Expression of CD80 and CD86 on T lymphocytes and monocytes of asthmatic children

Background: For T lymphocytes to get optimally activated, they need costimulatory signals that can be provided efficiently by costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86Objective: This study was done to assess the expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on T lymphocytes and monocytes of asthmatic children. The effect of clinical grading of asthma and intake of inhaled steroids on the level of their expression was assessed.Methods: The study included 44 asthmatics (12 with acute asthma and 32 in between attacks) and 12 controls. The asthmatic children were classified according to clinical severity into mild (15 cases), moderate (9 cases) and severe (8 cases). Flow cytometry was performed to analyze the expression of CD80 and CD86 on blood T lymphocytes and monocytesResults: The percentage of expression of costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on T lymphocytes and monocytes were statistically higher in asthmatic children whether in acute or in between attacks compared to the control group (p<0.05). This up regulation suggests their critical role in pathogenesis of bronchial allergic inflammation in asthma. The percentage of expression of CD80 and CD86 on monocytes were significantly higher in asthmatics during their acute exacerbations compared to those in between attacks (p<0.05). Comparing the clinical subgroups of asthma, there was no statistically significant difference between mild and moderate asthmatics as regards level of co-expression (p > 0.05); however the difference was statistically significant between mild and severe cases (p <0.05).  Asthmatics on inhaled steroids showed significant lower percentage of CD80 and CD86 expression on T lymphocytes and monocytes.Conclusion: The enhanced expression of both CD80 and CD86 on antigenpresenting cells and T lymphocytes in bronchial asthma is probably  involved in the establishment and maintenance of chronic inflammation of the airways.Key words: Asthma, T lymphocytes, Costimulation, CD80 and CD86

Inhibition effect of famotidine towards the corrosion of C-steel in sulphuric acid Solution

The inhibition effect of  famotidine drug  towards  the corrosion of C-steel in 0.5M H2SO4 was studied using weight loss, gasometry, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) techniques, as well as, surface examination by SEM. The inhibition mechanism of FA is based on the adsorption process forming a film barrier layer protect the steel from acid attack. The adsorption is found to obey Frundlich model. The inhibition efficiency increased by increasing inhibitor concentration and decreased with temperature. Some thermodynamic parameters for adsorption process are deduced and discussed. Keywords: C-steel, famotidine, Adsorption, Corrosion

Complications chirurgicales des avortements clandestins: a propos de 51 cas observés dans deux hôpitaux de Yaoundé.

Le but de cette étude était de décrire les complications des avortements provoqués dans la clandestinité et imposant un traitement chirurgical. Il s’agit d’une étude rétrospective transversale portant sur les malades opérés dans les services de Chirurgie de l’Hôpital central et du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Yaoundé du 1er Janvier 2004 au 31 Décembre 2008. Les variables d’étude étaient l’âge, le statut matrimonial, les antécédents gynécologiques, les antécédents d’avortement antérieur, le mode, l’indication chirurgicale et l’état général des patientes; les lésions découvertes en peropératoire, leur traitement et l’évolution postopératoire. Cinquante une patientes ont été retenues pour cette étude menée pendant une durée de quatre ans, soit une moyenne de 12,7 cas par an. L’âge des patientes variait entre 15 ans et 41 ans avec une moyenne de 30 ans; 33 patientes (64,7%) avaient un âge situé entre 15ans et 25 ans. 6 patientes (11,7%) étaient multipares et 4 patientes étaient primipares (7,8%). Treize patientes (25,42%) avaient déjà subi une interruption volontaire de grossesse sans complication. Quarante-neuf patientes (96%) étaient arrivées avec un tableau de péritonite ; 43 patientes (84,22%) étaient classées ASA III (American Association of Anesthesiologists). Les lésions chirurgicales étaient à type de perforations ou de déchirures utérines dans 20 cas (39,21%), annexielles dans 9cas (17,64%), digestives dans 16 cas (31,37%) et urinaires dans 4 cas. Le traitement a associé au traitement de la péritonite, les sutures utérines, digestives et vésicales ; les gestes d’exérèse comprenaient deux hystérectomies et cinq salpingectomies. Il a été réalisé des gestes de dérivation dont deux cystostomies et deux colostomies. La mortalité était de 15,6%. L’étude recommande une éducation des femmes en matière de contraception et de planning familial, et surtout une politique sociale permettant de réduire le nombre des avortements clandestins.MOTS CLES: Avortement clandestin- Complications - Chirurgie

Diaphragmatic Injuries: A Frequent Missed Diagnosis in a Low Income Country

Objectives: To evaluate the current reported incidence of diaphragmatic injuries (DI) and to determine criteria that could help make the diagnosis of DI and improve its recognition in traumatised patients in Cameroon.Design: A retrospective study.Subjects: The cases of all diaphragmatic injuries repaired and diagnosed in two major hospitals in Cameroon.Setting: The General Hospital of Douala and the University Hospital centre of Younde, Cameroon.Results: During a ten-year period we have repaired eight diaphragmatic injuries. Five of them were consecutive to penetrating trauma and three after blunt trauma. All the patients were males. The mean age was 34. 5 years. Seven injuries occurred on the right side. The average Injury Severity Score was 37. 5 and all the patients had associated injuries to other organs. DI represents only 0.05% of all trauma cases. DI is underestimated in Cameroon and under diagnosed because physicians are not trained to think or to recognise it and autopsy is rarely performed after a traumatic death. Although there are no specific signs or symptoms, we have found some criteria which can raise suspicion of DI.Conclusion: Diaphragmatic injury is a very difficult diagnosis, and it is under diagnosed in Cameroon. We suspect that many patients severely injured may have associated DI which is not recognised and may contribute to increased mortality rate after major traum