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Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-25-5944
Y. Berezin MikhailCorresponding author
Background Oxaliplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is associated with hematologic toxicities such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Despite their clinical relevance, the molecular mechanisms underlying lineage-specific bone marrow suppression remain poorly understood. Methods We administered oxaliplatin to mice over eight weeks and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA integrity >8) on bone marrow alongside peripheral blood analysis and cytokine profiling. Transcriptomic data were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways. For that, we applied a thematic Gene Ontology (thematicGO) enrichment method that groups GO terms into biologically meaningful categories, such as hematopoietic lineage disruption, cell cycle arrest, and cytokine signaling. Results Oxaliplatin induced broad transcriptional suppression of erythropoiesis and lymphopoiesis, with 3,691 DEGs identified (FDR<0.05, |FC|>1.5). Upregulation of Cdkn1a and downregulation of E2f2 suggest G1/S cell cycle arrest, correlating with repression of key erythroid maturation genes (e.g., Spta1, Slc4a1, Alas2) and hemoglobin subunits (Hba-a1/2, Hbb-bs/t). Despite a ~3000-fold increase in renal Epo expression, bone marrow Epor was reduced, indicating erythropoietin resistance. B and T cell markers were also significantly downregulated, signifying a collapse in adaptive immunity. Notably, neutrophil populations were largely spared. Cytokine analysis in plasma revealed a pro-inflammatory shift with elevated TNF-α and reduced TGF-β, potentially exacerbating hematopoietic dysfunction. Conclusions Oxaliplatin induces a lineage-dependent suppression of hematopoiesis, driven by coordinated cell cycle arrest, metabolic stress, and disrupted cytokine signaling. RNA-seq analysis enabled integration of transcriptomic findings into coherent biological themes. These findings provide mechanistic insights into oxaliplatin’s hematologic toxicity linking bone marrow failure (potentially reversible) via interconnected inflammatory and metabolic pathways and may inform therapeutic strategies to minimize or restore myelosuppression in cancer patients.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-24-4938
Suh MinaCorresponding author
Public health interest in vaccinations and immune protection has increased with the COVID-19 pandemic. Dairy products are an important source of protein and other nutrients, and there are unresolved research questions regarding the potential health impact of dairy products on the enhancement of immune response. A systematic literature review was conducted to synthesize the published literature reporting the effects of dairy interventions on: 1) the vaccine-specific immune response and 2) immunoglobulins in the absence of vaccination. To assess study validity and quality, we used the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist. Sixty-one studies (59 clinical trials, 1 cohort, 1 cross-sectional survey) were included, spanning 1983-2017. Ten trials evaluated the effect of dairy intervention on vaccine-specific IgG, IgA, IgM, vaccine-specific antibody titers, seroprotection rates, or seroconversion rates. Of these, 7 reported significant increases with dairy interventions for post-vaccine tetanus antibodies, mean change in tetanus antibody level, total antibody titers to flagellin from Salmonella Adelaide, mean antibody titers to influenza B, influenza-specific IgA and IgG levels, and seroconversion or seroprotection rates for influenza A and B. Fifty-six studies evaluated dairy’s effects on immunoglobulins without vaccinations. The results were heterogenous, with some studies reporting significant enhancement of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgE, or IgG), while others observed no differences between groups. Clinical relevance of the immunoglobulin changes was not investigated in these studies. Dairy products and their components could enhance the efficacy of vaccines. This review highlights the evidence gaps and provides a potential roadmap for additional research.
Jan 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-23-4771
Tariku Belay YilkalCorresponding author
Background Immunoglobulins are bio-receptors found embedded in the cell membrane with a biological role that detects the harmful molecules of a test compound. These bio-receptors interface between a biological system and its external environment that transduce information to the effector via intermediate messengers in which its response efficiency usually exhausts at high doses of exposure to external stimuli. The purpose of this review article is, therefore, to elaborate on the computational method for systemic biology which was designed to convert qualitative pharmacological data into the quantitative one that might help to determine the toxicity of a test compound. Methods First, acute toxicity studies using different levels of doses prepared from each test compound have been conducted on Balb c mice. Then, blood specimens from the tail and facial veins of each sampled Balb c mouse were collected 3 days before dosing as a reference test and 4 hr after dosing for comparison. The changes in the efficiency of immunoglobulins immune response (ΔIg) after dosing were determined using quantitative immunoassay and the body’s response against the dose as the toxic reaction rate (r) and the toxic severity (s) were finally determined using computational methods as r=d/t-ΔIg mg/sec and (s=r/w×100) %/sec respectively, where (w) represents the body weight of a study animal, (t) represents the period of time at which undesirable bio-physiological responses manifested on treated study animals and (ΔIg) represents the changes in the concentration of immunoglobulins in blood serum after dosing. Results The results of different studies revealed that the dose has never limited the toxic property of a test compound but the length of time at which the undesirable side effect was manifested on study animals. The period of time at which adverse effects manifested on treated Balb c mice was inversely related to the amount of dose administered in the oral route. The higher the dose of the administered test compound, the shorter the period of time at which the undesirable side effect was manifested on treated Balb c mice. This means that the adverse effect of test compounds was not because of the dose but rather due to its toxic reaction rate which ultimately determined the toxic severity in the natural process of treated Balb c mice. Balb c mice treated with a dose whose toxic reaction rate was ≤ 0 survived from death whereas Balb c mice treated with a dose that had a toxic reaction rate of > 0 died at different lengths of time after dosing depending on the toxic severity of a test compound. It could be a scientific fact to declare that a test compound is safe when the toxic reaction rate (r) and toxic severity (s) of a dose is ≤ 0 and toxic when it is > 0 in the natural processes of a study animal.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-22-4381
Tariku Belay YilkalCorresponding author
Background Ageing is a life process in which progressive molecular, cellular, physiological and anatomical changes manifesting in humans and animals including other organisms lead to the decline of biological functions. Immunoglobulins (Igs) are glycoprotein molecules produced by white blood cells mainly B lymphocytes following signal transduction as a result of their interaction with pathogenic microbes or poisonous substances introduced into the body systems. They elicit responses against the side effects of pathogens and poisons in which their response efficiency usually declines as we are ageing. Objective Thus, the similarities between Igs’ immune response against the different amounts of xenobiotics and the biological changes associated with ageing have been systematically assessed using the reports of different study results on humans and animals. Methods First, a literature search was carried out in google, PubMed and google scholar using planned search terms related to the title of this study. Review and original articles were retrieved, downloaded and saved on a computer. And then the effects of different factors i.e. xenobiotics, age, sex and lifestyle-based practices on the levels of serum Igs (IgG, IgA and IgM) in animals and humans have been studied using a systematic review of different literature sources. Finally, the relationship between the findings of various studies has been assessed and judgment on the possible cause of ageing has been made. Results The findings of different research have demonstrated that the signaling efficiency of immunoglobulin M (IgM) has been limited by the amount of test compounds administered to study Balb c mice in the oral route. The response efficiency of IgM immune response against the lower doses of test compounds were high compared to the higher doses of test compounds which was low. The results of different other studies also demonstrated that the decline of serum IgM levels was associated with ageing. The relationship between alcohol consumption and the concentration of serum Igs was also described in the report of different studies. These studies have shown that there was lower level of IgG in the blood serum of alcohol consumers compared to non-consumers. The study has also demonstrated a lower level of serum IgM with higher alcohol consumption and higher serum concentration with moderate beer consumption. Conclusion The trajectory of Igs’ immune response against different amounts of xenobiotics was highly associated with the trajectory of biological changes during ageing. These research findings might be the possible evidence to conclude that ageing is caused by the foodstuffs and non-foodstuffs we usually consume, the lifestyles we usually experience and the way of life we usually live in the environment which gradually defiling the natural processes of the body.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3459
Ozcelik FatihCorresponding author
University of Health Sciences, Sultan 2. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
As there is no specific treatment yet, the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is being carried out with great difficulty today. The use of immune plasma is seen as a promising option since there is expectation that it will reduce mortality, as in influenza pandemics experienced in 1918 and 2009. However, the safety and effectiveness of this treatment option against SARS-CoV-2 viruses are not known for certain. In addition, the optimal obtaining methods and protection time of neutralizing antibodies to be used to provide passive immunization are not fully known. Therefore, it would be very useful to investigate the most effective neutralizing antibody collection methods without disrupting the overall structure and effectiveness of the antibodies subject to the use of the convalescent immune plasma. For this purpose, we found it appropriate to prepare a broad review on the structure and properties of antibodies, as well as the principles and storage conditions of antibodies to be used in passive immunization.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-20-3370
Vinícius Magno Gonçalves MarcusCorresponding author
Medical Doctor and Professor of Neurology, Universidade da Região de Joinville (UNIVILLE), Brazil
Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APS) are a diverse group of clinical conditions characterized by loss of immune tolerance in various tissues. This condition can be diagnosed in childhood or adulthood, with changes in the components of the disease throughout life. Here, an unusual case of association between immune-mediated diseases will be addressed: Myasthenia Gravis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Celiac Disease. In this patient, each disease was expressed over time. Finally, we assume that this is a clinical form of APS type IV, due to the lack of thyroid involvement to date.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-20-3372
Ozcelik FatihCorresponding author
University of Health Sciences, Sultan 2. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
Immune thrombocytopenia currently called under its’ new name, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a disease characterized by thrombocytopenia, in which the body attacks its own platelets due to the disorders in immune system. The pathophysiology of this disease includes increased platelet destruction and most megakaryocyte production in bone marrow. The most common clinical manifestation of ITP is mild or severe progressive bleeding that could result in death. ITP is generally named as primary or secondary ITP according to thrombocytopenia severity, disease duration, bleeding status and secondary occurrence of the disease. Currently for diagnosis, despite the blood count, antiglobulin test and laboratory tests that can detect platelet-bound antibodies, they are not enough for definitive diagnosis. Like the difficulty in diagnosis, ITP treatment is quite complicated which varies depending on age, characteristics and risk of the patient. It is classified as first, second and third-line treatment options. Also, depending on the condition of patients, combined treatment might be an option which increases the complexity of the treatment. Unfortunately, discussions related to different clinical applications in diagnosis and treatments continue recently. For this reason, we considered that preparation of a review containing recent updates in diagnostic approaches and treatment options in ITP will be remarkable and beneficial for physicians interested in this subject.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3345
Ozcelik FatihCorresponding author
University of Health Sciences, Sultan 2. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
While the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the future of people worldwide, it has made it necessary to take measures with high economic costs, including quarantine. We consider it is more logical for some scientists to investigate time-saving treatment options until vaccination studies, which are started to be studied rapidly, are accomplished or specific antiviral agents are found. In this context, treatment combinations of one or more of the immune modulators known as cytokines, which can stimulate or accelerate the immune system, should be tried. In our opinion, although such options are not as effective as specific treatments such as vaccines, such options will offer highly effective alternatives in times of emergency. For this reason, we found it appropriate to make a reminder by preparing a broad review about interferon gamma, which is an antivirus and is an immunomodulator and which plays a critical role in humoral and cellular immunity.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2639
McCarthy OliviaCorresponding author
Diabetes Research Group, Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
Nine healthy individuals with a mean ± SD BMI of 22.0 ± 0.7 kg/m² and age of 20 ± 0.2 years, participated in this single-blind randomised, crossover trial investigating the impact of ingesting two different honeys (1) Tropical Forest Honey (TFH) and (2) Manuka Honey; strength 12+ (MAN) on circulating levels of plasma interferon gamma following ex-vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Blood samples were prepared into duplicate aliquots of whole blood (800 μl) and 100 μg/l of LPS was added to samples to give a final volume of 1 ml. Levels of IFN-γ in plasma fractions were measured via commercially available sandwich ELISA and all comparisons were made with paired data using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test taking a significance level of 5%. Whilst significant intra-and-interpersonal variation was observed, IFN-γ concentrations remained statistically unchanged 48 hours after the ingestion of either honey (p=0.15). Thus, in this instance the type of honey did not influence the IFN-γ response to plasma samples spiked with LPS.
Sep 2018
Chabchoub GhaziCorresponding author
Laboratoire de Génétique Moleculaire Humaine.
A concise review of autoimmune disease etiology emphasizes genetic susceptibility, inflammatory pathways, and environmental exposures. It points to systems approaches for risk stratification and prevention with illustrative examples.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-17-1662
Díaz Otero FernandoCorresponding author
Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Centro Nacional de Investigación Disciplinaria en Microbiología Animal, Carretera México-Toluca, Km 15.5, D.F., 05110, México
Immunization of cattle with the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, especially neonates, induces protection against Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) and has been proposed as a strategy for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) control. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the immune response induced under field conditions in neonatal calves vaccinated with BCG Phipps, a strain that has rarely been evaluated in the bovine population, using interferon (IFN)-γ and tuberculin tests, flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two groups (vaccinated and control) of 5 calves were monitored for 12 weeks, and increases in the in vitro IFN-γ production, the percentage of cluster of differentiation (CD)8+ T cells and the activation levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were observed 3 to 4 weeks post-vaccination. Bovine purified protein derivative-specific IFN-γ production was increased about 4.8- and 5.5-fold in vaccinated animals compared to non-vaccinated animals 3 and 4 weeks post-vaccination respectively. CD8+ T cells of the vaccinated group were increased 1.6-, 1.5- and 1.6-fold at weeks 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Levels of activation were 1.7- and 1.9-fold higher for CD4+ T cells and 2.3- and 1.8-fold higher for CD8+ T cells in the vaccinated group at weeks 3 and 4 respectively in response to M. bovis antigens. However, no animals (vaccinated or control) showed positive results for the single intradermal comparative tuberculin test (SICTT). Therefore, our results indicate that vaccination with M. bovis BCG Phipps strain stimulated peripheral blood T cell activity and induced a cell-mediated immune response. In addition, vaccination did not interfere with the SICTT, as previously reported, which indicates that this vaccine could be successfully applied in bTB control campaigns.
Jun 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4721.ijcm-17-1533
Soon Hoe BSc (Hon) HoCorresponding author
Independent Researcher
This essay draws on recent evidences from SIV vaccination studies in rhesus macaques to argue for the potential importance of HIV-1-specific CD8+ T cells restricted by the non-classical major histocompatibility complex, HLA-E, in controlling HIV-1 replication. It then seeks to present a possible method of inducing such responses through the procedure of T cell vaccination using activated autoimmune CD4+ T lymphocytes ‘infected’ with inactivated replication-incompetent structurally intact HIV-1 particles. It is hoped that the argument presented here will interest many of those involved in HIV/AIDS research and others in the general scientific community.
Jun 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-17-1578
Wilson DaisyCorresponding author
Institute of Ageing and Inflammation, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK, B15 2GW
Frailty describes a medical syndrome that confers increased vulnerability to disproportionate changes in health status following minor stressors. With loss of homeostatic reserve in multiple physiological systems, frailty conveys an increased risk of adverse health outcomes. Despite the lack of a clear universal definition, the utilisation of two landmark operational models has allowed a rapid expansion in frailty-centred research. The pathophysiology of frailty is yet to be elucidated in the literature, but a critical role for a heightened inflammatory state is hypothesised. Raised levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with frailty, with emerging evidence relating their biochemical action with development of the frailty phenotype. Dysregulation of both the innate and adaptive immune system are key components of the frailty syndrome. Remodelling of the T cell compartment and upregulated inflammatory pathways are theorised to propagate the heightened inflammatory state critical in the frailty syndrome. Increased neutrophil counts, in conjunction with ineffective neutrophil migration associated with age, is theorised to produce tissue damage and secondary inflammation conducive of the inflammatory picture in frailty. Beyond the gold standard of the comprehensive geriatric assessment, management of frailty is a fast-evolving area of research. Exercise interventions have shown promising results, improving functional ability and showing beneficial immunomodulation. Vitamin D supplementation, with proposed anti-inflammatory effects, nutritional support and pharmacological treatments all provide promising areas for future therapeutic intervention.
Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-16-1330
Ferrarini IsaccoCorresponding author
Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare but well-recognized post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) autoimmune complication for which a standard treatment approach is lacking. Herein we report on an adult patient affected by high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who developed a post-HSCT ITP. Due to the refractoriness to first-line therapies the patient underwent the thrombopoietin (TPO) mimetic Eltrombopag obtaining the ITP resolution. We also discuss the clinical course of ITP in post-HSCT setting and pros and cons of different therapeutic strategies, focusing on the emerging role of TPO mimetics.
Apr 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-6403.jtrr-26-6077
Kalmeta MargaretCorresponding author
Delayed wound healing in diabetes is characterized by impaired angiogenesis, persistent inflammation, extracellular matrix dysregulation, and peripheral neuropathy. A preclinical study was conducted using a diabetic mouse delayed wound model to evaluate the surrounding tissue of a wound, (its periwound) and its tissue responses following treatment with the NerveStim™ Neuropathy System, a combination topical gel and neuromuscular electrical stimulation platform. Periwound tissue was harvested at Day 14 and analyzed using NanoString gene expression profiling. Treated animals demonstrated visibly increased periwound tissue thickness compared to untreated controls. Differential expression analysis identified 76 significantly upregulated and 17 downregulated genes. Upregulated pathways included angiogenesis (Vegfa, Fgf2, Pdgfb, Nos3), neurotrophic signaling (Ngf, Bdnf, Scn9a, Trpv1), macrophage polarization (Arg1, Mrc1, Il10), and extracellular matrix remodeling (Col1a1, Col3a1, Mmp9, Timp1). Downregulation of select pro-inflammatory mediators (Nos2, Mif) was observed. These coordinated transcriptional changes are consistent with activation of reparative immune, neurovascular, and matrix remodeling pathways in diabetic periwound tissue.
Jan 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-0436.jos-25-5905
Al-Yarabi MohammedCorresponding author
Purpose To report a rare case of Mooren’s ulcer in a healthy young male without systemic autoimmune disease, and to highlight the effectiveness of conjunctival resection as therapy for cases unresponsive to medical management. Case report A 34-year-old immunocompetent male presented with progressive peripheral corneal ulceration in the left eye. Extensive systemic and infectious evaluations, including rheumatologic, immunologic, and microbiological testing, were unremarkable. Human leukocyte antigen genotyping was DR17(03)-negative and DQ2-positive. Rheumatological evaluation yielded no definitive systemic diagnosis. Despite immunosuppressive therapy with adjuvant medications, the epithelial defect and stromal inflammation persisted. The patient underwent conjunctival resection, resulting in marked reduction in inflammation, rapid re-epithelialization, and structural stabilization of the cornea. Histopathology of excised conjunctiva showed nonspecific inflammation without granulomatous changes, vasculitis, or neoplastic features. During follow-up, patient remained in remission with visual acuity preserved at 6/6 bilaterally and no recurrence. Conclusion Mooren’s ulcer is rare but vision-threatening. Early recognition, comprehensive evaluation, and timely surgical intervention can be vision-saving. This case highlights the role of a multidisciplinary approach and supports conjunctival resection as a useful adjunct in refractory disease. Long-term follow-up is essential.
Nov 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-25-5573
E. Imiruaye OghenetegaCorresponding author
Advancements in proteomic and genomic technologies have transformed molecular biology by enabling comprehensive analysis of biological systems at the molecular level. This literature review explores the evolution, methodologies, and practical applications of key proteomic and genomic techniques. In proteomics, tools such as two-dimensional electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, Western blotting, Edman degradation, and functional protein microarrays have facilitated high-throughput protein identification, post-translational modification analysis, and biomarker discovery. Similarly, genomic methodologies like PCR, recombinant DNA technology, gel electrophoresis, and Southern blotting have revolutionized gene detection, manipulation, and expression profiling. The review also highlights the interdisciplinary impact of these technologies across clinical diagnostics, oncology, autoimmune disorders, infectious disease surveillance, cardiovascular research, and personalized nutrition. Integrative approaches combining proteomics and genomics are enabling the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, improving disease classification, and advancing precision medicine. Despite current limitations, such as the absence of amplification techniques for proteins and challenges in data interpretation, ongoing innovations promise to bridge these gaps. This synthesis underscores the pivotal role of molecular techniques in deepening our understanding of human biology and accelerating biomedical advancements for improved healthcare outcomes.
Mar 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-25-5429
O. Makanjuola RasheedCorresponding author
Malaria and bacteraemia are significant public health concerns and economic threats. In Africa, the intensity for simultaneous transmission and co-infection of Plasmodium spp and other bacteria pathogens are extremely high. It is believed that malaria suppress the immune system and enable the translocation of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to other cellular compartments in the body. Some of the factors that contributed to the co-emergence of these pathogens are poor access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), poor infection control measures, inefficient health care systems. In addition, the similarities in the clinical signs and symptoms of these febrile diseases and the fact that the etiologic diagnostic testing can be complex, costly, and limited are the reasons why clinicians in resource-constrained setting often prescribe antibiotics empirically prior to or without laboratory testing to prevent severe outcomes in any patient hospitalized with malaria. However, this indiscriminate use of antibiotics has been identified as the driving force for antibiotic resistance, which is already at alarming rate in malaria endemic nations. In developed countries where malaria had been previously eradicated, there are increasing reports of imported malaria with concurrent bacteraemia. In this review, we emphasized the role of malaria in the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and the fact that eliminating malaria in Africa is one of the best strategies to address the emergence and the global spread of multi-drug resistance organisms.
Jun 2024
Rahbani AbdallahCorresponding author
Multiple Sclerosis has traditionally been considered an inflammatory and autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. However, peripheral cranial nerve involvement has been described previously in eight cases, raising the hypothesis of a disease spectrum between central and peripheral nervous system. We hereby present a case of a 12 years old girl diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis who presents with complete unilateral third cranial nerve palsy. Complete clinical, laboratory and radiological work-up was consistent with demyelinating disease. We conclude that demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis can affect in some cases both the central and peripheral nervous system.
Jun 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-24-5077
Isea RaúlCorresponding author
Dengue is a global arbovirus disease primarily carried by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It has four serotypes (DENV1, DENV2, DENV3, and DENV4) and is classified into distinct genotypes. The epidemic is complicated by immunological interactions and viral lineage turnover. Neurological problems are commonly associated with DENV2 and DENV3, with DENV2 displaying the most severe symptoms. Direct viral invasion, host-mediated immune system reactions, or host-mediated metabolic alterations can all result in dengue-related neurological issues. The three dengue vaccinations and the significance of meta-analyses for genetic data will also be covered. Finally, establish a connection with the microRNAs associated with dengue fever, creating new opportunities for the creation of dengue treatment regimens involving microRNAs.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-1201.jsn-22-4184
Ekladious AdelCorresponding author
Sarcoidosis is granulomatous autoinflammatory autoimmune remitting relapsing disease affecting every organ in the body, it is the most difficult disease to diagnose in the absence of serum or imaging biomarker. Differential diagnosis is broad which included inflammatory, infective, neurodegenerative and neoplastic, histological biopsy is the only confirmative marker, and even histological confirmation is not robust as infection, malignancy and some drugs can induce granuloma, the most common organs affected are lung, lymph nodes, skin, eyes, liver, and less commonly pituitary gland, bones, brain, peripheral nerves, and heart, causing bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, granulomatous lymphadenitis.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-24-4970
Degenhardt SarahCorresponding author
Melanoma treatment has improved significantly with the development of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), which has greatly enhanced the survival rates of patients with metastatic melanoma. However, a significant number of patients do not respond well to ICI treatment and experience progression. This highlights the critical need for practical means to track melanoma patients' response to ICI. To address this issue, the patterns of circulating miRNAs were studied in liquid biopsies of melanoma patients. These miRNAs have the potential to provide essential information regarding the cancer stage, progression, and the presence of PD-L1 in tumor tissue. A sophisticated flow cytometric test was used to measure up to 63 different miRNAs at once. The study identified a combination of nine miRNAs that are capable of distinguishing between different stages of melanoma, particularly stage IV. Additionally, five miRNAs were pinpointed which are downregulated in patients who do not respond to ICI treatment. Furthermore, two miRNAs were found that correlate to the level of PD-L1 in tumor tissue, and low levels of miR-150-5p were linked to poorer overall survival. These findings suggest that circulating miRNAs could serve as valuable markers to predict the effectiveness of ICI, provide insights into the cancer's stage and PD-L1 status, and ultimately help physicians make better treatment decisions in the future. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish their clinical usefulness.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2108.jcc-20-3675
Yuan ZhengCorresponding author
Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune-mediated blistering disease. Cervical involvement is rare. A 38 year old nulliparous woman with PV on oral prednisolone and azathioprine was referred to the Gynaecology service for an abnormal cervical cytological smear showing low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. She was asymptomatic, 10 pack-year smoker, and reported no abnormal vaginal bleeding. Colposcopy was unsatisfactory with inadequate visualisation of the transformation zone due to severe cervico-vaginitis. A small focus of aceto-white epithelium was seen, surrounded by peeling, friable epithelium. HPV DNA test was negative. Punch biopsy demonstrated metaplastic squamous epithelium with intraepidermal suprabasal blister formation with acantholysis. Well-vascularised dermal papillae lined residual basal cells, giving rise to a tombstone appearance. There was no evidence of CIN/CGIN or invasive malignancy. An ulcer was also seen in the left buccal region. Repeat colposcopy after 6 weeks showed a small ulcerated area at the biopsy site with rolled healing edges, and a separate small ulcer. Cervical smear and colposcopy 6 months later were unremarkable. The incidence of cervical pemphigus vulgaris may be underestimated because women with pemphigus are often managed by Dermatologists without gynaecological input. In many published cases, cervical involvement was only detected after gynaecological examination due to symptoms such as dyspareunia, post-coital bleeding or vaginal discharge. Cervical smears of patients with pemphigus vulgaris typically display acantholysis, which may be misinterpreted as reparative, inflammatory, or neoplastic change. There have been reports of unnecessary hysterectomy due to such misdiagnoses. Review by an experienced cyto-pathologist is required in the event of diagnostic uncertainty.
Jan 2024
Manga SeleneCorresponding author
Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is the most urgent public health problem to solve in Peru, according to the Ministry of Health 1. In the WHO Global TB Report 2021, Peru has the highest burden of DR-TB in the Americas (Table 1), with 38% of TB cases either RR or MDR. In addition, the Ministry reports an estimated prevalence rate of DR-TB of 5.7% in new cases and 24.2% in previously treated cases. A total of 2493 new cases of DR-TB were reported in 2022, with 18.5% treatment dropout in 2019 believed to have increased by at least 52% in 2022 1. The post-pandemic context has created additional challenges for the control of DR-TB in Peru. A complex multiplicity of factors connects this disease to groups with high vulnerability, such as populations in extreme poverty and overcrowding or deprived of freedom; those who have immune system disorders, such as HIV and diabetes; and isolated indigenous populations.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-23-4622
Geinoro Alleyo TarikuCorresponding author
The Ortho-poxvirus virus, which causes monkey pox, is a member of the Poxviridae genus. It was initially found in primates. In 1970, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported the first instance of monkey pox. From there, it spread to a number of countries both inside and outside of Africa. There are two genetic varieties of monkey pox, which have been spread to people through respiratory droplets, and touch with objects contaminated by an affected person and consequently is often encountered in work situations. Among the countries with the worst effects are Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Non-human primates, rats, squirrel, and or mice are just a few of the creatures that can become infected by monkey pox. Although the origins of monkey pox infections are unknown, rodents from Africa and non-human primates like monkeys may contain the viruses and infect humans. Monkey pox is more likely to naturally infect rodents. Monkey pox has symptoms and lesions that are difficult to distinguish from smallpox in its clinical manifestations. Fever, chills, migraines, tiredness, tonia, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, and myalgia are some of the clinical symptoms of monkey-pox. A few examples of diagnostic tests include immune-fluorescent antibody assays, enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assays, and real-time polymerase chain reactions. A specialized vaccine that offers complete protection against by them on key-pox virus exists, yet there is no specific therapy for human monkey infection and interaction with the vaccinia virus. Smallpox vaccination can give cross-immunity with partial protection against infection and a reduction in symptom severity. Unfortunately, community health effects in the view of one health approach has not been addressed in vast. Therefore, the objectives of this review paper are to discuss the community health effects of monkey pox and to emphasize the role of one health approach against monkey pox.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2381-862x.jwrh-23-4601
Ali Jemal SamrawitCorresponding author
Background The novel coronavirus COVID-19 has created massive challenges to public health worldwide. Pregnant women are an immune-depressed status which makes pregnant women generally more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection and severe illness. The present preventive measure practices have gaps. Therefore, the current study aimed to present accurate and latest information regarding preventive measures for COVID-19 infection among pregnant women. Methods and materials Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 422 pregnant women in public hospitals in Addis Ababa using a pretested structured questionnaire. Face-to-face interview on pretested and structured questions was conducted to collect the data between January 12 and February 15, 2022. The collected data were entered into Epi data version 4.4.2.2 and exported to SPSS window version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statics and multivariable logistic regression were analyzed. Odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and p-value ≤ 0.05 were declared statistical significance independent variables. Result A total of 418 pregnant women participated, and the response rate was 99.05%. About 417 (99.8%) pregnant women reported never hearing about COVID-19. Of those who heard about COVID-19, only 49% and 54.3% had good knowledge and had good practice towards COVID-19 infection respectively. Age (26-30yrs (AOR=0.46, 95%CI: 0.014,0.12), no education (AOR=0.23, 95%CI: 0.099-0.52), Primary school (AOR=0.199, 95%CI: 0.104-0.4) and Secondary school (AOR=0.282, 95%CI: 0.14-0.55), divorced (AOR=0.15, 95%CI: 0.065-0.34) and widowed (AOR=0.16, 95%CI: 0.024-1.03)) were factors that associated with knowledge towards COVID-19 infection. Age (30-35yrs (AOR=0.334, 95%: 0.115-0.97) and >36yrs (AOR=0.28, 95%CI: 0.11-0.69)), no education (AOR=0.06, 95%CI: 0.019-0.18), being a civil servant (AOR= 0.28, 95%CI: 0.122-0.66), divorced (AOR=0.042, 95%CI: 0.01-0.18), having >4 family size (AOR=0.334, 95%CI: 0.169-0.66), no previous complication of pregnancy outcomes (AOR=0.019, 95%CI: 0.01-0.061), chronic health problem (AOR=14.66, 95%CI: 0.457-39.4) and two ANC visit (AOR=5.704, 95%CI: 2.41-13.5) were factors that associated with the practice towards COVID-19. Conclusion In this study area, only half of pregnant women had good knowledge and good practice about covid-19 infection prevention measures.
Aug 2023
Almabadi BayanCorresponding author
DADA2 (deficiency of adenosine deaminase type 2) is an autoinflammatory autosomal recessive disease resulting from biallelic loss of function mutations in ADA2 gene. Clinical presentation and age of onset vary widely even among related patients, and variability of symptoms and severity manifestations include bone marrow failure, autoinflammation, immunodeficiency and vasculitis. Here, we report a case of young male with adult onset DADA2, who presented with fever, lower limbs skin rash, joint pain, and anemia resembling systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). DADA2 has an extremely variable clinical phenotype. It was described into three categories: inflammatory/vascular, immune dysregulation, and hematologic. However, the data is scant in describing autoimmunity phenotype in DADA2 and further studies are required to investigate the clinical correlation and presence of autoantibodies. We recommend genetic testing in cases with lupus-like disease especially if there is consanguinity between parents and family history of vasculitis.
Aug 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-23-4679
Ryu TomikoCorresponding author
Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Co V-2) has contributed to control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On the other side, vaccination of SARS-CoV-2 could trigger autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. We present a 50-year-old female with well-controlled optic neuromyelitis with prednisolone (PSL) maintained at a dose of 2.5 mg/day. She ran a fever and liver injury was indicated 5 weeks after a second COVID-19 vaccination (BNT162b2 mRNA/Pfizer ). Liver biopsy showed accumulation of macrophages around the central veins, identified using anti-CD68 antibodies. As the treatment, cyclosporine A improved liver injury. COVID- 19 vaccination may have triggered liver inflammation due to cytokine storm via macrophage activation in the liver.
