Isolation and molecular confirmation of Brucella suis biovar 2 from slaughtered pigs: an unanticipated biovar from domestic pigs in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Brucella suis is a zoonotic pathogen with a serious impact on public health and the pig industry worldwide. Information regarding B. suis in pigs in Egypt is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of B. suis in slaughtered domestic pigs at El-Basatin abattoir in Cairo, Egypt. A total of 1,116 domestic pigs slaughtered in 2020 were sampled for Brucella isolation and identification. Identified Brucella isolates were molecularly confirmed at species, and biovar levels using Bruce ladder PCR and Suis ladder multiplex PCR. Additionally, high-risk practices of 16 abattoir workers (4 veterinarians, 10 butchering and evisceration workers, and 2 scalding workers) were investigated using a pre-piloted structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Brucella isolates were recovered from 1.3% of examined pigs (n = 14) at consistently low rates (1.1-2.9%) across the year of sampling from February to December 2020. All isolates were confirmed as B. suis biovar (bv) 2. Remarkably, 92.9% (13/14) of isolates showed atypical ability to produce H2S and hence were considered as B. suis bv2 atypical phenotype. The prevalence was higher in males (1.8%) than in females (0.9). However, this difference was not significant (Odds ratio = 1.9; CI 95% 0.7 - 5.7; P = 0.2). No detectable pathological lesions were associated with B. suis bv2 infection in examined pigs. All strains were isolated from cervical lymph nodes, highlighting a potential oral transmission. High-risk practices were recorded among swine abattoir workers in this study: 75% do not wear gloves or disinfect their knives daily, and 18.8% were willing to work with open wound injuries. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first isolation of B. suis bv2 in Egypt. Detection of H2S producing B. suis bv2 atypical phenotype is alarming as it may result in misinterpretation of these isolates as highly human pathogenic B. suis bv1 in Egypt and possibly elsewhere. Further epidemiological tracing studies are crucial for the detection of the origin of this biovar. Including pigs in the national surveillance program of brucellosis, and an education program for swine abattoir workers about occupational risk of B. suis is a need in Egypt.

Chemical Evaluation, In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Activity of Lavandula angustifolia Grown in Jordan.

Lavandula angustifolia is the most widely cultivated Lavandula species for medicinal use. In this study, chemical and biological evaluation of L. angustifolia aqueous, methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and chloroform (CHCl3) extracts were conducted. Phytochemically, the extracts' total phenol and flavonoid contents and their antioxidant potential were evaluated. Ethanol extract was analyzed by LC-MS. All extracts were screened in vitro for their antitumor potential using human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-23. For the first time, the antiproliferative potential of the EtOH extract was tested in vivo using mice with induced breast cancer. Ethanol extract exhibited the best cytotoxicity and safety profile of the tested extracts, with IC50 values of 104.1 µg/mL on MCF-7 and 214.5 µg/mL on MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. In vivo, this extract revealed a reduction in tumor size by 43.29% in the treated group, compared to an increase in the tumor growth by 58.9% in the control group. Moreover, undetected tumor was found in 12.5% of the sample size. In conclusion, this study provides novel insight and evidence on the antiproliferative efficacy of L. angustifolia ethanol extract against breast cancer with potent anti-oxidant potential.

Therapeutic implications of assessment of serum zinc levels in patients with vitiligo: A patient controlled prospective study.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by patches of depigmentation. Zinc is an antiapoptotic molecule that exhibits antioxidant properties. The study aimed to investigate the serum levels of zinc in vitiligo patients compared to healthy controls and to whether exists a correlation between disease severity and serum levels of zinc. Fifty patients with vitilgo (group A) and 50 age and sex matched healthy controls (group B) were recruited and serum zinc level was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and results were compared and correlated to each other and to disease severity and extension. The mean serum zinc levels in group A was 50.93 ± 11.02 in comparison to a mean of 77.09 ± 12.16 in group B (P = .049, T = -1.993). Vitiligo area severity index (VASI) scores in the vitiligo group ranged from 0.5 to 27 with a mean ± SD of (9.19 ± 4.47). A high statistically significant negative correlation was demonstrated between serum zinc levels and the extension of vitiligo (P value = .0001 and R value = - 0.835). A significant association exists between vitiligo and serum zinc levels. Serum zinc levels correlated negatively with vitiligo disease severity and extension. Zinc supplementation and use can be of potential importance in setting vitiligo treatment protocols.

Chemodiversity and Antiproliferative Activity of the Essential Oil of Schinus molle Growing in Jordan.

