Significant Increase In Frequency Research Articles

Behavioural alterations in female Aedes aegypti mosquito in response to entomopathogenic fungal infections.

Due to the rapid rise in arboviral disease cases, there is a need for alternative methods of vector control since fast growing insecticides resistance is a matter of great concern. Recent studies have shown the potential of entomopathogenic fungi in controlling mosquito vectors, but behavioural responses of the mosquitoes encountering with entomopathogenic fungi are still unclear. In this study, behavioural responses induced by the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin in adult female Aedes aegypti mosquito were evaluated. The survival of female mosquitoes was significantly reduced after exposure to medium and high concentrations of fungal conidia. A significant increase in frequencies and durations of different self-grooming types was observed in mosquitoes exposed to medium or high concentrations of fungal conidia. Mosquitoes were able to differentiate between active and inactive fungal conidia as application of inactive conidia showed non-significant effect on survival and self-grooming parameters. A concentration-specific reduction in flight locomotor activity of the female mosquitoes was found after fungal treatments. Fungal-exposed mosquitoes showed significantly higher antifungal activity 72 h post-application. These findings provide greater understanding of behavioural responses of the mosquitoes to resist fungal infections and suggest that mosquitoes can remove the lower amounts of fungal conidia through self-grooming behaviour, which they encounter within natural field conditions.

Examining Early Adolescent Positive and Negative Social Technology Behaviors and Well-being During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Public concerns of how frequently adolescents used screens during the pandemic shutdowns fueled the need to research whether these behaviors were conducive or detrimental to their wellbeing. The aims of this longitudinal survey study of 586 middle school students in the Northeast U.S. were to examine (a) changes in positive and negative social technology behaviors prior to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic (fall 2019) compared to during the pandemic (fall 2020) including any differences by subgroups and (b) whether changes in social technology behaviors were associated with wellbeing outcomes and any moderating factors. We found that during this time period, there were significant increases in frequency of checking social media, social technology use before bedtime, and problematic internet use. Students also experienced significant increases in social anxiety, loneliness, and depressive symptoms, but also increased strategies of coping when stressed. By following our preregistered analytical plan, each research aim was addressed within a multilevel modeling framework with time nested within students. We found extremely small effects of social technology behaviors associated with wellbeing, such as online support seeking being related to strategies when coping with stress. Though we found statistically significant effects, none of the findings met our effect size criteria (i.e., effect of ≥.05). Overall, we did not find any strong support that the changes in wellbeing that adolescents experienced during the COVID-19 social distancing was meaningfully related to their social technology use, which is counter to the popular assumption that adolescent wellbeing is intricately tied to their social technology use.

Sustained improvement in fellows' echocardiographic completeness through the coronavirus pandemic with a standardised imaging protocol.

First-year cardiology fellows must quickly learn basic competency in echocardiography during fellowship orientation. This educational process was disrupted in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, as our hands-on echocardiography teaching transitioned from practice on paediatric volunteers to simulation-based training. We previously described an improvement in echocardiographic completeness after implementation of a standardised imaging protocol for the performance of acute assessments of ventricular function. Herein, we assessed whether this improvement could be sustained over the two subsequent years, including the fellowship year affected by the pandemic. Echocardiograms performed by first-year paediatric cardiology fellows to assess ventricular function were reviewed for completeness. The frequency with which each requested component was included was measured. A total demographic score (out of 7) and total imaging score (out of 23) were calculated. The pre-protocol years (2015-2017) were compared to the post-protocol years (2018-2020), and the pre-COVID years (2018-2019) were compared to the year affected by COVID (2020). There was a sustained improvement in completeness after protocol implementation with improvement in the demographic score (median increasing from 6 to 7, p < 0.001) and imaging score (median increasing from 13 to 16, p < 0.001). More individual components showed a statistically significant increase in frequency compared to our prior publication. The COVID pandemic resulted in very few differences in completeness. Demographic reporting improved modestly (p = 0.04); the imaging score was unchanged (p = 0.59). The only view obtained less frequently was the apical two-chamber view. A standardised imaging protocol allowed sustained improvements in echocardiographic completeness despite the disruption of fellowship orientation by COVID-19.

