Synergistic immunomodulatory effect of synbiotics pre- and postoperative resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a randomized controlled study.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive cancer with a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment. This single-blind, randomized study aimed to evaluate the synergistic immunomodulatory effects of synbiotics (probiotics and inulin prebiotics), as well as their impact on postoperative complications and outcomes, compared to the use of probiotics alone. Ninety patients diagnosed with PDAC were enrolled and randomly assigned into three groups: the placebo group, the probiotics group (receiving a mixture of ten strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus bacteria at a dose of 25 billion CFUs), and the synbiotics group (the same probiotics along with inulin prebiotics). The interventions were administered for 14 days before the surgery and continued for one month postoperatively. Tumor tissue infiltration of CD8 + T cells and the expression of IFN γ were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Inflammatory cytokines concentrations, including Il 1 B, IL 6, and IL 10, were evaluated as well by ELISA at various time points pre- and postoperative. Furthermore, patients were followed up after the surgery to assess postoperative short-term outcomes. Our results showed a significant elevation of CD8 + T cell proportion and IFN γ expression in the synbiotics group compared to the probiotics group (p = 0.049, p = 0.013, respectively). Inflammatory cytokines showed a significant gradual decrease in the synbiotics group compared to placebo and probiotics-treated groups (p = 0.000 for both). Administration of synbiotics and probiotics significantly decreased the rate of postoperative complications including anastomotic leakage, diarrhea, and abdominal distension (p = 0.032, p = 0.044, p = 0.042, respectively), with a remarkable reduction in bacteremia in the synbiotics group. These results revealed that this synbiotics formulation potentially enhances the immune response and reduces complications associated with surgery.Clinical trial identification: NCT06199752 (27-12-2023).

Risk of atrial fibrillation development in adolescent patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

There is increasing evidence linking chronic inflammation to the initiation and continuation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), namely (Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic systemic inflammatory disorders with both intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations. Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) has been known as an early marker of AF. The objective of this study was to evaluate the atrial electromechanical properties in children and adolescents with IBD during remission. One hundred IBD patients aged 12-17 years (50 with CD and 50 with UC) in remission state and 100 healthy controls were recruited for the study. Atrial electromechanical properties were measured using transthoracic echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, and simultaneous surface ECG recording. Interatrial EMD, left intra-atrial, and right intra-atrial EMD were calculated. IBD patients in remission state have significantly prolonged left and right intra-atrial EMD and interatrial EMD compared to healthy controls (P = 0.03, P = 0.02, and P = 0.01 respectively). No statistical difference was observed between CD and UC in terms of inter- and intra-atrial EMDs.  Conclusion: Atrial EMD is increased in pediatric patients with IBD indicating the increased risk of AF development. Measurement of atrial EMD parameters might be used to predict the risk of the development of AF in pediatric patients with IBD. What is Known: • There is increasing evidence linking chronic inflammation to the initiation and continuation of atrial fibrillation (AF). • Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic systemic inflammatory disorders with both intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations. • Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) has been reported as an early marker of AF. What is New: • Atrial EMD is increased in pediatric patients with IBD indicating the increased risk of AF development. • Measurement of atrial EMD parameters might be used to predict the risk of the development of AF in pediatric patients with IBD.

Increased inter-atrial and intra-atrial conduction times in pediatric patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The global incidence of pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising, and it is linked to various potentially dangerous complications such as cardiovascular complications, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial electromechanical conduction delay (EMD) has been reported as an early predictor for AF development. This study aimed to explore the link between NAFLD and the increased risk of AF development. This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 newly diagnosed NAFLD children (aged 14-18 years) as the patient group and 100 healthy individuals as a control group. Transthoracic echocardiography and simultaneous electrocardiography (ECG) recording were employed to estimate atrial electromechanical properties. EMD values were calculated for the inter-atrial, left intra-atrial, and right intra-atrial. Our results showed that pediatric patients with NAFLD exhibited significantly prolonged EMD values in the left and right intra-atrial as well as in inter-atrial regions compared to the control group (P = 0.03, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Children with NAFLD show atrial electromechanical alterations that may presage AF in adulthood.

