The tissue-resident regulatory T cell pool is shaped by transient multi-tissue migration and a conserved residency program.

The tissues are the site of many important immunological reactions, yet how the immune system is controlled at these sites remains opaque. Recent studies have identified Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in non-lymphoid tissues with unique characteristics compared with lymphoid Treg cells. However, tissue Treg cells have not been considered holistically across tissues. Here, we performed a systematic analysis of the Treg cell population residing in non-lymphoid organs throughout the body, revealing shared phenotypes, transient residency, and common molecular dependencies. Tissue Treg cells from different non-lymphoid organs shared T cell receptor (TCR) sequences, with functional capacity to drive multi-tissue Treg cell entry and were tissue-agnostic on tissue homing. Together, these results demonstrate that the tissue-resident Treg cell pool in most non-lymphoid organs, other than the gut, is largely constituted by broadly self-reactive Treg cells, characterized by transient multi-tissue migration. This work suggests common regulatory mechanisms may allow pan-tissue Treg cells to safeguard homeostasis across the body.

Molecular characterization of Leishmania species from stray dogs and human patients in Saudi Arabia.

Leishmania major and Leishmania tropica cause cutaneous leishmaniasis in humans and dogs in several parts of the world, with a large number of cases recorded in the Middle East. However, when they occur in sympatry, the role of each species of Leishmania in the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is not clear. To assess the frequency and to identify the species of Leishmania that infect humans and stray dogs in Riyadh and Al-Qaseem (Saudi Arabia), 311 stray dogs and 27 human patients who were suspected for Leishmania infection were examined for CL by a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). Seven (25.9%) out of 27 human patients scored positive for Leishmania spp. (i.e., L. major in five patients from Riyadh and L. tropica in two patients from Al-Qaseem). Out of 311 dogs, five (1.6%) were infected by L. tropica. Data herein presented demonstrate the occurrence of L. tropica in dogs and humans in Saudi Arabia, as well as the occurrence of L. major in humans.

Surgical castration versus chemical castration in donkeys: response of stress, lipid profile and redox potential biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Castration is a husbandry practice raising important questions on the welfare and physiological status of farm animals. Searching for effective castration methods that minimally compromise the body physiology is worthy of attention. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the differential response of biological systems in donkeys to surgical castration versus the chemical one by CaCl2 with special emphasis on stress, lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Donkeys were divided randomly and equally into two groups; the chemical (Ch) and surgical (S) groups (n = 6). The Ch group was chemically castrated by intratesticular injection of 20% CaCl2 dissolved in absolute ethanol. Blood samples were collected prior to castration and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after the beginning of experiment. RESULTS: Surprisingly, the Ch group at the end of the experiment was characterized by significantly higher cortisol level compared to the S group. TC and LDL-C levels in the S group significantly decreased at day 45, while TG levels significantly increased at days 45 and 60 in comparison with day 0. HDL-C levels at days 30 and 60 in the Ch group significantly increased in comparison with day 0. At day 30 post-castration, HDL-C was significantly higher and LDL-C was significantly lower in the Ch group than the S group. A significant elevation in TC and LDL-C was observed at day 45 and in HDL-C at the end of experimental duration in the Ch group when compared with the S group. TPX level was significantly lower and TAC was significantly higher in the Ch group at day 45 than the S group. CONCLUSION: Surgical castration evoked less stress and minor changes in lipid profile and oxidant/antioxidant balance relative to chemical castration by intratesticular 20% CaCl2 dissolved in absolute ethanol.

Evaluation of fish skin as a biological dressing for metacarpal wounds in donkeys.

BACKGROUND: The use of biological dressings has recently emerged in the management of burns and wounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Nile tilapia skin as a biological dressing for full-thickness cutaneous metacarpal wounds in donkeys. The study was conducted on nine clinically healthy donkeys (n = 9). Here, fish skin dressings were obtained from fresh Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus and sterilized by immersion in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) solution for 5 min, with no change in collagen content. Bilateral, circular full-thickness excisional skin wounds (2 cm in diameter) were created on the dorsal aspect of the mid-metacarpals of each donkey. Wounds on the right metacarpals (treated wounds, n = 9) were dressed with sterile fish skins, while wounds on the left metacarpals (control wounds, n = 9) were dressed with sterile non-adherent dressing pads without any topical applications. Wound dressings were changed weekly. Wounds were evaluated microbiologically, grossly, and histologically on days 7, 14, and 21 post-wound inductions. RESULTS: Fish skin-dressed wounds showed a significant (P < 0.0001) reduction in microbial counts (Total viable bacterial count, Staphylococcal count, and Coliform count), a significant (P < 0.0001) decrease in the wound size, and a significant reduction (P < 0.0001) in the epithelial gap compared to the untreated wounds. No frequent dressing changes were needed. CONCLUSIONS: Fish skin dressing accelerated the wound healing process and efficiently inhibited the local microbial activity and exuberant granulation tissue formation suggesting its reliable and promising application for metacarpal wounds of donkeys.

