study. Results. Compared to the actual schedules, use of constrained optimization modeling reduced the variance in the number of providers scheduled per hour by 92% (1.70-0.14), 88% (1.98-0.24), and 94% (1.98-0.12). When compared with the reference scenarios, the total, and per provider, assigned clinic hours remained the same. Use of constrained optimization modeling also reduced the maximum number of providers scheduled during each of the actual schedules for each of the reference scenarios. The constrained optimization schedules utilized 100% of the available clinic time compared to the reference scenario schedules where providers were scheduled during 87%, 92%, and 82% of the open clinic time, respectively. Limitations. The scheduling model's use requires a centralized provider scheduling process in the clinic. Conclusions. Constrained optimization can help balance provider schedules in outpatient specialty clinics, thereby reducing the risk of negative effects associated with highly variable clinic settings.Current dental sealants with methacrylate based chemistry are prone to hydrolytic degradation. A conventional ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) was compared to a novel methacrylate monomer with a flipped external ester group (ethylene glycol ethyl methacrylate - EGEMA) that was designed to resist polymer degradation effects. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and water contact angle confirmed a comparable degree of initial conversion and surface wettability for EGDMA and EGEMA. EGDMA disks initially performed better compared to EGEMA as suggested by higher surface hardness and 1.5 times higher diametral tensile strength (DTS). After 15 weeks of hydrolytic and accelerated aging, EGDMA and EGEMA DTS was reduced by 88% and 44% respectively. This accelerated aging model resulted in 3.3 times higher water sorption for EDGMA than EGEMA disks. EGDMA had an increase in grain boundary defects and visible erosion sites with accelerated aging, while for EGEMA the changes were not significant.A variety of available terminal sire lines makes the choice of terminal sire line complex for the pig producer. Higher birth weights are important for subsequent growth performance and selection for this trait is also necessary in sire lines. The aim was to investigate the effect of sire line, birth weight and gender on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality. In total 3844 crossbred pigs from Camborough Pig Improvement Company (PIC) dams matched with either a Synthetic (A) or Piétrain (B) sire line were used. Pigs from line A grew faster ( p less then 0.01 ), showed higher feed intake ( p less then 0.01 ) and reached a higher final body weight ( p ≤ 0.01 ), but they had a similar efficiency ( p = 0.179 ). Leaner carcasses and heavier primal cuts ( p less then 0.001 ) were observed in pigs from line B. Carcasses from pigs sired by line A had higher meat quality ( p less then 0.001 ). Males had a higher growth rate ( p ≤ 0.05 ) but had a poorer feed efficiency ( p less then 0.01 ). Heavier birth weight pigs and females had leaner, higher value carcasses with heavier primal cuts ( p less then 0.001 ) compared to middle and low birth weight females or males. Sire line by sex interactions was significant for growth ( p ≤ 0.05 ) and carcass traits ( p less then 0.001 ). Interaction between sire line and birth weight classes were only detected for loin depth ( p less then 0.01 ). Line A is preferable if the numbers of fatting pigs per fattening place and year should be improved, and line B is an option to increase leanness and carcass primal cuts.Gene markers have become useful tools for improving animal genetics and breeding since they improve the accuracy of selection for superior breeding stock. In this study, the stearoyl-CoA desaturase ( Δ -9-desaturase) gene (SCD) was investigated in New Zealand pasture-grazed Holstein-Friesian  ×  Jersey cows. Three nucleotide substitutions were identified in exon 5 of the gene (c.702A/G, c.762T/C and c.878C/T), and a single nucleotide substitution was identified in intron 5 (c.880 + 105A/G). The c.878C/T substitution would, if expressed, result in the amino acid substitution p.A293V. Four nucleotide substitutions (c.*1783A/G, c.*1883C/T, c.*1984G/A and c.*2066T/C/G) were identified in the 3 ' -untranslated region (3 ' -UTR), and these resulted in three nucleotide sequence variants (named a , b and c ) . The sequence that would encode valine (V) at position 293 of SCD was linked to 3 ' -UTR variant a , and the sequence that would encode alanine (A) was linked to variants b and c . The frequency of the genotypes was as follows VV (equivalent to aa 15.1 %), VA (equivalent to ab + ac 50.0 %) and AA (equivalent to bb + cc + bc 34.9 %). The cows with the V variant produced less C101, C121 and C141 fatty acid (FA) but more C100, C110, C140, C161 and C182 FA than the A variant cows ( P less then 0.001 ). Effects of c.*1783A/G and c.*2066T/C/G on milk fat composition were also found for the AA cows. The presence of c was associated with decreased levels of C161 ( P less then 0.001 ), C171 ( P = 0.001 ), C182 cis-9, trans-13 ( P = 0.045 ), C182 cis-9, trans-12 ( P = 0.018 ) FA and C161 FA index ( P less then 0.001 ). The presence of b was associated with increased levels of C130 iso FAs ( P less then 0.001 ), monounsaturated FA (MUFA; P = 0.002 ) and C121 ( P less then 0.001 ).A large body of literature documents positive effects of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on birth outcomes, and separately connects health at birth and future outcomes. But little research investigates the link between prenatal WIC participation and childhood outcomes. We explore this question using a unique data set from South Carolina that links administrative birth, Medicaid, and education records. We find that relative to their siblings, prenatal WIC participants have a lower incidence of ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and other common childhood mental health conditions and a lower incidence of grade repetition. These findings demonstrate that a "WIC start" results in persistent improvements in child outcomes across a range of domains.Here, we describe the case of an 80-year-old woman who presented with cranial dermoid cyst causing orbital disfigurement. The cyst was treated successfully with ethanol sclerotherapy and has shown no growth for 1 year.Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) a genetic disorder characterized by predisposition to cutaneous neoplasms. Lipedematous scalp is characterized by the presentation of a thick, sponge-like scalp due to the altered and increased deposition of adipose tissue. We present a case of Muir-Torre-associated sebaceous carcinoma of the scalp consistent with a lipedematous scalp.Talker-independent monaural speaker separation aims to separate concurrent speakers from a single-microphone recording. Inspired by human auditory scene analysis (ASA) mechanisms, a two-stage deep CASA approach has been proposed recently to address this problem, which achieves state-of-the-art results in separating mixtures of two or three speakers. A main limitation of deep CASA is that it is a non-causal system, while many speech processing applications, e.g., telecommunication and hearing prosthesis, require causal processing. In this study, we propose a causal version of deep CASA to address this limitation. First, we modify temporal connections, normalization and clustering algorithms in deep CASA so that no future information is used throughout the deep network. We then train a C-speaker (C ≥ 2) deep CASA system in a speaker-number-independent fashion, generalizable to speech mixtures with up to C speakers without the prior knowledge about the speaker number. Experimental results show that causal deep CASA achieves excellent speaker separation performance with known or unknown speaker numbers.

