MedWorm: Allergy & Immunology

Postoperative Pain Trajectories in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Poorly controlled postoperative pain is a longstanding and costly problem in medicine. The purposes of this study were to characterize the acute pain trajectories over the first four postoperative days in 83 cardiac surgery patients with a mixed effects model of linear growth to determine whether statistically significant individual differences exist in these pain trajectories, and to compare the quality of measurement by trajectory with conventional pain measurement practices. The data conformed to a linear model that provided slope (rate of change) as a basis for comparing patients. Slopes varied significantly across patients, indicating that the direction and rate of change in pain during the first four days of recovery from surgery differed systematically across individuals. Of the 83 ...

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Physician Wages in States with Expanded APRN Scope of Practice

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

In recent years, states have looked to reforms in advanced practice nursing scope of practice (SOP) barriers as a potential means to increase access to primary care while reducing costs. Currently, 16 states and the District of Columbia permit advanced practice registered nurses to practice independently of physicians, allowing them to perform functions such as diagnosing and prescribing under their own authority within the primary care setting. Given the resistance of many physician associations to these reforms, we asked whether the economic interests of primary care physicians might be affected by reforms. Using the Bureau of Labor Statistics data on earnings, we compared primary care physicians' earnings in states that have instituted SOP reforms to those that maintain these practi...

Solving the Short-Term Scheduling Problem of Hydrothermal Systems via Lagrangian Relaxation and Augmented Lagrangian

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

The objective consists in minimizing the operation cost over a two-day horizon with a one-hour time resolution. To solve this difficult problem, a Lagrangian Relaxation (LR) based on variable splitting is designed where the resulting dual problem is solved by a Bundle method. Given that the LR usually fails to find a feasible solution, we use an inexact Augmented Lagrangian method to improve the quality of the solution supplied by the LR. We assess our approach by using a real-life hydrothermal configuration extracted from the Brazilian power system, proving the conceptual and practical feasibility of the proposed algorithm. In summary, the main contributions of this paper are (i) a detailed and compatible modelling for this problem is presented; (ii) in order to solve efficiently the enti...

Effects of Thermocapillarity and Thermal Radiation on Flow and Heat Transfer in a Thin Liquid Film on an Unsteady Stretching Sheet

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

This paper examines the effects of thermocapillarity and thermal radiation on the boundary layer flow and heat transfer in a thin film on an unsteady stretching sheet with nonuniform heat source/sink. The governing partial differential equations are converted into ordinary differential equations by a similarity transformation and then are solved by using the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The effects of the radiation parameter, the thermocapillarity number, and the temperature-dependent parameter in this study are discussed and presented graphically via velocity and temperature profiles. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

Magnetostrictive Actuation of a Bone Loading Composite for Accelerated Tissue Formation

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

When bone is dynamically loaded it adapts its shape to better support the load. We have developed a magnetostrictive composite consisting of Terfenol-D particles encapsulated in an epoxy resin that changes length when exposed to magnetic fields. When bonded to the surface of a porcine tibia ex vitro, the composite produces surface strains greater than 900 με at a frequency of 30 Hz and magnetic field of 170 kA/m. This is more than sufficient strain magnitude and frequency to promote cortical bone growth in both rats and turkeys and to maintain cortical bone structure in humans. Key advantages of the composite over conventional electromechanical or thermomechanical actuators are its simplicity, compact size, and remote actuation. A mathematical model describ...

Radiation Analysis for Two Trajectory Points of the Fire II Entry

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Numerical rebuilding of two trajectory points (t=1634 s and t=1643 s) of the Fire II mission has been carried out to predict the radiative heat flux for nonequilibrium and close-to-equilibrium conditions. The simulations have been performed with eilmer3 in an uncoupled way and using a tangent slab method for the radiation transport. Different population models (QSS and Boltzmann) have been compared, and the influence of catalytic wall condition was taken into account. An analysis on the spectral range and on the spectral resolution has also been carried out. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

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Pulmonary Bacterial Communities in Surgically Resected Noncystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Lungs Are Similar to Those in Cystic Fibrosis

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Conclusions. Our data indicate significant diversity in the pulmonary bacterial community of both CF and non-CF bronchiectasis patients and suggest that this community is similar in surgically resected lungs of CF and non-CF bronchiectasis patients. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

Improvement of Amperometric Biosensor Performance for H2O2 Detection based on Bimetallic PtM (M = Ru, Au, and Ir) Nanoparticles

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Novel bimetallic nanoparticles have been synthesized via rapid microwave irradiation, leading to an improved sensitivity and a highly anti-interference property for amperometric biosensor in H2O2 detection. The material characterizations were performed by TEM, XRD, and EDX, which show the bimetallic formation of Pt-based catalysts and well-dispersed nanoparticles of 2–5 nm. The sensitivities for the detection of H2O2 of PtRu, PtAu, and PtIr as the biosensor working electrode catalysts are 539.01 (R2=0.99), 415.46 (R2=0.99), and 404.52 (R2=0.97) μA⋅mM−1⋅cm-2, respectively, nearly twice higher than the pure Pt catalyst (221.77 μA⋅mM−1⋅cm−2, R2=0.98), at a low applied potential ...

Leptin in Anorexia and Cachexia Syndrome

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Leptin is a product of the obese (OB) gene secreted by adipocytes in proportion to fat mass. It decreases food intake and increases energy expenditure by affecting the balance between orexigenic and anorexigenic hypothalamic pathways. Low leptin levels are responsible for the compensatory increase in appetite and body weight and decreased energy expenditure (EE) following caloric deprivation. The anorexia-cachexia syndrome is a complication of many chronic conditions including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and aging, where the decrease in body weight and food intake is not followed by a compensatory increase in appetite or decreased EE. Crosstalk between leptin and inflammatory signaling known to be activated in these condi...

Aqueous Synthesis of CdTe Quantum Dot Using Dithiol-Functionalized Ionic Liquid

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

We report on an aqueous synthesis of cadmium telluride (CdTe) nanocrystals by using dithiol-functionalized ionic liquids (dTFILs). The dTFILs were designed to have dithiol and vinylimidazolium functional groups and used as a ligand molecule of CdTe quantum dot (QD) to utilize the bidendate chelate interaction afforded by the dithiol groups of dTFILs. The photoluminescence quantum yield of dTFIL-capped CdTe QDs reached up to ~40%, and their luminescent property was maintained for 8 weeks, suggesting an improved stability in water phase. This approach will provide a new synthetic route to the water soluble QDs. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

Fluorescence Properties and Synthesis of Green-Emitting Tb3+-Activated Amorphous Calcium Silicate Phosphor by Ultraviolet Irradiation of 378 nm

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

This study describes novel green-emitting Tb3+-activated amorphous calcium silicate by ultraviolet excitation at 378 nm. The Tb3+-activated amorphous calcium silicate was prepared by heating a sample of Tb3+-activated calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) at 900°C for 30 minutes. The emission wavelength of the resulting phosphor was 544 nm. The optimum excitation wavelength within the range 300–400 nm was 378 nm. The Tb3+-activated amorphous calcium silicate emitted green by ultraviolet irradiation. The optimum initial Tb/Ca atomic ratio of this phosphor was about 0.5. A mechanism for the action of the phosphor is proposed, in which Tb3+ ions existing in the layer of the CSH lead to loss of water molecules and OH groups. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunolo...

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DNA Damage Protecting Activity and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Anthocyanins from Red Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Bran

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

There is increasing interest in natural food colorants like carotenoids and anthocyanins with functional properties. Red sorghum bran is known as a rich source for anthocyanins. The anthocyanin contents extracted from red sorghum bran were evaluated by biochemical analysis. Among the three solvent system used, the acidified methanol extract showed a highest anthocyanin content (4.7 mg/g of sorghum bran) followed by methanol (1.95 mg/g) and acetone (1 mg/g). Similarly, the highest total flavonoids (143 mg/g) and total phenolic contents (0.93 mg/g) were obtained in acidified methanol extracts than methanol and acetone extracts. To study the health benefits of anthocyanin from red sorghum bran, the total antioxidant activity was evaluated by biochemical and ...

Electrospun Nanostructured Fibers of Collagen-Biomimetic Apatite on Titanium Alloy

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Titanium and its alloys are currently the mainly used materials to manufacture orthopaedic implants due to their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Although these materials are bioinert, the improvement of biological properties (e.g., bone implant contact) can be obtained by the application of a material that mimics the bone extracellular matrix. To this aim, this work describes a new method to produce nanostructured collagen-apatite composites on titanium alloy substrate, by combining electrospinning and biomimetic mineralization. The characterization results showed that the obtained mineralized scaffolds have morphological, structural, and chemical compositional features similar to natural bone extracellular matrix. Finally, the topographic distribution of the chem...

Effects of High-Mobility Group A Protein Application on Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Multipotency and self-renewal are considered as most important features of stem cells to persist throughout life in tissues. In this context, the role of HMGA proteins to influence proliferation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASCs) while maintaining their multipotent and self-renewal capacities has not yet been investigated. Therefore, extracellular HMGA1 and HMGA2 application alone (10–200 ng/mL) and in combination with each other (100, 200 ng/mL each) was investigated with regard to proliferative effects on canine ASCs (cASCs) after 48 hours of cultivation. Furthermore, mRNA expression of multipotency marker genes in unstimulated and HMGA2-stimulated cASCs (50, 100 ng/mL) was analyzed by RT-qPCR. HMGA1 significantly reduced cASCs proliferation in con...

Kappa-Opioid Receptors in the Caudal Nucleus Tractus Solitarius Mediate 100 Hz Electroacupuncture-Induced Sleep Activities in Rats

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Previous results demonstrated that 10 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) of Anmian acupoints in rats during the dark period enhances slow wave sleep (SWS), which involves the induction of cholinergic activity in the caudal nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and subsequent activation of opioidergic neurons and μ-receptors. Studies have shown that different kinds of endogenous opiate peptides and receptors may mediate the consequences of EA with different frequencies. Herein, we further elucidated that high-frequency (100 Hz)-EA of Anmian enhanced SWS during the dark period but exhibited no direct effect on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. High-frequency EA-induced SWS enhancement was dose-dependently blocked by microinjection of naloxone or κ-receptor antagonist (nor-binaltorphimine) i...