Jul 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-23-4556
Isea RaulCorresponding author
The present work shows that it is possible to analytically solve a general model to explain the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2. First, the within-host model is described, and later a between-host model, where the coupling between them is the viral load of SARS-CoV-2. The within-host model describes the equations involved in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, and also the immune response; while that the between-Host model analyzes the dynamics of virus spread from the original source of contagion associated with bats, subsequently transmitted to a host, and then reaching the reservoir (Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan ), until finally infecting the human population.
Apr 2023
Gobato RicardoCorresponding author
Through T-cell engineering, researchers at the California South University (CSU) Cancer Research Institute (CRI) have shown that tumor growth can be stopped in a variety of cancers and prevented from spreading to other tissues. Findings from this study are the result of decades of research by Professor Ph.D. A. Heidari and our team of CSU, who discovered a protein called AH that can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells in several different ways. They become in the tissues of the body. The T cells were armed with MDA-7/AH to target cancer more widely. The engineering of T cells to produce MDA-7/AH causes cancer cells to be destroyed regardless of the expression of the target molecules. The tumor site is often very hostile to immune cells. It was found in the research that MDA-7/AH can help T cells proliferate and increase the number of cancer cells. The T cells were armed with MDA-7/ AH to target cancer more widely. The engineering of T cells to produce MDA-7/AH causes cancer cells to be destroyed regardless of the expression of the target molecules. The tumor site is often very hostile to immune cells. We discovered that MDA-7/AH can help T cells proliferate and increase the number of cancer cells.
Jun 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-22-4193
Tariku Belay YilkalCorresponding author
School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
The strategy for safe drug discovery and development has limited clinical success as compared to wasted time and resources annually. This is due to the fact that the results of multiphase preclinical trials are less likely to make an accurate early prediction on the safety of test compounds to progress into the clinic as a valuable therapeutic agent. A lot of time and resources has been wasted in the multistage processes of drug discovery and development that does not work at the end of the procedure every year. During pre-marketing stage, for instance, the number of unsuccessful clinical trials are greater than the successful one because of safety issues. A toxicity study at different stages of preclinical and clinical trials is a routine procedure to investigate the undesirable side effects of test compounds being manifested on the natural processes of living things. It deals with the effect and mechanism of toxicity of test compounds that triggers different biological responses on different organ systems. The biological responses that would be manifested as a result of interaction between the receptors and active molecules of a test compound could be desirable pharmacological effect or undesirable side effect or both responses are manifested simultaneously depending on the selectivity or specificity of the molecule of a test compound for its receptor subtype which makes safe drug discovery and development very challenging. The response efficiency of the body (the net outcome of the body’s biological reaction against the side effect) would determine the potency of a test compound to manifest undesirable pharmacologic effect. In other words, the amount of a drug required to cause a biological harm or injury depends on the magnitude of the body’s biological reaction in which the immune response plays a great pharmacological role by neutralizing and harmonizing xenobiotics with the biological molecules. The dose of a test compound at 100 mg/kg body weight, for instance, could be lethal to some of the study animals while it is still non-lethal to some other study animals depending on the response efficiency of the body. The immune system is well connected to each and every biological systems of the body which allows it to detect undesirable side effects being manifested through immunoglobulins signalling and activation mechanisms. This complex communication network helps to localize the diverse side effects of a test compound being manifested on different organ systems into the immune system which makes a toxicity study relatively simple to monitor. The cellular immune system becomes active following the molecule-receptor interaction and start producing antibodies which is also known as immunoglobulins to protect bodily harm and destruction. Under normal biological circumstances, the amount of immunoglobulins produced by the cellular immune system following exposure to a test compound is proportional to the number of harmful molecules interacted with its receptor subtype. Thus, with the reference to the changes in the immune response against the administered dose, it would be able to deal with the diverse undesirable side effects of a test compound being manifested on treated study animals using computational systemic biology.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-7061.jcrc-22-4139
Wu JianqingCorresponding author
Healthier World (Independent researcher for cause), P. O. Box 689, Beltsville, MD 20704. USA
We examined special roles of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in an attempt to resolve the puzzle that chronic diseases cannot be cured in medicine. By exploring a skill-learning model, we found that the CNS is able to remember certain information reflecting biochemical and cellular (B&C) processes in the body. From the skill-using ability, we found that the CNS is able to control basic B&C processes that drive and power the skill. From the ability to adjust forces and moving direction of body parts, we infer that the CNS is able to adjust B&C processes that control physical acts. From this controlling capability, we inferred that the CNS must also store certain information on the baseline B&C processes, is able to up-regulate or down-regulate the B&C processes, and make comparisons in performing its regulatory functions. We found that chronic diseases are the results of deviated baseline B&C processes, the CNS plays a role in maintaining deviated baseline B&C processes, and protects the body state of a fully developed disease. The three CNS roles can explain that cancer progresses with increasing malignancy, cancer quickly returns after a surgery, cancer cells repopulate after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, cancer patients develop drug resistance inevitably, immune cells rebound after suppression, etc. We further showed that long-term exercises generally can correct part of the departures in B&C processes and thus help to reverse chronic diseases. Finally, we propose strategies for resetting the CNS’ state memory as an essential condition for curing chronic diseases and cancer.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-22-4105
Zakir Abadura SadikCorresponding author
Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Ethiopia
Aflatoxins are toxigenic metabolites that are definitely occurring by lethal strains of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus that commonly dwell and colonize in feed components and various nutritive foodstuffs particularly milk and milk based products. This Review has three main objectives; those are causes of aflatoxin, effects and methods of control in milk and milk products. Drinking of cow milk polluted with aflatoxin may overwhelm immunity and subsidize to stunting in young children, as the young children are not immune-competent during early stage. It has been internationally assessed that aflatoxin is possibly accountable for 30% of the annual cases of liver cancer. Generally, control approaches of aflatoxin can be applied during pre-harvest, cautious management in the time of harvest and postharvest decontamination. Moreover, choosing breed for aflatoxin impervious crop diversities, prevention of aflatoxin production through biological decontamination by microorganisms and their metabolites, rejection of aflatoxin by physical means in addition to inactivation by chemicals are the typical approaches that have been described in different studies. For the reason that cow milk is the most important and principal diet of children, but the risk of exposed to the cancer are more in infants. In addition, according to various investigations it also well thought that young animals are also found to be more vulnerable to aflatoxin than adults. Thus; the contamination of cow milk and milk products by AFM1 should understood as undesirable for young human and animals.
Mar 2022
Bereda GudisaCorresponding author
Department of Pharmacy, Negelle Health Science College, Guji, Ethiopia
Dolutegravir suppresses this integration enzyme, so human immune virus can’t create every greater copies of itself, thus ‘’integrase inhibitor.’’ Dolutegravir is hastily absorbed pursuing oral administration. The median maximum plasma concentration is reached 1.5–2.5 hours after oral uptake with a mean half-life of 12–15 hours, rendering feasible for once-daily dosing without the need for pharmacological boosting. The terminal half-life is about 14 hours. The apparent oral clearance is about 1 liter/hour. Fifty three percent of the total oral dose of dolutegravir is excreted unchanged in the feces, thirty two percent through urine as glucuronide (eighteen percent) or alkylated product (three point five percent), and other organic conjugated products sequencing from phase II liver metabolisms. Dolutegravir’s categorized as pregnancy category B (no confirmation of pitfall in humans) means either animal-reproduction inquests have not substantiated a fetal peril but there are no restrained inquests in pregnant women or animal-reproduction inquests have reveal an adverse effect (distinctive than a de-escalate in fertility) that was not inveterate in restrained inquests in women in the first trimester (and there is no confirmation of a pitfall in later trimesters) or there is survey in animal that revealed the medication is safe in pregnant animal, but there is no fetal pitfall confirmation in pregnant women.Antiviral Pregnancy Registry (APR) revealed that as of January 2017, pregnancy outcomes and birth defects were analyzed from 142 pregnancies with reported exposure to DTG during pregnancy. There were 128 live births reported (3 terminations, 11 miscarriages, no stillbirths). Only 4 (3.0%) reported birth defects, which is similar to the expected rate of birth defects in the general population. European Pregnancy and Paediatric HIV Cohort Collaboration (EPPIC) displayed that as of July 2017, 101 pregnancies with exposure to DTG had been identified with 84 birth outcomes. Rates of preterm delivery and “small for gestational age” were identical to outcomes reported from women on alternative regimens (standard of care in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland).
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-22-4092
AGBA LéhlengCorresponding author
Neurology Department, Intercommunal Hospital of Poissy/Saint-Germain-En-Laye, Poissy – France
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a monophasic, multifocal, demyelinating, autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). It usually occurs after a systemic infection, usually viral, including certain coronavirus infections. A 27-year-old girl presented with complaints of left interscapular pain, paresthesias and weakness in the ipsilateral upper limb. These symptoms followed paresthesias on the fingertips of her right hand the day before her admission. she was treated two weeks earlier for pneumonia with COVID-19. Her clinical pattern resulted in a moderate weakness of the left limbs associated with tactil and algic hypoesthesia in the lower left limb ascending until the C4 level in the left side. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and spinal cord showed diffuse spontaneous hypersignals on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images at the cerebral level and on T2-weighted images at the spinal level. These imaging lesions coupled with the medical history of a recent COVID-19 infection led to the diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) post covid-19. The clinical condition improved rapidly with intravenous (IV) corticosteroid therapy and IV immunoglobulin combined with physiotherapy. ADEM is a demyelinating autoimmune disease which is increasingly reported during this current corona virus pandemic.
Feb 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-4488.jna-21-4039
K Al Miraj ACorresponding author
Research Assistant, Department of Vascular Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The function of the thyroid gland is one of the most important in the human body as it regulates the majority of the body's physiological actions. The thyroid produces hormones (T3 and T4) that have many actions including metabolism, development, protein synthesis, and the regulation of many other important hormones. There is a lot of interaction between the kidney and thyroid gland during the disease States thyroid hormones have a major role in regulating the glomerular filtration rate through its hormonal actions in normal physiology. But these things are altered in the disease States such as chronic kidney disease. It is a well-known fact that hypothyroidism causes decreased Glomerular filtration rate whereas hyperthyroidism causes increased Glomerular filtration rate leading to renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation. In our study we aim to see the prevalence of low T3 syndrome in different stages of CKD which is a state of physiological benefit in preserving the proteins lost through the Kidneys in CKD patients and since CKD is progressed in hyperthyroidism state it is a protective mechanism in restoring the CKD status. Other subclinical hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism. Autoimmune hypothyroidism. Glomerulonephritis are all part of a dynamic endocrine and nephrology sequence. Thorough knowledge of these is required for optimum treatment of thyroid in CKD patients.
Jan 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-22-4061
B. Danilova AnnaCorresponding author
N.N. Petrov National Medicine Research Center of Oncology, Department of Oncoimmunology, 197758, Leningradskaya str., 68, Pesochny, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
Background Human malignant cell models which reflect the structural and physiological complexity of tumor tissue are of great importance for preclinical research in oncology. Spheroids/tumoroids derived from solid tumors are of great interest as cellular models mimicking the first vascular-free growth phase of a tumor node. The fact of the identity between artificially created tumor multicellular aggregates and the real tumor tissue, however, needs to be specified, described and validated in order to see how closely the spheroids are biologically similar to the malignized tissues in vivo compared to the monolayer cell cultures traditionally used. We present here a comparison study of the characteristics of solid tumor cells of different histogenesis (melanomas, soft tissue sarcomas and bone sarcomas, epithelial tumors) cultured in two dimensions (monolayer culture) and three dimensional space (spheroid), namely: spatial organization, multiplication, metabolic activity. Patients and Methods For the creation of 2 D and 3D cell models the cells isolated from the patient's solid tumor fragments obtained intraoperatively were used. 15 samples of skin melanoma, 20 samples of soft tissue and osteogenic sarcomas (STBS), and 9 samples of epithelial tumors (ET). The tumor cells were all cultivated for at least 10 passages. We used phase contrast, confocal microscopy, and immunohistochemistry to investigate spheroids and monolayer cultures. The supernatants of tumor cells grown in 2D and 3D cultures were studied using ELISA and multiplex analysis for the production of a spectrum of chemokines and cytokines supporting the immunosuppression, invasion and metastasis processes. Results Tumor specimens received were predominantly of metastatic origin (75%). In 100% of cases 2D cultures were received, in 88.6% of cases (39 out of 44) we succeeded in obtaining spheroids. There was no direct correlation between the efficiency of tumoroid formation and the tumor's histogenetic origin and the stage of the cancer process (primary tumor, recurrence, metastasis). The median size of spheroids by 4-5 days of cultivation with a starting concentration of 10000 cells per well was 657.14 μm for melanoma (min 400 - max 1000 μm), 571.42 μm (min 400 - max 700 μm), 507.14 μm (min 300 - max 600 μm) for soft tissue sarcomas, 650.0 μm (min 400 - max 900 μm) for osteogenic sarcomas. Immunochemical analysis of Ki-67, GLUT1, and Ecadherin markers was carried out for tumor tissue samples, single-layer tumor cultures, and tumoroids of every patient. The distribution of the stained groups in the spheroids was distinct from the monolayer cultures and more in accordance with the distribution of such in the tissue tumor, the number of Ki-67+ cells was increasing in the spheroids. We detected no dependence of Ki-67+ and GLUT1+ cell localization grade on spheroid size. We identified E-cadherin in tumor tissue and tumoroids of breast carcinoma and one melanoma culture. Monolayer cultures did not express it. The increase in secretory cell activity of the solid tumor cells from 2D to 3D system was observed when CCL2, CCL3, CXCL1, CXCL16, MIF, IL10, MICA (p<0.01) were investigated. Conclusion The presence of patient-specific cells of solid tumors in a 3D environment causes activation of the proliferative and metabolic processes as compared to monolayer cultures, which makes these models approximate the real world clinical picture. The production of chemokines that can attract to the tumor various types of immune system cells, to include their immature versions, as well as production of cytokines and Immunosuppression factors that, when present in the tumor microenvironment in the high concentrations, contribute to the formation of immune cells having suppressive capacities occurs in the 3D cell system. Three-dimensional model of the initial tumor nodule formation stage thus demonstrates the forming process of tumor cells favorable for them microenvironment. Construction of three-dimensional models - spheroids of tumor cells of differing histogenesis demands individual approach and more thorough investigation.
Jan 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-4051
Alabdely MayyadahCorresponding author
Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Background As COVID-19 immunomodulation has been a part of interest for studies, it has been found that severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hyper-inflammatory response and increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). This can progress to cytokine storm syndrome and eventually development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) is a protein that is a member of the interleukin 1 cytokine family. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1) is a small cytokine that belongs to the CC chemokine family. Interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) is a protein secreted by several cell types in response to Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ). All of these have roles in the immune response and eventually development of a cytokine storm. Methods Serum levels of IL-1RA, MCP-1 and IP-10 were measured in a cohort of 21 patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on admission to a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as well as in an approximately age-sex matched group of 4 uninfected controls. The study population was classified into severe, moderate, mild and controls. Results Serum levels of IL-1RA, MCP-1 and IP-10 were found to be elevated before the clinical deterioration. Conclusion These cytokines may play a role in early detection of disease severity especially in the pre-storm phase. Medications that target cytokines may prevent the development of an overt cytokine storm.
Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-21-4034
Fernando Díaz-Otero,Corresponding author
CENID-Salud Animal e Inocuidad. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP). Carretera México-Toluca, Km. 15.5, C.P. 05110, Ciudad de México, México.