Ice hockey injury patterns in Europe were last evaluated in the 1990s.

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency, type, location, and incidence of traumatic injuries, as well as the prevalence and relative effect of overuse injuries in professional male ice hockey players.

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Traumatic injuries were assessed using a standardized injury report form over a 1-year period (including the preparatory phase and season). The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire was used to determine overall and substantial overuse injuries and their relative effect on ice hockey players.

Five Swiss National League teams participated in the study. From a total of 321 recorded injuries, 179 led to time loss from sport. The game-related time-loss injury incidence during the season was 88.6/1000 player-game hours.Time-loss injuries affected mainly the hip/groin/thigh region (23%), followed by the head (17%). Most time-loss injuries were classified as muscle strains (24%), followed by concussions (18%). The most common injury mechanism involved collision with an opponent's body (31%), and right forward players (23%) were most likely to report a game-related injury. Most injuries (27%) occurred within the defending zone along the boards. The average prevalence rates of all overuse and substantial overuse injuries were 49% and 13%, respectively. The hip/groin displayed the highest average prevalence for all overuse problems (16%), translating to the highest relative effect.

Muscle strains and concussions were the most frequent time-loss injuries in Swiss professional ice hockey players. The hip/groin was the most affected region for both traumatic and overuse injuries.

Muscle strains and concussions were the most frequent time-loss injuries in Swiss professional ice hockey players. The hip/groin was the most affected region for both traumatic and overuse injuries.

Recurrent shoulder instability results from overuse injuries that are often associated with athletic activity. Timely diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent further dislocations and secondary joint damage. In pediatric and adolescent patients, insurance status is a potential barrier to accessing timely care that has not yet been explored.

