The value of cord serum interferon-gamma estimation in the prediction of first year allergies

Background: It was previously assumed that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) underexpression in newly born infants could be a risk factor for atopic diseases. Objective: We sought to investigate the value of cord serum IFN-γ in the prediction of infantile allergy and its possible correlations with other relevant markers. Methods: Eighty mother-newborn pairs were enrolled consecutively at delivery. The family history of allergy was inquired about and then cord blood was tested for eosinophil and basophil counts and serum total IgE, IgD, and IFN-γ. The infants were followed up for one year for subsequent development of allergic disorders. Results: Twenty-eight infants (35%) developed first year allergies, of whom 19 (68%) had a positive family history of atopy. Atopic dermatitis constituted 57% of the forms of allergy detected. Cord serum IFN-γ concentration at birth was significantly lower in infants who developed allergies during the first year of life (2.8±2 pg/ml) as compared to those who did not (13.6±6.1 pg/ml, p < 0.05). Only 11 cord serum samples (14%) contained detectable levels of total IgE. However, 64% of neonates with measurable cord serum IgE developed allergy subsequently. Cord serum IgD concentrations were below the detection limit (5 mg/L) of the method employed. Cord blood basophil, eosinophil and total leucocytic counts were negatively correlated to cord serum IFN-γ levels. Conclusions: Our findings imply that the family history of atopy is still the most important predictor of allergy. Estimation of cord serum IFN-γ in genetically predisposed babies might raise the predictive value.Keywords: IFN-γ; cord blood; prediction; allergy; Ig-E; Ig-D; eosinophils; basophils; infantsEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2005; 3(1):10-1

Consensus evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis and treat-to-target management of osteoporosis in chronic kidney disease stages G4-G5D and post-transplantation: An initiative of Egyptian Academy of Bone Health

The aim of this study was to reach a consensus on an updated version of the recommendations for the diagnosis and Treat-to-Target management of osteoporosis that is effective and safe for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) G4-G5D/kidney transplant. Delphi process was implemented (3 rounds) to establish a consensus on 10 clinical domains: (1) study targets, (2) risk factors, (3) diagnosis, (4) case stratification, (5) treatment targets, (6) investigations, (7) medical management, (8) monitoring, (9) management of special groups, (10) fracture liaison service. After each round, statements were retired, modified, or added in view of the experts' suggestions, and the percent agreement was calculated. Statements receiving rates of 7-9 by more than 75% of experts' votes were considered as achieving consensus. The surveys were sent to an expert panel ( = 26), of whom 23 participated in the three rounds (2 were international experts and 21 were national). Most of the participants were rheumatologists (87%), followed by nephrologists (8.7%), and geriatric physicians (4.3%). Eighteen recommendations, categorized into 10 domains, were obtained. Agreement with the recommendations (rank 7-9) ranged from 80 to 100%. Consensus was reached on the wording of all 10 clinical domains identified by the scientific committee. An algorithm for the management of osteoporosis in CKD has been suggested. A panel of international and national experts established a consensus regarding the management of osteoporosis in CKD patients. The developed recommendations provide a comprehensive approach to assessing and managing osteoporosis for all healthcare professionals involved in its management. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2022 by The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Expression of RFC/SLC19A1 is Associated with Tumor Type in Bladder Cancer Patients

Urinary bladder cancer (UBC) ranks ninth in worldwide cancer. In Egypt, the pattern of bladder cancer is unique in that both the transitional and squamous cell types prevail. Despite much research on the topic, it is still difficult to predict tumor progression, optimal therapy and clinical outcome. The reduced folate carrier (RFC/SLC19A1) is the major transport system for folates in mammalian cells and tissues. RFC is also the primary means of cellular uptake for antifolate cancer chemotherapeutic drugs, however, membrane transport of antifolates by RFC is considered as limiting to antitumor activity. The purpose of this study was to compare the mRNA expression level of RFC/SLC19A1 in urothelial and non-urothelial variants of bladder carcinomas. Quantification of RFC mRNA in the mucosa of 41 untreated bladder cancer patients was performed using RT-qPCR. RFC mRNA steady-state levels were ∼9-fold higher (N = 39; P<0.0001) in bladder tumor specimens relative to normal bladder mRNA. RFC upregulation was strongly correlated with tumor type (urothelial vs. non-urothelial; p<0.05) where median RFC mRNA expression was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the urothelial (∼14-fold) compared to the non-urothelial (∼4-fold) variant. This may account for the variation in response to antifolate-containing regimens used in the treatment of either type. RFC mRNA levels were not associated with tumor grade (I, II and III) or stage (muscle-invasive vs. non-muscle invasive) implying that RFC cannot be used for prognostic purposes in bladder carcinomas and its increased expression is an early event in human bladder tumors pathogenesis. Further, RFC can be considered as a potential marker for predicting response to antifolate chemotherapy in urothelial carcinomas

