Dermoscopy-assisted prevalence of hair loss after COVID-19 vaccination among an Egyptian population: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTACT: BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) currently named SARS-CoV-2 is a contagious disease caused by a coronavirus; incompatible data are present on the possible relationship among COVID-19 vaccines and hair loss. AIMS: The objective of the current study was to assess dermoscopically the prevalence of hair loss among an Egyptian population following COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: A total of 2000 participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Adult males and females who received one of recognized COVID-19 vaccine were included, irrespective of the status of previous COVID-19 infection. Those who were aged less than 18 years or above 60 years were excluded. Furthermore, subjects self-reporting hair loss were assessed by dermoscopy. RESULTS: Among the studied cases, n = 478 (23.9%) complained of hair loss following vaccination. The majority of cases noticed their hair loss during the first 2 months post-vaccination (n = 215 after the first month and n = 158 after the 2nd month respectively). CONCLUSION: We reported prevalence of post-vaccination hair fall that was confirmed by trichoscopy and which affected approximately one quarter of participants who received COVID-19 vaccines. Other factors, such as stress and infection, cannot be excluded and remain to be further investigated by larger multicenter studies.

Screening of IL-22 first and second introns and FOXP3 second exon for SNPs and mutations with potential role in the susceptibility of SLE in selected population.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of performing this study was the mutational analysis of Forkhead box family member (FoxP3) and Interleukin-22 (IL-22) genes and their associations with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of sixty blood samples were collected from SLE patients from different hospitals in Lahore. Proforma was based on American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. The total time for this research was one year (2018-2019). DNA was extracted, and FoxP3 and IL-22 genes were polymerized through PCR and further sequenced through the Sanger Sequencing method. Chromas version 2.6.6 was used for the similarity index of sequences. NG_060763 and NG_007392.1 were used as Reference Sequences of IL-22 and FoxP3 genes, respectively. RESULTS: Three already identified Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-22 gene i.e., rs2227491, rs2227485, and rs2227513, were confirmed in the sequencing results of SLE patients. Results showed that there were nine novel mutations (27.27%) in the case of the IL-22 gene in the studied genotyped samples. These SNPs had remarkably increased allele T frequency in rs2227485 and allele C frequency in rs2227491 and rs2227513. On the other hand, in the case of FoxP3 gene exon 2, there was an addition of T at position 10 in the intronic portion, thus not involved in the progression of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of cytokine-mediated signaling pathways, such as the IL-22 gene, is thus established. Novel variants in the IL-22 gene likely contributed significantly to the development of this autoimmune disorder. The current study found that the dysregulation of the inflammatory markers in SLE is not related to the FoxP3 gene, even though FoxP3 is implicated in the tolerance process.

Deletions of SMNI gene exon 7 and NAIP gene exon 5 in spinal muscular atrophy patients in selected population.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is common among various populations because the genetic makeup is monogamous due to consanguineous marriages. Two genes, i.e., survival motor neuron (SMN1) and neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP) are mapped to the SMA vicinity of chromosome 5q13. The main objective of the study was to develop a solitary advanced genetic tool for the diagnosis of SMA by using SMN1 gene exon 7 and NAIP gene exon 5. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study involved SMA patients (n=84) belonging to different clinical features and socio-economic status. The identity of the intact NAIP gene is primarily based on the amplification of exon 5 only in those SMA patients that have a deletion of SMN1 gene exon 7. Healthy controls (n=84) were also included in this study. The mutational analysis was observed through the Sanger sequencing method, where chromatograms were observed by using Chromas version 2.6.0. RESULTS: This study showed a higher prevalence of SMA in females than in males. NAIP gene is considered a phenotype modifier as most SMA patients (94.90%) have SMN1 exon 7 deletion along with a deletion in exon 5 of the NAIP gene. Single nucleotide conversion C-T in exon 7 of SMN1 gene leads to its complete deletion. Mutated proteins encoded by SMN1 and NAIP genes also result in degeneration and muscle weakness in SMA patients. CONCLUSIONS: These SMA-associated gene deletions can be used as a molecular evaluation tool for pre- and postnatal diagnosis of SMA. This will be valuable when there is a need for precise and consistent results with a strong focus on quantification.

