Immunological Components Research Articles

Prognostic value of immunological components of tumor microenvironment of oncourological tumors

Prognostic value of immunological components of tumor microenvironment of oncourological tumors

Breed-Related Differential microRNA Expression and Analysis of Colostrum and Mature Milk Exosomes in Bamei and Landrace Pigs.

Breast milk, an indispensable source of immunological and nutrient components, is essential for the growth and development of newborn mammals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are present in various tissues and body fluids and are selectively packaged inside exosomes, a type of membrane vesicle. Milk exosomes have potential regulatory effects on the growth, development, and immunity of newborn piglets. To explore the differences in milk exosomes related to the breed and milk type, we isolated exosomes from colostrum and mature milk from domestic Bamei pigs and foreign Landrace pigs by using density gradient centrifugation and then characterized them by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Furthermore, the profiles and functions of miRNAs in the two types of pig milk exosomes were investigated using miRNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis. We identified a total of 1081 known and 2311 novel miRNAs in pig milk exosomes from Bamei and Landrace pigs. These differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) are closely associated with processes such as cell signaling, cell physiology, and immune system development. Functional enrichment analysis showed that DE-miRNA target genes were significantly enriched in endocytosis, the T cell receptor signaling pathway, and the Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathway. The exosomal miRNAs in both the colostrum and mature milk of the two pig species showed significant differences. Based on related signaling pathways, we found that the colostrum of local pig breeds contained more immune-system-development-related miRNAs. This study provides new insights into the possible function of milk exosomal miRNAs in the development of the piglet immune system.

Organoids: new frontiers in tumor immune microenvironment research.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains cells that regulate medication response and cancer growth in a major way. Tumor immunology research has been rejuvenated and cancer treatment has been changed by immunotherapy, a rapidly developing therapeutic approach. The growth patterns of tumor cells in vivo and the heterogeneity, complexity, and individuality of tumors produced from patients are not reflected in traditional two-dimensional tumor cell profiles. On the other hand, an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) model called the organoid model is gaining popularity. It can replicate the physiological and pathological properties of the original tissues in vivo. Tumor cells are the source of immune organoids. The TME characteristics can be preserved while preserving the variety of tumors by cultivating epithelial tumor cells with various stromal and immunological components. In addition to having genetic and physical similarities to human diseases and the ability to partially reconstruct the complex structure of tumors, these models are now widely used in research fields including cancer, developmental biology, regenerative mechanisms, drug development, disease modeling, and organ transplantation. This study reviews the function of organoids in immunotherapy and the tumor immune milieu. We also discuss current developments and suggest translational uses of tumor organoids in immuno-oncology research, immunotherapy modeling, and precision medicine.

Association of the key immunological and hemodynamic determinants with cervix ripening in pregnant women.

Aim: To investigate a correlation between cervical ripening, the immunological features and the hemodynamic characteristics of the cervix during the preparation for vaginal labor. Materials and Methods: We examined 75 pregnant women at different gestational age. General clinical and immunological studies were conducted in order to check serum concentration of cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Ultrasound and Doppler study were used to determine resistance index and systolic-diastolic ratio of blood flow in the common uterine artery as well as the descending and ascending parts and cervical stromal arteries. Results: Pregnant women with high cervical ripening score had high concentrations of the major proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Analysis of the of the cervical blood flow indicators of the studied groups showed significant differences in the indices of vascular resistance in the vessels that feed the cervix. Our data showed a significant correlation between the cervix ripening and both the serum levels of the studied cytokines and the level of peripheral vascular resistance indices in the common uterine arteries of the cervix, and the blood flow indices in the cervical stromal vessels. Conclusions: Our study shows that the process of preparing the woman's body for labor is associated with immunological adjustment and increased hemodynamics of the cervix. We report that cervical ripening is associated with the immunological components and hemodynamic parameters of the cervix at late-stage pregnancy. Measuring cervix ripening and the accompanied changes in cytokine levels and hemodynamic parameters will form a more accurate assessment of birth preparedness and labor complications.