Extreme Tropical Precipitation Clusters Show Strong Increases in Frequency Under Global Warming in CMIP6 Models

Precipitation clusters are spatially contiguous precipitating regions. Large clusters in the tropics are rare, extreme events that include organized precipitating systems. Changes to the probability distributions of tropical precipitation clusters under global warming are examined using models from the coupled model intercomparison project phase 6 (CMIP6). Every analyzed model projects significant increases in frequencies of both very large-sized clusters and clusters with very large area-integrated precipitation (cluster power). The occurrence probability for the highest historical cluster power values increases by a factor between 4-15 among models in the end-of-century SSP5-8.5 scenario. These changes primarily occur over the precipitating tropics: the western Pacific, Indian subcontinent, central and east Pacific convergence zones, and parts of South America. This spatial pattern is largely explained by Clausius-Clapeyron scaling of current climate cluster power values. Societal impacts of cluster power increases could be acute in coastal regions of the Indian subcontinent and western Pacific islands.

Short and long-term projections of Rossby wave packets and blocking events with particular attention to the northern hemisphere

This study aims to investigate the frequency variations of Rossby Wave Packets and Atmospheric Blocking Events, of great interest in relation to the occurrences of extreme meteorological events. Some analyses about these two atmospheric configurations, whose evolutions may be linked dynamically, are presented by applying well-known literature methodologies to the ERA5 reanalysis dataset and to 10 CMIP6 models. After verifying the performances of the multi-model ensemble in reconstructing the historical period 1986–2005 in comparison with ERA5 climatology, the future variations expected at short- (2021–2040) and long-term (2081–2100) have been analyzed at seasonal scale for the shared socio-economic scenario “business as usual” ssp585. In spite of a generalized underestimation of the CMIP6 models in computing the frequency of Rossby Wave Packets and Atmospheric Blocking Events, this study allowed to identify some areas more likely affected by these atmospheric structures' modifications related to climate changes in the Northern Hemisphere. Specifically, at long-term some change signals are expected. The findings point out a significant frequency increase of Rossby Wave Packets and a slightly increase of Atmospheric Blocking Events over the eastern Europe and neighboring Asiatic regions and a significant reduction of blocking occurrences over Greenland, Pacific areas, and north-western Europe in winter. Rossby Wave Packets are projected to increase also in the spring over Europe and western Asia, whereas they are expected to decrease in the other seasons/regions. No climatic signal is clear for the block events evolution in summer season.

Association of androgenetic alopecia and severity of coronavirus disease 2019.

To establish the association of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Observational study. A total of 300hospitalized patients of COVID-19 were included. Scoring of AGA was done, and severity of COVID-19 was measured as better and worse hospital outcomes. Correlation between severity of AGA and severity of COVID-19 was noted. Out of 300 patients, 220 (73.33%) were male and 80 (26.67%) were female. In males, mild-to-moderate Hamilton-Norwood scale (HNS<3) and severe alopecia (HNS3-7) were noted among 43(20%) and 177(80.55%) patients, respectively. In females, 43(54%) had no AGA while 37(46%) had AGA. In 37 females with AGA, mild-to-moderate (Ludwig scale <2) and severe alopecia (Ludwig scale 2-3) were seen in 9(24.32%) and 28(75.68%) patients, respectively. We report a significant increase in frequency (95%) and severity of AGA and worse outcomes in males (p-value 0.000, chi-square: 18.90) compared with females (46%) (p-value 0.273, chi-square: 7.544), with notable adverse COVID-19 disease outcomes in the younger age group of men and also in few women of younger age group suffering from AGA without any comorbidities. Our study shows a significant increase in frequency and severity of AGA and worse outcomes in men compared with women. There was a significant association between AGA severity and hospital disease outcome in men compared with women. Younger age group patients with severe AGA particularly men also faced adverse outcomes while having no known comorbidities, supporting the hypothesis that anti-androgen drugs might be valuable in patients of COVID-19.

Assessments of Muscle Thickness and Tonicity of the Masseter and Sternocleidomastoid Muscles and Maximum Mouth Opening in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorder.

