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The egg parasitoid, Trichogramma evanescens Westwood, is used for inundative releases in biological control programs against the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta Meyrick, in agro-ecosystems. One of the most important host-parasitoid interactions is functional response that its type and parameters are affected by different factors including host plant characteristics. In this research, functional response of T. evanescens to different egg densities (2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64) of T. absoluta was investigated in a growth chamber (26±2°C, 50±10% RH, and 16:8 hours L:D photoperiod), on three varieties of tomato (Mobil, Riogrande, and Early Urbana-703). Type of functional response was determined by logistic regression and its parameters, i.e. searching efficiency and handling time, were calculated by nonlinear regression model using SAS software. Functional response of this parasitoid was type III on Mobil and Riogrande and type II on Early Urbana- 703. Searching efficiency (a) for each host density was 0.0368, 0.0736, 0.1472, 0.2944, 0.5888, and 1.1776 on Mobil, and 0.0374, 0.0748, 0.1469, 0.2992, 0.5984, and 1.1968 h-1 on Riogrande varieties, respectively. Also, on Early Urbana-703, the attack rate was 0.1045 h-1. The handling time was 1.0276, 1.1017, and 1.3289 hours with maximum parasitism of 23.3, 21.7, and 18.06 eggs on these varieties, respectively. It is suggested that physical structure of Early Urbana-703 variety may interfere with the parasitoid’s performance, resulting in an impaired searching efficiency and parasitism ability. Some applied aspects of the findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years frequency of skin allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and urticaria is reported to be high in the region. Identi?cation of reactive allergens in different areas are very important in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. The aim of this study was to determine frequency of common allergens in patients with skin allergies in province of Bushehr with regards to eczema and urticaria. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 234 patients with urticarial and eczema were enrolled. The participants reacted to at least one allergen with SPT. Skin prick test with standard inhaled and food was performed on patients according to the herbal geography of the area. Results: Among 837 patients referred to allergy clinic, 91 patients had eczema and 143 had urticaria. The frequency of both eczema and urticaria was significantly higher in females than in males. The most common food allergens in patients with eczema were almond (56.6%), walnut (47.7%) and soybean (46.1%). And in patients with urticaria were almond (58%), walnut (53.1%) and tomato (48.2%). Also, aeroallergens in the subjects were house dust mite (HDM) (63.7%), Russian thistle (57.7%) and Alternaria alternara (51.6%). Meanwhile, the common aeroallergens in the patients were HDM (66.4%), Russian thistle (52.4%) and date palm (51%). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that almond and walnut are important food allergens in participants with eczema and urticaria. Moreover, SPT reactivity was positive with aeroallergens such as HDM and weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE, The relationship between refractory errors and intelligence and the importance of genetic, regional and environmental factors in such associations, were investigated in a group of school children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS, One hundred and thirty-seven students (34.3% boys and 65.7% girls) from two primary schools were enrolled in the study. Cycloplegic refraction was performed and a spherical equivalent (SE) ≥ 0.5D were determined as hyperopia; <-0.5D myopia and <1 cyl D astigmatism. Demographic factors, parent's education level, teacher based assessment of school performance and average score were also evaluated. RESULTS, Seventy-eight (56.9%) of subjects showed a form of refractory error; 27%, 3% and 2.9% were myope, hyperope or astigmat, respectively, whereas 12.4% of them had both myopia and astigmatism and 10.2% showed hyperopia and astigmatism; 43.1% were normal. CONCLUSIONS, Although our data revealed no distinction of average score between normal group and myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or hyperopia-astigmatism, there is a statistically significant difference between normal group and those who had both myopia and astigmatism in which the later had a lower mediocre. Our results is somehow in contrast with other parallel studies demonstrating that positive connection between school performance and myopia can be explained by the geographical or racial discrepancies as well as subjects involved in the study and divergent set of cut off limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To describe an alternative treatment approach for piriformis syndrome using a hip muscle strengthening program with movement reeducation. BACKGROUND: Interventions for piriformis syndrome typically consist of stretching and/or soft tissue massage to the piriformis muscle. The premise underlying this approach is that a shortening or ìspasmî of the piriformis is responsible for the compression placed upon the sciatic nerve. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 30-year-old male with right buttock and posterior thigh pain for 2 years. Clinical findings upon examination included reproduction of symptoms with palpation and stretching of the piriformis. Movement analysis during a single-limb step-down revealed excessive hip adduction and internal rotation, which reproduced his symptoms. Strength assessment revealed weakness of the right hip abductor and external rotator muscles. The patientís treatment was limited to hip-strengthening exercises and movement reeducation to correct the excessive hip adduction and internal rotation during functional tasks. OUTCOMES: Following the intervention, the patient reported 0/10 pain with all activities. The initial Lower Extremity Functional Scale questionnaire score of 65/80 improved to 80/80. Lower extremity kinematics for peak hip adduction and internal rotation improved from 15.9° and 12.8° to 5.8° and 5.9°, respectively, during a step-down task. DISCUSSION: This case highlights an alternative view of the pathomechanics of piriformis syndrome (overstretching as opposed to overshortening) and illustrates the need for functional movement analysis as part of the examination of these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVE: To highlight the effects of an intervention program consisting of strengthening and neuromuscular reeducation of the gluteus maximus in an elite triathlete with exercise-associated muscle cramping (EAMC). BACKGROUND: Researchers have described 2 theories concerning the etiology of EAMC: (1) muscle fatigue and (2) electrolyte deficit. As such, interventions for EAMC typically consist of stretching/strengthening of the involved muscle and/or supplements to restore electrolyte imbalances. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 42-year-old male triathlete with a primary complaint of recurrent cramping of his right hamstring muscle, which prevented him from completing races at his desired pace. Strength testing revealed gluteus maximus muscle weakness bilaterally. Electromyographic (EMG) analysis (surface electrodes, 1560 Hz) revealed that the right hamstrings were being activated excessively during terminal swing and the first half of the stance phase (48.1% maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]). OUTCOMES: Following the intervention, the patient was able to complete 3 triathlons without hamstring cramping. Strength testing revealed that the right hip extension strength improved from 35.6 to 54.7 kg, and activation of the hamstrings during terminal swing and the first half of the stance phase decreased to 36.4% of MVIC. DISCUSSION: A program of gluteus maximus strengthening and neuromuscular training eliminated EAMC of the hamstrings in this patient. Given that the hamstrings and gluteus maximus work as agonists to decelerate the thigh during terminal swing phase and control hip flexion during loading response of running, we postulate that strengthening of the gluteus maximus decreased the relative effort required by the hamstrings, thus reducing EAMC. The results of the EMG evaluation that was performed as part of this case report provides support for this hypothesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental laboratory study. OBJECTIVES: To examine how a change in trunk position influences the kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity of the lead lower extremity during the forward lunge exercise. BACKGROUND: Altering the position of the trunk during the forward lunge exercise is thought to affect the muscular actions of the lead lower extremity. However, no studies have compared the biomechanical differences between the traditional forward lunge and its variations. METHODS AND MEASURES: Ten healthy adults (5 males, 5 females; mean age ± SD, 26.7 ± 3.2 years) participated. Lower extremity kinematics, kinetics, and surface electromyographic (EMG) data were obtained while subjects performed 3 lunge exercises: normal lunge with the trunk erect (NL), lunge with the trunk forward (LTF), and lunge with trunk extension (LTE). A 1-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to compare lower extremity kinematics, joint impulse (area under the moment-time curve), and normalized EMG (highest 1-second window of activity for selected lower extremity muscles) among the 3 lunge conditions. RESULTS: During the LTF condition, significant increases were noted in peak hip flexion angle, hip extensor and ankle plantar flexor impulse, as well as gluteus maximus and biceps femoris EMG (P<.015) when compared to the NL condition. During the LTE condition, a significant increase was noted in peak ankle dorsiflexion and a significant decrease was noted in peak hip flexion angle (P<.015) compared to the NL condition. CONCLUSIONS: Performing a lunge with the trunk forward increased the hip extensor impulse and the recruitment of the hip extensors. In contrast, performing a forward lunge with the trunk extended did not alter joint impulse or activation of the lower extremity musculature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of the peripatellar retinaculum as a frontal plane stabilizer of the patellofemoral joint has been well established. However, as a result of its unique orientation, the retinaculum also may influence the distribution of forces within the extensor mechanism. The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which the peripatellar retinaculum affects the magnitude of forces experienced by the patellar tendon.Methods: Ten cadaver knees were used in this investigation. Each was mounted on a custom test apparatus that was fixed to an Instron frame. The extensor mechanism was loaded by applying forces through the individual heads of the quadriceps femoris. Patellar tendon tension was measured at 0 degrees , 20 degrees , 40 degrees , and 60 degrees of knee flexion with use of a buckle transducer under two conditions: (1) with the peripatellar retinaculum intact, and (2) with the peripatellar retinaculum removed. Patellar tendon tension was compared between the two conditions across the knee flexion angles.Results: At each knee flexion angle, the patellar tendon tension was greater with the retinaculum removed than it was with the retinaculum intact. However, the difference was significant only at 0 degrees and 60 degrees , at which positions the force transmitted to the patellar tendon was increased by 16.6% and 9.6%, respectively.Conclusions: The observed increases in patellar tendon tension after removal of the peripatellar retinaculum is an indication of the load-sharing function of that structure as a part of the extensor mechanism.Clinical Relevance: Our results suggest that compromise of the peripatellar retinaculum may alter patellar tendon and/or patellofemoral joint forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a vital device to