Short stories as an innovative EFL teaching technique to improve Pakistani elementary students’ English vocabulary

Short stories are becoming very popular around the globe. Learning vocabulary, a crucial component of learning a foreign language, is at the heart of teaching a language and is important for language learners. The researchers believe that vocabulary plays a crucial part in learning any language. Therefore, it is crucial to look at the best strategies for enhancing vocabulary learning. With the aim of effectively utilizing short stories to improve vocabulary at the primary level, the current study was created to raise awareness among elementary-level teachers about how they might develop the English vocabulary of their students. The study was experimental with a pretest-posttest design. Sixty students were randomly selected from an elementary school in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Twenty-five close-ended questions (MCQs) type questions for pre-test and post-test and the English reading assessment survey (ERAS) questionnaire were used to collect data, and the data were analyzed by using SPSS. The results show that most students spoke about three things: the value of short stories in vocabulary learning, their interest in reading short stories, and their approval of using short stories. The study implies that primary school English teachers should use short stories to increase their students' vocabulary

NADPH Oxidase Limits Innate Immune Responses in the Lungs in Mice

Background: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an inherited disorder of the NADPH oxidase in which phagocytes are defective in generating superoxide anion and downstream reactive oxidant intermediates (ROIs), is characterized by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections and by excessive inflammation (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease). The mechanisms by which NADPH oxidase regulates inflammation are not well understood. Methodology/Principal Findings: We found that NADPH oxidase restrains inflammation by modulating redox-sensitive innate immune pathways. When challenged with either intratracheal zymosan or LPS, NADPH oxidase-deficient p47phox-/- mice and gp91phox-deficient mice developed exaggerated and progressive lung inflammation, augmented NF-kB activation, and elevated downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17, and G-CSF) compared to wildtype mice. Replacement of functional NADPH oxidase in bone marrow-derived cells restored the normal lung inflammatory response. Studies in vivo and in isolated macrophages demonstrated that in the absence of functional NADPH oxidase, zymosan failed to activate Nrf2, a key redox-sensitive anti-inflammatory regulator. The triterpenoid, CDDO-Im, activated Nrf2 independently of NADPH oxidase and reduced zymosan-induced lung inflammation in CGD mice. Consistent with these findings, zymosan-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from X-linked CGD patients showed impaired Nrf2 activity and increased NF-kB activation. Conclusions/Significance: These studies support a model in which NADPH oxidase-dependent, redox-mediated signaling is critical for termination of lung inflammation and suggest new potential therapeutic targets for CGD

Adult systemic cat scratch disease associated with therapy for hepatitis C

BACKGROUND: We describe the first case of systemic cat scratch disease in a patient receiving peginterferon α-2a and ribavirin for treatment of hepatitis C. Cases of adult systemic CSD are extremely infrequent and immunomodulatory treatment for hepatitis C has been associated with aberrant host responses to common pathogens. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52 year old man being treated for hepatitis C presented with diffuse lymphadenopathy, weight loss, fevers and splenic lesions. Symptoms were initially confused with adverse effects of his regimen, delaying recognition of his infection. Diagnostic investigation, including histopathology, microbiology and serologic parameters, confirmed that his illness was due to disseminated cat scratch disease with Bartonella henselae. CONCLUSION: Disseminated CSD is exceptionally rare in adults. We describe the first case of disseminated cat scratch disease associated with peginterferon α and ribavirin to alert clinicians of the need to be aware of unusual manifestations of common infections in this population

