Changing survival, memory cell compartment, and T-helper balance of lymphocytes between severe and mild asthma

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Asthma is a complicated network of inflammatory reactions. It is classified into mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma. The success of asthma therapy relies much on understanding the underlying mechanisms of inflammation at each stage of asthma severity. The aim of this study was to explore the differences in apoptotic potential, CD4/CD8 ratio, memory compartment, and T- helper (Th) 1 and 2 profile of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in patients with mild intermittent asthma and severe persistent asthma during exacerbation periods.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Four research lines were investigated and compared among mild asthmatics, severe asthmatics, and healthy groups by applying immunocytochemical staining of PBL. Antiapoptotic and proapoptotic proteins with Bcl-2/Bax ratio, CD4, CD8 markers with CD4⁺/CD8⁺ratio, CD45RO⁺, CD45RA⁺markers with memory/naïve ratio (CD45RO⁺/CD45RA⁺). Th2/Th1 cytokines balance represented by IL-4/IFN-γ ratio was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for in vitro PBL cytokine synthesis. It was found that Bcl-2/Bax ratio was higher in severe than in mild asthmatics which in turn was higher than in healthy group. And memory/naïve ratio of PBL was higher in severe than in mild asthmatics. Moreover, memory cells, CD45RO⁺and CD45RO⁺/CD45RA⁺ratio were correlated directly with Bcl-2/Bax, in severe and mild asthma patients. In contrast, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ratio was not changed significantly among healthy group, mild and severe asthmatics. However, CD8⁺cells were correlated directly with memory cells, CD45RO⁺, in severe asthmatics only. Interestingly, the dominant profile of cytokines appeared to change from T helper 2 (Th2) in mild asthmatics to T helper 1 (Th1) in severe asthmatics where the lowest in vitro IL-4/IFN-γ ratio and highest IFN-γ were found.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It was concluded that the underlying mechanisms of inflammation might vary greatly with asthma stage of severity. Mild intermittent asthma is mainly Th2 allergen-oriented reaction during exacerbations with good level of apoptosis making the inflammation as self-limiting, while in severe persistent asthma, the inflammatory reaction mediated mainly by Th1 cytokines with progressive loss of apoptosis leading to longer exacerbations, largely expanded memory cells, CD45RO⁺, leading to persistent baseline inflammation.</p

An experimental study on high-pressure water jets for paraffin scale removal in partially blocked production tubings

The common practice of using chemicals and solid-entrained liquids to remove soft scales in production tubings is associated with a high risk of contaminating the environment and eroding pipe internal surfaces. Due to the suspended solids, the current practices are also characterized by high pumping costs and are more problematic to rotating parts of machinery than freshwater. As a cheap and less risky alternative to these corrosive chemicals and liquids, this paper investigates the feasibility of utilizing multiple high-pressure (HP) water jets for the same objective. A total of 54 experimental trials were conducted to study the effects of four factors on the efficiency of scale removal with multiple flat-fan nozzles at an orientation of 25°. The factors investigated are (i) number of nozzles; (ii) spray injection pressure; (iii) stand-off distance between the spray nozzle and target scale; and (iv) condition of the production tubing: ambient and pressurized. Details of the experimental set-up, equipment and procedure are provided. The results of these controlled experiments show a positive correlation between descaling efficiency and spray injection pressure. The same set of experiments reveals a negative correlation between descaling efficiency and nozzle count, as well as between descaling efficiency and spray stand-off. However, for the scale samples and range of parameters investigated in this study, descaling efficiency did not exhibit significant dependency on the chamber conditions i.e. ambient vs. pressurized. The results of this study provide some insights into the feasibility of multiple HP water jets as a cleaner alternative to the use of corrosive chemicals and solid-entrained liquids to remove soft scales in production tubings in oil fields and other applications

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Evidence in Digital Environment and Forecasting the Corona Virus Outbreak in the UK, Spain and Belgium

Based on Statista reports as of April 7, 2020, there have been 52,624 deaths in Europe due to COVID-19 since the first recorded European death in France on February 15. We compared two models to assess the outbreak of coronavirus in the UK, Spain and Belgium, their healthcare expenditure and the number of hospital beds as two indices of the healthcare system. Base and advance exponential smoothing models were used to forecast the total number of new cases and fatalities in the next 15 days for each of the evaluated countries, with an upper and lower banding. The models were fine-tuned with temporal granularity and an adjust seasonality set to seven days. Furthermore, the study assessed the healthcare capacity of these countries by looking at key metrics at a national level and tried to compare them in a relative term by drawing correlations between the total number of cases and fatalities. In addition, the current study compared the three countries according to the KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE and PRACTICE (KAP) system and found the associated similarities. Also, the gaps in KAP on WHO level was appraised. The KAP shortfalls at all levels of international, governmental, organizational and individual levels were recognized. The success of the implementation of any intervention in the prevention of coronavirus epidemics is highly dependent on KAP of people, organizations and governments. Finally, a multicomponent system at international level is proposed to tackle the future infectious pandemics

