Language attitudes towards Serbian Sign Language and experiences with deaf education in Serbia

In this paper, we report on data obtained from interviews with 28 deaf signers and three hearing teachers of deaf pupils regarding their experiences with and attitudes towards deaf education and Serbian Sign Language (SZJ). Following transcription of the data, we conducted thematic analyses of the deaf informants’ and teachers’ comments. Data, which indicate that a change in language attitudes among deaf people has taken place compared to the oralist ideology still prevalent among teachers, are considered within a broader historical context by giving the first account of SZJ, its place in education and its history. In the light of the results, we highlight the importance of teacher training for promoting a cultural-linguistic minority perspective in deaf education in Serbia that would allow for deafness to be viewed as human diversity rather than disability

Influence of microbial products and inflammation on the function of mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from different sources

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are adherent, clonogenic, fibroblast-like cells endowing with unique multipotent differentiation potential and immunosuppressive properties. They are considered as promising candidates for regenerative medicine and immunotherapy. MSC can be isolated from different tissue sources including bone marrow (BM), adipose tissue (AT) and Wharton’s Jelly (WJ). Although fulfilling the ISCT criteria required to be recognized as MSC, MSC from these different sources could disclose some differences taking into account their different anatomical origin and ontogeny as well.In the present work, we investigated the influence of MSC source on their immunosuppressive as well as differentiation properties. We further extended our study to the role of the microenvironment (infection and inflammation) on these features. We show that BM-MSC express Toll-like receptors (TLR) from TLR1 to TLR6. In an inflammatory environment, TLR2, 3 and 4 are significantly upregulated. By upregulating TLR3 and TLR4 transcription, inflammation increases BM-MSC responsiveness to LPS (TLR4 ligand) and poly(I:C) (TLR3 ligand) leading to a pro-inflammatory shift of their cytokine profile. The effect of TLR ligation on BM-MSC osteogenic potential is donor dependent. Inflammation as well as stimulation with LPS and poly(I:C) result in a decrease of BM-MSC immunosuppressive capabilities. We further observed that BM-, AT- and WJ-MSC do not have the same pattern of TLR expression and consequently do not respond the same way to bacterial or viral infection. WJ-MSC do not express TLR4 and although TLR3 is present at the protein level it is not functional as its ligation do not trigger cytokine expression. Inflammation modulates this TLR pattern expression by upregulating TLR3 in all three MSC types and TLR4 only in BM-MSC. TLR ligation increases the production of inflammatory cytokines in BM- and AT- but not in WJ-MSC and augments anti-inflammatory cytokines in AT-MSC. Although inflammation increases in all MSC types the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, additional TLR triggering does not further affect WJ-MSC. The immunosuppressive potential of WJ-MSC on mixed leucocytes reaction (MLR) is not affected either by inflammation or by TLR triggering.On the differentiation side, WJ-MSC has the lower potential to differentiate into osteoblast as compared to BM- and AT-MSC, as revealed by alkaline-phosphatase (ALP) activity and by measuring extracellular Ca2+ deposits. However, inflammation is able to strongly increase the osteogenic differentiation of WJ-MSC as calcification and ALP activity appears as early as at day 7. However this latter enzymatic activity remains much lower than that disclosed by BM-MSC. TLR3 or TLR4 triggering does not affect the osteogenesis of WJ-MSC while it increases it in AT- and also, although to lesser extent, in BM-MSC.Our work establishes that the source from which MSC is derived is of major importance for the design of MSC based immunointervention. WJ-MSC appear to be the most attractive cell type when an immunosuppressive action is required in an inflammatory or infectious context. Although WJ-MSC are poorly osteogenic, a complete osteogenic differentiation can be obtained under inflammatory conditions. Taking into account their easy accessibility as well as their huge proliferative potential, these data open an avenue for using these cells in regenerative medicine particularly in clinical settings where chronic inflammation or infection have to be considered. Doctorat en Sciences biomédicales et pharmaceutiquesinfo:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublishe

The presence of antibodies in anti-Lewis system in our pregnant women

In this paper we have shown 3625 testing blood samples of pregnant women from 2005 to 2010 on the presence of irregular antibodies in Lewis system, which was done by routine methods, and by using appropriate “screening” tests and the panel for identification of antibodies. In addition to other antibodies, anti-Lewis antibodies were found in 0.2%, as follows: anti- Lea in 5, anti- Leb in 2, but anti- Lea+b weren’t found. We have confirmed that the phenotype Le (a-b-) in pregnant women is significantly more active versus tested population. If the anti- Lea antibodies (IgM class) are harmless, the rare anti- Leb antibodies (IgG class) could be dangerous for the fetus. Although the clinical significance of anti-Le antibody has not been fully proven, and although their immunogenicity is low, we suggest test these antibodies in all pregnant women in relationship to their essential role in the transfusions, the sensitization of the fetus and the risk of hemolysis

Cytokinome of adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells: immunological and inflammatory features

Background: Being non-immunogenic and capable of achieving major metabolic liver functions, adult-derived human liver stem/progenitor cells (ADHLSCs) are of special interest in the field of liver cell therapy. The cytokine repertoire of engrafted cells may have critical impacts on the immune response balance, particularly during cell transplantation. Methods: In this work, we analyzed the cytokinome of ADHLSCs during hepatogenic differentiation (HD) following stimulation with a mixture of inflammatory cytokines (I) in vitro and compared it to that of mature hepatocytes. Results: Independent of their hepatic state, ADHLSCs showed no constitutive expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which were significantly induced by inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNFα, CCL5, IL-12a, IL-12b, IL-23p19, IL-27p28 and EBI-3). IL1-RA and IDO-1, as immunoregulatory cytokines, were highly induced in undifferentiated ADHLSCs, whereas TGF-β was downregulated by both hepatic and inflammatory events. Interestingly, TDO-1 was exclusively expressed in ADHLSCs after hepatic differentiation and enhanced by inflammatory cytokines. Compared to mature hepatocytes, hepatic-differentiated ADHLSCs showed significantly different cytokine expression patterns. Conclusions: By establishing the cytokinome of ADHLSCs and highlighting their immunological and inflammatory features, we can enhance our knowledge about the safety and efficiency of the transplantation strategy

Identification and Evaluation of New Immunoregulatory Genes in Mesenchymal Stromal Cells of Different Origins: Comparison of Normal and Inflammatory Conditions.

BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess potent immunomodulatory properties that increase their value as a cell-based therapeutic tool for managing various immune-based disorders. Over the past years, accumulated results from trials using MSCs-based therapy have shown substantial contradictions. Although the reasons underlying these discrepancies are still not completely understood, it is well known that the immunomodulatory activities mediated by distinct MSCs differ in a manner dependent on their tissue origin and adequate response to inflammation priming. Thus, characterization of new molecular pathway(s) through which distinct MSC populations can exert their immunomodulatory effects, particularly during inflammation, will undoubtedly enhance their therapeutic potential. MATERIAL AND METHODS After confirming their compliance with ISCT criteria, quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to screen new immunoregulatory genes in MSCs, derived from adipose tissue, foreskin, Wharton's jelly or the bone-marrow, after being cultivated under normal and inflammatory conditions. RESULTS FGL2, GAL, SEMA4D, SEMA7A, and IDO1 genes appeared to be differentially transcribed in the different MSC populations. Moreover, these genes were not similarly modulated following MSCs-exposure to inflammatory signals. CONCLUSIONS Our observations suggest that these identified immunoregulatory genes may be considered as potential candidates to be targeted in order to enhance the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs towards more efficient clinical use.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Modified technique of vaginal hysterectomy, placing polypropylene mesh TOT Sling and IVS methods in solving the associated static disorders of female genital organs and stress incontinentio urinae