The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle thickness and tone of the masseter and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles and maximum mouth opening (MMO) in subjects with and without temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and perform a correlation comparison on the results of the TMD group. Sixty patients were allocated to the TMD group (n = 30) or the non-TMD group (n = 30). Ultrasound imaging, myotonometer, and vernier calipers were used to determine the related changes in muscle thickness and muscle tone in masseter and SCM, and MMO, respectively. The TMD group revealed a significant decrease than the non-TMD group in the muscle thickness of masseter and SCM, respectively (p < 0.001), with a significant increase in frequency (p < 0.001) and stiffness (p < 0.001) in the masseter muscle tone, with a significant increase in frequency (p < 0.001) and stiffness (p = 0.005) in the SCM muscle tone, a significant decrease in the MMO (p < 0.001). There was a moderate negative correlation between the relaxed state of masseter muscle thickness and stiffness of SCM muscle tone (r = −0.40, p = 0.002), and a moderate negative correlation between the relaxed state of SCM muscle thickness and frequency of SCM muscle tone (r = −0.42, p = 0.001). There was a moderate negative correlation between the clenching state of SCM muscle thickness and the frequency of SCM muscle tone (r = −0.47, p < 0.001). In addition, a moderate negative correlation between MMO and frequency of SCM muscle tone (r = −0.44, p < 0.001). The muscle thickness was decreased, and the muscle tone was increased in the masseter and SCM muscle, respectively. Additionally, MMO was decreased in patients with TMD compared with non-TMD.

Sunburn Prevalence is Underestimated in UK-Based People of African Ancestry.

BackgroundEumelanin, the primary pigment in human epidermis, has a well-established photo-protective role. It can confer a protection factor of up to approximately 13.4 in some individuals. However, the protection eumelanin affords is not absolute and, further, the susceptibility of human skin to the harmful effects of UV radiation is more complex than skin pigmentation alone.ObjectiveOur survey explored the lifetime prevalence of sunburn in people of African Ancestry based in the UK (Black African or Black Caribbean).ResultsA significant number of respondents, 52.2% (n=222), reported a history of sunburn. Interestingly, there was a significant increase in frequency of sunburn in those with a lighter skin tone (self-classified from dark, medium and light – 47.3%, 53.5% and 71.4%, respectively). In total 69% reported that the episode of sunburn occurred when they were not using sunscreen, and another 10% could not recall whether sunscreen was used. A large proportion of respondents (59%) indicated that they had been sunburnt while away from the UK in hot/sunny climates, raising the question of whether intermittent sun exposure at high UV indices is a key factor in sunburn risk for those living in temperate climates.ConclusionOur findings do not support the hypothesis of a simplistic relationship between skin colour and sun sensitivity and encourage us to re-examine this relationship and its implications for public health promotion. It also adds to a body of evidence revealing the need for more up-to-date and appropriate systems to assess the risk UV radiation poses to diverse populations.

Identity Management Reform and Fraud Prevention in the Nigerian Banking Industry

This paper assesses the effect ofidentity management reform, namely the Bank verification number (BVN) policy on fraud prevention in the Nigerian banking industry. Using secondary data obtained from annual reports of Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) from 2011 to 2018, the study employed descriptive method to analyze trend in fraud variables before and after introduction of the policy and independent t-test to test the hypotheses in the study. Findings revealed that there was an initial decrease in number of staff involved and total amount involved in fraud in the two years following BVN introduction, but which showed increases thereafter.A similar trend was revealed in various fraud types with internet banking fraud showing significant increases in frequency of cases. The results from the t-tests revealed that theBVN policy had no significant impact on fraud prevention within the period under study. It was recommended that the banking public be educated on the different types of fraud and how to protect their personal details from getting into wrong hands. There is also the need to beef up security by improving on protocols required to carry out bank transactions particularly in the area of internet banking. It was also suggested that all bank account numbers be linked to the National Identity Number (NIN) immediately in line with proposals made by the Federal Government on identity management.

Further delineation and long-term evolution of electroclinical phenotype in Mowat Wilson Syndrome. A longitudinal study in 40 individuals

