Morphology and Thermodynamic Study of a Novel Composite Membrane from Waste Polystyrene/Slag: Experimental Investigation.

The development of the membrane surface and cross-sectional morphology is pivotal in influencing the effectiveness of membrane separation. In this study, evaluating the separation rates between the solvent and nonsolvent in the casting solution and the related thermodynamic alteration analysis were illustrated. Additionally, the rheological variations were determined by measuring the viscosity of the resulting dope solutions, providing an initial estimation of the phase separation kinetics. Asymmetric polystyrene (PS)/slag composite membrane, incorporating slag waste as an inorganic additive, was developed. Dimethylformamide (DMF) was utilized as the solvent, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was employed as an anionic surfactant to facilitate the casting process. A tertiary system diagram approach involving waste PS, DMF, and water introducing slag as an inorganic additive and SDS as a surfactant was attained to promote the separation of the solvent and nonsolvent in the casting solution. These novel composite mixtures exhibited increased thermodynamic instability within the coagulation bath, facilitating the rapid separation of solid membranes from the dope solutions and forming composite membranes with significantly increased porosity (exceeding a 20% increase) compared to that of plain waste materials. The composite membrane characteristics were assessed with the widely used poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) membrane, showing comparative features and performance when tested on a membrane distillation (MD) cell; it gave a flux of 1 kg/m2·h. These promising characteristics positioned this novel PS/slag composite membrane as a candidate for various water-related applications.

Parametric study for optimizing double-layer microchannel heat sink for solar panel thermal management.

The most significant issue affecting the electric efficiency of solar panels is overheating. Concentration photovoltaic (CPV) modules work by converting approximately 80% of sunlight to heat; this may exceed the cell operating temperature limits. Therefore, thermal management is the best choice for keeping such panels working under specified conditions. Prior to producing an actual solar indoor unit, the current research primarily focuses on optimizing the heat sink dimensions that affect the cooling performance of the solar panel. Two parametric studies were employed to optimize the microchannel heat sink design. First, a two-dimensional numerical study was implemented to optimize the best channel height for more uniform flow inside a double-layer microchannel heat sink (DL-MCHS); the width of channels was kept as a constant value. Second, a three-dimensional conjugate heat transfer model for fluid flow in the optimized heat sink was used to optimize the inlet/outlet header length. To evaluate the overall CPV performance, a further numerical case study was carried out for the optimized designs at a wide range of inlet mass flow rates and steady-state heat flux. The findings indicated that a channel height of 0.5 mm and a header length of 20 mm were the best design points for the suggested heat sink. To assess the effectiveness of a solar/thermal module, the selected design points were applied to a 3D model. The maximum electricity efficiency measured was 17.45%, nearly 40% greater than the typical CPV/T system.

Novel TiO2/GO/CuFe2O4 nanocomposite: a magnetic, reusable and visible-light-driven photocatalyst for efficient photocatalytic removal of chlorinated pesticides from wastewater.

A TiO2/GO/CuFe2O4 heterostructure photocatalyst is fabricated by a simple and low-cost ball-milling pathway for enhancing the photocatalytic degradation of chlorinated pesticides under UV light irradiation. Based on the advantages of graphene oxide, TiO2, and CuFe2O4, the nanocomposite exhibited visible light absorption, magnetic properties, and adsorption capacity. Integrated analyses using XRD, SEM, TEM, and UV-visible techniques demonstrated that the nanocomposite exhibited a well-defined crystalline phase, sizes of 10-15 nm, and evincing a visible light absorption feature with an optical bandgap energy of 2.4 eV. The photocatalytic degradations of 17 different chlorinated pesticides (persistent organic pollutants) were assayed using the prepared photocatalyst. The photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite generated almost 96.5% photocatalytic removal efficiency of typical pesticide DDE from water under UV irradiation. The superior photocatalytic performance was exhibited by the TiO2/GO/CuFeO4 catalyst owing to its high adsorption performance and separation efficiency of photo-generated carriers. The photocatalyst was examined in 5 cycles for treating uncolored pesticides with purposeful separation using an external magnetic field.

Robust photoactive nanoadsorbents with antibacterial activity for the removal of dyes.