Introduction: static disorders of female genital organs, present a problem and a professional challenge for any gynecologist who deals with the operational uroginecology. Frequent relapses of these disorders, after using the classical surgical techniques, have led to new research, technological progress in the production of polypropylene grafts and development of modern operational approaches to these problems. Newer surgical techniques haveled to the construction of retaining polypropylene mesh, in terms of solving the disorders. Stress incontinentio urinae (SUI) and strengthening of the pelvic bottom, as well as prevention of a relapse Rectocoella and Enterocoella.The aim of the study was to present a modification of the classical techniques of vaginal hysterectomy, taking into consideration the recommendations of the authority in the field of vaginal surgery. Also, it indicates the great importance of introducing operational techniques of application polypropylene mesh grafts in correction in the following SUI and strengthening of the pelvic bottom… Case: we present a case of sexagenarian patient with total prolapse of the uterus, followed by the SUI of the middle level, and with evident Rectocoellomi Enterocoella. At council has decided to do a modified technique of total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH), and after that, we did a setting of semi rigid polypropylene mesh by transobtural (TOT Sling) method, in order to obtain SUI correction, and setting of intravaginal slings (IVS) by polypropylene mesh, in order to make a correction of Rectocoellae and Enterocoellae. The surgery has been done in spinal anesthesia. Operative and postoperative flows occurred regularly. The catheter was removed the third postoperative day. The patient urinates spontaneously without residue, controls the micturition. Fifth postoperative day the patient passed faeces, proper and controlled, and was dismissed to home care, for recovered. Discussion and conclusion: problems of our female patient were solved using the described technique and interdisciplinary approach.We removed the prolapsed uterus, solved the problem of SUI and strengthened the pelvic bottom. Interdisciplinary solving of the static disorder of female genital organs is necessary, in order to achieve optimal solving of these problems. The controls after a month, after three and six months, showed that our patient has no subjective discomfort, micturitionis orderly, controlled and there is no sign of Cistocoellae and Enterocoellae. Ultrasound finding is neat, after micturition there is no resudue. The patient lives a normal life and has returned to normal life activities. We think that these techniques are, currently, in our conditions, the ideal approach to solve these problem

Mesenchymal stromal cells and immunomodulation: A gathering of regulatory immune cells.

Because of their well-recognized immunomodulatory properties, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent an attractive cell population for therapeutic purposes. In particular, there is growing interest in the use of MSCs as cellular immunotherapeutics for tolerance induction in allogeneic transplantations and the treatment of autoimmune diseases. However, multiple mechanisms have been identified to mediate the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs, sometimes with several ambiguities and inconsistencies. Although published studies have mainly reported the role of soluble factors, we believe that a sizeable cellular component plays a critical role in MSC immunomodulation. We refer to these cells as regulatory immune cells, which are generated from both the innate and adaptive responses after co-culture with MSCs. In this review, we discuss the nature and role of these immune regulatory cells as well as the role of different mediators, and, in particular, regulatory immune cell induction by MSCs through interleukin-10. Once induced, immune regulatory cells accumulate and converge their regulatory pathways to create a tolerogenic environment conducive for immunomodulation. Thus, a better understanding of these regulatory immune cells, in terms of how they can be optimally manipulated and induced, would be suitable for improving MSC-based immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies.SCOPUS: re.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Comparison and immunobiological characterization of retinoic acid inducible gene-I-like receptor expression in mesenchymal stromal cells.

Due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties, Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have generated major interests in several clinical settings including transplantation and inflammatory diseases. MSC functions can be influenced by their tissue origin. Their microenvironment strongly affects their biology notably through TLR sensing. In this study, we show that MSC isolated from four different sources express another type of cytosolic pathogen recognition receptors known as retinoic acid inducible gene-I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLR). RLR activation in MSC induces the production of Type I IFN (IFN-β) and Type III IFN (IFN-λ1). The highest producers are adipose tissue(AT)-MSC. We further show that Interferon production is induced through TBK1/IKK-ε signaling and IRF7 phosphorylation. Depending on MSC source, the knockdown of TLR3 and/or RIG-I decreases the MSC response to RLR ligand poly(I:C)/Lyovec. Among the different MSC types, AT-MSCs display the highest sensitivity to viral stimuli as shown by the alteration of their viability after prolonged stimulation. Our work indicates that this could be linked to an increase of pro-apoptotic Noxa expression. Finally, the expression of IDO1 and LIF upon RLR activation indicate the increase of MSC immunomodulatory potential, especially in AT-MSCs. Altogether, these data should be considered when designing MSC-based therapy in clinical settings where inflammation or infection are present.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

The Immunomodulatory Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Story of a Regulatory Network.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have recently been the subject of great interest in the fields of regenerative medicine and immunotherapy due to their unique biological properties. In particular, MSCs possess immunoregulatory properties that can modulate immune as well as inflammatory responses. Although there are many studies about MSC immunomodulation, several complex and conflicting mechanisms have been reported. Herein, we aim to review these mechanisms and identify a link between these pathways. We focus on human studies in which bone marrow-derived MSCs and T cells were investigated. We propose that MSC-induced immunomodulation exists as a network where converging regulatory pathways compete to establish a tolerogenic state. As interleukin-10 seems to play a central role in this network, we also discuss the relationship between this cytokine and other regulatory factors in the context of immunomodulation.SCOPUS: re.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe