Assessment of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide in psoriatic arthritis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) are highly specific diagnostic and prognostic markers for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They have been also found in psoriatic arthritis (PsA), with controversies as regards clinical and radiological associations. The current study assessed anti-CCP in PsA and determined its clinical and radiological associations.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Four groups contributed to this study. 40 PsA, 40 psoriasis without arthritis, 40 RA and 40 healthy controls. They were tested for anti-CCP. Clinical and radiological data were collected and statistically compared between anti-CCP-positive and -negative PsA patients.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Seven PsA (17.5%) and 34 RA (85%) were seropositive for anti-CCP. Patients of other groups were anti-CCP-negative. Regarding anti-CCP concentrations, highly significant difference existed between different groups and between anti-CCP-positive and -negative PsA. Significantly higher numbers of involved, swollen and tender joints, deformities and functional impairment of peripheral joints and radiological changes were found in anti-CCP-positive PsA.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Anti-CCP may be found in PsA and are associated with higher number of involved, swollen and tender joints, with deformities and functional impairment of peripheral joints and with erosive arthritis.</p

<i>Garcinia cambogia</i> phenolics as potent anti-COVID-19 agents:phytochemical profiling, biological activities, and molecular docking

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and became a pandemic in a critically short time. Phenolic secondary metabolites attracted much attention from the pharmaceutical industries for their easily accessible natural sources and proven antiviral activity. In our mission, a metabolomics study of the Garcinia cambogia Roxb. fruit rind was performed using LC-HRESIMS to investigate its chemical profile, especially the polar aspects, followed by a detailed phytochemical analysis, which led to the isolation of eight known compounds. Using spectrometric techniques, the isolated compounds were identified as quercetin, amentoflavone, vitexin, rutin, naringin, catechin, p-coumaric, and gallic acids. The antiviral activities of the isolated compounds were investigated using two assays; the 3CL-Mpro enzyme showed that naringin had a potent effect with IC50 16.62 &mu;g/mL, followed by catechin and gallic acid (IC50 26.2, 30.35 &mu;g/mL, respectively), while the direct antiviral inhibition effect of naringin confirmed the potency with an EC50 of 0.0169 &mu;M. To show the molecular interaction, in situ molecular docking was carried out using a COVID-19 protease enzyme. Both biological effects and docking studies showed the hydrophobic interactions with Gln 189 or Glu 166, per the predicated binding pose of the isolated naringin

Multiple choice questions and essay questions in assessment of success rate in medical physiology

