Effect of neural mobilisation in Bell's palsy: A randomised controlled trial

Background

Neural mobilisation technique is effective in spinal nerve rehabilitation. However, no study has reported the effect of facial nerve mobilisation in acute Bell's palsy.

Objectives

The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of facial neural mobilisation over conventional therapy in improving facial symmetry in patients with acute Bell's palsy.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial was conducted in the physical therapy department for 62 patients with acute Bell's palsy. The intervention included 10 days of drug therapy including 3 weeks of conventional therapy to the experimental and the control group. However, the experimental group received additional nerve mobilisation technique aimed at mobilising the facial nerve at the origin of external auditory meatus. All participants were assessed at baseline and after three weeks using the Sunnybrook facial grading system (SBS) and Kinovea Movement Analysis Software (KMAS).

Results

For primary outcome, analysis of covariance with baseline data as covariate showed a significant difference between groups for the post-test mean scores of SBS after 3 weeks (between-group difference, 9.2 [95% CI, 5.1-13.3], p = 0 . 001 . Importantly, the effect size calculated by partial η 2 for neural mobilisation was 0.258 (small effect size). For secondary outcomes, independent sample t-test showed a significant difference between groups for the scores on KMAS after 3 weeks for zygomatic muscle (between-group difference, - 27 . 2 [95% CI, - 31 to - 22 . 6 ], p = 0 . 001 ), frontalis muscle - 16 . 7 [95% CI, - 9 . 9 to - 23 . 4 ], p = 0 . 001 , and orbicularis oris muscle - 15 . 0 [95% CI, - 11 . 1 to - 18 . 8 ], p = 0 . 001 .

Conclusion

Facial neural mobilisation is likely to be an effective adjunctive intervention in addition to conventional therapy in improving facial symmetry in acute Bell's palsy.

Mutational Analysis of Circulating Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Lineages in the Al-Baha Region of Saudi Arabia

Purpose

Omicron (B.1.1.529) is one of the highly mutated variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2. Lineages of Omicron bear a remarkable degree of mutations leading to enhanced pathogenicity and upward transmission trajectory. Mutating Omicron lineages may trigger a fresh COVID-19 wave at any time in any region. We aimed at the whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 to determine variants/subvariants and significant mutations which can foster virus evolution, monitoring of disease spread, and outbreak management.

Methods

We used Illumina-NovaSeq 6000 for SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing, MEGA 10.2 and nextstrain tools for phylogeny; CD-HIT program (version 4.8.1) and MUSCLE program for clustering and alignment. At the same time, UCSF Chimera was employed for protein visualization.

Results

Predominant Omicron pango lineages in Al-Baha were BA.5.2/B22 (n=4, 57%), and other lineages were BA.2.12/21L (n=1, 14.28%), BV.1/22B (n=1, 14.28%) and BA.5.2.18/22B (n=1, 14.28%). 22B nextstrain clade was predominant, while only one lineage showed 21L. BA.5.2/22B, BA.5.2/22B harbored a maximum of n=24 mutations in the spike region. Twelve crucial RBD mutations: D405N, R408S, K417N, N440K, L452R, S477N, T478K, E484A, F486V, Q498R, N501Y, and Y505H were identified except the lineage BA.5.2/22B in which F486V mutation was not observed. Critical deletions S106 in membrane protein NSP6, E31in nucleocapsid, and L24 in spike region were observed in all the lineages. Furthermore, we identified common mutations of Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 in therapeutic hot spot spike region: T19I, D405N, R408S, K417N, N440K, L452R, S477N, T478K, E484A, F486V, Q498R, N501Y, Y505H, D614G, A653V, H655Y, N679K, P681H, N764K, D796Y, Q954H, N969K, D1146D, L452R, F486V, N679K and D796Y. The effect of RBD-targeted mutations on neutralizing (NAbs) binding was considerable.

Conclusion

The outcome of this first report on SARS-CoV-2 variants identification and mutation in the Al-Baha region could be used to lay down the policies to manage and impede the regional outbreak of COVID-19 effectively.

