bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of immune biomarkers in cancer patients with solid tumors versus healthy subjects
Authors: Acharya Devansh , Gao Haoran , Jorgensen Rick Dean , Hamdan Muhammad , Al-Ahmad Hussein , Thomas Brittani , Chamarthy Ushasree , Gangur Venugopal , Srkalovic Gordan
Published: February 2023

Cytokines and other immune regulatory molecules are critical players in the immune response against cancer. There is growing interest in testing the potential utility of systemic immune biomarkers to track cancer progression and to use them as predictors of effective responses to cancer therapy. The central hypothesis guiding this project is that specific immune biomarkers will serve as predictors of effective vs. ineffective immunotherapy in patients with malignant diseases. The objective of this study was to establish baseline of immune markers in patients already started treatment with immunotherapy (n=10) (T), patients starting, but not yet treated (S) with immunotherapy (n=10) and subjects without diagnosed malignant disease (W) (n=10). Blood was collected and plasma was isolated and used in the biomarker (100 markers) analysis using a protein microarray method (RayBiotech). The biomarkers in the three groups were analyzed by Principal Component Analysis, heat map with clustering, and differential expression based on p value, and Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM). Although 15 biomarkers were significantly different between S vs. W groups, based on SAM, only seven were found differentially expressed. Similarly, although 10 biomarkers were significantly different between T vs. W groups, based on SAM, only one biomarker was found differentially expressed. Furthermore, SAM revealed that responders (n=4) vs. stable (n=5) subgroup of patients within the T group exhibited 22 differentially expressed biomarkers. Future larger studies will be needed to evaluate whether immune markers will be able to predict effective vs. ineffective responses to immunotherapy and whether they may have therapeutic potential.
IgG epitopes processed and presented by IgG+ B cells induce suppression by human thymic-derived regulatory T cells
Authors: Hsieh Li-En , Sidney John , Boyle David L. , Firestein Gary S , Sette Alessandro , Franco Alessandra
Published: February 2023

We described a human regulatory T cell (Treg) population activated by IgG+ B cells presenting peptides of the heavy constant region (Fc) via processing of the surface IgG underlying a model for B cell-Treg cooperation in the human immune regulation. Functionally, Treg inhibited the polarization of naive T cells toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype in both a cognate and a non-cognate fashion. Their fine specificities were similar in healthy donors and patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a systemic autoimmune disease. Four immunodominant Fc peptides bound multiple HLA class II alleles and were recognized by most subjects in the two cohorts. The presentation of Fc peptides that stimulate Treg through the processing of IgG by dendritic cells occurred in myeloid dendritic cells cDC1 and cDC2. Different routes of antigen processing of the IgG impacted Treg expansion in RA patients.
Immunological gene signatures in B cell follicle reticular cells are highly conserved across organs and species
Authors: Lütge Mechthild , Onder Lucas , Cheng Hung-Wei , Stanossek Yves , De Martin Angelina , Spannagel Lisa , Soneson Charlotte , Robinson Mark , Pikor Natalia , Ludewig Burkhard
Published: February 2023

Secondary lymphoid organs (SLO) such as the spleen, lymph nodes and Peyer’s patches are strategically positioned to survey bodily surfaces and to support the generation of cellular and humoral immunity. The movement and interaction of antigens, antigen presenting cells, B and T lymphocytes within SLOs is coordinated by specialized fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) that form dedicated microenvironments and provide essential niche molecules such as the chemokine CXCL13. High-resolution transcriptomic analysis of Cxcl13-expressing cells in mouse models has previously enabled the molecular characterization of heterogenous B cell-interacting reticular cells (BRC) in lymph nodes. However, it remains unknown to what extent the molecular identity of niche-forming BRCs is conserved across SLOs. Here, we employed single cell RNA-sequencing of Cxcl13-expressing cells from murine lymph node, spleen and Peyer’s patch to compare the molecular identity of BRCs across SLOs. While structural and developmental genes dominated organ-specific gene signatures, we found conserved gene signatures reflecting crucial immunomodulatory functions. The highest conservation was observed in follicular dendritic cells, a BRC subset specialized in the capture and presentation of antigen. Moreover, immunomodulatory gene signatures were preserved in BRCs from human lymph nodes and palatine tonsils highlighting the important role of BRC-defined microenvironments in steering efficient immune responses in SLOs across species.
CD45-dependent regulation of B cell receptor signaling in atherosclerosis
Authors: Ma Shelby , Mussbacher Marion , Moriarty Alina , Keeter W. Coles , Gauronskas Phillip , Waseem Tayab , Galkina Elena
Published: February 2023

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the large and medium size arteries that is characterized by deposition of oxidized lipids within the vessel. While specific antigens are not well characterized, data show that the immune response is involved in atherogenesis. The role of B cells in atherosclerosis is B cell specific: FO B cells are proatherogenic, while B1 and MZ B cells serve as protective. B cell development, activation, and differentiation is dependent on B cell receptor signaling while important costimulatory molecules, like CD45, assist in the initial propagation of signal. To date, it is unknown how regulation of BCR signaling by CD45 impacts activation and functions of B cells in atherosclerosis.