The leaves and unripe and fully-grown fruits of Schinus molle were collected from three geographical regions of Jordan: Amman (the Mediterranean), Madaba (Irano-Turanean), and Sahab (Saharo-Arabian). The hydrodistilled volatile oils of fresh and dried leaves and fruits were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The actual composition of the emitted volatiles was determined using Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME). α- and ß-Phellandrenes were the major components in all the analyzed samples. Quantitative differences were observed in the obtained essential oils (0.62-5.25 %). Additionally, cluster analysis was performed. Biologically, the antiproliferative activity of the essential oil, ethanol, and water extracts of the fruits and leaves was screened on Caco2, HCT116, MCF7, and T47D cell lines. The essential oil and ethanol extracts exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth with IC50 ranging between 21 and 65 µg/mL. The water extract did not exhibit any antiproliferative activity against the investigated cell lines.

Effect of self-etch adhesives on the internal adaptation of composite restoration: a CP-OCT Study.

Despite improvements in dental adhesive materials, internal adaptation remains a challenge in bonded restorations. The aim of this study was to compare microgaps and internal floor adaptation between two different self-etch adhesives in class-V cavities using cross-polarization optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT). In this in vitro study, standardized round class-V cavities were prepared in 20 non-carious human upper central incisor teeth. They were randomly divided into two groups, TN and SE, with each group receiving a different dental adhesive. In TN group, the adhesive used was all-in-one Tetric N-Bond Self-Etch (TN; Ivoclar/Vivadent, Liechtenstein), while SE group was bonded with two-step self-etch Clearfil SE Bond 2 adhesive (SE; Kuraray Noritake Dental Inc, Japan). The prepared cavities were restored with flowable composite and then stored in distilled water for 24 h. Next, they were immersed in silver nitrate, followed by immersion in a photo-developing solution. Optical comparison was carried out by CP-OCT to assess microgaps and composite adaptation at the cavity floor. A Mann-Whitney test was applied to the data, which showed a statistically significant difference in composite adaptation among the two groups (p < 0.001) with the SE group showing superior adaptation. CP-OCT is a reliable tool for non-invasive imaging that gives an insight into composite performance. Better adaptation was found with the two-step self-adhesive for the composite used in this study.

Elaborating the Connection between Social Class and Classism in College.

Scholarship has documented the challenges that face college students of marginalized economic backgrounds, an issue that is relevant for Community Psychology because of the field's commitment to social justice. Community psychologists are concerned with facilitating access to social resources such as education across the full range of social identities. The current study builds on recent research that has identified the key role of classism in students' struggles. We developed a new measure of college student financial stress in order to investigate the relationship between indices of social class (financial stress, subjective social status, and parental education) and indices of classism (institutional, interpersonal, and citational). We also explored whether race or immigration status moderated these relationships in a sample of diverse students (N = 278). Findings show that students' current financial stress has the strongest relationship with classism, and immigration status moderates the exposure to citational classism. Specifically, we found evidence for perpetuation of classism among U.S. born students higher on the social class ladder. Implications for future research include the importance of considering multiple domains of social class, studying social class in a context-specific way, and differentiating dimensions of classism. Findings also suggest that financial stress is an important focus in the work to support marginalized students, and that classist narratives need to be addressed among students of higher social class.

Perceptions of reporting practices and barriers to reporting incidents among registered nurses and physicians in accredited and nonaccredited Jordanian hospitals.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the awareness of the incident reporting system, incident reporting practices and barriers to reporting incidents among Jordanian staff nurses and physicians in accredited and nonaccredited hospitals. BACKGROUND: Reporting medical incidents is an important element of patient safety enhancement and quality of care improvement and it should be an integral part of the organisational culture. DESIGN: A descriptive exploratory survey was used for the present study. METHODS: A modified version of the Incident Reporting Questionnaire was used to collect data from 307 nurses and 144 physicians at seven hospitals (four accredited and three not accredited) in Jordan. The response rate was 28·8% for nurses and 58·8% for physicians. RESULTS: Nurses were more aware of the incident reporting system than physicians. Physicians were less likely to report any incident on 50% or more of occasions. The major three barriers to reporting incidents were believing that there was no point in reporting near misses, lack of feedback and fear of disciplinary actions. CONCLUSION: The study showed significant differences between nurses in accredited and nonaccredited hospitals regarding barriers to reporting incidents and reporting practices. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurse administrators should modify existing systems for reporting incidents to overcome the barriers as shown in the present study.