Comparative proteomic analysis of human milk fat globules and paired membranes and mouse milk fat globules identifies core cellular systems contributing to mammary lipid trafficking and secretion.

Introduction: Human milk delivers critical nutritional and immunological support to human infants. Milk fat globules (MFGs) and their associated membranes (MFGMs) contain the majority of milk lipids and many bioactive components that contribute to neonatal development and health, yet their compositions have not been fully defined, and the mechanisms responsible for formation of these structures remain incompletely understood. Methods: In this study, we used untargeted mass spectrometry to quantitatively profile the protein compositions of freshly obtained MFGs and their paired, physically separated MFGM fractions from 13 human milk samples. We also quantitatively profiled the MFG protein compositions of 9 pooled milk samples from 18 lactating mouse dams. Results: We identified 2,453 proteins and 2,795 proteins in the majority of human MFG and MFGM samples, respectively, and 1,577 proteins in mouse MFGs. Using paired analyses of protein abundance in MFGMs compared to MFGs (MFGM-MFG; 1% FDR), we identified 699 proteins that were more highly abundant in MFGMs (MFGM-enriched), and 201 proteins that were less abundant in MFGMs (cytoplasmic). MFGM-enriched proteins comprised membrane systems (apical plasma membrane and multiple vesicular membranes) hypothesized to be responsible for lipid and protein secretion and components of membrane transport and signaling systems. Cytoplasmic proteins included ribosomal and proteasomal systems. Comparing abundance between human and mouse MFGs, we found a positive correlation (R 2 = 0.44, p < 0.0001) in the relative abundances of 1,279 proteins that were found in common across species. Discussion: Comparative pathway enrichment analyses between human and mouse samples reveal similarities in membrane trafficking and signaling pathways involved in milk fat secretion and identify potentially novel immunological components of MFGs. Our results advance knowledge of the composition and relative quantities of proteins in human and mouse MFGs in greater detail, provide a quantitative profile of specifically enriched human MFGM proteins, and identify core cellular systems involved in milk lipid secretion.

Understanding the Immunological Quality of Breast Milk in Maternal Overweight and Obesity.

Maternal obesity, affecting many pregnant women globally, not only poses immediate health risks but also modulates breast milk composition. Obesity is linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, impacting breast milk's immune properties. This paper explores the intricate relationship between maternal metabolic disorders, such as obesity, and breast milk's immunological components. We conducted a thorough search for original and review articles published until 17 October 2023 in the PUBMED/Scopus database. This search included several terms related to human breast milk, immunological properties, and obesity. Articles were selected with the consensus of all authors. Maternal metabolic disorders have discernible effects on the composition of immune-related components in breast milk, such as immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein, growth factors, extracellular vesicles, and lymphocytes. These changes in breast milk composition can significantly impact the newborn's immune system, with potential long-term health implications beyond the immediate postnatal period. Maternal metabolic health is a critical factor in shaping the health trajectory of the neonate through breastfeeding, although the full advantages of breastfeeding for children of mothers with obesity remain uncertain. Ongoing research aims to understand and unravel these links.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Transfusions on Maternal Immunity in Pregnancy