Development of a self-sufficient Ad Hoc Sensor to Perform Electrical impedance tomography measurements from within imaged space

Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) is an ill-posed problem whereby there are insufficient measured data to solve for a large amount of unknowns (finite elements). Conventionally, EIT measurements are performed on the boundary of an object or a process vessel. This results in a lower spatial resolution in central regions far off the conventional periphery electrodes. This paper presents the development of a self-sufficient EIT sensor with an aim to obtain EIT measurements from any locality within the object or the process vessel. An ad hoc EIT sensor that performs the current injection and voltage measurement around two pairs of electrodes is developed. The sensor consists of a current source, voltage amplifier, multiplexers, and microcontroller. Tests were conducted on a phantom tank. The sensor successfully performs localized voltage measurements from the interior of the imaged space with channel SNR average of 15dB

Unconventional Reservoir Characterization and Formation Evaluation: A Case Study of a Tight Sandstone Reservoir in West Africa

Unconventional reservoirs, including gas shales and tight gas sands, have gained prominence in the energy sector due to technological advancements and escalating energy demands. The oil industry is eagerly refining techniques to decipher these reservoirs, aiming to reduce data collection costs and uncertainties in reserve estimations. Characteristically, tight reservoirs exhibit low matrix porosity and ultra-low permeability, necessitating artificial stimulation for enhanced production. The efficacy of the stimulation hinges on the organic material distribution, the rock’s mechanical attributes, and the prevailing stress field. Comprehensive petrophysical analysis, integrating standard and specialized logs, core analyses, and dynamic data, is pivotal for a nuanced understanding of these reservoirs. This ensures a reduction in prediction uncertainties, with parameters like shale volume, porosity, and permeability being vital. This article delves into an intricate petrophysical evaluation of the Nene field, a West African unconventional reservoir. It underscores the geological intricacies of the field, the pivotal role of data acquisition, and introduces avant-garde methodologies for depth matching, rock typing, and the estimation of permeability. This research highlights the significance of unconventional reservoir exploration in today’s energy milieu, offering a granular understanding of the Nene field’s geological challenges and proffering a blueprint for analogous future endeavours in unconventional reservoirs

Research biopsies in kidney transplantation: an evaluation of surgical techniques and optimal tissue mass allowing molecular and histological analyses

Background: Research biopsies have great potential to advance scientific knowledge by helping to establish predictors of favourable or unfavourable outcomes in kidney transplantation. We evaluated punch and core biopsies of different sizes to determine the optimal size for clinical use. Methods: A total of 54 punch biopsies and 18 core needle biopsies were retrieved by three transplant surgeons. Each surgeon obtained three separate 2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm punch biopsy samples and three 23 mm (length) core needle biopsies from two pig kidneys. Results: 4 mm punch biopsies yielded the greatest amount of protein (2.11 ± 0.41 mg) with good reproducibility between surgeons and biopsy types (Coefficient of Variation ∼ 22.13%). All surgeons found 2 mm biopsies technically challenging to obtain and sample processing was difficult due to the sample size. Shotgun proteomics identified 3853 gene products with no significant difference in the quantitative proteome of 2 mm and 3 mm punch biopsies. However, the expression of 158 Kidney enriched genes, was higher in bigger and deeper 4 mm punch and core needle biopsies compared to 2 mm biopsy. Only 80% of 2 mm biopsies demonstrated the presence of glomeruli, whereas glomeruli were present in 100% of all other biopsy sizes. Conclusions: The 2 mm punch biopsy has been shown to be challenging to use and frequently provides inadequate tissue for histology and proteomics while 3 mm research biopsies were the smallest size that were technically obtainable with adequate tissue for molecular studies

Unveiling falling urban trees before and during Typhoon Higos (2020): empirical case study of potential structural failure using tilt sensor

Urban trees in a densely populated environment may pose risks to the public’s safety in terms of the potential danger of injuries and fatalities, loss of property, impacts on traffic, etc. The biological and mechanical features of urban trees may change over time, thereby affecting the stability of the tree structure. This can be a gradual process but can also be drastic, especially after typhoons or heavy rainstorms. Trees may fall at any time with no discernible signs of failure being exhibited or detected. It is always a challenge in urban tree management to develop a preventive alert system to detect the potential failure of hazardous urban trees and hence be able to have an action plan to handle potential tree tilting or tree collapse. Few studies have considered the comparison of tree morphology to the tilt response relative to uprooting failure in urban cities. New methods involving numerical modeling and sensing technologies provide tools for an effective and deeper understanding of the interaction of root-plate movement and windstorm with the application of the tailor-made sensor. In this study, root-plate tilt variations of 889 trees with sensors installed during Typhoon Higos (2020) are investigated, especially the tilting pattern of the two trees that failed in the event. The correlation of tree response during the typhoon among all trees with tilt measurements was also evaluated. The results from two alarm levels developed in the study, i.e., Increasing Trend Alarm and Sudden Increase Alarm indicated that significant root-plate movement to wind response is species-dependent. These systems could help inform decision making to identify the problematic trees in the early stage. Through the use of smart sensors, the data collected by the alert system provides a very useful analysis of the stability of tree structure and tree health in urban tree management

