The role of Interleukin-21 (IL-21) in allergic disorders: Biological insights and regulatory mechanisms.

In recent decades, allergic diseases subsequent from an IgE-mediated response to specific allergens have become a progressively public chronic disease worldwide. They have shaped an important medical and socio-economic burden. A significant proportion of allergic disorders are branded via a form 2 immune response relating Th2 cells, type 2 natural lymphoid cells, mast cells and eosinophils. Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a participant of the type-I cytokine family manufactured through numerous subsets of stimulated CD4+ T cells and uses controlling properties on a diversity of immune cells. Increasingly, experimental sign suggests a character for IL-21 in the pathogenesis of numerous allergic disorders. The purpose of this review is to discuss the biological properties of IL-21 and to summaries current developments in its role in the regulation of allergic disorders.

Detection of human platelets antigen polymorphism (HPA-1 and HPA-3) and human factor XIII mutation in Sudanese women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent pregnancy Loss (RPL) is common problem affecting many couples. A certain genetic variants link to increase the danger of this condition particularly HPA-1, HPA-3 and Human Factor XIII Val34Leu Mutation. The present study aims to find an association between RPL and the Factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism, as well as HPA-1 and HPA-3 in Sudanese women with RPL. METHODS: This case-control study conducted between June 2022 and December 2022 included 216 women, with 103 cases having minimum three abortions in the past, and 113 healthy controls with at least two full-term births and no abortion history. DNA was isolated from whole blood and the status of three genetic polymorphisms (HPA-1, HPA-3, and factor XIII) was done using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data was analysed using the SPSS version 24 software. RESULTS: The A/A genotype was found to be more prevalent in cases (79.6%) and controls (96.5%) regarding HPA-1. A significant difference was observed in overall allele frequency for B allele (97.0%) and expected frequency of A allele was (81.1%) using the Hardy-Weinberg distribution (p < 0.001). The genotype A/A was most common in these patients (90.3%) and controls (100%), while B/B genotype was only (9.7%) in patients regarding HPA-3. Furthermore, the frequency of Val/Val genotype was higher in cases (88.3%) as compared with controls (90.3%). The risk of RPL in patients was nearly the same in Val/Leu individuals and controls group but all these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a link between Human Platelet Antigen-1 (HPA-1), Human Platelet Antigen-3 (HPA-3) and Factor XIII gene polymorphism with RPL.

Impact of Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus on Blood Cells Indices and Plasma Components in Patients Without Nephropathy.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Diabetes mellitus (DM) the most prevalent consequences are diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, cardiovascular illnesses, erectile dysfunctions, stroke and cardiovascular difficulties. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus on blood cells' indices and plasma components. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This is a prospective cross-sectional study. The research was carried out at the King Fahad Medical Center in Riyadh, in duration from February, 2023 to May, 2023, in the interest of healthcare consumers attending the hematology laboratory for routine investigations. Sixty samples were collected and complete blood count, lipid profile, HbA1c and blood glucose for blood samples. <b>Results:</b> In this study, females accounted for 53.3% of the participants, while males accounted for 46.7%. In terms of age distribution, more than 55 years old accounted for 50% of the study's participants. A significant correlation has been found between HbA1c and red blood cell Mean Cell Volume (MCV) and there was a significant association between the high level of HbA1c and the red blood count. However, there was no significant correlation between plasma components and HbA1c. <b>Conclusion:</b> There is a remarkable effect of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and RBCs count and erythrocyte MCV.

The role of thyroid transcription factor-1 in differentiating lung adenocarcinomas from non-pulmonary adenocarcinoma effusions.

Effusions, characterized by abnormal fluid accumulations in body cavities, present difficulties in identifying the primary organs of metastatic tumors through cytopathologic investigation, particularly in cancer-related complications. This retrospective cross-sectional laboratory study aimed to investigate the role of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) in distinguishing lung adenocarcinomas from non-pulmonary adenocarcinomas in effusions. The study was conducted at Almobarak Cytopathology Laboratory, a private cytopathology laboratory. H&E was used to confirm the histological diagnosis of 58 archived cell blocks. TTF-1 immunostaining patterns were then correlated with the histological diagnosis. Statistical analysis, including numerical and graphical data summaries, was conducted using the Chi-square test in SPSS 23. TTF-1 expression was observed in 20 (34.4%) cases, while 38 (65.5%) cases showed no TTF-1 reaction. Positive TTF-1 was found in pleural fluid in 61.1 % of lung adenocarcinomas, while negative TTF-1 was found in only 3.4%. TTF-1 was not detected in the majority of peritoneal fluid samples. There was a highly significant relationship between pleural fluid, TTF-1, and lung adenocarcinoma (p=0.000). The data provided further evidence that TTF-1 is a useful marker for distinguishing pulmonary adenocarcinomas from non-pulmonary adenocarcinoma tumors.

Characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from soils in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia, and their efficacy against Spodoptera littoralis and Aedes aegypti larvae.

Pest control in Saudi Arabia depends on applying chemical insecticides, which have many undesirable considerations and impacts on the environment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to isolate Bacillus thuringiensis from different rhizosphere soil samples in the Jazan region for the biological control of Spodoptera littoralis and Aedes aegypti larvae. The samples were collected from the rhizosphere of different plants located in eight agricultural areas in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Out of 100 bacterial isolates, four bacterial isolates belonging to Bacillus species were selected namely JZ1, JZ2, JZ3, and JZ4, and identified using classical bacteriological and molecular identification using 16S rRNA. JZ1 and JZ2 isolates were identified as Bacillus thuringiensis. SDS-PAGE analysis and the detection of the Cry1 gene were used to describe the two isolates JZ1 and JZ2 in comparison to Bacillus thuringiensis reference strain Kurstaki HD1 (BTSK) were revealed that slightly different from each other due to the place of their isolation and namely Khlab JZ1 and Ayash JZ2. The EC50 of JZ1 and JZ2 isolates, BTSK, and the commercial biopesticide DiPEL 6.4 DF against the second-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti were 207, 932, 400, and 500 ppm respectively, while EC50 against first-instar larvae of Spodoptera littoralis were 193.93, 589.7, 265.108, and 342.9, ppm respectively. Isolate JZ1 recorded the highest mortality while JZ2 isolate gave the lowest mortality. It can be concluded that the local isolate of JZ1 and JZ2 can be developed for bio formulations to be used in Spodoptera littoralis and Aedes aegypti biological control programs.

Appraisal and characterization of candida load isolated from the oral cavity of smokers.

Cigarette smoking is regarded as a major global health risk, therefore the aim of this work was to investigate the association of oral Candida spp. as one of the etiological agents of denture stomatitis with smokers of cigarette, hookah (shisha), and electronic smoking, also a dose-response relationship between the duration of smoking and the probability of denture stomatitis between volunteers. Oral rinse samples were collected from 47 male volunteers including 34 smokers and 13 non-smokers, also data of volunteers were collected via a questionnaire forum. Patterns of smoking were shown that smokers using tobacco cigarettes 17 (36.2 %), electronic cigarettes 16 (34.04 %), and hookah smokers 8 (17.02 %). A comparison of smokers and non-smokers regarding effects on oral health showed significantly finding (P < 0.05) indicating that smoking affects oral health in all evaluated parameters (an oral mucosal abnormality, mouth ulcers, bad breath, and feeling of dry mouth). Out of 19 Candida isolates, 18 (94.7 %) were identified as Candida albicans and 1 (5.3 %) as Candida tropicalis. Among the volunteers who presented with oral Candida (19 volunteers), 17 (89.5%) were smokers, while non-smoker volunteers were 2 (10.5 %), so it can be concluded that smoking was a significant positive correlation to the presence of Candida in the oral cavity. Five volunteers suffered from chronic diseases; 4 (8.5%) diabetes mellitus and 1 (2.1%) anemia as a systemic predisposing factor for oropharyngeal infection. Amphotericin and Nystatin had varying degrees of activity against isolated Candida isolates.

Prognostic Values of Gene Copy Number Alterations in Prostate Cancer.