We took advantage of transgenic mice that express low levels of CD45 (CD45L/L) and examined the phenotype of CD45L/L B cells. We demonstrate that low expression of CD45 leads to attenuated BCR-induced B cell activation via the reduced Ca2+ flux and phosphorylation of ERK, BTK, and SYK kinase, while favoring MZ and B1 B cell differentiation in homeostatic conditions. To test the effects of B cells expressing low levels of CD45 in atherosclerosis, we performed adoptive transfer of CD45L/L or WT B cells into B cell-deficient atherosclerotic prone mice. After 23–28 wks of western diet feeding, the CD45L/L vs WT B cell recipients had reduced lesion formation accompanied by increased MZ B cells and decreased germinal center formation. This suggests that attenuation of BCR signaling through CD45 affects B cell subset differentiation and activation and highlight a potential role of BCR-related signaling in regulation of immunity in atherosclerosis.
Transcriptional and phenotypic analysis of distinct T-cell subsets may reveal novel pathogenetic and diagnostic signatures of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Cotugno Nicola , Sessa Libera , Pascucci Giuseppe Rubens , Ruggiero Alessandra , Di Cesare Silvia , Amodio Donato , Ferro Giuseppina , Medri Chiara , Buonsenso Danilo , Chinali Marcello , D’Anna Carolina , De Jacobis Isabella Tarissi , Villani Alberto , Rossi Paolo , Marchesi Alessandra , Palma Paolo
Published: February 2023

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis occurring in children <5yo that can result in coronary artery lesions. Our study aims to define novel pathogenetic and diagnostic signatures through flow cytometry and gene expression of T cell subsets. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of twenty-four KD patients at diagnosis (KD), twelve febrile patients (FC) and eighteen age-matched healthy controls (HC) were collected. Frequency of T regulatory cells (Treg), peripheral T follicular helper cells (pTfh) and maturational T cell subsets (Naïve, Central Memory, CM; Effector Memory, EM; terminally differentiated memory, TEMRA) were assessed by FACS (CytoFLEX-Beckman Coulter). Transcriptional levels of 96-genes in sort-purified CM, Treg and EM have been analysed by Fluidgm (Biomark). We found that KD have lower frequency of CM and EM compared to HC (p=0.003 and p=0.005), lower frequency of pTfh cells compared to HC (p=0,008), and in line with previous literature, lower Treg compared to HC (p=0.07). Instead, FC have a higher frequency of EM (p= 0.002; p=0.001) and TEMRA (p=0.004; p=0.006) and lower Naive (p=0.005; p=0.003) compared with both HC and KD. At transcriptional level, a distinct signature was found in EM of FC, with 26 and 16 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared to KD and HC. These preliminary data suggest that KD present a distinct phenotypic and transcriptional T cell signature, suggesting additional diagnostic and pathogenic insights able to distinguish KD from FC. Future studies with a similar multi OMIC approach could help identifying prognostic signature in KD.
Pioglitazone improves alcohol-induced alveolar macrophage phagocytic dysfunction via increases in microRNAs-1264 and -107.
Authors: Yeligar Samantha M
Published: February 2023

Objective:

People with a history of alcohol use disorders (AUD) are 2–4 times more likely to develop lung infections, in part due to impaired alveolar macrophage (AM) immune function. Ethanol (EtOH) induces oxidative stress via increases in NAPDH oxidase (Nox)1 and Nox2 and decreases in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, leading to AM phagocytic dysfunction. Since PPARγ activation with its ligand pioglitazone (PIO) attenuated acute lung injury, we hypothesized that PIO upregulates Nox1-related microRNA (miR)-1264 and Nox2-related miR-107, thereby lowering Nox1 and Nox2 expression and oxidative stress and improving AM phagocytic function.

Methods:

AM were isolated from C57BL/6J mice fed EtOH (20% w/v) in the drinking water for 12 wks ± PIO (10 mg/kg/day by oral gavage during week 12). In parallel, a mouse AM cell line, MH-S cells, were transfected ± 50 nM miR-1264/-107 mimics and treated ± 0.08% EtOH for 3 d ± 10 μM PIO on day 3. miR-1264 and -107 were assessed by qRT-PCR. Nox1 and Nox2 mRNA and protein levels were measured by qRT-PCR and cytoimmunostaining. Oxidative stress was assessed with DCFH-DA and Amplex Red assays. AM phagocytosis was evaluated by S. aureus internalization.

Results:

In vivo and in vitro, EtOH: decreased miR-1264/-107 levels, increased Nox1 and Nox2 expression, enhanced oxidative stress, and impaired phagocytosis. miR-1264/-107 mimics or PIO reversed these EtOH-induced AM derangements.

Conclusions:

PIO rapidly upregulated miRs-1264/-107 and attenuated EtOH-induced AM oxidative stress and phagocytic dysfunction. Our studies suggest PIO as a clinically relevant intervention to mitigate AM immune derangements and may decrease susceptibility of lung infections in people with a history of AUD.
Do previous influenza and mastitis infections change the gene expressions of immune T cell surface markers present in human milk?
Authors: Demers-Mathieu Veronique , DaPra Ciera , Medo Elena
Published: February 2023

Objective

The function of neonatal T cells is reduced compared to adult T cells. Human milk T cells may be transferred to the breastfed infant and compensate for their immature T cells. This study investigated the impact of mastitis and influenza post-infections (1–4 months) on T cell surface markers’ gene expressions in human milk.