Sex difference and intra-operative tidal volume: Insights from the LAS VEGAS study

BACKGROUND: One key element of lung-protective ventilation is the use of a low tidal volume (VT). A sex difference in use of low tidal volume ventilation (LTVV) has been described in critically ill ICU patients.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether a sex difference in use of LTVV also exists in operating room patients, and if present what factors drive this difference.DESIGN, PATIENTS AND SETTING: This is a posthoc analysis of LAS VEGAS, a 1-week worldwide observational study in adults requiring intra-operative ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery in 146 hospitals in 29 countries.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Women and men were compared with respect to use of LTVV, defined as VT of 8 ml kg-1 or less predicted bodyweight (PBW). A VT was deemed 'default' if the set VT was a round number. A mediation analysis assessed which factors may explain the sex difference in use of LTVV during intra-operative ventilation.RESULTS: This analysis includes 9864 patients, of whom 5425 (55%) were women. A default VT was often set, both in women and men; mode VT was 500 ml. Median [IQR] VT was higher in women than in men (8.6 [7.7 to 9.6] vs. 7.6 [6.8 to 8.4] ml kg-1 PBW, P &lt; 0.001). Compared with men, women were twice as likely not to receive LTVV [68.8 vs. 36.0%; relative risk ratio 2.1 (95% CI 1.9 to 2.1), P &lt; 0.001]. In the mediation analysis, patients' height and actual body weight (ABW) explained 81 and 18% of the sex difference in use of LTVV, respectively; it was not explained by the use of a default VT.CONCLUSION: In this worldwide cohort of patients receiving intra-operative ventilation during general anaesthesia for surgery, women received a higher VT than men during intra-operative ventilation. The risk for a female not to receive LTVV during surgery was double that of males. Height and ABW were the two mediators of the sex difference in use of LTVV.TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01601223

Synthesis and in vitro Evaluation of New Benzothiazole Derivatives as Schistosomicidal Agents

A series of benzothiazol-2-yl-dithiocarbamates 3a-d along with their copper complexes 4a-c were synthesized via the reaction of suitable alkyl, aralkyl or heteroaryl halides with the sodium salt of benzothiazol-2-yl-dithiocarbamic acid, followed by complexation with copper sulphate. N-(4-Acetyl-5-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-N-benzothiazol-2-yl-acetamides 7a-c were synthesized by cyclization of the appropriate thiosemicarbazones 6a-c in acetic anhydride. Selected compounds were screened for in vitro schistosomicidal activity against Schistosoma mansoni at three different dosage levels (10, 50 and 100 μg/ mL). Three of these products, 4a-c, showed schistosomicidal activity similar to praziquantel, with 100% worm mortality at 10 μg/mL. These compounds would constitute a new class of potent schistosomicidal agents

Synthesis and in vitro Evaluation of New Benzothiazole Derivatives as Schistosomicidal Agents

A series of benzothiazol-2-yl-dithiocarbamates 3a-d along with their copper complexes 4a-c were synthesized via the reaction of suitable alkyl, aralkyl or heteroaryl halides with the sodium salt of benzothiazol-2-yl-dithiocarbamic acid, followed by complexation with copper sulphate. N-(4-Acetyl-5-aryl-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-N-benzothiazol-2-yl-acetamides 7a-c were synthesized by cyclization of the appropriate thiosemicarbazones 6a-c in acetic anhydride. Selected compounds were screened for in vitro schistosomicidal activity against Schistosoma mansoni at three different dosage levels (10, 50 and 100 μg/ mL). Three of these products, 4a-c, showed schistosomicidal activity similar to praziquantel, with 100% worm mortality at 10 μg/mL. These compounds would constitute a new class of potent schistosomicidal agents

Altered expression of miR-181a and miR-146a does not change the expression of surface NCRs in human NK cells

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in regulating gene expression and immune responses. Of interest, miR-181a and miR-146a are key players in regulating immune responses and are among the most abundant miRNAs expressed in NK cells. Bioinformatically, we predicted miR-181a to regulate the expression of the natural cytotoxicity receptor NCR2 by seeded interaction with the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR). Whereas, miR-146a expression was not significantly different (P = 0.7361), miR-181a expression was, on average 10-fold lower in NK cells from breast cancer patients compared to normal subjects; P &lt; 0.0001. Surface expression of NCR2 was detected in NK cells from breast cancer patients (P = 0.0384). While cytokine receptor-induced NK cell activation triggered overexpression of miR-146a when stimulated with IL-2 (P = 0.0039), IL-15 (P = 0.0078), and IL-12/IL-18 (P = 0.0072), expression of miR-181a was not affected. Overexpression or knockdown of miR-181a or miR-146a in primary cultured human NK cells did not affect the level of expression of any of the three NCRs; NCR1, NCR2 or NCR3 or NK cell cytotoxicity. Expression of miR-181a and miR-146a did not correlate to the expression of the NCRs in NK cells from breast cancer patients or cytokine-stimulated NK cells from healthy subjects

