Interleukin-12p40 Modulates Human Metapneumovirus-Induced Pulmonary Disease in an Acute Mouse Model of Infection

The mechanisms that regulate the host immune response induced by human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a newly-recognized member of the Paramyxoviridae family, are largely unknown. Cytokines play an important role in modulating inflammatory responses during viral infections. IL-12p40, a known important mediator in limiting lung inflammation, is induced by hMPV and its production is sustained after the resolution phase of infection suggesting that this cytokine plays a role in the immune response against hMPV. In this work, we demonstrated that in mice deficient in IL-12p40, hMPV infection induced an exacerbated pulmonary inflammatory response and mucus production, altered cytokine response, and decreased lung function. However, hMPV infection in these mice does not have an effect on viral replication. These results identify an important regulatory role of IL-12p40 in hMPV infection

Evaluation of Conventional and Sustainable Modifiers to Improve the Stiffness Behavior of Weak Sub-Grade Soil

The paper focuses on the improvement of the clayey soil (A-6) with the locally available and cheap modifiers, in terms of stiffness behavior of the weak subgrade soil for flexible pavement. The modifiers used include lime (hydrated), marble waste and sand. The soil specimens underwent triaxial testing and Clegg impact testing. Triaxial testing involved the assessment of the resilient modulus (MR) and impact testing using the Clegg Impact Hammer. According to the study, lime proved to be the most influencing modifier as it improves the stiffness of the weak soil better than other modifiers. A quite accurate statistical relationship between the MR and the variables (including Clegg Impact) involved in the testing procedure has been establishe

Effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy on ovarian volume and androgen hormones in patients with untreated primary hypothyroidism

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Primary hypothyroidism may be associated with ovarian enlargement and/or cyst formation. We evaluated the effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy on hormonal changes, ovarian volume and sonographic appearance