Methods

Gene expressions of CD4, CD44, CD8A, CCR6, CCR7, CD62L, CXCR3, CXCR5, and CD25 were determined in milk samples from 7 women with mastitis, 7 women with influenza, and 9 women without infection during the last year. The concentrations of Th cytokines (IL-4, IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-β) were also determined.

Results

The gene expression in milk from women with influenza infection had lower CCR7 (naïve T cells) and higher CD8A (cytotoxic T cells), CD44 and CD62L (activated/memory T cells) than mothers without infection. Gene expression in milk from mothers with mastitis had higher CD4 (Th cells) and lower CCR6 (Th17 cells) than mothers without mastitis. Milk from mothers with previous infections in the past 1–4 months had higher gene expression of CD4, CD8A, CD44, and CD62L, and lower CCR7 and CCR6 (Th17 cells) than mothers without infection. Mastitis or influenza did not affect the concentrations of cytokine-related T cells in human milk, indicating the return to their regular composition of immune regulatory mediators.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that mothers with previous influenza infections may transfer high human milk-activated/memory T cells to their infants. Whether this transfer of antigen-experienced T cells enhances infants’ protection against infection remains to be investigated.
Novel roles for Cullin 3 in naive CD4 T cell homeostasis and activation
Authors: Yarosz Emily L , Chang Cheong-Hee
Published: February 2023

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cullin 3 (Cul3) has been shown to play a key role in several processes in mammalian cells, including antioxidation, cell cycle regulation, and immunity. Published work has shown that T cell-specific deletion of Cul3 leads not only to a severe defect in invariant natural killer T cell development but also to enhanced T regulatory cell and T follicular helper cell differentiation. However, the role of Cul3 in controlling CD4 T cell proliferation, activation, and homeostasis remains unknown. To investigate this, we used a CD4-Cre driven Cul3 knockout mouse model to study CD4 T cell responses. Interestingly, loss of Cul3 severely impacted naive and effector CD4 T cell frequencies in the peripheral tissues. Further analysis revealed that Cul3-deficient naive CD4 T cells undergo higher rates of spontaneous proliferation and cell death in vivo compared to wild type cells, indicating that Cul3-deficient cells have a preactivated phenotype. In line with this observation, deletion of Cul3 caused naive CD4 T cells to proliferate better than wild type cells after activation. The proliferative advantage observed in Cul3-deficient naive CD4 T cells appears to be IL-2 dependent, as these cells display increased IL-2 secretion and IL2Rα surface expression. Naive CD4 T cells lacking Cul3 also exhibit high rates of glucose uptake and lactate production, suggesting that Cul3 restricts glucose metabolism in naive CD4 T cells. In all, Cul3 appears to control naive CD4 T cell homeostasis by promoting quiescence and restraining activation-induced naive CD4 T cell responses. Future work will focus on determining the mechanisms by which Cul3 exerts these effects in naive CD4 T cells.
Impact of age-associated decreases in thymic B cell expression of Aire and self-antigen genes on T cell tolerance
Authors: Rueda Meghan A , Cepeda Sergio , Xiao Yangming , Kraig Ellen , Griffith Ann V.
Published: February 2023

Susceptibility to many autoimmune diseases increases with age, but the mechanisms linking aging and autoimmunity remain incompletely understood. One hallmark of the aging immune system is atrophy of the thymus, the primary site of T lymphocyte generation and tolerance induction. Aging is also associated with declines in critical thymic functions, including expression of tissue restricted self-antigen (TRA) genes important in tolerance induction. We have focused on a subset of TRAs transcribed preferentially by thymic B cells under control of the Autoimmune regulator (Aire). This expression results in clonal deletion (tolerization) of T cells specific for these antigens which are typically expressed in peripheral tissues. Recently, we found that expression of both Aire and Aire-dependent TRA genes in thymic B cells declines with aging in both mice and humans, leading to the prediction that central T cell tolerance to B cell TRAs would be diminished in older individuals. As a direct test of this hypothesis, splenic B cells from young and aged AdBDC transgenic mice (present an Aire-regulated BDC2.5 antigen) were transferred into irradiated hosts reconstituted with BDC2.5 TCR transgenic bone marrow. We find that aging diminishes the capacity of AdBDC B cells to mediate clonal deletion of cognate BDC2.5 T cells. We also used MHCII tetramers and ELISpot to detect T cells recognizing a model TRA expressed in thymic B cells, Titin (Ttn), an auto-antigen involved in late-onset myasthenia gravis, in the thymus and secondary lymphoid organs of young and aged mice. Together, our preliminary results suggest that the reduced capacity of aged thymic B cells to express Aire also impairs their ability to properly tolerize developing T cells in the thymus.
B cell expression patterns before and after Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection; location matters over lineage.
Authors: Zellner Matthew , Lownik Joseph Cornelius , Farrar Jared S. , Urban Joseph , Martin Rebecca
Published: February 2023