Psychological Control helps to counter sports anxiety: A moderating role of coach relationship / El control psicológico ayuda a contrarrestar la ansiedad deportiva: un papel moderador de la relación del entrenador

Without access to skilled coaches, sports anxiety is frequent among athletes. In Saudi Arabia, the lack of emotional intelligence and other mental problems prevent athletes from doing better with sports anxiety. This study examines the direct influence of psychological Control, coach-athlete interaction, and coach support on sports anxiety in Saudi Arabia. This study also analyzes the moderating effect of coach relationship and support on the relationship between psychological Control and athletic performance. A Likert scale questionnaire is utilized to collect cross-sectional data from Saudi Arabian college athletes. When players have a good relationship with their coach, they can have greater psychological Control over their athletic performance, as revealed by the study. This research is founded on a novel concept, and its theoretical framework contributes to our understanding of sports anxiety. In addition, the research produced exceptional practical and theoretical consequences that are crucial for combating sports anxiety practically and advancing our understanding of sports anxiety, respectively. The research findings suggest future directions based on the literature that provide researchers with new insight into investigating deeper links within the sports anxiety model.(AU)

Chemically functionalized CuO/Sodium alginate grafted polyaniline for nonenzymatic potentiometric detection of chlorpyrifos.

Non-enzymatic sensing of chlorpyrifos (CPF) has been demonstrated over structurally functionalized the ternary bio nanocomposite comprised of cupric oxide, sodium alginate, and polyaniline-based hybrid (CuO/SA-g-PANI) based electrode using a laboratory designed portable potentiometric set up. The prepared composite and constituents were characterized for structure, morphology, and physical properties with the help of fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscope, and other relevant standard methods. The obtained results revealed the formation of porous, electrical conductivity, structurally functionalized, responsiveness composite due to molecular engineering, and structural synergism for sensing applications. Further, the film of the prepared composite was explored as the electrode for nonenzymatic potentiometric sensing of residual chlorpyrifos in synthetic and natural sample i.e., tap water, soil, mango, and cabbage. The sensor exhibits a wider sensing range 1.0-120.0 µM, improved sensitivity 1.8790 mV·µM-1·cm-2, detection limit 0.375 µM, response time 120 s, recovery time 16 s with 99.80 % accuracy, and stability of 72 days at neutral 7.0 pH and ambient temperature i.e. 25 °C. Further, the sensing mechanism has been also explained on the basis of structural change in CPF and electrode materials due to their surface interaction along with formation induced electrode potential.

Exploration of a New Source of Sustainable Nanomaterial from the Koh-e-Suleiman Mountain Range of Pakistan for Industrial Applications.

The present study aimed to explore a new source of montmorillonite and to develop an extraction and purification protocol for its isolation from raw clay samples acquired from the Koh-e-Suleiman mountain range in Pakistan. The process involved the collection of raw clay from the source, identification and quantification of montmorillonite. Granulometric extraction and purification protocols increased the montmorillonite content from 21.8-25.1% in the raw clay to 90.1-93.9% after small-scale extraction and 85.33-89.33% on a larger scale. A techno-economic analysis highlighted the practicality and economic benefits of large-scale extraction for industrial applications. This study highlights the existence of a substantial new source of this valuable clay which is currently used across multiple industries including construction, pottery making, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and engineering. It is intuitively expected that the large-scale extraction of the material will improve the economic condition of the region by providing employment opportunities to locals and may be a valuable resource for export.

Synthesis of geopolymer-supported zeolites via robust one-step method and their adsorption potential.

