Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 is dynamically regulated in leader cells during collective cancer invasion.

Cancer cells collectively invade using a leader-follower organization, but the regulation of leader cells during this dynamic process is poorly understood. Using a dual double-stranded locked nucleic acid (LNA) nanobiosensor that tracks long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) dynamics in live single cells, we monitored the spatiotemporal distribution of lncRNA during collective cancer invasion. We show that the lncRNA MALAT1 (metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1) is dynamically regulated in the invading fronts of cancer cells and patient-derived spheroids. MALAT1 transcripts exhibit distinct abundance, diffusivity, and distribution between leader and follower cells. MALAT1 expression increases when a cancer cell becomes a leader and decreases when the collective migration process stops. Transient knockdown of MALAT1 prevents the formation of leader cells and abolishes the invasion of cancer cells. Taken together, our single-cell analysis suggests that MALAT1 is dynamically regulated in leader cells during collective cancer invasion.

Altered expression of serum lncRNA CASC2 and miRNA-21-5p in COVID-19 patients.

Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a high incidence of spread. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization proclaimed a public health emergency of worldwide concern. More than 6.9 million deaths and more than 768 million confirmed cases had been reported worldwide as of June 18, 2023. This study included 51 patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. The present study aimed to identify the expression levels of lncRNA CASC2 and miRNA-21-5p (also known as miRNA-21) in COVID-19 patients and their relation to the clinicopathological characteristics of the disease. The expression levels of noncoding RNAs were measured by RT-PCR technique. Results detected that CASC2 was significantly downregulated while miRNA-21-5p was significantly upregulated in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy subjects. A significant negative correlation was found between CASC2 and miRNA-21-5p. ROC curve analysis used to distinguish COVID-19 patients from controls. MiRNA-21-p serum expression level had a significant positive association with temperature and PO2 (p = 0.04 for each). These findings indicate that CASC2 and miRNA-21-p might be used as potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in COVID-19.

Efficacy and Safety of 577-nm Yellow Laser in the Treatment of Pigmented Epidermal Lesions.

OBJECTIVES: Freckles and lentigines are common pigmented problems which not only cause substantial cosmetic morbidity but also create psychosocial concern. The available modalities for the treatment of pigmented lesions are often unsatisfactory for patients, require a long treatment period, and often cause skin irritation. With the advent of lasers, safe and effective treatment options for epidermal pigmentation have become more varied for different Fitzpatrick skin types. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 577-nm yellow laser in the treatment of pigmented epidermal lesions. METHODS: This study was carried out on 50 patients presented with pigmented epidermal lesions (25 presented with freckles and 25 presented with lentigines). Each patient received four treatment sessions with a 577-nm diode laser at 2-week intervals. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in freckles and lentigines, as 23 out of 50 patients showed marked improvement, 11 patients showed moderate improvement, 10 patients showed mild improvement, and only six patients had no changes. Moreover, 23 patients were very satisfied, 18 patients were satisfied, and nine patients were not satisfied. As regards the safety of the 577-nm yellow laser, there was no significant adverse effect among patients except pain, erythema, and hyperpigmentation, which resolved within one month after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the 577-nm yellow laser is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated device in the treatment of freckles and lentigines.

Expression of miR-34a, RASSF1A and E-cadherin in relation to PRB in endometrioid carcinoma and its precursor.

The current study aims to evaluate the levels of miR-34a, RASSF1A, and E-cadherin in relation to the levels of isoform B of progesterone receptor (PRB) in endometrioid carcinoma (EC) and atypical hyperplasia (AEH) and their association with clinicopathological parameters. 105 cases (35 EC, 35 AEH, and 35 control) were involved in this study. Cases of AEH received treatment, and other samples were obtained after 6 months to assess the response. E-cadherin and PRB were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), RASSFA methylation by MSP-PCR, and its serum level by ELISA and miR-34a via quantitative PCR. The expressions of miR-34a, RASSF1A, E-cadherin, and PRB differ among the studied groups; all were higher in normal compared with AEH and EC, with a statistically significant difference. The higher PRB expression and decreased miR-34a and RASSF1A expression were associated with resistance to hormonal therapy in AEH. High PRB in EC is associated with lower RASSFA1, E-cadherin, and miR-34a. Decreased expressions of RASSF1A, miR-34a, and E-cadherin had a significant connection to advanced stages. Expression of PRB and miR-34a and serum levels of RASSF1A predict response to treatment in cases of AEH. High PRB and low E-cadherin expression are associated with progressive disease in EC.