The Saudi Population's Knowledge and Attitude Towards Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and Its Vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major worldwide public health concern that can result in a range of clinical disorders, including cervical cancer. Saudi Arabia, similar to numerous other nations, has difficulties in facing HPV and its impact on society. The high incidence of cervical cancer in Saudi Arabia continues to be a cause for worry, highlighting the need for the adoption of efficient immunization programs. Nevertheless, public hesitation and inadequate knowledge can hinder the acceptance of vaccines. Evaluating public knowledge and attitudes concerning HPV and its vaccination is essential in order to create focused programs that enhance awareness and increase vaccine acceptance. METHODS: This study was cross-sectional in nature, using data from a sample of 516 Saudi participants 18 years and above. The participants completed online questionnaires that were distributed using Google Forms across social media platforms and ensured anonymity. RESULTS: A total of 516 participants made up the sample for this study, which had a predominance of females (83.5%, n=431); the majority aged 18-25 years (78.3%, n=404) and most of them (28.3%, n=146) were from the central region. The study results revealed that 43.7% (n=225) of the participants had a good knowledge level while 56.3% (n=291) of them had a poor level of knowledge about the HPV vaccine. A substantial proportion (35.9%, n=185) of the participants had good knowledge that HPV can be transmitted sexually from one person to another with only 30.2% (n=156) of them being aware that HPV is a common infection that causes cervical cancer (41.5%, n=214) and most of them (76.2%, n=393) knew that cervical cancer can be cured particularly when detected in early stages. The results established statistically significant associations between gender, education level, and occupation with p-values <0.005 (0.023, 0.003 and 0.001 respectively) and level of knowledge about the HPV vaccine. CONCLUSION: The study emphasizes the necessity of implementing focused health education and vaccination initiatives in Saudi Arabia to enhance understanding and attitudes regarding HPV infection and its vaccine. The results can provide guidance to healthcare professionals, legislators, and public health authorities in creating programs that increase knowledge and acceptance of the HPV vaccine, ultimately decreasing the prevalence of HPV-related diseases in the nation.

Pararectal Epidermal Inclusion Cyst in a Pediatric Patient.

Epidermal inclusion cysts, commonly found cutaneously, rarely manifest in the pelvis. They are typically asymptomatic and often occur following trauma or surgical interventions. Imaging modalities, notably computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), play a crucial diagnostic role. Herein, we report a rare case of a four-year-old female with a complicated medical and surgical history, presented with pain in the right gluteal region in the setting of past history of abscess drainage in the same area. Imaging revealed a cystic lesion in the right pararectal space and a fistula extending between the pelvic cavity and gluteal region. A laparotomy was performed, and a histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of an epidermal inclusion cyst with no evidence of malignancy.

Evaluation of Allergic Conjunctivitis Prevalence and Attitude Toward Prevention and Control in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a prevalent ocular condition with a substantial impact on individuals' quality of life. This study aimed to explore the demographic patterns, prevalence, symptoms, awareness, and attitudes associated with AC, while also examining potential associations with gender, age, and region of residence in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 487 participants. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire that included demographic information about AC prevalence, symptoms, attitudes, and awareness levels. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were employed to examine associations between variables. RESULTS: The study revealed a prevalence of AC (89, 18.3%) with common symptoms being eye redness (73, 82%) and itching (73, 82%). Participants displayed diverse awareness levels, with (376, 77.2%) correctly defining AC. The majority demonstrated either a good (230, 47.2%) or insufficient (196, 40.2%) attitude, while 54 (11.1%) had a sufficient attitude, and 7 (1.4%) exhibited an excellent attitude and awareness. Significant regional disparities were observed, impacting both prevalence and attitudes. While no gender differences were noted, the age group of 31-40 displayed a higher prevalence. CONCLUSION: In this study, among 487 participants, the prevalence of AC was found to be 89 (18.3%). Meanwhile, attitude levels varied, with the majority demonstrating either a good or insufficient attitude. This provides valuable insights into the prevalence, symptoms, and awareness of AC in our population. The regional disparities underscore the need for tailored interventions addressing specific geographical contexts. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of AC, emphasizing the importance of targeted education and regional considerations in managing and preventing this condition.

Substance P alterations in skin and brain of chronically stressed atopic-like mice.

