Revised spectrum of mutations in sarcoglycanopathies

To define the spectrum of mutations in alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-sarcoglycan (SG) genes, we analyzed these genes in 69 probands with clinical and biological criteria compatible with the diagnosis of autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. For 48 patients, muscle biopsies were available and multiplex western blot analysis of muscle proteins showed significant abnormalities of alpha- and gamma-SG. Our diagnostic strategy includes multiplex western blot, sequencing of SG genes, multiplex quantitative-fluorescent PCR and RT-PCR analyses. Mutations were detected in 57 patients and homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations were identified in 75% (36/48) of the patients with abnormal western blot, and in 52% (11/21) of the patients without muscle biopsy. Involvement of alpha-SG was demonstrated in 55.3% of cases (26/47), whereas gamma- and beta-SG were implicated in 25.5% (12/47) and in 17% (8/47) of cases, respectively. Interestingly, we identified 25 novel mutations, and a significant proportion of these mutations correspond to deletions (identified in 14 patients) of complete exon(s) of alpha- or gamma-SG genes, and partial duplications (identified in 5 patients) of exon 1 of beta-SG gene. This study highlights the high frequency of exonic deletions of alpha- and gamma-SG genes, as well as the presence of a hotspot of duplications affecting exon 1 of the beta-SG gene. In addition, protein analysis by multiplex western blot in combination with mutation screening and genotyping results allowed to propose a comprehensive and efficient diagnostic strategy and strongly suggested the implication of additional genes, yet to be identified, in sarcoglycanopathy-like disorders.     

Spermicidal Effects of Methanolic Extract of Cestrum parqui Leaves on Human Spermatozoa:A View through DNA Breakage and Disruption of Membrane Ultrastructure

Objective To focus on the possible mechanism about the spermicidal effect of methanolic extract of leaves of Cestrum parqui (Solanacea) on human spermatozoa.Methods Sperm motility and viability were no...     

Epidemiological and Etiological Study of Foot Mycosis in Tunisia

BackgroundTinea pedis and onychomycosis are among the commonest fungal diseases in the world. Recently, there has been an increase in the numbers of fungal agents implicated in these conditions.ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiology of fungal foot diseases and to identify associated etiological factors in outpatients attending the Department of Dermatology of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis, Tunisia.Patients and MethodsOne hundred and forty eight patients were assessed for the presence of fungal foot diseases during the period between January and April 2009. The mean age was 41.5 years (range: 2–87 years) and sex ratio was 0.8. A complete dermatological examination was performed on all subjects, and specimens of the feet were taken from patients presenting signs of tinea pedis or onychomycosis for microscopy and fungal culture.ResultsFungal foot infection was suspected in 71 subjects, and the diagnosis was confirmed in 67 cases (45.3%) by positive microscopy or culture. Older age and family history of mycosis were predisposing factors for foot fungal infection. The condition was caused by dermatophytes in 57.1% of cases and Candida species in 35.7%. Trichophyton rubrum and Candida parapsilosis were the predominant dermatophyte and yeast species, respectively.     

Value of central vein sign in discriminating multiple sclerosis plaques from other white matter lesions

Introduction

Susceptibility weighted (SW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can visualize the vein/s around which multiple sclerosis (MS) plaques are centered. This study's purpose was to assess the ability of the central vein sign (CVS) to differentiate MS plaques from non MS white matter lesions (WMLs).

