Liver-resident memory T cells: life in lockdown

A subset of memory T cells has been identified in the liver with a tissue-resident profile and the capacity for long-term 'lockdown'. Here we review how they are retained in, and adapted to, the hepatic microenvironment, including its unique anatomical features and metabolic challenges. We describe potential interactions with other local cell types and the need for a better understanding of this complex bidirectional crosstalk. Pathogen or tumour antigen-specific tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM) can provide rapid frontline immune surveillance; we review the evidence for this in hepatotropic infections of major worldwide importance like hepatitis B and malaria and in liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma. Conversely, TRM can be triggered by pro-inflammatory and metabolic signals to mediate bystander tissue damage, with an emerging role in a number of liver pathologies. We discuss the need for liver sampling to gain a window into these compartmentalised T cells, allowing more accurate disease monitoring and future locally targeted immunotherapies

Evaluating the efficacy of Dfrag tablets on human sperm DNA fragmentation - insights from a prospective clinical study

Background: Infertility affects approximately 8-10% of couples worldwide. Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation index (DFI) has emerged as a significant factor in infertility research, highlighting its importance in understanding reproductive health. Methods: This prospective clinical study aimed to assess the impact of Dfrag® tablets, a unique nutraceutical combination containing vitamin D3 (600 IU), selenomethionine (40 mcg), coenzyme Q10 (100 mg), and astaxanthin (8 mg), on high sperm DFI over a 3-month period. The study utilized the sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD) to measure DFI and examined semen parameters before and after the intervention. Results: Dfrag® tablets were found to significantly improve semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, and progressive motility within the 3-month treatment period. The study reported an average reduction of 36% in DNA fragmentation levels post-treatment with Dfrag® tablets. However, no significant changes were observed in total motility or sperm morphology. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of Dfrag® tablets in reducing sperm DNA fragmentation and improving key semen parameters associated with fertility.

The Application of Geospatial Analytical Techniques in the Assessment of Land Use Conflicts Among Farmers and Cross-Boundary Nomadic Cattle Herders in the Gombe Region, Nigeria

In Nigeria, many land use conflicts among the teeming rural agrarian communities in the northern parts of the country are often wrongly attributed to ethno-religious differences while ignoring the salient role environmental degradation, climate change, and urbanization play in exacerbating the conflicts. The two traditional farming groups (crop producers and cattle herders) that contribute immensely to the country’s food security are in constant conflict, thereby threatening sustainable agricultural production. The objective in this article is to investigate the nature and extent of land use changes in the Gombe region using geospatial analytical techniques and assess the implications on land conflicts. The work also examined the people’s perceptions of the land conflicts. Data for the study was obtained from LANDSAT images (MSS 1986, TM 1999 and Nigeria Sat-1 2012 for a 20-year period) and through the administration of 300 questionnaires at rural household levels, and from focus group discussions. The results revealed general lack of appreciation of the significant role played by land/environmental factors in the conflict and weak institutional conflict management strategies adopted by the state authorities. The study produced maps of cattle routes and potential conflict zones and thus developed a community based land use management model to guide the government, NGOs, community representatives, and other stakeholders in resolving farmers’/herders’ land use related conflicts

Kupu-kupu (Rhopalocera) Di Sekitar Kampus Universitas Pasir Pengaraian Kabupaten Rokan Hulu Provinsi Riau

Study about butterflies (Rhopalocera) around Pasir Pengaraian University campus Rokan hulu regency Riauprovince was conducted in August to December 2014 by using survey method with random sampling techniques.Samples collected by using insect net and cylindrical gauze on the campus gate, around the campus portal, around faculty of agriculture and around midwifery with 4 repetitions. Result showed 7 families, 16 genera and 24 species butterflies. Diversity index values was ranged from 2,19 to 2,48 and concluded in medium categor

Processing and Composition Effects on the Fracture Behavior of Spray-Formed 7XXX Series Al Alloys

