Autoantibodies against the serotoninergic 5-HT4 receptor and congenital heart block: a reassessment

The specificity of autoantibodies against the serotoninergic 5-HT4 receptor in congenital heart block has led to conflicting observations. In order to clarify the situation, a collaborative effort was undertaken to discover the reasons for these discrepancies and to reassess the importance of such autoantibodies by making use of the Research Registry for Neonatal Lupus. Sera from 128 patients (101 anti-SSA/Ro52 positive mothers among which 74 have children with congenital heart block (CHB), 9 anti-SSA/Ro52 negative patients of which 1 had a child with heart block and 18 healthy donors) were assessed in a single blind test using an ELISA coated with a 5-HT4 receptor-derived peptide. Discrepancies between previous observations in our two groups could be ascribed to small differences in the set up of the assay. Of the 75 sera from mothers of children with CHB, 12 were reactive with the 5-HT4 peptide. Four sera among which three were from 35 Ro52 negative mothers without affected children as well as 2 in the 18 controls were positive. Interestingly, in 1 mother with an isolated child with CHB but who had no detectable anti-SSA/Ro52 antibodies and 1 mother with a child with a structural heart block and no detectable antibodies to any component of SSA/Ro, reactivity with the 5-HT4 receptor was noted. While 5-HT4 receptor autoantibodies do not have the predictive value of anti-Ro52 autoantibodies, the presence of these antibodies in a minor subset of mothers whose children have CHB suggests an additional risk factor which may contribute to the pathogenesis of disease.     

Quality of mobility measures among individuals with acquired brain injury: an umbrella review

Quality of Life Research - While several mobility measures exist, there is large variability across measures in how mobility is conceptualized, the source of information and the measurement...     

The Effect of Neonicotinoids Exposure on Oreochromis niloticus Histopathological Alterations and Genotoxicity

This study aimed to examine the side effects of selected neonicotinoids (Acetamiprid, Aceta, and Imidacloprid, Imid) on Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. The acute toxicity, Probit method, revealed an LC₅₀ of 195.81 and 150.76 ppm for Aceta/96 h and Imid/72 h respectively. The fish were divided into three groups that were exposed, for 21 days (n?=?5/replicate), to 1/10 of the LC₅₀ of either neonicotinoids, however, the third was an unexposed control group. Results of erythrocytic micronucleus (MN), and nuclear abnormalities (NA) showed that Aceta and Imid exposure caused a significant (p?<?0.05) increase in MN by?~?2.2 and?~?10 folds, respectively relative to control. NAs occurred at the order of kidney-shaped?>?budding?>?binucleated in Aceta, however, budding?>?binucleated?>?kidney-shaped was noticed in the Imid group. Histopathological changes in gills, liver, and muscles were observed significantly in both exposed groups with more severity in the Imid group. Collectively, Aceta and Imid have potential genotoxicity and histopathological alterations in O. niloticus.

     

Does JC virus have a role in the etiology and prognosis of Egyptian colorectal carcinoma?

John Cunningham virus (JCV) encodes an oncogenic T‐antigen, which is capable of interacting with key growth regulatory pathways. JCV definite role as causal agent of human cancer, still awaits final confirmation. The present study was conducted to assess the possible role of JCV in Egyptian colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and correlate the expression with the clinicopathological features and survival. JCV in situ hybridization (ISH) signals and large T antigen immunoreactivity were examined in 87 colonic specimens. Positive glandular JCV ISH signals were detected in 20%, 25% and 40% of normal, adenoma and CRC cases respectively. Stromal JCV ISH signals were identified in 26% of CRC cases and 5% of adenoma however, normal mucosa did not show stromal positivity with significant difference (p = 0.03). Glandular JCV expression was significantly associated with high grade (p = 0.03), high mitotic index (p=0.02) and low apoptotic index (p = 0.00). Positive stromal signals were significantly associated with low apoptosis (p = 0.00). No positive nuclear immunostaining of JCV large T antigen was detected in all specimens. JCV stromal expression was the 2nd most powerful indicator of short survival and bad prognosis (p = 0.03) in CRC patients. JCV might play an etiological role in CRC tumorogenesis and short survival in Egyptian CRC patients.     

Radiological impact assessment to the environment due to waste from disposal of porcelain

The present study aimed to assess the radiological parameters from gamma rays due to the uncontrolled disposal of porcelain waste to the environment. Qualitative and quantitative identification of radionuclides in the investigated samples was carried out by means of a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The average activity concentrations of the local porcelain samples were measured as 208.28?Bq/kg for ²²⁶Ra, 125.73?Bq/kg for ²³⁸U, 84.94?Bq/kg for ²³²Th and 1033.61?Bq/kg for ⁴⁰K, respectively. The imported samples had an average activity of 240.57?Bq/kg for ²²⁶Ra, 135.56?Bq/kg for ²³⁸U, 115.74?Bq/kg for ²³²Th and 1312.49?Bq/kg for ⁴⁰K, respectively. Radiological parameters and the radium equivalent Ra_eq for the investigated samples were calculated. The external and internal hazard indices, representative level index (I_γ), alpha index (I_α), and the exemption level (I_x), were estimated to be higher than the recommended value (unity), while the average activity concentrations for the studied samples were higher than recommended levels. In conclusion, we are concerned that disposal of porcelain in the environment might be a significant hazard.     

Genetic polymorphisms for BDNF,COMT, and APOE do not affect gait or ankle motor control in chronic stroke: A preliminary cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

Background: Motor deficits after stroke are a primary cause of long-term disability. The extent of functional recovery may be influenced by genetic polymorphisms.

Objectives: Determine the effect of genetic polymorphisms for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and apolipoprotein E (APOE) on walking speed, walking symmetry, and ankle motor control in individuals with chronic stroke.

Methods: 38 participants with chronic stroke were compared based upon genetic polymorphisms for BDNF (presence [MET group] or absence [VAL group] of a Met allele), COMT (presence [MET group] or absence [VAL group] of a Met allele), and APOE (presence [ε4+ group] of absence [ε4- group] of ε4 allele). Comfortable and maximal walking speed were measured with the 10-m walk test. Gait spatiotemporal symmetry was measured with the GAITRite electronic mat; symmetry ratios were calculated for step length, step time, swing time, and stance time. Ankle motor control was measured as the accuracy of performing an ankle tracking task.

Results: No significant differences were detected (p ≥ 0.11) between the BDNF, COMT, or APOE groups for any variables.

Conclusions: In these preliminary findings, genetic polymorphisms for BDNF, COMT, and APOE do not appear to affect walking speed, walking symmetry, or ankle motor performance in chronic stroke.