Pneumocystis murina colonization in immunocompetent surfactant protein A deficient mice following environmental exposure

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Pneumocystis spp</it>. are opportunistic pathogens that cause pneumonia in immunocompromised humans and animals. <it>Pneumocystis </it>colonization has also been detected in immunocompetent hosts and may exacerbate other pulmonary diseases. Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is an innate host defense molecule and plays a role in the host response to <it>Pneumocystis</it>.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>To analyze the role of SP-A in protecting the immunocompetent host from <it>Pneumocystis </it>colonization, the susceptibility of immunocompetent mice deficient in SP-A (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice to <it>P. murina </it>colonization was analyzed by reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (qPCR) and serum antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Detection of <it>P. murina </it>specific serum antibodies in immunocompetent WT and KO mice indicated that the both strains of mice had been exposed to <it>P. murina </it>within the animal facility. However, P. <it>murina </it>mRNA was only detected by qPCR in the lungs of the KO mice. The incidence and level of the mRNA expression peaked at 8–10 weeks and declined to undetectable levels by 16–18 weeks. When the mice were immunosuppressed, <it>P. murina </it>cyst forms were also only detected in KO mice. <it>P. murina </it>mRNA was detected in <it>SCID </it>mice that had been exposed to KO mice, demonstrating that the immunocompetent KO mice are capable of transmitting the infection to immunodeficient mice. The pulmonary cellular response appeared to be responsible for the clearance of the colonization. More CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were recovered from the lungs of immunocompetent KO mice than from WT mice, and the colonization in KO mice depleted CD4+ cells was not cleared.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These data support an important role for SP-A in protecting the immunocompetent host from <it>P. murina </it>colonization, and provide a model to study <it>Pneumocystis </it>colonization acquired via environmental exposure in humans. The results also illustrate the difficulties in keeping mice from exposure to <it>P. murina </it>even when housed under barrier conditions.</p

Reasons and Barriers of Breast Self-examination among Affluent Women: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Breast Self-examination (BSE) is the simplest and easiest way to look for abnormalities. It’s an inexpensive and easy procedure that needs to be implemented from a young age. BSE will help in early diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant tumours. Inadequate knowledge about BSE was seen usually in non affluent women. Though, affluent individuals have access to good and better healthcare, still there seems to be a lack. Aim: To understand the reasons and barriers among affluent women concerning BSE. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the field area of Ayaan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, from March 2021 to February 2022. A total of 250 women were included in the study between the ages of 21-49 years. Data was collected using a predesigned pretested questionnaire to evaluate socio- demographic, reasons and barriers to BSE. Data were presented in numbers and percentages. Results: The mean age of the study population was 34.60±8.31 years. All 250 women were educated and with the majority being graduates 176 (70.4%), only 140 (56%) had a working occupation and 205 (82%) were married. The feeling of mass in either of the breast 123 (49.2%), followed by family history of breast cancer 99 (39.6%) and breast pain 92 (36.8%) were the common reasons for performing SBE. The barriers to self-examination were majorly due to lack of knowledge 164 (65.6%), lack of breast complaints 164 (65.6%), absence of lump 130 (52%), followed by 115 (46%) who did not like to touch their breast. Forgetfulness was seen in 93 (37.2%) subjects. Conclusion: Poor awareness of the BSE practice exists even among affluent women. There is an urgent need for awareness about screening techniques, including BSE, in media and health facilities