The surveillance and assessment of acute injuries in different age categories in national wrestling championships.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to surveil the injuries in wrestling according to the different age categories and wrestling styles throughout the competition season. METHODS: The study was designed as a descriptive study. The study was conducted during the wrestling competition season in 2023 (from January 2023 to July 2023), which includes 5 different age categories: U-15, U-17, U-20, U-23, and seniors, along with the Turkey National Wrestling Championships. The data of injuries was recorded immediately after the acute injury was treated by the medical expert during the competitions and evaluated according to the parameters that were obtained. In the statistical analysis, the frequency and percentage values were presented as descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test was used. RESULTS: The study incorporated a total of 6214 wrestlers and a total of 7151 wrestling bouts were performed during these competitions. The analyses indicated that the rate of injury incidence was 42.65‰ in all wrestling styles. When taking account of the injured body parts in all wrestlers' exposures, the occurrence of injuries to the head-face, neck, trunk, upper extremity, and lower extremity, rates of 17.6‰, 1.3‰, 3.6‰, 13.5‰, and 6.6‰, respectively, were observed. According to the pre-diagnosis based on freestyle, Greco-Roman, and female wrestling styles, injuries with bleeding (39.6%, 46.3%, and 14.6%, respectively) and muscle strain (37.9%, 28.7 %, and 52.6%, respectively) most often occurred. CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate that most cases of injury appeared to occur in bleeding and muscle strain in all wrestling styles. We suggest that medical experts should set up their health equipment with consideration to the injuries that occur most frequently.

Local response to the COVID-19 pandemic: The case of Nepal.

Outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic is testing governments' capacity. Generally, considerable attention is paid to the capacity and response of the central or national governments; however, COVID-19 pandemic is local in nature. Although central authorities have important roles to play in COVID-19 response, local governments, being closer to people, are best-positioned to form the first line of defense.

Heterogeneity of Stem Cells in the Hippocampus.

The discovery of neural stem cells in the adult mammalian hippocampus has attracted attention and controversy, which both continue to this day. Hippocampal neural stem cells and their immediate progeny, amplifying neuroprogenitor cells, give rise to neurons and astrocytes in the region. Envisioned as possible key for tissue regeneration, whether mobilized endogenously or transplanted exogenously, neural stem cells have been in the eye of both public and science over the course of the past 20 years. These cells are a heterogeneous population, and here, we review different aspects of their heterogeneity from morphology to metabolism and response to different stimuli.

Serum and aqueous xanthine oxidase levels, and mRNA expression in anterior lens epithelial cells in pseudoexfoliation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine serum and aqueous xanthine oxidase (XO) levels, and mRNA expression in anterior lens epithelial cells in pseudoexfoliation (PEX). METHODS: In this prospective study, serum, aqueous and anterior lens capsules were taken from 21 patients with PEX and 23 normal subjects who had undergone routine cataract surgery. Serum and aqueous XO levels were analyzed using the colorimetric method. mRNA expression of XO in anterior lens epithelial cells was evaluated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. RESULTS: Serum XO levels (means ± standard deviations) were 207.0 ± 86.1 IU/mL and 240.6 ± 114.1 IU/mL in the normal and PEX groups, respectively (p = 0.310). Aqueous XO levels (means ± standard deviations) were 65.5 ± 54.3 IU/mL in the normal group and 130.5 ± 117.4 IU/mL in the PEX group (p = 0.028). There was a 2.9 fold decrease in mRNA expression in anterior lens epithelial cells of PEX, which is significantly lower than the normal group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Higher aqueous XO levels lacking associated different serum XO suggests higher oxidative stress in the aqueous. Higher aqueous XO levels in PEX with decreased mRNA expression in anterior lens epithelial cells indicate possible overexpression of XO in other structures related to the aqueous.