BACKGROUND: Stress is known to worsen the symptoms of atopic eczema (AE). Substance P is likely to play an important role in the development and pathogenesis of AE. OBJECTIVE: To examine a possible connection between chronic mild stress and changes in the expression of substance P and its receptor (R) neurokinin (NK) 1 in the skin and stress-related brain regions in NC/Nga atopic-like mice. METHODS: The mice were divided into three groups (eight animals per group): SE (stressed eczematous), NSE (non-stressed eczematous) and SC (stressed control). Ears and brains of the mice were investigated using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. RESULTS: In the skin, there was a decrease in the number of substance P immunoreactive nerve fibres in SE compared with SC group. RT-PCR showed a strong tendency to an increase in mRNA for NK1R in the skin of SE compared with NSE mice. There was an increase in the number of mast cells and the degree of their degranulation in the SE compared with both other groups. A decrease in substance P immunoreactivity in medial hippocampus was found in SE compared with NSE animals. In prefrontal cortex and central amygdala, there were no significant differences in substance P immunoreactivity between the three groups. CONCLUSION: Exposure to chronic mild stress in NC/Nga atopic-like mice may result in altered expression patterns of substance P in the skin and hippocampus.

Some new soliton solutions of a semi-discrete fractional complex coupled dispersionless system.

In this paper, a semi-discrete fractional derivative complex coupled dispersionless system is proposed. The properties of M-fractional derivative are utilized to convert discrete M-fractional derivative system to a classical discrete differential system. Then the invariant subspace method (ISM) is utilized to find dark, bright, kink and W-shaped soliton solutions for the proposed system.

First seroprevalence and molecular identification report of Brucella canis among dogs in Greater Cairo region and Damietta Governorate of Egypt.

Background and Aim: Given the rise in stray and imported dogs in Egypt over the past 5 years, it is surprising that no report of Brucella canis infection in dogs or humans has been documented in Egypt's published papers. This study aimed to detect the presence of antibodies against the rough (B. canis) and smooth Brucellae among dogs in Egypt and to characterize the Brucella species circulating in dogs. Materials and Methods: Blood samples (n = 449) were collected from owned and stray dogs in the Greater Cairo region (n = 309) and Damietta governorate (n = 140). The apparent, true, and total seroprevalence of canine brucellosis caused by B. canis infection were calculated using the 2-mercaptoethanol tube agglutination test (2-ME TAT) and rapid slide agglutination test (RSAT). We used the rose Bengal test (RBT) and the buffered acidified plate antigen test (BAPAT) to check the serum samples from dogs for the presence of antibodies against smooth Brucellae. Three polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays - Bruce-ladder PCR, B. canis species-specific PCR (BcSS-PCR), and Abortus Melitensis Ovis Suis (AMOS)-PCR - were used to determine the Brucella species in the buffy coats of the serologically positive dogs. Results: The overall apparent and true prevalence of B. canis infection in dogs were estimated to be 3.8% and 13.2%. The estimated true prevalence in stray dogs (15%) was higher than in owned dogs (12.5%). The BAPAT and the RBT using smooth antigens revealed that 11 (2.4%) and 9 (2%) were positive. Bruce-ladder PCR targeting eryC, ABC, and Polysaccharide deacetylase genes was able to identify B. canis in nine out of 17 buffy coat samples. AMOS-PCR identified the eight undetermined Brucella species by Bruce-ladder PCR as Brucella abortus (n = 4) and Brucella melitensis (n = 4). To exclude the presence of Brucella suis, a one-step species-specific BcSS-PCR was performed and specifically amplified all B. canis DNA (n = 9) the same as did the Bruce-ladder PCR. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. canis detection in dogs in Egypt. Molecular identification of B. abortus and B. melitensis in the Egyptian canines highlights the role of stray dogs in brucellosis remerging in Brucellosis-free dairy farms. Brucella canis infection can be diagnosed specifically with the one-step BcSS-PCR. The obtained results set-an-alarm to the veterinary authorities to launch plans to control this disease in dogs.

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of Brucella suis biovar 2 isolated from domestic pigs in Egypt for epidemiological and genetic diversity tracing.

In the current study, 14 Brucella suis biovar 2 (B. suis bv 2) strains isolated from slaughter pigs in Cairo were sequenced using Illumina technology to investigate genetic diversity, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, and virulence-associated determinants. These strains were the first B. suis bv 2 isolates from Egypt. To place them in a global context, 92 genomes of B. suis were retrieved from the NCBI database and used for comparison. The in-silico analysis of MLST showed that all isolates have ST16. No resistome but 43 virulomes have been found without differences in distribution. The cgMLST classified the Egyptian B. suis strains into a complex type (CT) encompassing four distinct cgMLST sequence types. The closest relatives were strain B. suis 94/11 of an unknown origin and a Danish strain. Whole-genome sequencing analysis proved low diversity of Egyptian B. suis isolates; thus, a single introduction event is assumed. Investigation of a large number of B. suis isolates from different governorates is required to tailor control measures to avoid further spread.