Evaluation of chemical castration with calcium chloride versus surgical castration in donkeys: testosterone as an endpoint marker.

BACKGROUND: For the last few years, researchers have been interested in developing a method for chemical sterilization which may be a better alternative to surgical castration. An ideal chemical sterilant would be one that effectively arrests spermatogenesis and androgenesis as well as libido with absence of toxic or other side effects. Calcium chloride in various solutions and concentrations has been tested in many animal species, but few studies have been evaluated it in equines as a chemical sterilant. So, the objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of chemical castration with 20% calcium chloride dissolved in absolute ethanol in comparison with surgical castration in donkeys based on the changes in the serum testosterone level and the histopathological changes in treated testes. METHODS: Twelve clinically healthy adult male donkeys were used in this study. Donkeys were divided randomly and equally into two groups: a surgical (S) group (n = 6) and a chemical (C) group (n = 6). Animals in the (S) group were subjected to surgical castration while those in the (C) group received a single bilateral intratesticular injection of 20% calcium chloride dissolved in absolute ethanol (20 ml/testis). Animals were kept under clinical observation for 60 days. Changes in animals' behavior and gross changes in external genitalia were monitored daily. Serum concentrations of testosterone were measured prior to treatment and at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-treatment. Testicles in the (C) group were examined histopathologically at the end of the experiment. RESULTS: Chemical castration with intratesticular calcium chloride vs. surgical castration failed to reduce serum concentrations of testosterone throughout the whole duration of the study; however it induced orchitis that was evident by focal necrotic areas in seminiferous tubules, cellular infiltration of neutrophils, proliferative intertubular fibrosis with a compensatory proliferation of Leydig cells. Donkeys tolerated the intratesticular injection of calcium chloride. There were no detectable changes in the general health status of the animals with the exception of swelling in external genitalia, scrotal ulcerations and fistulas. Food and water consumption and the gait of animals remained unaffected. CONCLUSION: Intratesticular calcium chloride can't be considered an effective method for chemical castration in donkeys.

Successful retrieval of deep intracardiac migrated broken umbilical venous catheter in a preterm infant: Case report.

Umbilical catheters serve as indispensable tools in the realm of neonatal intensive care, contributing significantly to the well-being of premature infants. While rare, it is essential to approach their handling with utmost caution, as it can lead to fatal complications. We report a case of a preterm 9-day-old male infant, who was referred to our center for specialized treatment following an unsuccessful surgical attempt to address a fractured umbilical venous catheter (UVC). This case underscores the value of employing imaging techniques for prompt identification of such complications. Furthermore, the utilization of endovascular therapy emerges as a promising intervention in managing such complexities, thereby expanding the horizons of interventional radiology in elevating the standard of patient care.

Advanced platelet-rich fibrin promotes healing of induced corneal ulcer in donkeys (Equus asinus).

Ulcerative keratitis is a common disease in horses which may cause blindness. To prevent secondary bacterial and fungal infections and promote quick re-growth of the epithelial layer, different treatment approaches have been employed. This study aimed to examine the effects of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) gel on the healing process of experimentally induced corneal ulcers in donkeys. Nine healthy adult donkeys were used for the study. The donkeys were divided into two groups: the control group, where no medication was applied to the corneal ulcer, and the A-PRF gel group, where A-PRF gel was applied once a day on specific days after ulcer induction. The healing process was evaluated through various examinations and analyses. The results demonstrated that the A-PRF gel group showed significant improvement in the corneal ulcer area, with epithelial and stromal regeneration. At day 35, about 60% of the A-PRF group showed negative fluorescein uptake. Additionally, fewer complications were observed during the healing process compared to the control group. In conclusion, A-PRF gel is an important and safe therapeutic option for controlling ocular surface infection and promoting corneal healing. We recommend using A-PRF gel as an alternative approach, avoiding eyelid suturing, and minimizing corneal irritation.