Lab-scale production of anti-Schistosoma monoclonal antibodies by hybridoma culturing in serum free medium: Enhancement of growth, cryopreservation survival rate, and diagnostic accuracy.

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of two commercially available serum-free culture media; serum free medium (SFM) and chemically defined medium (CDM), on the growth rate, antibody productivity and post adaptation cryopreservation and revival reactivity of hybridoma cells compared to the conventional serum based medium (SBM). In addition, the diagnostic efficacy of MAbs secreted in each culture medium was evaluated by testing their performance in sandwich ELISA for antigen detection. Anti- Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigen hybridoma cell line (7A/8F) secreting previously characterized IgG Kappa mAbs, were retrieved and propagated in each of the three aforementioned media. Growth rate and viability were assessed post culturing in each media. The data collected from this study indicated that MAbs secreted from hybridoma cells cultured in SFM were the most abundant, easiest to purify, and the most effective in antigen detection by sandwich ELISA, in comparison to those produced in the other two media. Moreover, combination of fresh and conditioned medium with DMSO 7.5% was the most promising formulation for the cryopreservation of hybridoma cells cultivated in serum independent media (SFM or CDM).

A multimodal interprofessional education program including case-based problem solving focused on pain management increases student's knowledge and interprofessional skills.

Interprofessional education (IPE) activities are recommended to reflect current and future practice. The opioid epidemic is one of the most significant current health challenges; recently declared a United States public health crisis. Thus, an IPE program centered on interprofessional roles in pain management during the opioid crisis was developed at the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Professional students from pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and nurse anesthesia programs were included. The program included a lecture about each profession, small group case-based problem-solving sessions (group activity), and a panel discussion led by representative pain management experts from each profession. We conducted a retrospective review of data from 251 professional students attending the IPE program, and assessed students' knowledge of each profession and their respective roles in pain management. We evaluated interprofessional skills using the Interprofessional Collaborative Competency Attainment Survey and gathered qualitative student feedback. Participants gained knowledge about other professions. Each represented profession had improvements in five constructs related to interprofessional skills. Students found the most value from the group activity, which encouraged interaction among professions. Overall, the program design was effective in enhancing student knowledge and attitudes regarding collaborative interprofessional team skills.

Pulmonary function test abnormalities in children and adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Association between pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported in adult studies; however, there is lack of pediatric studies. Our study aimed to evaluate PFTs in children with NAFLD. A total of 137 children with NAFLD and 100 healthy children of matched age and sex were included in the study. Different PFTs including forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, residual volume (RV), and total lung capacity (TLC) were performed for all included children. Lipid profile, insulin resistance, fasting and postprandial glucose level, and high sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. FEV1 %, FVC %, FEV1/FVC ratio, RV, and TLC were significantly lower in the patient group compared with the control group (P < 0.05), while RV and hs-CRP were significantly higher in children with NAFLD. Restrictive lung dysfunction was the commonest pulmonary dysfunction detected in children with NAFLD (21.9%). PFT indices were significantly correlated with grade and duration of NAFLD, insulin resistance, waist circumference, and hs-CRP. Regression analysis revealed that insulin resistance and hs-CRP were independently associated with decreased PFT indices.Conclusion: PFT indices were impaired in children with NAFLD and this impairment was independently associated with insulin resistance and hs-CRP. What is Known: • Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) abnormalities are common in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). • Studies involving PFTs abnormalities in pediatric NAFLD are lacking. What is New: • It is the first study that assessed PFT in pediatric patients with NAFLD. • PFTs abnormalities are present in children with NAFLD. • Insulin resistance and high sensitive C reactive protein are independently associated with the decline of PFTs in children with NAFLD.

