Search

Joakim Thylefors,1 Gunnar Jakobsson,2 Madeleine Zetterberg,2 Rafi Sheikh1 1Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Västra Götaland, SwedenCorrespondence: Joakim Thylefors, Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Kioskgatan 1A, Lund, SE - 22242, Sweden, Tel +46 40 333 134, Email joakim.thylefors@med.lu.sePurpose: To analyze preoperative visual acuity before cataract surgery regarding the risk of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) after cataract surgery.Methods: The preoperative visual acuity in an observational cohort study of patients undergoing cataract surgery in Skåne, southern Sweden, during 2015– 2017 was analyzed with data retrieved from the Swedish National Cataract Register. This was then cross-referenced with patients undergoing surgery for retinal detachment at the Skåne University Hospital in Lund from 2015 to 2020. The main outcome was the risk–benefit ratio of measuring preoperative visual acuity before cataract surgery and the risk of RRD.Results: The mean visual acuity in the whole study group (N=58,624), expressed as LogMAR, was 0.40 ± 0.32 (SD). In the group with RRD (n=298), the mean visual acuity was 0.44 ± 0.36 (p=0.07). In the subgroups of RRD, those aged < 60 years 0.49 ± 0.44 (p=0.07), aged < 60 years and axial length (AL) > 25 mm 0.42 ± 0.38 (p=0.68), and in those aged < 60 years, AL > 25 mm and male sex 0.44 ± 0.39 (p=0.53). However, there is considerable variations in visual acuity of the various groups and in the high-risk group with RRD aged < 60 years with AL> 25 mm, 15% had a visual acuity of 0.8 or better in the operated eye.Conclusion: There must be strong indications for performing cataract surgery in those with a high risk of retinal detachment, and the patient must be given adequate information on the risk of retinal detachment.Keywords: cataract surgery, myopia, retinal detachment, axial length

Background The diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is based on the random Brownian motion of water molecules that influences image contrast depending on different pathological conditions. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences including diffusion-weighted and gadobenate-enhanced MRI in the detection and characterization of liver lesions in a patient of known primary malignancy and to compare MRI with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and ultrasonography (USG) in the detection of liver metastases. Methods All patients underwent a multiphase MRI. The final diagnosis was established by histopathological examination. Results A total of 43 patients of known primary malignancy were enrolled. MRI gave a provisional diagnosis of liver metastases in 21 patients and benign disease in 22 patients with histopathological correlation revealing two false-negative and one false-positive result. In the detection of lesions, DWI outscored other sequences (92.9 vs. 83.5% in hepatobiliary phase vs. 55.0% in T2-weighted sequences) with a statistically significant difference noted only in comparison with T2-weighted sequences (p < 0.001). In 16 patients, MRI added new lesions that were not detected by CECT/USG. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for detecting metastases were 90.9%/95.2% and 97.9%/96.8% for per-patient and per-lesion basis, respectively. Conclusion Multiphase MRI improved both the detection and characterization of liver metastases. Adding DWI to the routine MR sequences helped in detecting small liver metastases (

Ziad Omran,1 Ryan Sheikh,2 Othman A Baothman,2 Mazin A Zamzami,2 Mohamed Alarjah1 1College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 2Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Ziad OmranCollege of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abidiyya, Makkah 21955, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaTel +966 5 46461441Email zhomran@uqu.edu.saBackground and Objectives: A drug repurposing strategy is an approach for identifying new therapeutic uses for approved or investigational drugs. Thanks to the moderate cost of repurposing a drug compared to bringing new chemical entity to the market, drug repurposing is rapidly gaining ground. The aim of this work is to study the anti-obesity effect of disulfiram (DSF), an irreversible aldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat chronic alcoholism since 1951.Methods: Thirty male Albino rats were randomly assigned to six groups. G1, the control group, was given a standard diet. G2, the positive control group, was given a high-fat diet (HFD). G3 was given an HFD, and DSF 50 mg/kg/day was administered orally from day one for six weeks. G4 was given an HFD, and DSF 200 mg/kg/day was administered orally from day one for six weeks. G5 was given an HFD for six weeks; then treatment started with 50 mg/kg/day DSF orally. G6 was given an HFD for six weeks; then treatment started with 200 mg/kg/day DSF orally for three weeks. The body weight, food consumption and blood glucose levels were monitored over the given time interval.Results: Both doses of DSF significantly limited the body weight gain caused by an HFD for the treated animals. HF-fed rats received 50 and 200 mg/kg/day of DSF had their body weight increased by 51.93 ± 7.89% and 20.88 ± 15.05% respectively, whereas the body weight of control animals increased by 93.1 ± 20.04%. DSF also significantly decreased the body weight of obese animals. At 50 and 200 mg/kg/day of DSF, HF-fed rats lost 16.74 ± 8.61% and 23.9 ± 3.93% respectively, as their untreated counterparts had their body weight increased by 11.85 ± 3.79% after three weeks of treatment, thus restoring a body weight matching those who received a standard diet.Conclusion: FDA-approved disulfiram has a strong anti-obesity effect on HFD-fed rats.Keywords: obesity, drug repurposing, Aldh1a1, disulfiram