ZnO nanostructures (NS)/guar gum (GG) nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized and tested as sorbents for photodegradation, adsorption and antimicrobial activity for dye removal. The addition of ZnO improves the thermal stability of GG based on the ratio of the oxygen in the OH form and the total oxygen in the samples as indicated via XPS and FTIR analyses. Among all tested composites, the ZnO NPs/GG nanocomposite showed the highest photocatalytic activity and hence used in extended adsorption and degradation studies against the anionic dye reactive red (RR195) and the cationic dye Rhodamine B (RhB). The adsorption mechanism and kinetics were studied in details. The ZnO NPs/GG nanocomposite showed quite high removal efficiency for both dyes reaching about 96 degradation percent of the initial dye concentration as well as a high adsorption capacity reaching 70 mg g-1. The adsorption of both dyes on ZnO NPs/GG was found to obey the Freundlich adsorption model with pseudo-second-order kinetics. The antibacterial assay showed an enhanced antibacterial effect of ZnO/GG against E-Coli/TOP10 (PTA 10989) strain compared to pristine ZnO or pure guar gum. The obtained results were proved to be of high significance based on the statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's analysis.

Tyrosine kinase inhibition is an important factor for gene expression of CRTH2 in human eosinophils and lymphocytes: A novel mechanism for explaining eosinophils recruitment by the neuro-immune axis in allergic rhinitis.

We recently shown a novel neuro-immune competition between vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and PGD2 for CRTH2 receptor, and that genistein augmented VIP and PGD2-induced eosinophil chemotaxis. However, there are neither studies on the CRTH2 gene expression in allergic rhinitis (AR) nor in the effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in CRTH2 gene regulation. Our Objectives were to study the gene expression modulation of CRTH2 receptor in AR patients and the effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on CRTH2 gene modulation. Nasal provocation tests, ELISA, qRT-PCR, western blot, flow cytometry and chemotaxis assays in modified micro-Boyden chambers, were all used, to achieve our objectives. Herein we show that AR patients increased the amounts of VIP and PGD2 in their nasal secretions in the early phase reaction, however CRTH2 gene expression from leukocytes recovered in their nasal secretions was upregulated only during the late phase reaction. The TKIs; Genistein, Erbstatin and Herbimycin A, induced the gene expression of CRTH2 and increased the protein content of CRTH2 in both human lymphocytes and eosinophils. This was functional as PGD2/VIP-induced eosinophil chemotaxis was augmented by the TKIs and inhibited by pervanadate, the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. These results open channels for therapeutic modalities targeting CRTH2 molecules in AR.

Anti-obesity effects of Taif and Egyptian pomegranates: molecular study.

The present study investigated the anti-obesity effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juices from the two Saudi Arabian, Taif red, Taif white, and Egyptian pomegranates in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Administrating any of the used juices decreased the body weight gain, food consumption, and serum levels of lipid, leptin, and glucose, while it increased serum insulin level. Histologically, all types of juices decreased the number and size of lipid droplets in hepatocytes compared to the obese, non-treated animals. All juices types upregulated the hepatic mRNA expression of hormone-sensitive lipase, pyruvate kinase, and adiponectin in obese rats; the genes were all suppressed by HFD feeding. Additionally, the expression of fatty acid synthase, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase1 was also upregulated by all types of juices. Conversely, ghrelin mRNA expression was downregulated by all used juices' types. These findings demonstrate that all types of tested juices protect against the HFD-induced obesity in rats.

Maternal Vitamin A Deficiency during Pregnancy and Its Relation with Maternal and Neonatal Hemoglobin Concentrations among Poor Egyptian Families.

Background. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) during pregnancy represents a major public health problem in developing countries. Anemia is a common consequence of VAD. We aimed to measure serum retinol concentrations of a sample of poor Egyptian mothers and correlate it with their Hb% and cord Hb%. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 200 healthy mothers and their healthy full term newborns. Maternal and cord blood samples were collected for CBC and measurement of serum retinol concentrations. Results. Forty-seven mothers (23.5%) had VAD and 50% were anemic. Mothers with VAD had a significantly lower mean Hb% and a significantly higher frequency of anemia (95.7%) compared to mothers without VAD (35.9%). The relative risk for anemia among mothers with VAD was 2.7 (CI = 2.12-3.3). Newborns of mothers with VAD had a significantly lower mean cord Hb% compared to newborns of mothers without VAD. Maternal serum retinol concentrations were positively correlated with maternal Hb% and cord Hb%. Conclusion. Maternal VAD during pregnancy among poor mothers is associated with maternal anemia and lower Hb% of newborns at birth. Vitamin A supplementation is highly recommended for this vulnerable group.

Changing pattern of fascioliasis prevalence early in the 3rd millennium in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt: an update.