Zip-up Loop Myopexy in Heavy Eye Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe and report the results of a zip-up modification for loop myopexy for facilitating a muscle union procedure in heavy eye syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with heavy eye syndrome in whom the modified surgical technique was performed. Superior and lateral rectus muscle bellies were approximated using a suture 4 to 5 mm from the muscle insertion. Muscles were then zipped together by 5-0 polyester sutures placed in an anteroposterior direction using a hand-over-hand technique. Details of the surgical technique were reported. Ductions, versions, and angles of strabismus were evaluated before and after surgery. Complications were reported. RESULTS: A total of 8 patients were identified (mean age: 60.8 ± 7 years). Mean axial length was 33.2 ± 1.2 mm. Mean preoperative horizontal and vertical angles of deviation were 78 ± 20 prism diopters (PD) (range: 50 to 120 PD) and 34 ± 4 PD (range: 30 to 40 PD), respectively. Preoperative limitation of abduction and elevation was -4 to -5 in all patients. An average of seven to eight sutures were used. No intraoperative complications were reported. In 7 patients, both vertical and horizontal angles of deviation were reduced to within 8 PD from orthophoria and limitation of ductions was reduced to null or -1 after surgery. Undercorrection occurred in 1 patient with bilateral heavy eye syndrome who had unilateral surgery. No recurrences developed over a median of 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A zip-up modification for loop myopexy can facilitate the surgical procedure to achieve a satisfactory outcome in heavy eye syndrome. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(4):279-286.].

Incidence and predisposing factors of intraocular Lens tilt following secondary ciliary sulcus implantation in children: An ultrasound biomicroscopic study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence and causes of intraocular lens (IOL) tilt and changes in anterior chamber angle after secondary IOL sulcus implantation following congenital cataract removal. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on children who underwent secondary sulcus IOL implantation following pediatric cataract removal in the period from 2017-2020 in Cairo university Hospitals. Children were examined for IOL position, centration, and tilt. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, fundus and gonioscopic examination was performed. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was performed on both eyes in children with clinically detected tilt. RESULTS: Ciliary sulcus secondary IOL implantation was performed in 102 eyes (57 children). IOL tilt was detected clinically in 16 eyes of 14 children (15.7%). UBM showed clinically undetected tilt in the fellow eye in additional 4 eyes. The mean angle of tilt was 12.8 ± 3.9° in clinically detected tilt compared to 7.5 ± 1.2° in UBM detected tilt. Mean anterior chamber depth (ACD) was 2.4 ± 0.5 mm IOP was >21 mmHg in 1.9% of eyes. Narrowing of the anterior chamber angle (ACA) after sulcus implantation occurred in 40% of eyes with open angle. Sulcus proliferations and obliterated sulcus were detected in all 20 eyes. Sommering's ring was found in 7 eyes (35%). Axial length, corneal diameter, and presence of persistent fetal vasculature did not affect IOL position. CONCLUSION: The presence of residual lens matter or an obliterated ciliary sulcus is associated with a higher incidence of IOL malposition following ciliary sulcus implantation.

Modified streptavidin-biotin based lateral flow test strip for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen in saliva samples.

Compared to other infectious diseases, for which LFT development can take years, SARS-CoV-2 antigen LFTS were developed and deployed within months. LFTS for antigen detection were adopted on an unprecedented scale during the COVID-19 pandemic, but many of them lack the sensitivity especially for samples with low viral load. In our previous work, we developed an enhanced signal strip for detection of SARS CoV-2 SI antigens in saliva. Here we introduce some modification to improve the sensitivity, and specificity, and to lower the cost of the strip, by using biotin streptavidin (BS) system. In the modified BS strip, gold-streptavidin and biotinylated Nanobodies (Nbs) against S1 antigen were externally mixed with the tested samples (saliva or nasopharyngeal swab) before their application on the sample pad of the test strip containing angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE-2), as the capturing probe. The study included 320 individuals, with 180 being positively confirmed by RT-PCR and 140 confirmed negative, as well as, 45 health care workers, who were responsible for screening and handling of surgical cases in General Surgery Department and COVID clinic of TBRI. Our results proved that modified BS strip improved the overall sensitivity and specificity of S1antigen detection in saliva samples (95.21% and 99.29% respectively) compared to our previously developed enhanced LFTS (91.66% and 98.57% respectively). Also, the sensitivity of cases with Ct ≤ 30, Ct ≤ 35, and Ct ≤ 40 using the modified BS strip showed higher values (98.54%, 95.38%, and 88.89% respectively), compared to the corresponding results of our previously developed enhanced LFTS (95.86%, 92.31%, and 82.22% respectively). There were no cross-reactions with either Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus MERS-CoV or SARS-CoV antigens. Furthermore, we found that the lower viral detection limit (LVD) of BS strip was obviously lower than our previous LVD limit of the enhanced LFTS (0.2 × 104 copies/ml vs. 0.4 × 104 copies/ml, respectively). Our developed BS strip showed that saliva samples gave better results than nasopharyngeal swabs of the same patients. The fact of using smaller amounts of Nbs, and ACE2, as well as the dispensing off of conjugate pad when applying BS strip modifications, justified the expected reduction in the costs of the strip. The implementation of BS strips on saliva samples of 45 health co-workers, who were tested 4 and 6 days after exposure to infection, showed an increase in the sensitivity, starting from the 4th day and reaching its highest level on the 6th day in both high risk and paramedic groups (90.9%, and 80.0%, respectively). This study provides evidence that employment of the modified BS system could increase the sensitivity of the strips, lower their cost, and render them an effective screening tool for early detection of the virus in saliva of suspected Covid-19 patients.