The upheaval in contemporary world politics reveals a renewed interest in religion; similarly, the current anarchy in rehgious thought and institutions often demonstrates a not-so-subtle interest in politics. Hence, for political scientists, among others, new studies of religion and politics are always welcome. Except for two essays in this volume, all were presented in 1986 at a seminar on “Religion and Nationalism: held under the auspices of the National Endowment for the Humanities at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The two essays mentioned, those of Alexandre Benningsen and Stephen Feuchtwang (who did not attend the seminar) were commissioned separately. The editors of this collection are Gustavo Benavides, a lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies at Villanova University; and M. W. Daly, an assistant professor in the Department of History at Memphis State University. The broad-ranging seminar explored the role played by religion in the emergence of the political life of modem states. From India and Sri Lanka to the Islamic Republic of Iran, to the resurgence of religious fundamentaism in the United States and its persistence in Israel, the participants discussed the many forms that the tension between religion and the modem state assumes. However, the thematic thread running through most of the discussions proved to be something more general than the state itself, although it is the state in which it is now manifested. That theme is the exercise of political power; more precisely, the exercise of political power in a context that mobilizes religious representations. This volume, then, examines the interaction between two of the most charged topics in the modem world: religion and politics. It shows the inextricable connection between religious attitudes and responsibilities and political activities. Following an introductory chapter which explores the religious articuiations of politid power, the authors examine the role played by religion in the current political situation in several countries. Approaching these cases as anthropologists, historians, sociologists, and political scientists, the authors make visible the dialectical relationship between religion and the pursuit of political power. On the one hand, they demonstrate the political significance ...