BackgroundEpilepsy is a main feature of Mowat Wilson Syndrome (MWS), a congenital malformation syndrome caused by ZEB2 variants. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term evolution of the electroclinical phenotype of MWS in a large population. MethodsForty-individuals with a genetically confirmed diagnosis were enrolled. Three age groups were identified (t1 = 0–4; t2 = 5–12; t3 = >13 years); clinical data and EEG records were collected, analyzed, and compared for age group. Video-EEG recorded seizures were reviewed. ResultsThirty-six of 40 individuals had epilepsy, of whom 35/35 aged >5 years. Almost all (35/36) presented focal seizures at onset (mean age at onset 3.4 ± 2.3 SD) that persisted, reduced in frequency, in 7/22 individuals after the age of 13. Absences occurred in 22/36 (mean age at onset 7.2 ± 0.9 SD); no one had absences before 6 and over 16 years old. Paroxysmal interictal abnormalities in sleep also followed an age-dependent evolution with a significant increase in frequency at school age (p = 0.002) and a reduction during adolescence (p = 0.008). Electrical Status Epilepticus during Sleep occurred in 14/36 (13/14 aged 5–13 years old at onset). Seven focal seizure ictal video-EEGs were collected: all were long-lasting and more visible clinical signs were often preceded by prolonged electrical and/or subtle (erratic head and eye orientation) seizures.Valproic acid was confirmed as the most widely used and effective drug, followed by levetiracetam. ConclusionsEpilepsy is a major sign of MWS with a characteristic, age-dependent, electroclinical pattern. Improvement with adolescence/adulthood is usually observed. Our data strengthen the hypothesis of a GABAergic transmission imbalance underlying ZEB2-related epilepsy.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Families' Home Literacy Practices with Young Children.

The practice of shared book reading is a nurturing support for early language, literacy, and socio-emotional development within young children’s typical care. However, the closures of childcare, early education programs, and centers for family activities in the Spring of 2020 due to COVID-19 brought many sudden changes to the everyday lives of families with young children. In order to explore the impact of COVID-19 on shared reading, we surveyed parents of children between the ages of 2 and 5 (n = 85) about their children’s frequency of shared reading engagement in February and October, 2020 as well as the frequency of screen-mediated reading, the number of readers their children read with, and book preferences at both time points. Parents were also asked about changes in their children’s regular care and whether and how they had tried new kinds of (virtual) literacy activities during their increased time at home. Findings showed that there were no significant changes in frequency of shared reading from February to October, but there was a significant increase in frequency of screen-mediated reading, especially among families who lost outside-the-home childcare. There was also a significant decrease in the number of adults regularly reading with the children. Caregivers described adapting to virtual options for storytime. Ultimately, while families were still able to provide consistent amounts of shared reading with their children throughout COVID-19, the nature of that shared reading was changed. Future research will investigate whether these changes may have an impact on children’s typical learning from shared reading.

Assessment of 25 (OH) Vitamin D in Neonates with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Mohammed Elsayed Hamed 1, Dina Gamal Abd Elhamed 2,

Background: Vitamin D is a hormone that affects a wide range of functions within the body. Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious disease that may lead to permanent brain injury. Objective: The present study aimed to study vitamin D status in hypoxic ischemic in encephalopathy. Patients and methods: A case control study carried out in newborn intensive care unit (NICU) of Zagazig University Children Hospitals. Total number of cases that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria was 49 full term neonates with HIE divided according to Sarnat stages: stage I; 20 full term neonates, stage II; 15 full term neonates and stage III; 14 full term neonates. Cases were compared to 16 healthy controls. Results: There was a statistical significant increase in Apgar score 1, 5, 10 in control group compared to all cases groups. There were no statistical significant differences between the studied groups in relation to CBC results. There was a statistical significant difference between the different stages of HIE in CRP and pH.There was a statistical significant increase in frequency of hypoxic change in stage III compared to stage II and I. All stages of HIE showed statistical significant increase in frequency of vitamin D deficiency compared to control group. Stage III had statistical significant increase in frequency of vitamin D deficiency compared to stage I and II. Conclusion: Serum 25(OH) vitamin D insufficiency is present in the majority of term HIE neonates. 25 (OH) vitamin D was significantly deficient in stage III more than stage I and II.

Prevalence of Occult Hepatitis C Virus Infection among Egyptian Haemodialysis Patients