Our lab has previously shown that B1 B cells are important in the response to Nippostrongylus brasiliensus. We next wanted to examine the transcriptional changes between B1 and B2 B cells before and after N. brasiliensis infection. After examination of peritoneal cavity (PerC) B1 B cells and B2 B cells compared to mesenteric lymph node (MLN) B2 B cells by RNAseq we showed that there was more transcriptional similarity between PerC B cell populations than PerC B2 B cells and MLN B2 B cells. Due to this finding, we proceeded to determine the lineage of these B cells populations before and after helminth infection. To do this, one day postnatal, all B cells were depleted from CD45.1 IgMa haplotype mice using anti-IgMa antibody (DS.1). The following day the entire PerC lavage of an adult CD45.2 IgMb mouse was reconstituted, intraperitoneally. DS.1 was administered twice weekly until the mice were 6 weeks of age. After resting the mice to allow host bone marrow (BM) derived B cells to recover, the resulting mice had distinguishable B cell populations based on lineage. Interestingly, we found that regardless of whether the B cells were BM or fetal liver derived, both lineages were found in classically defined B1 B cell and B2 B cell population based on surfaces marker patterns by flow cytometry. In conclusion, this work suggests that anatomic location plays a larger role in terminal function than lineage, and that PerC B cell populations have a more ambiguous lineage than previously thought.
Commensal microbiota induces IL-17A-producing innate lymphoid cells that augment skin inflammation in cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: SINGH TEJ PRATAP , Carvalho Augusto M , Grice Elizabeth A , Scott Phillip
Published: February 2023

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) comprise a heterogeneous population of immune cells that are enriched at barrier surfaces where they quickly respond to host, microbial or environmental stimuli to promote immunity. Whether ILCs are activated during a cutaneous leishmaniasis infection, and whether the skin microbiota might influence ILC responses, is unknown. To address this issue, we studied ILC development in Leishmania major infected mice as well in bacteria colonized mice subsequently infected with L. major. IL-17A-producing but not IFN-g and IL-13-producing ILCs were enriched in early L. major infected skin. Topical colonization with Staphylococcus epidermidis or Staphylococcus xylosus before L. major infection increased the number of IL-17A+ ILCs in the skin and enhanced the inflammatory response. Microbiota colonization did not influence the IFN-g production from CD4+ T cells or the parasite load. In addition, IL-17A-production from ILCs was regulated by Batf3 dependent CD103+ dendritic cells, and experiments using Rag1−/− mice demonstrated that ILC17s were sufficient in driving the microbiota dependent inflammatory responses in L. major infected skin. Depletion of ILCs or neutralization of IL-17A in Rag1−/− mice diminished the microbiota mediated inflammatory responses of L. major infected skin. Taken together, this study indicates that the skin microbiota promotes IL-17A-producing ILCs, which drives increased inflammatory responses in cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Cellular Dynamics of Immune Evasion during Leishmania major infection
Authors: Zayats Romaniya , Mou Zhirong , Yazdanpanah Atta , Koh Wan Hon , Lopez Paul , Uzonna Jude E , Murooka Thomas
Published: February 2023

Infection by Leishmania major generates a strong T cell response, yet clearance is incomplete. Understanding of persistence mechanisms is still lacking, but Leishmania major mediated suppression of antigen presentation mechanisms and the presence of regulatory T cells within the lesion site have been proposed to prevent parasite clearance in vivo. Here, we used a novel TCR transgenic mouse model, where CD4+ T cells recognize an immunodominant peptide derived from Leishmania-glycosomal phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), to visually characterize anti-L. major CD4+ T cell responses both in vitro and in vivo during acute and persistent infection. We confirmed that PEPCK T cells engage in prolonged interactions with infected macrophages, which resulted in high IFNg production. Effector T cell responses were significantly suppressed by PEPCK-specific, but not polyclonal Tregs, indicating that antigen recognition is required for their suppressive activity. High suppressive activity by Tregs correlated with high IL-10 expression and lower IL-12, TNF, and IL-2 production. Finally, adoptive transfer of PEPCK effector T cells into infected mice led to their recruitment into lesion sites, displaying cellular behaviours consistent with antigen recognition. We are currently characterizing whether effector T cell responses are altered in healed lesions, where persistently-infected cells are readily observed. Collectively, our microscopy-based approach will better define effector T cell responses during acute infection, and mechanistic understanding of how Tregs promote parasite persistence within healed skin.
CD18 regulates monocyte-macrophage DC progenitors and the differentiation into alternatively activated macrophages during schistosomiasis
Authors: Souza Camila O S , Elias-Oliveira Jefferson , Fontanari Caroline , Rodriguez Vanderlei , Gardinassi Luiz , Faccioli Lucia
Published: February 2023

