Skeletal ontogeny of the Plainfin Midshipman,Porichthys notatus (Percomorphacea: Batrachoidiformes)

Batrachoidiformes are benthic fishes that utilize the undersides of rocks as spawning nests. Their larvae are attached to the nest and nourished by a large yolk sac. The evolutionary shift from feeding, free‐swimming larvae to sedentary larvae that are reliant on their yolk sac for nutrition can lead to changes in skeletal development. Batrachoidiformes also have many morphological specializations, such as five pectoral‐fin radials (versus four in other acanthomorphs) that are of uncertain homology, the determination of which may have phylogenetic implications. A larval series of Porichthys notatus was collected and its skeletal ontogeny is described. In P. notatus the ossification of the pharyngeal toothplates occurs relatively later than in percomorphs with free‐swimming larvae. The posterior basibranchial copula cartilage (= fourth basibranchial) in Porichthys notatus has a unique development among fishes: it initially develops as a paired element at 6.8–7.1 mm NL before fusing posteriorly and forming single median cartilage at 7.4 mm SL. Cartilages of hypobranchial four are transitory, being observed in two specimens of 6.8 and 7.3 mm NL before fusing with ceratobranchial four. The previously identified dorsalmost pectoral radial is a bone formed by a hypertrophied propterygium that ossifies later in development. The earliest stages of P. notatus have three dorsal spines, but during late larval development, the growth of the third dorsal spine is interrupted. The development of P. notatus is compared and discussed in context to that of other acanthomorph.     

A nucleic acid amplification test‐based strategy does not help inform return to work for healthcare workers with COVID‐19

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess the utility of a nucleic acid amplification test‐based approach to shorten isolation of healthcare workers (HCWs) with COVID‐19 in the setting of the highly transmissible omicron variant.MethodsBetween December 24, 2021, and January 5, 2022, HCWs who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 were retested with PCR at least 5 days since onset of symptoms.ResultsForty‐six sequential fully COVID‐19 vaccinated HCWs who had tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 underwent follow‐up testing. All the samples were confirmed as omicron variants and only four (8.7%) were negative in the follow‐up test performed at a median of 6 (range 5–12) since onset of symptoms.ConclusionsImplementation of a test‐based strategy is logistically challenging, increases costs, and did not lead to shorter isolation in our institution.     

Potential Role of Bioactive Proteins and Peptides Derived from Legumes towards Metabolic Syndrome

Legumes have been widely consumed and used to isolate bioactive compounds, mainly proteins. The aim of this study was to review the beneficial actions of different legumes proteins and peptides updating the main findings that correlate legumes consumption and the effects on non-transmissible chronic diseases, specifically metabolic syndrome. An exhaustive revision of five relevant bioactivities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic -all of them linked to metabolic syndrome- and antitumoral) of proteins and peptides from legumes focused on isolation and purification, enzymatic hydrolysis and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was carried out. The promising potential of bioactive hydrolysates and peptides from pulses has been demonstrated by in vitro tests. However, only a few studies validated these biological activities using animal models. No clinical trials have been carried out yet; so further research is required to elucidate their effective health implications.     

Clinical mycology in Latin America and the Caribbean: A snapshot of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities

Despite the existence of endemic mycoses in Latin America and the Caribbean, in addition to a large population of patients at risk for invasive mycoses, the capability of medical centres to perform a proper diagnosis in mycology has not been studied in the region. Moreover, availability of antifungal drugs in the region is unknown. Here, we report the results of a survey involving 129 centres in 24 countries. Only 9% of centres would have the potential to apply for the minimum standards in mycology, as determined by the European Confederation of Medical Mycology. There is an urgent need to improve diagnostic conditions in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as providing access to safer and more efficacious antifungal drugs.     

The cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the MSSS-88 for use in Italian patients with multiple sclerosis

Purpose: To cross-culturally translate the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale into Italian and to evaluate its psychometric properties in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Methods: The Italian version of Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale was developed in accordance with international standards and subsequently administered to 232 Italian adults with multiple sclerosis. The following psychometric properties were analyzed: internal consistency through Cronbach’s α and item-to-total correlation, dimensionality with factor analysis, and convergent and criterion validity through hypotheses-testing, comparing the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale with other outcome measures (Fatigue Severity Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life, Modified Ashworth Scale, Barthel Index, and Expanded Disability Status Scale) and analyzing related constructs. Finally, we correlated the MSSS-88 subscales with each other.

Results: The final Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale version was well-understood by all subjects. The internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s α ≥0.90). Factor analysis revealed that each subscale was unidimensional. Convergent and criterion validity were supported by acceptable correlations with other disease-specific questionnaires, according to the a priori expectations.

Conclusions: The final Italian Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale version showed robust psychometric properties. Therefore, it can be recommended as an assessment tool for clinical and research use to evaluate spasticity in Italian patients with multiple sclerosis.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• The Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale was developed to measure patients’ perception of the impact of spasticity on life of subjects with multiple sclerosis.

• In a sample of Italian subjects with multiple sclerosis, the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale revealed good internal consistency and convergent and criterion validity.

• Factor analysis demonstrated that each subscale was unidimensional.

• Each subscale can be used to assess the impact of spasticity in Italian patients with multiple sclerosis.