Myofibrillar myopathy hallmarks associated with ZAK deficiency.

The ZAK gene encodes two functionally distinct kinases, ZAKα and ZAKß. Homozygous loss of function mutations affecting both isoforms causes a congenital muscle disease. ZAKß is the only isoform expressed in skeletal muscle and is activated by muscle contraction and cellular compression. The ZAKß substrates in skeletal muscle or the mechanism whereby ZAKß senses mechanical stress remains to be determined. To gain insights into the pathogenic mechanism, we exploited ZAK-deficient cell lines, zebrafish, mice and a human biopsy. ZAK-deficient mice and zebrafish show a mild phenotype. In mice, comparative histopathology data from regeneration, overloading, ageing and sex conditions indicate that while age and activity are drivers of the pathology, ZAKß appears to have a marginal role in myoblast fusion in vitro or muscle regeneration in vivo. The presence of SYNPO2, BAG3 and Filamin C (FLNC) in a phosphoproteomics assay and extended analyses suggested a role for ZAKß in the turnover of FLNC. Immunofluorescence analysis of muscle sections from mice and a human biopsy showed evidence of FLNC and BAG3 accumulations as well as other myofibrillar myopathy markers. Moreover, endogenous overloading of skeletal muscle exacerbated the presence of fibres with FLNC accumulations in mice, indicating that ZAKß signalling is necessary for an adaptive turnover of FLNC that allows for the normal physiological response to sustained mechanical stress. We suggest that accumulation of mislocalized FLNC and BAG3 in highly immunoreactive fibres contributes to the pathogenic mechanism of ZAK deficiency.

Glucuronoxylomannan intranasal challenge prior to Cryptococcus neoformans pulmonary infection enhances cerebral cryptococcosis in rodents.

The encapsulated fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is the most common cause of fungal meningitis, with the highest rate of disease in patients with AIDS or immunosuppression. This microbe enters the human body via inhalation of infectious particles. C. neoformans capsular polysaccharide, in which the major component is glucuronoxylomannan (GXM), extensively accumulates in tissues and compromises host immune responses. C. neoformans travels from the lungs to the bloodstream and crosses to the brain via transcytosis, paracytosis, or inside of phagocytes using a "Trojan horse" mechanism. The fungus causes life-threatening meningoencephalitis with high mortality rates. Hence, we investigated the impact of intranasal exogenous GXM administration on C. neoformans infection in C57BL/6 mice. GXM enhances cryptococcal pulmonary infection and facilitates fungal systemic dissemination and brain invasion. Pre-challenge of GXM results in detection of the polysaccharide in lungs, serum, and surprisingly brain, the latter likely reached through the nasal cavity. GXM significantly alters endothelial cell tight junction protein expression in vivo, suggesting significant implications for the C. neoformans mechanisms of brain invasion. Using a microtiter transwell system, we showed that GXM disrupts the trans-endothelial electrical resistance, weakening human brain endothelial cell monolayers co-cultured with pericytes, supportive cells of blood vessels/capillaries found in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to promote C. neoformans BBB penetration. Our findings should be considered in the development of therapeutics to combat the devastating complications of cryptococcosis that results in an estimated ~200,000 deaths worldwide each year.

PI3K inhibitor "alpelisib" alleviates methotrexate induced liver injury in mice and potentiates its cytotoxic effect against MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cell line.

Hepatotoxicity is the main off-target effect of methotrexate (MTX) limiting its effective clinical use. Besides, MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells show chemoresistance, partly via PI3K/AKT pathway. Therefore, we investigated the ameliorative potentials of the PI3K inhibitor, alpelisib (ALP) on MTX-induced hepatotoxicity (in vivo) and the restraining potentials of ALP on MDA-MB231 chemoresistance to MTX (in vitro). Twenty-eight male BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups. In treatment groups, mice were administered ALP (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) for 5 days and MTX (20 mg/kg) from day 2 till day 5. The results showed that ALP restored hepatic architecture, reduced immune cell infiltration (F4/80, Ly6G and MPO) and repressed the rise in liver enzymes (AST and ALT) induced by MTX. Additionally, ALP rectified the MTX-induced disruption of cellular oxidant status by boosting antioxidant defense systems (HO-1 and GSH) and repressing lipid peroxidation (MDA and 4-HNE). Finally, ALP curbed MTX-induced hepatocyte apoptosis (NF-κB and BAX) and shifted the cytokine milieu away from inflammation (IL-17, IL-22, IL-6 and IL- 10). The results of the in vitro experiments revealed that ALP alone and in combination with MTX, synergistically, reduced cancer cell viability (MTT assay), migration (wound healing assay) and their capacity to establish colonies (colony formation assay) as compared to MTX alone. RT-PCR revealed the antiproliferative (Bcl-2) and proapoptotic (BAX) potentials of ALP and ALP/MTX combination especially after 24 h. In conclusion, targeting PI3K/AKT pathway is a promising strategy in triple negative breast cancer patients by ameliorating hepatotoxicity and restraining chemoresistance to chemotherapy.