Helicobacter pylori infection and gut microbiota in adolescents: Is there a relation?

Helicobacter pylori infection is a prevalent global infection associated with several complications such as peptic ulcer, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and stomach cancer. An imbalance in the gut microbiota composition or the relationship between the microbiota and the host may be implicated in the infection. To investigate this, we studied the intestinal microbiota of 50 newly infected adolescents with H. pylori compared with 50 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. The gut microbiota composition was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the fecal bacterial diversity and composition were compared between groups. Our findings revealed that Clostridium difficile and Salmonella spp. were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. Additionally, lower counts of eubacteria, Bacteroides fragilis, Lactobacillus spp., Escherichia coli, and Methanobrevibacter smithii, were observed in the gut of adolescents with H. pylori. Conversely, adolescents with H. pylori infection had non-significantly higher counts of Bifidobacterium spp., C. difficile, and Salmonella spp. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that a greater abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and Salmonella spp., a higher prevalence of C. difficile, and a lower abundance of Lactobacillus spp. were predictive of H. pylori infection. Overall, our results suggest that H. pylori infection is associated with changes in fecal microbiome composition.

Validation of WINROP algorithm as screening tool of retinopathy of prematurity among Egyptian preterm neonates.

BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide. Proper screening for ROP can prevent loss of vision. WINROP (weight, insulin-like growth factor 1, neonatal, retinopathy of prematurity) is an online surveillance system based on gestational age, birth weight and weekly weight gain that can predict infants at risk of sight-threatening retinopathy of prematurity. AIMS: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of WINROP algorithm in detecting sight-threatening ROP in Egyptian preterm neonates. METHODS: Birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA) and weekly weight measurement of 365 preterm infants were prospectively entered into WINROP algorithm. Based on these inputs, the algorithm would output and a screening was performed as is standard. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated by comparing WINROP outcomes with ROP screening outcomes. RESULTS: Of the infants included in the study the mean GA was ±31.24 and mean BW was ±1508.78. A high risk WINROP alarm was triggered in 62 infants of whom 16 infants develop type 1 or type 2 ROP. These infants had associated comorbidities including sepsis, Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), history of transfusion of packed red blood cells (RBCS) and history of platelet transfusion. A low risk WINROP alarm was triggered in 303 infants of whom 15 infants developed type 1 or type 2ROP. WINROP showed a sensitivity of 51.6%, a specificity of 86.2%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 52.8% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 95% for detection of type 1 or type 2 ROP. CONCLUSION: WINROP has low sensitivity and high specificity for detection of ROP. It may help in ROP prediction but can't be used alone. Modification of WINROP algorithm taking into account other risk factors may improve sensitivity and reduce number for ROP examination.