Background: Assessment is an important part of the learning cascade in education. Students realize it as an influential motivator to direct and guide their learning. The method of assessment determines the way the students reach high levels of learning. It has been documented that one of factor affecting students’ choice of learning approach is the way how assessment is being performed. Many methods of assessment namely multiple choice questions, essay questions and others are mainly used to assess basic science knowledge in undergraduate education. Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare multiple choice questions (MCQ) and essay questions (EQ) (record the success and failure rate of multiple choice questions (MCQ) and essay questions (EQ)) in regards to the Physiology questions. Methods: A retrospective study was done in which the results of the physiology exams -held in the medical college in Baghdad University -in 2010 are recorded. The number of students underwent the exam was 255. A total of 100 essay questions (EQs) and 100 multiple choice questions (MCQs) were evaluated from the written examinations delivered to second year medical students questions belonged to final examination. Results: Regarding essay questions that have been answered, 33.5% of the questions were not answered as a total. 188 students out of 255 had succeeded which represent 73.7% of the students. Out of 78 marks for MCQ, 46.33 had been achieved, and out of 22 marks for essay 12.9 have been achieved. the success in MCQ questions was 82.9% while in the Essay questions was 67.7% and the failure in both types was 12.5%. Out of 100 questions for both MCQ and Essay questions 55.1±7.9 questions were answered for the MCQ and 51.1±15.3 Essay questions were answered. In general the percentage of the succeeded students was 73. 7% and that of failed students was 26.3%. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the success rate between MCQs and EQs. الخلفية: يعد التقييم عنصرا هاما في سلسلة التعلم في التعليم. يدرك الطلاب أنها حافز مؤثر لتوجيه تعلمهم. ويحدد أسلوب التقييم طريقة وصول الطلبة إلى مستويات عالية من التعلم. وقد تم توثيق أن أحد العوامل التي تؤثر على اختيار الطلاب لموقف التعلم هو طريقة تقييمهم. يتم تطبيق العديد من أساليب التقييم وهي أسئلة الاختيار من متعدد، أسئلة مقالة وغيرها أساسا لفحص العلوم الأساسية الفهم في التعليم الجامعي. الهدف: الهدف من هذه الدراسة هو مقارنة أسئلة الاختيار من متعدد وأسئلة مقال (تقييم نجاح وفشل معدل أسئلة الاختيار من متعدد وأسئلة مقال) فيما يتعلق باسئلة علم وظائف الأعضاء. الطريقة: أجريت دراسة بأثر رجعي تم فيها تسجيل نتائج امتحانات علم وظائف الأعضاء - التي تم تسجيلها في الكلية الطبية لجامعة بغداد - في عام 2010. وبلغ عدد الطلاب الذين خضعوا للامتحان 255. تم تقييم مجموعه 100 أسئلة مقالة و 100 أسئلة الاختيار من متعدد من الامتحانات المكتوبة التي تدار لطلاب الطب السنة الثانية (الأسئلة تنتمي إلى الامتحان النهائي) النتائج: فيما يتعلق بأسئلة المقالات التي تم الرد عليها، لم يتم الإجابة على 33.5٪ من الأسئلة في المجموع. وقد نجح 188 طالبا من أصل 255 طالبا يمثلون 73.7 في المائة من الطلاب. ومن أصل 78 علامة ل سؤال متعدد الاختيارات، تم تحقيق 46.33، ومن أصل 22 علامة للمقالة 12.9 قد تحققت. وكان النجاح في الأسئلة متعدد الاختيارات، 82.9٪ في حين كان في أسئلة المقال 67.7٪ والفشل في كلا النوعين كان 12.5٪. من أصل 100 سؤال لكل من الأسئلة متعدد الاختيارات و اسئلة المقال، تم الرد على 55.07 ± 7.99 من الأسئلة متعدد الاختيارات و 51.13 ± 15.28 للمقالة. وبشكل عام بلغت نسبة الطلبة الناجحين 73.7٪، وبلغت نسبة الطلبة الفاشلين 26.3٪ الخلاصة: كان معدل النجاح لكل من الأسئلة متعدد الاختيارات وأسئلة المقال نفسه تقريبا مما أدى إلى معدل نجاح إجمالي 73.7٪ الذي يلبي نتائج الدراسات الأخرى التي أجريت مقارنة نوعي الأسئلة

Green synthesized extracts/Au complex of <i>Phyllospongia lamellosa</i>:unrevealing the anti-cancer and anti-bacterial potentialities, supported by metabolomics and molecular modeling

The anti-cancer and anti-bacterial potential of the Red Sea sponge Phyllospongia lamellosa in its bulk (crude extracts) and gold nanostructure (loaded on gold nanaoparticles) were investigated. Metabolomics analysis was conducted, and subsequently, molecular modeling studies were conducted to explore and anticipate the P. lamellosa secondary metabolites and their potential target for their various bioactivities. The chloroformic extract (CE) and ethyl acetate extract (EE) of the P. lamellosa predicted to include bioactive lipophilic and moderately polar metabolites, respectively, were used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The prepared AuNPs were characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and UV–vis spectrophotometric analyses. The cytotoxic activities were tested against MCF-7, MDB-231, and MCF-10A. Moreover, the anti-bacterial, antifungal, and anti-biofilm activity were assessed. Definite classes of metabolites were identified in CE (terpenoids) and EE (brominated phenyl ethers and sulfated fatty amides). Molecular modeling involving docking and molecular dynamics identified Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as a potential target for the anti-cancer activities of terpenoids. Moreover, CE exhibited the most powerful activity against breast cancer cell lines, matching our molecular modeling study. On the other hand, only EE was demonstrated to possess powerful anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm activity against Escherichia coli. In conclusion, depending on their bioactive metabolites, P. lamellosa-derived extracts, after being loaded on AuNPs, could be considered anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-biofilm bioactive products. Future work should be completed to produce drug leads