Impact of some heavy metal accumulation in different organs on fish quality from Bardawil Lake and human health risks assessment.

Bardawil Lake is a unique aquatic ecosystem that provides a habitat for various fish and other marine organisms. This study aimed to analyze the quality of fish species to prove that this lake is free of pollution, not other Egyptian lakes, due to the accumulation of some heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn) in various tissues of fish species that were caught from this lake. Thirty-five fish samples were caught during the Spring of 2018 from seven different species: Mugil cephalus, Liza auratus, Sparus aurata, Dicentrarchus labrax, Siganus rivulatus, Anguilla angilla, and Solae solea. The Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods using a spectrophotometer determined the biochemical composition. In contrast, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was employed to determine the heavy metals expressed by µg/g wet weight. Results exposed that the accumulation of essential micronutrient (Cu, Zn) content was higher than toxic elements (Cd & Pb) in muscles in order to Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. Muscles < gills < liver in order of all metals except Pb with order muscles < liver < gills. The metals studied in the muscles were lower than those set by the WHO and the EU standards. The carcinogenic risk with lower allowable limits of 1 × 10-6 to 1 × 10-4 in both normal and high consumption groups; target and total target hazard quotients (THQ & HI) in muscles were < 1. The biochemical composition level was highest in the liver, except for protein, which was highest in muscle for all fish species. There is no evidence of harmful contaminants in the muscular tissue of the fish sampled from Bardawil Lake, although fishing activity. However, customers should know that health concerns may be associated with overeating fish.

Enhanced protein secretion in reduced genome strains of Streptomyces lividans.

BACKGROUND: S. lividans TK24 is a popular host for the production of small molecules and the secretion of heterologous protein. Within its large genome, twenty-nine non-essential clusters direct the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. We had previously constructed ten chassis strains, carrying deletions in various combinations of specialized metabolites biosynthetic clusters, such as those of the blue actinorhodin (act), the calcium-dependent antibiotic (cda), the undecylprodigiosin (red), the coelimycin A (cpk) and the melanin (mel) clusters, as well as the genes hrdD, encoding a non-essential sigma factor, and matAB, a locus affecting mycelial aggregation. Genome reduction was aimed at reducing carbon flow toward specialized metabolite biosynthesis to optimize the production of secreted heterologous protein. RESULTS: Two of these S. lividans TK24 derived chassis strains showed ~ 15% reduction in biomass yield, 2-fold increase of their total native secretome mass yield and enhanced abundance of several secreted proteins compared to the parental strain. RNAseq and proteomic analysis of the secretome suggested that genome reduction led to cell wall and oxidative stresses and was accompanied by the up-regulation of secretory chaperones and of secDF, a Sec-pathway component. Interestingly, the amount of the secreted heterologous proteins mRFP and mTNFα, by one of these strains, was 12 and 70% higher, respectively, than that secreted by the parental strain. CONCLUSION: The current study described a strategy to construct chassis strains with enhanced secretory abilities and proposed a model linking the deletion of specialized metabolite biosynthetic clusters to improved production of secreted heterologous proteins.

Evaluation of relationship between TMPRSS2 p.(Val197Met) variant and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has killed millions of people and had a terrible effect on society. The transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) enzyme is essential in the initial phases of the interplay between the SARSCoV-2 and the host cells by assisting viral entrance. METHODS: This observational case-control study involved 150 participants, 100 adult patients with COVID-19, 50 of whom appeared healthy and had no history of or symptoms of COVID-19 infection when the study was conducted. Between January and April 2022, patients were taken as inpatients in isolation units or through recruitment from the COVID-19 clinic at Kasr Al-Ainy Cairo University Hospitals. According to the National Institutes of Health guidelines (2021), they were categorised into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe. TMPRSS2 p.(Val197Met) variant genotyping was evaluated using TaqMan Real-Time PCR. RESULTS: The study showed a substantial difference between the mild and severe COVID-19 patient groups regarding their TMPRSS2 (p.Val197Met) genotypes (P value = 0.046). The C allele was significantly more prevalent in the mild, moderate and severe COVID-19 patient categories (77.8%, 89.7% and 91.7%, respectively) and the control group (80%). Meanwhile, the T allele was more prevalent in the mild (22.2%) and control (20%) groups. There was a statistically significant difference in allelic distribution between the mild and severe groups (P value = 0.034). CONCLUSION: The study showed a connection between the TMPRSS2 gene variant p.(Val197Met) and the degree of illness. We concluded that the T(mutant) allele was protective against severe COVID-19 because it was linked to lesser disease severity.

An abattoir study of the prevalence of foot lesions and claw measurements in water buffalo in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Lameness has been associated with compromised animal welfare and reduced productivity in dairy cattle herds worldwide. However, little is known about the prevalence of claw lesions in the dairy buffalo population in Egypt. Furthermore, the optimum measurements for claw trimming in buffalo are unknown. A cross-sectional cadaver study was conducted where 135 pair buffalo hind feet were collected from 4 slaughterhouses and examined for the presence of claw lesions. The proportion and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) of each type of lesion were calculated. A separate set of healthy claws (n = 26) underwent ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). The agreement between US and CT measurements was assessed using Passing-Bablok regression and intraclass correlation coefficient. The CT measurements were used to calculate trimming recommendations. RESULTS: At least one lesion was identified in 242 claws (89.6%, 95% CI = 85.4-93.0). In healthy claws, poor to moderate agreement was identified between US and CT measurements which could be due a sample size of the study. The average ± standard deviation (SD) minimum recommended external wall length of the lateral and medial claws in heifers was 7.1 ± 0.36 cm and 7.5 ± 0.35 cm, respectively. The average ± SD minimum recommended external wall length in buffaloes over five years of age was 8.2 ± 0.27 cm and 8.4 ± 0.39 cm for the lateral and medial claws, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study found a high prevalence of claw lesions in buffalo in Egypt, the clinical significance of which requires further elucidation. Recommended measurements will help guide claw trimming in buffalo to minimise lesions.

Hyaluronic acid impacts hematological endpoints and spleen histological features in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

Since its identification in the vitreous humour of the eye and laboratory biosynthesis, hyaluronic acid (HA) has been a vital component in several pharmaceutical, nutritional, medicinal, and cosmetic uses. However, little is known about its potential toxicological impacts on aquatic inhabitants. Herein, we investigated the hematological response of Clarias gariepinus to nominal doses of HA. To achieve this objective, 72 adult fish were randomly and evenly distributed into four groups: control, low-dose (0.5 mg/l HA), medium-dose (10 mg/l HA), and high-dose (100 mg/l HA) groups for two weeks each during both the exposure and recovery periods. The findings confirmed presence of anemia, neutrophilia, leucopoenia, lymphopenia, and eosinophilia at the end of exposure to HA. In addition, poikilocytosis and a variety of cytomorphological disturbances were observed. Dose-dependent histological alterations in spleen morphology were observed in the exposed groups. After HA removal from the aquarium for 2 weeks, the groups exposed to the two highest doses still exhibited a notable decline in red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and an increase in mean corpuscular volume. Additionally, there was a significant rise in neutrophils, eosinophils, cell alterations, and nuclear abnormalities percentages, along with a decrease in monocytes, coupled with a dose-dependent decrease in lymphocytes. Furthermore, only the highest dose of HA in the recovered groups continued to cause a significant increase in white blood cells. White blood cells remained lower, and the proportion of apoptotic RBCs remained higher in the high-dose group. The persistence of most of the haematological and histological disorders even after recovery period indicates a failure of physiological compensatory mechanisms to overcome the HA-associated problems or insufficient duration of recovery. Thus, these findings encourage the inclusion of this new hazardous agent in the biomonitoring program and provide a specific pattern of hematological profile in HA-challenged fish. Further experiments are highly warranted to explore other toxicological hazards of HA using dose/time window protocols.

