Number of interleukin-4- and interferon-γ-secreting human T cells reactive with tetanus toxoid and the mycobacterial antigen PPD or phytohemagglutinin: distinct response profiles depending on the type of antigen used for activation

The enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay has been proven to be an efficient and sensitive method for the enumeration of single cells secreting antibodies or cytokines. Here we have used this method to determine the number of interleukin-4 (IL-4)- and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing cells in in vitro secondary responses to tetanus toxoid (TT) and the mycobacterial antigen (purified protein derivative; PPD) or the mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA). PHA-induced IL-4 and IFN-γ secretion was well correlated suggesting polyclonal activation of cells. This was not the case with the specific antigens, where PPD preferentially induced IFN-γ- and very few IL-4-producing cells, while TT-induced both IL-4 and IFN-γ. These differences are probably a reflection of the types of immunity the two antigens induce, mycobacteria preferentially inducing a cell-mediated T helper type 1 (Th 1) type of immunity, while immunity to tetanus is an antibody-dependent, Th 2 type of response. In individuals recently boosted with TT, a significant increase in both IL-4- and IFN-γ-producing cells in response to TT was seen at day 7 after boost, followed by decline. This was in contrast to what was seen in response to PPD where an increase of IFN-γ-producing cells after the TT boost at day 7 persisted for at least 14 days. These results suggest that after an in vivo boost both antigen-specific and nonspecific T cells are activated and that antigen-specific cells home to other organs and therefore may be difficult to demonstrate in the circulation. Our data show that the ELISPOT assay is a powerful tool for determining the frequency of cells secreting cytokines. The assay has several advantages over other assays since it is sensitive, measures the number of actually secreting cells, and avoids the problems of binding of cytokines to their cell-bound or soluble receptors.     

Behavior of Silica Nanoparticles Synthesized from Rice Husk Ash by the Sol–Gel Method as a Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Agent

Silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) are one of the most well-studied inorganic nanoparticles for many applications. They offer the advantages of tunable size, biocompatibility, porous structure, and larger surface area. Thus, in this study, a high yield of SiO₂ NPs was produced via the chemical treatment of rice husk ash by the sol–gel method. Characteristics of the prepared SiO₂ NPs were validated using different characterization techniques. Accordingly, the phase, chemical composition, morphological, and spectroscopic properties of the prepared sample were studied. The average particle size of the SiO₂ NPs was found to be approximately 60–80 nm and the surface area was 78.52 m²/g. The prepared SiO₂ NPs were examined as photocatalysts for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye under UV irradiation. It was found that the intensity of the characteristic absorption band of MO decreased gradually with exposure time increasing, which means the successful photodegradation of MO by SiO₂ NPs. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of obtained SiO₂ NPs was investigated by counting the coliform bacteria in the surface water using the most probable number (MPN) index method. The results revealed that the MPN of coliform bacteria untreated and treated by SiO₂ NPs was estimated to be 170 CFU/100 mL and 10 CFU/100 mL, respectively, resulting in bacterial growth inhibition of 94.12%.     

Design,Structural Inspection and Bio-Medicinal Applications of Some Novel Imine Metal Complexes Based on Acetylferrocene

