A simple inexpensive method for demonstrating in vitro leukocyte migration

Abstract. A simple direct in vitro method for studying delayed hypersensitivity in man using linear migration of peripheral blood leukocytes in capillaries is described. It eliminated the use of expensive chambers, conserved at least 50% of the antigen, saved time in setting up the test and enabled easy reading of linear migration within the capillaries with discrete end point when compared with the conventional method using chambers and planimetric measurement of the area of migration.     

Characterization of the interaction between polymerized human albumin and hepatitis B surface antigen

The interaction of polymerized human albumin with hepatitis B surface antigen was characterized utilizing a solid-phase radioimmunoassay. The interaction was specific as shown by quantitative inhibition of binding by soluble polymerized human albumin. The interaction was species restricted in that hepatitis B surface antigen did not bind nonhuman polymerized albumins. The albumin polymer size was critical to the binding reaction as was the concentration of hepatitis B surface antigen; the interaction was also temperature, ionic strength, and pH dependent. Hepatitis B e antigen positive sera possessed greater polyalbumin binding reactivity than hepatitis B e antigen negative sera. This interaction was shown to be inhibited by normal human serum which suggested that the polyalbumin receptor on hepatitis B surface antigen may be a host rather than viral component. In view of our previous observation that polymerized human albumin binds human C1q, the interactions between polymerized human albumin, hepatitis B surface antigen, and human C1q may be relevant to hepatitis B virus-host receptor mechanisms.     

Cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic human immunodeficiency virus infection

In 2012, the United Nations estimated that globally, 34 million people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection at the end of 2011.     

Preliminary Characterization of a Polycaprolactone-SurgihoneyRO Electrospun Mesh for Skin Tissue Engineering

Skin is a hierarchical and multi-cellular organ exposed to the external environment with a key protective and regulatory role. Wounds caused by disease and trauma can lead to a loss of function, which can be debilitating and even cause death. Accelerating the natural skin healing process and minimizing the risk of infection is a clinical challenge. Electrospinning is a key technology in the development of wound dressings and skin substitutes as it enables extracellular matrix-mimicking fibrous structures and delivery of bioactive materials. Honey is a promising biomaterial for use in skin tissue engineering applications and has antimicrobial properties and potential tissue regenerative properties. This preliminary study investigates a solution electrospun composite nanofibrous mesh based on polycaprolactone and a medical grade honey, SurgihoneyRO. The processing conditions were optimized and assessed by scanning electron microscopy to fabricate meshes with uniform fiber diameters and minimal presence of beads. The chemistry of the composite meshes was examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photon spectroscopy showing incorporation of honey into the polymer matrix. Meshes incorporating honey had lower mechanical properties due to lower polymer content but were more hydrophilic, resulting in an increase in swelling and an accelerated degradation profile. The biocompatibility of the meshes was assessed using human dermal fibroblasts and adipose-derived stem cells, which showed comparable or higher cell metabolic activity and viability for SurgihoneyRO-containing meshes compared to polycaprolactone only meshes. The meshes showed no antibacterial properties in a disk diffusion test due to a lack of hydrogen peroxide production and release. The developed polycaprolactone-honey nanofibrous meshes have potential for use in skin applications.     

Quality of Life in Patients of Head and Neck Cancer During Covid 19

The Indian Institute of head and neck oncology, a charitable Cancer Centre under the Indore Cancer foundation, continued to offer treatment during the Covid pandemic. 44 head and neck cancer patients who underwent surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy and 43 head and neck cancer patients who underwent only radiotherapy as the primary line of treatment from March 2020 to May 2021, were selected for the purpose of this study. Patients who underwent treatment for head and neck cancer either by radiotherapy or by surgery followed by post-operative radiotherapy were analysed to evaluate quality of life. Feedback was obtained using a QOL questionnaire. The results were analysed against numerical scores. Pain, appearance, speech, swallowing, chewing taste sensation etc. were analysed. Fear and psychological discomfort remained the overriding aspect.     

Sexual Transmission of Cyst-Forming Coccidian Parasites with Complex Life Cycles

Purpose of Review

Cyst-forming heteroxenous Apicomplexan parasites are important parasites of both humans and animals. Here, we discuss currently available evidence of possible sexual transmission of these parasites.

Recent Findings

Seven genera of Apicomplexans are known to have multi-mode, multi-host life cycles. Prior studies have examined the possibility of sexual transmission in three of these genera: Besnoitia, Neospora, and Toxoplasma. There is extensive evidence of sexual transmission of Toxoplasma in several nonhuman animals. However, evidence for the sexual transmission in humans remains equivocal. Sexual transmission of Besnoitia and Neospora has remained contentious given the small number of inconclusive reports.

Summary

It is important to determine if Toxoplasma is a sexually transmitted infection in humans, due to the clinical implications of Toxoplasma in immune-deficient humans and its potential effects on pregnancy. Additionally, this class of parasites can serve as useful perturbation systems to understand the development of virulence and breach of the blood-testes barrier.