Tear and serum vitamin D levels in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

BACKGROUND: Although solid cohort studies confirmed a preventative role for the anti-oxidant vitamin D in allergic asthma, a limited number of studies focused on allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC). Here, we aimed to determine 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels in tear and serum in young allergic rhinoconjunctivitis patients as compared to their apparently healthy matched controls. METHODS: In total, 22 children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and 31 healthy control subjects underwent serum total IgE and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol measurements. Tear levels of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol were also determined in both groups. RESULTS: The mean serum total IgE level in the ARC group (143.6±132.8IU/ml) was significantly higher than that in the control group (54.8±44.1IU/ml; p=0.03). Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in the ARC group (34.1±12.7ng/ml) than in the healthy controls (21.8±11.3ng/ml; p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first reported study to show an association between serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and ARC in a childhood group. Higher levels of serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis may indicate a possible aetiopathogenic mechanism in the development of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. This is also the first report to examine tear fluid vitamin D levels in paediatric ARC patients.

Cardiac autonomic function in healthy young smokers.

The present study examined the heart rate turbulence (HRT) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters in healthy young smokers (<40 years) to assess the effects of smoking on cardiac autonomic function. The study included 75 smokers with a history of habitual smoking for at least 1 year (41 males and 34 females; mean age, 29.3 ± 7.3 years) and 30 nonsmokers (hospital staff; 16 males and 14 females; mean age, 29.0 ± 6.1 years). Addiction to smoking was evaluated using the modified Fagerström test for nicotine-dependence index (NDI). HRT, HRV, basic clinical and echocardiographic, and Holter test parameters were compared between groups. No significant differences between the two groups were found in the basic clinical and echocardiographic variables. Turbulence onset (TO) was significantly higher in the smoking group than in the controls, and turbulence slope was significantly lower in the smokers, than in the controls (p < 0.05). Standard deviation of all normal-to-normal (NN) interval index (SDNNI) was the only HRV parameter that was significantly different between the smoking and control groups (p < 0.05). The NDI was positively correlated with the TO (p < 0.05). Smoking impairs the baroregulatory function in healthy young smokers, particularly the HRT parameters and SDNNI. Our findings highlight the importance of complete smoking cessation.

Plasma omentin levels in drug-free patients with schizophrenia.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate plasma omentin concentrations in non-obese, drug-free patients with schizophrenia in comparison with healthy volunteers. METHOD: Thirty-two patients with schizophrenia and 33 control subjects were recruited. Plasma omentin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Plasma levels of omentin (ng/ml) were found to be markedly lower in patients with schizophrenia (median = 7.7, 25th percentile = 6.3, 75th percentile = 604.9) than in controls (median = 486, 25th percentile = 326, 75th percentile = 794.2, p < 0.01). No significant difference was found between drug-free (n = 23) and drug-naive (n = 9) patients with respect to plasma omentin levels. Omentin concentrations correlated negatively with severity of illness, suggesting that patients with more severe pathology had lower fasting levels of omentin (n = 32; r = -0.387; p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that plasma omentin levels are decreased in physically healthy, non-obese, antipsychotic-free patients with schizophrenia when compared with physically and mentally healthy individuals. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrated the association between omentin and schizophrenia.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in patients with cutaneous anthrax: a laboratory analysis.

BACKGROUND: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), the main endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, is considered to be associated with endothelial dysfunction. High ADMA levels have been shown to be related with disorders causing vascular inflammation such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, chronic heart failure, stroke and sepsis. Cutaneous anthrax (CA) is a serious infectious disease which may cause vasculitis. The aim of the study was to investigate the serum ADMA levels in patients with CA. METHODS: A total of 35 serum samples of the patients with CA and 18 control sera were tested for ADMA levels using ADMA ELISA kit (Immunodiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany). RESULTS: ADMA levels were found to be significantly higher in the patients group than the controls (p < 0.001). In addition, ADMA levels were found to be positively associated with sedimentation rates (R = 0.413; p = 0.026), and inversely associated with international normalized ratio (INR) levels (R = -0.46; p = 0.011). A cut-off value of 0.475 of ADMA had a sensitivity of 74.3%, specificity of 77.8%, and accuracy of 75.5% in the diagnosis of CA. CONCLUSION: Although the exact mechanism still remains unclear, ADMA levels could be related to immune activation in CA. In addition, these data might suggest the higher ADMA levels in patients could be due to the perivascular inflammation and vasculitis in CA.

