ABSTRACT
Cutaneous leishmaniasis in Sri Lanka is a newly established parasitic disease caused by the usually visceralizing Leishmania donovani. Skin lesions manifest as non-itchy, non-tender papules, nodules or ulcers. In situ cytokine expression provides clues for immunopathogenesis of this localized form of disease. Skin biopsies from 58 patients were analyzed for histological appearance and in situ cytokine expression of T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokines, namely interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-12A, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-4 and IL-10 by real-time RT-PCR. Significant up-regulation of the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ and down-regulation of the Th2 cytokine IL-4 were seen in patients compared to healthy controls. Significantly elevated tissue expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α was seen in lesions that presented later than 6 months from the time of onset, while IL-4 expression was more prominent in lesions that responded poorly to antimony therapy. A prominent Th1 response appears to support resolving of lesions, whereas a Th2-biased milieu tends to favor poor responsiveness to antimony and delayed lesion healing in L. donovani infections in Sri Lanka.
Subject(s)
Leishmania donovani , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/immunology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/pathology , Animals , Down-Regulation , Female , Humans , Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis , Interleukin-10/biosynthesis , Interleukin-4/biosynthesis , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/parasitology , Male , Th1 Cells/immunology , Th2 Cells/immunology , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/biosynthesis , Up-RegulationABSTRACT
A novel DNA purification technology is described that enables the purification of pure dsDNA from blood. When compared to existing DNA purification methods, the Whatman BioScience Purification System (WBPS) offers a fast and convenient way to recover high yields of DNA. WBPS is based on a unique filter system that entraps DNA within a matrix. This allows the process to be performed in a single unidirectional reaction vessel, reducing user interaction and multiple centrifugation steps.
Subject(s)
DNA/isolation & purification , Molecular Biology/instrumentation , Molecular Biology/methods , Filtration/instrumentation , Filtration/methods , Genome, Human , Humans , LeukocytesABSTRACT
In 216 consecutive patients investigated for subarachnoid haemorrhage, 44 (20.3%) of cerebral angiograms were either normal or equivocal for the presence of aneurysm. Arteriography was repeated in 30 patients and an aneurysm was demonstrated in 10 cases. Repeat arteriography is recommended in proven subarachnoid haemorrhage even when the initial study is normal, and in this study achieved a reduction in overall negative rate to 15.6%.