Fascioliasis is an important food- and water-borne parasitic zoonosis caused by liver flukes of genus Fasciola (Digenea: Fasciolidae) of worldwide distribution. In Egypt, fascioliasis was encountered in nearly all Egyptian Governorates, particularly in the Nile Delta and specifically in Dakahlia. All enrolled cases were subjected to complete history taking, clinical examination, routine investigations and abdominal ultrasonography. Stool analysis, IHA and ELISA were used for fascioliasis diagnosis. Rural areas showed highest prevalence of fascioliasis than urban areas, however, but.without significance (x2= 0.042 & P= 0.837). Regarding human fascioliasis in examined the centers, no statistically significant difference (x2 =2.824 & P=0.243) was detected. Regarding gender variation, the difference was statistically insignificant (x2= 0.166 & P= 0.683). The difference between the age groups was statistically insignificant (x2= 3.882 & P=0.274). Clinically, 7 cases (35%) were asymptomatic and another 13 cases (65%) had different clinical pictures. Abdominal pain, anemia, eosinophilia, and tender hepatomegaly were seen in 70%, 80%, 70%, and 10%; respectively. Of them, 1 1cases showed positive abdominal ultrasonographic findings suggestive of fascioliasis.

Novel cooperation between CX3CL1 and CCL26 inducing NK cell chemotaxis via CX3CR1: a possible mechanism for NK cell infiltration of the allergic nasal tissue.

BACKGROUND: Recent data indicated that natural killer (NK) cells and chemokines could play a pivotal role in nasal inflammation. CX3CR1, the only receptor for fractalkine/CX3CL1, is abundantly expressed by NK cells, and was recently shown to also be a receptor for eotaxin-3/CCL26. However, no reports explored the NK cells-CX3CL1-CCL26 axis via CX3CR1 in allergy. OBJECTIVE: Our goals were first to determine specifically NK cell recruitment pattern in nasal tissue of allergic chronic rhinosinusitis (ACRS) and non-allergic chronic rhinosinusitis (NACRS) patients in comparison with healthy controls, and secondly, to investigate the function of CX3CR1 in NK cell migration. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry, microchemotaxis chambers, flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were used in this study. RESULTS: Herein, we showed that NK cells infiltrated the epithelial layers of nasal tissue only in ACRS patients and not in NACRS patients or controls. NK cells were also more numerous in the stroma of the nasal tissue from ACRS patients compared with NACRS patients or controls. This migration could be mediated by both CX3CL1 and CCL26, as these two chemokines induced NK cell migration. Moreover, both molecules also stimulated cytoskeleton changes and F-actin reorganisation in NK cells. Chemotaxis and cytoskeleton changes were sensitive to genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. By flow cytometry, we demonstrated that a single antigen nasal provocation challenge increased the expression of CX3CR1 on NK cells in allergic rhinitis (AR) patients. The function of this receptor was associated with a significant augmentation of NK cell chemotaxis against the optimal doses of CX3CL1 and CCL26. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results highlight a novel role for CX3CR1 in NK cell migration that may contribute to the NK cell trafficking to the allergic upper airway. This could be mediated largely by CX3CL1 and CCL26 stimulation of the tyrosine kinase pathway.

Comparative analysis of spontaneous and mycobacterial antigen-induced secretion of Th1, Th2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of tuberculosis patients.

The cytokines produced by T helper (Th)1 cells (IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-ß) correlate with protection, whereas the cytokines released by Th2 cells (IL-4, IL-5) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 correlate with pathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB). However, the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and IL-12p70) are responsible for both protection and pathogenesis of TB. The aim of this work was to carry out a comparative analysis of cytokines present in early (day 2) and late (day 6) cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from pulmonary tuberculosis patients. PBMCs were cultured in vitro in the absence and presence of exogenously added complex mycobacterial antigens and RD1 peptide pool. The supernatants were collected on day 2 and day 6 of culture and assayed for secreted cytokines using the flow cytomix assay. All of the cytokines, except for IL-12p70, were spontaneously secreted by PBMCs of 27-100% TB patients, but only TNF-α concentration was significantly higher on day 2 than day 6 (P < 0.05). Two days following antigenic stimulation, only IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 were secreted in response to some mycobacterial antigens. However, 6 days later, all of the cytokines, except for IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-8, were secreted significantly in response to all complex antigens and RD1 peptides, compared with the non-stimulated cultures (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the study shows that the longer in vitro stimulation time (6 days) was necessary for the optimal induction of IFN-γ and TNF-ß, and practically convenient for the detection of IL-10, IL-1 ß, TNF-α and IL-6.