Home-Made Lateral Flow Test Strip Versus POC-CCA Assay for Detection of Active Schistosomiasis in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: For years, the Kato-Katz (KK) technique has been considered the gold standard for diagnosing schistosomiasis. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of our previously developed gold nanoparticle-based lateral flow test strip (AuNPs-LFTS) for diagnosing active Schistosoma mansoni with that of the commercially available point-of-care Circulating Cathodic Antigen detection (POC-CCA) kit. METHODS: In this study, we collected sixty positive and twenty negative urine samples from patients in endemic hot spots in the Nile Delta, as well as from patients visiting the internal medicine clinic at Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI). We produced monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against S. mansoni soluble egg antigen (SEA) from cloned hybridoma cells (4D/1D). These MAbs were conjugated with gold and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, and used to develop the LFTS. RESULTS: The LFTS demonstrated a limit of detection (LoD) of 3 ng/ml. The sensitivity and specificity of the developed LFTS were found to be 96.7% and 95%, respectively, compared to 85% and 90% for the POC-CCA detection kit. The cases were divided into groups based on egg count in the stool, categorized as light, moderate, and heavy infections. The sensitivity of the LFTS in the group with light infection was higher than that of the POC-CCA. When using the KK technique (eggs per gram of stool sample [EPG]) as the reference test, the kappa value for the nano-based strips was 0.902, compared to 0.672 for the CCA strips, indicating an almost perfect agreement between KK and our developed LFTS. CONCLUSION: These results confirm the reliability and effectiveness of the LFTS compared to commercially available kits for rapid, sensitive, and early diagnosis of schistosomiasis. However, it is recommended to conduct further assessments of the developed strip on a larger scale with a broader range of cases before considering its introduction to local or international markets.

Type of Health Care Experience Impact on PA Education Association End of Rotation Exam Scores.

INTRODUCTION: The physician assistant (PA) profession is based on previous healthcare experience (HCE), yet few studies have examined the influence of HCE on outcomes. This exploratory study examined possible differences between type of HCE and End of Rotation scores as a surrogate for clinical acumen and medical knowledge. METHODS: Participants included consecutive classes of PA students (2017-2020) from a single public institution (N = 196). Self-reported HCE was used to classify students into HCE groups: group 1, lower decision-making professions; and group 2, higher decision-making professions. RESULTS: Group 1 (n = 124) and group 2 (n = 72) had no significant difference in the 7 individual End of Rotation exam scores and HCE ( p =.163 to .907). A correlation was found between average End of Rotation exam score and PANCE scores ( r =.80, p ≤ .001). DISCUSSION: The impact of HCE during the clinical year of education and its influence on noncognitive attributes, such as communication skills and professionalism, is not known. HCE might have a role in hard to measure noncognitive, nonquantifiable qualities.

Gold conjugated nanobodies in a signal-enhanced lateral flow test strip for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen in saliva samples.

Despite the transfer of COVID-19 from the pandemic to control, we are still in a state of uncertainty about long-term success. Therefore, there is a great need for rapid and sensitive diagnostics to sustain the control status. After several optimization trials, we developed lateral flow test (LFT) strips for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 (S1) antigen in saliva samples. For signal enhancement of our developed strips, we applied dual gold conjugates. Gold-labeled anti-S1 nanobodies (Nbs) were employed as S1 detector conjugate, while gold-labeled angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was used as S1 capturing conjugate. In a parallel strip design, we used an anti-S1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) as an antigen detector instead of anti-S1 Nbs. Saliva samples were collected from 320 symptomatic subjects (180 RT-PCR confirmed positive cases and 140 confirmed negative cases) and were tested with the developed strips. In early detection for positive samples with cycle threshold (Ct ≤ 30), Nbs-based LFT strips showed higher sensitivity (97.14%) and specificity (98.57%) than mAb-based strips which gave 90.04% sensitivity and 97.86% specificity. Moreover, the limit of detection (LoD) for virus particles was lower for Nbs-based LFT (0.4 × 104 copies/ml) than for the mAb-based test (1.6 × 104 copies/ml). Our results are in favor of the use of dual gold Nbs and ACE2 conjugates in LFT strips. These signal-enhanced strips offer a sensitive diagnostic tool for rapid screening of SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen in the easily collected saliva samples.