In bovine tuberculosis (bTB), cellular, humoral, or both types of immune responses have been observed. The purpose of this study was to examine the immune status of tuberculous cows based on the differential cytokine gene expression associated with Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2), or Th2 (IL-4, IL-10) responses. Twenty-three (23) cows belonging to a dairy herd located in a rural region of the State of Hidalgo, México, were selected for the study. Single Intradermal Comparative Cervical Tuberculin (SICCT) Test, Interferon-Gamma (IFN-γ) Release Assay (BOVIGAM), and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were used for detection of cattle infected by M. bovis. Thirteen cows were positive to all the tests (Group 1); ten cows were positive only to ELISA (Group 2), and the remaining Group (Group 3, control) included cows negative to all the tests. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from animals were in vitro stimulated by bovin purified protein derivative (PPD), avian PPD, and Concanavalin A (Con A) mitogen for 72h. Changes in the levels of expression of mRNA of the respective cytokines was measured by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) using β-actin gene as internal control. In group 1, PPD bovis and Con A-stimulated cells exhibited high production of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-4, but not IL-10. In contrast, PPD avium-stimulated cells displayed a low production of cytokine transcripts. In group 2, cells showed a significant production of IL-10 in response to bovine PPD (P< 0.001). In the control group, a high production of IFN-γ and IL-2 was observed only in Con A-stimulated cells. Post-mortem examinations in animals of group 1 showed slight and medium lesions in lymph nodes, whereas in group 2, the lesions were more extensive. Results indicate differences on gene expression levels of cytokines considered to determine balance in Th1/Th2 response among the evaluated groups. In addition, high levels of antibodies against M. bovis and high IL-10 expression in PBMC together are indicators of progressive bTB when both tuberculin test and IFN-γ assay are negative in tuberculous anergic cattle. Inclusion of serology and IL-10 cytokine expression in in the diagnosis checklist improves detection of infected cattle to help control bovine tuberculosis.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4837.ijip-21-4015
A. Connor DAOM PGDip AMP EHP-C CaitlinCorresponding author
Health Sciences Research, Rewley House, University of Oxford, UK.
Copper (Cu) has a strong impact on the function of the immune system through several different pathways. These impacts include helping the function of monocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages, and enhancing Natural Killer cells’ activities. Cu also has a role in antimicrobial properties and inflammatory response. It is also important for IL-2 production and response, which is a component of adaptive immune cells. Additionally, Cu has multiple roles in both proliferation and differentiation of T cells and is involved in the production of antibodies. Cu deficiency can even lead to "increased viral virulence"1. Copper has a long history of use in medicine, and has continued to be used for purification of water, including use in hospitals to prevent legionnaires disease. The CDC pre released information on a study completed in March 2020 on the lifespan of COVID-19 on different surfaces which included its lifespan on copper, where it was completely dead within 4 hours. In addition, "Several reports demonstrated that Cu deficiency weakens the human immune response" 2. Given the multiple avenues of impact, it has been suggested that Cu supplementation, within recommended levels, be given to individuals who are low in Cu to help them fight off COVID-19. It is also possible that Cu supplementation, within recommended levels, may help prevent COVID-19 infection, or help individuals who are not low in Cu to fight off COVID-19 infection. However, dosage would have to be carefully managed, as excess levels of Cu can lead to both neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-21-3917
Tarassishin LeonidCorresponding author
Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, United States.
50 years ago the Enzyme Immunoassay Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, mostly known as ELISA was developed. This is a powerful but simple method that is very widely used in the diagnostic practice, as well as in biomedical research. During this time a number of ELISA modification were developed that significantly increased its properties, especially the senstivity, such as avidin-biotin assay, immuno-PCR, nano-ELISA and finally, the digital ELISA. This short review describes the principles of ELISA and the evolution from a conventional assay to the modern ultra-sensitive method. Most of the immunological methods have two components: antigen and antibody. The high specificity of their interaction gives a possibility to detect one of them if other one is included in the reaction as a specific partner. The simplest method for antigen detection in the presence of the antibody is immune diffusion (radial immune diffusion in that case), which practically the formation of precipitate of the “antigen-antibody” complex, when the target antigen diffuses from well into agarose containing the specific antibody. Unfortunately, this assay, as well as other traditional methods, like hemagglutination or complement fixation, have a low sensitivity and are unwieldy.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-21-3850
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of the Biofield Treated/Blessed proprietary test formulation consisting of essential ingredients viz. minerals (zinc, magnesium, iron, and copper) and vitamins (B6, B12, and D3) in male Sprague Dawley rats. Each ingredient of the test formulation was divided into two parts. One part was denoted as the control without any Biofield Energy Healing Treatment/Blessing, while the other part was defined as the Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed sample, which received the Biofield Energy Healing Treatment/Blessing by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi remotely. Additionally, three group of animals were also received Biofield Energy Treatment per se (at day -15) under similar conditions. The parameters were assessed such as immune biomarkers (IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE, CD4+, CD8+, and CD28+), biochemistry and hematology and histopathology. The experimental results showed IgG level was significantly increased by 10.70% and 8.03% in the G6 (Biofield Energy Treatment per se at day -15) and G8 (Biofield Treatment per se to animals plus Biofield Treated test formulation from day -15) groups, respectively as compared with untreated test formulation (G4). Additionally, CD8+ count was significantly increased by 20.67% in the G8 group, while CD28+ count was significantly increased by 11.70%, 8.32%, and 9.82% in the G7 (Biofield Energy Treated test formulation at day -15), G8, and G9 (Biofield Treatment per se (day -15) to animals plus untreated test formulation) groups, respectively after Biofield Energy Treatment to the animals as compared with the untreated test formulation. In hematological analysis, platelet count was increased in the G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups by 40.69%, 27.95%, 26.67%, 38.58%, and 28.28%, respectively compared with the disease control (G2) group. Biochemical parameters showed significant decrease in the level of creatinine by 32.14% in the G9 group as compared with the G2 group. Further, animal body weight, feed intake, relative organ weight, and histopathological findings of all the tested groups did not show any abnormal findings with respect to the safe and non-toxic treatment strategies. Overall, the experimental data concluded that the Biofield Energy Treated/Blessed test formulation showed considerable improved cellular and humoral immune response as compared with the untreated test formulation. Thus, the Trivedi Effect®-Biofield Energy Healing Treatment per se and the test formulation has the significant capacity for immunomodulatory effect, stress management and anti-aging by improving overall health.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-21-3772
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble vitamin, which widely used for the prevention and treatment rickets, osteoporosis, arthritis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, autoimmune disease, dementia, glucose intolerance, etc. The impact of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the structural properties and the isotopic abundance ratio of cholecalciferol were evaluated using LC-MS and GC-MS spectroscopy. The test sample cholecalciferol was divided into control and treated parts. Only, the treated cholecalciferol was received the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Dahryn Trivedi. The LC-MS spectra of both the samples at retention time (Rt) ~22 minutes exhibited the mass of the molecular ion peak at m/z 385.25 (calcd for C27H45O+, 385.35). The LC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the treated cholecalciferol was increased by 0.74% compared with the control sample. But, the GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM and PM+2/PM in the treated cholecalciferol was significantly increased by 66.39% and 62.69%, respectively compared with the control sample. Hence,13C, 2H, 17O, and 18O contributions from C27H44O+ to m/z 386 and 387 in the treated cholecalciferol were significantly increased compared with the control sample. The isotopic abundance ratios of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 13C/12C or 17O/16O) and PM+2/PM (18O/16O) in the treated cholecalciferol were significantly increased as compared to the control sample. The increased isotopic composition of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treated cholecalciferol might have altered the neutron to proton ratio in the nucleus via the possible mediation of neutrino. The increased isotopic abundance ratio of the treated cholecalciferol may increase the intra-atomic bond strength, increase its stability. The new form of cholecalciferol would be better designing novel pharmaceutical formulations that might be more stable and more efficacious for the prevention and treatment of various diseases such as vitamin D deficiency, rickets, osteoporosis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes mellitus, mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, infections, influenza, cognitive impairment in older adults, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, autoimmune disease, dementia, glucose intolerance, multiple sclerosis, etc.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-21-3767
Abdishakur Hassan FaysalCorresponding author
Advanced Scientific Group, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Antibodies and antibody fragments, especially single-domain antibodies known as nanobodies, are important tools in diagnostics, research, and therapeutics. In a conventional antibody, light and heavy chains contribute to the formation of the antigen binding site. In addition to conventional antibodies, old and new world camels also have heavy-chain antibodies (hcAbs), which lack the light-chain antibodies that usually bind to the antigen, as well as single domain antibodies, the VHH domain, which are the smallest antigen-binding fragments and have high solubility, stability, and specificity. A VHH library against E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was produced using the camel immune system. E. coli strains from dead camel calves were isolated to extract the LPS and used to immunize a 2-year-old female camel. After isolating mononuclear lymphocytes for RNA extraction and amplification of the VHH gene, the PCR product was cloned into the pF1AT7 Flexi vector and transformed into JM109 E. coli competent cells by heat shock, resulting in a comprehensive VHHs library with 6.9 × 104 cfu/µg. The VHHs were expressed and screened with ELISA and PCR. Eleven colonies were positive by PCR, six of which were sequenced and submitted to Genbank compared with GenBank data to confirm the production of nanobodies with a similarity >90%.
Feb 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-21-3704
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Biofield Energy Healing (the Trivedi Effect®) based test formulation using TNBS-induced colitis animal model. Each ingredient of the test formulation was divided into two parts. One part was denoted as the control without any Biofield Energy Treatment, while the other part was treated with Biofield Energy Treatment by Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi and defined as the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation. The colon tissue was used for the estimation of anti-oxidation activity for catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) product, myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) using standard procedure. The antioxidant results showed that the CAT level was significantly increased by 95.4% (p≤0.001), 72.3%, 47.6%, and 13.9% in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (G5), Biofield treatment per se to animals (-15 days)(G6), Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals plus Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (-15 day) (G8), and Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals plus untreated test formulation (G9) groups, respectively as compared to the untreated test formulation group (G4). Further, colon GSH activity was found to be significantly increased by 23.2% (p≤0.05) 15.4%, and 15.5%, in G5, G6, and G9 groups, respectively with respect to G2 group. In addition, colon LPO activity data suggested that it was decreased by 12%, 17%, 18%, and 19.1% in G5, G6, Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (-15 day) (G7), and G8 groups, respectively, as compared with the G2 group. The level of MPO showed a significant (p≤0.001) reduced level by 27.9%, 22%, 14.5%, 16.6%, and 25.3% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared with the G2 group. The level of colon SOD was increased by 16.7% and 14.2% in the G5 and G9 groups, respectively as compared with the untreated test formulation, G4 group. Colon GPx level was increased by 177.6%, 71.4%, 71.4%, 161.2%, and 114.3% in G5, G6, G7, G8, and G9 groups, respectively as compared with the G2 group. Thus, it can be concluded that the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing based test formulation and Biofield Energy per se has significant colon anti-oxidation profile, which can be used to improve many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, stress management and prevention, and anti-aging by improving overall health.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3685
Elkhenany HodaCorresponding author
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
The current uncontrollable outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has unleashed severe global consequences in all aspects of life and society, bringing the whole world to a complete halt and has modeled significant threats to the global economy. The COVID-19 infection manifests with flu-like symptoms such as cough, cold, and fever resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung dysfunction, and other systemic complications in critical patients are creating panic across the globe. However, the licensed vaccine has started to show up; some resulted in side effects that would limit its possibility in some circumstances as allergic personnel, for example. Moreover, the production and approval of new drugs is a very complicated process and takes a long time. On the other hand, stem cells have gone the extra mile and intensively investigated at preclinical and clinical studies in various degenerative diseases, including infectious ones. Stem cells are proposed as a broad-spectrum therapeutic agent, which may suppress the exaggerated immune response and promote endogenous repair by enhancing COVID-19 infected lung microenvironment. Also, stem cells have different application manners, either direct transplantation, exosome transplantation, or drug delivery of specific cytokines or nanoparticles with antiviral property by engineering stem cells. This review discusses and summarizes the possible emerging role of cell-based therapy, especially stem cell therapy, as an alternative promising therapeutic option for the treatment and control of novel COVID-19 and its potential role in tissue rejuvenation after COVID-19 infection.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3662
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY 10027, United States
Background Most current Corona virus or COVID-19 pandemic deaths have been found to occur among populations older than 65 years of age, who often suffer from the presence of an array of chronic diseases that may be related to a co-occurring vitamin D deficiency. Another factor affecting older adults’ immune response mechanisms is air quality. In turn, air quality can impact the absorption of vitamin D from sunlight sources, a factor which could explain why older people, who are often vitamin D deficient, may be more likely than younger adults or healthy adults to be at risk for COVID-19 and poor outcomes. Aim This work was designed to examine the recent literature on COVID-19, vitamin D and air pollution and what it might imply for public health workers, policy makers, and others. Methods Available data accessed largely from the PUBMED data base for the year 2020 using the key words COVID-19, air pollution, and vitamin D deficiency were sought and selected items were carefully examined and documented in narrative and tabular formats. Results Many publications on COVID-19 prevail, but far fewer focus specifically on vitamin D deficiency and its possible role in explaining COVID-19 global health risk among older adults. A similar, albeit small number of publications, discuss the global pandemics of air pollution and its possible COVID-19 association, as well as its impact on vitamin D production. However, while most related articles support a possible independent as well as a dual role for both factors in COVID-19 the realm of this highly infectious widespread disease, very few actual studies have been conducted to date on any of these topical issues Conclusion More research to examine if vitamin D-based nutrients or supplements may provide some degree of community wide protection against COVID-19 in the older vitamin D populations, especially among those living in highly polluted areas may prove highly valuable. Controlling air pollution emissions globally and locally may also prove to be a highly impactful public health approach to reducing overall COVID-19 risk, and extent, and warrants study.
Dec 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3650
Marks RayCorresponding author
Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, NY 10027, United States
Background The coronavirus Covid-19 strain that emerged in December 2019, continues to produce a widespread and seemingly intractable negative impact on health and longevity in all parts of the world, especially, among older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. Aim The first aim of this review article was to examine, summarize, synthesize, and report on the research base concerning the possible use of vitamin-D supplementation for reducing both Covid-19 risk and severity, especially among older adults at high risk for Covid-19 infections. A second was to provide directives for researchers or professionals who work or are likely to work in this realm in the future. Methods All English language relevant publications detailing the possible efficacy of vitamin D as an intervention strategy for minimizing Covid-19 infection risk published in 2020 were systematically sought. Key words used were: Vitamin D, Covid-19, and Coronavirus. Databases used were PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. All relevant articles were carefully examined and those meeting the review criteria were carefully read, and described in narrative form. Results Collectively, these data reveal vitamin D is a powerful steroid like compound that is required by the body to help many life affirming physiological functions, including immune processes, but its deficiency may seriously impact the health status and well being of the older adult and others. Since vitamin D is not manufactured by the body directly, ensuring those who are deficient in vitamin D may prove a helpful overall preventive measure as well as a helpful treatment measure among older adults at high risk for severe Covid-19 disease outcomes. Conclusions Older individuals with chronic health conditions, as well as healthy older adults at risk for vitamin D deficiency are likely to benefit physically as well as mentally, from efforts to foster adequate vitamin D levels. Geriatric clinicians can expect this form of intervention to reduce infection severity in the presence of Covid-19 infection, regardless of health status, and subject to careful study, researchers can make a highly notable impact in this regard.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3369
Kishan Gupta BalCorresponding author
Senior Professor, In-charge Medical ICU, Department. of Medicine, S.P.Medical College, Bikaner.
