Establishment of somatic embryogenesis from Gerbera jamesonii Bolus EX. Hook F. through suspension culture

Cell suspension cultures were established from embryogenic callus induced from leaf explants of Gerbera jamesonii Bolus ex. Hook f. Embryogenic callus was induced when leaf explants were cultured on MS medium containing 1.0 to 2.0 mg/L 2,4-D. Cream friable callus was formed within two weeks. Proliferated callus was transferred to MS liquid medium containing 2,4-D with a small concentration of NAA and subcultured at 2 weeks interval. Induction of somatic embryos (globular, heart and torpedo) was observed after 2 weeks of culture. Somatic embryos developed in MS suspension medium containing 1.0 to 2.0 mg/L 2,4-D with 0.1 or 1.0 mg/L NAA and globular embryos were further differentiated into the cotyledonary phase embryos. The addition of amino acids (L-glutamine or L-proline, 5.0 mg/L, respectively) to the culture media, in the range of concentrations tested, yielded higher enhancement of the embryo growth and development. Transfer of individual embryos onto a fresh basal medium with no plant growth regulators was able to achieve complete maturation. Relatively, only a few number of embryos developed shoots and roots when transferred to MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L NAA in addition to 3% (w/v) sucrose and 0.8% (w/v) agar containing medium. About 11% of somatic embryos were converted to true-to-type fertile plants.Key words: Gerbera jamesonii, embryogenic callus, cell suspension culture, plant growth regulators, amino acid

Exploring Functional Connectivity Across Borderline Personality Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Dissociative Disorder

The overall focus of this thesis relates to resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) of the default mode network (DMN) in borderline personality disorder (BPD), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dissociative disorders. Part one of the thesis systematically reviewed 19 studies investigating RSFC of the DMN in PTSD, BPD and dissociative disorders to establish the value of DMN in understanding the three psychopathology. Current research suggests that RSFC of the DMN is distinct when comparing participants with PTSD, participants with PTSD co-morbid with MDD, and healthy controls. In addition, studies also showed that RSFC of the DMN was associated with PTSD severity and trauma experiences. In terms of BPD, findings seem to indicate the presence of aberrant RSFC of the DMN when compared to healthy controls and bipolar disorder. However, in order to interpret these results, it is essential to consider the potential influence of co-morbid MDD. As there was only one research investigating dissociative disorder, it is premature to conclude if RSFC of the DMN is atypical in this disorder. Overall, the reviewed studies seems to indicate that the value of the DMN in understanding psychopathology is strongest in PTSD but lacking in BPD and dissociative disorder. Part one concludes by addressing current limitations and implications for future research. Part two presents an empirical study investigating RSFC of the DMN in participants with BPD and healthy controls. In order to further elucidate the associations with indices of core symptomatology, self-reports measures pertaining to dissociation, trauma, emotional dysregulation, general clinical symptomatology and personality psychopathology were also administered. The findings suggest that BPD participants display higher RSFC between core brain regions. However, as only one of the obtained finding remained significant after correcting for multiple comparisons, the results should be interpreted cautiously. Additionally, higher RSFC in BPD participants were also associated with higher self-reported trauma experiences, dissociation and general clinical symptomatology. Similarly, these results did not survive correction for multiple comparisons and hence should be further investigated in future studies. This section concluded by discussing implications of these findings and limitations of the current study. Part three provided a critical appraisal of the entire research process. Firstly, it considers the implications of the current study, namely the influence on therapeutic approaches, our understanding of BPD, PTSD and dissociation, reflections on the wider issues in neuroimaging studies and in BPD research. This is then followed by a discussion of the challenges and opportunities in research investigating multiple constructs. Lastly, whilst acknowledging the limitations of neuroimaging, the critical appraisal also put forth suggestions aimed at maximizing clinical utility of neuroimaging findings

Neuroma of a double gallbladder: a case report

We report a case of 55 year old male patient who presented with recurrent upper abdominal pain following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A subsequent diagnostic laparoscopy revealed the presence of a second gallbladder which was initially missed. The peculiarity of his symptoms can in part be explained by the presence of a traumatic neuroma in his second gallbladder. A subsequent cholecystectomy led to a complete resolution of this patient's signs and symptoms. As far as we know this is the first report in the literature of a traumatic neuroma in a second gallbladder

Change in BMI Accurately Predicted by Social Exposure to Acquaintances

Research has mostly focused on obesity and not on processes of BMI change more generally, although these may be key factors that lead to obesity. Studies have suggested that obesity is affected by social ties. However these studies used survey based data collection techniques that may be biased toward select only close friends and relatives. In this study, mobile phone sensing techniques were used to routinely capture social interaction data in an undergraduate dorm. By automating the capture of social interaction data, the limitations of self-reported social exposure data are avoided. This study attempts to understand and develop a model that best describes the change in BMI using social interaction data. We evaluated a cohort of 42 college students in a co-located university dorm, automatically captured via mobile phones and survey based health-related information. We determined the most predictive variables for change in BMI using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. The selected variables, with gender, healthy diet category, and ability to manage stress, were used to build multiple linear regression models that estimate the effect of exposure and individual factors on change in BMI. We identified the best model using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and R[superscript 2]. This study found a model that explains 68% (p<0.0001) of the variation in change in BMI. The model combined social interaction data, especially from acquaintances, and personal health-related information to explain change in BMI. This is the first study taking into account both interactions with different levels of social interaction and personal health-related information. Social interactions with acquaintances accounted for more than half the variation in change in BMI. This suggests the importance of not only individual health information but also the significance of social interactions with people we are exposed to, even people we may not consider as close friends.MIT Masdar ProgramMIT Media Lab Consortiu