Effective Silencing of Sry Gene with RNA Interference in Developing Mouse Embryos Resulted in Feminization of XY Gonad

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Delivering siRNA or shRNA into the developing embryos is still a main challenge to use of RNAi in mammalian systems. Here we analyze several factors influencing RNAi-mediated silencing of Sry gene, which is a tightly controlled spatiotemporal expressed gene and only shortly expressed in developing mouse embryo gonad. A Sry gene-specific shRNAs expression vector (pSilencer4.1/Sry565) was constructed. The shRNA constructs were mixed with polyethylenimines (PEIs) to form a complex and then injected into pregnant mice though tail vein. Our results showed that Sry gene was downregulated significantly in developing embryos. Further study revealed that knocking-down of Sry expression resulted in feminization of gonad development in mouse embryos and the expression level of Sox9 and Wt1 gene was a...

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Pseudomonas sp. as a Source of Medium Chain Length Polyhydroxyalkanoates for Controlled Drug Delivery: Perspective

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Controlled drug delivery technology represents one of the most rapidly advancing areas of science. They offer numerous advantages compared to conventional dosage forms including improved efficacy, reduced toxicity, improved patient compliance and convenience. Over the past several decades, many delivery tools or methods were developed such as viral vector, liposome-based delivery system, polymer-based delivery system, and intelligent delivery system. Recently, nonviral vectors, especially those based on biodegradable polymers, have been widely investigated as vectors. Unlike the other polymers tested, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have been intensively investigated as a family of biodegradable and biocompatible materials for in vivo applications as implantable tissue engineering material as...

Production of Oxidants by Ion Bombardment of Icy Moons in the Outer Solar System

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Our groups in Brazil, France and Italy have been active, among others in the world, in performing experiments on physical-chemical effects induced by fast ions colliding with solids (frozen gases, carbonaceous and organic materials, silicates, etc.) of astrophysical interest. The used ions span a very large range of energies, from a few keV to hundreds MeV. Here we present a summary of the results obtained so far on the formation of oxidants (hydrogen peroxide and ozone) after ion irradiation of frozen water, carbon dioxide and their mixtures. Irradiation of pure water ice produces hydrogen peroxide whatever is the used ion and at different temperatures. Irradiation of carbon dioxide and water frozen mixtures result in the production of molecules among which hydrogen peroxide and ozone. Th...

Synthesis and Characterization of New Lead(II) and Organotin(IV) Complexes of Schiff Bases Derived from Histidine and Methionine

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

New Schiff base (HL) ligand is prepared via condensation of isatins and amino acids in 1:1 molar ratio. Metal complexes are prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, electronic, infrared, and multinuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 119Sn NMR). The analytical data showed that the ligand acts as bidentate toward metal ions via azomethine nitrogen and carboxylate oxygen by a stoichiometric reaction of metal : ligand (1 : 2) to from metal complexes (Pb(II)(L)2 and Bu2Sn(L)2, where L is the Schiff base ligands of histidine and methionine). The conductivity values between 15 and 25 Ω−1cm2 mol−1 in DMF imply the presence of nonelectrolyte species. On the basis of the above spectral studies, distorted...

Nonparametric Confidence Limits of Quantile-Based Process Capability Indices

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

We propose an asymptotic nonparametric confidence interval for quantile-based process capability indices (PCIs) based on the superstructure CNp(u,v) modified from Cp(u,v) which contains the four basic PCIs, Cp, Cpk, Cpm, and Cpmk, as special cases. Since the asymptotic variance of the estimator for quantile-based PCIs involves the density function of the underlying process, the existing asymptotic results cannot be used directly to construct confidence limits for PCIs. To obtain a consistent estimator for the asymptotic variance of the estimated quantile-based PCIs, in this paper, we propose to use the kernel density estimator for the underlying process. Consequently, the confidence limits for PCIs are established based on the consistent estimates. A real-life example from manufacturing en...

MOfinder: A Novel Algorithm for Detecting Overlapping Modules from Protein-Protein Interaction Network

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

In this study, a new method, MOfinder, was developed to detect overlapping modules in a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. We demonstrate that our method is more accurate than other 5 methods. Then, we applied MOfinder to yeast and human PPI network and explored the overlapping information. Using the overlapping modules of human PPI network, we constructed the module-module communication network. Functional annotation showed that the immune-related and cancer-related proteins were always together and present in the same modules, which offer some clues for immune therapy for cancer. Our study around overlapping modules suggests a new perspective on the analysis of PPI network and improves our understanding of disease. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

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Detection of Chromosome X;18 Breakpoints and Translocation of the Xq22.3;18q23 Regions Resulting in Variable Fertility Phenotypes

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

We describe a familial pattern of gonosomal-autosomal translocation between the X and 18 chromosomes, balanced and unbalanced forms, in male and female siblings. The proposita was consulted for hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Karyotype analysis revealed a balanced 46, X, t(X;18)(q22.3;q23) genotype. The sister of the proband presented with oligomenorrhea with irregular menses and possesses an unbalanced form of the translocation 46, X, der(X), t(X;18)(q22.3;q23). The brother of the proband was investigated and was found to possess the balanced form of the same translocation, resulting in disrupted spermatogenesis. Maternal investigation revealed the progenitor karyotype 46, X, t(X;18)(q22.3;q23). Maternal inheritance and various genomic events contributed to the resultant genotypes. Primar...

Retraction

Tissue Antigens — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:13:16 +0100

(Source: Tissue Antigens)

Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, update December 2011

Tissue Antigens — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:13:14 +0100

(Source: Tissue Antigens)

Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, update November 2011

Tissue Antigens — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:13:13 +0100

(Source: Tissue Antigens)

Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system, update October 2011

Tissue Antigens — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:13:11 +0100

(Source: Tissue Antigens)

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Sequence evolution and escape from specific immune pressure of an HIV‐1 Rev epitope with extensive sequence similarity to human nucleolar protein 6

Tissue Antigens — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:12:51 +0100

This study shows that the HLA‐B44‐restricted Rev CD8+ T‐cell epitope EL9 is immunogenic notwithstanding its close resemblance to a human peptide. The epitope mutates as a consequence of dynamic interaction between T‐cells and HIV‐1. Clinical status, CD4+ T‐cell count and viral load remained stable despite escape from T‐cell recognition. (Source: Tissue Antigens)

Analysis of HLA‐DM polymorphisms in the Chinese Han population

Tissue Antigens — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:12:48 +0100

This study lays the foundations for further disease association analyses. (Source: Tissue Antigens)

Targeting HLA class I expression to increase tumor immunogenicity

Tissue Antigens — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:12:45 +0100

The dynamic interaction between the host immune system and growing cancer has been of central interest to the field of tumor immunology over the past years. Recognition of tumor‐associated antigens (TAA) by self‐HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class I‐restricted CD8+ T cells is a main feature in the detection and destruction of malignant cells. The discovery and molecular characterization of TAA has changed the field of cancer treatment and introduced a new era of cancer immunotherapy aimed at increasing tumor immunogenicity and T‐cell‐mediated anti‐tumor immunity. Unfortunately, while these new protocols of cancer immunotherapy are mediating induction of tumor‐specific T lymphocytes in patients with certain malignancies, they have not yet delivered substantial clinical benefit...

Soda Linked to Lung Disease (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:13:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- More bad news for soda lovers: in addition to obesity and heart disease, the sugary drinks may be tied to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Australian researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

Factors associated with a shorter time until the next pulmonary exacerbation in adult patients with cystic fibrosis.

Chronic Respiratory Disease — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:06:02 +0100

Authors: Sequeiros IM, Jarad N Abstract Time until the subsequent exacerbation (PEx) in cystic fibrosis (CF) is a significant health outcome and one of the significant end points in clinical trials. Risk factors associated with shorter time until the next exacerbation (TUNE) have not been reported. This is a prospective study. TUNE was the number of days from the end of intravenous (IV) antibiotic treatment of a PEx until the day of start of IV antibiotics for the following PEx. Factors assessed were age, gender, site of treatment, CF-related diabetes (CFRD), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). In addition, we examined parameters obtained at day 14 of treatment including forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), ...

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Acupuncture compared with oral antihistamine for type I hypersensitivity itch and skin response in adults with atopic dermatitis – a patient‐ and examiner‐blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial

Allergy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsBoth VA and cetirizine significantly reduced type I hypersensitivity itch in patients with AD, compared with both placebo and NI. Timing of acupuncture application was important, as VAa had the most significant effect on itch, potentially because of counter‐irritation and/or distraction. Itch reduction following cetirizine coincided with reduced attention. (Source: Allergy)

Luminal decoration of blood vessels by activated perivasal mast cells in allergic rhinitis

Allergy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionDirect membrane transfer from perivasal mast cells into nearby blood vessels constitutes a novel mechanism to modulate endothelial surface features with apparent significance in allergic diseases. (Source: Allergy)

Erratum

Neuroimmunomodulation — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroimmunomodulation 2012;19:157 (DOI:10.1159/000336928) (Source: Neuroimmunomodulation)

News From The Journal Of Clinical Investigation: Feb. 6, 2012

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0100

IMMUNOLOGY: How a stomach-colonizing bacterium protects against asthma The bacterium Helicobacter pylori can be found colonizing the stomach lining of almost half the world's population. Although persistent infection with Helicobacter pylori increases an individual's risk of developing stomach cancer, it also decreases their risk of developing asthma. A team of researchers led by Anne Muller, at the University of ZÃ¼rich, Switzerland, has now identified a cellular mechanism by which persistent infection with Helicobacter pylori protects mice from developing allergic asthma... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Key To Immune Cell's 'internal Guidance' System Discovered

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

University of British Columbia researchers have discovered the molecular pathway that enables receptors inside immune cells to find, and flag, fragments of pathogens trying to invade a host. The discovery of the role played by the molecule CD74 could help immunologists investigate treatments that offer better immune responses against cancers, viruses and bacteria, and lead to more efficient vaccines. The findings are published in this week's edition of Nature Immunology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Natural vanadium-containing jeju groundwater inhibits immunoglobulin e-mediated anaphylactic reaction and suppresses eicosanoid generation and degranulation in bone marrow derived-mast cells.