Whilst risk prediction for individual prostate cancer (PCa) cases is of a high priority, the current risk stratification indices for PCa management have severe limitations. This study aimed to identify gene copy number alterations (CNAs) with prognostic values and to determine if any combination of gene CNAs could have risk stratification potentials. Clinical and genomic data of 500 PCa cases from the Cancer Genome Atlas stable were retrieved from the Genomic Data Commons and cBioPortal databases. The CNA statuses of a total of 52 genetic markers, including 21 novel markers and 31 previously identified potential prognostic markers, were tested for prognostic significance. The CNA statuses of a total of 51/52 genetic markers were significantly associated with advanced disease at an odds ratio threshold of ≥1.5 or ≤0.667. Moreover, a Kaplan-Meier test identified 27/52 marker CNAs which correlated with disease progression. A Cox Regression analysis showed that the amplification of MIR602 and deletions of MIR602, ZNF267, MROH1, PARP8, and HCN1 correlated with a progression-free survival independent of the disease stage and Gleason prognostic group grade. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression analysis identified twenty-two panels of markers with risk stratification potentials. The best model of 7/52 genetic CNAs, which included the SPOP alteration, SPP1 alteration, CCND1 amplification, PTEN deletion, CDKN1B deletion, PARP8 deletion, and NKX3.1 deletion, stratified the PCa cases into a localised and advanced disease with an accuracy of 70.0%, sensitivity of 85.4%, specificity of 44.9%, positive predictive value of 71.67%, and negative predictive value of 65.35%. This study validated prognostic gene level CNAs identified in previous studies, as well as identified new genetic markers with CNAs that could potentially impact risk stratification in PCa.

Blood Donation Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practices during COVID-19 Pandemic: Questionnaire-Based Study in Saudi Arabia.

Results: The level of good knowledge of the blood donation process and perceptions constituted more than 52.2% and 52.9%, respectively, of the participants. The biggest motivation for the donation process was the awareness campaigns, which amounted to 52.5%, and the biggest obstacle to the blood donation procedure is the lack of health fitness. It has been found that 43.0% of those who completed the questionnaire had donated blood during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Though the high level of awareness of the importance of blood donation for COVID-19 patients, as well as the satisfaction with the experience of blood donation for patients, the level of general knowledge remains average.

Chromosome-specific segment size alterations are determinants of prognosis in prostate cancer.

Currently, risk stratification is the most difficult problem in prostate cancer (PCa) management. Gleason grading cannot adequately predict cancer progression. This study aimed to identify chromosome-specific segment size alterations that could aid risk stratification and predict metastasis using a retrospective cohort-study strategy. A binary logistic regression model was generated using 16 chromosome-specific segments with size alterations (deletions and amplifications) that showed associations with disease stage (primary versus metastatic). The regression model was trained with the MSKCC PIK3R1 PCa cohort (n = 1417), and validated with the TCGA Firehose Legacy (n = 500), MSKCC Prostate Oncogenome Project (n = 218), and the SU2C/PCF Dream Team (n = 150) PCa cohorts. Furthermore, the capacity of the model to predict metastasis between primary tumours with metastasis (n = 54) and primary tumours without metastasis (n = 54) was tested. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the model at disease stage stratification ranged from 69.02% to 88.55%, 72.8% to 86.00% and 66.30% to 89.50%, respectively. The model also showed good performance at metastasis prediction with accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 57.41%, 62.96% and 51.85%, respectively. The study conclusion was that chromosome-specific segment size alterations can aid risk stratification and metastasis prediction. The significance of the study findings is that in combinations with clinical, biochemical, and histopathological variables, chromosome-specific alterations could improve current risk stratification and prediction models for PCa.

Comparative analysis of immunological biomarkers in COVID-19 and bacterial pneumonia.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe and infectious respiratory condition caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This case-control study aimed to evaluate serum levels of various immunological markers in patients with COVID-19 compared to those with bacterial pneumonia and a healthy control group. Serum samples were collected from adult participants across various COVID-19 isolation centers, including Kassala State and Ahmed Gasim Hospital, between April and June 2021. The study included 70 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 30 with bacterial pneumonia, and 50 healthy controls. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), complement components C3 and C4, and cytokines IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were measured using standard reagent kits. Serum level of CRP was significantly elevated in both bacterial pneumonia and COVID-19 but significantly higher among patients with bacterial pneumonia. C3 and C4 were also increased in both patient groups, with C3 significantly higher in bacterial pneumonia. IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were significantly increased in bacterial pneumonia and SARS-Cov-2 compared to healthy controls. However, IFN-γ was significantly increased among patients with COVID-19 than patients with bacterial pneumonia. This study highlights the potential significant impact of COVID-19 on the immunological biomarkers investigated.

Detection of Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR C677T) Mutation among Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Sudanese Patients.

