C1q acts in the tumour microenvironment as a cancer-promoting factor independently of complement activation

Complement C1q is the activator of the classical pathway. However, it is now recognized that C1q can exert functions unrelated to complement activation. Here we show that C1q, but not C4, is expressed in the stroma and vascular endothelium of several human malignant tumours. Compared with wild-type (WT) or C3- or C5-deficient mice, C1q-deficient (C1qa(-/-)) mice bearing a syngeneic B16 melanoma exhibit a slower tumour growth and prolonged survival. This effect is not attributable to differences in the tumour-infiltrating immune cells. Tumours developing in WT mice display early deposition of C1q, higher vascular density and an increase in the number of lung metastases compared with C1qa(-/-) mice. Bone marrow (BM) chimeras between C1qa(-/-) and WT mice identify non-BM-derived cells as the main local source of C1q that can promote cancer cell adhesion, migration and proliferation. Together these findings support a role for locally synthesized C1q in promoting tumour growth

Temperature Influence on the Heterocontact Interactions in Styrene-Acrylonitrile Copolymers

392-39

Dilute Solution Properties of Styrene-Acrylonitrile Random Copolymers: Part III-Temperature Variation of Limiting Viscosity Number

389-39

Resistance to Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Tea Mosquito Bug, Helopeltis antonii (Sign.) in Certain Wild Psidium Species

Five wild species of Psidium viz., Psidium cattleianum lucidum, P. chinensis, P. friedrichsthalianum, P. molle and P. quadrangularis were evaluated for resistance to fruit fly [Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)] and tea mosquito bug (TMB) [Helopeltis antonii (Sign.)], during 2002-04. Significant variations were recorded among species in their reaction to pests. Two species viz., P. chinensis and P. quadrangularis were resistant to fruit fly (<10% fruit damage) while P. quadrangularis was immune. Psidium. molle and P. cattleianum were resistant to tea mosquito bug. Pest incidence was correlated with fruit biochemical components viz., total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars, vitamin C and acidity. The TSS and total sugars were positively correlated with fruit fly infestation while acidity was negatively correlated. The TMB incidence did not exhibit significant correlation with any of these parameters

The Impact of Stereotype Threat on Workplace Discrimination against Arabs and Muslims: A Qualitative Meta-Analysis

No abstract available

Updates in the diagnosis and management of small-bowel Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease (CD) can affect any part of the GI tract, but small bowel (SB) involvement is present in 80% of patients with CD; 30% have exclusive SB disease [1] presenting a diagnostic challenge due to the inaccessibility of standard endoscopic techniques. Accurate assessment of treatment response [2] and regular monitoring are crucial to prevent surgery and to identify patients at risk of relapse and/or complications before the onset of clinical symptoms [3]. Ileocolonoscopy (IC) is considered the gold standard for evaluating mucosal healing (MH) in CD, but it is invasive and costly [4] and only allows visualization of the terminal ileum (TI). The CALM study has demonstrated that C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin (FCP) can be effective surrogate markers of MH and help guide treatment [5]. Nonetheless, their efficacy is limited [6] as approximately 30% of patients do not present with elevated CRP levels during relapse [7] and the correlation between FCP and active SB disease is weak [8]. Thus, CD requires a multidisciplinary approach. We aim to provide an overview of recent advances in the diagnosis and management of small bowel CD

Attitude and awareness on importance of breastfeeding among childbearing women in a rapidly developing country

Background: Health authorities in United Arab Emirates passed a law giving all the mothers the right to breastfeed their children even during the working hours. The objective of this study is designed to explore the degree of awareness among mothers in childbearing period on breastfeeding importance and practices.Methods: A cross sectional explorative questionnaire-based survey included 400 mothers from multi health centres in 3 emirates of United Arab Emirates as follows: Abu Dhabi 100 samples, Dubai 100 samples and Sharjah 200 samples, who were in their childbearing period and had a minimum of one child during the study period between July 2016 and November 2016.Results: Total 54.5% of mothers were above 30 years of age. 48% were local and 52% were non-local. 80% were familiar with the advantages of breastfeeding. 84.8% believed that exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months is important and 41% had breastfed their children exclusively. 76% had the skin-to-skin contact with their baby and 43.5% had started breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, of them, 10% had delivered by caesarean section.  82% were roaming in with their baby during hospital stay and 81% had practiced demand breastfeeding. 89.9% of mothers had received the support they needed for breastfeeding from hospital staff. 56% had not used pacifier during the hospital stay and 56% had used bottle-feeding. 55% of mothers were employed, 72% of them had the intention to continue exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of 6-month period.Conclusions: Attitude and awareness on breastfeeding are encouraging. Educational efforts, workshops and public awareness should be enhanced and maximized

Treatment outcomes of patients with isoniazid resistant tuberculosis under National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme in Ahmedabad city: a retrospective study

Background: Drug resistance tuberculosis remains major public health problem worldwide. In India, the incidence of any isoniazid-resistant TB is 11.6% in new tuberculosis patients, while in previously treated patients, incidence is 25%. For isoniazid resistant cases management 6-9 months duration of H mono regimen containing rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol and levofloxacin is available under national tuberculosis elimination programme. We present a retrospective study on outcomes of patients of H mono regime in years 2019 and 2020 in Ahmedabad city.Methods: Retrospectively we collected data about age, sex, co-morbid conditions, resistance level (high/low level isoniazid resistance) and treatment outcome of patients put on H Mono regimen under programme from January 2019 to December 2020 in Ahmedabad city from Ni-kshay, an online web-based portal.Results: We have collected data of 251 patients (147 in 2019, 104 in 2020). Out of 251, 188 were males and 63 females. Out of 251, favourable outcome seen in 57.4% patients and unfavourable outcome seen in 42.6% patients. Favourable outcome was significantly higher among females compared to males.Conclusions: Management of drug resistance tuberculosis according to drug sensitivity helps in better patient outcome. Early diagnosis of drug resistance and its treatment, timely diagnosis of treatment failure and management, better patient compliance and patient education about disease help in decrease in the unfavourable outcome