The present study proposes a robust one-step hydrothermal treatment method for synthesis of high strength geopolymer-supported zeolites utilizing industrial by-products (fly ash and blast furnace slag), which can be potentially used as bulk-type solid adsorbents. The results revealed that the geopolymer-supported zeolites, possessing distinct strengths, zeolite phases (Na-P1, Na-chabazite, and analcime) and pore features depending on the mix design and synthesis conditions, can be easily synthesized employing the proposed one-step method. The geopolymer-supported zeolites exhibited the characteristics of mesoporous materials which are typically desired for commercial adsorbents. The maximum adsorption capacity for Pb2+ was found to be about 37.9 mg/g which is relatively higher than the other bulk-type adsorbents reported for Pb2+ to date. Since industrial by-products are used for synthesis of these materials, it will help in reducing the environmental hazards associated with the permanent disposal of such by-products, with an added advantage that these bulk-type solid adsorbents can be easily retrieved after use unlike granular adsorbents.

Correction to: Determination of the Genetic and Synergistic Suppression of a Methoxyfenozide-Resistant Strain of the House Fly Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

Due to an unfortunate turn of events, the surname of the last author appeared incorrectly in the original publication as the name should have read Binyameen.

Determination of the Genetic and Synergistic Suppression of a Methoxyfenozide-Resistant Strain of the House Fly Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

Musca domestica Linnaeus (house fly, Diptera: Muscidae) is a major veterinary and medical important pest all over the world. These flies have ability to develop resistance to insecticides. The present trial was performed to discover the inheritance mode (autosomal, dominance, number of genes involved) and preliminary mechanism of methoxyfenozide resistance in order to provide basic information necessary to develop resistance management strategy for this pest. A strain of M. domestica (MXY-SEL) was exposed to methoxyfenozide for 44 generations which developed a 5253.90-fold level of resistance to methoxyfenozide. The overlapping fiducial limits of LC50 values of the reciprocal crosses, F1 (MXY-SEL ♂ × Susceptible ♀) and F1† (MXY-SEL ♀ × Susceptible ♂), suggest that inheritance of methoxyfenozide resistance was an autosomal and likely completely dominant trait (DLC = 0.93 and 0.94 for F1 and F1†, respectively). Backcrosses of the F1 with the parental MXY-SEL or Susceptible population predict a polygenic mode of inheritance. Piperonyl butoxide significantly altered the LC50 values, suggesting enhanced detoxification by cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenases is a major mechanism of resistance to methoxyfenozide in the MXY-SEL strain. The estimated realized heritability was 0.07 for methoxyfenozide. These results would be helpful for the better management of M. domestica.

Polymeric Based Therapeutic Delivery Systems Prepared Using Electrohydrodynamic Processes.

The development of therapeutic dosage (e.g. pharmaceutical) systems is an ongoing process which, in recent times has incorporated several emerging disciplines and themes at timely intervals. While the concepts surrounding dosage forms have developed and evolved, many polymeric excipients remain as the preferred choice of materials over existing counterparts, serving functions as matrix materials, coatings and providing other specific functional properties (e.g. adhesion, controlled release and mechanical properties). There have been, however, developments in the deployment of synthetic polymeric materials (e.g. polycaprolactone, poly lactic co-glycolic acid) when compared to naturally occurring materials (e.g. lactose, gelatin). Advances in pharmaceutical process technologies have also provided novel engineering platforms to develop a host of exciting structure based materials ranging from the nanometer to the macro scales. Some of these structure enabling technologies include spray drying, super critical processing, microfluidics and even wet chemical methods. More recently electrohydrodynamic (EHDA) engineering methods have emerged as robust technologies offering potential to fabricate a plethora of generic structures (e.g. particles, fibres, bubbles and pre-determined patterns) on a broad scale range. This review focuses on key developments using various EHDA technologies for the pharmaceutical and biomaterial remits when selecting synthetic and/or naturally occurring polymers as pharmaceutical (and therapeutic) excipients. In addition, the underlying EHDA process principles are discussed along with key parameters and variables (both materials and engineering). EHDA technologies are operational at ambient conditions and recent developments have also demonstrated their viability for large scale production. These are promising technologies which have potential in established (e.g. films, dressings and microparticles) and emerging scientific themes (e.g. nanomedicines and tissue engineering).