Background: A genetic polymorphism that causes abnormal folate metabolism may lead to genomic instability and increase susceptibility to malignancies such as Acute Lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The purpose of this research is to identify methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T) (NCBI ID: 4524) mutation in ALL patients. Methods: The study was a descriptive case-control hospital-based study with one hundred Sudanese participants divided equally into fifty (50) Sudanese ALL diagnosed patients as cases and fifty (50) Sudanese individuals as controls. The MTHFR C677T mutant allele was detected using conventional PCR, with the primer sequence of MTHFR C677T F-TGAAGGAAGGTGTCTGCGGGA R-AGGACGGTGCGGTGAGAGTG. The study was conducted from January to March 2023, and samples were collected from the Radiation and Isotops Center at Khartoum Hospital. Results: The investigation revealed that 12 of the 50 patients in the case group (24%) had the MTHFR C677T mutant allele, and the study also revealed that there is significant correlation with the control group. There is no significant relationship between socio-demographic variables and MTHFR mutation detection in ALL patients. Also, the sociodemographic variables predictors of MTHFR mutation among ALL patients adjusted for smoking habit revealed no significant relationship. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the mutant allele of the Methylene Tetra Hydro Folate Reductase C677T was detected and demonstrated varying degrees of significance. It was concluded that the MTHFR C677T gene mutation was associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Sudanese patients.

Annona squamosa L. Extract-Loaded Niosome and Its Anti-Ehrlich Ascites' Carcinoma Activity.

Current research is focused on cancer treatments other than chemotherapy medications, particularly those derived from natural sources. The goal of this work was to look at the anticancer and biomarker properties of a methanolic extract of Annona squamosa leaves and their extract-loaded noisome. A. squamosa leaves extract and their leaves extract-loaded noisome were prepared. Transmission electron microscopy was used to screen the size of the niosomes loaded with the A. squamosa L. leaves extract. The tumor size, blood picture (hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells), liver functions, kidney function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers were evaluated to assess the potential anticancer activity of the A. squamosa leaves extract and A. squamosa leaves extract-loaded noisome in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. A. squamosa L. leaves extract was found to be an effective anticancer treatment. The protective effect of the loaded extract showed more significant results. All treated groups showed a lower tumor volume compared to the positive control. Liver and kidney functions were improved, and inflammatory markers were decreased. Oxidative stress was improved in tumor, liver, and kidney tissues. A. squamosa leaves contain major anticancer compounds that in general help most enzymes of the liver and kidney and other injured organs to return to their normal levels.

Hematological and molecular analyses of the HbS allele among the Sudanese population.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to perform hematological and molecular analyses of the HbS allele of the hemoglobin subunit beta gene in the Sudanese population. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Hematological parameters and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels were assessed in all participants. Data were gathered through the use of questionnaires and laboratory investigations. The ßS-globin haplotypes, S allele distributions, and hematological parameters with HbF levels were investigated using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, gel electrophoresis, and a Sysmex hematology analyzer, respectively. RESULTS: According to our findings, the Bantu (BA) haplotype was found in 10.8% of participants with homozygous uncontested haplotypes, followed by Benin (BA) and Sudan (SU), each in 9.8% of participants. This Sudanese group from Northern Kordofan lacked the Arab-Indian haplotype. Two heterozygous versions of undisputed haplotypes were found in 17.3% of participants: SU/BA in 10.8% and CA/BE in 6.5%. CONCLUSION: As a result of sickle cell anemia, this investigation found changes in hematological parameters. In the Sudanese population, a new haplotype of the S gene was discovered.

Thrombosis formation after COVID-19 vaccination Immunological Aspects: Review article.

COVID-19 deteriorates type II pneumocytes and damages the alveolar immunologic balancing process through the inadvertent activation of a sequence of localized and general inflammatory responses. Due to an aggregation of uncleaved angiotensin II, the stimulated inflammatory cells cause cytokines synthesis and secretion (cytokine storming). The cytokines cause the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), leading to widespread tissue injuries. Consequently, pro-coagulant factors are activated which increases the microthrombi in different tissues, resulting in ischemia, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and increased mortality. Vaccines recipients (via virus vector technology) have reported the incidence of thrombocytopenia and peculiar thrombotic events. After vaccination, using sera from patients who experienced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis showed increased reactivity in anti-PF4/heparin enzyme immunoassays and substantial platelet-activating antibodies (positive). In some sera of individuals suffering from heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), it has been observed that platelet-activating antibodies resulting from vaccination tend to bind to non-complexed PF4 alone.