Serum hepcidin levels and iron metabolism in obese children with and without fatty liver: case-control study.

UNLABELLED: Hepcidin is a regulator of iron balance that is increased in obesity. It reduces the absorption of iron, reduces the transfer of iron from macrophages to the plasma and/or prevents mobilisation of stored iron. Obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) demonstrate adipokine and cytokine release promoting inflammatory response. We aimed to analyse the hepcidin levels and iron metabolism in obese children with and without NAFLD and non-obese healthy controls. The study population consisted of 110 children aged 7-18 years in three groups: 50 obese patients without NAFLD, 30 obese patients with NAFLD, and 30 non-obese healthy controls. Serum hepcidin, ferritin, and iron levels, iron-binding capacity, lipid profile, and liver function tests were measured, and hepatic ultrasonography was performed in all participants. Obese patients' white blood cell counts, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly higher than those of the control group. Iron-binding capacity was significantly higher in obese patients without NAFLD compared with obese patients with NAFLD (p = 0.002). Hepcidin levels were not significantly different between obese patients and the control group. However, hepcidin levels in obese patients with NAFLD were significantly higher than those in obese patients without NAFLD (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hepcidin levels were significantly higher in obese children with NAFLD than those without NAFLD. Obese children with NAFLD should receive attention regarding iron metabolism disorders. Serum hepcidin could be a marker of iron metabolism status and NAFLD in these groups of patients.

Serum omentin levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with increased rates of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The basic mechanisms involved in the increased cardiovascular risk of OSAS remain unclear. Recent discoveries of fat-secreted substances which serve endocrine roles improve our understanding of the relationship between OSAS, CVD, and the metabolic syndrome. In this study, we aimed to examine associations between omentin levels and OSA. METHODS: Forty-six newly diagnosed OSA patients and 35 non-apneic controls were enrolled in this study. Demographical data, cigarette smoking status, previous history of chronic diseases including CVD and metabolic diseases and drugs, and habits were obtained using a standardized questionnaire. All patients underwent polysomnographic evaluation. Omentin was measured the following morning. RESULTS: The mean age was 48.1 ± 12.5 (24-74) years in the OSA group and 42.8 ± 14.1 (21-69) years in the control group. Of the 81 patients, 46 (34 males and 12 females) were classified as having OSA and 35 patients (20 males and 15 females) as control. Plasma levels of omentin were found to be markedly higher in OSA patients (570.8 ng/ml) than in the control group (432.0 ng/ml; p < 0.001). In addition, plasma levels of omentin were found to be high in all OSA subgroups than in controls. The plasma omentin levels were significantly correlated only with age in patients with OSA. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that circulating omentin levels are elevated in OSA patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical study that demonstrated the association between omentin and OSA.

Vitamin D status in children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), one of the most common psychiatric disorders of childhood, has an early onset, affecting 2-18% of children worldwide. The etiopathogenesis of ADHD is obscure. In recent studies, a low level of vitamin D has been found in association with many disorders as well as in neuropsychiatric diseases. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate serum vitamin D level in pediatric ADHD patients. METHODS: A total of 60 ADHD patients and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. The age of both groups was in the 7-18-year-old range. Serum 25-OH-vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were investigated. RESULTS: Serum 25-OH-vitamin D was found to be significantly lower in children and adolescents with ADHD compared to healthy controls, and no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of other variables. 25-OH-vitamin D level in the ADHD group and control group was, respectively, 20.9 ± 19.4 ng/mL and 34.9 ± 15.4 ng/mL (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: There is an association between lower 25-OH-vitamin D concentration and ADHD in childhood and adolescence. To the authors' knowledge this is the first study to investigate the relationship between vitamin D and ADHD in children.