Background Since swine flu has been declared pandemic in 2009 it has become a major challenging public-health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. 25(OH)D deficiency is also pandemic and has been reported to be clinically correlated with decreased immunity and respiratory infections. The possible role of vitamin D in infections is implied from its impact on the innate and adaptive immune responses. This study is planned to evaluate clinical significance of 25(OH)D status on course and outcome in hospitalized cases of swine flu and to compare it with normal healthy subjects living in the same vicinity to evaluate if vitamin D is having any protective effect. Material & Methods Present prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 79 RT-PCR confirmed cases of swine flu admitted during recent epidemic. All patients were evaluated thoroughly by clinical history physical examination and laboratory investigations as per Performa and followed-up during hospital stay. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) estimation was done by electro-chemiluminescent Assay in all the cases and it was also done in 36 normal healthy family members of study patients living in the same vicinity (control group). Results High prevalence (70.9%) of low (≤30ng/ml) status of 25(OH)D was observed in cases of swine flu as compared to control group. 25(OH)D status was associated with severity of illness. Mean value of 25(OH)D in mechanically ventilated patients was 9.81±6.43 while it was 22.76±11.35 ng/ml in patients who do not required ventilation (p<0.05). Mean 25(OH)D level in patients who stayed in hospital for <5 days was 28.60±8.79 ng/ml, 24.18±11.67 for 6-10 days and 8.23±2.12 for >10 days (p<0.01). Mean value of 25(OH)D in patients who died was 9.59±5.90 ng/ml as compared to 23.13±11.62 ng/ml who survived (p<0.01). Conclusion Our study suggests that 25(OH)D may have preventive role for swine flu infection. Low level of 25(OH)D is associated with high morbidity in terms of increase requirement for mechanical ventilation, multiorgan dysfunction and long duration of hospital stay. 25(OH)D deficiency is associated with high mortality in swine flu. 25(OH)D status should be given due consideration in high risk patients especially during winter season.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-5773.jcdp-20-3512
Bajaj AnubhaCorresponding author
MD. (Pathology) Panjab University, Department of Histopathology, A.B. Diagnostics, A-1, Ring Road, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi, 110027, India.
Parachordoma is an extremely exceptional, peripherally situated soft tissue neoplasm arising at non axial locations. Also designated as soft tissue “myoepithelioma” or “mixed tumour”, the tumefaction histologically simulates a chordoma of axial skeleton and was referred to as “central chordoma” emerging within non- axial sites. Nevertheless, a distinctive immune profile categorises the lesion as a unique entity.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-20-3552
Qing XinCorresponding author
Department of Pathology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
Plasma cell neoplasms of the thyroid gland are uncommon. They may occur either as a primary extraosseous (extramedullary) plasmacytoma or as secondary involvement by multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we report the case of a 62-year-old female, presenting with goiter and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in whom the histologic diagnosis of extraosseous plasmacytoma was unexpected. Histology of the total thyroidectomy specimen showed a diffuse infiltration of well-differentiated plasma cells against a background of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. By immunohistochemistry, the majority of the plasma cells are positive for IgG heavy chain and kappa light chain (kappa:lambda ratio was about 6-7:1). PCR analysis of the immunoglobulin heavy and kappa chain (IGH, IGK) gene rearrangements showed clonal IGH and IGK gene rearrangements. MM was ruled out by lack of MM-related end organ damage and negative serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, and bone marrow biopsy. Although rare, plasmacytoma should be considered in patients presenting with enlarging thyroid gland and autoimmune thyroiditis. Histologic diagnosis and differential diagnoses are comprehensively discussed.
Sep 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2694-2283.jsem-20-3539
Tibebu AwokeCorresponding author
Lecturer, Department of Sport Science Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
The following document provides important information that everybody know about physical exercise as a means of managing COVID-19. It addresses the health benefits of physical exercise on our body’s immune system, and stress reduction. Already today in the entire world, coronavirus is now the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. It kills thousands of peoples per day worldwide and continues its impact on the governments and the society. Nowadays it is the greatest public health problem in most countries in the world. Since its identification on Jan, 7 by the chines scientists named the pathogen as a novel coronavirus. In the current situation COVID-19 is rapidly spreading worldwide and the number of cases and deaths are rising up speedily. The spread of the virus is a headache to the government in general and the society in particular. The nature of the virus disallowed contacting with one another, working together, meeting, and other activities the majority of government and private business organizations are enforced to discontinue their work. The growing burden of the virus would place millions of jobs at risk an additional 8.8 million people in working poverty around the world. The danger of the disease and loss of employment leads the majority at stress. A chronically stressed person impairs the organism’s ability to mount a strong immune response with a resultant increase in morbidity and mortality.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3492
K. Lau KevinCorresponding author
Product Manager, Technical Advisor & Independent Researcher
Mannose binding lectins (MBL), a key molecule in our innate immune response, contributes to host defense against coronaviruses such as SARS-CoV. This article reviews the role of MBL in the innate immune response against coronavirus infections, highlights evidence of MBL’s significance, and suggests dietary MBL supplementation through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables as an accessible and viable approach to minimizing COVID-19 infection risk. Increasing consumption of plant lectins (e.g., eating fruits and vegetables) may reduce COVID-19 risks.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-8862.jvat-20-3513
Patel JainishCorresponding author
Indira Gandhi National Open University, Regional Center, Surat, Gujarat, India
This paper explores the trends, issues and challenges confronting the successful vaccine development for the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Right from the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic, no drugs or vaccine has been developed nor approved for treating those down with COVID-19. This year, the scientific community and the vaccine industry have been asked to respond urgently to SARS-COVID-2 pandemic. Presently numerous vaccine development platforms are under process and DNA- and RNA-based platforms showing great potential followed by recombinant-subunit vaccines. Through explorative research, it was established that companies involved in COVID-19 vaccine development are facing big challenges in the scientific, economic and logistical perspectives. Amongst these challenges are distrust, misinformation, and about understanding the immune system interaction with the vaccine being developed, as well as with the pathogen itself. Adjudged as insurmountable may be too early a conclusion. The race is on and progresses are being made. Proper understanding of trends, metrics and dynamics revolving around COVID-19 vaccine development is crucial in expanding possibilities for positive results from ongoing vaccine research. In this review, we spotlight on the most recent developments in COVID-19 vaccine, including top 10 early candidates that may hit the market in next few months.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-20-3425
Jana SnehasisCorresponding author
Trivedi Science Research Laboratory Pvt. Ltd., Thane (W), Maharashtra, India.
The study was aimed to investigate the potential benefits of the Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment (the Trivedi Effect®) per se and Biofield Energy Healing treated novel test formulation in male Sprague Dawley rats for their antiaging activity by monitoring aging biomarkers such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), silent information regulator-1 (SIRT-1), and klotho protein. The test formulation was distributed into two parts. First part did not provide any Biofield Energy Treatment was denoted as the untreated sample, however the second part was received Biofield Energy Healing Treatment by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi and defined as the Biofield Energy Treated sample. In this experiment, nine groups (n=10) were assigned, in which four were preventive maintenance groups. Among them, three groups of animals were also received Biofield Energy Healing Treatment per se (at day -15). BDNF was significantly increased by 25.83%, 19.35%, and 14.67% in the Biofield Energy Treated test formulation (G5), Biofield Energy Treatment per se at day -15 (G6), and Biofield Energy Treatment per se to animals plus Biofield Treated test formulation from day -15 (G8), respectively as compared to the disease control (G2) group. Moreover, expression of SIRT-1 protein was increased by 14.63% in the G5 group than the untreated test formulation (G4) group. Additionally, SIRT-1 activity was increased by 39.7%, 32.5%, 15.9%, and 136% in the G6, Biofield Energy Treated test formulation at day -15 (G7), G8, and Biofield Treatment per se (day -15) to animals plus untreated test formulation (G9) groups, respectively than the G4 group, while it was increased by 57.3% in the G9 group as compared to the G2 group. Besides, Klotho protein in kidney homogenate was significantly increased by 16.67% in the G5 group as compared to the G2 group. Altogether, the results showed a significant improvement of longevity mediators and antiaging biomarkers in the preventive maintenance groups. Therefore, results envisaged the significant slowdown of aging-related disorders and other complications in the preventive Biofield Energy Treatment group per se and/or Biofield Energy Treated Test formulation groups (viz. G6, G7, G8, and G9) comparatively with the disease control group and could be utilized against various aging-related disorders like Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, cataracts, type 2 diabetes, cancer, etc. along with it could be used to extend the life-span, stress and immune-related disorders.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-20-3484
Shakeel Iqubal S.M.Corresponding author
Department of General Science, Ibn Sina National College of Medical Sciences, Al Mahajar Street: 31906, Jeddah 21418, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The aim of this experiment is to study the efficacy of phytochemical constituents of Castor essential oil towards the mucor-mycotic mold Cunninghamella bertholletiae.The standard chemical analytical methods were used for the rapid study of the phytochemical constituents responsible for the antimicrobial efficacy of the procured castor essential oil. The standard antimicrobial assay technique employed to study the comparative values of the efficacy of the procured castor essential oil with that of the standard antifungal chemical agents against the clinical isolates obtained from the immune suppressed patients samples of Cunninghamella bertholletia mold mucor-mycotic infections. The best susceptibility values recorded in the standard antifungal agents against the clinical isolates of Cunninghamella bertholletiae was with Amphotericin B showing the average zone of inhibition diameter of 20.66 mm with the average MIC value of, 1.66 (µ/ml) but the antimicrobial assay results for the Castor essential oil showed better values with an average disc diffusion of 22.44mm zone of inhibition diameter with average MIC value of 1.72 µ/ml .This study has shown that the phytochemical compounds present in the Castor essential oil proves to be more an effective alternative antifungal substance towards the clinical isolates of Cunninghamella bertholletiae.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-7669.ject-20-3313
A.J ThatheyusCorresponding author
PG & Research Department of Zoology, The American College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Industrial effluents containing heavy metals may reach aquatic systems either through direct discharge or surface runoff and cause damage to aquatic organisms affecting their immune system and health. Hence the present study has been undertaken to observe the effects of hexavalent chromium on the WBCs of the fresh water fish, Labeorohita. WBCs play a major role in the immune response of the fish. For acute toxicity determination, healthy fish were subjected to static bioassays. The 24, 48, 72, and 96hr LC50 values were 50.88, 42.03, 28.09 and 10.87 ppm respectively. The fish were exposed to 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 ppm for 20 days. Differential count of WBCs and total WBC count were determined after every five days for twenty days. Lymphocytes exhibited a decline while the other cells and total WBC count exhibited an increase due to hexavalent chromium exposure. The results were subjected to two way analysis of variance.
May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3357
Klepikov IgorCorresponding author
MD, Professor, Retired
This perspective calls for cross‑disciplinary brainstorming on novel COVID‑19 pneumonia phenotypes. It discusses hypotheses on immune dysregulation, microvascular injury, and tailored respiratory strategies.
Dec 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-19-3110
N.A. KiryanovCorresponding author
Izhevsk State Medical Academy, Izhevsk, Russia
Aim To study the chondroplasty efficacy of the bone matrix obtained using an original technology in restoring cartilage defect of the knee joint. Material and Methods Marginal defects were modeled on the surface of the distal end of the femur in 40 adult male Wistar rats. The bone matrix obtained using an original technology was implanted in the damaged area in animals of the experimental group. Material was investigated by means of light microscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Results It was found that the bone matrix implanted did not cause an immune rejection reaction, activated reparative chondrogenesis for a prolonged period. In the area of articular cartilage lesion, the regenerate acquiring cellular and histochemical characteristics of the hyaline cartilage tissue was formed. The chondroinductive properties for the bone matrix were ensured by localized growth factors and morphogenetic proteins released during osteoclastic resorption. Conclusion The application of the bone matrix as a stimulator of chondrogenesis is theoretically reasonable and has a good perspective in treatment of damages and diseases of the articular cartilage.
Nov 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-5773.jcdp-19-3061
Bajaj AnubhaCorresponding author
MD. (Pathology) Panjab University, Department of Histopathology, A.B. Diagnostics, A-1, Ring Road , Rajouri Garden, New Delhi, 110027, India.
Novel cancer therapeutics are superior and prevalent in the current scenario although a subset may not be satisfactorily alleviated or undergo disease relapse with the adoption of conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Cancer cells can comfortably elude immune destruction as interaction of cancer cells with native immune cells within tissue microenvironment is a cogent factor in evasion of cancer cells from pertinent immune surveillance. Thus, cancer immunotherapy can be safely contemplated as an efficacious and contemporary treatment modality for managing various malignant disorders.
Aug 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-19-2974
OJ CastejónCorresponding author
Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas “Drs. Orlando Castejón and Haydee Viloria de Castejón” e Instituto de Neurociencias Clínicas, Fundación Castejón, San Rafael Clinical Home. Maracaibo. Venezuela.
According to the results of our laboratory the theory of immune dysfunction, the theory on the genetic architecture of ASD, the disrupted cortical connectivity theory and the theory on the contribution of cerebellum to ASD have shown fundamental experimental evidences to support the core symptoms of the complex and enigmatic physiopathology of autism spectrum disorder. The additional hypothesis about the neurogenesis in the amygdala, the contribution of oxytocin, vasopressin, the mirror neuron network, and mitochondrial dysfunction described are stimulating and interesting approaches that deserve further systematic basic and clinical neuroscience research.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-0904.ijoe-19-2792
Neuberger ManfredCorresponding author
Center of Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Felbigergasse 3/2/18, Austria
In deaths and diseases attributed to tobacco smoke cardiovascular events exceed cancer and respiratory diseases. Second hand smoke promotes the development of arteriosclerosis and can trigger acute changes of endothelial function and blood coagulability. Indoor smoking bans reduced coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction 10-20% within one year and were followed by sustainable decreases of stroke and diabetes. With a smoke-free hospitality industry people recognized tobacco smoke as an air pollutant, smoking in public was denormalized and social acceptance of smoking in front of children and pregnant women decreased also in homes and cars. Combined effects with ambient air pollution are proven for active smoking and suspected for SHS. Contamination with third hand smoke (THS) persists for months in homes and cars, creating secondary pollutants that in some cases are more toxic (e.g. nitrosamines). Remnants found in air, dust, and on surfaces (carpets, wallpapers, upholstery, soft toys) were associated with their metabolites in saliva of children and in urine of nonsmokers residing in homes previously occupied by smokers. In animal experiments effects of THS were found on thrombogenesis, insulin resistance through oxidative stress, on the developing immune system, lipid metabolism and alterations in liver, lung, skin and behavior. Much less is known about health effects for bystanders from the aerosols exhaled during “vaping” of e-cigarettes, but nicotine and other toxins from e-cigarettes are certainly a hazard, which should be prevented by the use of dermal and oral nicotine products, which are safer for nicotine replacement and without risk for bystanders.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-19-2787
Bouomrani SalemCorresponding author
Department of Internal medicine. Military Hospital of Gabes. Gabes 6000. Tunisia
Introduction Cardiac non-specific inflammatory pseudotumors (NSIPT) are exceptionally associated to Behçet's disease (BD) and represent a real diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The meaning and the mechanisms of this association are not yet well understood. The purpose of this paper is to study the epidemiologic, therapeutic, and evolutionary characteristics of cardiac NSIPT during BD Methods Systemic review of all reported cases of cardiac NSIPT associated with BD. Results We found only 6 cases of NSIPT associated with BD. Of these six patients, 4 were men (66.66%) and 2 were women (33.33%): Sex ratio =2. The average age was 26.66 years (9-35 years). The pseudotumor was unique in all cases. The chronology of occurrence of these NSIPT compared to the underlying angiitis was variable: inaugural of the disease in 4 cases, and complicating a previously known BD in 2 cases. The surgery was performed in all cases. It was carried out for diagnostic purpose in 4 cases, and therapeutic in the other 2. Additional medical treatment based on systemic corticosteroids with or without immunosuppressants was indicated in 4 patients. The evolution was favorable in 5 cases and a single case was quickly fatal. Recurrence of NSIPT was reported in one patient (20%). Conclusion The results of this review suggest a very likely association between BD and cardiac NSIPT; especially because of the scarcity of these two conditions in the general population, and the epidemiological characteristics clearly different from those of cardiac NSIPTs in the general population. The pathogenic mechanisms common to these two conditions (immune, inflammatory, reactive, and vascular) reinforce this causal link. The main differential diagnoses of these pseudotumors during BD remain cancer and intracardiac thrombosis.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-19-2746
Khanam SabinaCorresponding author
Department of Biological Sciences, Yobe State University, Nigeria
Human immunodeficiency viruses causes HIV infection in humans belongs to two species of Lentivirus. It damages the cells of immune system which leads to weak immune system and the ability to fight from infections and diseases. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence rate of HIV infection among pregnant women of different age groups attending Ajiko medical clinic, Damaturu, Nigeria. The prevalence rate was maximum (12.5%) in 36-45 age group and minimum (5%) in 26-35 age group but their was no HIV infection in 15-25 age group. The overall prevalence rate among pregnant women was 4%. General knowledge , training and campaigns of HIV prevention need to be tailored towards older women of age group 36-45 because of high prevalence rate.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-19-2664
ElGohary GhadaCorresponding author
Department of Adult Hematology/Internal Medicine, Ain Shams University Hospitals, College Of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
Lenalidomide is a second generation immunomodulatory agent and a potent analogue of thalidomide that is FDA approved mainly for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and transfusion-dependent anemia due to low or intermediate-1- risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with 5q deletion among other indications. Through its action on the immune system, lenalidomide alters the production of different cytokines ultimately resulting in immune activation against tumors. This immune activation may lead to collateral immune toxicities like fever, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, tumor flare and others. Here we report a case of lenalidomide-induced high grade fever in a patient with MM and we summarize the literature about the physiology of such reaction and how to mitigate this adverse event.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5518.jcci-19-2626
Bertasi GiampietroCorresponding author
University of Padua, Italy
Matrices or tissue scaffolds provide a collagen structure for tissue remodelling while the removal of viable cells aims to minimize or prevent inflammatory or immunogenic response. Allograft collagen scaffold can support the patient’s own cellular ingrowth, ingeneered to minimize an immune response and to yeld a bio-compatible matrix and support incoming cellular growth. The decellyularized dermis retains its growth factors, native collagen scaffold, and elastin, thanks to a LifeNet Health proprietaryprocessin technology.