The Impact of Maternal Age and Educational Level on Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Diagnosis and Screening: A Descriptive Comparative Study.

Background: Early and proper screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is very critical to prevent catastrophic complication on the developing hip joint. Many factors (either maternal or child-related) that hinder timely DDH screening have been previously investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted. 175 babies presented for DDH screening coming with their mothers were investigated. Maternal age, age group, and educational level were recorded. In addition, multiple child-related variables such as age of screening, gender, positive family history, preterm delivery, and mode of delivery were recorded as well. Analysis for association between delayed vs. early screening was made against the maternal and the child-related variables. Results: A total number of 175 children with their mothers were investigated. The mean maternal age was 27.9 years, about one third of the mothers had a graduate level of education (36.3%), while 41.1% had high school education, and 22.3% had middle school education. On the other hand, 40.0% of the investigated babies were first born and two thirds of our sample babies were females (66.9%). Of the included babies, 100 (57.1%) were screened at the appropriate 4-month age, while 75 (42.9%) missed the 4-month screening. Chi-square analysis showed that delayed DDH screening was associated with a lower maternal educational level (P ≤ 0.001), younger maternal age (P ≤ 0.001), and first born baby (P ≤ 0.001). Positive family history was protective against delayed DDH screening (P = 0.032). Conclusion: The lower maternal educational level, younger maternal age group, and first born babies are risk factors for delayed DDH screening.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Trichinella spp. in Pigs from Cairo, Egypt.

Pork production is a niche economy in Egypt, and pigs are typically raised as backyard animals with no sanitary control, potentially exposing them to various pathogens. Commercially available ELISAs were used to detect specific antibodies to the food-borne zoonotic parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp., as well as to Neospora caninum, in serum samples of pigs slaughtered at Egypt's only licensed pig abattoir, the El-Bassatin abattoir in Cairo. Among the tested sera (n = 332), seroreactivity for T. gondii was 45.8% (95% confidence interval: 40.4-51.3), N. caninum was 28.0% (95% CI: 23.3-33.2), and Trichinella spp. was 1.2% (95% CI: 0.4-3.3). Mixed infection was only detected for T. gondii and N. caninum (18.7%; 95% CI: 14.7-23.4). The seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly higher (p = 0.0003) in animals collected from southern Cairo (15 May city slum) than in eastern Cairo (Ezbet El Nakhl slum). Seroprevalence for N. caninum was higher in western (Manshiyat Naser slum; p = 0.0003) and southern Cairo (15 May city slum; p = 0.0003) than in that of eastern Cairo (Ezbet El Nakhl slum; p = 0.0003). Moreover, female pigs exhibited a higher rate of N. caninum antibodies than male ones (p < 0.0001). This study provides the first seroprevalence data for N. caninum in pigs in Egypt, and updates the prevalence of the zoonotic parasites Trichinella spp. and T. gondii.

Tracking the distribution, genetic diversity and lineage of Brucella melitensis recovered from humans and animals in Egypt based on core-genome SNP analysis and in silico MLVA-16.

Brucellosis is one of the most common neglected zoonotic diseases globally, with a public health significance and a high economic loss in the livestock industry caused by the bacteria of the genus Brucella. In this study, 136 Egyptian Brucella melitensis strains isolated from animals and humans between 2001 and 2020 were analysed by examining the whole-core-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) in comparison to the in silico multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA-16). Almost all Egyptian isolates were belonging to the West Mediterranean clade, except two isolates from buffalo and camel were belonging to the American and East Mediterranean clades, respectively. A significant correlation between the human case of brucellosis and the possible source of infection from animals was found. It seems that several outbreak strains already existing for many years have been spread over long distances and between many governorates. The cgSNP analysis, in combination with epidemiological metadata, allows a better differentiation than the MLVA-16 genotyping method and, hence, the source definition and tracking of outbreak strains. The MLVA based on the currently used 16 markers is not suitable for this task. Our results revealed 99 different cgSNP genotypes with many different outbreak strains, both older and widely distributed ones and rather newly introduced ones as well. This indicates several different incidents and sources of infections, probably by imported animals from other countries to Egypt. Comparing our panel of isolates to public databases by cgSNP analysis, the results revealed near relatives from Italy. Moreover, near relatives from the United States, France, Austria and India were found by in silico MLVA.