Puberty Predicts Approach But Not Avoidance on the Iowa Gambling Task in a Multinational Sample

According to the dual systems model of adolescent risk taking, sensation seeking and impulse control follow different developmental trajectories across adolescence and are governed by two different brain systems. The authors tested whether different underlying processes also drive age differences in reward approach and cost avoidance. Using a modified Iowa Gambling Task in a multinational, cross‐sectional sample of 3,234 adolescents (ages 9–17; M = 12.87, SD = 2.36), pubertal maturation, but not age, predicted reward approach, mediated through higher sensation seeking. In contrast, age, but not pubertal maturation, predicted increased cost avoidance, mediated through greater impulse control. These findings add to evidence that adolescent behavior is best understood as the product of two interacting, but independently developing, brain systems

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Molecular characterization of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient variants in Baghdad city - Iraq

Background: Although G6PD deficiency is the most common genetically determined blood disorder among Iraqis, its molecular basis has only recently been studied among the Kurds in North Iraq, while studies focusing on Arabs in other parts of Iraq are still absent. Methods: A total of 1810 apparently healthy adult male blood donors were randomly recruited from the national blood transfusion center in Baghdad. They were classified into G6PD deficient and non-deficient individuals based on the results of methemoglobin reduction test (MHRT), with confirmation of deficiency by subsequent enzyme assays. DNA from deficient individuals was studied using a polymerase chain reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for four deficient molecular variants, namely G6PD Mediterranean (563 C®T), Chatham (1003 G®A), A- (202 G®A) and Aures (143 T®C). A subset of those with the Mediterranean variant, were further investigated for the 1311 (C®T) silent mutation. Results: G6PD deficiency was detected in 109 of the 1810 screened male individuals (6.0%). Among 101 G6PD deficient males molecularly studied, the Mediterranean mutation was detected in 75 cases (74.3%), G6PD Chatham in 5 cases (5.0%), G6PD A- in two cases (2.0%), and G6PD Aures in none. The 1311 silent mutation was detected in 48 out of the 51 G6PD deficient males with the Mediterranean variant studied (94.1%). Conclusions: Three polymorphic variants namely: the Mediterranean, Chatham and A-, constituted more than 80% of G6PD deficient variants among males in Baghdad. Iraq. This observation is to some extent comparable to othe

Age Patterns in Risk Taking Across the World

Epidemiological data indicate that risk behaviors are among the leading causes of adolescent morbidity and mortality worldwide. Consistent with this, laboratory-based studies of age differences in risk behavior allude to a peak in adolescence, suggesting that adolescents demonstrate a heightened propensity, or inherent inclination, to take risks. Unlike epidemiological reports, studies of risk taking propensity have been limited to Western samples, leaving questions about the extent to which heightened risk taking propensity is an inherent or culturally constructed aspect of adolescence. In the present study, age patterns in risk-taking propensity (using two laboratory tasks: the Stoplight and the BART) and real-world risk taking (using self-reports of health and antisocial risk taking) were examined in a sample of 5227 individuals (50.7% female) ages 10–30 (M = 17.05 years, SD = 5.91) from 11 Western and non-Western countries (China, Colombia, Cyprus, India, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, the Philippines, Sweden, Thailand, and the US). Two hypotheses were tested: (1) risk taking follows an inverted-U pattern across age groups, peaking earlier on measures of risk taking propensity than on measures of real-world risk taking, and (2) age patterns in risk taking propensity are more consistent across countries than age patterns in real-world risk taking. Overall, risk taking followed the hypothesized inverted-U pattern across age groups, with health risk taking evincing the latest peak. Age patterns in risk taking propensity were more consistent across countries than age patterns in real-world risk taking. Results suggest that although the association between age and risk taking is sensitive to measurement and culture, around the world, risk taking is generally highest among late adolescents