Some novel imine metal chelates with Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cd²⁺ cations were produced from 2-acetylferrocene and 3-aminophenol. The new acetylferrocene azomethine ligand ((Z)-cyclopenta-1,3-dien-1-yl(2-(1-((3-hydroxyphenyl)imino)ethyl)cyclopenta-2,4-dien-1-yl)iron) and its metal ion chelates were constructed and elucidated using FT-IR, UV/Vis, ¹HNMR, DTA/TGA, CHNClM studies, mass spectrometry and SEM analysis. According to the TGA/DTG investigation, the ferrocene moiety spontaneously disintegrates to liberate FeO. The morphology of the free acetylferrocene azomethine via SEM analysis was net-shaped with a size of 64.73 nm, which differed in Cd(II) complex to be a spongy shape with a size of 42.43 nm. The quantum chemical features of the azomethine ligand (HL) were computed, and its electronic and molecular structure was refined theoretically. The investigated acetylferrocene imine ligand behaves as bidinetate ligand towards the cations under study to form octahedral geometries in case of all complexes except in case of Zn²⁺ is tetrahedral. Various microorganisms were used to investigate the anti-pathogenic effects of the free acetylferrocene azomethine ligand and its metal chelates. Moreover, the prepared ligand and its metal complexes were tested for anticancer activity utilizing four different concentrations against the human breast cancer cell line (MCF7) and the normal melanocyte cell line (HBF4). Furthermore, the binding of 3-aminophenol, 2-acetylferrocene, HL, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Cd²⁺ metal chelates to the receptor of breast cancer mutant oxidoreductase was discovered using molecular docking (PDB ID: 3HB5).     

Preoperative localization of sentinel lymph node in breast cancer patients by silver wire insertion or liquid charcoal injection guided by CT lymphography

Dual localization of SLN in breast cancer patients using isotope & dye is the best‐approved modality with limitations such as high cost of radioactive materials, complex logistic preparations & scheduling issues, especially in developing countries. We investigated the feasibility & accuracy of a novel technique for SLN localization using silver wire insertion or liquid charcoal injection guided by CT lymphography. 120 patients with clinically node‐negative breast cancer were enrolled. In the test group, SLN was localized using preoperative CTLG guided injection of liquid charcoal or by placing a 3 cm silver wire. In addition, intraoperative SLN mapping was performed using methylene blue dye followed by searching for the SLN localized by both methods. In the control group, SLN was localized by the blue dye only. Feasibility, accuracy, detection rates, and number of SLNs retrieved were reported as well as matching between the LN detected with the CTLG and that detected with the dye technique. SLN could be detected in 59 out of 60 patients (98.3%) in the test group and in 54 out of 60 patients (90%) in the control group (P = .057). In self‐controlled analysis of the test group comparing CTLG only to dye only was significant (P = .050). Comparing charcoal to silver wire in detection was statistically insignificant (P = .5). This novel method can offer advantages which are as follows: being more accurate than the dye alone, saving operative time, abandoning complex logistic preparations for the radioisotope, and solving the problem of timing.     

Initiation of humoral immunity. I. The role of cytokines and hormones in the initiation of humoral immunity using T-independent and T-dependent antigens

The early events during the initiation of immune responses following the injection of T-independent (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and T-dependent (bovine serum albumin, BSA) antigens were studied in immature male chickens. Specifically, the role of cytokines and hormones in the initiation of humoral immunity against these antigens was investigated. Both interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) increased significantly post-LPS but not post-BSA injection. While interleukin-2 (IL-2) significantly decreased post-LPS injection, IL-2 significantly increased post-BSA injection. Furthermore, corticosterone levels significantly increased and tri-iodothyronine (T(3)) levels significantly decreased post-LPS but not post-BSA injection. In this study, the results indicate that although LPS and BSA can induce a humoral antibody response in chickens, they activate different cytokines and neuroendocrine network systems.     

Antibody responses to a panel of Plasmodium falciparum malaria blood-stage antigens in relation to clinical disease outcome in Sudan

Despite many intervention programmes aimed at curtailing the scourge, malaria remains a formidable problem of human health. Immunity to asexual blood-stage of Plasmodium falciparum malaria is thought to be associated with protective antibodies of certain immunoglobulin classes and subclasses. We have analysed immunoglobulin G profiles to six leading blood-stage antigens in relation to clinical malaria outcome in a hospital-based study in Sudan. Our results revealed a linear association with anti-AMA-1-IgG1 antibodies in children <5 years and reduced risk of severe malaria, while the responses of the IgG3 antibodies against MSP-2, MSP-3, GLURP in individuals above 5 years were bi-modal. A dominance of IgG3 antibodies in >5 years was also observed. In the final combined model, the highest levels of IgG1 antibodies to AMA-1, GLURP-R0, and the highest levels of IgG3 antibodies to 3D7 MSP-2 were independently associated with protection from clinical malaria. The study provides further support for the potential importance of the studied merozoite vaccine candidate antigens as targets for parasite neutralizing antibody responses of the IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses.     