Objective: Conventional two-dimensional ultrasound has been assessed for the non-invasive diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA), but the results are operator dependent, resulting in low sensitivity. Tomographic three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound is a novel technique that enables the objective documentation of vessel geometry. Here, for the first time, its utility is assessed for visualizing temporal arteries. Method: The temporal artery of 14 healthy subjects and three subjects with suspected GCA was examined using tomographic 3D ultrasound. Results: This technique enabled 3D mapping of the architecture of the temporal artery. The inner and outer vessel diameters showed considerable interindividual variability. However, calculation of the vessel wall fraction revealed the combination of vessel wall thickening and lumen narrowing, which may be indicative of GCA. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study indicates that tomographic 3D ultrasound can be used for objective mapping of the temporal artery. The technique must be evaluated regarding its diagnostic sensitivity in GCA before it can be introduced in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Malvidin is a natural, biologically active polyphenol found in several fruits. It exhibits several therapeutic benefits; however, limited studies are available on its effects on neurodegenerative clinical conditions, including Parkinson's disease. The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic properties of malvidin on rotenone-triggered Parkinson's disease in an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To determine the effects of malvidin, rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously into Wistar rats for 21 days, followed by a dose of malvidin (200 and 100 mg/kg). Behavioral tests were performed on the experimental animals before sacrifice. On the 22nd day of the experiment, biochemical tests were performed, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT). The activity of neurotransmitters and their metabolites, including acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-HT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) along with neuroinflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) were estimated. Moreover, the level of the apoptotic marker, caspase-3, was also estimated. In addition, molecular docking was performed. RESULTS: The administration of rotenone resulted in oxidative stress, cholinergic imbalances, dopaminergic alternations, and increased expression of inflammatory compounds. The docking analysis revealed that malvidin displayed a favorable binding affinity for AChE, showcasing a binding energy of -9.329 Kcal/mol. CONCLUSIONS: The investigation concludes that malvidin exhibits neuroprotective effects due to its curative effects against inflammation and oxidative stress. These findings suggest that malvidin possesses therapeutic potential against rotenone-triggered behavioral, oxidative, and inflammatory abnormalities in rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Recent research suggests that butin may also exert neuroprotective effects. However, its influence on cognitive performance and, specifically, its potential to mitigate scopolamine-induced memory impairment remains unexplored. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of butin on the cognitive and behavioral performance of rats with scopolamine-induced memory impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Scopolamine-injected memory-impediment model in rats was used to determine the efficacy of butin in higher and lower doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) for 14 days. Y-maze, along with Morris water, was used to assess the ability to recall spatial and working information. Biochemistry-related functions such as acetylcholinesterase, choline acetyltransferase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase, malonaldehyde, catalase, nitric oxide and neurotransmitters levels were estimated as indicators of free radical damage. Furthermore, we evaluated neuro-inflammatory responses by assessing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and caspase-3 immuno-reactive proteins. RESULTS: When assessed through behavioral paradigms, the butin-treated group enhanced the spatial and working memory of rodents. Scopolamine caused a substantial alteration in biochemical-related parameters, neuronal enzymatic, inflammation responses and apoptosis markers prominently restored by butin. CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that butin protects scopolamine-injected rats from behavioral impairments and neuronal damage by reducing apoptosis and neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety and depression are common psychiatric disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a bacterial endotoxin that has been demonstrated to cause depression and anxiety-like behaviors in animal models. Fustin is a flavonoid found in various plant species that have been reported to have neuroprotective effects. The study proposed the evaluation of fustin's impact on anxiety and depression in LPS-injected rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The efficacy of fustin in higher and lower doses was studied by administering a single dose of LPS-injected anxiety/depression in rodents. Behavioral models like the elevated plus maze test, open field test, marble burying test, force swimming test, tail suspension test, and hyperemotionality behavior were performed to evaluate anxiety/depression in rodents. The neuroinflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), apoptosis marker caspase-3, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were also measured as a part of the study. Additionally, biochemical markers of oxidative stress, such as malonaldehyde (MDA) and antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and nitric oxide (NO), were also evaluated. RESULTS: LPS administration resulted in significant (p<0.001) changes in behavior tests and biochemical markers including IL-1ß, IL-6, NF-κB, TNF-a, NO, caspase-3, BDNF, MDA, CAT, SOD, and GSH. In contrast, treating the rats with fustin significantly improved the behavior tests and restored the changes in biochemical markers. CONCLUSIONS: The current work established the efficacy of fustin with its therapeutic impact on depression and anxiety-like behaviors in rodent experimental models through its modulation of apoptosis markers, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the protective effects of barbigerone in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats (180±20 g) were used in the study (n=06). The rats were randomly divided into different groups, i.e., the normal group, ethanol control, and barbigerone 10 and 20 mg/kg group. Various biochemical parameters were assessed – total acidity and pH values, oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) along with markers, i.e., tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and expression of B-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma 2 (Bcl2). Also, histopathology was performed. RESULTS: Treatment with barbigerone in the ethanol-induced-ulcer rats restored the levels of biochemical parameters such as SOD, GSH, MDA, CAT, and markers expression, including TNF-α, IL6, IL-1β, ICAM-1, and Bcl-2 with protected against cellular necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Barbigerone protective effects can be attributed to its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as promote gastroprotection against ethanol-induced ulcers in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a treatable, but potentially sight- and life-threatening form of systemic vasculitis. Prompt and correct diagnosis is therefore important. Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is the gold standard for diagnosing GCA, but is associated with risks. There is no reliable non-invasive technique for the diagnosis of GCA. Ultrasound centre frequency shift (CFS) is a novel technique that uses high-frequency ultrasound and the analysis of the centre frequency of the ultrasound pulse, which is dependent on the size of the microstructures in the tissue. This provides an objective measure of the scattering microstructures in the tissue, and thus has the potential to discriminate changes due to disease. The aim of this study was to assess ultrasound CFS as a means of discriminating arteries affected by GCA from healthy arteries. TAB specimens from 68 subjects, 53 female and 15 male, with a mean age of 73 (range 52–87) years, with suspected GCA were examined using ultrasound ex vivo and the CFS was analysed. The temporal arteries were then examined histopathologically. Histopathological examination revealed that 25 of the 68 biopsies of the temporal artery showed inflammatory changes in the vessel wall compatible with GCA. The ultrasound CFS decreased less in TAB-positive than in TAB-negative temporal arteries (p < 0.05). This proof-of-principle study indicates that ultrasound CFS has the potential to detect GCA in temporal arteries. Further technical development will be needed before in vivo examination can be performed and the clinical applicability can be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) are widely expressed in the central nervous system, and have established roles in cell proliferation, myelination, neurite formation, axon specification, outgrowth, dendrite, and synapse formation. We report eleven individuals from seven families harboring predicted pathogenic biallelic, de novo, and heterozygous variants in the NAV3 gene, which encodes the microtubule positive tip protein neuron navigator 3 (NAV3). All affected individuals have intellectual disability (ID), microcephaly, skeletal deformities, ocular anomalies, and behavioral issues. In mouse brain, Nav3 is expressed throughout the nervous system, with more prominent signatures in postmitotic, excitatory, inhibiting, and sensory neurons. When overexpressed in HEK293T and COS7 cells, pathogenic variants impaired NAV3 ability to stabilize microtubules. Further, knocking-down nav3 in zebrafish led to severe morphological defects, microcephaly, impaired neuronal growth, and behavioral impairment, which were rescued with co-injection of WT NAV3 mRNA and not by transcripts encoding the pathogenic variants. Our findings establish the role of NAV3 in neurodevelopmental disorders, and reveal its involvement in neuronal morphogenesis, and neuromuscular responses.