Effects of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in children and adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder in children and adults, which increased over the past twenty years. The Mediterranean diet is a well-known diet full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. AIM: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effects of adherence to the Mediterranean diet on disease patterns in children and adolescents with IBS. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional case-controlled study included 100 consecutive IBS patients diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria, aged 12-18 years. Patients were subdivided into two groups (50 patients each); Group I received a Mediterranean diet, and Group II on their regular diet for six months. Besides IBS scores (IBS-SSS, IBS-QoL, and total score), different clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated at the start and end of the study. RESULTS: The Mediterranean diet was safe and well-tolerated in IBS patients. IBS children and adolescents with good adherence to the Mediterranean diet (KIDMED Score ≥ 8 points); group I showed significant improvement in IBS scores. IBS-SSS in the Mediterranean diet group was 237.2 ± 65 at the beginning of the study and decreased to 163.2 ± 33.8 at the end of the study (P < 0.001). It did not show a significant improvement in the group with a regular diet (248.3 ± 71.1 at the beginning of the study compared to 228.5 ± 54.3 at the study end with P < 0.05). The mean IBS-SSS in the Mediterranean diet group significantly improved compared with the group with a regular diet. Mean IBS-QoL in group I improved from 57.3 ± 12.9 at the start of the study to 72.4 ± 11.2 at the study end (P < 0.001) and significantly improved when compared to its level in group II at the study end (59.2 ± 12.7 with P < 0.001), while group II showed no significant improvement in IBS-QoL at the study end when compared to the beginning of the study (59.2 ± 11.7 with P >0.05). The mean total IBS score in group I became 28.8 ± 11.2 at the end of our study compared to 24.1 ± 10.4 at the start (P < 0.05) and significantly improved when compared to its level in group II at the end of the study (22.1 ± 12.5 with P < 0.05), while in group II, non-significant improvement in the total score at the end of our study compared to its mean level at the start of the study (22.8 ± 13.5 with P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Mediterranean diet was safe and associated with significant improvement in IBS scores in children and adolescent patients with IBS.

Non-Invasive Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen in Saliva versus Nasopharyngeal Swabs Using Nanobodies Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles.

The development of sensitive, non-invasive tests for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antigens is imperative, and it is still challenging to manage the extent of infection throughout the population. Here, we designed and optimized a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) protocol for SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen detection in saliva. Both saliva samples and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 220 real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)-confirmed positive and negative cases. S1 protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) nanobodies were efficiently conjugated with 40 nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and employed as antigen detection probes in the developed system, while recombinant S1 monoclonal antibodies (S1mAbs) were employed as antigen capture probes. After checkerboard assays and system optimization, the clinical samples were tested. In saliva, the developed ELISA system showed the highest sensitivity (93.3) for samples with cycle threshold (Ct) values ≤ 30; interestingly, high sensitivity (87.5 and 86%) was also achieved for samples with Ct values ≤ 35 and ≤40, respectively, compared with 90, 80 and 88% sensitivity rates for nasopharyngeal swabs with the same categorized Ct values. However, the specificity was 100%, and no cross-reactions were detected with Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) or SARS-CoV antigens. These results reveal that our protocol could be established as an efficient and sensitive, non-invasive diagnostic tool for the early detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection using easily collectable saliva samples.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Improved Clinical Scores and Inflammatory Markers in Children with Active Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized Trial.

Objective: The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a well-known style of diet that is full of antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory effects. We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and effects of adherence to MD on disease activity and inflammatory markers in children and adolescents with active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: This prospective, randomized study included 100 IBD patients aged twelve to eighteen years with mild to moderate disease activity (PCDAI score 10-45 or PUCAI 10-64). The included patients were divided into two groups of 50 patients each. Group I (26 patients with active CD and 24 patients with active UC) received MD with good adherence over 12 weeks with a KIDMED 8-point score, and group II (28 patients with active CD and 22 patients with active UC) received their usual diet with a KIDMED score ≤7 points. Patients in both groups received treatment similar for IBD activity. Results: Clinical remission was achieved in most of the patients after 12 weeks of treatment. Patients in the first group (adhering to an MD) showed a significant decrease in both clinical scores (PCDAI and PUCAI) and most inflammatory markers (CRP, calprotectin, TNF-α, IL17., IL 12 and IL13) compared to patients in their normal group, with earlier improvement in both PCDAI and CRP. Conclusion: Adherence to the MD improves clinical scores and inflammatory markers in children and adolescents with mild-moderate active IBD.