Hemoglobinopathy Patterns in Anemic Patients with a Strong History of Sickle Cell Disease in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The most common genetic disease in humans is hemoglobinopathies, also known as hemoglobin hereditary diseases. The purpose of this study was to look at the hemoglobinopathy patterns in anemic patients with a history of sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on anemic patients attending the hospital with a strong family history of hemoglobinopathy and general signs and symptoms, as well as mild to moderate anemia crises. One hundred and ten people were chosen to participate in this study. The research was carried out between September, 2019 and October, 2020. <b>Results:</b> The sickle cell trait was the most common hemoglobinopathy in males (31.1%) and sickle cell trait+beta thalassemia minor was the most common in females (18%). The gender of patients and the distribution of hemoglobinopathy types were found to have a significant relationship (p-value of 0.001). <b>Conclusion:</b> A significant correlation was discovered between the gender of patients and the distribution of hemoglobinopathy types. More efforts must be made to raise the prevention of endogamy awareness among Saudis.

The Prevalence of unexpected antibodies in Saudi's plasma prior blood transfusion and their association with clinical conditions: A cross-sectional study.

Unexpected antibodies, also called irregular antibodies, are not known to exist in a person's serum before testing. This research aims to assess the prevalence of unexpected antibodies and their correlation with several clinical conditions. This cross-sectional prospective study, undertaken from June 2019 to June 2020, included ABO, Rh grouping, cross-matching, and antibody screening. Antibody identification was performed only on patients who tested positive in the screening test. From a total of 9764 participants who were screened for unexpected antibodies, 107 (1.1%) tested positive. The Rh blood group system antibodies were the most frequent, particularly anti-D. There was also a significant correlation between the unexpected antibodies and history of transfusion, pregnancy, and autoimmune diseases as P ≤ 0.05. The most prominent unexpected antibodies in the study belong to the Rh system (Anti-D). Moreover, as a result of the strong correlation between the unexpected antibodies as well as the history of transfusion, pregnancy, and autoimmune diseases, the highest safety criteria must be followed during the transfusion of blood to patients with these clinical conditions.

Relationship between high CRP and cytokines in Saudi old people with dental caries in alkharj Region, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Dental caries is one of the most common problems of the oral cavity which is frequently observed in older people. The aim of this study is to evaluate serum C-reactive proteins (CRP) levels and to identify the correlation between dental caries and CRP levels. METHODOLOGY: The study included 12 aged patients with an average age of 65-years; the patients were diagnosed with dental caries and did not have clinical history of heart diseases, rheumatoid arthritis or any other infection. The control group consisted of 10 healthy donors with an average age of 60-years. The CRP level of positive samples was measured by using CRP Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-ELISA Kit. RESULTS: The currents study showed that only 5 out of 12 patients were CRP positive. CONCLUSIONS: Because of study limitations, it is early to conclude of close relationship between serum CRP and dental caries from the findings of this study; however, this study will give a clearer picture to understand the relationship between serum CRP, inflammatory cytokines and dental caries.

Comparative study of hypercoagulability change in steady state and during vaso-occlusive crisis among Sudanese patients living with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. (SCD) is characterized by recurrent vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted through the period from July 2015 to July 2017 in which a total of seventy two blood specimens were collected in 'EDTA' and citrated vacutainers from Sudanese patients with SCD attending "Fath Elrhman Albasheer" Centre. Both sexes' with different ages were included. Among these samples 49 (68.1%) were in steady state while the remained 23 (31.9%) were in VOC. All samples were tested for coagulation profile. RESULT: There was increase in fibrinogen and D-dimer levels in most patients 67% and 71%, respectively. Significant increase in D-dimers was observed in patients with (VOC) compared with steady state (P. value = 0.006). Protein S was significantly increased in males in comparison with females P. value = 0.017. The results of prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR) and thrombin time (TT) were within normal range. CONCLUSION: Significant increase in levels of D-dimer during VOC indicating abnormal coagulation and fibrinolysis activation. Reduced levels of natural anticoagulants proteins C and S can be consider as predictive markers indicate hepatic dysfunction in patients with SCD.