To examine the effect of insurance status on access to clinical consultation, surgical intervention, and surgical outcome of pediatric and adolescent patients with recurrent shoulder instability.

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric and adolescent patients who were treated at a single tertiary children's hospital for recurrent shoulder instability between 2011 and 2017. Patients were sorted into private and public insurance cohorts. Dates of injury, consultation, and surgery were recorded. Number of previous dislocations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results, surgical findings, and postoperative complicatifected access to care and was correlated with the development of secondary bony injury and a higher rate of postoperative dislocations. Clinicians should practice with increased awareness of how public insurance status can significantly affect patient outcomes by delaying access to care-particularly if delays lead to increased patient morbidity and health care costs.

Public insurance status affected access to care and was correlated with the development of secondary bony injury and a higher rate of postoperative dislocations. Clinicians should practice with increased awareness of how public insurance status can significantly affect patient outcomes by delaying access to care-particularly if delays lead to increased patient morbidity and health care costs.

The use of hip arthroscopic surgery in the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is increasing, but it is universally known as a technically demanding procedure with a "steep" learning curve. There are limited data investigating the correlation between surgeon experience and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) as well as procedure and traction times.

To prospectively evaluate the relationship between surgeon experience and PROs after hip arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of FAI.

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

A total of 190 patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopic surgery for FAI were prospectively enrolled during a sports medicine fellowship-trained surgeon's first 36 months of practice. A radiographic evaluation as well as PRO surveys including the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) were administered preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. Logistic regression as welve PRO scores for the SF-12 and HOOS. Case volume did not affect the complication rate, as this cohort experienced 4 minor cases of neurapraxia.

Surgical efficiency in hip arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of FAI was maximized after 110 cases in this cohort. However, significant PRO improvements can be achieved early in a surgeon's practice prior to maximizing surgical efficiency.

Surgical efficiency in hip arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of FAI was maximized after 110 cases in this cohort. However, significant PRO improvements can be achieved early in a surgeon's practice prior to maximizing surgical efficiency.

The pivot-shift test is an important indicator of functional outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). Preoperative instability as indicated by the pivot-shift test is associated with residual instability after ACLR. Few studies have used quantitative means to evaluate the pivot shift after ACLR.

To investigate the relationship between preoperative and residual instability and to identify the risk factors for residual instability by using quantitative measurements of the pivot shift.

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

A total of 91 patients undergoing primary double-bundle ACLR were retrospectively enrolled. Quantitative measurements of instability for ACL-deficient knees (ACLD) and uninjured contralateral knees (intact) preoperatively, as well as ACLR knees intraoperatively, were performed under general anesthesia using the pivot-shift test, with inertial sensors to measure acceleration and external rotational (ER) angular velocity. The ratios of intact to ACLD (AC001). The cutoff points for ACLD/I were 4.9 for acceleration (sensitivity, 65.1%; specificity, 85.7%; area under the curve [AUC], 0.76) and 2.4 for ER angular velocity (sensitivity, 80.0%; specificity, 50.0%; AUC, 0.74).

Greater preoperative instability was a risk factor for residual instability as measured intraoperatively by a quantitatively evaluation in the pivot shift during ACL reconstruction. Quantitative measurements of instability during the pivot shift mechanism under general anesthesia may enable surgeons to predict postoperative residual instability.

Greater preoperative instability was a risk factor for residual instability as measured intraoperatively by a quantitatively evaluation in the pivot shift during ACL reconstruction. Quantitative measurements of instability during the pivot shift mechanism under general anesthesia may enable surgeons to predict postoperative residual instability.

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), fibrinogen (FIB) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with hypertension (HT) (DMT2HTN) and without HT (DMT2). Also, their association with certain biochemical and physical factors were studied to identify possible risk factors that lead to cardiovascular complications.

Fasting blood samples were collected from 35 DMT2 or DMT2HTN patients each to analyze differences in serum and plasma levels of IMA, hs-CRP, FIB, total cholesterol (TC), high and low density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), triglyceride (TG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), glycated hemoglobin and creatinine.

