Mast cell activation markers for in vitro study

ABSTRACT

Mast cells (MCs) are well known for their role in allergic conditions. This cell can be activated by various types of secretagogues, ranging from a small chemical to a huge protein. Mast cell activation by secretagogues triggers the increase in intracellular calcium (iCa²⁺) concentration, granule trafficking, and exocytosis. Activated mast cells release their intra-granular pre-stored mediator or the newly synthesized mediator in the exocytosis process, in the form of degranulation or secretion. There are at least three types of exocytosis in mast cells, which are suggested to contribute to the release of different mediators, i.e.,, piecemeal, kiss-and-run, and compound exocytosis. The status of mast cells, i.e., activated or resting, is often determined by measuring the concentration of the released mediator such as histamine or β-hexosaminidase. This review summarizes several mast cell components that have been and are generally used as mast cell activation indicator, from the classical histamine and β-hexosaminidase measurement, to eicosanoid and granule trafficking observation. Basic principle of the component determination is also explained with their specified research application and purpose. The information will help to predict the experiment results with a certain study design.     

Evidence for a ''new'' Rh gene complex producing the rare Cx (Rh9) antigen in the Somali population of East Africa

Four unrelated propositi with an unusual Cx-positive Rh phenotype were found during a population survey of 513 Somalis. The Rh phenotypes of the propositi and their available relatives showed that the gene that produces the Cx antigen differs from that found in whites in that it is inherited with an Rh gene complex that produces no C or D. Instead, this gene complex produced es, c, and probably V, although it appeared that no f (ce) antigen was made. These findings suggest that Cx cannot be considered a simple variant form of C but rather a distinct rare Rh antigen that may occur in association with different Rh gene complexes.     

Evaluation of the Persistence and Leaching Behaviour of Thiram Fungicide in Soil,Water and Oil Palm Leaves

The residual levels and persistence of thiram in the soil, water and oil palm seedling leaves were investigated under field conditions. The experimental plots were carried out on a clay loam soil and applied with three treatments namely; manufacturer’s recommended dosage (25.6 g a.i. plot^?1), manufacturer’s double recommended dosage (51.2 g a.i. plot^?1), and control (water) were applied. Thiram residues were detected in the soil from day 0 to day 3 in the range of 0.22–27.04 mg kg^?1. Low concentrations of thiram were observed in the water and leave samples in the range of 0.27–2.52 mg L^?1 and 1.34–12.28 mg kg^?1, respectively. Results have shown that thiram has a rapid degradation and has less persistence due to climatic factors. These findings suggest that thiram is safe when applied at manufacturer’s recommended dosage on oil palm seedlings due to low residual levels observed in soil and water bodies.     

Solid pseudopapillary pancreatic neoplasm: report of five cases

Solid pseudopapillary pancreatic neoplasms (SPPN) are rare entities mainly diagnosed in young women. Prognosis is generally relatively favorable. Histological evaluation usually reveals papillary as well as solid areas of low malignant potential, as the name implies. A retrospective review of five cases, diagnosed and treated in our institution, is presented with the corresponding clinical and pathological data and follow-up. All SPPN occurred in women, with an average age of 19 years (13 to 27 years), who consulted for abdominal pain. In all patients, the tumors were > 4 cm, distributed in several pancreatic segments. The histopathologic report confirmed papillary as well solid areas and low mitotic count. In two patients, neural and angioinvasion were found.