The fracture properties of high-strength spray-formed Al alloys were investigated, with consideration of the effects of elemental additions such as zinc,manganese, and chromium and the influence of the addition of SiC particulate. Fracture resistance values between 13.6 and 25.6 MPa (m)1/2 were obtained for the monolithic alloys in the T6 and T7 conditions, respectively. The alloys with SiC particulate compared well and achieved fracture resistance values between 18.7 and 25.6 MPa (m)1/2. The spray-formed materials exhibited a loss in fracture resistance (KI) compared to ingot metallurgy 7075 alloys but had an improvedperformance compared to high-solute powder metallurgy alloys of similar composition. Characterization of the fracture surfaces indicated a predominantly intergranular decohesion, possibly facilitated by the presence of incoherent particles at the grain boundary regions and by the large strength differentialbetween the matrix and precipitate zone. It is believed that at the slip band-grain boundary intersection, particularly in the presence of large dispersoids and/or inclusions, microvoid nucleation would be significantly enhanced. Differences in fracture surfaces between the alloys in the T6 and T7 condition were observed and are attributed to inhomogeneous slip distribution, which results in strain localization at grain boundaries. The best overall combination of fracture resistance properties were obtained for alloys with minimum amounts of chromium and manganese additions

Measurement of Epstein-Barr virus DNA load using a novel quantification standard containing two EBV DNA targets and SYBR Green I dye

BACKGROUND Reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection may cause serious, life-threatening complications in immunocompromised individuals. EBV DNA is often detected in EBV-associated disease states, with viral load believed to be a reflection of virus activity. Two separate real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) assays using SYBR Green I dye and a single quantification standard containing two EBV genes, Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) and BamHI fragment H rightward open reading frame-1 (BHRF-1), were developed to detect and measure absolute EBV DNA load in patients with various EBV-associated diseases. EBV DNA loads and viral capsid antigen (VCA) IgG antibody titres were also quantified on a population sample. RESULTS EBV DNA was measurable in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. EBV DNA loads were detectable from 8.0 × 10² to 1.3 × 10⁸ copies/ml in post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (n = 5), 1.5 × 10³ to 2.0 × 10⁵ copies/ml in infectious mononucleosis (n = 7), 7.5 × 10⁴ to 1.1 × 10⁵ copies/ml in EBV-associated haemophagocytic syndrome (n = 1), 2.0 × 10² to 5.6 × 10³ copies/ml in HIV-infected patients (n = 12), and 2.0 × 10² to 9.1 × 10⁴ copies/ml in the population sample (n = 218). EBNA-1 and BHRF-1 DNA were detected in 11.0% and 21.6% of the population sample respectively. There was a modest correlation between VCA IgG antibody titre and BHRF-1 DNA load (rho = 0.13, p = 0.05) but not EBNA-1 DNA load (rho = 0.11, p = 0.11). CONCLUSION Two sensitive and specific real-time PCR assays using SYBR Green I dye and a single quantification standard containing two EBV DNA targets, were developed for the detection and measurement of EBV DNA load in a variety of clinical samples. These assays have application in the investigation of EBV-related illnesses in immunocompromised individuals.The Ausimmune Study is funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society of the USA, the National Health & Medical Research Council (Project Grant 316901) and Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia

Slow Strain Rate Testing and Stress Corrosion Cracking of Ultra-Fine Grained and Conventional Al–Mg Alloy

Stress corrosion cracking susceptibility was investigated for an ultra-fine grained (UFG) Al–7.5Mg alloy and a conventional 5083 H111 alloy in natural seawater using slow strain rate testing (SSRT) at very slow strain rates between 1E−5 s−1, 1E−6 s−1 and 1E−7 s−1. The UFG Al–7.5Mg alloy was produced by cryomilling, while the 5083 H111 alloy is considered as a wrought manufactured product. The response of tensile properties to strain rate was analyzed and compared. Negative strain rate sensitivity was observed for both materials in terms of the elongation to failure. However, the UFG alloy displayed strain rate sensitivity in relation to strength while the conventional alloy was relatively strain rate insensitive. The mechanical behavior of the conventional 5083 alloy was attributed to dynamic strain aging (DSA) and delayed pit propagation while the performance of the UFG alloy was related to a diffusion-mediated stress relaxation mechanism that successfully delayed crack initiation events, counteracted by exfoliation and pitting which enhanced crack initiation