Chronic inflammation of upper airways in children: basic principles.

PROBLEMS/OBJECTIVES: A child's immune system has to initiate the immune response from scratch and cannot depend on a memory-type of immune response. Moreover, the immune system in newborns is also less efficient in inducing cytokine responses. In consequence, newborns and children are more susceptible to upper-airway infections and inflammation than adults. This manuscript summarises basic considerations relating to immune and inflammatory response in the upper airways and presents data about the processes involved in immunity development and maturation in children. METHOD: Literature review. RESULTS: Inflammation is a complex set of interactions between soluble factors and cells that can arise in any tissue in response to both exogenous (infectious, toxic...) and endogenous (auto-immune, ischaemia...) insults. It interacts actively with the adaptive immune response by launching the antigen processing and presenting phases. Reduced cytotoxic response during foetal life, poor T-lymphocyte response to mitogens, immaturity of T and B lymphocytes, inadequate cytokine synthesis, a marked deficiency of antibody production and reduced neutrophil, complement and natural killer activity are important contributors to the complex physiological deficiency of immunological function in neonates and young children. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of the control and self-limitation of the inflammatory reaction is demonstrated by observations that, in certain chronic infectious or inflammatory conditions, the inflammatory response causes more damage to the host than the microbe.

Anatomical variations of the lateral nasal wall: The secondary and accessory middle turbinates.

The aim of the current anatomical and clinical study was to audit our cases of patients who presented with secondary and/or accessory middle turbinates during a two-year period. We investigated the incidence and the clinical impact of these variations. Twenty-eight patients, 19 males and 9 females with a mean age of 41.5 years, representing different ethnic origins, were diagnosed with double middle turbinates based on endoscopic examination. Of those, 92.8% had a main symptom of refractory frontal headache. A secondary nasal symptom was sensation of blocked nose. Patients who underwent endoscopic surgery (n = 13) for reduction of the extra turbinate, reported significant symptom scores improvement (P < 0.0001) of frontal headache and blocked nose, from means of 9.07 ± 0.26 and 8.57 ± 1.39 to 1 ± 0.31, and 1.42 ± 0.35, respectively. Our results indicate that double middle turbinates may be encountered in rhinology practice (2%). Clinically they may present with refractory headache and blocked nose. Endoscopic surgical approach seems to be an effective way of improving the symptoms.

IFN-γ and TNF-α potentiate prostaglandin D2-induced human eosinophil chemotaxis through up-regulation of CRTH2 surface receptor.

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) receptor CRTH2, is a pro-inflammatory molecule involved in eosinophil recruitment to the allergic airway. We investigated the expression of CRTH2 in eosinophil from allergic rhinitis patients (AR) and tested the modulatory role of several TH1 and TH2 cytokines closely related to the allergic immunological response, on the expression of CRTH2 receptor, utilizing human eosinophil cell line (Eol-1).The expression of CRTH2 was tested by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry (FACS). Chemotaxis was performed in micro-chemotaxis chambers. It is shown that the expression of CRTH2 by eosinophils was significantly higher in the nasal tissue and peripheral blood of AR patients, when compared to control subjects. PGD2 exhibited a typical bell shape dose response in attracting eosinophil from AR patients with optimal activity at 10(-7) M. Eol-1 cell surface expression of CRTH2 was significantly up-regulated by 10 ng/ml IFN-γ and TNF-α. The percentage of Eol-1 cells expressing the receptor increased by IFN-γ and TNF-α from 12.74%±2.66 to 55%±8 and 33.8%±9.4, respectively. PGD2-induced Eol-1 chemotaxis was not blocked by SB203580, H-89 Dihydrochloride, Bisindo-lylmaleimide, or Genistein. PGD2-induced Eol-1 chemotaxis was potentiated by IFN-γ and TNF-α without changing the signal transduction pathway. Correlation of our results to peripheral blood eosinophils from allergic rhinitis patients confirmed that 3 hour pretreatment of eosinophils by 10 ng/ml IFN-γ and TNF-α, increased the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CRTH2 from 8.23 to 9.68 and 9.38, respectively, and potentiated PGD2-induced eosinophil chemotaxis. Our results demonstrate a novel synergism between PGD2, IFN-γ and TNF-α, in eosinophil chemotaxis.

Modulation of NK cell autocrine-induced eosinophil chemotaxis by interleukin-15 and vitamin D(3): a possible NK-eosinophil crosstalk via IL-8 in the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis.

