Non–IgE- or Mixed IgE/Non–IgE-Mediated Gastrointestinal Food Allergies in the First Years of Life: Old and New Tools for Diagnosis

non-IgE and mixed gastrointestinal food allergies present various specific, well-characterized clinical pictures such as food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis, food protein-induced enterocolitis and food protein-induced enteropathy syndrome as well as eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders such as eosinophilic esophagitis, allergic eosinophilic gastroenteritis and eosinophilic colitis. The aim of this article is to provide an updated review of their different clinical presentations, to suggest a correct approach to their diagnosis and to discuss the usefulness of both old and new diagnostic tools, including fecal biomarkers, atopy patch tests, endoscopy, specific IgG and IgG4 testing, allergen-specific lymphocyte stimulation test (ALST) and clinical score (CoMiss).     

Comparison of the Impact of Xanthohumol and Phenethyl Isothiocyanate and Their Combination on Nrf2 and NF-κB Pathways in HepG2 Cells In Vitro and Tumor Burden In Vivo

Background: Increasing evidence suggests that combinations of phytochemicals are more efficient than single components in the modulation of signaling pathways involved in cancer development. In this study, the impact of phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), indole-3-carbinol (I3C), xanthohumol, (X), and resveratrol (RES) and their combinations on the activation and expression of Nrf2 and NF-κB in human hepatocytes and HCC cells were evaluated. Methods: THLE-2 and HepG2 cells were exposed to single phytochemicals and their combinations for 24 h. The activation of Nrf2 and NF-κB, expression of their target genes, and effect on cells survival were assessed. The tumor burden was evaluated in mice carrying xenografts. Results: All phytochemicals enhanced the activation and expression of Nrf2 and its target genes SOD and NQO1 in HepG2 cells. The increased expression of NQO1 (~90%) was associated with increased ROS generation. X + PEITC downregulated NF-κB activation reducing binding of its active subunits to DNA resulting in diminished COX-2 expression. In contrast to single phytochemicals, X + PEITC induced apoptosis. Moderate reduction of tumor burden in mice carrying xenografts following X and PEITC or their combination was observed. Conclusions: Since Nrf2 is overexpressed in HCC its reduced activation together with diminished level of NF-κB by X + PEITC may be considered as a strategy to support conventional HCC therapy.     

Tattoos,Piercing, and Sexual Behaviors in Young Adults

IntroductionBody piercing and tattooing are accepted by a growing number of teenagers and young adults as a way of self‐expressing. Some authors suggest association between body piercings/tattoos and early sexual initiation, higher number of sexual partners, or risky sexual behaviors.AimThe aim of the study was to evaluate sexual behaviors among young adults with body modifications (BMs)—tattoos and piercings.MethodsOne hundred twenty young healthy adults, ages between 20 and 35, were included in the population study. The study group was divided into three subgroups: controls (N = 60), adults with tattoos (N = 28), and adults with piercings (N = 32). The research instrument was a self‐prepared questionnaire containing 59 questions assessing socioepidemiological parameters, sexual behaviors, incidents of sexual harassment in the past, and self‐attractiveness evaluation, as well as questions concerning tattoos and piercings. Socioepidemiological variables and sexual behaviors were compared between subgroups.Main Outcome MeasuresTo assess and describe the correlation between having BM—tattoos and piercings—and sexual behaviors in the population of young adults by using the logistic regression model.ResultsAdults with BMs have had their first intercourse statistically earlier and were more sexually active compared with controls. There were no statically significant differences in sexual orientation, sexual preferences, engaging in risky sexual behaviors, frequency of masturbation, and history of sexual abuse between the groups. In contrast, the frequency of sexual intercourses was statistically higher and oral sex was more likely to be a dominant sexual activity in adults with BM compared with controls. The multivariate logistic model revealed that adults with BM were four times less likely to participate in religious practices and twice more likely to have early sexual initiation.ConclusionsHaving BM is associated with early sexual initiation and more liberal attitudes toward sexual behaviors but not with engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Nowosielski K, Sipiński A, Kuczerawy I, Koz?owska‐Rup D, and Skrzypulec‐Plinta V. Tattoos, piercing, and sexual behaviors in young adults. J Sex Med 2012;9:2307–2314.     

Ac-like transposons in populations of wild diploid Triticeae species: comparative analysis of chromosomal distribution

Data are presented on the intra- and interspecific differences/similarities in chromosomal patterns of Ac-like elements (hAT family) in ecologically contrasted populations of three Triticeae species - Aegilops speltoides, Triticum urartu, and Hordeum spontaneum. Application of original computer software made it possible to precisely map transposon clusters and to link them to known chromosomal markers (rDNA sites, centromeres, and heterochromatin regions). From our data we can specify the most visible features of Ac-like elements chromosomal distribution: preferential concentration in chromosomal proximal regions; high percentage of clusters on the border between euchromatin and heterochromatin; complementary chromosomal arrangement towards En/Spm transposons (CACTA); population-specific insertions into centromeres; more differences in total cluster numbers between populations of self-pollinated species than between populations of cross-pollinated species. The application of statistical simulation (Resampling) method to analysis of data indicates that ecology may play a certain role in dynamics of Ac-like elements. Comparison of real Ayala distances, as well as real chromosomal distribution of Ac-like elements in populations of two species with different mating systems with the same but randomly simulated parameters, revealed that non-random population structure in the Mediterranean floral zone suffers and becomes chaotic in the Irano-Turanian zone.     