Macrophage polarization in lymph node granulomas from cattle and pigs naturally infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

Tuberculosis in animals is caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC), with the tuberculous granuloma being the main characteristic lesion. The macrophage is the main cell type involved in the development of the granuloma and presents a wide plasticity ranging from polarization to classically activated or pro-inflammatory macrophages (M1) or to alternatively activated or anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2). Thus, this study aimed to analyze macrophage polarization in granulomas from cattle and pig lymph nodes naturally infected with MTC. Tuberculous granulomas were microscopically categorized into four stages and a panel of myeloid cells (CD172a/calprotectin), M1 macrophage polarization (iNOS/CD68/CD107a), and M2 macrophage polarization (Arg1/CD163) markers were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. CD172a and calprotectin followed the same kinetics, having greater expression in late-stage granulomas in pigs. iNOS and CD68 had higher expression in cattle compared with pigs, and the expression was higher in early-stage granulomas. CD107a immunolabeling was only observed in porcine granulomas, with a higher expression in stage I granulomas. Arg1+ cells were significantly higher in pigs than in cattle, particularly in late-stage granulomas. Quantitative analysis of CD163+ cells showed similar kinetics in both species with a consistent frequency of immunolabeled cells throughout the different stages of the granuloma. Our results indicate that M1 macrophage polarization prevails in cattle during early-stage granulomas (stages I and II), whereas M2 phenotype is observed in later stages. Contrary, and mainly due to the expression of Arg1, M2 macrophage polarization is predominant in pigs in all granuloma stages.

A review of the neurobehavioural, physiological, and reproductive toxicity of microplastics in fishes.

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as widespread environmental pollutants, causing significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and organisms. This review examines the toxic effects of MPs on fishes, with a focus on neurobehavioural, physiological, and reproductive impacts, as well as the underlying mechanisms of toxicity. Evidence indicates that MPs induce a range of neurobehavioural abnormalities in fishes, affecting social interactions and cognitive functions. Altered neurotransmitter levels are identified as a key mechanism driving behavioural alterations following MP exposure. Physiological abnormalities in fishes exposed to MPs are also reported, including neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress. These physiological disruptions can compromise the individual health of aquatic organisms. Furthermore, reproductive abnormalities linked to MP exposure are discussed, with a particular emphasis on disruptions in endocrine signaling pathways. These disruptions can impair reproductive success in fish species, impacting population numbers. Here we explore the critical role of endocrine disruptions in mediating reproductive effects after exposure to MPs, focusing primarily on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Our review highlights the urgent need for interdisciplinary research efforts aimed at elucidating the full extent of MP toxicity and its implications for aquatic ecosystems. Lastly, we identify knowledge gaps for future research, including investigations into the transgenerational impacts, if any, of MP exposure and quantifying synergetic/antagonistic effects of MPs with other environmental pollutants. This expanded knowledge regarding the potential risks of MPs to aquatic wildlife is expected to aid policymakers in developing mitigation strategies to protect aquatic species.

Design, Synthesis And Antibacterial Assessment Of Active (4-Arylazo-3-Methyl-2-Thienyl) 4-Antipyrine Ketones.

The chemicals formed from antipyrines are flexible organic building blocks that are employed in the development of pharmaceuticals. By diazotizing (4-arylazo-3-hydroxy-2-thienyl) 4-antipyrine ketones 1a, 1b and 1c and (4-arylazo-3-methyl-2-thienyl) 4-antipyrine ketones (2a, 2b and 2c) further replaced with six other coupling components, a broad spectrum of hybrid molecules have been created. Mass spectra, NMR, FTIR, and elemental analyses have all been used to confirm the structures of the synthesised compounds. The antimicrobial screening was investigated by agar well diffusion and diluting the broth technique against both Gram-negative and positive-tested bacterial strains. (3-methyl-5-(phenylamino)-4-(4-tolylazo)-2-thienyl) 4-antipyrine ketone (2a) was found to be superior to Ciprofloxacin against test strains: Acinetobacter sp (34.33±1.15 mm), Listeria monocytogenes (29.33±1.15 mm) and Streptococcus sp. (19.33±1.15 mm). Also, good to moderate activities were expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) which were recorded at 9±1 to 59.67±4.51 µg/mL and 16±4 to >512 µg/mL, respectively, using compounds 2a, 2b, and 2c. MBC/MIC ratio showed, that only, 2a and 2b have a bactericidal effect but other antipyrines with bacteriostatic strength. To conclude, it was suggested that the use of these novel synthesized (4-arylazo-3-methyl-2-thienyl) 4-antipyrine ketone derivatives molecules as a new chemical class of antimicrobial agents to perform new drug discovery in pharmaceutical preparations and medicinal research.