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2578
E. Ahmed FaridCorresponding author
GEM Tox Labs, Institute for Research in Biotechnology, 2905 South Memorial Drive, Greenville, NC 27834, USA.
We present below a mechanistic cellular and molecular approaches for the development of Anti-Inflammatory biomarkersof Probiotic Bacteria in Fermented Foods. Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote human health by counteracting the noxious toxic gut microflora in human intestine, by modulating of the tight junctions, and by increasing mucin production, enforcing intestinal epithelial cell barrier function, modifying microbial community within the gut intestinal disorders, and improving immune responses associated with chronic inflammation in experimental animal models, collectively enhancing human health. Cytokine secretion by intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages are regulated by probiotics through key signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated kinases, resulting in alleviation of several disorders such as allergies, diabetes, obesity, heart diseases and cancer. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules involved in transcriptional and post-translational regulation of gene expression by inhibiting gene translation. Using in vitro and in vivo approaches in cell lines and mice models to study effects of probiotic conditional media and heat-killed bacterial strains with anti-inflammatory effect to elucidate the mechanisms by which probiotics affect signaling pathways, and by using global cytokine and microRNA gene expression analyses approaches to develop biomarkers for studying different pro- and anti-inflammatory activities, and using statistical approaches to analyse the data, we show that cytokines and miRNAs have an essential role in regulation of cancerous and inflammatory pathways. This mechanistic approach will result in developing specific disease biomarkers for the early diagnosis of certain pathogenic states, as well as evaluating the effect of different dietary components on developed biomarkers in health states that will promote and enhance human health. Comparing the concordance of the in vitro to the in vivo research findings will confirm the correspondence of both approaches to each other. Moreover, this study will have a major public health relevance in elucidating the role of miRNAs and their targets in inflammation, paving the way to diagnosing and treating of pathogenic human disease stages.
Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-18-2533
M. Hussein Ahmed,Corresponding author
Assistant Professor, Shendi University, Faculty of Public Health, Head Department of Public Health,
This study was conducted in two (VCTs) at Elgenina town, the capital of West Darfur State in Sudan in period from November 2010 to February 2011, the study included all people attending VCTs in Elgeniena town for voluntary checking one hundred and fifty clients who visited the (VCT) centers and volunteered were included in this study, nonprobability sample, 150 volunteers was taken and covered all ages, One ml of blood was taken from each of the study sample and tested by rapid Immune Chromatographic (ICT) for HIV, a structured questionnaire was designed and the interviewed after a written consent to participate in the study was signed, data was analyzed using the SPSS statistical programmer and for possible association between study variables, the Chi square test was used, the study showed that 35 volunteers (23.33%) were positives, of whom 54.3% 19 were males. People having more than one sex partner were high 63.6% with statistically significant factor of getting infection (P.value = 0.00). Also, practicing unsafe sex were 5.2% another major risky (P.value = 0.00). Among the HIV positive cases 34.3% were drug users, compared to 20.9% from the HIV negatives (p. value = 0.10). There is no relation between education level and infection with HIV (p .value = 0.154). Forty two percent of the participants were single, 30% married, 10% divorced, 7.3% widows and 10.7% were separate
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-18-2527
Zhang XiCorresponding author
Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, United States
As remarkable advances have been made in immunotherapies, the overall goal of immunotherapy has become the selection of patients and evaluating the benefits of treatment. One of the major obstacles to develop immunotherapies is the lack of effective immune monitoring. Monitoring of key changes in the immune system during immunotherapy (immunomonitoring) provides important insights into efficacy as well as the immune mechanisms of response at the molecular and cellular levels. Immunomonitoring techniques include traditional immunoassays that use specific antibodies to recognize the analytes of interest, new high-throughput immunoassays that target immune cells and nucleic acids, and less classical immunogenomic approaches that rely on genome-wide profiling and computational analysis on various types of clinical samples. Substantial progress has been made in the application of immunomonitoring strategies to pre-clinical and clinical studies, especially for patients with cancer and infectious diseases. Current and emerging immunoassays performed in clinical practice will be examined herein, and immunogenomic approaches that complement these techniques will be highlighted and compared with traditional methods. Finally, we will discuss several new computational methods for analyzing gene signatures for immunomonitoring, including gene expression data profiling by microarray, the nCounter technique, regular RNA-seq, and single-cell RNA-seq. Novel immunomonitoring techniques, especially immunogenomic approaches, will continue to be developed to facilitate assessment of immunotherapeutic response and predict patient outcomes in cancer and infectious disease.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-5014.jphn-18-2456
Mohamadreza AmiriCorresponding author
Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is now recognized not only for its importance in promoting bone health in children and adults, but also for its other health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as autoimmune diseases, common cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Ultraviolet radiation of the sun with wavelengths of 290-310 nm penetrates into the skin and converts 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3, which quickly transforms to vitamin D3. Vitamin D (D represents either D2 or D3) made in the skin or ingested through diet is biologically inert and requires two successive hydroxylations first in the liver on carbon 25 to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH)D and then in the kidney for a hydroxylation on carbon 1 to form the biologically active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) 121419. The concentration of the produced 25-hydroxy vitamin D in blood circulation is 1,000 times more than 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D 4, and it is regarded as a standard indicator of vitamin D status in humans 3. 25-hydroxy vitamin D half-life is about 2-3 weeks and it is regulated by calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) to some extent. 25-hydroxy vitamin D content also reflects the amount of vitamin D produced in the skin after exposure to sunlight or received through food intake 56. Guidelines for vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency defined by serum 25(OH)D concentrations have been published from many countries and regions all over the world 7891011. Vitamin D deficiency is a pandemic problem. According to global estimations, more than one billion people around the world suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Among Iranian population, the incidence of vitamin D deficiency varies from 2.5 to 98.5% based on geographic area 1213. Various factors may give rise to vitamin D deficiency, including skin pigments, low levels of vitamin D in diet (insufficient fish oil and egg yolk intake), malnutrition, genetic factors, exclusive breast feeding, vitamin D deficiency of mother during pregnancy, prematurity, chronic use of drugs (e.g., anticonvulsants, aluminum-containing anti-acids, rifampcin, isoniazid, antifungal drugs, antiviral drugs, and glucocorticoids), winter and obesity 113. Cultural habits, the need for full body coverage during outdoor activities and the lack of sunlight programs are the risk factors for low vitamin D levels in women 151617. Children enter foster care due to early childhood adverse experiences such as poor prenatal and infant health care, food insecurity, chronic stress, and the effects of abuse and neglect. As a result, they are at higher risk for poor physical, psychological, neuroendocrine and neurocognitive outcomes compared to others. Foster children are at risk for growth and nutritional deficiencies due to their poor nutritional environment prior to placement in foster care. Insufficient caloric intake results in growth deficiencies. Evidence showed that the risk of stunting and underweight is high in this population 18. The risk of developing hypovitaminosis D was significantly higher in children living in foster homes. One reason is that they are at higher risk of child abuse, emotional deprivation and physical neglect than children living with their families. Moreover, these children most likely do not spend much time outdoors and they lack adequate sun exposure. Another reason is that as children grow up in institutional care, they shift from a diet of vitamin D–fortified formula milk to cooked food, which may not be fortified with vitamin D 1. Iranian government has made some efforts to apply efficient interventions to reduce the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, and the country’s healthcare system should be managed through accurate planning. Yet, in this country, studies on vitamin D deficiency in children living in foster homes are very limited, and given that timely diagnosis and treatment of this deficiency is vital, this research is conducted in Ali Asghar foster home in Mashhad, Iran.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-18-2489
Butnariu MonicaCorresponding author
Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Timis, Romania
Essential oils, called volatile oils or ethereal oils, are natural metabolic secretions of plants, the role of which is not yet fully understood by science. Some specialists consider them to be true plant hormones, fluid manifestations of the immune system of plants, in the sense that they contribute to the removal of pests, attracting, instead, pollinating agents, which are some insects and birds. Small, light–colored spherical structures, is, in fact, modified filaments, which behave like some secretory glands of essential volatile oils. They are the ones who give the fragrance of the aromatic plant and have, in the case of salvation, medicinal curative properties, such as fever reduction, blood cleansing, and relieving pain. Essential oils are products isolated from plants or organs through a physical process that have a certain volatility (higher or lower) and possesses an agreeable odour characteristic of the source from which they originate. They are also known as volatile or essential oils and their name are usually given by the popular name of the plant from which they are extracted. The most important characteristic of these mixtures, which also gives the special economic value, is the specific smell. This is the basis for their use in perfumery, cosmetics and the food industry. Many essential oils have special therapeutic qualities, some of which have been known and used since antiquity.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-6403.jtrr-18-2442
Pontini A.Corresponding author
Department of Neuroscience Specialties, Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and Burn Unit – Padova University Hospital
Background: Lyell Syndrome (TEN, Toxic epidermal necrolysis) represents a medical emergency particularly in pediatric patients in whom the massive skin damage can quickly lead to multi-organ dysfunction and death. Prompt restoration of the physiologic mucosal/cutaneous barrier is mandatory. The use of amniotic membranes has been described in the treatment of ophthalmic Lyell Syndrome, but its use has not yet been adopted for the management of larger cutaneous wounds. Study Hypothesis: Here we report the use of amniotic membranes in a pediatric case of severe Lyell Syndrome with complete skin surface, ocular and mucosal involvement with life threating presentation. Methods: A 7-year old female was admitted to our Burn Centre for severe cutaneous/mucosal exfoliation (100% Total body surface area, TBSA) as a result of an adverse reaction to ibuprofen administration. Supportive fluid administration, cardiac-pulmonary assistance and pain management were complemented by serial grafting of amniotic membranes on all affected areas to provide coverage of the exfoliated skin/mucosa. Biopsies were obtained to monitor histological skin changes. Results: The patient showed an excellent response to amniotic membrane treatment, with rapid restoration of mucosal and cutaneous layers in the grafted areas. This resulted in a decreased need for dressing changes, avoidance of additional surgeries and a reduced dependence on supportive therapy. Lower pain levels than usually expected led to a reduced need for narcotic pain medications and allowed for early physical rehabilitation and a short hospital stay. Histology confirmed evidence of topical immune-modulation in treated areas (reduction of inflammatory infiltrate). Conclusion: As we tested in numerously TEN and burn pediatric injuries Amniotic membranes with their regenerative and immune-modulatory effects may represent an life saving treatment even in the worst cases of pediatric Lyell syndrome.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-869X.jfd-18-2276
Cheikhrouhou FatmaCorresponding author
Mycology and parasitology Laboratory- Habib Bourguiba hospital 3029 Sfax -Tunisia.
We report a case of a young woman with acquired immune deficiency syndrome admitted with fever and abdominal pain. Saccharomyces kluyveri was isolated in blood culture. She was successfully treated with fluconazole. This case demonstrates the pathogenicity of Saccharomyces Kluyveri in immunocompromised host.
Nov 2018
Prasad Burjonrappa SathyaCorresponding author
Department of pediatric surgery, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore.
Intestinal malrotation is the incomplete rotation of the midgut during embryogenesis. The reported prevalence is 1 in 500 live births, however some studies report a prevalence as high as 1% of the population1, 2. Traditionally it is though as a disease of the pediatric population presenting as bilious emesis during the first year of life but can present with different symptoms even in adulthood. Presentation in older populations tends to be atypical, chronic abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea being the most commonly reported symptoms 3. However, as these symptoms accompany almost all-gastrointestinal pathology it is difficult to determine if abnormalities of rotation and fixation of the intestine are the cause for the symptoms in a given patient given its relative rarity. It therefore is important to have a high index of suspicion in patients with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. We report laparoscopic management of a patient with abnormal rotation/fixation who was treated for many years as celiac disease (CD). Celiac disease is an immune mediated systemic disorder elicited by gluten in genetically susceptible individuals4. It can present as chronic abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, weight loss, stunted growth, distention and fatigue. His symptoms immediately resolved after surgery.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2689-5773.jcdp-18-2435
Bajaj AnubhaCorresponding author
Consultant Histopathologist
Theobjective of reviewing Hairy Cell Leukaemia may be achieved by emphasising the condition as a category of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with hair like protrusions of the cytoplasm situated on the aberrant B cell surface. An infrequent disorder, hairy cell leukaemia contributes an estimated 2% of lymphoid malignancies with a male predominance ( M:F ::4-5:1). A majority (90%) of instances depict a mutant immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV). The haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) elucidate a B raf proto-oncogene( BRAF V600E gene- 7q34). An enlarged spleen may be discerned along with pancytopenia as a presenting symptom. The morphology of specific hairy cell leukaemia may be on account of an in vitro interaction of primary hairy cells with BRAF genes and MEK inhibitors, which incite a prominent MEK - ERK dephosphorylation, thereby curtailing transcriptional outpourings of the RAS- RAF- MEK-ERK pathway. Bone marrow aspiration or bone marrow trephine biopsy may be inadequate for diagnosis in 30%-50% individuals on account of extensive fibrosis and the bone marrow sections depict a characteristic interstitial infiltration of leukaemia cells.. Reticulin stains exhibit broad, dense reticulum fibres surrounding the individual or aggregates of leukaemia cells with fibrotic extensions into the abutting bone marrow. The immune reactivity of classic hairy cell leukaemia is concurrent CD19+ CD20+,CD 11c+, CD25+, CD103+ and CD123+. Immune staining for CD20+, annexin 1 and VE1 (a BRAF V600E stain) validates the diagnosis and analyses the extent of malignant bone marrow infiltration. Application of inhibitors of BRAF V600E gene is efficacious in patients resistant to standard therapy. An enlarged spleen beyond 3 centimetres of the left costal margin, a white blood cell count greater than 10000 cells/µL , circulating hairy cells in the peripheral blood greater than 5000 cells/µL and a β 2 micro-globulin level exceeding twice the normal range of 3 µg/ml delineate an inferior outcome with resistance to purine analogues (PNAs). CD38+ elucidation ensures a worse prognosis as does the lack of an IGHV mutation with a reduced overall survival,. A lack of BRAF genetic mutation in 10% -20% of hairy cell leukaemia comprises of inferior prognosis.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-18-2396
Tawfik Amin AnwarCorresponding author
Surgical Oncology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute Assiut University, Egypt.