The effect of two different contemporary chelating agents on vital pulp therapy in mature permanent teeth with irreversible pulpitis using bioceramic material: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Vital pulp therapy maintained functionality, vitality, and asymptomatic teeth. Compared to normal root canal treatment, pulpotomy was more helpful for irreversible pulpitis in adult permanent teeth. The research was aimed to assess effectiveness of vital pulp therapy using mineral trioxide aggregate with Apple Vinegar and Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (17%) for five minutes in adult carious exposed pulp of permanent teeth. METHODS: Forty patients between 18 and 50 years old with a clinical diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis but no periapical radiolucency were then divided randomly into two groups based on the irrigation method; ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid or apple vinegar. If pulpal bleeding could not be managed in less than six minutes, the assigned procedure was abandoned. After mineral trioxide aggregate application as a pulpotomy agent, glass ionomer and composite restoration were placed. Using a visual analogue scale, the pre and post-operative pain were recorded after 2,6,24,48, and 72 h. Success was assessed using radiographic and clinical examination data at three, six, and twelve months. RESULTS: The success rate was discovered to be non-statistically significant in both groups after a year follow-up. Apple vinegar had a lower mean value than ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid at the preoperative baseline pain level, which was significant.Postoperatively, the ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid group reported the greatest mean value after two hours while Apple vinegar group reported the lowest mean values after 48 h (P < 0.05). After 72 h, pain level recorded insignificant difference. CONCLUSION: Apple vinegar yielded a marginally successful outcome but substantially improved pain alleviation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered in Clinical trials.gov with this identifier NCT05970536 on 23/7/2023.

The plaque hypothesis: understanding mechanisms of plaque progression and destabilization, and implications for clinical management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) typically arise from nonflow-limiting coronary artery disease and not from flow-limiting obstructions that cause ischemia. This review elaborates the current understanding of the mechanism(s) for plaque development, progression, and destabilization and how identification of these high-risk features can optimally inform clinical management. RECENT FINDINGS: Advanced invasive and noninvasive coronary imaging and computational postprocessing enhance an understanding of pathobiologic/pathophysiologic features of coronary artery plaques prone to destabilization and MACE. Early investigations of high-risk plaques focused on anatomic and biochemical characteristics (large plaque burden, severe luminal obstruction, thin cap fibroatheroma morphology, and large lipid pool), but more recent studies underscore that additional factors, particularly biomechanical factors [low endothelial shear stress (ESS), high ESS gradient, plaque structural stress, and axial plaque stress], provide the critical incremental stimulus acting on the anatomic substrate to provoke plaque destabilization. These destabilizing features are often located in areas distant from the flow-limiting obstruction or may exist in plaques without any flow limitation. Identification of these high-risk, synergistic plaque features enable identification of plaques prone to destabilize regardless of the presence or absence of a severe obstruction (Plaque Hypothesis). SUMMARY: Local plaque topography, hemodynamic patterns, and internal plaque constituents constitute high-risk features that may be located along the entire course of the coronary plaque, including both flow-limiting and nonflow-limiting regions. For coronary interventions to have optimal clinical impact, it will be critical to direct their application to the plaque area(s) at highest risk.

Bronchodilator reversibility testing in morbidly obese non-smokers: fluticasone/salmeterol efficacy versus salbutamol bronchodilator.