A prospective randomized controlled trial measuring satisfaction and parents stress after Gomco and Plastibell infant circumcision.

PURPOSE: To compare the physician and parental satisfactions between the two types of circumcision maneuvers used in our units, Gomco and Plastibell circumcision. METHODOLOGY: This study was performed from 2019 to 2021. A total of 190 children were circumcised either by Gomco or Plastibell procedure. Each child was evaluated during the procedure, immediately after the operation, and 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the procedure. Data were collected, statistically analyzed using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: A total of 190 children underwent circumcision from 2019 to 2021. Of the total 190, 98 children (51.6%) underwent circumcision by Gomco, while 92 (48.4%) underwent circumcision by Plastibell. Bleeding was significantly higher in Plastibell method, while excess skin was significantly higher in Gomco method (p value 0.048). Physician evaluation results show no significant difference between both methods in late physician evaluation. 23/92 (28%) of parents were not satisfied after Plastibell circumcision, compared to 8/98 (8.2%) of parents who were not satisfied with the results of Gomco circumcision (p value 0.002). CONCLUSION: Gomco needs a longer operative time, and Plastibell circumcision is less preferable by parents. There is no significant difference in physician satisfaction between the two procedures, but parents are less satisfied with Plastibell circumcision.

Oxidative stress, antioxidant defense responses, and histopathology: Biomarkers for monitoring exposure to pyrogallol in Clarias gariepinus.

Pyrogallol promotes free radicals leading to oxidative stress and toxicity. There are however a lack of studies on oxidative stress and the antioxidant system of fish following exposure to pyrogallol. This study measured oxidative stress markers, antioxidant responses, and histological changes in catfish exposed to pyrogallol. Fish were divided into one of four experimental groups: control only, or 1, 5 or 10 mg/L pyrogallol. After 15 days, glutathione-S-transferase in the serum was decreased in fish exposed to either 5 or 10 mg/L pyrogallol relative to controls while superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity were decreased significantly in fish exposed to 1, 5, or 10 mg/L pyrogallol. Conversely, catalase was increased in serum of fish exposed to 1, 5, or 10 mg/L pyrogallol compared to controls. The liver of fish treated with 1, 5, or 10 mg/L pyrogallol had significantly higher levels of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, lipid peroxidation, hydroperoxide content, oxidised protein content, and DNA fragmentation %) that varied with concentration. Catfish exposed to either 1, 5, or 10 mg/L pyrogallol presented with notable histological alterations in the intestine, kidney, and muscles with prominent fibrosis, as intense deposition of collagen fibre was observed by Masson's trichrome staining. Overall, endpoints related to oxidative stress and antioxidant defence enzymes in fish may be early biomarkers of pyrogallol exposure and contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Additional studies should characterize oxidative stress indicators for their utility as biomarkers of effect.

The anti-fungal effect of miconazole and miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles gels in diabetic patients with Oral candidiasis-randomized control clinical trial and microbiological analysis.