Expression of tachykinins and their receptors in plaque psoriasis with pruritus.

UNLABELLED: BACKGROUND Various mediators of pruritus have been suggested that might be responsible for the mechanism of pruritus in psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To study the expression levels of members of the tachykinin family, substance P and neurokinin (NK) A and their receptors, NK-1 and NK-2, in psoriasis and to correlate their expression with the intensity of pruritus. A possible correlation with chronic stress and depression was also evaluated. METHODS: Biopsies were obtained from 28 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis; the majority had pruritus. The samples were taken from lesional and nonlesional areas on the back and also from 10 healthy controls, for immunohistochemistry staining, and from lesional skin for radioimmunoassay. Prior to biopsy, the clinical severity of the psoriasis of each patient was assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and the intensity of pruritus was measured by using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Levels of depression and stress were measured using Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) and the salivary cortisol test, respectively. RESULTS: Substance P-, NKA- and NK-2 receptor-immunoreactive nerves, and non-neuronal inflammatory cells positive for substance P and NKA and their respective receptors, NK-1 and NK-2, were numerous in psoriasis compared with healthy controls. The numbers of substance P-positive nerves and NK-2 receptor-positive cells in lesional skin were significantly correlated to pruritus intensity. The cortisol ratio was inversely correlated with the number of NK-1 receptor-immunoreactive inflammatory cells in lesional and nonlesional psoriasis skin. There was also a positive correlation between the BDI score and the number of substance P-positive cells in nonlesional skin and with NK-1 receptor-positive cells in lesional and nonlesional skin. CONCLUSIONS: Tachykinins may play a role in psoriasis per se, in addition to pruritus in this disease. Targeting the combined NK-1 and NK-2 receptors might be a possible treatment.

Time-dependent modulation of serotonin and its receptors 1A and 2A expression in allergic contact dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Serotonin implication in allergic contact dermatitis was earlier suggested. OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of serotonin (5-HT) and its receptors 1A and 2A during the kinetics of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). METHOD: Biopsies from 10 female nickel-allergic patients were obtained at 0, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h after nickel application using a patch testing procedure and then analysed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Higher 5-HT epidermal immunoreactivity was seen at 0 and 6 h compared with 24, 48 and 72 h. The number of 5-HT labelled platelets was higher at 48 and 72 h compared with 0, 6 and 24 h. There was a decrease in the number of 5-HT1AR positive cells at 24, 48 and 72 h compared with 0 h. Furthermore, epidermal 5-HT1AR immunoreactivity was stronger at 48 and 72 h compared with 0 h. Total (dermis plus epidermis) number of 5-HT2AR positive cells was gradually increased in a time-dependent manner at 6, 24, 48 and 72 h compared with 0 h. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the implication of 5-HT, 5-HT1AR and 5-HT2AR in the development of human ACD and the possibility to target those receptors at an early stage of this inflammatory condition.

Investigating IGF-II and IGF2R serum markers as predictors of body weight loss following an 8-week acute weight loss intervention: PREVIEW sub-study.

BACKGROUND: Weight reduction is effective in preventing T2D however, weight reduction and maintenance is difficult to achieve on a population scale. Serum insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) and IGF-II receptor (IGF2R) have been associated with diabetic status and body weight in prior studies and, in addition, IGF-II has been indicated as predictive of future weight change. We measured these serum markers in participants with obesity/overweight and prediabetes from the New Zealand arm of the PREVIEW lifestyle intervention randomised trial before and after an 8-week low energy diet (LED). METHODS: Total IGF-II (n = 223) and soluble IGF2R (n = 151) were measured using commercial ELISA kits on fasted serum samples taken prior to an 8-week LED and also from participants completing the LED. RESULTS: IGF-II levels were not correlated with baseline body weight although mean levels did significantly decrease following the LED. Change in IGF-II serum level was correlated to fasting glucose change (p = 0.04) but not to weight change. Baseline serum IGF2R was correlated with BMI (p = 0.007) and was significantly higher in Maori compared to European Caucasian participants independent of body weight (p = 0.0016). Following LED, IGF2R change was positively associated with weight change (p = 0.02) when corrected for ethnicity. Pre-LED levels of these serum markers were not predictive of the magnitude of weight loss over the 8 weeks. CONCLUSION: Neither marker was useful in predicting magnitude of short-term weight loss. IGF2R is positively associated with BMI and is higher in Maori compared to European Caucasian individuals.