Although surgery is the main treatment for solid tumors, it could enhance the growth and metastasis of minimal residual cancer. In this review article we have discussed the perioperative changes in cancer cells and surrounding environment as well as the alterations in the immune system. Several trials are ongoing to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic options for minimal residual cancer after surgery.
Aug 2018
Paranina AlinaCorresponding author
Department of physical geography and environmental management, Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Russia
Journal of Biosemiotic Research is a new periodical devoted to a young, actively developing science. A review of recent scientific publications shows that in the broad scientific space of biosemiotics contemporary questions and "eternal themes" interact, not finding an answer in the private sciences - anthropology, semiotics of culture and philosophy1,2. To solve them, the fundamental foundations of science and new achievements, the opportunities of the latest technologies and scientific communications are attracted. Like all young sciences, biosemiotics has many definitions. We give here the most famous ones. "Biosemiotics: (bios, life + semion = sign) is an interdisciplinary field of theoretical and empirical research, analyzing communication and signification in living systems. Signed processes, ranging from molecular to ecological and evolutionary, have been studied throughout the history of biology; however, very often descriptions of information and communication aspects of living systems were considered only metaphorical, believing that the essence of them can be understood with the help of physical and chemical descriptions. In biosemiotics, on the other hand, information sign processes are considered as the primordial, basic system of phenomena of life, requiring a new understanding..."3. "Biosemiotics explores sign systems of various levels: molecular biological (genetic code), intracellular (signal peptides), intercellular (mediators, immune interactions), intraorganism (hormones, conditioned reflex reactions) and interorganism (telergons, pheromones, attractants) ... In addition, biosemiotics covers all the problems associated with the problem of the existence of language and thinking in animals." However, today we can go further and add to the analysis the next stage of evolution, standing between animals and modern human (Homo sapiens sapiens).
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2691-8862.jvat-18-2209
Shayestehpour MohammadCorresponding author
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I.R. Iran
A concise review of oncolytic virotherapy covering viral engineering, tumor selectivity, and immune modulation. It assesses preclinical and clinical progress and discusses combinations with immunotherapies to enhance antitumor effects.
Mar 2018
Rizzello LorisCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, University College London (UCL), 20 Gordon Street, WC1H 0AJ - London (UK)
The crusade against cancer has a new army: immunotherapy. The rational design is very simple, but brilliant at the same time. Extract the patients T-cells, reprogram them in vitro for the expression of highly specific receptors against cancer, perfuse them back to the patient. As a result, T-cells are now instructed to selectively kill circulating tumor cells, while avoiding potential side effects. This ‘Fairy Tale’ however does not lack of drawbacks and limitations. First, malignant progression can be accompanied by profound immune suppression, which counteracts the immune system-mediated tumor elimination. Second, the immune cells modification does not match high standards in terms of safety for humans. Here, nanotech can fill these gaps, and help immunotherapy to be safer and more effective.
Jan 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-17-1926
Nagel SimonCorresponding author
Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Germany
Since the first description in 2013, 39 cases of anti-DPPX-encephalitis have been described. Main features of this autoimmune encephalitis characterized by antibodies against the potassium-channel-associated regulatory protein DPPX are gastrointestinal symptoms, cognitive dysfunction and signs of CNS hyperexcitability. While the majority of patients responds to immunotherapy relapses are frequent and often successfully treated with rituximab. Here we report another case of anti-DPPX-encephalitis presenting with the above mentioned triad. However, this is the first case of anti-DPPX-encephalitis in the context of a connective tissue disease combined with cerebral arteriopathy along with brain parenchymal lesions that we interpreted as a secondary, CTD-associated cerebral vasculitis. While the latter resolved under immunosuppressive treatment, comprising glucocorticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, rituximab and plasmapheresis, deterioration of the CTD and multiple infectious complications finally led to the patient's death. As histological evidence for cerebral vasculitis is lacking, other differential diagnoses for the observed cerebral arteriopathy, especially reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, have to be considered.
Jan 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-137X.ji-17-1800
R Patil RajanCorresponding author
School of Public Health, SRM University.
This article has been retracted on December 28, 2018. VIEW THE RETRACTION NOTICE (https://doi.org/10.14302/issn.2577-137X.ji-25-5837) This paper attempts to summarizes possible reasons for BCG trial failure in India. It also lists out some of the important controversies and questions raised with regards to BCG trial in the context of Non Specific sensitivity. It emphasizes on the fact, that Tuberculin test does not accurately reflect individual’s responded immunologically to mycobacterium, it only indicates nature of immune response that has been elicited in an infected individual. The dynamics of tuberculin reaction needs to be understood through immunological considerations. Categorization of Tuberculin test results factoring in immunological considerations,will have great implication on the interpretation of tuberculin test and therefore on the estimation of annual risk of infection of tuberculosis.
Oct 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-17-1742
A.Sakr SaberCorresponding author
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin El-kom, Egypt.
Introduction: Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is an anticancer drug .Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) essential oil is a traditional medicine used against many diseases. Aim. The present work studied the effect of fennel oil against testicular damage and oxidative stress induced by the anticancer drug, cyclophosphamide (CPA) in albino rats. Methods. Animals were divided into 4 groups: group1, control, group2, orally given fennel oil, group3 treated with CPA and group4 treated with CPA and fennel oil. The testes were removed for histological and immune histochemical preparation. Blood was collected and sera were prepared for hormonal and biochemical analysis. Results. The results revealed that CPA caused histological alterations in the testis including decrease in diameter and germinal epithelial height of the seminiferous tubules, degeneration of germ cells, cytoplasmic vacuolation and congestion of blood vessels. Cell proliferation marker was decreased and apoptotic marker caspase-3 was decreased. Biochemical results revealed decrease in the hormones LH and testosterone. Moreover, the serum activity of the antioxidant enzymes, SOD, CAT was decreased and the lipid peroxidation marker, DMA was increased. Treating rats with CPA and fennel oil caused an improvement in the histological structure of the testis. There was an increase in LH ,testosterone,SOD and CAT, while MDA level decreased. Conclusion. It is concluded that administration of fennel oil exhibited protective effects against CPA-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. The protective effect of fennel oil might be due to induction of antioxidant defense systems by one or more of its constituents.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-137X.ji-17-1736
Ahmed Kamal SamiaCorresponding author
Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Some strains of Foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) are endemic in Egypt. The present study was performed on cattle and buffaloes (ages: 3 months up to 1.5 years old, of years 2015 and 2016), which were suffering foot and mouth disease (FMD). Sera and tissues samples were tested by different techniques including serum and virus neutralization tests (SNT, VNT), virus isolation and identification by tissue culture methods, Enzyme linked immune-Sorbent Assays (ELISA); and by the pathological and hematology techniques. The results showed the predominance of FMDV serotype O with the presence of serotypes SAT2 and A. The results showed the pathologic picture of FMD was similar regardless its specific subtypes, as apparently the studied strains produces same pathological and hematological changes. Microscopic examination reveals severe hydropic degenerations and necrosis in most affected organs, accompanied by significant changes in blood parameters which indicate severity and direct effects of FMDV on the hematopoietic system. These findings indicates the mode of pathogenesis of FMD virus in its way to exhibits the characteristic symptoms of illness. However, the investigation showed the presence of FMDV type O, A and SAT2 in the studied areas of delta governorates. It is important to focus on producing of vaccines which have only these serotypes as solution to get rid of the endemic behavior of FMDV in delta of Egypt.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-17-1737
J. O OgunbiyiCorresponding author
Scientific review, Supervisory, slides evaluation and final review
Objective P16INK4a and Ki-67 are adjuncts to current histological assessment of cervical biopsies in identifying cases that require strict follow up and prompt intervention. This study aimed to evaluate P16INK4a and Ki-67 expression in squamous intraepithelial and other benign cervical lesions. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study of 153 cases of cervical biopsies diagnosed as CIN and benign cervical lesions between 2006 and 2013 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Slides and tissue blocks of all the selected cases were retrieved and classified using the 2003 WHO classification for intraepithelial and benign cervical lesions and were stained with p16INK4a and Ki-67 immunohistochemical stains following heat-induced antigen retrieval. Results were evaluated and compared with histologic diagnosis. Results Cases were classified as chronic cervicitis (12.3%), squamous Metaplasia (0.7%), CIN 1 (47.1%), CIN 2 (36.6%) and CIN 3 (3.3%). Majority of the non-dysplastic cervical lesions (including chronic cervicitis cases) showed low P16INK4a reactivity. Positive P16INK4a reactivity was seen in 80% of CIN 3 cases, 83.9% of CIN 2 cases, and, surprisingly, in 97.2% of CIN 1 cases. Ki-67 positivity was seen in 36.6% of cases (75% CIN 2 and 60% CIN 3). There was a significant correlation between the H&E diagnoses of CIN and P16INK4a/Ki-67 immunoreactivities. Conclusion Majority of the CIN 1 cases showing low grade p16INK4a immunereactivity strongly suggesting that cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia in this environment is likely associated with high grade HPV subtype infections and may predict possible progression to high grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia. The use of P16INK4a and Ki-67 in the evaluation of cervical biopsies for benign mimics of high grade intraepithelial lesion will aid proper single Pathologist evaluation and help in patients triaging for follow up.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-4721.ijcm-17-1676
W. Taylor-Robinson AndrewCorresponding author
School of Health, Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
Malaria is a mosquito-transmitted infectious disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. In the absence of prompt and appropriate treatment contraction of primary infection by a human being often represents a medical emergency since it may progress rapidly to life-threatening complications. Exposure to parasites activates the immune system resulting in, among other effects, the release of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). This has the potential to induce oxidative damage, thereby causing cellular destruction, and hence to have a severe effect on vital organs of the body. Overexpression of ROI leads to immunosuppression and is a causal factor in the development of malaria-related disease symptoms. However, the body possesses various defence mechanisms, notably including the production of antioxidants, which are capable of reducing the cellular effects of ROI. Antioxidants are either sourced exogenously from the diet or synthesized through different intracellular mechanisms. Antioxidants that include glutathione peroxidase, catalase, EDTA and vitamin C suppress the initial production of ROI. Others such as uric acid, superoxide dismutase and vitamin E may also inhibit potentially damaging products of ROI metabolism. Current anti-malarial drugs often have damaging side-effects, as exemplified by memory impairment following treatment for cerebral malaria. Recent studies have explored the potential use of antioxidants alone or in combination with anti-malarials as a therapeutic means to negate Plasmodium-induced oxidative stress and its associated metabolic complications. It is indicated that when utilized in an adjuvant capacity antioxidants of natural and synthetic origin may improve anti-malarial therapy by causing less damage to the host during malaria infection.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-17-1538
Zou LipingCorresponding author
Department of Pathology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China.
Status thymico-lymphaticus had ever been explained as a cause of sudden death usually in children, but few cases were reported in adults. We sought to determine the relationship between thymic hypertrophy and sudden unexpected death in adult (SUDA), and associated macroscopic and microscopic findings. Adult post mortems from 1984 to 2014 were reviewed and 23 thymic hypertrophy patients without SUDA, 33 thymic hypertrophy patients with SUDA and 172 SUDAs without thymic hypertrophy entered. The data of thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, heart, aorta, and adrenal glands were collected for macroscopic and histological analysis. Ten antibodies were used and applied to 3 children and 46 adult thymus specimens. We found, as an independent factor, thymic hypertrophy increased significantly the risk of SUDA (6.9 folds) in both male and female. What’s more, SUDAs associated with thymic hypertrophy were quite younger (22.5 years) than those without it. A majority of patients with hypertrophic thymus had a variable number of accompanied anomalies described as the typical characteristics of status thymico-lymphaticus, but no macroscopic and microscopic findings related to SUDA in patients with thymic hypertrophy. Cytokeratins (CKs) showed distinctly different immunohistochemical expression patterns in individuals who had different death causes and disease background. Instead of a disease entity “status thymico-lymphaticus” is a systematic abnormality with thymic hypertrophy as a feature involving mainly immune and/or cardiovascular system, probably caused by gene mutations.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-1716.jn-17-1495
J Gonzalez MichaelCorresponding author
University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, Schools of Public Health and Pharmacy, San Juan PR.
Diets high in unsaturated fatty acids, especially those containing high levels of linoleic acid, e.g., corn oil, enhance mammary gland tumorigenesis in experimental animals. In contrast, diets high in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), e.g. menhaden oil, appear to have a suppressive effect on this tumorigenic process. Many mechanisms have been proposed to explain the tumor inhibitory action exerted by menhaden oil and other fish oils, e.g., differences in prostaglandin metabolism, energy efficiency, alterations of the immune system, changes in lipid peroxidation, etc. Fundamental to a mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon, however, is an understanding as to whether or not the tumor inhibitory activities of dietary fish oil is mediated via an inhibition of tumor cell proliferation or mediated via an enhancement of tumor cell loss. Whether the amount of dietary fat or the type of fat effects mammary tumorigenic processes, via an effect on tumor cell proliferation or tumor cell loss, has not been clearly established. In the studies described in this communication, three methods were utilized to study tumor cell proliferation, i.e., H3-thymidine autoradiographic analysis, 5-bromo 2'-deoxyuridine (Brdu) flow cytometric analysis, and proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) flow cytometric analysis. Two methods were used to study tumor cell loss, i.e., a determination of the I125Urd tumor emission rate and a determination of a cell loss factor from the formulas of Steel and Begg. The tumor examined was the human breast carcinoma cell line MDA- MB231 maintained in athymic nude mouse. No significant difference in cell proliferation between carcinomas of mice fed a high corn oil diet (20% w/w) and a diet high in fish oil (19% menhaden oil, 1% corn oil). In contrast, a significant (p<0.05) increase in the rate of I125Urd emission rate and cell loss factor from the carcinomas in the fish oil fed mice compared to the corn oil fed mice was observed. In summary, the decreased tumor volume in the human breast carcinomas maintained in athymic nude mice fed a fish oil diet as compared to those fed a corn oil diet, appears to be due, at least in part, to an increased rate of carcinoma cell loss rather than a decreased rate of carcinoma cell proliferation.
Jun 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9359.jot-17-1603
Caprara CarlottaCorresponding author
Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation; International Renal Research Institute Vicenza (IRRIV); San Bortolo Hospital; Vicenza.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in immune responses and in the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of immunosuppressive drugs influence transplant outcomes of patients receiving the same immunosuppressive therapy. The aim of our preliminary study was to determine the SNPs profiles of ABCB1/MDR-1, UGT1A9, IMPDH2, IL-10 and TNF-α genes associated with acute rejection (AR) events in renal allograft recipients. DNA was extracted from whole blood samples of 220 individuals in 3 experimental groups; Case: 41 kidney transplant patients with AR event(s), Control I: 109 kidney transplant patients without AR event, Control II: 70 healthy blood donors. Acute rejection defined as rapid, unexplained rise in serum creatinine was biopsy-proven. 19 SNPs were analyzed by Sanger Sequencing. Analysis of allele and genotype frequencies and gene-disease association tests were performed. Allele frequencies of healthy persons are in line with ones reported from Europe indicating that the studied population is representative. Statistically significant differences only by the comparison of kidney transplant patients with AR event(s) and healthy individuals are found for rs2032582 and rs1045642 SNPs of ABCB1/MDR1, the latter is also not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in our population. Patients with specific alleles for these SPNs are more prone to have acute rejection events. Certain allele variants of ABCB1/MDR1 by modifying the effectiveness of the drugs may compromise the success of the immunosuppressive therapy and put patients at higher risk to reject the new organ. Therefore screening for these polymorphisms before transplantation would help clinicians to more accurately personalize medications.
Jun 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2175.jdrt-17-1481
Prakash Sasankoti Mohan RaviCorresponding author
Oral Medicine and Radiology, Subharti Dental College, India.