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100

Authors: Li X, Lu Y, Yang JH, Jin Y, Hwang SL, Chang HW Abstract The high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (IgE) (FcεRI)-mediated activation of mast cells plays an important role in various allergic diseases. To assess the anti-allergic activity of natural vanadium-containing Jeju groundwater (JW), an in vivo passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) animal model and in vitro mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) was used. JW inhibited cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-dependent prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) generation in a dose-dependent manner, with a concomitant reduction of COX-2 protein expression in IgE-induced BMMCs. In addition, JW inhibited 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)-dependent generation of leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) as well as degranulation in a dose-dependent manner. These resul...

Acknowledgment of Reviewers

Viral Immunology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:46:26 +0100

Viral Immunology Feb 2012, Vol. 25, No. 1: 91-95. (Source: Viral Immunology)

Unraveling the mystery of the hygiene hypothesis through Helicobacter pylori infection

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:32:05 +0100

Epidemiological studies have revealed an inverse association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the incidence of allergic asthma. This association is consistent with the hygiene hypothesis, which posits that exposure to microbes early in life prevents the later development of allergic diseases, and has been reproduced in mouse models of asthma. In this issue of the JCI, Oertli and colleagues report that H. pylori infection in neonates elicits tolerogenic DCs that produce IL-18, which drive the generation of Tregs that subsequently protect the mice from allergic asthma. This finding strengthens the intriguing link between pathogen exposure and allergic disease. (Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation)

DC-derived IL-18 drives Treg differentiation, murine Helicobacter pylori-specific immune tolerance, and asthma protection

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:32:05 +0100

Persistent colonization with the gastric bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis and predisposes infected individuals to gastric cancer. Conversely, it is also linked to protection from allergic, chronic inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. We demonstrate here that H. pylori inhibits LPS-induced maturation of DCs and reprograms DCs toward a tolerance-promoting phenotype. Our results showed that DCs exposed to H. pylori in vitro or in vivo failed to induce T cell effector functions. Instead, they efficiently induced expression of the forkhead transcription factor FoxP3, the master regulator of Tregs, in naive T cells. Depletion of DCs in mice infected with H. pylori during the neonatal period was sufficient to break H. pylori–specific tolerance. DC depletion result...

Dendritic Cells and Aging: Consequences for AutoimmunityDendritic Cells and Aging: Consequences for Autoimmunity

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:20:38 +0100

The immune system has evolved to mount immune responses against foreign pathogens and to remain silent against self-antigens. Expert Review of Clinical Immunology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Within Weeks Of Smoking Cessation, Coughing And Other Respiratory Symptoms Improve

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

If the proven long-term benefits of smoking cessation are not enough to motivate young adults to stop smoking, a new study shows that 18- to 24-year olds who stop smoking for at least two weeks report substantially fewer respiratory symptoms, especially coughing. The study findings are detailed in Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. The article is available online... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Sunshine May Help To Prevent Allergies And Eczema

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study. Researchers from the European Centre for Environment & Human Health, along with several Australian institutions, have found that children living in areas with lower levels of sunlight are at greater risk of developing food allergies and the skin condition eczema, compared to those in areas with higher UV. The research team used data from a study of Australian children and analysed how rates of food allergy, eczema and asthma varied throughout the country... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Leishmania amazonensis impairs DC function by inhibiting CD40 expression via A2B adenosine receptor activation

European Journal of Immunology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we propose that A2B receptor activation may be used by L. amazonensis to inhibit DC function and evade the immune response. (Source: European Journal of Immunology)

Protein kinase D isoforms are dispensable for integrin‐mediated lymphocyte adhesion and homing to lymphoid tissues

European Journal of Immunology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report that PKD2‐deficient lymphocytes bound normally to integrin ligands in static and shear flow adhesion assays. They also homed normally to lymphoid organs after adoptive transfer into wild‐type mice. DT40 B cells devoid of any PKD isoforms and primary lymphocytes pretreated with a specific PKD inhibitor bound normally to integrin ligands, indicating that multiple PKD isoforms do not redundantly regulate lymphocyte integrins. In addition, PKD2‐deficient lymphocytes, as well as DT40 cells devoid of any PKD isoforms, could activate Rap1 in response to BCR ligation or phorbol ester treatment. Together, these results show that the PKD family does not play a critical role in lymphocyte integrin‐mediated cell adhesion or lymphocyte trafficking in vivo. (Source: European Journal of...

Enhanced effects of cigarette smoke extract on inflammatory cytokine expression in IL-1beta-activated human mast cells were inhibited by Baicalein via regulation of the NF-kappaB pathway

Clinical and Molecular Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results showed that CSE significantly increased inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 production in IL-1-activated HMC-1. It may partially explain why cigarette smoke contributes to lung and cardiovascular diseases. BAI inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and degradation. This inhibitory effect of BAI on the expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by CSE suggests its usefulness in the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapies. (Source: Clinical and Molecular Allergy)

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Clara cell protein in nasal lavage fluid and nasal nitric oxide - biomarkers with anti-inflammatory properties in allergic rhinitis

Clinical and Molecular Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The correlation between nasal CC16 and nNO levels in patients with allergic rhinitis, along with an inverse relationship between their levels and the occurrences of MC in allergic inflammation, may indicate that both biomarkers have anti-inflammatory effects by suppression of cell recruitment. The mechanisms behind these observations warrant further analyses. (Source: Clinical and Molecular Allergy)

Prenatal negative life events increases cord blood IgE: interactions with dust mite allergen and maternal atopy

Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsPrenatal stress was independently associated with elevated cord blood IgE. Mechanisms underlying stress effects on fetal immunomodulation may differ based on maternal atopic status. (Source: Allergy)

Thermographic imaging during nasal peanut challenge may be useful in the diagnosis of peanut allergy

Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionThis feasibility study shows thermography can detect inflammation caused by nasal challenges whilst employing one thousand‐fold less peanut than an oral challenge. This novel technique could be developed to provide a rapid, safe and objective clinical allergy test. (Source: Allergy)

One hundred years of allergen immunotherapy European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology celebration: review of unanswered questions

Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study presents outcomes and conclusions from these discussions. (Source: Allergy)

Nitric oxide and asthma severity: towards a better understanding of asthma phenotypes

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy)

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Non‐atopic males with adult onset asthma are at risk of persistent airflow limitation

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceWe conclude that in patients with adult onset asthma, male gender and absence of atopy are associated with persistent airflow limitation. This might suggest that amongst patients with adult onset asthma, non‐atopic male patients are at increased risk of accelerated decline in lung function.© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd (Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy)

Comparison of Oxidized and Reduced Glutathione in the Bread‐Making Qualities of Rice Batter

Journal of Food Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The demand for gluten‐free bread is growing as the recognition of celiac disease and wheat allergy has increased worldwide. In our previous study, reduced glutathione (GSH) was found to improve the gas‐retaining properties of rice batter used for gluten‐free bread. In this article, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was shown to have the same effect. Moreover, sensory tests revealed that GSSG bread had a significantly reduced sulfurous odor. Analyses by a gas chromatography‐flame photometric detector demonstrated the presence of hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan in the headspace of GSH bread, and also their significant reduction in GSSG bread. The viscoelastic properties and microstructures of GSSG and GSH bread did not noticeably differ. These observations suggest the us...

The roles of biofilm matrix polysaccharide Psl in mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this report, by using a variety of mutants in a mucoid P. aeruginosa background, we found that deletion of Psl‐encoding genes dramatically decreased their biofilm formation ability, indicating that Psl is also a critical matrix component of mucoid biofilms. Our data also suggest that the overproduction of alginate leads to mucoid biofilms, which occupy more space, whereas Psl‐dependent biofilms are densely packed. These data suggest that Psl polysaccharide may have significant contributions in biofilm persistence in CF patients and may be helpful for designing therapies for P. aeruginosa CF infection.© 2012 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved (Source: FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology)

Diversity and distribution of sulphate‐reducing bacteria in human faeces from healthy subjects and patients with inflammatory bowel disease

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThe relative abundance of different groups of sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) in faecal DNA collected before and after therapy from patients suffering with Crohn's disease (CD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or ulcerative colitis (UC) has been compared with that from healthy controls. Growth tests revealed that SRB were not more abundant in samples from CD patients before treatment than in the healthy control group. For most of the 128 samples available, these preliminary results were confirmed using degenerate PCR primers that amplify the dsrAB gene. However, some samples from CD patients before treatment contained a growth inhibitor that was absent from IBS or UC samples.In‐depth sequencing of PCR‐generated dsrB fragments revealed that the diversity detected was surprisingl...

Polysaccharides serve as scaffold of biofilms formed by mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractChronic lung infection by mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the major pathologic features in patients with cystic fibrosis. Mucoid P. aeruginosa is notorious for its biofilm forming capability and resistance to immune attacks. In the present study, the roles of extracellular polymeric substances from biofilms formed by mucoid P. aeruginosa were investigated. Alginate is not an essential structure component for mucoid P. aeruginosa biofilms. Genetic studies revealed that Pel and Psl polysaccharides serve as essential scaffold and mediate macrocolony formation in mucoid P. aeruginosa biofilms. The Psl polysaccharide is more important than Pel polysaccharide in mucoid P. aeruginosa biofilm structure maintenance and phagocytosis resistance. The polysaccharides were further found ...

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Pathogenesis and treatment concepts of orthopaedic biofilm infections

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractImplant‐associated infection is caused by surface adhering bacteria persisting as biofilm. Periprosthetic joint infection is difficult to diagnose and to treat. The high susceptibility of implanted devices to infection is due to a locally acquired host defense defect, and persistence is mainly due to the rapid formation of a biofilm resistant to host defense and antimicrobial agents. Successful treatment of periprosthetic joint infection requires the optimal surgical procedure combined with long‐term antimicrobial therapy directed against surface‐adhering microorganisms. Surgical treatment according to an algorithm has been validated in several observational studies. The role of rifampin against device‐associated staphylococcal infection has been evaluated in an animal mode...