Stability of Field-Selected Resistance to Conventional and Newer Chemistry Insecticides in the House Fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae).

The house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a pest of livestock and has the ability to develop resistance to different insecticides. We assessed the fluctuations in seasonal stability of house fly resistance to insecticides from poultry facility populations in Pakistan. House fly populations were collected from poultry facilities located at Khanewal, Punjab, Pakistan in three seasons (July, November, and March) to investigate the fluctuations in their resistance to conventional (organophosphate, pyrethroid) and novel chemistry (spinosyn, oxadiazine, neonicotinoid) insecticides. Laboratory bioassays were performed using the feeding method of mixing insecticide concentrations with 20% sugar solutions, and cotton pads dipped in insecticide solutions were provided to tested adult flies. Bioassay results showed that all house fly populations had varying degrees of susceptibility to tested insecticides. Comparisons between populations at different seasons showed a significant fluctuation in susceptibility to organophosphate, pyrethroid, spinosyn, oxadiazine, and neonicotinoid insecticides. Highest resistant levels were found for organophosphate when compared with other tested insecticides. The resistance to conventional insecticides decreased significantly in March compared with July and November, while resistance to oxadiazine and avermectins decreased significantly in November. However, resistance to spinosad and imidacloprid remained stable throughout the seasons. All conventional and novel chemistry insecticides were significantly correlated with each other in all tested seasons except nitenpyram/lambda-cyhalothrin and nitenpyram/imidacloprid. Our data suggests that the variation in house fly resistance among seasons could be due to fitness costs or to the cessation of selection pressure in the off-season. These results have significant implications for the use of insecticides in house fly management.

Fitness cost and realized heritability of resistance to spinosad in Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae).

The common green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea is a key biological control agent employed in integrated pest management (IPM) programs for managing various insect pests. Spinosad is used for the management of pests in ornamental plants, fruit trees, vegetable and field crops all over the world, including Pakistan. A field-collected population of C. carnea was selected with spinosad and fitness costs and realized heritability were investigated. After selection for five generations, C. carnea developed 12.65- and 73.37-fold resistance to spinosad compared to the field and UNSEL populations. The resistant population had a relative fitness of 1.47, with substantially higher emergence rate of healthy adults, fecundity and hatchability and shorter larval duration, pupal duration, and development time as compared to a susceptible laboratory population. Mean relative growth rate of larvae, intrinsic rate of natural population increase and biotic potential was higher for the spinosad-selected population compared to the susceptible laboratory population. Chrysoperla species are known to show resistance to insecticides which makes the predator compatible with most IPM systems. The realized heritability (h 2) value of spinosad resistance was 0.37 in spinosad-selected population of C. carnea.

Phylogenetic relationships between Mediterranean and middle-Asian wild species of the genus Hordeum L. as revealed by biochemical and molecular markers.

The phylogenetic relationships of 60 accessions of the genus Hordeum (29 Mediterranean and 20 middle-Asian wild accessions, together with nine American accessions and two of unknown origin), representing together nine species, were investigated by AFLP markers. Three hundred sixty six AFLP fragments were used for studying the molecular genetic diversity among the studied species, 339 out of them were polymorphic. Forty seven protein bands were obtained from the water soluble and the water insoluble seed storage protein by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis of 18 accessions representing nine species (two accessions/species). One band was common to all species and the other 46 bands were polymorphic. The phylogenetic tree deduced from AFLP analysis is concordant to a large extent with that deduced from seed storage protein. Highly significant cophenetic correlation coefficient was obtained between both AFLP (0.96) and seed storage protein (0.89) indicating the reliability of the results. The studied taxa were clustered according to their genome type. All Mediterranean and middle-Asian wild accessions could be integrated into the existing phylogenetic scheme.