Serum levels of omentin are not altered in drug-naive patients with major depression: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Decreased plasma levels of omentin, a relatively novel adipokine, are shown to be associated with metabolic abnormalities and proinflammatory states. Although other adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin have been extensively investigated in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), no studies have evaluated omentin levels in major depression. Therefore, this study sought to test the hypothesis that drug-naive patients with MDD would have lower serum omentin levels than a healthy control group similar in age, sex, and body mass index. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with MDD (10 men) and 30 healthy control subjects (10 men) were studied. Plasma concentration of omentin, along with other biochemical parameters, was measured after a period of fasting. The severity of depression was determined by the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between patients with MDD (723.3±233.8 ng/ml) and healthy comparison subjects (670.7±351.8 ng/ml) in mean plasma concentrations of omentin (p>0.05). There was no significant correlation between plasma omentin levels and depression severity (r=-0.147; p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first investigation of omentin levels in patients with MDD. The hypothesis that circulating omentin levels would be different in depressed patients than in healthy controls is not supported by our data.

Elevated neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in patients with schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory mechanisms are reported to play important roles in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple and easily accessible indicator of the systemic inflammatory response. Our goal was to investigate whether NLR was higher in patients with schizophrenia than in healthy comparison subjects similar in age, sex, and body mass index. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we analyzed 156 non-obese patients with schizophrenia and 89 healthy control subjects for complete blood count. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale was used to determine the severity of clinical pathology. RESULTS: The mean ± SD NLR of patients with schizophrenia was significantly higher than that of healthy controls (2.6 ± 1.1 vs. 1.9 ± 0.6, respectively, p < 0.001). NLR did not significantly correlate with severity and duration of schizophrenia (r = 0.065. p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that NLR levels are increased in physically healthy, non-obese, patients with schizophrenia when compared with physically and mentally healthy individuals. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrated the association between NLR and schizophrenia.

Carbon dioxide insufflation causes upper urinary tract injury in the early period of an experimental vesicoureteral reflux model.

PURPOSE: Ureteral reimplantation via pneumovesicum is a new aspect of vesicoureteral reflux management. We aimed to determine the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation on the upper urinary tract in an experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty New Zealand rabbits were allocated into five groups of six rabbits each. Right ureters were cannulated for CO2 insufflation in four groups. The pressures and durations of CO2 insufflation in the respective groups were as follows: Group A (10 mm Hg, 2 h); B (12 mm Hg, 2 h); C (10 mm Hg, 4 h); and D (12 mm Hg, 4 h) and control (E). Blood gas analysis, urea and creatinine levels were measured from renal veins and aorta. Histopathological evaluation of the renal parenchyma and ureters was scored. RESULTS: Significant histopathological changes were detected in the ipsilateral ureter and renal parenchyma exposed to CO2 insufflation, predominantly observed in groups insufflated for longer durations, p < 0.05. Blood gases drawn separately from renal veins were significantly more acidotic, and serum urea and creatinine levels were increased in all the groups, p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 causes significant histopathological and biochemical changes in the early period. Long-term results are required to determine whether permanent renal injury occurs.