Clinical Characteristics of Preterm Neonates with Aggressive Posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity.

PURPOSE: We aimed to identify the risk factors that may predispose preterm neonates to develop aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP). METHODS: This retrospective case control study included 16 infants with APROP in zone 1 or posterior zone 2. Thirty-four gestational age and birth weight-matched controls with stage 2 or less ROP were included. We reviewed medical records on infant birth and postnatal characteristics. RESULTS: Patients who developed APROP had a significantly longer duration of caffeine therapy, were significantly more likely to be small for gestational age (SGA), and were more likely to have a positive blood culture than patients who developed less severe ROP. Patients with APROP who required retreatment had received inotropes for a longer duration of time, had received more plasma transfusions, were more likely to have IVH, and had a greater decrease in the serum hemoglobin during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Being SGA, receiving caffeine for a longer duration, and having culture-proven sepsis were associated with APROP. IVH, a low serum hemoglobin, the need for more plasma transfusions, and a longer duration of inotropes were associated with APROP which required retreatment.

Correlation between physician assistant students' performance score of history taking and physical exam documentation and scores of Graduate Record Examination, clinical year grade point average, and score of Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam in the United States.

PURPOSE: Learning to perform and document patient history taking and physical exam (H&P) entails a major component of the 1st year academic education of physician assistant (PA) students at Wayne State University, USA. The H&P is summative of multiple aspects of PA education, and students must master communication with patients and other health care providers. The objectives of this study were first, to determine if there was a correlation between scores on GRE component testing and scores on graded H&Ps. The second objective was to identify a correlation between proficiency with H&P documentation and academic and clinical year grade point average (GPA)s and Physician Assistant National Qualifying (PANCE) score. METHODS: Subjects included 147 PA students from Wayne State University from 2014-2016. PA students visited local hospitals or outpatient clinics during the academic year to perform and document patient H&Ps. Correlation between The H&P mean scores and GRE component scores, GPAs, and PANCE scores were analyzed. RESULTS: The subjects were 26.5 years-old (+ 6.5) and 111 female (75.5%). There was no correlation between the GRE component score and the H&P mean score. The H&P score was positively correlated with GPA 1 (r = 0.512, P<0.001), with GPA 2 (r = 0.425, P<0.001) and with PANCE score (r = 0.448, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: PA student skill with H&P documentation was positively related to academic performance score during PA school and achievement score on the PANCE at Wayne State University, USA.

Short-term Effects of Thoracic Spine Thrust Manipulation, Exercise, and Education in Individuals With Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the short-term effectiveness of thoracic manipulation when compared to sham manipulation for individuals with low back pain (LBP). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients with LBP were stratified based on symptom duration and randomly assigned to a thoracic manipulation or sham manipulation treatment group. Groups received 3 visits that included manipulation or sham manipulation, core stabilization exercises, and patient education. Factorial repeated-measures analysis of variance and multiple regression were performed for pain, disability, and fear avoidance. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze patient-perceived improvement, via the global rating of change scale, at follow-up. RESULTS: Ninety participants completed the study (mean ± SD age, 38 ± 11.5 years; 70% female; 72% with chronic LBP). The overall group-by-time interaction was not significant for the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, numeric pain-rating scale, and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire outcomes. The global rating of change scale was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Three sessions of thoracic manipulation, education, and exercise did not result in improved outcomes when compared to a sham manipulation, education, and exercise in individuals with chronic LBP. Future studies are needed to identify the most effective management strategies for the treatment of LBP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 1b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(1):24-32. Epub 6 Dec 2019. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.8928.