In DMT2 and DMT2HTN patients, IMA, hs-CRP, FIB, TC, TG, HDL, LDL, glycated hemoglobin and creatinine levels, including body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), were significantly higher relative to healthy controls. In addition, the levels of IMA, hs-CRP and FIB levels showed a strong link to BMI, WHR, TC, TG, LDL and glycated hemoglobin. Lastly, both DMT2 and DMT2HTN patients demonstrated a significant reduction in HDL.

DMT2 and DMT2HTN patients have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular related complications. This study suggests that quantifying hs-CRP, IMA and FIB levels can help diagnose the risk of developing complications during the early stages of metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Overall, the specific risk factors may be used for early identification of cardiovascular complications to decrease mortality and morbidity in T2DM patients.

DMT2 and DMT2HTN patients have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular related complications. This study suggests that quantifying hs-CRP, IMA and FIB levels can help diagnose the risk of developing complications during the early stages of metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Overall, the specific risk factors may be used for early identification of cardiovascular complications to decrease mortality and morbidity in T2DM patients.

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Highly Upregulated in Liver Cancer (HULC) and microRNA-372 (miR-372) as biochemical markers in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCV-infected patients.

The present study was conducted on 100 Egyptian individuals divided into 3 groups, 40 patients with HCC and HCV infection, 40 patients only HCV-infected, and 20 individuals as normal controls. They were subject to full history taking, full clinical and laboratory examination, and assessment of HULC and miR-372 levels by real-time PCR.

A statistically significant difference was found with p< 0.05 between HCC and each of HCV and control groups as regards HULC level with high mean among HCC followed by HCV patients. Our results also show a statistically significant difference with p< 0.05 between each of HCC and HCV compared to control as regards miR-372 level with low mean among HCC patients.

HULC could be considered as a potential non-invasive marker for detection and early diagnosis of HCC. Also, it may play an important role in the early prophylaxis and control measures to reduce the incidence of HCC. However, miR-372 cannot be considered as a reliable marker as HULC for early detection of HCC especially in HCV patients.

HULC could be considered as a potential non-invasive marker for detection and early diagnosis of HCC. Also, it may play an important role in the early prophylaxis and control measures to reduce the incidence of HCC. However, miR-372 cannot be considered as a reliable marker as HULC for early detection of HCC especially in HCV patients.

is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. The global increased resistance of

strains to macrolide (ML) has become a worrisome health problem. The widespread use of these medications has led to increased rate of reported ML-resistant

(MRMP) throughout the world. This study was aimed to evaluate the resistance of

against erythromycin due to mutations in the 23S rRNA gene of patients with respiratory infections in Iran.

In this study, 100 samples of throat swab from a patient with respiratory problems were collected. After the cultured of all samples in

-specific PPLO medium, PCR technique was performed with specific primers. Afterwards, the broth micro-dilution MIC assay was employed. Finally, the PCR product of the 23S

gene was sequenced to detect mutations of domain V in 23S rRNA gene of MRMP.

It was found that 17 cases (17%) were positive for mycoplasma genus and six cases (6%) positive for

species. Also, analysis of the sequence of 23S rRNA gene, revealed that one of the samples had mutations at positions A2431G and G2491A. All positive samples

with 23S rRNA gene were sensitive to erythromycin.

These use of these antibiotics should be limited to prevent the emergence of MRMP in Iran.

These use of these antibiotics should be limited to prevent the emergence of MRMP in Iran.

Timely identification of

infections can lead to a decrease in mortality rates. Differentiation of

from other similar species using traditional culture-based and molecular methods is problematic. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of identifying the

and

for the detection of

from isolates and various clinical samples using molecular methods.

A total of 440 clinical samples were collected from patients with suspected invasive pneumococcal infections during February 2016 to October 2018. Biochemical tests were used to confirm the dubious colonies on 5% sheep blood agar. Fifty-seven confirmed isolates, 57 culture-positive samples, and 57 culture-negative samples were analyzed for the presence of

and

using both conventional and real-time PCR.

All the isolates and culture-positive samples were positive for

and

by both PCR methods. Of the 57 culture-negative samples, conventional and real-time PCR amplified

from six and two samples, and

from seven and two samples, respectively.

The specificity of real-time PCR assay was significantly higher than that of conventional PCR for the identification of

. In addition, it is suggested that respiratory secretions are not suitable specimen for direct diagnosis of pneumococcal infections.