A review of ECG-based diagnosis support systems for obstructive sleep apnea

Humans need sleep. It is important for physical and psychological recreation. During sleep our consciousness is suspended or least altered. Hence, our ability to avoid or react to disturbances is reduced. These disturbances can come from external sources or from disorders within the body. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is such a disorder. It is caused by obstruction of the upper airways which causes periods where the breathing ceases. In many cases, periods of reduced breathing, known as hypopnea, precede OSA events. The medical background of OSA is well understood, but the traditional diagnosis is expensive, as it requires sophisticated measurements and human interpretation of potentially large amounts of physiological data. Electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements have the potential to reduce the cost of OSA diagnosis by simplifying the measurement process. On the down side, detecting OSA events based on ECG data is a complex task which requires highly skilled practitioners. Computer algorithms can help to detect the subtle signal changes which indicate the presence of a disorder. That approach has the following advantages: computers never tire, processing resources are economical and progress, in the form of better algorithms, can be easily disseminated as updates over the internet. Furthermore, Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) reduces intra- and inter-observer variability. In this review, we adopt and support the position that computer based ECG signal interpretation is able to diagnose OSA with a high degree of accuracy

European Society of Endodontology position statement: Management of deep caries and the exposed pulp

This position statement on the management of deep caries and the exposed pulp represents the consensus of an expert committee, convened by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE). Preserving the pulp in a healthy state with sustained vitality, preventing apical periodontitis and developing minimally invasive biologically based therapies are key themes within contemporary clinical endodontics. The aim of this statement was to summarize current best evidence on the diagnosis and classification of deep caries and caries‐induced pulpal disease, as well as indicating appropriate clinical management strategies for avoiding and treating pulp exposure in permanent teeth with deep or extremely deep caries. In presenting these findings, areas of controversy, low‐quality evidence and uncertainties are highlighted, prior to recommendations for each area of interest. A recently published review article provides more detailed information and was the basis for this position statement (Bjørndal et al. 2019, International Endodontic Journal, doi:10.1111/iej.13128). The intention of this position statement is to provide the practitioner with relevant clinical guidance in this rapidly developing area. An update will be provided within 5 years as further evidence emerges

The FDA-Approved Drug Cobicistat Synergizes with Remdesivir To Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Replication In Vitro and Decreases Viral Titers and Disease Progression in Syrian Hamsters

Combinations of direct-acting antivirals are needed to minimize drug resistance mutations and stably suppress replication of RNA viruses. Currently, there are limited therapeutic options against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and testing of a number of drug regimens has led to conflicting results. Here, we show that cobicistat, which is an FDA-approved drug booster that blocks the activity of the drug-metabolizing proteins cytochrome P450-3As (CYP3As) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication. Two independent cell-to-cell membrane fusion assays showed that the antiviral effect of cobicistat is exerted through inhibition of spike protein-mediated membrane fusion. In line with this, incubation with low-micromolar concentrations of cobicistat decreased viral replication in three different cell lines including cells of lung and gut origin. When cobicistat was used in combination with remdesivir, a synergistic effect on the inhibition of viral replication was observed in cell lines and in a primary human colon organoid. This was consistent with the effects of cobicistat on two of its known targets, CYP3A4 and P-gp, the silencing of which boosted the in vitro antiviral activity of remdesivir in a cobicistat-like manner. When administered in vivo to Syrian hamsters at a high dose, cobicistat decreased viral load and mitigated clinical progression. These data highlight cobicistat as a therapeutic candidate for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection and as a potential building block of combination therapies for COVID-19

Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Africa: An AFREhealth Call for Evidence through Multicountry Research Collaboration

In the African context, there is a paucity of data on SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated COVID-19 in pregnancy. Given the endemicity of infections such as malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis (TB) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), it is important to evaluate coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 and their impact on maternal/infant outcomes. Robust research is critically needed to evaluate the effects of the added burden of COVID-19 in pregnancy, to help develop evidence-based policies toward improving maternal and infant outcomes. In this perspective, we briefly review current knowledge on the clinical features of COVID-19 in pregnancy; the risks of preterm birth and cesarean delivery secondary to comorbid severity; the effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on the fetus/neonate; and in utero mother-to-child SARS-CoV-2 transmission. We further highlight the need to conduct multicountry surveillance as well as retrospective and prospective cohort studies across SSA. This will enable assessments of SARS-CoV-2 burden among pregnant African women and improve the understanding of the spectrum of COVID-19 manifestations in this population, which may be living with or without HIV, TB, and/or other coinfections/comorbidities. In addition, multicountry studies will allow a better understanding of risk factors and outcomes to be compared across countries and subregions. Such an approach will encourage and strengthen much-needed intra-African, south-to-south multidisciplinary and interprofessional research collaborations. The African Forum for Research and Education in Health's COVID-19 Research Working Group has embarked upon such a collaboration across Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

Longitudinal Study of the Dynamics of Vaginal Microflora during Two Consecutive Menstrual Cycles

Although the vaginal microflora (VMF) has been well studied, information on the fluctuation of the different bacterial species throughout the menstrual cycle and the information on events preceding the presence of disturbed VMF is still very limited. Documenting the dynamics of the VMF during the menstrual cycle might provide better insights. In this study, we assessed the presence of different Lactobacillus species in relation to the BV associated species during the menstrual cycle, assessed the influence of the menstrual cycle on the different categories of vaginal microflora and assessed possible causes, such as menstruation and sexual intercourse, of VMF disturbance. To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study in which swabs and Gram stains were available for each day of two consecutive menstrual cycles, whereby 8 grades of VMF were distinguished by Gram stain analysis, and whereby the swabs were cultured every 7(th) day and identification of the bacterial isolates was carried out with a molecular technique.status: publishe