Polyphenols from Pistacia lentiscus and Phillyrea latifolia impair the exsheathment of gastro-intestinal nematode larvae.

The infection of grazing ruminants with gastro-intestinal nematodes (GINs) is a severe problem in the Middle East. However, goats that graze the south-western slopes of the Carmel Heights in Israel have very low faecal egg counts, despite high grazing density. We hypothesized that polyphenols from Pistacia lentiscus L. and/or Phillyrea latifolia L. - both prevalent woody species of the region that are consumed by goats - have anthelmintic bioactivity. We tested this hypothesis by using the larval exsheathment inhibition assay (LEIA). Extracts were prepared from leaves of either plant species using 70% ethanol (E70), 100% ethanol (E100), or boiling water (W). Larvae were incubated in a phosphate-buffered saline solution with or without plant extract (1200µg/ml) and then exposed to an exsheathment solution expected to elicit 100% exsheathment after one hour. All extraction methods of P. lentiscus were highly effective at inhibiting larval exsheathment, but higher potency was found for the E70 than for E100 extraction method, while W was intermediate. Only the E70 extract of P. latifolia was highly effective relative to the control. The E70 extract of P. lentiscus had more than 7 times the potency of the E70 extract of P. latifolia. Irrespective of solvent and tannin-equivalent used, P. lentiscus contained more than double the quantity of total polyphenols than P. latifolia. The polyphenols of P. lentiscus consisted mainly of galloyl derivatives (63.6%), flavonol glucosides (28.6%), and catechin (7.8%). In P. latifolia, oleuropein and its derivative tyrosol accounted for 49.3 and 23.1% of phenolics, respectively, the remainder being flavones (luteolin and quercetin) and their glucoside derivatives. Results of the LEIA test suggest that extracts of tannin-rich plants interfere with the very early stage of host invasion and that high concentration of galloylated derivatives may explain anthelmintic activity.

Cross-cultural adaptation and reliability evaluation of Iranian version of Functional Assessment Measure in spinal cord injury patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to translate and validate the Iranian version of the Functional Assessment Measure (FAM) among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred patients with SCI participated in this study. A convenience sampling approach was used for selection of the patients. The FAM was translated into Persian language and then independently translated back into English. The reliability of the FAM was assessed by test-retest methods with a 14-day interval for interrater reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICCs) was calculated and interrater reliability and intrarater reliability were assessed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 35.7 years (SD, 7.2) and 86% of patients were male.The Cronbach alpha coefficient for both raters was above 0.70. Intrarater reliability of the Iranian version of the FAM ranged from good to excellent agreement. The highest level of intrarater reliability was observed for Community mobility (ICC = 0.93). There was good to excellent agreement for interrater reliability of the FAM. The FAM could differentiate between subgroups of patients based on the level of injury but not for the time elapsed from the injury. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, the Iranian version of the FAM (FAM-Ir) was highly valid and reliable for evaluation of functional ability in patients with SCI. Therefore, we would suggest that the FAM could also be used as an assessment tool for SCI patients.

Injection of gadolinium contrast through pediatric central venous catheters: a safety study.