The specificity of real-time PCR assay was significantly higher than that of conventional PCR for the identification of S. pneumoniae. In addition, it is suggested that respiratory secretions are not suitable specimen for direct diagnosis of pneumococcal infections.

Beta thalassemia (β-thalassemia) is a type of inherited blood disorder characterized by the impaired production of beta globin chains. β-Thalassemia can be categorized into three subtypes according to symptom severity β-thalassemia minor, β-thalassemia intermedia, and β-thalassemia major. Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine gland by synthesizing and secreting an array of bioactive peptides including leptin, adiponectin, and resistin.

We recruited 30 participants who were transfusion dependent β-thalassemia patients (major) and 30 participants who were non-transfusion dependent β-thalassemia patients (minor). The control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals. Analysis of the demographic profile, hematological profile, biochemical parameters, and serum adipokine concentrations (leptin, adiponectin and resistin) were performed for all participants.

Our results showed that leptin serum levels were significantly lower in the β-thalassemia major group compared with the β-thalassemia minor group or healthy individuals, while serum levels of adiponectin were significantly higher in β-thalassemic patients compared with healthy controls. Serum levels of resistin were significantly higher in β-thalassemic patients compared with the healthy control group. A significant negative correlation was noted between adiponectin and BMI in β-thalassemic patients, whereas leptin was observed to have a significant positive correlation with BMI in the control group. Leptin was observed to have a significant negative correlation with adiponectin and ferritin in the β-thalassemia major group.

The changes we observed in adipokine levels may play a role in the development of the complications related to β-Thalassemia and disease severity.

The changes we observed in adipokine levels may play a role in the development of the complications related to β-Thalassemia and disease severity.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common demyelinating neurodegenerative disorder with significant heritability. Previous studies have associated genetic variants in human leukocyte antigen

complex,

, and

genes with the pathophysiology of MS.

In order to investigate the gene association in the Iranian population, we performed a genotyping study of 36 variants in the mentioned genes using Sanger sequencing in 102 MS patients and 113 healthy controls.

Our results identified significant associations as well as significant allele frequency differences in some of the studied single-nucleotide polymorphisms including rs4935356, rs3177928, and rs7197 from

gene, and rs12722489 and rs12722490 variants from

gene (p< 0.05). Moreover, the strong linkage disequilibrium of two common haplotypes was estimated from the

gene.

This association study may suggest the role of these polymorphisms in the genetic susceptibility of MS in the Iranian population and would facilitate the recognition of causative variants in this disease.

This association study may suggest the role of these polymorphisms in the genetic susceptibility of MS in the Iranian population and would facilitate the recognition of causative variants in this disease.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a multisystem disorder, is the most prevalent type of hereditary kidney disease. Here, we aimed to evaluate methylation of the

gene (

) promoter and its correlation with

expression in peripheral blood.

In this case-control study methylation of the

promoter was evaluated using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melt (MS-HRM) analysis.

expression was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. The correlation was evaluated using the Pearson correlation test.

Twenty subjects from both the patient and control groups (n= 40 for each) were methylated at the

promoter to various levels (18.9% in patients and 62.5% in controls). This difference was statistically significant (p< 0.0001).

expression in blood samples was significantly greater in ADPKD patients than in controls (p= 0.0081). Significant correlation was seen between

expression and its promoter methylation status in peripheral blood (r case= -0.5300, p= 0.0162, and r control = -0.6265, p= 0.0031).

Methylation of the

promoter in ADPKD patients was inversely correlated with

expression.

Methylation of the PKD1 promoter in ADPKD patients was inversely correlated with PKD1 expression.

Janus kinase 2 (

) is a tyrosine kinase located in the cytoplasm that plays a critical role in the signal transduction of cytokines and growth hormones. The conversion of valine to phenylalanine at the polypeptide position 617 results in the

(V617F) mutation, which often found in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). As a result of this mutation,

is constitutively activated leading to uncontrolled cell growth. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency and relationship of the

(V617F) mutation in a population of patients with MPNs in Iran.

A total of 213 patients with myeloproliferative diseases (MPDs), were included in the study. Real-time PCR was used to detect the presence of the

(V617F) mutation in the genomic DNA isolated from patient peripheral blood samples.