Anti-TNF-α therapy may not improve arterial stiffness in patients with AS: a 24-week follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The availability of new-generation drugs has provided significant success reflected by disease activity markers and clinical status in AS, but controversial reports necessitate further assessment of associated increased risk of cardiovascular burden that might persist. Hence this prospective clinical study evaluated the effectiveness of a 24-week anti-TNF-α therapy on vascular stiffness [pulse wave velocity (PWV)] in AS. METHODS: A total of 28 active AS patients (21 males, 7 females) were enrolled before the start of biologic therapy. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Arterial stiffness was assessed using PWV. Patients were evaluated before and 24 weeks after anti-TNF-α therapy. RESULTS: The mean disease duration was 8.4 (4.9) years. After 24 weeks of anti-TNF-α therapy, despite significant improvements in patients' symptoms and clinical activity parameters, including BASDAI score [4.9 (0.9) vs 1.9 (0.5), P = 0.0001], ESR [35.5 (23.1) vs 13.8 (9.2) mm/h, P = 0.0001) and CRP level [2.1 (1.6) vs 0.4 (0.3) ng/dl, P = 0.0001], no significant change was seen in arterial stiffness parameters [7.9 (1.3) vs 7.7 (1.3) m/s, P = 0.412]. Significant correlation was determined between arterial stiffness and age, systolic blood pressure and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: Despite significant improvement in markers of disease activity, anti-TNF-α therapy does not seem to improve arterial stiffness, a significant AS-associated cardiovascular burden. Thus, when treating AS, significant end-points other than DASs should also be considered, and any hidden threat like arterial stiffness should be addressed further.

Serum levels of omentin in end-stage renal disease patients.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, evaluation and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are very important. The plasma level of omentin was found to be associated with different conditions such as insulin resistance. It is one of the novel adipokines synthesized mainly in the visceral adipose tissue. In this study, we aimed to investigate the level of omentin in patients with ESRD receiving hemodialysis. METHODS: The study population consisted of 59 adult chronic hemodialysis patients (30 women and 29 men) and age-matched control subjects were selected from apparently healthy subjects (28 participants; 14 women and 14 men). Blood samples were obtained before the dialysis session. Omentin concentrations were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Plasma levels of omentin were found to be markedly higher in ESRD patients (606.6 ± 313.0 ng/ml) than in the control group (357.5 ± 147.4 ng/ml; p < 0.0001). Also, serum omentin levels were found to be correlated with creatinine (r = 0.333, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Omentin levels were found to be elevated in patients with ESRD receiving hemodialysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical study that demonstrated the association between omentin and ESRD.

A new model of reversible obstructive jaundice using rapidly absorbable suture materials.

PURPOSE: Reversible obstructive jaundice models have some limiting features, including the need for a second anaesthesia, re-laparotomy and surgical intervention after common bile duct ligation. The present study investigates the feasibility of a new application that can eliminate these limitations. Rapidly absorbable suture materials were used for ligation; therefore, spontaneous biliary decompression was anticipated by the self release of these rapidly degrading materials. METHODS: Common bile ducts in Wistar Albino rats were ligated with silk, polyglytone 6211, or irradiated polyglactine 910 (n=7 for each group). Rats were grouped according to both the suture materials and the experiments termination date: 5 days (sham, silk5, polyglytone5, polyglactine5) and 21 days (silk21, polyglytone21, polyglactine21) after the ligation. Biochemical and morphologic changes of liver were assessed. RESULTS: The group polyglactine21 showed significantly lower mean ALT, AST, GGT, total and direct bilirubin values when compared with the group polyglactine5 (p=0.004-0.037). Morphologic changes did not correlate with the biochemical amelioration. In the group polyglytone21, not only the biochemical but also the morphologic changes significantly ameliorated when compared with the group polyglytone5 (p=0.003-0.043). No procedure associated mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: Common bile duct ligation with polyglytone offers a new reversible model for prolonged obstructive jaundice which abolishes the need for relaparotomy and a second surgical intervention and significantly reduces mortality.