Abstract Background Myasthenic crisis (MC) is a life-threatening complication of myasthenia gravis (MG), necessitating ventilation. Achieving a safe and timely diagnosis of myasthenic crisis with atypical, isolated presentation is a considerable challenge particularly in elderly patients, where myasthenia gravis can present with isolated dysarthria in rare instances, giving a clinical impression of lacunar stroke. Case presentation We present a compelling case of a 73-year-old Caucasian female presenting with abrupt onset of isolated dysarthria. Despite initial treatment for a presumed lacunar stroke, subsequent evaluations led to her diagnosis of a myasthenic crisis. Within 72 h of admission, the patient developed dysphagia and shortness of breath, requiring supplemental oxygen. The case highlights the sequential progression of events from the atypical presentation of isolated dysarthria and its course to the management of a myasthenic crisis. Conclusion Our reported case focuses on the discussion of myasthenia that mimicked a lacunar stroke and was finally diagnosed at a critical time of medical crisis. This case highlights the imperative notion that isolated dysarthria in elderly individuals warrants vigilant monitoring for possible myasthenia gravis, given the low incidence of lacunar stroke presenting with only dysarthria.

Abstract Photonic time crystals refer to materials whose dielectric properties are periodic in time, analogous to a photonic crystal whose dielectric properties is periodic in space. Here, we theoretically investigate photonic time-crystalline behaviour initiated by optical excitation above the electronic gap of the excitonic insulator candidate Ta2NiSe5. We show that after electron photoexcitation, electron-phonon coupling leads to an unconventional squeezed phonon state, characterised by periodic oscillations of phonon fluctuations. Squeezing oscillations lead to photonic time crystalline behaviour. The key signature of the photonic time crystalline behaviour is terahertz (THz) amplification of reflectivity in a narrow frequency band. The theory is supported by experimental results on Ta2NiSe5 where photoexcitation with short pulses leads to enhanced THz reflectivity with the predicted features. We explain the key mechanism leading to THz amplification in terms of a simplified electron-phonon Hamiltonian motivated by ab-initio DFT calculations. Our theory suggests that the pumped Ta2NiSe5 is a gain medium, demonstrating that squeezed phonon noise may be used to create THz amplifiers in THz communication applications.