Transcranial US of preterm neonates: High risk gestational age and birth weight for perinatal asphyxia

Objective

The study aims to determine the high risk gestational week (GW) and/or birth weight (BW) of the preterm neonate, below which perinatal hypoxic cerebral injuries are expected to occur.

Material and methods

Eighty preterm neonates, born at or before 37 GW, were included. Twenty-three of them were <32 GW and 57 >32 GW. Also, 28 of them were <1500 g and 52 >1500 g. Imaging was done by transcranial ultrasound with 4–9 MHz curvilinear probe. CT scan was additionally performed for only 18 candidates. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee in Al-Mana General Hospital (AGH).

Results

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) was diagnosed in six preterm neonates <32 GW and two >32 GW. Three <32 GW and one >32 GW presented with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) with no hemorrhage. Two preterm neonates <32 GW had both IVH & HIE. All positive cases were below 1500 g BW.

Conclusion

Preterm neonates <32 GW and/or <1500 g are highly susceptible for HIE and/or IVH. Thus, special medical care, including post-labor hospitalization in well equipped special baby care units (SCBU) and routine transcranial ultrasound (TCUS) screening is recommended for those preterm neonates.     

Environmental and health monitoring study in dry cleaning departments

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the potential exposures to perchloroethylene in the dry cleaning departments in a group of seven first‐class Egyptian hotels; conditions which contribute to excessive levels and possible health effects in the exposed workers. Environmental monitoring of the workplaces was done through air samples, being collected from the breathing zones in the dry cleaning departments, carried out in different stages during washing process: close to press machine, flat iron, mannequin, spotting table and while charging the cleaning machine with the solvent. Atmospheric samples were analyzed by gas chromatography technique. The environmental study showed that the PCE levels were much exceeded in many workplaces, compared to the recommended TLV‐TWA. A group of 53 dry cleaners are included in the present work, in addition to 30 unexposed office workers, served as a control group. Both groups were thoroughly interviewed and examined clinically stressing on the condition of their CNS and PNS. Blood samples were collected and analyzed (spectrophotometrically) for the measurement of liver and renal function tests. Urine samples were collected and analyzed for the determination of the urinary trichloroacetic acid. Headache, nervousness, dizziness and vertigo were the most prevalent symptoms elicited in the exposed workers, followed by symptoms of respiratory and gastrointestinal irritation and skin and mucous membranes’ reactions. Gloves and stokings’ hypoaesthesia affected about l/4th of the exposed workers, followed by tremors (22.64%), first cranial nerve affection (11.32%), and disturbed reflexes (5.66%). Other signs elicited in the exposed workers were in the form of skin manifestations (16.98%), pallor (7.55%), and jaundice (2 cases). Insignificant systolic and diastolic high blood pressures were elicited in the exposed workers compared to the controls. Higher values of blood urea, serum creatinine, SGOT, total proteins, and urinary trichloroacetic acid were elicited in the exposed workers compared to the controls, whereas, lower figures of albumin were elicited in the exposed workers than in the controls. However, in spite of such differences, there was no statistical significance for those differences except for the urinary trichloroacetic acid (t = 3.6, ρ < 0.05). Duration of exposure proved to have no significant effect on most of the bioindicators, being examined in the present study. The study recommended a pre employment medical examination for the subjects recommended to work in dry cleaning, as well as a periodic medical examination to elicit the early manifestations due exposure to PCE. Various engineering control measures must be taken into consideration, when we try to improve the workplaces being studied. Personal protective measures could be considered the last effective line of defense against the various health hazards being faced by the working population in such an important economic activity.