HLA-DRB1 allele distribution and its relation to rheumatoid arthritis in eastern Black Sea Turkish population.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA [MIM 180300]) is a complex, polygenic inflammatory autoimmune disease, resulting from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Some of the RA-associated HLA-DRB1 alleles have shared epitope, but their distribution varies among different racial/ethnic groups. This study was aimed at investigating the distribution of HLA-DRB1 alleles in patients with RA in eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. DNA samples of 320 patients with RA and 360 healthy controls were studied for the determination of HLA-DRB1 allele distribution using PCR-SSP method. The allele frequencies of HLA-DRB1*01, *04, and *09 were higher in patients with RA compared with the controls (P < 0.005, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.01, respectively). On the other hand, in patients with RA, HLA-DRB1*13 allele was lower than the controls (P < 0.001). Of the HLA-DRB1*04 subgroups, *0401 (40.83% vs. 18.75%, P < 0.001) was the most frequent allele in patients with RA, while DRB1*0402 (30.00% vs. 12.50%, P < 0.005) allele in the controls. HLA-DRB1 allele frequencies in the patients with RA and the controls showed Hardy-Weinberg rule compliance. Results of this study indicate that HLA-DRB1*01, *04, and *09 alleles were associated with RA, and HLA-DRB1*13 was protective allele against RA. Among the subgroups of HLA-DRB1*04, *0401 was detected to be RA associated, while *0402 was being protective. These results have some differences compared with previous reports originating from other regions of Turkey.

Investigation of effects of two-different treatment modalities on nerve conduction in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

The objective of this study was to investigate any relationship between peripheral neuropathy and anti-TNF-α therapy used in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Thirty-nine patients monitored in our clinic with a diagnosis of AS and without neuropathic symptoms were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. The first consisted of 21 patients using biological agents for more than one year. The control group was made up of 18 patients of similar age and demographic characteristics receiving non-biological therapy. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) scores were calculated, and sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels measured. Motor and sensory nerve conduction analysis for the median, tibial, and sural nerves was performed. The nerve conduction results of the biological therapy group were then compared with those of the non-biological therapy group. Thirty-nine patients with a mean age of 37.05 ± 8.1 were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups, depending on drugs used. The first group (using anti-TNF-α) consisted of 21 patients with a mean age of 42.2 ± 8.8, and the second (the non-biological group) of 18 patients with a mean age of 35.8 ± 7.5. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, drug use, or duration of disease (p = 0.052, p = 0.55, p = 0.33, and p = 0.72, respectively). Sedimentation rate, CRP, and BASDAI scores were statistically significantly higher in the second group (p = 0.04, p = 0.03, and p = 0.009, respectively). No statistically significant difference was determined in any parameters at nerve conduction analysis between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between sedimentation rate and median sensory conduction velocity (p = 0.02, r = 0.48) and tibial conduction velocity (p = 0.07, r = 0.43). A negative correlation was determined between duration of disease and median distal motor latency (p = 0.22, r = -0.37) and between length of drug use and median sensory conduction velocity (p = 0.02, r = -0.38). There was no significant correlation between other clinical and demographic data and nerve conduction parameters. No effect on nerve conduction of biological agents in AS patients without neurological symptoms was determined. Clinicians should be alert for signs and symptoms, suggesting neuropathy in patients given anti-TNF-α.

BASP1 labels neural stem cells in the neurogenic niches of mammalian brain.

The mechanisms responsible for determining neural stem cell fate are numerous and complex. To begin to identify the specific components involved in these processes, we generated several mouse neural stem cell (NSC) antibodies against cultured mouse embryonic neurospheres. Our immunohistochemical data showed that the NSC-6 antibody recognized NSCs in the developing and postnatal murine brains as well as in human brain organoids. Mass spectrometry revealed the identity of the NSC-6 epitope as brain abundant, membrane-attached signal protein 1 (BASP1), a signaling protein that plays a key role in neurite outgrowth and plasticity. Western blot analysis using the NSC-6 antibody demonstrated multiple BASP1 isoforms with varying degrees of expression and correlating with distinct developmental stages. Herein, we describe the expression of BASP1 in NSCs in the developing and postnatal mammalian brains and human brain organoids, and demonstrate that the NSC-6 antibody may be a useful marker of these cells.