Abstract Background Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem. OCI is characterized by presence of HCV-RNA in the liver tissue only and/or Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) with undetectable HCV-RNA or antibodies in the serum. Support for presence of this entity comes from the observation that HCV, even though a hepatotropic virus, can replicate as well at extrahepatic sites, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Objectives The current study evaluated the hidden infection of hepatitis C virus among patients on maintenance hemodialysis with negative ELISA and PCR by using PCR in mononuclear cells as a marker in these patients. Our study was done in Sharkia Governorate. Patients and Methods In our study, the 60 included subjects had an average age of 48.27 years with range from 19 to 77 years and included 33 males (55%) and 27 females (45%). The subjects had average dialysis duration of 6.51 ± 4.10years with range from 7 months to 19 years. Results Our study showed no statistically significant differences between occult HCV cases and negative cases in frequency of blood transfusion. There were no statistically significant differences between occult HCV cases and negative cases in splenomegaly, hepatomegaly or coarse liver but there was a statistically significant increase in frequency of severe ascites, moderate LL edema and jaundice among occult HCV cases compared to negative cases. There were no statistically significant differences between occult HCV cases and negative cases in urea, creatinine, ALT, AST or albumin. In our study total bilirubin&amp;gt;1.7 and direct bilirubin &amp;gt;0.4 were significant predictors for the presence of occult HCV in hemodialysis patients. Our study showed that there were no statistically significant correlation between viral load in PBMCs and laboratory findings among occult HCV cases. Conclusion Hemodialysis patients are liable for occult HCV infections with a considerable impact on their health. Total and direct bilirubin are predictors of presence of occult hepatitis C infection at cut-off values of 1.7 mg/dl and 0.4 mg/dl respectively.

More Persistent Summer Compound Hot Extremes Caused by Global Urbanization

AbstractWorldwide urbanization has resulted in more hot extremes in urban areas than surrounding rural areas. Most studies focused on the contribution of urbanization to daytime hot extremes (DayHot), while the contribution to compound hot extremes (CoHot) that considers the concurrence of both daytime and nighttime heat is less understood. Here, we quantify the urbanization contributions across the world by comparing the characteristics of hot extremes between urban and rural areas from 3,401 meteorological stations classified by 30‐m resolution impervious area data. We find more significant increases in frequency, duration, and intensity of CoHot over most urban stations, where urbanization contributes to 12.5%, 15.4%, and 16.7% of the increases, respectively. Urbanization also contributes to the increase in frequency of DayHot, but has weaker impacts on the duration and intensity of Dayhot. This study implies that urbanization effects on the characteristics of hot extremes might be underestimated if only considers DayHot.

Improving Communication Between Hospital and Outpatient Psychiatric Providers.

Patients suffering from mental illness are often less likely to engage in treatment at an outpatient level. Lack of communication and coordination of care between providers has negative results for the health system and the patient. Improved communication has shown improved satisfaction of providers in health care. Using prior research, an electronic reminder and standardized documentation of communication was added to the health system's electronic health record. The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to compare pre-/postintervention communication and satisfaction between emergency department and outpatient psychiatric providers. The QI project was conducted on a convenience sample of 13 outpatient psychiatric providers at a large academic medical center. Using a pre-/postintervention design, QI project data were collected via chart reviews and pre-/postsurveys. The chart review results revealed the communication rate increased significantly from pre (22%) to post (85%), p < .001. The survey results revealed overall satisfaction had statistically significant increase from pre- (Mdn = 3, neutral) to postintervention (Mdn = 5, very satisfied), Z = -2.21, p =.027. The survey results revealed a statistically significant increase in frequency of direct communication from pre- (21%-40%) to postintervention (81%-100%), Z = -2.06, p = .039. The QI project documents an increase in both provider satisfaction and communication post-intervention.

MiR-199b-5p Differentially Modulates Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self Renewal in Steady State and Stress Hematopoiesis