Association of intercellular adhesion gene A with biofilm formation in staphylococci isolates from patients with conjunctivitis

BACKGROUND: There is a great negative impact of biofilm-mediated infection on patient health which necessitates the use of reliable methods for detecting biofilm producers. AIMS: This study was done to determine biofilm-producing ability and the presence of intercellular adhesion gene A in clinical staphylococcal isolates and to assess the reliability of two phenotypic methods used for biofilm detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty staphylococcal strains were isolated from 100 conjunctival swabs from patients attended the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department of the Research Institute of Ophthalmology. Two phenotypic methods were used for detection of biofilm production; qualitative congo red agar (CRA); and quantitative microtiter plate. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the presence of icaA gene. RESULTS: In Staph aureus, 60% were positive biofilm forming and 40% were negative biofilm forming by both phenotypic methods. All positive biofilm-forming isolates were positive for icaA gene production. In coagulase negative staph, 50% were positive biofilm forming and 50% were negative biofilm forming by both phenotypic methods. All positive biofilm-forming strains were positive for icaA gene. All negative cases by CRA and microtiter plate methods were negative for icaA gene except two isolates. All staphylococcal isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test to correlate biofilm formation with multidrug resistance in staph. CONCLUSION: There is high significant correlation between icaA gene presence and biofilm forming ability; however, the biofilm-forming ability of some isolates in the absence of icaA gene highlights the importance of further genetic investigations of ica-independent biofilm formation mechanisms

Effect of Natural Phytohormones on Growth, Nutritional Status, and Yield of Mung Bean (<i>Vigna radiata</i> L.) and N Availability in Sandy-Loam Soil of Sub-Tropics

Climate changes and poor soil nutrient profiles in sub-tropics are determinant factors to estimate crop productivity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of phytohormones, e.g., indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3), on mung bean yield, seed nutritional profile, and soil N availability in the sub-tropical region of Pakistan. The mung bean plants were treated with three levels (0, 30, and 60 mg L−1) of IAA and GA3 individually and/or in combination using a hydraulic sprayer. The amendments were applied in the flowering stage (approximately 25 days after germination) in a randomized complete block design. The results revealed that the 60 mg L−1 concentration of IAA and GA3 led to significant changes in the growth and yield traits compared to non-treated plants. For example, GA3 positively influenced the biological yield (35.0%), total carbohydrate (7.0%), protein (16.0%), and nitrogen (14.0%) contents in mung bean seeds, compared to the control (CK). Additionally, the combined foliar treatment of IAA and GA3 (IAA2 + GA2) displayed a much stronger influence on yield attributes, such as the number of pods by 66.0%, pods’ weights by 142.0%, and seed yield by 106.5%, compared with the CK. Mung bean plants showed a significant improvement in leaf photosynthetic pigments under a higher level (60 mg L−1) of sole and combined treatments of IAA and GA3. Moreover, except abscisic acid, the endogenous concentration of IAA, GA3, and zeatin was enhanced by 193.0%, 67.0%, and 175.0% after the combined application of IAA and GA3 (IAA2 + GA2) compared to the CK treatment. In addition, soil N availability was increased by 72.8% under the IAA2 treatment and 61.5% under IAA2 + GA2, respectively, compared with the control plot. It was concluded that the combined treatment of IAA and GA3 (IAA2 + GA2) followed by the sole application of GA3 and IAA at a 60 mg L−1 concentration were most effective treatments to improve the morpho-physiology and nutrient profile of mung beans; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms need to be explored further

Unexpected products from the reaction of different compounds with hydrazine hydrate or aryl thiosemicarbazides

The reaction of 2,5-dihydroxyacetophenone I or 1-(1,4-dihydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)ethanone II with various 4-aryl thiosemicarbazides did not yield the expected 4-aryl-1-[1-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylidene]thiosemicarbazides III nor 4-aryl-1-[1-(1,4-dihydroxy-naphthalen-2-yl)ethylidene]thiosemicarbazides IV, respectively. However, unexpected products were formed namely, N1,N2-bis[1-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)ethylidene]hydrazine V or N1,N2-bis[1-(1,4-dihydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)ethylidene]hydrazine VI, respectively. Also, an unexpected product N1,N2-bis(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)hydrazine XI was obtained when heating under reflux diethyl 2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)propanedioate VII or ethyl 2-cyano-3-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)propenoate VIII with 99% hydrazine hydrate in ethanol. The mechanisms of these reactions were proposed