Virulence Strategies of the Dominant USA300 Lineage of Community Associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA‐MRSA)

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractMethicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a serious threat to worldwide health. Historically, MRSA clones have strictly been associated with hospital settings and most hospital‐associated MRSA (HA‐MRSA) disease resulted from a limited number of virulent clones. Recently, MRSA has spread into the community causing disease in otherwise healthy people with no discernible contact with healthcare environments. These community‐associated (CA‐MRSA) are phylogenetically distinct from traditional HA‐MRSA clones and CA‐MRSA strains seem to exhibit hyper virulence and more efficient host:host transmission. Consequently, CA‐MRSA clones belonging to the USA300 lineage have become dominant sources of MRSA infections in North America. The rise of this successful USA...

Protective Role of α‐galactosylceramide Stimulated Natural killer T cells in Genital Tract Infection with Chlamydia muridarum

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we used α‐galactosylceramide (α‐Galcer), a specific ligand of NKT cells, to enhance NKT response and examine its effect on host defense against genital tract Chlamydia muridarum infection. The results showed that α‐Galcer treatment before infection led to reduced pathological changes and bacterial burden in the genital tract. Moreover, α‐Galcer‐treated mice showed greater local Th1 cytokine production (interferon γ [IFN‐γ] and interleukin 12 [IL‐12]) in local lymph node cells and genital tissues following challenge infection than untreated mice. Moreover, mice treated with α‐Galcer showed an enhanced level of IFN‐γ production by NK and T cells. In addition, NKT cell in the mice with genital tract C. muridarum infection, unlike those from naïve mice...

Key to immune cell's 'internal guidance' system discovered

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 21:38:38 +0100

Researchers have discovered the molecular pathway that enables receptors inside immune cells to find, and flag, fragments of pathogens trying to invade a host. The discovery of the role played by the molecule CD74 could help immunologists investigate treatments that offer better immune responses against cancers, viruses and bacteria, and lead to more efficient vaccines. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Hyaluronic acid: Allergic contact dermatitis: 9 patients

Reactions — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:29:54 +0100

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Fluticasone propionate: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: case report

Reactions — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:29:54 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Clozapine: Fatal allergic myocarditis: case report

Reactions — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:29:54 +0100

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Immunology in clinic review series; focus on autoinflammatory diseases: inflammasomes: mechanisms of activation.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:37 +0100

Authors: Mankan AK, Kubarenko A, Hornung V Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases. SUMMARY: Initiation of a successful immune response requires a working set of sensors that detect any noxious agent within the cellular microenvironment and molecular platforms that process this signal to trigger an appropriate effector response. Pattern recognition receptors can engage different signalling cascades that lead to proinflammatory gene expression. At the same time, transcription-independent events such as activation of proteases and/or phagocytosis are also initiated. The inflammasome pathway constitutes a signalling platform that leads to the activation of so-called ...

Immunology in clinic review series; focus on autoinflammatory diseases: role of inflammasomes in autoinflammatory syndromes.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:26 +0100

Authors: Ozkurede VU, Franchi L Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases. SUMMARY: Autoinflammatory syndromes are disorders characterized by the hyperactivation of the innate immune system in the absence of microbial infection or autoantibody production. Some autoinflammatory syndromes are associated with recurrent episodes of fever and systemic inflammation that are caused by dysregulated activation of inflammasomes, molecular platforms responsible for the activation of caspase-1 and the production of interleukin (IL)-1β. In this review we will discuss the role of IL-1β and the inflammasomes in host defence and how mutations of two genes, NLRP3 and PYRIN, leads ...

Immunology in clinic review series; focus on autoinflammatory diseases: update on monogenic autoinflammatory diseases: the role of interleukin (IL)-1 and an emerging role for cytokines beyond IL-1.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:15 +0100

Authors: Goldbach-Mansky R Abstract OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES Allergy, Host Responses, Cancer, Type 1 diabetes and viruses, Metabolic diseases. SUMMARY: The disease-based discovery of the molecular basis for autoinflammatory diseases has led not only to a rapidly growing number of clinically and genetically identifiable disorders, but has unmantled key inflammatory pathways such as the potent role of the alarm cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 in human disease. Following its initial failures in the treatment of sepsis and the moderate success in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, IL-1 blocking therapies had a renaissance in the treatment of a number of autoinflammatory conditions, and IL-1 blocking therapies have been Food and Drug Administ...

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Enterocytes: active cells in tolerance to food and microbial antigens in the gut.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:27:04 +0100

Authors: Miron N, Cristea V Abstract Enterocytes used to be studied particularly in terms of digestion protagonists. However, as the immune functions of the intestinal tract were better understood, it became clear that enterocytes are not mere bystanders concerning the induction of immune tolerance to dietary peptides and gut microbiota. In fact, enterocytes are involved actively in shaping the intestinal immune environment, designed for maintaining a non-belligerent state. This tolerant milieu of the gut immune system is achieved by keeping a balance between suppression and stimulation of the inflammatory responses. Our review presents the current state of knowledge concerning the relationship between enterocytes and immune cells (dendritic cells, lymphocytes), with emphasis on th...

Purified Timothy grass pollen major allergen Phl p 1 may contribute to the modulation of allergic responses through a pleiotropic induction of cytokines and chemokines from airway epithelial cells.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:26:53 +0100

Authors: Röschmann KI, van Kuijen AM, Luiten S, Jonker MJ, Breit TM, Fokkens WJ, Petersen A, van Drunen CM Abstract By definition, allergens are proteins with the ability to elicit powerful T helper lymphocyte type 2 (Th2) responses, culminating in immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibody production. Why specific proteins cause aberrant immune responses has remained largely unanswered. Recent data suggest that there may be several molecular paths that may affect allergenicity of proteins. The focus of this study is the response of airway epithelium to a major allergen from Phleum pratense Phl p 1. Instead of focusing on a few genes and proteins that might be affected by the major allergen, our aim was to obtain a broader view on the immune stimulatory capacity of Phl p 1. We therefore perfor...

The autoreactivity of B cells in hereditary angioedema due to C1 inhibitor deficiency.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:26:42 +0100

Authors: Kessel A, Peri R, Perricone R, Guarino MD, Vadasz Z, Novak R, Haj T, Kivity S, Toubi E Abstract Patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) tend to produce autoantibodies and have a propensity to develop immunoregulatory disorders. We characterize the profile of autoantibodies in a group of HAE patients and investigate their memory B cells' phenotype and activation status. We studied the activity status phenotype, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-9 expression and total phosphotyrosine in B cells isolated from HAE patients. Additionally, the following autoantibodies were assessed in the serum of 61 HAE patients: anti-nuclear, rheumatoid factor, anti-cardiolipin, anti-tissue transglutaminase, anti-endomysial, anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae, anti-thyroid and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic ...

Thin-layer chromatography immunostaining in detecting anti-phospholipid antibodies in seronegative anti-phospholipid syndrome.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:26:31 +0100

Authors: Conti F, Alessandri C, Sorice M, Capozzi A, Longo A, Garofalo T, Misasi R, Bompane D, Hughes GR, Khamashta MA, Valesini G Abstract In clinical practice it is possible to find patients with clinical signs suggestive of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) who are persistently negative for the routinely used anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL). Therefore, the term proposed for these cases was seronegative APS (SN-APS). We investigated the clinical usefulness of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) immunostaining in detecting serum aPL in patients presenting clinical features of SN-APS. Sera from 36 patients with SN-APS, 19 patients with APS, 18 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 20 anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive subjects and 32 healthy controls were examined for ...

Synthetic peptides containing ITIM-like sequences of IREM-1 (CD300F) differentially regulate MyD88 and TRIF-mediated TLR signalling through activation of SHP and/or PI3K.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:26:21 +0100

Authors: Lee SM, Suk K, Lee WH Abstract The immune receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (IREM-1/CD300F) has been shown to inhibit various inflammatory processes in myeloid cells, such as macrophages and mast cells. IREM-1 exerts its inhibitory effect through its intracellular immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs (ITIMs). In order to generate immunomodulatory molecules that can regulate the inflammatory activation of macrophages, decapeptides representing each of the five ITIM-like sequences in the cytoplasmic tail of IREM-1 were synthesized in conjugation with human immunodeficiency virus-transactivator of transcription (HIV-TAT(48-57) ), which was added to promote internalization of the peptides. Interestingly, all these TAT-ITIM fusion peptides inhibited Toll-like rec...

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Early exposure of interferon-γ inhibits signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 signalling and nuclear factor κB activation in a short-term monocyte-derived dendritic cell culture promoting 'FAST' regulatory dendritic cells.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:26:09 +0100

Authors: Rojas-Canales D, Krishnan R, Jessup CF, Coates PT Abstract Interferon (IFN)-γ is a cytokine with immunomodulatory properties, which has been shown previously to enhance the generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells (DC) when administered early ex vivo in 7-day monocyte-derived DC culture. To generate tolerogenic DC rapidly within 48 h, human monocytes were cultured for 24 h with interleukin (IL)-4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in the presence (IFN-γ-DC) or absence of IFN-γ (500 U/ml) (UT-DC). DC were matured for 24 h with TNF-α and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2) ). DC phenotype, signal transducer and activator of transcription-6 (STAT-6) phosphorylation and promotion of CD4(+) CD25(+) CD127(neg/low) forkhead box P3 (FoxP3)(hi) T cell...

Complete deficiency of the sixth complement component (C6Q0), susceptibility to Neisseria meningitidis infections and analysis of the frequencies of C6Q0 gene defects in South Africans.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:58 +0100

Authors: Orren A, Owen EP, Henderson HE, van der Merwe L, Leisegang F, Stassen C, Potter PC Abstract Complete complement component 6 deficiency (C6Q0) is a co-dominant genetic disease presenting as increased susceptibility to invasive Neisseria meningitidis infections. Affected individuals have two affected alleles which can be homozygous or compound heterozygous for the particular gene defects they carry. This disorder has been diagnosed relatively frequently in Western Cape South Africans. Affected patients are prescribed penicillin prophylaxis. In 2004 we commenced a clinical follow-up study of 46 patients. Of these, 43 had family age-matched C6 sufficient controls. Participants were classified as either (i) well, or (ii) having a serious illness (SI) or died (D). An SI was a lo...