The emergence of microRNAs (miRNAs) is providing novel insights into the molecular control networks underlying hematopoiesis and diseases that stem from aberrations in hematopoiesis. We, amongst others, have shown that miR-199b is significantly downregulated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is a promising prognostic factor for FAB-M5 subtype. Herein, to determine miR-199b's role in steady state and stress hematopoiesis, we utilized our recently generated miR-199b knockout (KO) mice (CRISPR approach) to assess frequencies of hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) in WT and miR-199b KO mice through flow cytometry. Under steady state conditions, deletion of miR-199b resulted in significant reduction of Lin- Sca-1+ c-Kit+ (LSK), long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs) (Lin− CD117+ Sca1+ CD150+ CD34low/− CD48−) and increases in multipotent progenitors (MPPs) (Lin− CD117+ Sca1+ CD150− CD34+). However, 5FU induced stress hematopoiesis resulted in significant increases in frequencies of LSK cells, LT-HSCs, and Lin- Sca-1- c-Kit+ (KL) cells compared to wild-type (WT) litter mates. Furthermore, silencing of miR-199b resulted in a significant increase of granulocyte monocyte progenitors (GMP), which was reversed during stress hematopoiesis. The highest expression levels of miR-199b were restricted to the LT-HSC fraction. Mir-199b levels remained moderately high in MPPs and LSK cells. Primarily within the LSK population, miR-199b expression was most pronounced in LT-HSCs and to a lesser extent, MPPs, indicating that miR-199b may play a functional role in LT-HSC activity. Gene profiling studies in HSPCs identified Integrin alpha 8 (Itga8) as a conserved target of miR-199b. We then examined Itga8 transcript levels in HSCs from miR-199b knockout (-/-) mice and found significant elevation of Itga8 transcripts compared to WT mice. One possible mechanism for the differential expansion of miR-199b-/- HSPCs under steady state and stress is an increased or decreased rate of cell cycling. To test this, we examined cell proliferation using Ki67 and Hoechst 33342 markers. MiR-199b-/- LT-HSC at steady state showed significantly decreased proliferation whereas miR-199b-/- LT-HSCs under 5FU induced stress showed significant expansion when compared to wild-type. Next, we tested the adhesion abilities of LT-HSCs from miR-199b KO mice under both steady state and stress hematopoiesis. At steady state, miR-199b-/- LT-HSCs significantly elevated adhesion to vitronectin and fibronectin. Interestingly, like HSPC frequencies, stress hematopoietic-derived miR-199b-/- LT-HSCs showed significantly decreased adhesion to both vitronectin and fibronectin. These findings imply that miR-199b intrinsically regulates HSC behavior, including cell adhesion. To elucidate whether miR-199b's effects on LT-HSCs are mediated by Itga8, we performed an Itga8 knockdown in WT and miR-199b-/- LT-HSCs. Cell proliferation assessed by Ki67 positive cells revealed that downregulation of Itga8 in miR-199b KO LT-HSCs reverts to a miR-199b-induced decrease of LT-HSC proliferation. Intriguingly, we observed that silencing of Itga8 reversed the miR-199b-induced increase of cell adhesion. To corroborate that miR-199b-/- LT-HSCs are fully functional, we performed a competitive repopulation assay. BM derived lineage negative hematopoietic progenitor cells were further purified via immunomagnetic selection for SLAM marker purified (CD150+, CD244+ and CD48-) to enrich the LT-HSC fraction. MiR-199b-/- or miR-199b+/+ LT-HSCs (n=100 LT-HSCs) were transplanted intravenously together with 2.5 X 105 competitor recipient cells. Overall donor BM cellularity was markedly increased in LT-HSCs derived from 5FU treated miR-199 KO mice and overall donor BM cellularity was markedly decreased in LT-HSCs derived from steady state miR-199 KO mice. This suggested that under stress, miR-199b-/- LT-HSCs self-renew extensively after transplantation to repopulate the recipient. The analyses of HSPCs in BM of primary recipients revealed a significant increase in donor LT-HSCs in recipients that were transplanted with LT-HSCs derived from the 5FU induced stress model. Intriguingly, this didn't translate into subsequent increases in MPP, GMP or MEPs, suggesting that miR-199b may govern the self renewal of LT-HSCs and also have progenitor cell specific roles as evident from its expression during early hematopoiesis. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Effects of mobile phone radiation on buccal mucosal cells based on specific absorption rate: a cross sectional study

Background: The usage of mobile phone had been increased drastically which created a major health concern among the people about the radiation emitted from mobile phones. Hence this study was aimed to evaluate the Micronuclei (MN) frequency in exfoliated oral mucosal cells in high and low mobile users based on Specific absorption rate (SAR) value.Methods: The total of 60 subjects were divided into two major groups: low SAR mobile phone users and high SAR mobile phone users. Further, Subjects who use mobile phone for more than 3 hours a week was considered as high talk time users and less than 3 hours a week was low talk time users. The buccal mucosa cells extracted by slightly scraping the oral cavity with a wooden spatula. For staining, Giemsa stain was used. Micronuclei were evaluated in 1000 cells per individual at the microscope.Results: The result show prolonged talk time may interfere with the development of micronuclei in individuals who use mobile phone for more than 3 hours per week rather than high SAR value showing a significant increase in frequency of micronuclei formation.Conclusions: The study showed mobile phone radiation had adverse effects on buccal mucosal cells.