examine the electrical activities of the heart. It is useful for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, which often manifest themselves through alterations in the ECG signals' characteristics. These alterations are primarily observed in the signals' key components: the Q, R, S, T, and P peaks. At present, cardiologists typically rely on manual inspection of ECG measurements taken in controlled environments, such as hospitals and clinics, but most cardiac conditions reveal themselves outside clinical settings, when patients freely move and exert. In this paper, we dynamically identify and extract prominent ECG features in measurements taken outside clinical settings by subjects who have no medical training. The activities we consider are typical activities cardiac patients carry out in residential and rehabilitation environments, such as sitting, climbing up and down stairs, and standing up. To achieve accurate feature extraction, we employ adaptive thresholding and localization techniques. Our approach achieves promising results, with an average% for R peak detection and 92% for Q and S peaks detection. Similarly, our approach enables the detection of T and P peaks with an average accuracy of 87% and 84%, respectively., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Despite the recent progresses in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, there is still a significantly high rate of mortality among cancer patients. One of the main reasons for the high mortality rate in cancer patients is late diagnosis, which leads to the failure of therapeutic strategies. Therefore, investigation of cancer biology can lead to the introduction of early diagnostic markers in these patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in regulation of cellular processes associated with tumor progression. Due to the high stability of miRNAs in body fluids, these factors can be considered as the non-invasive tumor markers. Deregulation of miR-382 has been widely reported in different cancers. Therefore, in this review, we investigated the role of miR-382 during tumor development. It has shown that miR-382 has mainly a tumor suppressive, which inhibits the growth of tumor cells through the regulation of signaling pathways, RNA-binding proteins, and transcription factors. Therefore, miR-382 can be suggested as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker in cancer patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Despite careful design of clinical trials, unforeseen disruptions can arise. The PICOTS (Patient population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes, Timepoints, Setting) framework was used to assess disruptions in pain management research imposed by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) within the Pain Management Collaboratory., Methods: Rapid qualitative methods were employed to identify trial disruptions due to COVID-19 in 11 pragmatic clinical trials of nonpharmacological approaches for pain management. The PICOTS framework was applied by investigators of 4 Collaboratory trials selected to cover 4 types of trial designs (individually randomized, stepped-wedge, cluster, sequential multiple assignment randomized trial-SMART). Interviews with the lead investigators of these trials were completed, and findings were presented/discussed on video calls over a 6-month period (March-August 2021) from which themes/lessons learned were identified and consensus reached., Results: Investigators indicated that patient populations remained generally stable. A major COVID-19 trial disruption was moving from in-person to virtual care affecting delivery of interventions/comparators and outcome assessments. The resultant mixed-mode of care delivery created issues with intervention fidelity posing analytic challenges. COVID-19 also induced ongoing/intermittent delays and other barriers to accessing primary and specialty care at some facilities, creating research capacity issues affecting delivery of experimental interventions requiring sustained, reliable participation of clinical partners. Study designs most affected by COVID-19 were stepped-wedge (intervention/comparator changing over time), cluster (increased site variability inflating intracluster correlation), and SMART (second-stage randomizations disrupted); stratified individually-randomized trials were less vulnerable because of individual-level randomization., Conclusions: PICOTS provides a framework for assessing the impact of trial disruptions in a structured manner. Given the COVID-19 experience, it is important for researchers to consider the potential impact of future trial disruptions during study planning., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-17 is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the AIMP2 gene, resulting in a lack of myelin deposition during brain development, leading to variable neurological symptoms. Research on brain function in these disorders is challenging due to the lack of access to brain tissue. To overcome this problem, researchers have utilized different cell and animal models. The CRISPR-Cas9 system is considered the most optimal and effective method for genetic modification and developing cell models. We studied the efficacy of the CRISPR-Cas9 technology in inducing mutations in the AIMP2 gene in HEK293 cell lines. The study involved transfecting HEK293 cells with recombinant PX458 plasmids targeting spCas-9 and AIMP2 sgRNA. The cells were evaluated using fluorescent microscopy and enriched using serial dilution. The CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids were validated through PCR and Sanger sequencing. After serial dilution, AS-PCR, Sanger sequencing, and TIDE program analysis showed the construct successfully induces an indel mutation in HEK cells. Our findings demonstrated the great efficacy of the CRISPR system and produced a construct for inducing mutations in the AIMP2 gene, which can be utilized to edit the AIMP2 gene in nerve cells and create a cellular model of the HLD17 disease., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)