BACKGROUND: Oral thrush is the most common occurring fungal infection in the oral cavity in uncontrolled diabetic patients, it is treated by various antifungal drugs according to each case. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of topical application of miconazole and miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles in treatment of diabetic patients with oral candidiasis. METHODS: In this randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 80 diabetic patients presenting with symptomatic oral candidiasis were randomly assigned into two treatment groups: miconazole and miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles. The patients were treated for 28 days, and clinical assessments were conducted at baseline, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Clinical parameters, including signs and symptoms of oral candidiasis were evaluated and microbiological analysis was performed to determine the Candida species and assess their susceptibility to the antifungal agents. Statistical analysis was done to the categorical and numerical data using chi-square test and Kruskal Wallis test. RESULTS: The antifungal efficacy between the miconazole and miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS-MCZ) groups insignificant difference (P >  0.05) was observed. Both treatment modalities exhibited comparable effectiveness in controlling oral candidiasis symptoms and reducing Candida colonization as miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles group showed a significant difference in the clinical improvement in respect of both signs and symptoms from baseline (70%) until the end of study at 28 days (5%) (P <  0.05) Moreover, miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles, there was a significant reduction in the number of colonies forming units of Candida albicans from baseline until the end of the study at 28-day with P value <  0.000. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized controlled clinical trial and microbiological analysis demonstrate that both miconazole and miconazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticles are effective in the treatment of oral candidiasis in diabetic patients with no adverse reactions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT06072716 with first registration first registration in 10/10/2023.

Palmitoylethanolamide shows limited efficacy in controlling cerebral cryptococcosis in vivo.

Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is an encapsulated neurotropic fungal pathogen and the causative agent of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CME) in humans. Recommended treatment for CME is Amphotericin B (AmpB) and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC). Though effective, AmpB has displayed numerous adverse side effects due to its potency and nephrotoxicity, prompting investigation into alternative treatments. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an immunomodulatory compound capable of promoting neuroprotection and reducing inflammation. To investigate the efficacy of PEA as a therapeutic alternative for CME, we intracerebrally infected mice with Cn and treated them with PEA or AmpB alone or in combination. Our results demonstrate that PEA alone does not significantly prolong survival nor reduce fungal burden, but when combined with AmpB, PEA exerts an additive effect and promotes both survivability and fungal clearance. However, we compared this combination to traditional AmpB and 5-FC treatment in a survivability study and observed lower efficacy. Overall, our study revealed that PEA alone is not effective as an antifungal agent in the treatment of CME. Importantly, we describe the therapeutic capability of PEA in the context of Cn infection and show that its immunomodulatory properties may confer limited protection when combined with an effective fungicidal agent.

Recessive, Deleterious Variants in SMG8 Expand the Role of Nonsense-Mediated Decay in Developmental Disorders in Humans.

We have previously described a heart-, eye-, and brain-malformation syndrome caused by homozygous loss-of-function variants in SMG9, which encodes a critical component of the nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) machinery. Here, we describe four consanguineous families with four different likely deleterious homozygous variants in SMG8, encoding a binding partner of SMG9. The observed phenotype greatly resembles that linked to SMG9 and comprises severe global developmental delay, microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, and variable congenital heart and eye malformations. RNA-seq analysis revealed a general increase in mRNA expression levels with significant overrepresentation of core NMD substrates. We also identified increased phosphorylation of UPF1, a key SMG1-dependent step in NMD, which most likely represents the loss of SMG8--mediated inhibition of SMG1 kinase activity. Our data show that SMG8 and SMG9 deficiency results in overlapping developmental disorders that most likely converge mechanistically on impaired NMD.

