Hematological parameters to predict post-COVID-19 immune response among vaccinated and nonvaccinated individuals: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Background: This study finds the changes in the hematological parameters of healthy individuals to predict the immune status against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among COVID -19 vaccinated and nonvaccinated individuals. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study among 210 healthy individuals was conducted. All individuals were divided into three groups, that is, IgG positive, IgG negative, and IgG and IgM positive, based on ELISA. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25 for Windows. Results: A statistically significant effect was found among the three groups in terms of mean levels of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red blood cells (RBC), RDW-CV, lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophils, and basophil count. The study also showed that 52.8% (n=74) had neither taken vaccination nor had any history of previous COVID-19 infection but were IgG antibody positive. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant difference among hematological parameters between immune and nonimmune groups, and it can predict the COVID-19 immune status.

A case report of hypokalemic periodic muscular weakness secondary to Sjögren's syndrome with distal renal tubular acidosis.

Key Clinical Message: An underlying autoimmune condition should be suspected in patients who presented with periodic muscular weakness secondary to distal RTA that leads to hypokalemia because distal RTA is commonly associated with autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome. Abstract: A 22-year-old female presented with a sudden onset of bilateral weakness in both upper and lower limbs. The patient had a history of muscular weakness secondary to hypokalemia and dryness of the eyes for the last 3 years. Laboratory investigations revealed decreased potassium and metabolic acidosis. Further investigations confirmed distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and Sjögren's syndrome. A diagnosis of distal RTA secondary to Sjögren's syndrome was made. Her potassium levels were replaced, and she was discharged with oral potassium supplements, steroids, and artificial tears.

Acceptance, availability, and feasibility of RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine: A review.

INTRODUCTION: In malaria-stricken regions, malaria continues to be one of the primary causes of mortality for children. The number of malaria-related fatalities has drastically decreased because of artemisinin-based pharmacological regimens. METHODS: Two independent researchers did a comprehensive literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from its inception to September 2022. RESULTS: After evaluating RTS, S/AS01 for its safety, effectiveness, and feasibility, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) issued a favorable conclusion. It was suggested that the RTS, S malaria vaccine be used extensively by the World Health Organization on October 6, 2021. The successful pilot program testing the malaria vaccine in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi served as the basis for this proposal. CONCLUSION: Several challenges need to be addressed to ensure the success of vaccination programs. From the acceptability perspective, issues such as inadequate community engagement, concerns about side effects, and issues with the delivery and quality of healthcare services can affect the acceptance of the vaccine. From the feasibility standpoint, factors such as lack of transportation or long distances to healthcare facilities and the perception of completion of the vaccination calendar can affect the feasibility of the vaccine. Lastly, the availability of the vaccine is also a major concern as it may not be readily available to meet the demands.

Non-syndromic Intellectual Disability: An Experimental In-Depth Exploration of Inheritance Pattern, Phenotypic Presentation, and Genomic Composition.

Background Intellectual disability (ID), also termed mental retardation (MR), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by an intelligence quotient (IQ) of 70 or below and a deficit in at least two behaviors associated with adaptive functioning. The condition is further classified into syndromic intellectual disability (S-ID) and non-syndromic intellectual disability (NS-ID). This study highlights the genes associated with NS-ID. Objectives A genetic study was performed on two Pakistani families to know the inheritance patterns, clinical phenotypes, and molecular genetics of affected individuals with NS-ID. Methodology Samples were collected from two families: families A and B. All affected individuals in both families were diagnosed by a neurologist. Written informed consent was taken from the affected individuals and guardians before collecting the data and sample. Family A belongs to the Swabi District of Pakistan having four affected individuals, out of whom three were male and one was female. Family B also belongs to the Swabi District of Pakistan having two affected individuals, out of whom one was male and one was female. A total of 10 candidate genes were selected and were further screened by microarray analysis. Results In family A, this analysis identified a region of 9.6 Mb on chromosome 17q11.2-q12 between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs953527 and rs2680398. The region was genotyped using microsatellite markers to confirm the haplotypes in all family members. Based on the phenotype-genotype relationship, 10 possible candidate genes were selected out of more than 140 genes in this critical region of 9.6 Mb. In family B, homozygosity mapping through microarray identified four homozygous areas of affected individuals: two (27,324,822-59,122,062 and 96,423,252123,656,241) on chromosome 8, one (14,785,224-19,722,760) on chromosome 9, and one (126173647-126215644) on chromosome 11. Conclusion An autosomal recessive pattern was found in the pedigrees of both families A and B. Phenotypically affected individuals showed IQ levels below 70. Three genes, CDK5R1, OMG, and EV12A, were found on chromosome 17q11.2-q12 region of affected individuals in family A with high expression in the frontal cortex of the brain, hippocampus, and spinal cord, respectively. Other regions on chromosomes 8, 9, and 11 as evident from the affected individuals in family B can also contribute to the non-syndromic autosomal recessive intellectual disability (NS-ARID). Further research is needed to find the association of these genes with intelligence and other neuropsychiatric conditions.

Seizures in activating calcium-sensing receptor antibodies positive autoimmune hypoparathyroidism and preponderance of steroids therapy: A case report.

A 55-year-old female patient presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Laboratory evaluation revealed low calcium (4.9 mg/dl), low PTH (0.9 pg/ml), and positive activating CaSR antibodies. The condition was diagnosed as autoimmune hypoparathyroidism. Calcium and vitamin D supplements did not correct the patient's hypocalcemia. The addition of prednisone to vitamin supplements showed a better response and corrected the hypocalcemia. The patient remained in seizure-free for one year.

Idiopathic unilateral third nerve palsy with pupillary sparring in 10-year-old child -a case report.

Introduction and importance: Aneurysm, diabetes mellitus, central nervous system (CNS) infections, pituitary tumors, and ischemia alterations are all potential causes of unilateral oculomotor nerve palsy, a common clinical disease. Case presentation: A 10-year-old child presented with right eyelid ptosis and restricted eye movements associated with diplopia and pain in the right eye. Brain imaging and laboratory tests revealed no obstruction, infection, or hypercoagulable state. The condition was labeled as idiopathic. A patient was diagnosed with ptosis through a sling procedure and after 2 and 4 weeks of follow-up was told he had mild anemia. The patient was prescribed ferrous sulfate 8mg once daily for 4 months and his condition improved. Clinical discussion: Surgery can correct the appearance of crossed eyes, but it seldom restores or significantly improves binocular function. Amblyopia and the loss of binocular vision can occur in children with third nerve palsy due to the excessive angle of incitant strabismus and the resulting ptosis. Conclusion: Patients with idiopathic third nerve palsy must be informed of their prognosis so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not to undergo surgery. Clinical examination is the only way to identify a child's condition and proper investigations and a full history of prenatal and antenatal courses are required.