Age-associated B cells predict impaired humoral immunity after COVID-19 vaccination in patients receiving immune checkpoint blockade.

Age-associated B cells (ABC) accumulate with age and in individuals with different immunological disorders, including cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade and those with inborn errors of immunity. Here, we investigate whether ABCs from different conditions are similar and how they impact the longitudinal level of the COVID-19 vaccine response. Single-cell RNA sequencing indicates that ABCs with distinct aetiologies have common transcriptional profiles and can be categorised according to their expression of immune genes, such as the autoimmune regulator (AIRE). Furthermore, higher baseline ABC frequency correlates with decreased levels of antigen-specific memory B cells and reduced neutralising capacity against SARS-CoV-2. ABCs express high levels of the inhibitory FcγRIIB receptor and are distinctive in their ability to bind immune complexes, which could contribute to diminish vaccine responses either directly, or indirectly via enhanced clearance of immune complexed-antigen. Expansion of ABCs may, therefore, serve as a biomarker identifying individuals at risk of suboptimal responses to vaccination.

Serological and Molecular Detection of Bartonella henselae in Cats and Humans From Egypt: Current Status and Zoonotic Implications.

Bartonellosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular bacterium of genus Bartonella. The disease has a worldwide distribution and cats represent the major reservoir of this disease. Despite its global distribution, very limited previous studies have investigated the occurrence of bartonellosis in cats and their owners in Egypt. In an endeavor to explore this topic, we investigated the occurrence of Bartonella henselae (B. henselae) infection in 225 samples (blood, saliva, and claw) obtained from 75 healthy cats in Upper Egypt. These samples were routinely obtained during veterinary clinic visits. This study also involved an examination of 100 humans, including cat owners and people with a history of contact with cats. Attempted isolation and identification of B. henselae in cats were also performed. Furthermore, PCR was performed for molecular identification of B. henselae in blood samples from cats. Meanwhile, an immunofluorescent assay was performed to study the seroprevalence of B. henselae infection in humans. In this study, B. henselae could not be isolated from any of the examined blood, saliva, or claw samples from cats. Interestingly, B. henselae was identified molecularly in 8% (6/75) of blood samples from cats. The seroprevalence of B. henselae in humans was 46% and its occurrence was higher in females (46.6%) than in males (41.7%) (P = 0.748). B. henselae infection was higher among cat owners [51.4% (19/37)] than among people with a history of contact with cats [42.9% (27/63)] (P = 0.410). Infection was higher in rural regions [79.5% (31/39)] than in urban regions [24.6% (15/61)] (P < 0.001). Collectively, this data provide interesting baseline information about the occurrence of B. henselae in cats and humans in Upper Egypt, which reflects the potential zoonotic transmission of this bacterium. Future study is mandatory to explore the occurrence of B. henselae in major reservoirs in Egypt.

Evaluation of the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys (Equus asinus).

This study described the subcapsular technique for primary closure castration in donkeys with special regard to its efficiency and welfare impacts. The study was conducted on twelve adult male donkeys, allocated randomly into two groups; subcapsular castration (SC) and open castration (OC) groups, whether the donkeys were subjected to surgical castration either by subcapsular or open castration techniques, respectively. Testosterone, cortisol, lactate, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and nitric oxide (NO) were measured before and after castration. Pain-associated behavioral activities were recorded post-castration. The SC was successfully performed in donkeys through a single paramedian scrotal incision. The SC was efficient as OC in reducing testosterone levels. The pain score decreased in the SC compared to the OC over time. The SC was an efficient and reliable technique for primary closure castration in donkeys with minimal postoperative complications and care and good cosmetic, physiological, and behavioral outcomes. It can be an alternative to other castration techniques in equines.

Molecular prevalence of Cryptosporidium isolates among Egyptian children with cancer.

Immunocompromised individuals especially children with cancer are at risk for acquiring cryptosporidiosis, which can result in severe morbidity and mortality. This work was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parasite and its genotypes in children with cancer. Stool specimens were collected from 145 children in the Oncology unit of Pediatric Department, Zagazig University Hospital, Sharqiyah province, Egypt. Cryptosporidium infection was evaluated using modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) staining and nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in oncological children was 29.7% using microscopy and 25.5% using nested PCR. Genotypic characterization showed that 23 (62.2%) had C. hominis, 11 (29.7%) C. parvum, and 3 specimens (8.1%) were mixed infection of both genotypes. Cryptosporidiosis was significantly associated with diarrhea. However, no statistically significant difference was detected between the age, gender, residency, animal contact and malignancy type concerning to Cryptosporidium infection. This study concluded that Cryptosporidium is a prevailing opportunistic parasite among children with cancer. It should be considered in oncological patients especially those suffering from diarrhea which requires proper management to reduce its complications.