Of the 213 patients with MPDs, approximately 60 (28%) patients were positive for the

(V617F) mutation. Polycythemia Vera (PV, 42.11%) was the most common MPD, followed by Essential Thrombocythemia (ET, 29.82%), Primary Myelofibrosis (MF, 12.28%), and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML, 10.5%). A significant relationship between all types of MPDs and the clinical course (p< 0.05) was observed. The relationship between age and gender among all types of MPD disease was not significant (p> 0.05).

Of the examined cohort in North Eastern Iran, 28% of the patients with MPNs were found to have the

(V617F) mutation which determining the presence of the

(V617F) mutation helps to decide the correct form of treatment.

Of the examined cohort in North Eastern Iran, 28% of the patients with MPNs were found to have the JAK2 (V617F) mutation which determining the presence of the JAK2 (V617F) mutation helps to decide the correct form of treatment.

Targeted therapy is an important treatment strategy that is widely used for cancer therapy. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in a significant percentage of Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Although Cetuximab, which targets EGFR, has shown some inhibitory effects on TNBC cells, Cetuximab resistance cases due to ligand-independent activating mutations in the EGFR gene limit its application. Due to various benefits of single chain antibodies (scFvs), the use of these antibodies in cancer targeted therapy is increasing. In this study, a specific anti-EGFR antibody was isolated and evaluated.

Panning procedure was used against an immunodominant epitope of EGFR in its dimerization arm using a diverse phage library. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and fingerprinting were applied to identify the specific clones. The MTT tetrazolium assay was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of selected anti- EGFR scFv phage antibody on MDA-MB-468, a TNBC cell line.

After four round of panning, one dominant pattern was observed in DNA fingerprinting with frequency of 85%. The growth of MDA-MB-468 cells was decreased dose-dependently after treatment with anti-EGFR scFv phage antibody. No significant inhibitory effect of M13KO7 helper phage as negative control on the cell growth of MDA-MB-468 was observed (p> 0.05).

The selected anti-EGFR scFv with high anti proliferative effect on TNBC cells offers an effective alternative for TNBC targeted therapy. The antibody, which binds to the dimerization arm of EGFR and inhibits EGFR dimerization, could also overcome TNBC cases with Cetuximab resistance due to ligandindependent activating mutations.

The selected anti-EGFR scFv with high anti proliferative effect on TNBC cells offers an effective alternative for TNBC targeted therapy. The antibody, which binds to the dimerization arm of EGFR and inhibits EGFR dimerization, could also overcome TNBC cases with Cetuximab resistance due to ligandindependent activating mutations.

Over 90% of oral cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), originate from the oral cavity epithelium. Early detection for this lesion is as important. Evaluating cancer stem cell markers can improve the accuracy of early diagnosis, and be used as an OSCC prognostic indicator. We aimed to evaluate SOX2 and OCT4 gene expression among different grades of OSCC and oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) lesions.

Sixty samples that contains 45 OSCC and 15 OED samples were retrieved from the pathology department archives at the dental school of Mashhad. Demographic and pathological patient data including the tumor stage and tumor grade were assessed. Finally, SOX2 and OCT4 expression was examined using qRT-PCR.

There was a significant difference in SOX2 and OCT4 expression between OSCC and OED samples (p< 0.001). The mean expression of SOX2 and OCT4 in OSCC samples were significantly higher than in the OED group (p< 0.001). The mean expression of SOX2 and OCT4 was higher in grade II and grade III OSCC compared to grade I. There was no significant relationship between the gene expression of SOX2 or OCT4 to the demographic, site and stage of tumors. The correlation between SOX2 and OCT4 expression (p= 0.001) was significant in grade III OSCC specimens compared to other grades (p= 0.005, r= 0.68).

The increased expression of SOX2 and OCT4 in higher grades and the significant correlation of these genes with each other among OSCC specimens could suggest the role of SOX2 or OCT4 in oral mucosal carcinogenesis.

The increased expression of SOX2 and OCT4 in higher grades and the significant correlation of these genes with each other among OSCC specimens could suggest the role of SOX2 or OCT4 in oral mucosal carcinogenesis.

The Ccr4-Not protein complex (CNOT complex) is a key regulator of gene expression in eukaryotic cells. Ccr4-Not Complex is composed of at least nine conserved subunits in mammalian cells with two main enzymatic activities. CNOT8 is a subunit of the complex with deadenylase activity that interacts transiently with the CNOT6 or CNOT6L subunits. Here, we focused on the role of the human CNOT8 subunit in the DNA damage response (DDR).