A study on the epidemiology of brucellosis in bovine population of peri-urban and rural areas of district Multan, southern Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract Background Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a bacterial pathogen belonging to the genus Brucella. It is one of the most frequent bacterial zoonoses globally but unfortunately, it is still considered as a neglected disease in the developing world. Keeping in view, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk determinants of brucellosis in large ruminants of peri-urban and rural areas of district Multan-Pakistan. For this purpose, blood samples (n = 490) were collected from the cattle (n = 245) and buffalo (n = 245) population of the study area and subjected to preliminary screening of brucellosis using local and imported RBPT reagents. All the samples were further analyzed using commercially available multi-specie indirect ELISA kit followed by their confirmation by PCR using genus and species-specific primers. Data obtained from lab analysis and questionnaires were subjected to statistical analysis for Pearson Chi-square, Odds Ratio and Confidence intervals (95%). Results The results showed that the maximum seropositivity was recorded with local RBPT reagent (VRI, Pakistan; 12.45%; 95%CI = 9.72–15.65%) followed by RBPT-IDEXX (12.24%; 95%CI = 9.52–15.45%) and RBPT-ID.vet (11.84%; 95%CI = 9.18–14.95%) however statistical difference was non-significant (P = 0.956). The ELISA results showed an overall seroprevalence rate of 11.22% (95%CI = 8.59–14.33%) with comparatively higher rate in cattle (12.65%; 95%CI = 8.82–17.44%) as compared to buffaloes (9.80%; 95%CI = 6.49–14.15%). The PCR analysis confirmed the presence of genus Brucella in all seropositive samples whereas frequency of B. abortus and B. melitensis in seropositive samples was 80% and 20%, respectively. The co-existence of both species was also observed in 5.45% samples. The statistical analysis showed a significant association of bovine brucellosis with herd size, breed, reproductive disorders, mode of insemination, educational status and farmers’ awareness about brucellosis (P  0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, brucellosis is prevalent in large ruminants of district Multan, Pakistan. It is suggested to devise and implement stringent policies for the effective control and prevention of brucellosis in the region. Further, the current situation also warrants the need to strengthen interdisciplinary coordination among veterinarians and physicians in one health perspective to ensure and strengthen the human and animal health care systems in the region

Effects of hydrated sodium calcium aluminum silicates (HSCAS) in experimentally induced cadmium toxicity in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant and is toxic to animal species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxico-pathological effects of Cd and the effects of hydrated sodium calcium aluminum silicates (HSCAS) on Cd-induced pathological alterations in male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica). A total of 180 male C. japonica at 25 d of age were divided into nine equal groups, i.e. A–I. Group A was kept as control while groups B and C were administered with Cd @ 100 and 200 mg/kg feed. Groups D and E were fed HSCAS @ 5 and 10 g/kg feed. Groups F, G, H, and I were administered with HSCAS along with Cd in different combinations. The total duration of the experiment was 35 d (at experimental day 0, bird age was 21 d). Gross changes in Cd-fed groups included enlargement of the liver and atrophied testes. Histopathological picture of groups B (100 mg Cd/kg) and C (200 mg Cd/kg) showed fatty change, individual cell necrosis, and proliferation of bile ducts at hepatic triad. Testes showed testicular degeneration which included absence of spermatogenesis, pyknotic, and dark nuclei between the spermatids and absence of spermatids and spermatozoa. No parameter studied showed any adverse effect of HSCAS given to the quail @ 5 and 10 g/kg feed. Groups of quail-fed Cd and HSCS concurrently in different combinations did not show any adverse effect suggesting an amelioration of Cd-induced pathological changes in the birds. It was concluded that concurrent administration of HSCAS and Cd protected the quail from adverse effects of Cd toxicity

NADPH oxidase limits innate immune responses in the lungs in mice.

BackgroundChronic granulomatous disease (CGD), an inherited disorder of the NADPH oxidase in which phagocytes are defective in generating superoxide anion and downstream reactive oxidant intermediates (ROIs), is characterized by recurrent bacterial and fungal infections and by excessive inflammation (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease). The mechanisms by which NADPH oxidase regulates inflammation are not well understood.Methodology/principal findingsWe found that NADPH oxidase restrains inflammation by modulating redox-sensitive innate immune pathways. When challenged with either intratracheal zymosan or LPS, NADPH oxidase-deficient p47(phox-/-) mice and gp91(phox)-deficient mice developed exaggerated and progressive lung inflammation, augmented NF-kappaB activation, and elevated downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-17, and G-CSF) compared to wildtype mice. Replacement of functional NADPH oxidase in bone marrow-derived cells restored the normal lung inflammatory response. Studies in vivo and in isolated macrophages demonstrated that in the absence of functional NADPH oxidase, zymosan failed to activate Nrf2, a key redox-sensitive anti-inflammatory regulator. The triterpenoid, CDDO-Im, activated Nrf2 independently of NADPH oxidase and reduced zymosan-induced lung inflammation in CGD mice. Consistent with these findings, zymosan-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from X-linked CGD patients showed impaired Nrf2 activity and increased NF-kappaB activation.Conclusions/significanceThese studies support a model in which NADPH oxidase-dependent, redox-mediated signaling is critical for termination of lung inflammation and suggest new potential therapeutic targets for CGD

Intratracheal zymosan caused increased lung inflammation and NF-κB activation, in gp91<i>^phox-</i>deficient (X-linked CGD) versus wildtype mice.