Prostatic sarcoma after treatment of rectal cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The relationship between radiation exposure for treatment of cancer and occurrence of a second primary cancer at the irradiated site is well known. This phenomenon is however rare in prostate.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 75-year-old farmer was treated for rectal cancer with preoperative 45 Gy of radiotherapy and abdominoperineal resection. Four years later he developed symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction and acute urinary retention. He underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate. Histological examination of the removed prostate tissue and immunohistochemistry revealed it to be a poorly differentiated sarcoma.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We believe this to be the first reported case of radiation-induced sarcoma following radiotherapy treatment for rectal cancer. Since radiotherapy plays a pivotal role in the contemporary treatment of rectal adenocarcinoma, it is relevant to be aware of the potential long-term carcinogenic complications of radiotherapy of the pelvis.</p

The distinctive profile of risk factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in comparison with other head and neck cancer types

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and other head and neck cancer (HNCA) types show a great epidemiological variation in different regions of the world. NPC has multifactorial etiology and many interacting risk factors are involved in NPC development mainly Epstein Barr virus (EBV). There is a need to scrutinize the complicated network of risk factors affecting NPC and how far they are different from that of other HNCA types.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>122 HNCA patients and 100 control subjects were studied in the region of the Middle East. Three types of HNCA were involved in our study, NPC, carcinoma of larynx (CL), and hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC). The risk factors studied were the level of EBV serum IgG and IgA antibodies measured by ELISA, age, sex, smoking, alcohol intake, histology, and family history of the disease.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>EBV serum level of IgG and IgA antibodies was higher in NPC than CL, HPC, and control groups (p < 0.01). NPC was associated with lymphoepithelioma (LE) tumors, males, regular alcohol intake, and regular smoking while CL and HPC were not (p < 0.05). CL and HPC were associated with SCC tumors (p < 0.05). Furthermore, NPC, unlike CL and HPC groups, was not affected by the positive family history of HNCA (p > 0.05). The serum levels of EBV IgG and IgA antibodies were higher in LE tumors, regular smokers, younger patients, and negative family history groups of NPC patients than SCC tumors, non-regular smokers, older patients and positive family history groups respectively (p < 0.05) while this was not found in the regular alcoholics (p > 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It was concluded that risk factors of NPC deviate much from that of other HNCA. EBV, smoking, alcohol intake, LE tumors, male patient, and age > 54 years were hot risk factors of NPC while SCC and positive family history of the disease were not. Earlier incidence, smoking, LE tumors, and negative family history of the disease in NPC patients were associated much clearly with EBV. It is proposed that determining the correct risk factors of NPC is vital in assigning the correct risk groups of NPC which helps the early detection and screening of NPC.</p

Surveys of rice sold in Canada for aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and fumonisins

Approximately 200 samples of rice (including white, brown, red, black, basmati and jasmine, as well as wild rice) from several different countries, including the United States, Canada, Pakistan, India and Thailand, were analysed for aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisins by separate liquid Chromatographic methods in two different years. The mean concentrations for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) were 0.19 and 0.17 ng g−1 with respective positive incidences of 56% and 43% (≥ the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.002 ng g−1). Twenty-three samples analysed in the second year also contained aflatoxin B2 (AFB2) at levels ≥LOD of 0.002 ng g−1 The five most contaminated samples in each year contained 1.44–7.14 ng AFB1 g−1 (year 1) and 1.45–3.48 ng AFB1 g−1 (year 2); they were mostly basmati rice from India and Pakistan and black and red rice from Thailand. The average concentrations of ochratoxin A (OTA) were 0.05 and 0.005 ng g−1 in year 1 and year 2, respectively; incidences of samples containing ≥LOD of 0.05 ng g−1 were 43% and 1%, respectively, in the 2 years. All positive OTA results were confirmed by LC-MS/MS. For fumonisins, concentrations of fumonisin B1 (FB1) averaged 4.5 ng g−1 in 15 positive samples (≥0.7 ng g−1) from year 1 (n = 99); fumonisin B2 (FB2) and fumonisin B3 (FB3) were also present (≥1 ng g−1). In the second year there was only one positive sample (14 ng g−1 FB1) out of 100 analysed. All positive FB1 results were confirmed by LC-MS/MS