Infection with Schistosoma mansoni causes a chronic parasitic disease. Along the course of schistosomiasis, innate immune cells are recruited and accumulate into Th2-granuloma in the liver. Recently, our group demonstrated that the common chain of β2-integrin (CD18) was crucial for monocytopoiesis and resistance to experimental S. mansoni infection. Inside the tissue, inflammatory monocytes (IMs) differentiate and polarize in alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) in a type 2 microenvironment. In this context, we evaluated the role of CD18 on monocytes progenitors and differentiation into AAMs during chronic schistosomiasis. First, we evaluated the monocyte progenitor cells in the bone marrow from wild-type (WT) and CD18low mice. The low expression of CD18 increased the frequency and absolute number of monocyte-macrophage DC progenitor (MDP), while MFI of Ki-67 were reduced on MDP and common monocytes progenitor (cMoP) at 7 weeks post infection (wpi). Next, we evaluated the integrins family in the liver from S. mansoni-infected mice. We showed increase expression of Itgam when compared to Itgal in the liver at 7 wpi. The frequency of CD11b+cells also increased at 7 wpi, compared to CD11a+ cells. Moreover, compared to WT mice, CD18low animals reduced the MFI of CD11b and CD11c in IMs. The alternative activation markers, Chil3l3 and Arg1 were reduced in CD18low. Indeed, compared to WT mice, CD18low animals reduced the percentage of CD206+PD-L2+ AAMs in the liver at 7 wpi. In addition, the adoptive transference of IMs to CD18low mice reduces the inflammatory infiltrate in the liver at 7 wpi. Overall, our data indicate CD18 coordinated the monocytes differentiation into AAMs during chronic S. mansoni infection.
The T-lymphocytes of peripheral blood reflect the phase of activity tuberculous granuloma
Authors: Berdugina Olga V.
Published: February 2023

Forms are tubercular inflammation expose them to many. Assessment tuberculous granuloma activity carried out on the basis of pathological examination of the data in the postoperative period. However, the study of immunological parameters may open the way to a minimally invasive method for evaluating the activity on the basis of immunological data. The purpose of this study was the comparative evaluation of quantitative and functional state of T-lymphocytes in different phases tuberculous granuloma activity. The study involved 56 people: 31 - tuberculous granuloma, 25 were healthy volunteers. Patients with tuberculous granuloma were differentiated into two cohorts: active tuberculous granuloma, tuberculous granuloma in the phase of moderate activity subsides. The studies to identify subpopulations of T-lymphocytes and the establishment of functional activity of the cells. The statistical unit included the use of Statistica for Windows v.6.1. It has been established that the T-cell component of the immune system in patients with active tuberculous granuloma characterized by increasing expression of CD25+ and HLA-DR on T-lymphocytes, CD95+ markers on T-helper, reduction of γδ-T-cells as well as increasing the number T-NK-lymphocytes and T-reg-cells. Tuberculous granuloma in the phase of moderate and subside activity accompanied by increased CD25+ and CD95+ expression on T-lymphocytes and T-helpers, as well as a decrease in HLA-DR expression on T-lymphocytes. Notes the intention expressed by the reduction in the number of NK-cells and increase γδ-T-cells associated with increases in the number of T-reg. These data allow the use of laboratory immunological parameters for indirect estimation tuberculous granuloma activity.
Effects of the community-based health planning and services on anemia and acute malnutrition amongst under-fives in Ghana: A comparative study
Authors: Bigool Mark , Owusu Nicodemus Osei , Frimpong Angela Anastasia
Published: February 2023

Background: Ghana implemented a community-based health planning and services (CHPS) in 2000 with the aim of bringing health services to the doorsteps of the deprived in the communities. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) supported the implementation of the project with a distinct approach in the Upper West region, employing supportive supervision.Objective: To investigate the impact of the JICA CHPS model on anemia and acute malnutrition prevalence amongst children less than five years of age. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study design that compares the upper west region with the two other regions of the North implementing the traditional model of CHPS. We used the Ghana demographic and health survey dataset for 2003 as the baseline and 2014 as the follow-up year and employed the difference-in-dif-ference approach. We find a reduction in the likelihood of anemia and acute malnutrition prevalence among children less than five years by 17 and 8 percentage points respectively. We find the project to be cost-effective, at a cost of $7 per each anemia prevalence averted.Conclusions: The results indicate that the JICA model of CHPS is cost-effective in the reduction of anemia and acute malnutrition prevalence compared to the traditional model. We recommend a nationwide expansion of the JICA model to enhance the reduction of anemia and acute malnutrition in Ghana
Antifungal Efficacy of Ocimum Basilicum Essential Oil in Tissue Conditioner Against Candida Albicans: An In vitro Study
Authors: Rajali Aiemeeza , Zain Nurhayati Mohamad , Amran Nurafiqah Aina , Azmi Nurin Hazirah Enche Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Tissue conditioner is used to condition inflamed mucosa induced by denture stomatitis. However, the drawback of the aging tissue conditioner is increased surface roughness, thus enhance microbial adhesion. Ocimum basilicum is known for its antimicrobial effects but its use in liners has not been investigated. Aims: This study aimed to determine the antifungal efficacy of ocimum basilicum essential oil (OBEO) when incorporated into tissue conditioner against C. albicans and the effect on the properties.

Subject and Methods:

The antimicrobial activities were determined using disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). After incorporation into tissue conditioner, the color difference and surface roughness were evaluated after one day. The surface morphology and the antibiofilm activity were assessed on day 1 and day 14.

Results:

The zone of inhibition of OBEO on Sabouraud Dextrose agar was significantly wider than nystatin and deionized water (P=0.000) with the MIC and MFC values were 1.25% and 5%. Both OBEO concentrations incorporated into tissue conditioner, there was no significant difference of color changes in the light-dark character (P=0.102) and surface roughness (P=0.920) when compared to the control group. As for adherence at days 1 and 14, both concentrations of OBEO in tissue conditioner show significantly reduced adherence of C. albicans compared to the control group (P=0.000).