Pregnancy represents a unique immunological state where maternal immune adaptations play a pivotal role in supporting fetal development while maintaining tolerance to the semi-allogeneic fetus. Blood transfusions, often necessary during pregnancy for various medical conditions, present an intriguing avenue for understanding alterations in maternal immunity. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the intricate immunomodulatory effects of blood transfusions on maternal immunity during pregnancy. Beginning with an exploration of normal immunological changes in pregnancy, this review navigates through the immunomodulatory challenges posed by blood transfusions. The impact of donor factors, transfusion-related immunological components, and their influence NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES (NIJBAS) Volume 3 Issue 3 2023 ©NIJBAS Publications 2023 OPEN ACCESS ONLINE ISSN: 2992-5797 PRINT ISSN: 2992-6122 ©Obeagu et al., 2023 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Page | 2 on the maternal immune system are scrutinized. Mechanistic insights into altered cytokine responses, adaptive immune changes, and the role of regulatory T cells post-transfusion form critical focal points. Clinically, discerning the implications of altered maternal immunity on fetal, neonatal health, and obstetric outcomes is essential. Assessing risks and benefits associated with transfusions in pregnancy further underscores the clinical relevance of understanding these immunomodulatory effects. Despite advancements, this review acknowledges research gaps and limitations, highlighting the need for future investigations. Recommendations for prospective studies and potential clinical implications conclude this review, emphasizing the significance of comprehending immunomodulation in maternal immunity post-transfusion for optimizing maternal-fetal health. In conclusion, this review encapsulates current knowledge, challenges, and future directions in comprehending the complex interplay between blood transfusions and maternal immune responses during pregnancy, offering valuable insights into a crucial aspect of perinatal medicine. Keywords: blood transfusions; maternal immunity; pregnancy; immunomodulation; cytokines; alloimmunization; inflammation; transplacental immunomodulation

The Tolerance Model of Non-Inflammatory Immune Competence in Acute Pediatric Malnutrition: Origins, Evidence, Test of Fitness and Growth Potential

The tolerance model rests on the thesis of a physiologically regulated, albeit unsustainable, systemic attempt to adapt to the catabolic challenge posed by acute prepubescent malnutrition even in its severe forms. The model centers on the immunological component of the attempt, positing reorientation toward a non-inflammatory form of competence in place of the classic paradigm of immunological attrition and exhaustion. The foundation of the model was laid in 1990, and sixteen years later it was articulated formally on the basis of a body of evidence centered on T cell cytokines and interventions with cytokine and hormonal mediators. The benefit originally suggested was a reduced risk of autoimmune pathologies consequent to the catabolic release of self-antigens, hence the designation highlighting immune tolerance. Herein, the emergence of the tolerance model is traced from its roots in the recognition that acute malnutrition elicits an endocrine-based systemic adaptive attempt. Thereafter, the growth of the evidence base supporting the model is outlined, and its potential to shed new light on existing information is tested by application to the findings of a published clinical study of acutely malnourished children. Finally, some knowledge gaps pertinent to the model are identified and its potential for growth consonant with evolving perceptions of immunobiology is illustrated.

Are the Cutaneous Microbiota a Guardian of the Skin's Physical Barrier? The Intricate Relationship between Skin Microbes and Barrier Integrity.

The skin is a tightly regulated, balanced interface that maintains our integrity through a complex barrier comprising physical or mechanical, chemical, microbiological, and immunological components. The skin's microbiota affect various properties, one of which is the establishment and maintenance of the physical barrier. This is achieved by influencing multiple processes, including keratinocyte differentiation, stratum corneum formation, and regulation of intercellular contacts. In this review, we summarize the potential contribution of Cutibacterium acnes to these events and outline the contribution of bacterially induced barrier defects to the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. With the combined effects of a Westernized lifestyle, microbial dysbiosis, epithelial barrier defects, and inflammation, the development of acne is very similar to that of several other multifactorial diseases of barrier organs (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and chronic rhinosinusitis). Therefore, the management of acne requires a complex approach, which should be taken into account when designing novel treatments that address not only the inflammatory and microbial components but also the maintenance and strengthening of the cutaneous physical barrier.

Systemic Immunomodulatory Effects of Codonopsis pilosula Glucofructan on S180 Solid-Tumor-Bearing Mice.