A positive response in reversibility testing is widely used to diagnose patients with airway limitations. However, despite its simple procedure, it doesn't accurately reflect the exact airway irreversibility. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a bronchodilation reversibility test using salbutamol and fluticasone/salmeterol combination in obese non-smoker subjects.The study included patients without a history of obstructive lung disease or bronchodilators. A sub-classification of patients based on body mass index (BMI) was carried out into normal (< 24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥ 30). Spirometry measurements were performed before and after salbutamol or fluticasone/salmeterol administration.The study included 415 (49.9% male) patients with a mean age of 40.92 ± 10.86 years. Obese subjects showed a high prevalence of restrictive patterns (23.4%), with non-significantly lower spirometric values compared to normal and overweight subjects (p > 0.05). The magnitude of bronchodilation, as identified by spirometry, following fluticasone/salmeterol was higher in all participants, with a significant increase in obese subjects with a p-value of 0.013, 0.002, and 0.035 for FEV1, FEV1% predicted, and FEV1/FVC, respectively.Fluticasone/salmeterol combination increases FEV1, FEV1% of predicted, and FEV1/FVC ratio than the conventional test using salbutamol inhaler, and it can be a potential candidate for assessment of airway obstruction using reversibility test, especially among the obese population.

Effect of Liraglutide on Osteoporosis in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Histological, Immunohistochemical, and Biochemical Study.

Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) is a diabetic complication associated with a significant disability rate. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is a promising and innovative drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with potential therapeutic implications for bone disorders. This investigation examined the impact of liraglutide on osteoporosis in rats with T2DM and studied the influence of vitamin D receptor Bsm1 polymorphism on liraglutide-induced outcomes. Thirty rats were divided into control, T2DM induced by a combination of a high-fat diet and 25 mg/kg streptozotocin, and T2DM-liraglutide (T2DM treated with 0.4 mg/kg/day liraglutide) groups. After 8 weeks of liraglutide treatment, femurs and blood samples were obtained from all rats for subsequent investigations. Diabetes induced a remarkable rise in the serum levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1) associated with a remarkable decline in osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin (OPG). Impaired bone architecture was also demonstrated by light and scanning electron microscopic study. The immune expression of OPG was down-regulated, while RANKL was up-regulated. Interestingly, the administration of liraglutide ameliorated the previous changes induced by diabetes mellitus. In conclusion, liraglutide can prevent DOP, mostly due to liraglutide's ability to increase bone growth, while inhibiting bone resorption.

Application Of Health Belief Model About Cervical Cancer Screening Among Female Officer Employees In Kafr-El Sheikh University, Egypt.

Objectives: To assessthe impact of a health educational programme on knowledge and health beliefs of female office workers regarding cervical cancer screening. Method: The quasi-experimental study was conducted at Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt, from March to September 2021, and comprised all female employees at the university regardless of department or professional status. After baseline assessment using a self-designed questionnaire, an educational session was conducted through small focussed groups having 1-5 participants in their own office environments. Post-intervention change in knowledge and beliefs was assessed using the same questionnaire 1 month after the intervention. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the total 492 female employees, 360(73.2%) completed the study. Of them, 256(71.1%) were aged 30-40 years, 283(78.6%) were ever-married, 206(57.2%) were from urban communities, 322(89.4%) had university educational, 280(77.8%) had sufficient income, and 214(59.4%) had high socioeconomic status. The mean totalscores for knowledge and health beliefs increased significantly post-intervention (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of health belief model to change knowledge of and perceptions towards cervical cancer and its screening was found to be effective.

Optimizing locked nucleic acid modification in double-stranded biosensors for live single cell analysis.