Alterations of coagulation and fibrinolysis in patients with angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:47 +0100

In conclusion, our results support the involvement of coagulation and fibrinolysis in the pathophysiology of HAE and show the possible application of simultaneous measurement of thrombin and plasmin generation to evaluate different clinical conditions in HAE patients. PMID: 22288590 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

The European internet-based patient and research database for primary immunodeficiencies: update 2011.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:37 +0100

Authors: Gathmann B, Binder N, Ehl S, Kindle G, Abstract In order to build a common data pool and estimate the disease burden of primary immunodeficiencies (PID) in Europe, the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) has developed an internet-based database for clinical and research data on patients with PID. This database is a platform for epidemiological analyses as well as the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies and the identification of novel disease-associated genes. Since its start in 2004, 13 708 patients from 41 countries have been documented in the ESID database. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) represents the most common entity with 2880 patients or 21% of all entries, followed by selective immunoglobulin A (sIgA) deficiency (1424 pat...

Enhanced levels of CCL19 in patients with advanced acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:26 +0100

Authors: Damås JK, Oktedalen O, Ueland T, Landrø L, Barstad J, Müller F, Frøland SS, Flo TH, Aukrust P Abstract Based on the ability to recruit lymphocytes and dendritic cells to lymphoid tissue and to promote inflammation, we hypothesized a role for dysregulated CCL19 and CCL21 levels in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with advanced immunodeficiency, and in particular in those with accompanying Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. The hypothesis was explored by studies in HIV-infected patients with and without MAC infection, as well as in vitro, examining the ability of proteins from MAC to promote CCL19 and CCL21 responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) during highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Our main findings were: (i)...

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Impaired phagocytosis among patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus: implication for a role of highly active anti-retroviral therapy.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:16 +0100

Authors: Michailidis C, Giannopoulos G, Vigklis V, Armenis K, Tsakris A, Gargalianos P Abstract In patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, neutrophil and monocyte functions, including phagocytosis, are impaired. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes of phagocytic function and respiratory burst occurring over the course of patients infected by the HIV-1 virus. Treatment-naive patients (group B), patients receiving highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) (group C) and patients in which HAART has failed (group D) were studied and compared with healthy volunteers (group A). Phagocytosis and oxidative burst were evaluated using commercially available kits. Results clearly denote a significant decrease of the phagocytic function of both cell typ...

Multifunctional CD4(+) T cells in patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:25:05 +0100

Authors: Macedo AB, Sánchez-Arcila JC, Schubach AO, Mendonça SC, Marins-Dos-Santos A, de Fatima Madeira M, Gagini T, Pimentel MI, De Luca PM Abstract Leishmaniasis is a group of important parasitic diseases affecting millions worldwide. To understand more clearly the quality of T helper type 1 (Th1) response stimulated after Leishmania infection, we applied a multiparametric flow cytometry protocol to evaluate multifunctional T cells induced by crude antigen extracts obtained from promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis (LbAg) and Leishmania amazonensis (LaAg) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healed cutaneous leishmaniasis patients. Although no significant difference was detected in the percentage of total interferon (IFN)-γ-producing CD4(+) T cells induced by both an...

Surfactant protein D inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in human renal tubular epithelial cells: implication for tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:24:54 +0100

Authors: Hu F, Liang W, Ren Z, Wang G, Ding G Abstract Surfactant protein D (SP-D), a member of the C-type lectin (collectin) protein family, plays a critical role in innate host defence against various microbial pathogens and in the modulation of inflammatory responses in the lung. However, little is known about its expression and biological function in the kidney. In this work, we studied SP-D expression in human kidney and cultured human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2), and examined the effect of SP-D on proinflammatory cytokine production after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulus. We observed the expression of both SP-D mRNA and protein in human kidney and in-vitro HK-2 cells by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain rea...

Bronchoalveolar lavage cell pattern from healthy human lung.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:24:43 +0100

Authors: Heron M, Grutters JC, Ten Dam-Molenkamp KM, Hijdra D, van Heugten-Roeling A, Claessen AM, Ruven HJ, van den Bosch JM, van Velzen-Blad H Abstract Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is widely accepted as a key diagnostic procedure in interstitial lung diseases (ILD). We performed a study to obtain reference intervals of differential cell patterns in BAL fluid with special attention to the origin of lavage fluid, e.g. bronchial/alveolar, to atopy and smoking status and to age of the healthy people. We performed bronchoalveolar lavage in 55 healthy subjects with known atopy status (age: 18-64 years, non-smokers/smokers: 34/21) and determined differential cell counts and lymphocyte subsets in BAL fluid and blood. Moreover, in a subgroup of non-smoking healthy individuals we measured ...

Induction of elastin expression in vascular endothelial cells relates to hepatoportal sclerosis in idiopathic portal hypertension: possible link to serum anti-endothelial cell antibodies.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:24:33 +0100

This study was performed to clarify the mechanism of elastic fibre deposition in the peripheral portal tracts of IPH liver in relation to serum anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECA). In-vitro experiments were performed using human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) and patients' sera. The presence of serum AECA was assayed by a cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using HMVEC. Immunohistochemical analysis of elastin was performed using liver tissue sections of IPH patients. IPH sera contained one or more AECA that could bind to the vascular endothelial cells of the peripheral portal tracts of the liver. When the value of AECA greater than the mean ± 2 standard deviations of healthy controls was regarded as positive, the positive detection rate of either immun...

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Stromal cells from term fetal membrane are highly suppressive in allogeneic settings in vitro.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:24:23 +0100

Authors: Karlsson H, Erkers T, Nava S, Ruhm S, Westgren M, Ringdén O Abstract Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) have immunosuppressive properties and have been used to treat steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in stem cell transplant patients. Cells with similar capacities can also be found in term placental tissue. We have isolated stromal cells from term fetal membrane (FMSCs), umbilical cords (UCSCs) and placental villi (PVSCs) as well as from bone marrow and compared their immunoregulatory capacity in allogeneic settings. We found that FMSCs and UCSCs suppressed proliferation significantly in mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs), whereas PVSCs showed inconsistent suppressive effects. When added to MLR cultures, FMSCs suppressed the prod...

Laryngeal transplantation in minipigs: early immunological outcomes.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:24:12 +0100

Authors: Birchall MA, Ayling SM, Harley R, Murison PJ, Burt R, Mitchard L, Jones A, Macchiarini P, Stokes CR, Bailey M Abstract Despite recent tissue-engineering advances, there is no effective way of replacing all the functions of the larynx in those requiring laryngectomy. A recent clinical transplant was a success. Using quantitative immunofluorescence targeted at immunologically relevant molecules, we have studied the early (48 h and 1 week) immunological responses within larynxes transplantated between seven pairs of National Institutes of Health (NIH) minipigs fully homozygous at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus. There were only small changes in expression of some molecules (relative to interindividual variation) and these were clearest in samples from the s...

Protumor activity of interleukin‐22 in HPAFII human pancreatic cancer cells

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 11:17:35 +0100

In this report, we showed that IL‐22 stimulated production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the anti‐apoptotic factor Bcl‐XL in IL‐22R‐positive HPAFII human pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, IL‐22 augmented HPAFII cell production of immunosuppressive cytokines. We further showed that IL‐22 activation of HPAFII cells diminished T cell production of IFN‐γ through the action of IL‐10. Strikingly, we showed for the first time that IL‐22 can fully protect cancer cells from NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity by stimulating tumor production of IL‐10 and TGF‐β1. Our data supports the idea that IL‐22 may act to promote the pathogenesis of cancers rather than function in anti‐tumor immunity.© 2012 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Immunology © 2...

200 Years Of Infectious Diseases

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Unpredictable, ever-changing and with potentially far-reaching effects on the fates of nations, infectious diseases are compelling actors in the drama of human history, note scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. In an essay marking 200 years of publication of the New England Journal of Medicine, NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., and coauthor David M. Morens, M.D... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Microbial exposures in infancy predict levels of the immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin‐4 in filipino young adults

American Journal of Human Biology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:This study builds on a growing body of literature demonstrating that early ecological conditions have long‐term effects on human biology by providing evidence that multiple proxies of microbial exposures in infancy are associated with adult IL‐4. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: American Journal of Human Biology)

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UBC researchers discover key to immune cell's 'internal guidance' system

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of British Columbia) UBC researchers have discovered the molecular pathway that enables receptors inside immune cells to find, and flag, fragments of pathogens trying to invade a host.The discovery of the role played by the molecule CD74 could help immunologists investigate treatments that offer better immune responses against cancers, viruses and bacteria, and lead to more efficient vaccines. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Breastfeeding Linked to Better Lung Function (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:13:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Children who were breastfed for at least four months had significantly better lung function at age 12 than did children who were not breastfed, data from a large cohort study showed. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

Neurotrophins-Growth Factors Update

Neuromics — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:06:00 +0100

Our Neurotrophins and Growth Factor Antibodies and Recombinant Proteins help support a wide span of research areas. These areas include: neuroscience, immunology, cardiac disease research and cancer.I would like to update you on recent publications highlighting use of some of these reagents: Aiko Sada, Kazuteru Hasegawa, Pui Han Pin, Yumiko Saga. NANOS2 Acts Downstream of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling to Suppress Differentiation of Spermatogonial Stem Cells. DOI: 10.1002/stem.790. Copyright © 2011 AlphaMed Press...anti-GFRA1 (1:200, Neuromics, Edina, MN)...Images: Ngn3-Cre targets GFRA1-negative cells. (A-F): At P7, Rosa-YFP; Ngn3-Cre double transgenic testes were immunostained with the indicated markers. Most of YFP-positive spermatogonia (Ngn3-lineage c...

DIY science: should you try this at home?

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:59:00 +0100

When Richard Handl was arrested for attempting to split the atom on his stove, he joined a growing band of home experimenters cooking up all kinds of trouble behind the kitchen doorÄngelholm is a pretty southern Swedish town, famed for its clay cuckoo manufacturing, a clay cuckoo being a kind of ocarina, which is a kind of flute. The crime rate here is practically zero. Except one of its residents was last year arrested for trying to split the atom in his kitchen. His name is Richard Handl and he buzzes me into his first-floor flat.I wanted to meet Richard because I keep seeing reports of home science experimenters clashing with the authorities. There's been a spate of them this past year or two.I glance into Richard's kitchen and recognise his cooker from the news. It was horrendously, a...