Health-Related Predictors of Quality of Life in Cancer Patients in Saudi Arabia

Research on Saudi Arabian cancer patients is a priority at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Because there is limited research on the quality of life (QoL) of Saudi Arabian cancer patients, the aim of this study was to identify the predictors of the QoL in a sample of Saudis with cancer. In August 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 438 patients with a variety of cancer types (145 breast, 109 colorectal, 38 leukemia, 45 lymphoma, and 99 other types) who attended the Oncology Outpatient Clinics at KAMC. Sociodemographics, clinical symptoms, and cancer treatments were collected for each patient. We used the SF-36 instrument to assess QoL. Of the cancer patients studied, 28.4% had a family history of cancer, and, according to subgroup analyses, the elderly, those lacking formal education, the unemployed, those diagnosed with Stage III/IV, and those with metastasis had significantly worse physical functions than the other cancer patients. According to multiple linear regression analyses, cancer patients who exercised regularly tended to have better physical function, emotional role function, vitality, social function, and general health (increase in SF-36 scores of 8.82, 9.75, 5.54, 6.66, and 4.97, respectively). Patients with first-year-after-cancer diagnosis tended to have poor emotional wellbeing, social function, and general health (decrease in SF-36 scores of 5.20, 7.34, and 6.12, respectively). Newly diagnosed cancer patients and patients who did not exercise tended to experience significantly poor QoL in several domains; thus, the effectiveness of exercise must be assessed in Saudi cancer patients as an intervention to improve QoL.     

Targeting Oxidative Stress,Cytokines and Serotonin Interactions Via Indoleamine 2, 3 Dioxygenase by Coenzyme Q10: Role in Suppressing Depressive Like Behavior in Rats

Depression is a major health problem in which oxidative stress and inflammation are inextricably connected in its pathophysiology. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an important anti-oxidant compound with anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective properties. This study was designed to investigate the hypothesis that CoQ10 by its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials can alleviate depressive- like behavior by restoring the balance of the tryptophan catabolites kynurenine/serotonin toward the serotonin pathway by down-regulation of hippocampal indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO-1). Depressive-like behavior was induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) protocol including food or water deprivation, cage tilting, reversed light cycle etc. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups; Control, CUMS, CUMS and CoQ10 (50,100 and 200 mg/kg/day i.p. respectively) groups. CoQ10 effects on different behavioral and biochemical tests were analyzed. CoQ10 showed significant antidepressant efficacy, as evidenced by significantly decreased stress induced changes to forced swimming challenge and open field test, as well as attenuating raised corticosterone level and adrenal glands weight. The anti-oxidant effect of CoQ10 was exhibited by its ability to significantly reduce hippocampal elevated malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal levels and elevate the reduced glutathione and catalase levels. CoQ10 significantly reduced different pro-inflammatory cytokines levels including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. It suppressed hippocampal IDO-1 and subsequent production of kynurenine and enhanced the hippocampal contents of tryptophan and serotonin. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that CoQ10 was able to attenuate the elevated microglial CD68 and elevate the astrocyte glial fibrillary acidic protein compared to CUMS group. CoQ10 exhibited antidepressant-like effects on rats exposed to CUMS. This could be attributed to its ability to reduce IDO-1 leading to shift the balance of the Kynurenine/ serotonin toward the serotonin pathway.     

Bioequivalence study of two enteric-coated formulations of pantoprazole in healthy volunteers under fed conditions

This study was conducted in order to assess the bioequivalence of two enteric-coated formulations of 40 mg pantoprazole (CAS 102625-70-7), under fed conditions. Seventy-four healthy subjects, age ranging from 24 to 55 years, were enrolled in a two-centre, randomised, single-dose, open-label, 2-way crossover study, with a minimum washout period of 7 days. Plasma samples were collected up to 30.0 h post-dosing. Pantoprazole levels were determined by reverse liquid chromatography and detected by tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS/ MS). Pharmacokinetic parameters used for bioequivalence assessment were the AUClast (area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to time of last observed non-zero concentration), AUCinf (area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity) and Cmax, (maximum observed concentration). These parameters were determined from the pantoprazole concentration data using non-compartmental analysis. Gender-related differences were found in the variability of all relevant pharmacokinetic parameters. The 90% CI (90% confidence intervals), obtained by analysis of variance (ANOVA) were within the predefined ranges. Bioequivalence between the test and reference formulation, under fed conditions, was concluded both in terms of rate and extent of absorption.