BACKGROUND: Catheter rupture during CT angiography has prompted policies prohibiting the use of electronic injectors with peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) not only for CT but also for MRI. Consequently, many institutions mandate hand injection for MR angiography, limiting precision of infusion rates and durations of delivery. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether electronic injection of gadolinium-based contrast media through a range of small-caliber, single-lumen PICCs would be safe without risk of catheter rupture over the range of clinical protocols and determine whether programmed flow rates and volumes were realized when using PICCs for contrast delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed and recorded using the Medrad Spectris Solaris EP MR Injection System. PICC sizes, contrast media and flow rates were based on common institutional protocols. RESULTS: No catheters were damaged during any experiments. Mean difference between programmed and delivered volume was 0.07 ± 0.10 mL for all experiments. Reduced flow rates and prolonged injection durations were observed when the injector's pressure-limiting algorithm was triggered, only in protocols outside the clinical range. CONCLUSION: PICCs commonly used in children can withstand in vitro power injection of gadolinium-based contrast media at protocols significantly above clinical levels.

Anthelmintic activity of Pistacia lentiscus foliage in two Middle Eastern breeds of goats differing in their propensity to consume tannin-rich browse.

The Damascus and Mamber breeds of goats thrive in Middle Eastern Mediterranean regions where the tannin-rich (20% of polyethylene glycol-binding tannins) brush species Pistacia lentiscus L. (lentisk) is ubiquitous. In light of the increasing recognition of the anthelmintic activity of plant tannins, we examined the effect of offering lentisk foliage for 24 days on fecal egg excretion in 5.5-month-old Damascus and Mamber kid goats (n=28) following infection with 10,000 L3 larvae of mixed gastro-intestinal nematodes (GIN). Lentisk foliage was consumed with or without a daily supplement of 20 g polyethylene glycol (PEG; MW 4000). Lentisk tannins showed a strong protein-depletive effect that was totally reversed by the addition of PEG. At the peak of infection, kids of the two breeds lost weight unless they were fed with lentisk without PEG. Fecal egg counts (FEC) were lowest - and did not differ from 0 - in kids fed lentisk without PEG, highest in the controls fed hay as roughage, and intermediate in kids fed lentisk and PEG (241, 1293, and 705 eggs per gram, respectively, SEM 180; P<0.001); therefore, the anthelmintic activity of lentisk was only partly attributable to tannins. The suppressive effect of lentisk on FEC ceased when feeding was discontinued, suggesting that female parasites were not killed but their fertility was reversibly impaired. Damascus kids showed lower FEC than their Mamber counterparts, inferring that the effect of foraging on tannin-rich species is only additive to genetic differences between goat breeds in their sensitivity to GIN infection. On the basis of our results we would expect yearlong lentisk grazing to result in no or very low GIN infection, and Damascus goats to have some advantage over Mamber goats where chemical control of GIN is unfeasible. There appears to be a trade-off between the benefits of lentisk tannin as drug and its side-effects (protein depletion) when given at high level; how goats balance this trade-off requires further elucidation.

Effects of dietary chromium chloride, nicotinic acid and copper sulphate on meat of broilers.

1. Combinations of chromium and copper were added to the diet to assess their effects on broiler meat characteristics. 2. For this purpose 175 one-day-old broiler chicks were divided into 7 equal groups and were given treatment feeds containing copper sulphate, chromium chloride and nicotinic acid in different combinations. 3. The study was carried out for 5 weeks and samples were collected at the end of 15, 29 and 35 d of treatment and at 42 d after a withdrawal period of one week. 4. Cholesterol content had decreased significantly in breast meat at d 29 in all treatment groups. In thigh meat, it decreased significantly at d 29 in groups receiving two concentrations of chromium + two concentrations of copper. Cholesterol content remained lower even after withholding the treatment for one week. 5. Crude fat content decreased significantly in breast meat in all treatment groups. In thigh meat, at d 29, a significant reduction in crude fat was observed only in birds receiving low chromium and high copper. 6. Crude protein at d 29 increased significantly in breast meat of birds receiving low chromium and high copper, and low or high chromium, while it decreased significantly in treatment groups after withholding the treatment. In thigh meat, at d 29, it increased significantly in treatment groups but decreased significantly after withholding the treatment. 7. It was concluded that chromium and copper, along with nicotinic acid, have modulating effects on broiler meat under tropical conditions.