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease and Obesity

INTRODUCTION: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is multifactorial process and a common problem which accounts for a sizeable proportion in terms of health care costs to diagnose and treat the condition. The reflux of acid, particularly after meals, is a physiologic process, the simple presence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or occasional symptoms of heartburn or acid regurgitation cannot be defined as a disease. GERD is the failure of normal antireflux barrier to protect against frequent and abnormal amounts of gastric contents moving retrograde effortlessly from the stomach into the esophagus. A globally acceptable Montreal definition and classification of GERD can be applied in clinical practice and in research. This international group defined GERD as “a condition which develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications.” Troublesome symptoms are defined by the patient to affect their quality of life. Mild symptoms occurring 2 or more days per week or moderate to severe symptoms occurring more than 1 day per week are often considered troublesome by patients. Patients may be diagnosed based on typical symptoms alone or on tests demonstrating reflux of stomach contents (e.g. pH testing, impedance monitoring) or the injurious effects of the refluxate (endoscopy, histology, electron microscopy), in the presence of typical or atypical symptoms or complications. This new definition also recognizes that the refluxate causing symptoms may be weakly acidic or gaseous. AIMS OF THE STUDY: 1. To evaluate the association between Body Mass Index and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. 2. To determine the correlation between Obesity and GERD in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 106 consecutive patients referred to the Gastroenterology unit with symptoms of GERD were included in this study. The study period was from July 2007 to July 2008. Ethical committee approval and consent from the patients were obtained. Study Design: Prospective analysis of BMI, waist-hip ratio in patients with symptomatic GERD. Selection Criteria: Consecutive patients attending Gastroenterology outpatient department at Stanley Government Medical College Hospital for symptoms of GERD were included in the study. Patients who had dysmotility, those with history of abdominal surgery and pregnant women were excluded from this study. Demographic Data: Total of 106 patients of which 45 were males and 61 females. Age ranged from 21 to 78 years. Mean age was 47.7 Age and gender distribution of the study subjects are shown in Charts 1 & 2. RESULTS: Of the 106 patients presenting with GERD. 52(49.1%) had BMI <23, out of which 14 were underweight and 38 were of normal BMI. 54(50.9%) had BMI >23, among which 22 were overweight and 32 were obese. If the data on gender were considered, females outnumbered male overweight and obese GERD patients. There were 40(65.6%) females vs 14(31.1%) males among GERD cases with BMI >23. Odds ratio for obesity in females was 0.2 with 95% CI 0.1-0.5. Risk ratio was 0.5 with 95% CI 0.3-0.8Of the 45 males with GERD, 16(35.6%) had waist circumference >87cm, whereas 39(63.9%) out of 61 females had waist circumference >82. When waist hip ratio was calculated, 20(44.4%) out of 45 male GERD patients were above 0.9 and 51(83.6%) out of 61 female GERD patients were above 0.8. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to a growing body of literature that strongly suggests an association between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease. • Prevalence of obesity among patients with GERD was more based on waist circumference and waist-hip ratio than BMI. • The link between obesity and GERD is stronger in women

Mouse models of preterm birth: Suggested assessment and reporting guidelines

Preterm birth affects approximately 1 out of every 10 births in the United States, leading to high rates of mortality and long-term negative health consequences. To investigate the mechanisms leading to preterm birth so as to develop prevention strategies, researchers have developed numerous mouse models of preterm birth. However, the lack of standard definitions for preterm birth in mice limits our field\u27s ability to compare models and make inferences about preterm birth in humans. In this review, we discuss numerous mouse preterm birth models, propose guidelines for experiments and reporting, and suggest markers that can be used to assess whether pups are premature or mature. We argue that adoption of these recommendations will enhance the utility of mice as models for preterm birth