Prevalence of Alaria alata mesocercariae in wild boars from Brandenburg, Germany

Since 2002, Alaria (A.) alata mesocercariae (AM) have been found during routine Trichinella inspection of wild boars in many European countries. To date, human infection with AM through consumption of undercooked or raw AM infested wild boar meat cannot be excluded. In Germany, data on the parasite’s prevalence in wild boars are scarce. To better understand temporal and spatial fluctuations of this parasite, this study investigated the prevalence of AM in wild boars in the German federal state of Brandenburg during three hunting seasons from 2017 to 2020. In total, 28.3% (100/354, 95% CI: 23.3–33.3%) of all wild boars sampled in eight counties of Brandenburg were tested positive for AM by Alaria alata mesocercariae migration technique (AMT). AM were detected in wild boars from seven different counties. Samples from one county (Havelland) tested completely negative for AM (0/16). Prevalences of the seven AM positive counties of Brandenburg ranged from 11.5 (3/26, 95% CI: 2.5–30.1%) in Märkisch-Oderland to 64.1% (25/39, 95% CI: 47.2–78.8%) in Uckermark. An association between sex and A. alata positivity could not be determined. A statistically significant increase in frequency of older AM positive wild boars was observed (p = 0.001). For a nationwide assessment of the prevalence of A. alata in wild boars and the risk for consumers of ingesting viable AM by consumption of raw or undercooked AM infested wild boar meat, further long-term studies in different regions of Germany are needed.

Exercise participation and subjective well-being of collegiate athletes during COVID-19 Pandemic

While the NCAA grapples with how to return to sport during the COVID-19 pandemic, knowledge of the current exercise habits and well-being of collegiate athletes can better inform strength and conditioning professionals how to adjust periodization plans for the coming year. As collegiate athletes attempt to train independently, there is an opportunity to survey the athletes who normally participate in organized strength and conditioning programs. This study aims to understand current independent exercise regimes and explore current well-being measures such as fatigue, sleep, mood, soreness, and stress. Coaches may be facing massive levels of detraining or potentially the rest and recovery desperately needed for a rejuvenated return to sport. In this study, 237 collegiate athletes (mean age = 19.75, SD = 1.18) completed an online survey measuring exercise participation and well-being. Exercise habits indicate a statistically ( p < .05) and clinically significant increase in frequency ( t (234) = 4.36, p = .000, ES = .32), intensity ( t (235) = 5.31, p = .000, ES = .47), and duration ( t (234) = 6.54, p = .000, ES = .47) of exercise sessions overtime during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine. Perceived psychological well-being also increased as time went on during quarantine with an improvement in fatigue ( Z = 3.42, p = .001, ES = .22), sleep quality ( Z = 4.59, p = .000, ES = .30 ), stress ( Z = 6.53, p = .000, ES = .42), and mood ( Z = 5.86, p = .000, ES = .38). It appears there was a potential adaptation to quarantine that improved athletes’ exercise participation and perceived well-being but concerns for periodization strategies, motivation, and possibility of detraining remain for strength and conditioning professionals in the transition to the return to sport.

Association of Lipid Profile with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease diagnosed on Ultrasound

Objectives: To evaluate lipid profile parameters in patients with various grades of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) diagnosed on sonography. &#x0D; Material and Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at HBS General Hospital, Islamabad over a period of six months from January 2018 to June 2018. Seventy-nine adults of either gender diagnosed with NAFLD on ultrasonography were consecutively included. Fasting blood sample of all the subjects was analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) Comparison of lipid abnormalities between different grades of NAFLD was done by statistical analysis with p-value &lt;0.05 considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: Out of the total 79 patients, grade I, II, and III NAFLD was diagnosed in 56.6%, 45.5%, and 3.9% respectively. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were raised in 28 (35.4%), 43 (54.4%) and 43 (54.4%) patients respectively. Low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were seen in 74 (93.6%) of patients. Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in frequency as well as mean values in all serum lipid profile parameters with the severity of NAFLD grades except total cholesterol (TC).&#x0D; Conclusion: Increasing grades of NAFLD showed a significant correlation with higher levels of cholesterol, LDL, and decreasing levels of HDL, which are all associated with cardiovascular problems.