Double-stranded (ds) biosensors are homogeneous oligonucleotide probes for detection of nucleic acid sequences in biochemical assays and live cell imaging. Locked nucleic acid (LNA) modification can be incorporated in the biosensors to enhance the binding affinity, specificity, and resistance to nuclease degradation. However, LNA monomers in the quencher sequence can also prevent the target-fluorophore probe binding, which reduces the signal of the dsLNA biosensor. This study investigates the influence of LNA modification on dsLNA biosensors by altering the position and amount of LNA monomers present in the quencher sequence. We characterize the fluorophore-quencher interaction, target detection, and specificity of the biosensor in free solution and evaluate the performance of the dsLNA biosensor in 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids. The data indicate that a large amount of LNA monomers in the quencher sequence can enhance the specificity of the biosensor, but prevents effective target binding. Together, our results provide guidelines for improving the performance of dsLNA biosensors in nucleic acid detection and gene expression analysis in live cells.

Quercetin-Ameliorated, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes-Induced Immunotoxic, Inflammatory, and Oxidative Effects in Mice.

The expanding uses of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in industry and medicine have raised concerns about their toxicity on human and animal health. CNTs, including multi-walled nanotubes (MWCNTs), have been reported to induce immunotoxic, inflammatory, and oxidative effects. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid present in many vegetables and fruits and has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Herein, we investigated the protective effects of quercetin on pristine MWCNTs-induced immunotoxicity in mice. In comparison with two doses of MWCNTs, high doses [0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW), once intraperitoneally (IP)] caused higher immunotoxic, inflammatory, and oxidative effects than low doses (0.25 mg/kg BW, once IP). Administration of quercetin (30 mg/kg BW, IP for 2 weeks) relieved these deleterious effects as evidenced by (1) reduced spleen weight, (2) increased number of total leukocytes, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, (3) elevated serum levels of IgM, IgG, and IgA, (4) decreased lipid peroxide malondialdehyde levels and increased levels of antioxidant markers reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the spleen, (5) decreased concentrations and mRNA levels of inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1 beta (IL1ß), and IL6 in the spleen, (6) downregulated expression of immunomodulatory genes transforming growth factor-beta (TGFß), cyclooxygenase2 (COX2), and IL10, and (7) regenerative histological changes as indicated by decreased mononuclear cell infiltration, minimized degenerative changes and restored lymphocytes depletion in the spleen. These results infer that quercetin can ameliorate MWCNTs-induced immunotoxic, inflammatory, and oxidative effects.

Emotional intelligence, alexithymia and suicidal ideation among depressive patients.

BACKGROUND: Depression is more than just sentiment sad or passing a rough patch. It is a serious psychological wellbeing disorder that needs curative care and maintenance. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a comprehensive personality construct denoting the capability to perceive and control affects within the self. Alexithymia is another personality construct that refers to the difficulty of recognizing and expressing feelings, with an outside oriented thinking style. Suicidal ideation is defined as thinking of appealing in conduct intentional to end one's life. AIM: The current study aimed to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence, alexithymia and suicidal ideation among depressive patients. DESIGN: A descriptive correlation design was utilized. SETTING: This study was conducted at the Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic in El Ahrar Hospital, Alsharkia Governorate, Egypt. SUBJECTS: A purposeful sample of 65 depressed patients was recruited for this study. TOOLS: Data were collected by using four tools: Socio-demographic Data Sheet, Emotional Intelligence Scales, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and Suicidal Ideation Scale. RESULTS: The majority of depressed patients were having alexithymia and having low emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence was statistically significantly negatively correlated with alexithymia and suicidal ideation. Nevertheless, alexithymia was statistically significantly positively correlated with suicidal ideation. It was statistically significantly positively predictor of suicidal ideation and alexithymia, while it was statistically significantly negatively predictor of suicidal ideation and emotional intelligence. CONCLUSION: Lower emotional intelligence led to higher suicidal ideation in depressive patients. Increasing alexithymia in patients with depressive disorders caused an increase in their suicidal ideation. Therefore, it is recommended implementing a training program such as mindfulness and emotional intelligence skills for patients to enhance their emotional intelligence.

Consensus Middle East and North Africa Registry on Inborn Errors of Immunity.