Myco-Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Bioactive Role against Pathogenic Microbes

Nanotechnology based on nanoscale materials is rapidly being used in clinical settings, particularly as a new approach for infectious illnesses. Recently, many physical/chemical approaches utilized to produce nanoparticles are expensive and highly unsafe to biological species and ecosystems. This study demonstrated an environmentally friendly mode of producing nanoparticles (NPs) where Fusarium oxysporum has been employed for generation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which were further tested for their antimicrobial potentials against a variety of pathogenic microorganisms. The characterization of NPs was completed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, DLS and TEM, where it has been found that the NPs were mostly globular, with the size range of 50 to 100 nm. The myco-synthesized AgNPs showed prominent antibacterial potency observed as zone of inhibition of 2.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.5 mm, and 1.8 mm against Vibrio cholerae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus anthracis, respectively, at 100 µM. Similarly, at 200 µM for A. alternata, A. flavus and Trichoderma have shown zone of inhibition as 2.6 mm, 2.4 mm, and 2.1 mm, respectively. Moreover, SEM analysis of A. alternata confirmed the hyphal damage where the layers of membranes were torn off, and further EDX data analysis showed the presence of silver NPs, which might be responsible for hyphal damage. The potency of NPs may be related with the capping of fungal proteins that are produced extracellularly. Thus, these AgNPs may be used against pathogenic microbes and play a beneficial role against multi-drug resistance.

707 RESEARCH PRIORITIES FOR PREHOSPITAL CARE OF OLDER PATIENTS WITH INJURIES: SCOPING REVIEW

Introduction

The use of ambulance services by older patients with injuries increases within the impacts of ageing-related changes leading to adverse patient outcomes. There is increasing recognition of the importance of prehospital trauma care for older patients, but little systematic research to guide practice. We aimed to review the published evidence on prehospital trauma care for older patients, determine the scope of existing research and identify research gaps in the literature.

Methods

A systematic scoping review guided by the Arksey and O’Malley framework reported in line with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A systematic search was conducted of Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane library databases to identify articles published between (2001–2021) years. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied independently by two reviewers. Data were extracted, charted and summarised from eligible articles.

Results

65 studies were identified and reviewed, and 25 included. Five categories were identified: ‘field triage, “ageing impacts”, ‘decision-making’, ‘paramedic’ awareness’ and ‘paramedic’s behaviour’. Undertriage & overtriage (sensitivity & specificity) were commonly cited as poorly investigated field-triage subthemes. Ageing-related physiologic changes, comorbidities and polypharmacy were the most widely researched. Inaccurate decision-making and poor early identification of major injuries were identified as potentially influencing patient outcomes. More research is required into paramedic knowledge of geriatric care & ageing changes and the potential impact of paramedic care.

Conclusion

This is the first study reviewing the published evidence on prehospital trauma care for older patients and identifying research priorities for future research. This review has identified the prehospital triage for older trauma victims and studies of paramedic knowledge of older trauma care as key priorities. Investigating and understanding these can improve providing prehospital trauma care of older patients.

The Association of Anemia with Vitamin D Deficiency among Patients Visiting King Khalid General Hospital in Majmaah, Saudi Arabia

Aims: To assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and anemia among patients visiting King Khalid General Hospital in Majmaah City, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: We reviewed the medical records of 120 patients (median age, male 37.44 [±17.86] and female 43.22 [±16.23] years; range 1–96 years) who attended the King Khalid General Hospital laboratory in Majmaah city, Saudi Arabia, between January 2019 and January 2020. The laboratory data included the following parameters: complete blood count (Hb, MCV, MCHC, MCH, Hct, WBC, RBC, and Plt) and vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels. Results: The chi-squared analysis showed that moderate anemia was highest among the participants who had vitamin D levels >30 ng/ml and less than 20 ng/ml, with a prevalence rate of 5% (n=6) for each category. Mild anemia was prevalent among 4.12% (n=5) of the participants with vitamin D levels <20 ng/ml. Finally, there were significant associations between parameters including age, RBC count, WBC count, platelet count, MCV, MCH, MCHC, hematocrit, vitamin D, and anemia. In addition, the odds ratio results indicated that mild vitamin D deficiency was associated with the degree of anemia, ranging from mild to moderate (OR=1.63 to 1.92). Moderate vitamin D deficiency was associated with the degree of anemia, ranging from mild to moderate (OR=1.76 to 1.97). The results confirmed a negative association between normal vitamin D values and the degree of anemia. Conclusion: There is a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and anemia among patients visiting King Khalid General Hospital in Majmaah City, Saudi Arabia.

Effects of Anticoagulants and Corticosteroids Therapy in Patients Affected by Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia

Background: In the absence of a standard of treatment for COVID-19, the combined use of anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids and Enoxaparin) and antiviral drugs may be more effective than using either modality alone in the treatment of COVID-19. Methods: Patients hospitalized between April 10th, 2020, through May 10th, 2020, who had confirmed COVID-19 infection with clinical or radiographic evidence of pneumonia, in which 65 patients have moderate COVID-19 pneumonia, and 63 patients have severe COVID-19 pneumonia. All patients received early combination therapy of anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids and Enoxaparin) and antiviral drugs. They assessed for type and duration of treatment, and days need to wean from oxygen therapy, length of stay, virus clearance time, and complication or adverse events. All patients had more than 28 days follow up after discharge from the hospital. Results: Moderate COVID-19 pneumonia group were 65 patients who received Enoxaparin, antiviral drugs, empirical antibiotics for pneumonia, and standard treatment for comorbidity. Male patients were 50 (76.9%) and female patients were 15 (23.1%). 34 (52.3%) patients have comorbidity, 25 (38.5%) patients have Diabetes Mellitus and 2 (3.1%) pregnant ladies. 19 (29.2%) patients were on low flow oxygen therapy, 3L oxygen or less to maintain oxygen saturation more than 92%. All patients discharged home with no major or minor bleeding complications or significant complications. Severe COVID-19 pneumonia group were 63 patients who received methylprednisolone, enoxaparin, antiviral drugs, empirical antibiotics for pneumonia, and standard treatment for comorbidity. Male patients were 55 (87.3%) and female patients were 8 (12.7%). 37 (58.7%) patients have comorbidity, and 24 (38.1%) patients have Diabetes Mellitus. 32 (50.8%) patients were on low flow oxygen therapy, 4-9L oxygen, and 31 (49.2%) patients were on low flow oxygen therapy, 10L oxygen or more, including 12 patients on a non-rebreathing mask. Patients received methylprednisolone were 37 (58.7%) for 3 days, 16 (25.4%) for 5 days and 10 (15.9%) for more than 5 days. Sixty-two patients discharged home with one patient had a long stay, and the other two transferred to ICU. One long-stay patient transferred to ICU on low flow oxygen therapy. Conclusion: Early use of a combined anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids and Enoxaparin) and antiviral drugs treatment in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia prevent complications of the disease and improve clinical outcomes.

Abstract C3: Activating necroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia through inhibition of PKC, calmodulin, and HOX/PBX dimerization

The molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been extensively studied, and are known to involve members of the HOX family of transcription factors, both as partners in chimeric fusion proteins, and also in their wild type form. However, the role of HOX proteins in the survival of AML cells has proved difficult to assess as many have redundant functions, which makes a conventional knock down experiment difficult to interpret. An alternative strategy to targeting HOX proteins is to inhibit their interaction with the PBX co-factor, which can be achieved using a short, cell-penetrating peptide (HXR9) that mimics the conserved hexapeptide in HOX proteins responsible for PBX binding. HXR9 has been shown to induce apoptosis in malignant B cells, and a number of AML cell lines.

In order to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity of HXR9 in AML cells, we determined the sensitivity of a number of AML-derived cell lines. Three of these (KG1, HEL 92.1.7, and HL-60) are derived from primary AML, and two from secondary AML (KU812F, and K562). The IC50s of cell killing by HXR9, as determined using a lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, were 4.5, 6.1, 16.9, 9.1, and 10.4 μM, respectively. The K562 cells were also sensitive to HXR9-mediated killing in vivo, as administration of HXR9 could significantly inhibit the growth of K562 flank tumors in a mouse xenograft model.

We investigated whether these cells underwent apoptosis after HXR9 treatment. There were no definitive changes associated with apoptosis including caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage, or nuclear fragmentation. Furthermore, cell death was not dependent on ATP, and could not be reversed by the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-FMK. We therefore explored the possibility of necrotic cell death. Neither K562 nor HL-60 cells could be rescued using CsA, an inhibitor of mitochondrial necrosis that targets the CypD protein. However, inhibition of the RIP1 kinase using its inhibitor Nec-1 resulted in a significant rescue of K562 and HL-60 cells from HXR9-mediated cytotoxicity. RIP1 is a central component of the necroptosis pathway, suggesting that this might play a key role in HXR9-induced cell death. We also explored further molecular pathways that might influence necroptosis. Inhibition of signaling through p38, JNK, and MEK/ERK had no effect on HXR9 cytotoxicity, nor did the inhibition of the p53 tumor suppressor protein, although HXR9 treatment of both K562 and HL-60 cells resulted in a significant increase in expression of the p21 tumor suppressor gene. Furthermore, inhibition of both protein kinase C (PKC) and calmodulin significantly sensitized cells to HXR9.

Taken together, our findings point to a mechanism of HXR9-mediated cell death that depends not on apoptosis, but instead on necroptosis, and which can be blocked by PKC signaling. Necroptosis is considered to be a regulated form of necrosis that in some respects parallels apoptosis, as it can be triggered by the same external stimuli. Its interaction with PKC and calmodulin-mediated signaling points to possible synergistic approaches when targeting AML.

Citation Format: Raed Alharbi, Ruth Pettengell, Mohamed El-Tanani, Hardev S. Pandha, Richard Morgan. Activating necroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia through inhibition of PKC, calmodulin, and HOX/PBX dimerization. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr C3.