The goal was to measure the effects of trauma types, cumulative trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), existential annihilation anxiety (EAA), and posttraumatic growth (PTG) on executive functions. The study sample consists of 1155 from Egypt and Kuwait. Measures included adults working memory deficits (WMD) and inhibition deficits (ID), and cumulative stressors and traumas (CST) and trauma types, PTSD, EAA, and PTG. We used Stepwise regression and PROCESS macro to analyze the data. Results indicated that survival and cumulative traumas have direct effects on a lower WMD and ID, attachment traumas and gender discrimination by parents have direct impacts on higher WMD and ID, while personal identity, status identity, secondary trauma, gender discrimination by society, community violence do not have any direct effects on WMD or ID. All traumas have indirect effects on higher WMD or/and ID via PTSD. Gender discrimination by society, community violence, and CST has an additional indirect higher impact on WMD and ID via EAA. There were indirect trajectories from survival trauma, personal identity, status identity trauma, secondary trauma, gender discrimination by society, and CST on lower WMD or/and ID via PTG. Attachment trauma, gender discrimination by parents, perpetration traumas, and community violence were not associated with PTG and its trajectories of lower WMD or/and ID. We discussed the research and clinical implication for these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is an expansionist disease, it invades through tissues, sets up colonies in hostile landscapes, seeking “sanctuary” in one organ and then immigrating to another. Ovarian and colorectal cancer has high mortality rates in India. Colorectal cancer typically begins in the gut lining and can spread through the colon wall and beneath the muscular layers, and is a significant source of morbidity. Ovarian cancer has the highest recurrence rate of all gynaecologic cancers and has high mortality because of late diagnosis brought on by vague symptoms. In this review article, we have discussed that apart from the conventional ways of treatment, how nanoparticles has the potential to improve the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of these cancers. Liposomal nanoparticles are lipid-based vesicles that can encapsulate drugs and deliver them to specific targets in the body, potentially improving the effectiveness and reducing the side effects of the treatment. This article also provides an insight on the fact that while liposomal nanoparticles show promising effect, there are challenges to be addressed, including optimizing drug release rates, and ensuring effective targeting.

Abstract The purpose of the study is to (a) examine the impact of perceived micro Corporate Social Responsibility (micro-CSR) on organizational (trust, justice, identification) and employee job-related behavioral and attitudinal outcomes, (b) measure the mediating influence of the organization, (justice, identification, trust) in an association among perceived micro-CSR and employee job-related behavioral and attitudinal outcomes and (c) conduct a meta-analysis about CSR and employee behavioral and attitudinal outcomes related studies. The theory of social exchange supports the parallel mediation model. Questionnaires were distributed among the senior and junior executives of cellular network companies in Pakistan. A total (n = 767) of usable questionnaires were returned cross-sectional, representing (a 92%) response rate. The collected data was first analyzed via factor analysis and measurement model estimation. A structural equation model (SEM) analyzed the parallel mediation model. Third, the PRISMA model was used to conduct a meta-analysis. The study found that perceived micro-CSR positively predicts organizational commitment and job satisfaction, whereas it negatively predicts counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) and turnover intent. Second, it was found that the organizational (trust, justice, and identification) significantly mediates between perceived micro-CSR and commitment, satisfaction, and CWBs, whereas organization (trust, justice, and identification) insignificantly mediates between perceived micro-CSR and turnover intent. The parallel mediating framework shows that perceived CSR results in positive attitudes and behaviors. Our analysis thus offers concrete evidence encouraging businesses and administrators to be involved in CSR initiatives. The study is original, and the result of the study is valuable for all the stakeholders of business and management.

Enzymes play key roles in the biological functions of living organisms, which serve as catalysts to and regulate biochemical reaction pathways. Recent studies suggest that peptides are promising molecules for modulating enzyme function due to their advantages in large chemical diversity and well-established methods for library synthesis. Experimental approaches to identify protein-binding peptides are time-consuming and costly. Hence, there is a demand to develop a fast and accurate computational approach to tackle this problem. Another challenge in developing a computational approach is the lack of a large and reliable dataset. In this study, we develop a new machine learning approach called PepBind-SVM to predict protein-binding peptides. To build this model, we extract different sequential and physicochemical features from peptides and use a Support Vector Machine (SVM) as the classification technique. We train this model on the dataset that we also introduce in this study. PepBind-SVM achieves 92.1% prediction accuracy, outperforming other classifiers at predicting protein-binding peptides.