Immune Sentinels

This Week in Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:34:13 +0100

A classic paradigm in immunology holds that the immune response occurs in two waves: Rapidly responding cells of the innate immune system help to contain the invading pathogen and alert … [Read more] (Source: This Week in Science)

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Microvesicles in Health and Disease

Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:10:48 +0100

Abstract Microvesicles (or MVs) are plasma membrane-derived vesicles released from most eukaryotic cells constitutively during early apoptosis or at higher levels after chemical or physical stress conditions. This review looks at some of the functions of MVs in terms of intercellular communication and ensuant signal transduction, including the transport of proteins (unconventional protein export) as well as of mRNA and microRNA. MVs also have roles in membrane repair, the removal of misfolded proteins, and in the control of apoptosis. We also discuss the role MVs have been shown to have in invasive growth and metastasis as well as in hypoxia in tumours and cerebral ischaemia. The association of MVs in infectious and autoimmune disease is also summarised together with their...

Talin, Vinculin and Nestin Expression in Orofacial Muscles of Dystrophin Deficient mdx Mice

Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:10:48 +0100

Abstract The activity of cytoskeletal proteins like talin, vinculin and nestin increases in muscle that regenerates. Little is known about their role or at least their expression in the process of regeneration in masticatory muscles of mdx mice, a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. To determine a potential role of cytoskeletal proteins in the regeneration process of mdx masticatory muscles, we examined the expression of talin 1, talin 2, vinculin and nestin in 100-day-old control and mdx mice using quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot analyses and histochemistry. The protein expression of talin 1, talin 2, nestin and vinculin in mdx muscles remained unchanged as compared with normal mice. However, in mdx masseter it was found a relative increase of nestin compared to contr...

Antibodies in the Treatment of Aplastic Anemia

Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:10:31 +0100

Abstract Antibodies have been the cornerstone of treatment of acquired aplastic anemia for more than 25 years. Treatment with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is considered pivotal and the addition of cyclosporine improves the overall response rate. This antibody is heterogeneous and horse ATG is apparently more effective than rabbit ATG. Several issues remain unsolved in relation to the combination of ATG and cyclosporine: cost, toxicity and late clonal disorders. In recent years, alternative immunosuppressive therapy has been proposed and new antibodies have emerged: porcine ATG, alemtuzumab, daclizumab, and rituximab. Experience with these antibodies is limited to a few studies with alemtuzumab being the most promising, but the results are interesting and provocative. ...

National Peanut Butter Day No Picnic for Kids with Peanut Allergies

Disabled World — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:44:49 +0100

National Peanut Butter Day is No Picnic for Kids with Peanut Allergies, But Educating Our Kids About Food Allergies Can Be - With over six million children in the US now facing peanut and other food allergies, food allergy education in schools is a must. Author Sue Ganz-Schmitt strives to help with the release of her children's book The Princess and the Peanut. (Source: Disabled World)

Lower levels of sunlight exposure link to allergy and eczema in children, study suggests

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:33:33 +0100

Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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The role of the HLA-G gene and molecule on the clinical expression of rheumatologic diseases

Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:19:07 +0100

O antígeno leucocitário humano G (HLA-G) é uma molécula não clássica de complexo principal de histocompatibilidade (MHC) de classe I, caracterizada por baixo polimorfismo em sua região codificadora, um padrão de distribuição tecidual limitado em condições fisiológicas e expressão por meio de isoformas solúveis e acopladas à superfície de membranas por meio de splicing alternativo. O HLA-G é bastante conhecido por estar envolvido na indução e na manutenção da tolerância entre o sistema imunológico materno e o feto semialogênico ao nível da interface fetoplacentária. Além disso, diversos estudos apontam para um papel imunorregulatório mais amplo dessa molécula. Neste contexto, a expressão de HLA-G em doenças inflamatórias e reumatológicas é uma área relati...

Clonal antigen receptor gene PCR products outside the expected size range

Journal of Hematopathology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:19:24 +0100

Abstract Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the antigen receptor genes has clinical utility in establishing clonality in lymphoproliferations, which is an important correlate of lymphoid neoplasia. The most frequently used procedures for this purpose were developed by the BIOMED-2 consortium. One of the criteria for establishing monoclonality using PCR of the antigen receptor genes is the finding of an abundant amplicon within a size range determined by the positions of the PCR primers and the known variability in size inherent in the recombination events that assemble a functional antigen receptor gene. However, several cases have been reported in which an amplicon outside this size range has been shown to be a valid indicator of clonality after DNA sequence analysis. In ...

cetirizine, Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Zyrtec Hives

MedicineNet Medications General — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: cetirizine, Zyrtec, Zyrtec Allergy, Zyrtec HivesCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 2/3/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Medications General)

hydrocortisone oral, Hydrocortone, Cortef

MedicineNet Allergies General — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: hydrocortisone oral, Hydrocortone, CortefCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 2/3/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Allergies General)

clarithromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XL

MedicineNet Allergies General — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: clarithromycin, Biaxin, Biaxin XLCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 2/3/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Allergies General)

[Allergic march in children, from rhinitis to asthma: Management, indication of immunotherapy.]

Archives de Pediatrie — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Scheinmann P, Pham Thi N, Karila C, de Blic J Abstract Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common IgE dependent disorder. AR is maybe one of the steps of the allergic march, which starts with atopic dermatitis and food allergy and includes atopic asthma. AR and asthma are frequently associated. AR is frequently under-diagnosed and undertreated although it affects quality of life and school performance. Management of AR depends on its severity and will associate environmental control (best guided by environmental investigation and skin testing of specific IgE antibodies), pharmacotherapy (with antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids as first line drugs). At present allergen immunotherapy is considered in patients with severe AR, insufficiently controlled by pharmacotherapy an...

Class III PI3K-ARF6 Regulates CpG ODN/TLR9-mediated Responses [Immunology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN) cellular uptake into endosomes, the rate-limiting step of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) signaling, is critical in eliciting innate immune responses. ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) is a member of the Ras superfamily, which is critical to a wide variety of cellular events including endocytosis. Here, we found that inhibition of ARF6 by dominant mutants and siRNA impaired CpG ODN-mediated responses, whereas cells expressing the constitutively active ARF6 mutant enhanced CpG ODN-induced cytokine production. Inhibition of ARF6 impaired TLR9 trafficking into endolysosomes, thereby inhibiting proceed functional cleavage of TLR9. Additional studies showed that CpG ODN uptake was increased in ARF6-activated cells but impaired in ARF6-defective cells. Furthermore, ...

NF-{kappa}B Regulates MICA Transcription in Endothelial Cells [Gene Regulation]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Endothelial cells form a barrier between blood and the underlying vessel wall, which characteristically demonstrates inflammatory damage in atherosclerotic disease. MICA is a highly polymorphic ligand for the activating immune receptor NKG2D and can be expressed on endothelial cells. We hypothesized that damaged vessel walls, such as those involved in atherosclerosis, might express MICA, which could contribute to the vascular immunopathology. Immune activation resulting from MICA expression could play a significant role in the development of vascular damage. We have demonstrated that TNFα up-regulates MICA on human endothelial cells. The up-regulation is mediated by NF-κB, and we have defined the regulatory control site responsible for this at −130 bp upstream of the MICA transcription...

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H2S Potentiates T Cell Activation [Signal Transduction]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

H2S is an endogenous signaling molecule that may act via protein sulfhydrylation to regulate various physiological functions. H2S is also a byproduct of dietary sulfate metabolism by gut bacteria. Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis are associated with an increase in the colonization of the intestine by sulfate reducing bacteria along with an increase in H2S production. Consistent with its increased production, H2S is implicated as a mediator of ulcerative colitis both in its genesis or maintenance. As T cells are well established mediators of inflammatory bowel disease, we investigated the effect of H2S exposure on T cell activation. Using primary mouse T lymphocytes (CD3+), OT-II CD4+ T cells, and the human Jurkat T cell line, we show that physiological levels of H2S p...

Interaction Sites in the TLR4 TIR Domain [Signal Transduction]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Toll-like receptor signaling requires interactions of the Toll/IL-1 receptor (TIR) domains of the receptor and adapter proteins. Using the mammalian protein-protein interaction trap strategy, homology modeling, and site-directed mutagenesis, we identify the interaction surfaces in the TLR4 TIR domain for the TLR4-TLR4, TLR4-MyD88 adapter-like (MAL), and TLR4-TRIF-related adapter molecule (TRAM) interaction. Two binding sites are equally important for TLR4 dimerization and adapter recruitment. In a model based on the crystal structure of the dimeric TLR10 TIR domain, the first binding site mediates TLR4-TLR4 TIR-TIR interaction. Upon dimerization, two identical second binding sites of the TLR4 TIR domain are juxtaposed and form an extended binding platform for both MAL and TRAM. In our mamm...

Solution Structures of MBL Oligomers [Immunology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The complement system is a fundamental component of innate immunity that orchestrates complex immunological and inflammatory processes. Complement comprises over 30 proteins that eliminate invading microorganisms while maintaining host cell integrity. Protein-carbohydrate interactions play critical roles in both the activation and regulation of complement. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) activates the lectin pathway of complement via the recognition of sugar arrays on pathogenic surfaces. To determine the solution structure of MBL, synchrotron x-ray scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation experiments showed that the carbohydrate-recognition domains in the MBL dimer, trimer, and tetramer are positioned close to each other in near-planar fan-like structures. These data were subjected to c...

Gene Profile, Immunity, and Antitumor Induced by BPP-II [Genomics and Proteomics]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The bursa of Fabricius, the acknowledged central humoral immune organ, plays a vital role in B lymphocyte differentiation. However, there are few reports of the molecular basis of the mechanism on immune induction and potential antitumor activity of bursal-derived peptides. In this paper, a novel bursal-derived pentapeptide-II (BPP-II, MTLTG) was isolated and exerted immunomodulatory functions on antibody responses in vitro. Gene microarray analyses demonstrated that BPP-II regulated expression of 2478 genes in a mouse-derived hybridoma cell line. Immune-related gene ontology functional procedures were employed for further functional analysis. Furthermore, the majority of BPP-II-regulated pathways were associated with immune responses and tumor processes. Moreover, BPP-II exhibited immunom...

