BAAV Mediated GJB2 Gene Transfer Restores Gap Junction Coupling in Cochlear Organotypic Cultures from Deaf Cx26Sox10Cre Mice

The deafness locus DFNB1 contains GJB2, the gene encoding connexin26 and GJB6, encoding connexin30, which appear to be coordinately regulated in the inner ear. In this work, we investigated the expression and function of connexin26 and connexin30 from postnatal day 5 to adult age in double transgenic Cx26Sox10Cre mice, which we obtained by crossing connexin26 floxed mice with a deleter Sox10–Cre line. Cx26Sox10Cre mice presented with complete connexin26 ablation in the epithelial gap junction network of the cochlea, whereas connexin30 expression was developmentally delayed; immunolabeling patterns for both connexins were normal in the cochlear lateral wall. In vivo electrophysiological measurements in Cx26Sox10Cre mice revealed profound hearing loss accompanied by reduction of endocochlear potential, and functional experiments performed in postnatal cochlear organotypic cultures showed impaired gap junction coupling. Transduction of these cultures with a bovine adeno associated virus vector restored connexin26 protein expression and rescued gap junction coupling. These results suggest that restoration of normal connexin levels by gene delivery via recombinant adeno associated virus could be a way to rescue hearing function in DFNB1 mouse models and, in future, lead to the development of therapeutic interventions in humans

Neuromuscular and technical abilities related to age in water-polo players

Testing is one of the important tasks in any multi-step sport programme. In most ball games, coaches assess motor, physical and technical skills on a regular basis in early stages of talent identification in order to further athletes\u2019 development. The purpose of the study was to investigate anthropometric variables and vertical jump heights as a free throw effectiveness predictor in water-polo players of different age groups. Two hundred and thirty-six young (10\u201318 years) male water-polo players partitioned into three age groups underwent anthropometric variables\u2019 measures and squat- and countermovement- jump tests, and performed water-polo free throws. Anthropometric variables, vertical jump heights and throw speed \u2013 as a proxy for free throw effectiveness \u2013 resulted different over age groups. Particularly, throw speed changed from 9.28 to 13.70 m \ub7 s 121 (+48%) from younger to older players. A multiple-regression model indicated that body height, squat-jump height and throw time together explain 52% of variance of throw speed. In conclusion, tall height, high lower limb power and throwing quickness appeared to be relevant determinants for effective free throws. Such indications can help coaches during talent identification and development processes, even by means of novel training strategies. Further research is needed over different maturity statuses

Le syndrome d’apnée de sommeil est-il un facteur de risque des occlusions veineuses rétiniennes ?

Introduction : L’apnée du sommeil (SAS) est un syndrome fréquent mais très souvent méconnu. C’est une pathologie qu'il faut savoir reconnaître et traiter à temps, non seulement en raison du danger que court le malade sur le plan cardio-respiratoire mais aussi du fait des répercussions neuropsychiatriques, sociales et professionnelles.En raison de plusieurs observations personnelles en pratique clinique, nous avons suspecté un lien entre le SAS et la prévalence des occlusions veineuses rétiniennes (OVR).Observation : Nous avons sélectionné 4 observations de patients ayant présenté une OVR et qui nous a amené à découvrir un SAS. Ces patients font partie d’une étude prospective en cours de réalisation, ayant atteint 30 patients à ce jour, atteints d’OVRDiscussion : Le SAS est une obstruction complète ou partielle des voies respiratoires supérieures durant le sommeil, entrainant des séquences de désaturation et de réoxygénation susceptibles de stresser le système cardiovasculaire. Il a été décrit que la survenue des OVCR est en corrélation directe avec une diminution de la saturation veineuse en oxygène, laquelle va entrainer une vasodilatation et aggraver le ralentissement circulatoire, par l’augmentation de la pression intrathoracique et intracrânienne qui retentit mécaniquement sur le nerf optique. De ce fait les effets directs et indirects, locaux et généraux, de l’apnée du sommeil, pourraient expliquer la survenue ainsi que l’aggravation du tableau clinique des OVR.Conclusion : Nous avons rapporté, l’association du SAS et de l’OVR. L’étude de la physiopathologie suggère que le SAS constitue un facteur de risque supplémentaire d’OVR ou au minimum un facteur d’aggravation. Par conséquent, il nous semble intéressant de procéder au dépistage du SAS chez les patients présentant une OVR

Caratterizzazione di endofiti in Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) C. Presl. Studi preliminari

Nephrolepis cordifoliaaccumula piombo ed alluminio, mentre tollera lantanio e cerio. Radici, tuberi e porzionibasali di questa felce ospitano specie diverse di Trichoderma. La presente nota riassume le risposte dell’isolato Th1 di T. har-zianumRifai, endofita di N. cordifolia, a concentrazioni di 0,1 a 1,0 mM di NaAsO2, e Pb(NO3)2in colture liquide su substratodi Potato-Dextrose-Broth. Dopo 7 giorni di incubazione fino al 50% dell’arsenico e del piombo iniziali sono incorporati nelmicelio dell’isolato Th1. Questi risultati apportano nuovi contributi all’eco-fisiologia di N. cordifoliain associazione con T.harzianume suggeriscono che questo micete possa avere capacità di biorimedio verso elementi “tossici” quali arsenico epiombo

The Effect of Isotonic Saline Nasal Lavages in Improving Symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case-Control Study

Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mainly colonizes nasopharynx. In upper airways acute infections, e.g., the common cold, saline nasal irrigations have a significant efficacy in reducing symptoms. The present study aimed to test the efficacy of nasal lavages in upper airways symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: A series of consecutive adult subjects who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from December 2020 to February 2021 performed daily nasal lavages with saline solution (Lavonase®—Purling, Lugo di Romagna, Italy) for 12 days, starting on the day after the SARS-CoV-2 positive swab. A control group included a historical series of patients who were infected in February-March 2020 and who did not perform lavages. An ad hoc questionnaire regarding symptoms was administered to each subjects at base-line and 10 days after diagnosis (i.e., on the same day of the control swab) in both cases and controls. Results: A total of 140 subjects were enrolled. 68 participants in the treatment group and 72 in the control group were included. 90% of respondents declared the lavages were simple to use and 70% declared they were satisfied. Symptoms of blocked nose, runny nose, or sneezing decreased by an average of 24.7% after the treatment. Blocked nose and sneezing increased in the same period of time in the control group. Ears and eyes symptoms, anosmia/ageusia symptoms, and infection duration (10.53 days in the treatment group and 10.48 days in the control group) didn't vary significantly among the two groups. Conclusion: Nasal lavages resulted to significantly decrease nasal symptoms in newly diagnosed SARS-CoV-2 patients. These devices proved to be well-tolerated and easy to be used. Further studies on a larger number of subjects are needed in order to possibly confirm these preliminary results