Conclusion:

OBEO exhibited significantly better antifungal activity against C. albicans when compared to nystatin and deionized water and resulted in no significant color changes, better surface roughness and lesser adherence of C. albicans toward the tissue conditioner.
Effect of α-Mangostin on Interleukin-11 and Runt-related Transcription Factor-2 Gene Expression on Cell Line Osteoblast Cultures Induced with Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Tantra Ivan , Rizqiawan Andra , Sumarta Ni Putu Mira , Kamadjaja David Buntoro , Soesilowati Pratiwi , Rahman Mohammad Zeshaan , Pramono Coen
Published: February 2023

Background:

Loss of permanent teeth after tooth extraction without replacement of missing teeth can result in impaired masticatory, esthetic, phonetic functions, and impaired balance of the masticatory organ in the mouth. Therefore, a method is needed to inhibit the alveolar bone resorption process so that the dimensions of the tooth socket can be maintained vertically or horizontally until the time of implant placement, which is called the socket preservation procedure. α-mangostin is known to have a potential anti-inflammatory effect and most likely can be used as a potential therapeutic agent to inhibit bone resorption caused by posttooth extraction inflammatory processes.

Aims:

The aim of the study was to determine the effect on the inflammatory process and osteogenesis on osteoblast cell line culture by induction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and α-mangostin.

Materials and Methods:

This was an in vitro laboratory experimental study on mouse osteoblast cell line culture. The treatment was given with LPS, α-mangostin, and combination on osteogenic medium, using the same concentration for all concentrates. The sample will then be processed and analyzed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

The highest interleukin-11 (IL-11) gene expression was found in α-mangostin treatment, but there was no significant difference in IL-11 expression between the study groups. The highest runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX-2) gene expression was found in a group that received induction with LPS and α-mangostin, and from these results, it was found that there was a significant difference in RUNX-2 expression between the study groups.

Conclusions:

LPS and α-mangostin can increase osteogenesis in osteoblast cell culture in the osteogenic medium.
Effect of hypofractionated radiotherapy on lung functions in breast cancer patients
Authors: Rezk Enass A.A. , Abdeldayem Aya M. , Farag Amr L. , Abdelhamid Hossam E.M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Adjuvant hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) used in the management of breast cancer cases, although reduce time and cost, may have serious effects due to the increased dose of radiation. Radiation-induced lung injury is an important side effect of thoracic radiation.

Aim

In our study, patients assessed by spirometry to detect acute changes in lung functions resulted from radiation exposure during the treatment of breast cancer.

Patients and methods

In this prospective study, 31 patients with breast cancer, who received adjuvant RT in Ain Shams University Hospitals, were assessed by spirometry before and 8 weeks after the end of RT. Radiation pneumonitis (RP) was graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5. Pulmonary function was evaluated by spirometry before and 8 weeks after finishing RT to detect changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of FVC (FEF25%–75%), and FEF50% of.

Results

Five (16.1%) patients developed symptomatic RP. Significant reduction was noticed in FVC and FEV1, while FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25%–75%, and FEF50% were not significantly affected. It was also observed that FEV1 was sensitive in anticipating RP.

Conclusion

Spirometry parameters, FEV1 and FVC, significantly decreased after 8 weeks of RT ending, without significant decrease in other parameters, favoring restrictive lung injury pattern. Since most cancer breast patients who developed RP were asymptomatic, spirometry was found to be beneficial in identifying patients with risk of radiation-induced lung injury (RP).
Relation between bronchiectasis severity index and chest ultrasound in noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patient
Authors: Abdelwahab Ahmed A. , Eldin Mohammad A.T. , Abdel-Hamid Hossam E.M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Bronchiectasis is a persistent dilatation of the proximal and medium-sized bronchi greater than 2 mm in diameter caused by weakening or fibrosis of the bronchial walls’ muscular and elastic components.

Aim

To measure the severity of bronchiectasis utilizing bronchiectasis-severity ratings in conjunction with transthoracic lung sonography and sputum-culture findings.

Patients and methods

This study was conducted at Chest Department Nasser Institute during the period from January 2020 to June 2021 and included 20 patients: nine females and 11 males with localized symptomatizing bronchiectasis.

Results

In total, 20 patients, 11 (55.0%) males and nine (45.0%) females, were included in this study where Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in 12 patients, Haemophilus influenza, and Klebsiella detected in six patients. There was a significant relation between FACED score, Bahalla score, and thoracic ultrasound (US) (P<0.05), also there is significant correlation between bronchiectasis severity index (BSI) score and FACED score (P<0.001). Meanwhile, there was insignificant relation between BSI score and thoracic US.

Conclusion

US is a valuable technique in relation to the BSI, FACED, and Bahalla scores.
Ultrasound assessment of the relation between the quantity of pleural effusion and diaphragmatic functions
Authors: Azab Nourane , El-Habashy Mahmoud , El-Helbawy Rana , Habib Rehab , Rezk Sally A.E.
Published: February 2023

Background

Diaphragm is a necessary respiratory muscle. In cases with pleural effusion, abnormal diaphragmatic functions may be observed. Thoracic ultrasound is a simple, accurate, and noninvasive method to investigate the relation between the quantity of pleural effusion and diaphragmatic functions.