Natural killer cells (NK) secrete eosinophilotactic cytokines, however, whether they contribute to eosinophil chemotaxis by secreting IL-8 is not known. We investigated the ability of CD56+CD3-ve (NK cells) to induce chemotaxis of peripheral blood eosinophils from allergic rhinitis (AR) patients, through IL-8 secretion, and the effects of IL-15, the NK cell proactivating cytokine, and calcitriol: 1α, 25-dihydroxy Vitamin D(3) (vitamin D(3)), the immunomodulator agent, in this scenario. Herein, it is shown that supernatants from unstimulated NK cells exhibited chemotactic activity against eosinophil. This effect was significantly augmented by IL-15 (1 ng/mL) treatment, resulting in an increase in the chemotactic index of approximately 3 folds and was abrogated by neutralizing antibody (Ab) to IL-8 in a dose-dependent fashion. The amount of IL-8 secreted by NK cells was increased by IL-15 treatment from levels of 88.64 ± 21.5 to 178.9 ± 23.6 Pg/mL and was significantly reduced by 10(-6) M vitamin D(3) to levels of 59.2 ± 16.3 Pg/mL. Our results indicate a novel inflammatory crosstalk between NK cells and eosinophils via IL-15/IL-8 axis that can be modulated by vitamin D(3).

2B4 (CD244) is involved in eosinophil adhesion and chemotaxis, and its surface expression is increased in allergic rhinitis after challenge.

A role for the subtypes of CD2 Ig superfamily receptors has been recently demonstrated in eosinophilic inflammation in experimental asthma and atopic asthmatics. We investigated the functions of 2B4 (CD244) molecules in eosinophil adhesion and chemotaxis, and correlated the results to the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis (AR). Herein, we show that agonistic stimulation of 2B4 by C1.7, the anti-human 2B4 functional grade purified antibody, resulted in significant increase of eosinophils and eosinophil cell line (Eol-1 cells) adhesion to collagen type IV, and random migration. These functions were associated with tyrosine kinase phosphorylation of several protein residues of low molecular weight. Flow cytometry (FACS) experiments demonstrated that Eol-1 cells, normal peripheral blood eosinophils and eosinophils from AR patients, express surface 2B4 molecules. In vitro AR model demonstrated that the CC-chemokine receptor CCR3 stimulation by eotaxin induced significant increase in the expression of surface 2B4 in eosinophils and Eol-1 cells. Immunofluorescence confocal microscopy images showed that eotaxin induces also redistribution of 2B4 molecules towards the pseudopods in eosinophils and Eol-1 cells, changing their shape. Blocking of 2B4 molecules by the corresponding neutralizing antibody inhibited eotaxin induced Eol-1-adhesion, chemotaxis and the cytoskeleton changes. Pretreatment of Eol-1 cells with 1 microM genistein blocked eotaxin-induced Eol-1 adhesion, chemotaxis and 2B4 up-regulated expression. In vivo correlation demonstrated the expression of 2B4 molecules in eosinophils from AR patients to be significantly increased, after nasal provocation challenge. These results identify a novel role for 2B4 molecules in eosinophil functional migratory response and may point to a novel tyrosine kinase-mediated ligation between CCR3 receptor and 2B4 co-receptor in eosinophil chemotaxis. If so, then 2B4 molecules would be a novel target for therapeutic modalities in diseases characterized by eosinophilia such as AR.

Chemical composition of the essential oils of two Citrus species and their biological activities.

Essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of the fruit rinds of Citrus jambhiri Lush. (Rough lemon) and C. pyriformis Hassk (Ponderosa lemon) were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (GLC/FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GLC/MS). A total of 94 compounds were unambiguously identified from the oils and the (hexane/ether) extracts of the rind and juices representing 98.55% and 97.98% of the total oil composition. The main component of both oils was D-limonene (92.48% and 75.56% respectively). The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitrypanosomal, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the essential oils were evaluated. Whereas Citrus jambhiri and C. pyriformis have antioxidant activity with IC50 +/- SD 37.69 +/- 0.21 mg/ml and 28.91 +/- 0.09 mg/ml, respectively. Ascorbic acid a known potential inhibitor for DPPH free radical an commonly used antioxidant showed an antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 16.32 +/- 0.161 g/mI. Both oils inhibited the activity of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) with an IC50 of 40 +/- 1.63 and 38 +/- 0.82 microg/ml, respectively, and could be considered as interesting candidates for antiinflammatory agents. The essential oils of both species showed substantial antimicrobial activity against all tested Gram positive bacteria and yeasts. The essential oil of C. pyriformis showed higher cytotoxic activity against tested cell lines than that of C. jambhiri. The IC50 values were 374.36 +/- 43.95 microg/ml and 588.06 +/- 27.12 microg/ml in case of HepG2 cells and 213.87 +/- 18.50 microg/ml and 512.45 +/- 61.46 microg/ml in case of MIA-PaCa-2 cells, respectively.