BACKGROUND: Inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) are a heterogeneous group of genetic defects of immunity, which cause high rates of morbidity and mortality mainly among children due to infectious and non-infectious complications. The IEI burden has been critically underestimated in countries from middle- and low-income regions and the majority of patients with IEI in these regions lack a molecular diagnosis. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical, immunologic, and genetic data of IEI patients from 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The data was collected from national registries and diverse databases such as the Asian Pacific Society for Immunodeficiencies (APSID) registry, African Society for Immunodeficiencies (ASID) registry, Jeffrey Modell Foundation (JMF) registry, J Project centers, and International Consortium on Immune Deficiency (ICID) centers. RESULTS: We identified 17,120 patients with IEI, among which females represented 39.4%. Parental consanguinity was present in 60.5% of cases and 27.3% of the patients were from families with a confirmed previous family history of IEI. The median age of patients at the onset of disease was 36 months and the median delay in diagnosis was 41 months. The rate of registered IEI patients ranges between 0.02 and 7.58 per 100,000 population, and the lowest rates were in countries with the highest rates of disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and death rates for children. Predominantly antibody deficiencies were the most frequent IEI entities diagnosed in 41.2% of the cohort. Among 5871 patients genetically evaluated, the diagnostic yield was 83% with the majority (65.2%) having autosomal recessive defects. The mortality rate was the highest in patients with non-syndromic combined immunodeficiency (51.7%, median age: 3.5 years) and particularly in patients with mutations in specific genes associated with this phenotype (RFXANK, RAG1, and IL2RG). CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive registry highlights the importance of a detailed investigation of IEI patients in the MENA region. The high yield of genetic diagnosis of IEI in this region has important implications for prevention, prognosis, treatment, and resource allocation.

Comparison of the clinical and radiological manifestations of male patients with COVID-19 from different ethnicities.

AIM: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak began in Wuhan, China, and quickly escalated into a significant pandemic threat. COVID-19 is associated with variable morbidity and mortality rates, which differ greatly from one country to another. This study aimed to investigate the clinical findings of SARS-CoV-2 infection in different ethnic groups, as well as to identify the radiological manifestations and various biomarkers for the assessment of COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 210 COVID-19 patients with respiratory disorders, who attended the chest clinic at Mouwasat Hospital, Jubail, in the Eastern area of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from April to May 2020, were thoroughly reviewed. The patients were divided into seven groups based on their ethnicities (Saudi, Egyptian, Nepali, Filipino, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian). The differences in the clinical findings, laboratory data and radiological manifestations between these groups were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The study included 210 COVID-19 patients from seven ethnic groups (Saudi, Egyptian, Nepali, Filipino, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Indian). Comorbidities were reported among 60.9% of patients, which were significantly higher among Filipinos at 73.3%. Dyspnoea was prevalent in the Saudi and Pakistani groups, while hypoxaemia was prevalent in the Indian group (40%). In terms of laboratory assessment, Bangladesh patients had the highest median of serum ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels with a significant P value (<.001), while Saudi patients had the highest median of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with a significant P value (<.001). According to computed tomography (CT) findings, structural destruction was the most common finding in bilateral parenchymal affection among 88.6% of patients. Filipinos and Bangladeshis had the highest morbidity rates. CONCLUSION: There were great variations in clinical, radiological and even laboratory findings among different ethnic groups of COVID-19 patients.

Employing Faculty, Peer Mentoring, and Coaching to Increase the Self-Confidence and Belongingness of First-Generation College Students in Biomedical Engineering.