Ca2+ Is Required for LPS-induced IRF3 Activation [Immunology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our results describe a novel role of the PLCγ2-IP3-Ca2+ cascade in the LPS-induced innate immune response pathway where release of intracellular Ca2+ mediates TLR4 trafficking and subsequent activation of IRF3. (Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry)

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[Original Articles] Early Trauma and Inflammation: Role of Familial Factors in a Study of Twins

Psychosomatic Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The link between early trauma and inflammation is largely explained by familial factors shared by the twins because levels of inflammation were highest when both twins were exposed to trauma. Exposure to early trauma may be a marker for an unhealthy familial environment. Clarification of familial factors associated with early stress and adult inflammation will be important to uncover correlates of stress and disease. (Source: Psychosomatic Medicine)

Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 administration induces Foxp3 T regulatory cells in human peripheral blood: potential role for myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells

Gut — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions B infantis administration to humans selectively promotes immunoregulatory responses, suggesting that this microbe may have therapeutic utility in patients with inflammatory disease. Cross-talk between multiple pattern-recognition receptors and metabolic pathways determines the innate and subsequent T regulatory cell response to B infantis. These findings link nutrition, microbiota and the induction of tolerance within the gastrointestinal mucosa. (Source: Gut)

Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Pampers™ Drymax

Pediatric Dermatology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We present four cases of children less than 2 years of age, seen in four different practices, with a similar, unique, and specific presentation of diaper dermatitis, all while using Pampers Baby Dry with Drymax™ technology. To date, no reported cases exist of allergic contact dermatitis to Pampers Dryweave™ in medical literature. (Source: Pediatric Dermatology)

Systemic contact dermatitis – kids and ketchup

Pediatric Dermatology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We present seven children with widespread, recalcitrant dermatitis who experienced 60–80% clearance after initiating a diet low in balsam of Peru, specifically the tomato product ketchup. Furthermore, because we have observed a high prevalence of ketchup in our pediatric patients’ diets, we recommend consideration of moderate consumption of this product in patients with recalcitrant widespread dermatitis. (Source: Pediatric Dermatology)

Altered frequency and phenotype of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells and its association with autoantibody production in HIV‐infected paediatric patients

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe association between immune dysfunction and the development of autoimmune pathology in patients with HIV/AIDS is not clear. The frequency and phenotype of regulatory T cells, as well as the presence of autoantibodies were evaluated in a paediatric cohort of HIV‐infected patients without clinical evidence of autoimmune disease. Lower absolute counts but higher percentages of total CD4+FOXP3+ T cells were recorded in children with severe immunosuppression than in those without evidence of immunosuppression. The frequencies of classical CD4+CD25+FOXP3+regulatory T cells were not altered, whereas CD4+FOXP3+CD25–T cells were found significantly increased in patients with severe immunosuppression. Like classical regulatory T cells, CD4+FOXP3+CD25–T cells display higher CTLA‐4 b...

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Bronchial And Alveolar Nitric Oxide In Exercise‐Induced Bronchoconstriction In Asthmatic Children

Clinical and Experimental Allergy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:Our results suggest that inflammation is present in the central and peripheral airways and that it is associated with the severity of EIB. Clinicaltrials.govNCT00952835© 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd (Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy)

Pink Eye

About.com Eating Disorders — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Pink eye can be caused by a virus, fungus, bacteria, allergy or by something irritating the eye. Sometimes, pink eye is a sign of a more serious infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea. (Source: About.com Eating Disorders)

Coughing and other respiratory symptoms improve within weeks of smoking cessation

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News) A new study shows that 18- to 24-year olds who stop smoking for at least two weeks report substantially fewer respiratory symptoms, especially coughing. The study appears in the peer-reviewed journal Pediatric Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Lower levels of sunlight link to allergy and eczema

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry) Increased exposure to sunlight may reduce the risk of both food allergies and eczema in children, according to a new scientific study published this week. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Atasha Graham dies 'after allergic reaction to glue in her hairdo' during night out

the Mail online | Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:55:48 +0100

Atasha Graham, 34, pictured, who had used hair extensions for 14 years, collapsed after clubbing until the early hours, Southwark Coroner's Court heard. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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On the nature of sarcoidosis.

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:28:32 +0100

Authors: Reich JM Abstract More than 140years since its recognition as a clinical entity, sarcoidosis remains enigmatic. Its classification as a disease vs. a syndrome is uncertain. Its etiology remains undefined. The "immune paradox" (delayed type hypersensitivity anergy in a setting of exuberant systemic granulomatous response) resists explanation. Its relationship to the Kveim test is poorly understood. Its prognostic determinants and treatment indications are among the unsolved or disputed problems. Immunological investigations generated the thesis that the characterizing systemic granuloma arise as a fallback reaction to inefficient cellular immune processing, due most often to impaired myeloid dendritic cell function of unknown cause. The concept that sarcoidosis represents a...

S&M USA Enterprise Issues an Alert on Undeclared Sulfites in Zhang Zhou Brand Tremella

Food and Drug Administration — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:36:00 +0100

S&M USA ENTERPRISE is recalling ZHANG ZHOU BRAND TREMELLA because it may contain undeclared sulfites. People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume this product. (Source: Food and Drug Administration)

Etonogestrel: Allergic reaction leading to implant expulsion: case report

Reactions — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:34:27 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Peritonitis in recent years: clinical findings and predictors of treatment response of 170 episodes at a single Brazilian center

International Urology and Nephrology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:17:01 +0100

Conclusions The current clinical characteristics and outcome suggest a greater severity of peritonitis episodes and higher risk of death, possibly due to bacterial resistance. Older age is a risk factor for death. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Nephrology – Original PaperPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s11255-011-0107-7Authors Luiz Gustavo Oliveira, Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University-UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo 18618-970, BrazilJuliana Luengo, Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University-UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo 18618-970, BrazilJacqueline C. T. Caramori, Department of Internal Medicine, Botucatu Medical School, Sao Paulo State University-UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo 18618-970, Braz...

Allogeneic transplantation of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage in systemic lupus erythematosus

Clinical Rheumatology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:14:31 +0100

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of UC-MSCT in the treatment of SLE-associated DAH. Four SLE patients complicated with DAH, who underwent UC-MSCT, were included. Clinical changes before and after transplantation were assessed by measurements of hemoglobin, platelet level, oxygen saturation, and serological factors. High-resolution CT (HRCT) scans of the chest were performed to evaluate pulmonary manifestation. All the four patients showed dramatic improvements of their clinical manifestations. Hemoglobin was elevated after UC-MSCT and was sustained at a normal level 6 months after UC-MSCT in the four patients. Platelet level was upregulated in two patients who had thrombocytopenia at baseline. Oxygen saturation appeared to be normal at 1 month after UC-MSCT, and this...

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RSV hospitalisation and healthcare utilisation in moderately prematurely born infants

European Journal of Pediatrics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:12:28 +0100

In conclusion, RSV hospitalisation in moderately prematurely born infants is associated with increased health-related cost of care. Nevertheless, if RSV prophylaxis is to be cost-effective, a high risk group of moderately prematurely born infants needs to be identified. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00431-012-1673-0Authors Deena Shefali-Patel, Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC Asthma Centre for Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King’s College London, London, UKMireia Alcazar Paris, Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC Asthma Centre for Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma, King’s College London, London, UKFran Watson, Division of Asthma, Allergy and Lung Biology, MRC Asthma Centre for Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma...

Sepsis Immunopathology: Perspectives of Monitoring and Modulation of the Immune Disturbances

Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:11:05 +0100

Abstract Septic syndromes are the main cause of death in the intensive care units and although the mortality rates is slowly decreasing, the occurrence of the disease has been increasing. The pathogenesis of sepsis includes countless disturbances of the host immune system starting with a harmful, infection-triggered exaggerated inflammatory cascade, followed by the development of an immunoparalysis state. The latter contributes to the failure in pathogen eradication and leads to secondary infections, which are often the cause of fatal complications. In this review, we consider different novel therapeutic strategies for restoration of immune function. The use of glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulins, heparin, recombinant human activated protein C, granulocyte macroph...

£4m boost for MRC-Asthma UK Centre

Medical Research Council Research News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

The Medical Research Council (MRC) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have co-funded a groundbreaking programme of asthma research at the MRC-Asthma UK Centre in Allergic Mechanisms of Asthma. (Source: Medical Research Council Research News)

An Empirical Investigation on System and Statement Level Parallelism Strategies for Accelerating Scatter Search Using Handel-C and Impulse-C

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

Scatter Search is an effective and established population-based metaheuristic that has been used to solve a variety of hard optimization problems. However, the time required to find high-quality solutions can become prohibitive as problem sizes grow. In this paper, we present a hardware implementation of Scatter Search on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). Our objective is to improve the run time of Scatter Search by exploiting the potentially massive performance benefits that are available through the native parallelism in hardware. When implementing Scatter Search we employ two different high-level languages (HLLs): Handel-C and Impulse-C. Our empirical results show that by effectively exploiting source-code optimizations, data parallelism, and pipelining, a 28x speed up over softwa...

New Bandwidth Selection for Kernel Quantile Estimators

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

We propose a cross-validation method suitable for smoothing of kernel quantile estimators. In particular, our proposed method selects the bandwidth parameter, which is known to play a crucial role in kernel smoothing, based on unbiased estimation of a mean integrated squared error curve of which the minimising value determines an optimal bandwidth. This method is shown to lead to asymptotically optimal bandwidth choice and we also provide some general theory on the performance of optimal, data-based methods of bandwidth choice. The numerical performances of the proposed methods are compared in simulations, and the new bandwidth selection is demonstrated to work very well. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

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Acid-Base Disorders in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pathophysiological Review

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

The authors describe the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to development of acidosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its deleterious effects on outcome and mortality rate. Renal compensatory adjustments consequent to acidosis are also described in detail with emphasis on differences between acute and chronic respiratory acidosis. Mixed acid-base disturbances due to comorbidity and side effects of some drugs in these patients are also examined, and practical considerations for a correct diagnosis are provided. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

Optimised In2S3 Thin Films Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

Indium sulphide has been extensively investigated as a component for different kind of photovoltaic devices (organic-inorganic hybrid devices, all inorganic, dye sensitized cells). In this paper, we have optimised the growth conditions of indium sulphide thin films by means of a low cost, versatile deposition technique, like spray pyrolysis. The quality of the deposited films has been characterised by micro-Raman, vis-UV spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Substrate deposition temperature and different postdeposition annealing conditions have been investigated in order to obtain information about the quality of the obtained compound (which crystalline or amorphous phases are present) and the morphology of the deposited films. We have shown that the deposition temperature influences ...