Cell viability was assessed to measure ATP level using a Cell Titer-Glo Luminescence reagent up to 4 days' post CNOT8 siRNA transfection. In addition, expression level of phosphorylated proteins in signalling pathways were detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. CNOT8- depleted Hela cells post- 3 Gy ionizing radiation (IR) treatment were considered as a control.

Our results from cell viability assays indicated a significant reduction at 72-hour post CNOT8 siRNA transfection (p= 0.04). Western blot analysis showed slightly alteration in the phosphorylation of DNA damage response (DDR) proteins in CNOT8-depleted HeLa cells following treatment with ionizing radiation (IR). Increased foci formation of γH2AX, RPA, 53BP1, and RAD51 foci was observed after IR in CNOT8-depleted cells compared to the control cells.

We conclude that CNOT8 deadenylase subunit is involved in the cellular response to DNA damage.

We conclude that CNOT8 deadenylase subunit is involved in the cellular response to DNA damage.

is one of the widespread causes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Over recent years, the widespread use of macrolides has led to the emergence of macrolide-resistant

(MRMP) resulted from mutations at specific positions of domain V of the

gene.

We collected 100 samples of throat swabs from patients with respiratory infections. After extraction of DNA from bacterial cell cultured in PPLO broth media using Roche kit (Germany), the PCR was performed on specific samples of

using specific primers for

gene.Afterwards, for positive samples, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the broth microdilution with Clarithromycin. Finally, the PCR product was sequenced to detect mutations related to macrolide resistance in domain V of

.

According to the analysis of the sequenced PCR product of

gene using Clustalw2 online software, one of the samples were shown to have a mutation at A2431G and G2491A positions. The MIC measurement also revealed that all isolates were sensitive to Clarithromycin, and there was no macrolide resistance to Clarithromycin in all isolates.

Sequence analysis of the

gene in

, revealed no macrolide resistance of

to Clarithromycin. Thus, the use of these antibiotics should be restricted to prevent the development of macrolide-resistant

in Iran.

Sequence analysis of the 23S rRNA gene in M. pneumoniae , revealed no macrolide resistance of M. pneumoniae to Clarithromycin. Thus, the use of these antibiotics should be restricted to prevent the development of macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae in Iran.

Introduction Oxytocin (OT) has been proposed to assist in the regulation of bone remodeling and to exert an antiosteoporotic effect. We evaluated the possible protective effect of OT against bone degeneration in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

The study was performed on three groups of adult female rats; group I was subjected to sham operation, group II was subjected to ovariectomy, and group III was subjected to ovariectomy and intraperitoneal injection with OT for eight successive weeks. At the end of the study, bone mass density (BMD) was measured; then the rats were euthanized and their blood and bone tissues were examined.

The group II rats had significantly less BMD and greater serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP), osteocalcin (OC), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) levels than the group I rats. Furthermore, group II rats had fewer osteocytes and osteoblasts, and less OPG/RANKL mRNA expression than group I rats. The groups I and III and rats showed no significant differences in BMD, bALP, OC, TRAP, OPG/RANKL mRNA expression, or osteocyte and osteoblast numbers.

Oxytocin may have an antiosteoporotic effect in OVX rats.

Oxytocin may have an antiosteoporotic effect in OVX rats.

Due to extensive damage to the skin, burn victims may acquire life-threatening infections. Though the skin primarily protects against microbial invasions, a large number of bacteria, fungi, and viruses can be isolated from burn patients, specifically

, a gram-negative bacterium with both intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance (AR) properties.

mutations can be found on the

in the

chromosome. This mutation can induce overexpression of the mexAB-oprMoperon, and affect the MexAB-OprM efflux pump, which removes antimicrobial agents from the bacterial cell. Identifying nalB mutants can be useful for monitoring factors affecting AR.

In this study, 70

isolates identified from burn patients and antibacterial sensitivity was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer method. We also investigated

mutations in samples using molecular methods including Polymerase reaction chain (PCR) and Sequencing.

We identified

mutations in 16 isolates. We also found that the increasing effect of

mutants induces hyper production activity of MexAB-OprM resulting in AR.