First-generation college students (FGCSs) face myriad challenges including the lack of parental guidance, economic and social burdens, isolation, decreased belongingness, and lowered self-confidence making them at an increased risk of dropping out of college compared to their continuing-generation college students colleagues. In addition, being in a multidisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field such as biomedical engineering (BMEG) is another challenge as it requires the integration of several disciplines. This study aims to maximize FGCSs' success and retention in BMEG. We hypothesize that STEM-tailored faculty and peer mentoring that is focused on academic and professional development will significantly increase BMEG FGCSs' academic and professional success and enhance their belongingness to the engineering community. Study participants were assigned to either group; faculty mentoring combined with academic coaching or peer mentoring combined with academic coaching. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using two surveys: prementoring and postmentoring. Both faculty mentoring and peer mentoring led to increasing FGCSs' confidence, belongingness, and involvement in professional opportunities. To tackle the added challenge of studying a multidisciplinary STEM field to the challenges facing FGCSs, a mentorship program that is focused on enhancing self-confidence, sense of belonging and augmenting professional development can be employed to ensure the success, integration, and retention of FGCSs in multidisciplinary STEM fields such as BMEG.

Effects of home confinement on mental health and lifestyle behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak: insights from the ECLB-COVID19 multicentre study.

Although recognised as effective measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak, social distancing and self-isolation have been suggested to generate a burden throughout the population. To provide scientific data to help identify risk factors for the psychosocial strain during the COVID-19 outbreak, an international cross-disciplinary online survey was circulated in April 2020. This report outlines the mental, emotional and behavioural consequences of COVID-19 home confinement. The ECLB-COVID19 electronic survey was designed by a steering group of multidisciplinary scientists, following a structured review of the literature. The survey was uploaded and shared on the Google online survey platform and was promoted by thirty-five research organizations from Europe, North Africa, Western Asia and the Americas. Questions were presented in a differential format with questions related to responses "before" and "during" the confinement period. 1047 replies (54% women) from Western Asia (36%), North Africa (40%), Europe (21%) and other continents (3%) were analysed. The COVID-19 home confinement evoked a negative effect on mental wellbeing and emotional status (P < 0.001; 0.43 ≤ d ≤ 0.65) with a greater proportion of individuals experiencing psychosocial and emotional disorders (+10% to +16.5%). These psychosocial tolls were associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviours with a greater proportion of individuals experiencing (i) physical (+15.2%) and social (+71.2%) inactivity, (ii) poor sleep quality (+12.8%), (iii) unhealthy diet behaviours (+10%), and (iv) unemployment (6%). Conversely, participants demonstrated a greater use (+15%) of technology during the confinement period. These findings elucidate the risk of psychosocial strain during the COVID-19 home confinement period and provide a clear remit for the urgent implementation of technology-based intervention to foster an Active and Healthy Confinement Lifestyle AHCL).

Globally altered sleep patterns and physical activity levels by confinement in 5056 individuals: ECLB COVID-19 international online survey.

Symptoms of psychological distress and disorder have been widely reported in people under quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic; in addition to severe disruption of peoples' daily activity and sleep patterns. This study investigates the association between physical-activity levels and sleep patterns in quarantined individuals. An international Google online survey was launched in April 6th, 2020 for 12-weeks. Forty-one research organizations from Europe, North-Africa, Western-Asia, and the Americas promoted the survey through their networks to the general society, which was made available in 14 languages. The survey was presented in a differential format with questions related to responses "before" and "during" the confinement period. Participants responded to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. 5056 replies (59.4% female), from Europe (46.4%), Western-Asia (25.4%), America (14.8%) and North-Africa (13.3%) were analysed. The COVID-19 home confinement led to impaired sleep quality, as evidenced by the increase in the global PSQI score (4.37 ± 2.71 before home confinement vs. 5.32 ± 3.23 during home confinement) (p < 0.001). The frequency of individuals experiencing a good sleep decreased from 61% (n = 3063) before home confinement to 48% (n = 2405) during home confinement with highly active individuals experienced better sleep quality (p < 0.001) in both conditions. Time spent engaged in all physical-activity and the metabolic equivalent of task in each physical-activity category (i.e., vigorous, moderate, walking) decreased significantly during COVID-19 home confinement (p < 0.001). The number of hours of daily-sitting increased by ~2 hours/days during home confinement (p < 0.001). COVID-19 home confinement resulted in significantly negative alterations in sleep patterns and physical-activity levels. To maintain health during home confinement, physical-activity promotion and sleep hygiene education and support are strongly warranted.