Evaluation of ELISA and IHAT in serological diagnosis of proven cases of human hydatidosis.

Cystic hydatid disease (Hydatidosis) is the most serious tape-worm infection prevalent in the cattle and sheep raising area of the world. Hydatidosis in man (as an accidental host) is caused by infection with the ova containing larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. In the last decade, different techniques have been employed for sero-diagnosis of hydatidosis; as IHA, IFA, ELISA, CCLE (Counter Current Immuno-electrophoresis). This paper evaluated the validity of ELISA and IHA. Since whole hydatid cyst fluid was used as a source of antigen for serodiagnosis. Thirty surgical and pathological hydatidosis proven patients were examined. The sensitivity and specificity of ELISA were 96.7% & 97.5% respectively, and that of IHA were 86.7%, &95% respectively.

Hepatitis C virus induces nasal epithelial erosion and sub-epithelial rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects extra-hepatic organs, but its effect on the nose is poorly defined. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the histological changes in nasal tissue induced by HCV and whether the nasal mucosa harbors the virus for extrahepatic replication. STUDY DESIGN: We investigated nasal biopsies from 20 patients with HCV infection, and from 10 control subjects. All biopsies were subjected to real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as well as histology. RESULTS: Our analyses showed that 60% of HCV positive samples showed nasal epithelial erosion, 95% showed subepithelial non-specific inflammation and/or fibrosis, while only 5% showed normal histology. However, none of the twenty PCR samples showed the presence of HCV nucleic acids sequences in the nasal tissues. On the other hand, all control subjects had normal histology and the absence of the viral m-RNA in the PCR (100%). CONCLUSIONS: HCV induces histopathological rhinitis with nasal epithelial erosion. However, it does not seem that the nasal tissue harbors the virus.

Assessment of in vitro immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a human peripheral blood infection model using a luciferase reporter construct of M. tuberculosis H37Rv.

Protective immune responses to tuberculosis in man are primarily cell-mediated and require the interaction of specific T cells, cytokines and activated macrophages. In the present study, Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv labelled with luciferase reporter enzyme was used to analyse the anti-mycobacterial immunity in man using an in vitro whole blood infection model. Peripheral blood samples obtained from M. bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated tuberculin-positive healthy volunteers (n = 23) were cultured with M. tuberculosis H37Rv reporter strain. The growth of bacteria in the whole blood cultures was monitored after 48 and 96 h of infection. The results showed that the growth of M. tuberculosis was significantly inhibited after 96 h (P < 0.029) of culture. Among the cytokines studied, interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-12 were not detected at all, whereas low levels of interferon (IFN)-gamma after 96 h (0.4 IU/ml) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha after 48 (135 pg/ml) and 96 h (47 pg/ml) of culture were detected in the supernatants of whole blood infected with M. tuberculosis. The magnitude of bacterial growth correlated directly with the concentration of TNF-alpha detected after 48 h (r = 0.722) and 96 h (r = 0.747) of culture (P

Toxic solvents in car paints increase the risk of hearing loss associated with occupational exposure to moderate noise intensity.

Solvents in car paints are a recognised source of occupational toxicity. In particular, they can cause DNA damage and occupational rhinobronchitis. However, little is known about their toxic effect in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in humans. In this study, a 160 pure tone audiometric test was performed in workers in two independent factories to investigate whether toxic solvents in car paints can result in noise-induced hearing loss in workers exposed to moderate noise levels of less than 85 decibels (dB). It is shown that toxic solvents in car paints increase the risk associated with moderate noise exposure of less than 85 dB, with levels of NIHL being similar to those in workers exposed only to loud noises between 92.5 dB and 107 dB. Tinnitus and spells of dizziness were associated symptoms in all workers with NIHL, and asthma was an associated disease in workers with NIHL exposed to car paints and moderate noises simultaneously. These results may indicate that toxic solvents in car paints act in synergism with moderate noise exposure, damaging the cochlear hair cells. The results also constitute firm grounds for monitoring the hearing of these workers and adherence to strict regulations about wearing special gowns and filtered masks during working hours to protect against this preventable occupational disease.