Clinical utility of haematological inflammatory biomarkers in predicting 30-day mortality in hospitalised adult patients with COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multisystem disease affecting respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, immunological and haematological systems. The most important indices that have been studied are platelet (PLT) indices in addition to the PLT count and red blood cell distribution width (RDW). This retrospective study included 95 patients with COVID-19 and was conducted at the Hospital Isolation, Scientific and Medical Research Centre and Clinical Pathology Department at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt over 6 months from March to August 2021. All patients on admission had a full blood count, which included white blood cell (WBC) count, haemoglobin, RDW, PLT count and its indices in addition to PLT-to-WBC ratio (PWR) and PLT-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), which were calculated for all the study patients. There were significant linear correlations for higher levels of the PLR, PWR and RDW and mortality rate (p = 0.03, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). Moreover, on multivariable analysis the RDW, PLT count and PWR levels were independent prognostic predictors for mortality with a hazard ratio [HR] of 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.44, p = 0.002), 1.00 (95% CI 0.99-1.00, p = 0.03) and 2.3 (95% CI 1.21-4.48, p = 0.01) respectively. The RDW and PLT indices are accessible predictors that can be valuable prognostic factors for survival assessment and risk stratification of COVID-19.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Hereditary Angioedema in Saudi Arabia.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a potentially life-threatening autosomal dominant disorder affecting roughly 1:50,000 individuals. It is commonly characterized by swelling of the larynx, gastrointestinal tract, extremities, and skin. There is growing genetic heterogeneity associated with this disease but more than 95% of mutations are found in SERPING1, the gene which encodes complement 1 inhibitor (C1-INH). HAE cohorts from several populations have been published but no large scale study has been reported from the Arab world to date. Here we document the clinical and genetic findings of HAE patients from a single Saudi institution, which is a major referral center at the national level. A total of 51 patients across 17 unrelated families were recruited including two large multi-generational families, of which one contained an in-frame exonic deletion that was resolved through MLPA. Two cases were negative for all the genes we tested (including F12, PLG, ANGPT1, MYOF, KNG1, and HS3ST6). The predominant HAE subtype in our cohort was type I, at 76%. We were able to uncover a mutation in 49 patients (96%). No type III (normal C1-INH) patients were encountered in the clinic, suggesting that this subtype does not play a major role in HAE pathogenesis in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the existence of four patients with consistently normal complement 4 (C4) levels alongside abnormal C1-INH profiles highlights the utility of dual screening for both proteins in suspected patients.

A nuclear export sequence promotes CRM1-dependent targeting of the nucleoporin Nup214 to the nuclear pore complex.

Nup214 is a major nucleoporin on the cytoplasmic side of the nuclear pore complex with roles in late steps of nuclear protein and mRNA export. It interacts with the nuclear export receptor CRM1 (also known as XPO1) via characteristic phenylalanine-glycine (FG) repeats in its C-terminal region. Here, we identify a classic nuclear export sequence (NES) in Nup214 that mediates Ran-dependent binding to CRM1. Nup214 versions with mutations in the NES, as well as wild-type Nup214 in the presence of the selective CRM1 inhibitor leptomycin B, accumulate in the nucleus of Nup214-overexpressing cells. Furthermore, physiological binding partners of Nup214, such as Nup62 and Nup88, are recruited to the nucleus together with Nup214. Nuclear export of mutant Nup214 can be rescued by artificial nuclear export sequences at the C-terminal end of Nup214, leading also to a correct localization of Nup88. Our results suggest a function of the Nup214 NES in the biogenesis of the nuclear pore complex and/or in terminal steps of CRM1-dependent protein export.

Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for mitral regurgitation using PASCAL or MitraClip.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data regarding the comparative efficacy and safety of Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (MTEER) using the PASCAL or MitraClip systems for patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). METHODS: An electronic search was conducted for MEDLINE, COCHRANE, and EMBASE, through February 2023, for studies comparing the clinical outcomes of MTEER using PASCAL versus MitraClip systems among patients with severe MR. The primary study outcome was residual MR ≤ 2 at discharge. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: The final analysis included six studies with a total of 1581 patients, with a weighted follow-up period of 3.5 months. Two studies only included patients with degenerative MR, while the remaining studies included both degenerative and functional MR. There was no significant difference in procedure duration between MTEER with the PASCAL or MitraClip systems. There was no difference in residual MR ≤ 2 at discharge (94.7% vs. 91.9%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-2.27) or residual MR ≤ 2 at the mid-term follow-up (94.6% vs. 91.0%, p = 0.05) among the PASCAL versus MitraClip systems. There was no difference between both groups in residual MR ≤ 1 at discharge (73.1% vs. 63.8%, p = 0.12), while there was greater incidence of residual MR ≤ 1 at midterm follow-up with the PASCAL system (71.3% vs. 56.2%, p < 0.001). There was no difference between the PASCAL and MitraClip MTEER systems in technical success (97.0% vs. 97.9%, p = 0.15), procedural success (89.1% vs. 87.1%, p = 0.78), single leaflet detachment (1.8% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.55), or all-cause mortality (3.6% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.71). CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis, we demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety between the PASCAL and MitraClip MTEER systems at short- and mid-term assessments. Randomized trials are warranted to evaluate the comparative long-term outcomes between both MTEER systems.