Background: Studies have unveiled lower levels of serum vitamin D in autoimmune diseases and the role of vitamin D in inhibition of helper T cells proliferation, stimulation of regulatory T cells, diminishing of B-lymphocyte differentiation and inhibition of immunoglobulin secretion has been discussed in the literature. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an autoimmune mucocutaneous disorder in which cell mediated immunity plays an important part and so it may also be related to serum vitamin D levels. Aim: To estimate serum vitamin D in oral lichen planus patients of North India, compare it to the controls and to evaluate various factors influencing vitamin D level in OLP cases such as sun exposure, gender, psychosocial factors, meteorological influences, religion and diet. Methods and Material: Venous blood samples of 102 clinically diagnosed oral lichen planus patients and 102 age and sex matched controls were obtained for the study and serum vitamin D levels were estimated using Vitek Immunodiagnostic Assay System, an automated bench-top immuno-analyzer, based on the Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay. The data was analyzed using chi-squared test and t-test. Results: Mean vitamin D in OLP cases and controls was 20.40 ng/ml and 32.67 ng/ml respectively. Vitamin D3 deficiency was more in OLP cases (70.6%) as compared to controls (34.3%) and insufficiency was more in controls (35.3%) as compared to OLP cases (16.7%). These differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: Although vitamin D deficiency was found more in OLP cases pointing towards the possible co-relation of vitamin D and OLP, yet insufficiency was seen more commonly in controls which revealed that this important vitamin was lacking in North Indian population.
Apr 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-17-1463
Szablewska SylwiaCorresponding author
Nicolaus Copernicus University, Faculty of Health Sciences; Department of Oncology, Radiotherapy and Ginecologic Oncology, Poland
Melanoma is considered to be a very aggressive cancer due to its rapid growth, early and multiple metastases and limited response to standard treatment. Many researchers have hypothesized that the combination of radiation therapy and immunotherapy in the treatment of melanoma primary tumors and metastases improves the efficiency of these methods as compared to their use separately. Therefore, combined therapy is an increasingly popular topic in radiation oncology. Although the mechanism of immune response to ionizing radiation remains unclear, known are the factors involved in the immune response, including NK and CD8(+) T cells. Many studies have demonstrated the importance of inflammatory factors, primarily cytokines, in the response to ionizing radiation. In turn, many cytokines released in an irradiated organ, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukins IL1 and IL6 and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), can induce the production of significant amounts of reactive oxygen species that are associated with the induction of DNA damage in tumor cells. In relation to anticancer immunotherapy, the clinical data obtained to date can encourage future studies combining radiation therapy and the inhibitors of cell division checkpoints in the treatment of advanced melanoma. In a recent study, melanoma cell lines became more sensitive to radiation after BRAF inhibition, which provides a potential synergistic mechanism of BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) combined with radiation therapy for better effects of treatment. In this article, we present a systematic review of the literature on the use of the combination of radiation therapy and immunotherapy in the treatment of melanoma.
Nov 2016
Robst JohnCorresponding author
Department of Mental Health Law & Policy Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida 13301 Bruce B Downs Blvd Tampa
The purpose of this paper is to review the literature linking schizophrenia with chronic inflammation and gluten sensitivity. In addition, the paper discusses the need for dietary interventions that may improve multiple health outcomes for patients. Individuals with schizophrenia are at much greater risk for the development of additional autoimmune disorders. Second generation anti-psychotic medications are the most effective treatment for schizophrenia, but there are numerous potential side effects to the medications. More specifically, individuals with schizophrenia who are treated with SGAs are at increased risk for obesity, diabetes, as well as elevated lipids and blood pressure. An effective evidence-based dietary intervention has the potential to improve numerous outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia.
Sep 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-16-1227
Martina .C EzeamaCorresponding author
Department of Nursing science, Imo state university, P.M.B 2000 Imo State , Nigeria.
Introduction: Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) constitute public health challenge in Nigeria and adolescents are increasingly becoming vulnerable. It is necessary to provide adolescents in schools with risk-reduction educational interventions so as to expose them on the need to protect themselves from getting infected. This study used risk-reduction interventions (Class-room Instruction and Drama) to encourage risk-reduction practices among in-school adolescents. Materials and Method: Quasi-experimental design using 165 students randomly selected from three convenient co-educational secondary schools in the rural areas was adopted. Two experimental groups, class room instruction (CI) and drama (DR) were used. Baseline data using semi-structured questionnaire with 27- point risk reduction practices were collected. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, t-test and ANOVA at p =0.05. Result: Scores for HIV risk reduction practices among the adolescents at baseline, classroom instruction (CI), drama (DR) and control respectively were 18.5±4.6, 19.8 ± 5.8 and 17.0 ± 4.8 . The mid-term scores obtained were 23.8 ± 3.4, 23.6 ± 3.4 and 17.7 ± 5.1. The scores obtained for CI, DR and control groups at follow-up were 24.9 ± 2.6, 26.7 ± 1.1 and 17.0 ± 5.3 respectively. The results showed more effective risk reduction practices among the intervention groups than control group. Conclusion Drama intervention yielded more positive outcomes in risk-reduction practices than others. Drama is therefore recommended as the best HIV and AIDS intervention programme for in- school adolescents.
Sep 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2473-1005.jdoi-16-1196
Singh Nayyar AbhishekCorresponding author
Reader, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Saraswati-Dhanwantari Dental College and Hospital and Post-Graduate Research Institute, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India
Background and Context: Autologous bone grafts require a second surgical exposure to harvest the graft with a significant risk of post-operative complications and donor site morbidity. Employment of allografts potentially eliminates donor site morbidity but carries the potential of causing foreign body immune reactions with a high rate of rejection and failures. Hence, Alloplasts have emerged as novel materials to overcome the drawbacks of autogenous and allogenous bone grafts. Today’s advanced dentistry is enterprising a putty form of calcium phosphosilicate (CPS) into several aspects of reconstructive domain of dentistry including the sinus augmentation procedures, osseous regeneration of periodontal bone defects, cystic cavity defects and alveolar socket preservation. This eccentric multifaceted study was planned as an honest effort on the path of proving the efficiency of CPS as an alloplastic bioactive graft material and aimed at quantitative evaluation of regenerated bone radiographically using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans following sinus augmentation procedures. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 sinus augmentations were carried-out in 17 patients satisfying the criteria (inclusion and exclusion) requiring placement of implants in atrophic maxilla and in other situations of anatomic constraints. The graft material used was calcium phosphosilicate (CPS) putty (Nova bone dental putty, Novabone products, Alachua, Fla). The residual bone height was recorded using CBCT scans and a computer based software where the measurements were made from the crest of the ridge till the sinus floor lining. The patients were assessed clinically at immediate post-operative, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months follow-up recalls post-operatively. Radiographic assessment for bone height was done pre-operatively and at 6 months follow-up recall post-operatively using Cone Beam Computer Tomography scans. Results: The post-treatment bone height (11.76+0.97mm) was found to be significantly higher than the pre-treatment bone height (6.8 +0.70mm) in indirect sinus augmentation procedures (t=14.4, p<0.005). In case of direct sinus augmentation group also, the post-treatment bone height (11.27 +0.71mm) came-out to be significantly higher than the pre-treatment bone height (2.44 +0.81mm) (t=32.17, p<0.005). The post-treatment bone grafted sinus floor measurements (1107.6 + 155.6mm) were also found to be significantly higher than the original sinus floor measurements of bone density (Grayscale values) (412+ 65.5mm) (t=16.6, p<0.001) in case of indirect sinus augmentation procedures. Similarly, the post-treatment bone grafted sinus floor measurements (1169.6+136.7mm) were found to be significantly higher than the original sinus floor measurements of bone density (Grayscale values) (416.4+ 0.70mm) (t=17.9, p<0.001) in case of direct sinus augmentation group. Conclusion: Calcium Phosphosilicate (CPS) was accepted well at the recipient sites without any complications demonstrating its efficiency and reliability in sinus augmentation procedures.
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-0105.jbfb-16-1121
Anderson GeorgeCorresponding author
CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London, UK.
The biological underpinnings that drive the plethora of breastfeeding benefits over formula-feeding is an area of intense research, given the cognitive and emotional benefits as well as the offsetting of many childhood- and adult-onset medical conditions that breast-feeding provides. In this article, we review the research on the role of melatonin in driving some of these breastfeeding benefits. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive as well as optimizing mitochondrial function. Melatonin is produced by the placenta and, upon parturition, maternal melatonin is passed to the infant upon breastfeeding with higher levels in night-time breast milk. As such, some of the benefits of breastfeeding may be mediated by the higher levels of maternal circulating night-time melatonin, allowing for circadian and antioxidant effects, as well as promoting the immune and mitochondrial regulatory aspects of melatonin; these actions may positively modulate infant development. Herein, it is proposed that some of the benefits of breastfeeding may be mediated by melatonin's regulation of the infant's gut microbiota and immune responses. As such, melatonin is likely to contribute to the early developmental processes that affect the susceptibility to a range of adult onset conditions. Early research on animal models has shown promising results for the regulatory role of melatonin.
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-2818.jfb-16-1035
Sugimoto MayumiCorresponding author
National Livestock Breeding Center, Nishigo, Fukushima, Japan,
Female fertility is an economically important trait in the dairy industry, and the fertility selection index has been developed as a method of including female fertility in the breeding goals of this industry. This index considers a combination of factors, including days open, number of inseminations per lactation, success after first insemination, and pregnancy within 70 d, 90 d, and 110 d after parity. Based on a genome-wide association study of the fertility selection index using 442 Holsteins, we found that the index is influenced by a variation in the thioredoxin fold region of the family with the sequence similarity 213, member A (FAM213A) protein. FAM213A is a CXXC motif-containing peroxiredoxin 2-like protein that regulates cellular redox status. A replacement of isoleucine with valine in FAM213A was associated with poor fertility in cows. The overexpression of FAM213AVal in bovine endometrial epithelial cells reduced reactive oxygen species to a lesser extent relative to the overexpression of FAM213AIle and caused a decrease in cyclooxygenase-2 expression. Downregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 led to a decline in prostaglandin E2, which is critical for implantation because it protects the conceptus from the maternal immune system. Cows with FAM213AVal showed lower levels of prostaglandin E2 than did cows with FAM213AIle, suggesting that cows with FAM213AVal are less fertile than cows with FAM213AIle because of their reduced uterine environment. Thus, the present study found that FAM213A unexpectedly modulates female fertility in cattle.
May 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-16-1039
V. Seeman MaryCorresponding author
Professor Emerita, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 260 Heath St. W., Suite 605, Toronto, Ontario, M5P 3L6, Canada.
Over the last three decades, an epidemic of obesity has markedly affected patients suffering from mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Antipsychotic medications used to treat schizophrenia are considered as major culprits. The aim of this review is to first consider risk factors, to then outline negative sequelae of obesity for this population, and finally to address timing and content of recommended clinical interventions. Medical databases were searched with the terms “”weight,” “obesity,” and “schizophrenia.” Selection of articles was guided by date of publication; recent papers are preferentially cited. The main findings were that, in addition to antipsychotic medications, socio-economics, lifestyle, immune factors, and circadian rhythms also contribute to obesity risk. A barrier to effective health promotion within psychiatry has been the concern that fears about gaining weight might stop individuals with schizophrenia from taking needed antipsychotic medication. Recommendations, therefore, are to keep the dose of antipsychotic medication as low as possible, avoid polypharmacy, encourage healthy eating and physical activity, address sleep problems and substance use, monitor weight, blood pressure, and metabolic parameters regularly, utilize motivational interviewing techniques and peer support, pay special attention to special needs such as those of women during pregnancy, and include bariatric surgery as a potential intervention. Conclusion: Besides careful attention to medication regimens, the literature supports the active encouragement and support of patient self-management strategies to both prevent and manage obesity in schizophrenia.
May 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-14-401
Fried BernardCorresponding author
Biology Department, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042.
The hemocyte is a major immunological cell of molluscs. Much of the immunological phenomena associated with molluscan immunology can be attributed to cellular immunity associated with these cells suspended in the hemolymph. These cells are often referred to as amoebocytes or hemocytes. Such cells are of great importance to immune mechanisms associated withBiomphalaria snails. The Biomphalaria snail is the main vector of the important trematode parasite Schistosoma mansoni. This is a waterborne parasite that affects about 200 million people globally and puts countless other millions at risk of infection. Larval stages of the parasite are released from the snail in tainted waters and the larval cercarial stage actively penetrates the skin of humans and other vertebrates. Larvae migrate via the venous system to vital organs associated with the heaptic portal and mesenteric blood vessels. Larvae develop into sexually mature male and female adult worms that live in major venous blood vessels. The worms mate and produce eggs that lodge in major organs such as the spleen, liver, and intestines. Eggs produce extensive granulomas that cause cirrhosis and other pathological conditions in the affected organs.
Dec 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-13-264
J. R WernikCorresponding author
Facultad de Medicina, UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay;
Phytochemicals (PHT) are a large group of biologically active plant chemicals that may have positive effects on human health such as immune system stimulation, down regulation of inflammatory responses, radical scavenging activities, cell repair function, and antibacterial and antiviral activity. In this proof of principle 6 months study, the effects of supplementing a PHT mix, Phyto V7, to HIV-1 seropositive individuals and AIDS patients were examined. Individuals with CD4+ T-cells below 350 counts/mm3were assigned to one of the following treatments: CG1 - no treatment, CG2 - only highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART), TG1 - only Phyto V7, and TG2- both Phyto V7 and HAART. After 3 months of treatment there were approximately (-)1%, 1%, 2% and 4% increase in the mean weight of the CG1, CG2, TG1 and TG2 groups, respectively. The tendency for the body mass index (BMI) was similar. The CD4+ counts increased by 13%, 39%, 53% and 35%, respectively. Similar trends were noted after 6 months with 2%, 79%, 53% and 69% increases in the CD4+ counts, respectively. There was a significant reduction in viremia only in groups receiving HAART. Overall better results were obtained in the group of patients receiving both HAART and Phyto V7, in which the mean weight increased by 5.7% and the CD4+ T-cell counts increased by 69% after 6 months. This study indicates that providing Phyto V7 to HIV-1 seropositive individuals and AIDS patients, receiving or not receiving HAART, improves their physical wellbeing and CD4+ counts, enabling them to cope better with the viral infection.
Nov 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2175.jdrt-15-698
Xiang Wen-ZhongCorresponding author
Department of Dermatology, Third Hospital of Hangzhou, Affiliated Hangzhou Clinical College, Anhui Medical University.
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is one of the most common autoimmune blistering diseases. Here, we report an old woman presented with a 2-month history of bullous lesions located just over the skin of the right thigh and buttock where the orthopedics operation was performed using artificial hip made of titanium alloy and a twenty days history of similar lesions involving the rest of the body gradually.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-14-416
Gnimbar PODA GhislainCorresponding author
National Council of HIV/AIDS (SP/CNLS-IST), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) /acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) affect all levels of society and drivers are considered as vectors of HIV transmission because of the mobility of their work. The aim of this study was to assess struck drivers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices on HIV and AIDS in Burkina Faso. Methods: Quantitative method and cross-sectional survey using questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha 0.76 were used in this study. SPSS, version 18.0 was used for analysis. P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: 150 truck drivers participated in the study with a mean age of 38.71 years (SD=8.87), and ranged from 25 to 68 years old. It was observed that misconceptions about HIV transmission are quite prevalent among truck drivers. About 61 (40.7%) felt that AIDS can be transmitted by sharing meals, 35 (23.3%) stated that it can be spread by mosquito bite and 65 (43.3%) were of the opinion that AIDS can be transmitted by using same toilet and cloths. High-risk behavior was established in the study. 78% have other sexual partners besides their wives and 34% often visit sex workers in which 26 % had unprotected sex with sex workers. Alcohol seems to have a big role in their sexual behavior; thus 22 % of truck drivers declare drink alcohol before sex. There were significant association in demographic factors and knowledge, attitude and practice. Conclusion: The study findings underline the negative risk behaviors of truck drivers. Safe sex and use of condom have to be promoted through education program among truck drivers in Burkina Faso.