Aim

The work was done to clarify the relation between the quantity of pleural effusion and diaphragmatic functions using ultrasound.

Patients and methods

A prospective case–control study, where patients were divided into two groups: GI (cases), 20 patients with pleural effusion for ultrasound evaluation of the relation between the quantity of pleural effusion and diaphragmatic functions, and GII, (controls) 20 healthy volunteers without pleural effusion for ultrasound assessment of diaphragmatic functions. Between 2019 and 2020, clinical assessment, routine investigations, and demographic and radiological data were reviewed for the two groups.

Results

Thoracic ultrasound for GI at different quantities of pleural effusions revealed significant differences in diaphragmatic functions such as thickness at the end of inspiration, diaphragm thickening fraction, excursion at deep breathing, and excursion at quiet breathing. The statistical comparison of sonographic findings between GI and GII showed significant differences in the thickness at the end of expiration, thickness at the end of inspiration, diaphragmatic thickening fraction, excursion at quiet breathing, and excursion at deep breathing. These changes are proportionate to the quantity of pleural effusion.

Conclusion

There is an adverse effect of pleural effusion at different quantities on diaphragmatic functions as observed by thoracic ultrasound.
Helicobacter pylori infection in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Dayem Aya M.M.A. , Afify Sara A. , Mohamed Haitham S.E.
Published: February 2023

Context

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent condition defined by chronic respiratory symptoms and difficult airflow caused by airway and/or alveolar disorders. Helicobacter pylori infection is a chronic stomach inflammation, which dramatically changes the gastric immune reaction, potentially leading to systemic consequences.

Aims

The study’s goal was to identify the effect of H. pylori infection in the severity of COPD.

Settings and design

Ain Shams University Hospital, a case–control observational study.

Patients and methods

The current study involved 40 patients who were diagnosed as COPD and 40 individuals as healthy controls with matched age and sex. All participants were evaluated by clinical assessment, chest radiograph, H. pylori stool Ag test, and spirometry with pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator test.

Statistical analysis used

To compare quantitative variables unpaired t test was used and for qualitative variables χ
2 test was used.

Results

H. pylori test results in patients and controls showed that 27 (67.5%) and 24 (60.0%) individuals were seropositive without significance between them. Seropositive H. pylori between the stages of COPD were 50% in the mild stage, 70% in the moderate stage, 70% in the severe stage, and 80% in the very severe stage, with no significant difference regarding the relation between the of H. pylori infection and severity of COPD.

Conclusion

There is high incidence of H. pylori infection in COPD patients and may have a role in the initiation and worsening of COPD in predisposed patients without significant relation between H. pylori and severity of COPD.
Treatment with fluvoxamine in nonhospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 patients
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed A. , Shehta Mohammed
Published: February 2023

Context

Fluvoxamine may have a potential immune-regulatory action and a therapeutic role in severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection that may prevent progression and/or hospitalization.

Aims

Trial that compared fluvoxamine versus placebo in nonhospitalized adults with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (mild and moderate coronavirus disease 2019 cases).

Settings and design

This is a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial.

Patients and methods

The study enrolled 162 cases with positive PCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 infection and who were symptomatic within 7 days of the first dose of study medication.

Statistical analysis

The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data gathered together will be tabulated and statistically analyzed. The statistical analysis of data was carried out using Excel and the SPSS programs statistical package for AQ8 Social Sciences, version 17. Quantitative data were described as median (minimum–maximum). An analysis of the data was carried out to test statistically significant differences between groups. Quantitative data were presented as mean±SD and the Student’s t test was used to compare between two groups.

Results

In all, 162 patients completed the study; 72 patients were of mild severity; 90 patients were moderate cases and each group was randomized to receive fluvoxamine or placebo besides standard care. In the mild group, no significant difference was recorded while slight significance exists in the moderate severity group.

Conclusions

Fluvoxamine may have an added value besides the current standard care in reducing the need for hospitalization in outpatient cases, especially pneumonic ones; however, more larger studies are needed.
Pulmonary changes among asymptomatic smokers using high-resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function tests
Authors: Ali Ahmed Abd Al-Rahman , Elhabashy Mahmoud M. , Serag Dena M. , Abo Koura Walaa G.E. , El Dahdouh Sami S.A.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To detect pulmonary changes among asymptomatic smokers using an inspiratory and expiratory high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Pulmonary changes associated with smoking are now an increasing public health concern. Computed tomography, especially HRCT, is the best choice for visualizing lung morphology.

Patients and methods

The study was a cohort study conducted at Shebeen Chest Hospital from January 2019 to January 2021. The study was carried out on 120 adult males; 80 of them were asymptomatic smokers and 40 matched healthy nonsmokers served as the control group. All underwent routine chest radiograph, PA view, HRCT (inspiratory, expiratory) film, and PFTs in the form of forced expiratory vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume after 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, mean forced expiratory flow, and peak expiratory flow. Comparison between the two groups was done according to HRCT and PFT.

Result

There was significant difference between inspiratory and expiratory HRCT regarding air trapping between cases. Inspiratory air trapping was present in 4% while expiratory air trapping was present in 18%. There was highly significant difference between cases and controls regarding emphysema and bronchial thickening, subpleural line. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding FVC, forced expiratory flow 25–75, and FEV1/FVC, while there was a significant difference between them regarding PFT pattern results (P<0.05).