Beta-thromboglobulin and platelets in unstable angina

BACKGROUND. Atheromatous plaque rupture is the main cause of platelet activation in ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Platelet activation is manifested by a release into circulation of the components of granules, including beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) - a marker of platelet activation in vivo. The platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and the proportion of large platelets (L(PLT)) are indirect platelet activation markers. Data in literature on the role of these markers in patients with unstable angina are discordant. AIM. To assess plasma concentration of beta-TG, PLT, MPV and LPLT in patients with unstable angina before and during standard pharmacological therapy. METHODS. The study group consisted of 54 patients (19 females and 35 males) with unstable angina who were divided into two groups: Group A - 45 patients with a history of angina, and group B - nine patients with a new onset unstable angina. beta-TG and platelet activation markers were measured at baseline (groups A and B) and after 8-10 days of standard medical therapy for unstable angina (group B). The control group consisted of 26 healthy subjects (13 females and 13 males). RESULTS. The mean beta-TG concentration in groups A (16.2 IU/ml) and B (19.7 IU/ml - before and 21.8 IU/ml - after treatment) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than in controls (10.6 IU/ml). In patients with unstable angina, the PLT and MPV values were not affected by therapy and were similar to those obtained in controls, whereas the LPLT value was significantly higher than in controls. CONCLUSIONS. Concentrations of beta-TG and L(PLT) are increased in patients with unstable angina due to platelet activation. The introduction of standard medical treatment for unstable angina did not significantly change beta-TG and platelet activation markers.     

Incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in patients with reactive arthritis

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis in patients with reactive arthritis (ReA) within the area of the Podlaskie province (north eastern Poland).

Material and methods

The study concerned 323 patients including 132 women and 191 men diagnosed with ReA. The material for C. trachomatis was collected from the urethra in men and the cervical canal in women. Also, every patient was tested for the presence of anti-C. trachomatis IgG class antibodies, while 121 individuals were additionally tested for IgA class antibodies. In the direct studies, the direct immunofluorescence (DIF) method or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used. The immunoenzymatic method was used to detect anti-C. trachomatis antibodies. The control group in the case of direct studies comprised 125 individuals, while in the case of serology research it included 127 (IgG) and 109 (IgA) persons.

Results

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the urethral and cervical smears was found in 42 patients (13.0%) including 20 women (15.2%) and 22 men (11.5%). In the control group chlamydia was detected in 3 patients (2.4%) including 4% of women and 2% of men. IgA class antibodies were present in 10/121 (8.3%) patients, similarly in women and in men (8.2% and 8.3% respectively). In the control group the specific IgA class antibodies were found in 3/85 patients (3.5%). Anti-C. trachomatis IgG antibodies were found in 70/323 patients (21.7%), similarly in men and women.

Conclusions

1. Chlamydia trachomatis is a common bacterial factor observed in the genitourinary system of patients with ReA. The outcomes of studies within the Podlaskie province indicate less frequent presence of chlamydial infection compared with Dolnośląskie province.
2. No correlations between detecting the presence of C. trachomatis in the urogenital tract and the presence of specific antibodies in the serum of ReA patients were observed.
3. Concurrent direct studies of the urogenital tract and a serological blood test increase the chance of detecting C. trachomatis infection.

     

Comparison between Nageotte and flow cytometric counting of residual leucocytes in freshly prepared leucocyte-reduced red blood cell components

Background

Flow cytometry (FC) and Nageotte hemocytometry represent the most widely accepted methods for counting residual white blood cells (rWBCs) in leucocyte-reduced (LR) blood components. Our aim was to study the agreement between the two methods, under real working blood bank conditions.

The Pyrazolobenzothiazine Core as a New Chemotype of p38 Alpha Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase Inhibitors

The identification, synthesis, biological activity, and binding mode prediction of a series of pyrazolobenzothiazines as novel p38α MAPK inhibitors are reported. Some of these compounds showed interesting activity in both p38α MAPK and TNF‐α release assays. Derivative 6 emerged as the most interesting compound with IC₅₀ (p38 α ) = 0.457  μ m , IC₅₀ (TNF‐ α ) = 0.5  μ m and a promising kinase selectivity profile. The obtained results strongly indicate the pyrazolobenzothiazine core as a new p38α inhibitor chemotype worthy of future chemical optimization efforts directed toward identifying a new generation of anti‐inflammatory agents.