Genotyping of Cryptosporidium species in children suffering from diarrhea in Sharkyia Governorate, Egypt.

INTRODUCTION: The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium is one of the principal reasons for childhood diarrhea around the world. This work aimed to differentiate Cryptosporidium species among children suffering from diarrhea in Sharkyia Governorate, Egypt. METHODOLOGY: A total of 97 fecal specimens were taken from children suffering from diarrhea, attending Pediatric Clinics of Zagazig University and Al-Ahrar Hospitals. Full history was taken. Stool samples were examined microscopically using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts. To identify Cryptosporidium genotypes, positive samples were then subjected to nested Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism targeting Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein gene. RESULTS: The overall detection rate was 27.8% (27/97) using modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain staining method. Using nested polymerase chain reaction, the gene was amplified in 85.2% (23/27). Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis revealed that 65.2% (15/23) were Cryptosporidium hominis, 30.4% (7/23) were Cryptosporidium parvum, and one sample was not typed (4.4%). The significant risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection in children were animal contact and residence in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: Cryptosporidium is a common enteric parasite affecting children in Sharkyia Governorate, Egypt, with the predominance of C. hominis genotype in children.

Congenital urethral dilatation in cattle calves: Diagnosis and surgical intervention.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Congenital anomalies of the urinary system are common affections in ruminants. Dilatation of the pelvic urethra is one of these affections in which the pelvic urethra dilated than normal diameter. This study aimed to explain the diagnosis and surgical treatment of urethral dilatation in cattle calves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three bull calves (2-7 months old) were presented with a history of stranguria, tenesmus, and straining. Diagnosis of urethral dilatation was relied on the case history and clinical examination and was confirmed using survey and contrast radiography, ultrasonography, and biochemical tests. Treatment was done by urethrostomy under the effect of local infiltration analgesia. RESULTS: Physical examination revealed the presence of an oval, firm, and painless swelling at the perineal region, starting just below the anus and extended to the base of the scrotum. The owners reported that the initial swelling size and severity of symptoms increased with the progress of animal age. Biochemical findings revealed non-significant changes in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. Radiographic findings showed an oval radiopaque mass. However, a well-demarcated structure with acoustic enhancement was detected on ultrasonographic examination. Urethrostomy resulted in a successful outcome of all cases. CONCLUSION: Depending on these findings, ultrasonography is the most reliable diagnostic tool and urethrostomy is the intervention of choice with acceptable results for diagnosis and treatment of urethral dilatation in cattle calves, respectively.

Evaluation of knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes towards patients with epilepsy among university students in Upper Egypt.

PURPOSE: Epilepsy is a major public health problem worldwide. There are many misconceptions about people's knowledge and attitudes about epilepsy, which influence people's behavior towards patients with epilepsy. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Sohag University, a public Egyptian University, in Upper Egypt. We used an Arabic language designed questionnaire to assess people's knowledge about epilepsy and their attitudes towards patients with epilepsy. We included a total of 920 students in the study. RESULTS: 12.4% of study respondents had never heard of or read about epilepsy. Moreover, there was much misunderstanding about the etiology of epilepsy, as 68.2% of epileptic and 74.5% of nonepileptic respondents believe epilepsy is caused by evil spirits and evil eyes or due to psychiatric disorders. There were also many people who held negative attitudes towards patients with epilepsy in regards to major life milestones such as marriage and having children. Among nonepileptics, 54.5% believe epileptics should not marry and 49.9% believe they should not have children. Among patients with epilepsy, these percentages are 27.3% and 36.4% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about epilepsy is insufficient and should be increased. The attitudes towards patients with epilepsy are negative and should be changed in Upper Egypt.

Avaliação dos primeiros molares / First molars evaluation

Os autores avaliaram as condições clínicas dos primeiros molares permanentes de crianças de 6 a 12 anos de idade, estudantes de instituições com assistência odontológica, na cidade de Santa Maria/RS. Através dos resultados obtidos comprovaram a validade de um profissional da área de Odontologia nas escolas, realizando a prevenção, tratamento restaurador e encaminhando pacientes para outras instituições odontológicas