Molecular Mechanism of Macrophage Activation by Red Ginseng Acidic Polysaccharide from Korean Red Ginseng

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanism of molecular activation of RGAP in macrophages. RGAP treatment strongly induced NO production in RAW264.7 cells without altering morphological changes, although the activity was not strong compared to LPS-induced dendritic-like morphology in RAW264.7 cells. RGAP-induced NO production was accompanied with enhanced mRNA levels of iNOS and increases in nuclear transcription factors such as NF-κB, AP-1, STAT-1, ATF-2, and CREB. According to pharmacological evaluation with specific enzyme inhibitors, Western blot analysis of intracellular signaling proteins and inhibitory pattern using blocking antibodies, ERK, and JNK were found to be the most important signaling enzymes compared to LPS signaling cascade. Further, TLR2 seems to be a target...

Dyspnea Caused by Atlantoaxial Subluxation in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

We report a patient with rheumatoid arthritis whose chief complaint was dyspnea on arrival to the emergency department (ED). After further investigation, spinal cord compression caused by atlantoaxial subluxation was diagnosed. This is an uncommon but important case that ED physicians should be aware of. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

Ruthenium Sensitizers and Their Applications in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to the possibility of low-cost conversion of photovoltaic energy. The DSSCs-based ruthenium complexes as sensitizers show high efficiency and excellent stability, implying potential practical applications. This review focuses on recent advances in design and preparation of efficient ruthenium sensitizers and their applications in DSSCs, including thiocyanate ruthenium sensitizers and thiocyanate-free ruthenium sensitizers. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

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W-Stability of Multistable Nonlinear Discrete-Time Systems

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

Motivated by the importance and application of discrete dynamical systems, this paper presents a new Lyapunov characterization which is an extension of conventional Lyapunov characterization for multistable discrete-time nonlinear systems. Based on a new type stability notion of W-stability introduced by D. Efimov, the estimates of solution and the Lyapunov stability theorem and converse theorem are proposed for multi-stable discrete-time nonlinear systems. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

Effect of Etching Time on Optical and Thermal Properties of p-Type Porous Silicon Prepared by Electrical Anodisation Method

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

The porous silicon (PSi) layers were formed on p-type silicon (Si) wafer. The six samples were anodised electrically with 30 mA/cm2 fixed current density for different etching times. The structural, optical, and thermal properties of porous silicon on silicon substrates were investigated by photoluminescence (PL), photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), and UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The thickness and porosity of the layers were measured using the gravimetric method. The band gap of the samples was measured through the photoluminescence (PL) peak and absorption spectra, then they were compared. It shows that band gap value increases by raising the porosity. Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) was carried out for measuring the thermal diffusivity (TD) of the samples. (Source: Clinical and ...

A Unified Method of Analysis for Queues with Markovian Arrivals

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

We deal with finite-buffer queueing systems fed by a Markovian point process. This class includes the queues of type M/G/1/N, MX/G/1/N, PH/G/1/N, MMPP/G/1/N, MAP/G/1/N, and BMAP/G/1/N and is commonly used in the performance evaluation of network traffic buffering processes. Typically, such queueing systems are studied in the stationary regime using matrix-analytic methods connected with M/G/1-type Markov processes. Herein, another method for finding transient and stationary characteristics of these queues is presented. The approach is based on finding a closed-form formula for the Laplace transform of the time-dependent performance measure of interest. The method can be used for finding all basic characteristics like queue size distribution, workload distribution, loss ratio, time to buffe...

Occult Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma Presenting as a Frontal Bone Metastasis: A Case Report

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

This is a rare case of metastatic follicular carcinoma of thyroid in a patient with no history of thyroid problem. A frontal bone mass was examined microscopically and showed the pattern of metastatic follicular carcinoma. Thyroid ultrasonography then revealed a nodule in left lobe. Total thyroidectomy was done for the patient and microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Long-Term Outcomes of a Major Outbreak of Chikungunya in a Hamlet in Sri Lanka, in 2007: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

Chikungunya outbreaks occurred in the central province, Sri Lanka in 2006. This community-based study reports the epidemiology and the natural history of the infection from an affected village. Of the 199 families and 1001 individuals in the village, 159 (80%) and 513 (51%) were affected, respectively, comprising 237 (46%) males with peak incidence at 40–50 years. The acute illness caused polyarthritis in 233 (46%), and of them 230 (98%) progressed to chronic arthritic disability (CAD). Of the CAD patients, 102 (44%) had recovered in 141 days (range 30–210 days) from the disability state whilst 128 (56%) had persisting disability which lasted 12, 24, and 36 months in 41 (17.8%), 22 (9.5%), and 14 (6.1%) individuals, respectively. Carpal ...

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Lipid-Laden Alveolar Macrophages and pH Monitoring in Gastroesophageal Reflux-Related Respiratory Symptoms

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

This study was conducted to prove a correlation between the detection of alimentary pulmonary fat phagocytosis and an increasing amount of proximal gastroesophageal reflux. It was assumed that proximal gastroesophageal reflux better correlates with aspiration than distal GER. Patients from 6 months to 16 years with unexplained recurrent wheezy bronchitis and bronchial hyperreactivity, or recurrent pneumonia with chronic cough underwent 24-hour double-channel pH monitoring and bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Aspiration of gastric content was determined by counting lipid laden alveolar macrophages from BAL specimens. There were no correlations between any pH-monitoring parameters and counts of lipid-laden macrophages in the whole study population, even when restricting analys...

Single-Crystal MgO Hollow Nanospheres Formed in RF Impulse Discharge Plasmas

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

Spherical MgO nanoparticles with a hollow inside, that is, MgO hollow nanospheres, were created in Ar/O2 plasma produced by radio frequency (RF) impulse discharge using a Mg rod electrode. The hollow nanospheres were found on the SiO2 plates placed near the powered Mg electrode. The electron refraction pattern showed that each nanosphere was made of a single crystal of MgO. Since the shape was spherical, these nanoparticles seemed to be created during the levitation in the plasma without touching any walls. The formation mechanism with a quasiliquid cooling model was also discussed. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

Zuonin B Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation via Downregulation of the ERK1/2 and JNK Pathways in RAW264.7 Macrophages

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effects of Zuonin B are attributable to the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators via blockage of NF-κB and AP-1 activation. Based on these findings, we propose that Zuonin B is potentially an effective functional chemical candidate for the prevention of inflammatory diseases. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

On Stochastic Finite-Time Control of Discrete-Time Fuzzy Systems with Packet Dropout

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

This paper is concerned with the stochastic finite-time stability and stochastic finite-time boundedness problems for one family of fuzzy discrete-time systems over networks with packet dropout, parametric uncertainties, and time-varying norm-bounded disturbance. Firstly, we present the dynamic model description studied, in which the discrete-time fuzzy T-S systems with packet loss can be described by one class of fuzzy Markovian jump systems. Then, the concepts of stochastic finite-time stability and stochastic finite-time boundedness and problem formulation are given. Based on Lyapunov function approach, sufficient conditions on stochastic finite-time stability and stochastic finite-time boundedness are established for the resulting closed-loop fuzzy discrete-time system with Markovian j...

Statistical Analysis of Ratio of Random Variables and Its Application in Performance Analysis of Multihop Wireless Transmissions

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

The distributions of random variables are of interest in many areas of science. In this paper, the probability density function (PDF) and cumulative distribution function (CDF) of ratio of products of two random variables and random variable are derived. Random variables are described with Rayleigh, Nakagami-m, Weibull, and α-μ distributions. An application of obtained results in performance analysis of multihop wireless communication systems in different transmission environments described in detail. The proposed mathematical analysis is also complemented by various graphically presented numerical results. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

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Ethnopharmacokinetic- and Activity-Guided Isolation of a New Antidepressive Compound from Fructus Aurantii Found in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Chaihu-Shugan-San: A New Approach and Its Application

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

Conclusion. MH, a compound whose antidepressive effect is similar to FA and CSS, was isolated for the first time from FA via targeting its corresponding unknown chromatographic peak, and its antidepressive effect was compared with FA or CSS. These findings highlight the potential for drug R&D and pharmacological research of ∼100,000 TCMs. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

Unusual Presentation of Rare Case of Papillary Adenofibroma of Cervix in a Young Woman

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:21:45 +0100

We report the case of a large polypoidal mass per vagina occupying the whole pelvis in a young woman. Preoperative biopsy showed benign epithelial and mullerian mesenchymal components suggestive of mullerian adenofibroma. Total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy was done. The diagnosis of papillary adenofibroma of cervix was made. The total surgery assured complete excision and permitted adequate sampling to exclude malignancy. (Source: Clinical and Developmental Immunology)

Multifunctional CD4+T cells in patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:18:45 +0100

SummaryLeishmaniasis is a group of important parasitic diseases affecting millions worldwide. To understand more clearly the quality of T helper type 1 (Th1) response stimulated after Leishmania infection, we applied a multiparametric flow cytometry protocol to evaluate multifunctional T cells induced by crude antigen extracts obtained from promastigotes of Leishmania braziliensis (LbAg) and Leishmania amazonensis (LaAg) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healed cutaneous leishmaniasis patients. Although no significant difference was detected in the percentage of total interferon (IFN)‐γ‐producing CD4+T cells induced by both antigens, multiparametric flow cytometry analysis revealed clear differences in the quality of Th1 responses. LbAg induced an important proportion of mult...

Impaired phagocytosis among patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus: implication for a role of highly active anti‐retroviral therapy

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:18:43 +0100

SummaryIn patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, neutrophil and monocyte functions, including phagocytosis, are impaired. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes of phagocytic function and respiratory burst occurring over the course of patients infected by the HIV‐1 virus. Treatment‐naive patients (group B), patients receiving highly active anti‐retroviral treatment (HAART) (group C) and patients in which HAART has failed (group D) were studied and compared with healthy volunteers (group A). Phagocytosis and oxidative burst were evaluated using commercially available kits. Results clearly denote a significant decrease of the phagocytic function of both cell types of groups B and C compared with group A. Among group C patients, those in the upper quar...