Blood leukocyte composition and function in periparturient ewes kept on different dietary magnesium supply.

BACKGROUND: Transition period (TP) is characterised by physiological and metabolic changes contributing to immunodysregulation. Since knowledge about this period in sheep is scarce, we analysed changes in selected immune variables during the TP in ewes and whether dietary magnesium (Mg) supplementation could modulate these immune variables. Pregnant ewes (2nd and 3rd lactation) were divided into a control group (CONT, n = 9) and a Mg group (MAG, n = 10) supplemented with Mg oxide resulting in a daily Mg intake of approximately 0.30 and 0.38% (MAG) of dry matter during ante- (a.p.) and post-partum (p.p.) periods, respectively. Blood samples were collected between days (d) 30 a.p. and d 30 p.p.. Whole blood neutrophil phagocytic activity, monocyte subset (classical cM, intermediate intM, non-classical ncM) composition and the proliferative capacity of lymphocytes were determined flow cytometrically. At d 14 a.p., all ewes were vaccinated against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). RESULTS: Both groups showed a sharp increase in the total leukocyte counts (TLC) and neutrophil counts (P < 0.0001), at d 1 p.p., while, monocytes and their subpopulations displayed the highest values at d 30 p.p. (P ≤ 0.05). At d 1 p.p. the neutrophil phagocytic activity was higher (P < 0.05) in MAG ewes. Throughout the TP, the proliferative response of CD4+ cells was significantly higher in the MAG group (P < 0.05). Ewes in both groups responded with an increase in the TLC, neutrophil numbers (P ≤ 0.05) and ncM (P < 0.001) 24 h post vaccination, whereas monocytes and cM dropped in numbers (P ≤ 0.05). Numbers of intM only increased in MAG ewes (P < 0.05), whereas lymphocyte numbers decreased (P < 0.01). Mg supplementation did not affect the significant increase in MAP-specific antibodies at d 7 and 21 post vaccination. Total Mg and Ca serum levels did not show any differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Whereas TP-associated fluctuations in blood leukocyte numbers are not influenced by Mg supplementation, neutrophil phagocytic activity, the proliferative capacity of CD4+ cells and the cellular response within 24 h after a vaccination are subject to modulation.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perception of Health Care Workers Regarding COVID-19, A Cross-Sectional Study from Egypt.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontline defense against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Inadequate knowledge and incorrect attitudes among HCWs can directly influence practices and lead to delayed diagnosis, poor infection control practice, and spread of disease. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and attitude of the Egyptian HCWs towards the COVID-19 disease. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Egypt, among 407 HCWs using a self-administered questionnaire. The mean correct answer rate was 80.4% with a mean knowledge score of 18.5 ± 2.7 out of 24. A positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores was detected (r = 0.215, p < 0.001). About 83.1% of our participants reported that they were afraid of being infected with COVID-19, and 89.2% stated that they were more susceptible to COVID-19 infection as compared to others. Unavailability of personal protective equipment (PPE), fear of transmitting the disease to their families, and social stigma were the most frequently reported reasons for increased risk perception. The overall knowledge level of HCWs was generally good especially among physicians. A positive attitude was detected among allied health professionals more than physicians. Risk perception was high among HCWs. Causes of increased risk perception need to considered by the government and the Egyptian Ministry of Health.

Internal Hypopharyngeal Cyst: A Review of Literature.

Detailed information on the hypopharyngeal cyst presentation, terminology, classification, diagnosis, management, and possible complication is scarce though it would lead to life-threatening symptoms. This review article, therefore, meticulously presents and analyzes the majority of the pertaining literature. In this context, a particular emphasis has been placed on the embryological development of the branchial arches while discussing each entity that would improve the current understanding of different pharyngeal cyst's pathologies.