<p>A) Representative lung section of gp91<i>^phox-</i>deficient mouse 6 days after i.t. zymosan showing extensive inflammation (H&E, 100x). Similarly treated wildtype (WT) mice had no lung inflammation (not shown). B) On day 6 after i.t. zymosan, both NADPH oxidase deficient genotypes (p47<i>^phox−/−</i> and gp91<i>^phox−/</i>) had similar BALF neutrophilic leukocytosis, whereas monocytes predominated in WT BALF. C) gp91<i>^phox-</i>deficient/HLL mice had increased whole lung NF-κB activation compared to WT/HLL mice.</p

Intratracheal zymosan treatment results in higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation in lungs of p47<i>^phox−/−</i> mice.

<p>A) BALF levels of TNF-α, IL-17, and G-CSF in wild type (WT) and p47<i>^phox−/−</i> (CGD) mice administered i.t. zymosan. Note that the Y-axes in the TNF-α and IL-17 graphs are in log-scale. The interaction of genotype (p47<i>^phox−/−</i> vs. WT) and time was assessed by 2-way ANOVA and was significant for each of the 3 cytokines (p<0.001). Bonferroni post-test was used to test for significance at each time point (*, p<0.05). B) Whole lung NF-κB activation measured by bioluminescence imaging over the chest after i.v. luciferin in NF-κB reporter mice (p47<i>^phox−/−</i>/HLL and WT/HLL). C) NF-κB dependent luciferase activity in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from p47<i>^phox−/−</i>/HLL and WT/HLL mice after <i>in vitro</i> stimulation with zymosan (20 µg/ml). For (B) and (C), 2-way ANOVA indicated p<0.0001 between genotypes with significant differences at the indicated time points by Bonferroni post-test. *, p<0.05; **, p<0.01; ***, p<0.001).</p

NADPH oxidase augments Nrf2 activation and restrains NF-κB activation in human PBMCs.

<p>PBMCs from normal donors (n = 8) and X-linked CGD patients (n = 5) were stimulated with zymosan (20 µg/ml). A) Nrf2 activation. B) NF-κB activation. *, p<0.05 comparing normal donor and CGD PBMCs.</p

The triterpenoid, CDDO-Im, a Nrf2 inducer, reduces zymosan-induced lung inflammation and pro-inflammatory BALF cytokines in p47<i>^phox−/−</i> mice.

<p>CDDO-Im (0.2 mg/mouse by i.p. injection) or vehicle (control) was administered daily to p47<i>^phox−/−</i> mice from day −1 to +2 in relation to i.t. zymosan, and BALF and lungs were harvested on day +3. Representative H&E stained lung sections of p47<i>^phox−/−</i> mice administered zymosan plus vehicle (A) or zymosan plus CDDO-Im (B). Neutrophil (C) and cytokine (D) concentrations were assessed in BALF obtained at day 3 after zymosan treatment. Significant differences were observed for neutrophils (p = 0.03), IL-23 (p = 0.008), IL-17 (p = 0.02), TNF-α (p = 0.02), and LIX (p = 0.03) (Mann-Whitney two-tailed test). E) Lung NF-κB activation, measured by bioluminescence, was similar in p47<i>^phox−/−</i> /HLL mice administered zymosan plus CDDO-Im versus zymosan plus vehicle (Two-way ANOVA, p = NS). F) Representative Western blot of lung homogenates for NQO1 and (G) densitometry (normalized to β-actin) (G) for 3 mice per genotype per treatment (p<.05 by ANOVA using Tukey post-test). Untreated  =  no experimental manipulation; zymosan  =  i.t. zymosan plus i.p. vehicle; zymosan + CDDO-Im  =  i.t. zymosan plus i.p. CDDO-Im. H) Measurement of Nrf2 activity by TransAM™ ELISA from whole lung nuclear protein extracts from p47<i>^phox−/−</i> mice treated with zymosan plus vehicle or zymosan plus CDDO-Im. Results are presented as increase over background O.D. measurement in lung nuclear protein samples from Nrf2^−/− mice (p<.05 using unpaired t-test).</p