Conclusion

HRCT is the most sensitive imaging modality for diagnosing early emphysema in asymptomatic smokers. HRCT of the lung can detect lung abnormalities noninvasively.
HIV-related pulmonary manifestations among Egyptian patients
Authors: Zaki Zeinab M. , Khalil Magdy M. , Wagih Khaled M. , Ezzelregal Hieba G.
Published: February 2023

Context

After description of the new first case of AIDS in 1981, the HIV pandemic expanded very rapidly to become a great global public health problem with wide health, economic, social, and developmental consequences that have not been seen with any other disease. Globally, there have been gains across the HIV testing and treatment cascade. The greatest contributor to the illness and deaths in persons infected with HIV is pulmonary disease.

Aims

The aim was to study the pattern of respiratory manifestations in HIV-infected patients among a sample of Egyptians.

Settings and design

A prospective, observational study.

Patients and methods

This study recruited 121 HIV patients with respiratory system involvement admitted to Abbassia Fever Hospital or Abbassia Chest Hospitals between December 2017 and March 2020. Clinical assessment included demographic data, history of chest symptoms, and comorbidities and local and general examination. Chest imaging was requested/reviewed, and procedures were performed as required. Laboratory assessment included CD4 count, and microbiological examinations of sputum and pleural fluid if found.

Statistical analysis used

SPSS program (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software, version 18.0.

Results

Of the participants 62 % have been receiving or previously received antiretroviral treatment. Cough was the most frequent symptom in 91.7%. Pleural collection was the most frequent radiological finding on chest radiology in 23% of patients. Tuberculosis was commonly a concomitant infection in 29.7% of patients. CD4 count ranged from 16 to 450 cells/mm3. The diagnosis of PJP and multidrug resistance tuberculosis was highly significantly associated with low CD4 count (P<0.01).

Conclusion

HIV infection is associated with a wide range of respiratory manifestations with infectious complications representing the majority of them. Low CD4 count, receiving antiretroviral treatment, and the source of HIV infection (sexual or intravenous drug abuse) are documented as risk factors for respiratory involvement in HIV patients.
Asthma prevalence among medical students of jazan university, saudi arabia
Authors: Hakami Abdulrahman Mohammed , Yassin Abuobaida , Bajoned Meshal , Maashi Reem , Zila Amna , Dilyh Nuha , Dilyh Samar , Ezzi Fatima , Madkhali Maha
Published: February 2023

Background

Both adults and children experience bronchial asthma, which is the most common chronic respiratory condition. The prevalence of asthma varies widely by geography and age, with its prevalence ranging from 0.2 to 21.0% in adults. However, there are no data on the prevalence of asthma among adults in the Jazan Region, which is located in the southern part of Saudi Arabia.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of asthma among medical students in Jazan University, Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the prevalence of asthma was determined using a modified and translated International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. Adult students of health-related colleges at Jazan University constituted the target population in the region.

Results

There were 1210 responders, which included 654 (54.0%) males and 556 (46.0%) females. In total, 761 (62.9%) students (35.3% men) resided in rural areas, whereas 449 (37.1%) students resided in urban areas. Additionally, 20.2% of students experienced life-long wheezing. During the previous 12 months, 218 (18%) and 191 (15.8%) students experienced exercise-induced wheezing and nonexercise-induced wheezing, respectively. Furthermore, 188 (15.5%) students had a medical history of asthma, and the prevalence of asthma did not differ significantly between males and females (P=0.412). A physician confirmed that 13.7% of the participants had asthma.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated a high frequency of asthma among the medical students of Jazan University in the Jazan Region. Asthma diagnosis was predicted using an identifiable questionnaire and without using physiological measures and laboratory factors.
Amblyopia in patients with intermittent exotropia
Authors: Mohan Kanwar , Sharma Suresh Kumar
Published: February 2023

Aims:

The aim was to report the incidence and types of amblyopia in a large series of patients with intermittent exotropia at a single institution.

Materials and Methods:

The medical records of consecutive patients 4–30 years of age diagnosed with intermittent exotropia at our institution between January 2000 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed for amblyopia.

Results:

A total of 2,058 patients diagnosed with intermittent exotropia during the study met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 40 (2%) had amblyopia and were the participants of this study. The mean patient age was 10.6 ± 4.2 years. Amblyopia was anisometropic in 35 (87%) patients and strabismic in 5 (13%) patients. Of the 35 patients with anisometropic amblyopia, 29 (83%) had spherical anisometropia and 6 (17%) had astigmatic anisometropia. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of patients and the mean anisometropia between patients with spherical anisomyopic and anisohyperopic amblyopia, and also between those with astigmatic anisomyopic and anisohyperopic amblyopia. There was no relation between the type of intermittent exotropia and anisometropic amblyopia. None of the patients with strabismic amblyopia had spherical or astigmatic anisometropia but had a preference for fixation with the nonamblyopic eye. There was no statistically significant difference in near and distance deviations between patients with anisometropic and strabismic amblyopia, and between those with anisomyopic and anisohyperopic amblyopia.

Conclusions:

Amblyopia was observed in 2% of our patients with intermittent exotropia. It was spherical anisometropic in a large majority of patients and strabismic in a few.