The immune functions of the body are intricately intertwined with the onset and advancement of tumors, and immunotherapy mediated by bioactive compounds has exhibited initial effectiveness in overcoming chemotherapy resistance and inhibiting tumor growth. However, the comprehensive interpretation of the roles played by immunologic components in the process of combating tumors remains to be elucidated. In this study, the Codonopsis pilosula glucofructan (CPG) prepared in our previous research was employed as an immunopotentiator, and the impacts of CPG on both the humoral and cellular immunity of S180 tumor-bearing mice were investigated. Results showed that CPG administration of 100 mg/kg could effectively inhibit tumor growth in mice with an inhibitory ratio of 45.37% and significantly improve the expression of Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α). Additionally, CPG clearly enhanced B-cell-mediated humoral immunity and immune-cell-mediated cellular immunity, and, finally, induced S180 cell apoptosis by arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase, which might result from the IL-17 signaling pathway. These data may help to improve comprehension surrounding the roles of humoral and cellular immunity in anti-tumor immune responses.

Rasmussen's Encephalitis: A Literary Review.

Usually affecting one hemisphere of the brain, Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) is a persistent inflammatory disease of unclear origin. Rasmussen and colleagues presumed a viral etiology of the sickness in their first description. Later, the condition was linked to autoantibodies that were in the blood. Recently, it was shown that the cause of RE was a cytotoxic T-cell reaction to neurons. RE may be identified histopathologically by cortical inflammation, neuronal degeneration, and cerebral hemispheric-specific gliosis. The hemisphere is affected by increasing multilocular inflammation. To diagnose patients sooner and to evaluate whether the aforementioned phenomena are primary or secondary, it is essential to continue the search for a primary immunological or viral component. This information is crucial for determining the effectiveness of immunotherapy. RE-related seizures can only now be managed surgically. The only procedure that works is complete hemispheric disconnection (hemidisconnection), which may be done as either a (functional) hemispherectomy or hemispherectomy. Although thalidomide has been anecdotally reported, its safety profile prevents it from being used as a first-line treatment despite having a noticeable effect on the frequency and severity of seizures. Finding the disease's root causes more quickly by combining descriptive clinical studies, genetic testing, and early histological evaluation of RE tissue specimens to check for viral and autoimmune pathogenesis. Creating appropriate in vitro or animal models will enable the study of causality, perhaps directing clinical trials.

Helicobacter pylori extract induces purified neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species only in the presence of plasma.

H. pylori is a bacterial pathogen infecting over half of the world's population and induces several gastric and extra-gastric diseases through its various virulence factors, especially cagA. These factors may be released from the bacteria during interactions with host immune cells. Neutrophils play key roles in innate immunity, and their activity is regulated by plasma factors, which can alter how these cells may interact with pathogens. The aim of the present study was to determine whether purified neutrophils could produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), one of the key functions of their anti-microbial functions, in response to extracts of cagA+ and cagA- H. pylori. Extracts from either cagA+ or cagA- H. pylori were co-cultured with human neutrophils in the presence or absence of plasma, and the neutrophil ROS production was measured. In the absence of plasma, extracts from cagA+ and cagA- H. pylori did not induce neutrophil ROS production, whereas in the presence of plasma, extracts from both cagA+ and cagA- H. pylori-induced ROS production. Furthermore, when peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were added to the purified neutrophils in the absence of plasma, there was no neutrophil ROS production after challenging with extracts from either cagA+ or cagA- H. pylori. Thus, it is suggested that plasma contains immunological components that change the responsiveness of neutrophils, such that when neutrophils encounter the bacterial antigens in H. pylori extracts, they become activated and produce ROS. This study also revealed a potential novel immunopathogenic pathway by which cagA activation of neutrophils contributed to inflammatory damage.

Immunohistochemical study of the expressed cluster differentiation markers proteins type 20 and 56 in breast tissues from a group of Iraqi patients with breast cancers.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are important immunological components in response to cancers. Patients with higher numbers of TIL in breast cancerous tissues, comprising T- cytotoxic and T - helper cells along with B- and rare natural killer (NK) cells, have more favorable clinical outcomes. To analyze the rate of the expressed surface biomarker proteins of CD20-B cells and CD56- NK cells on the infiltrative lymphocytic subpopulations in a group of breast tumorous tissues (invasive and benign) from female patients in Iraq and explore the relations to the grade of the invasive breast cancerous tissues. One hundred and 75 archived breast tissues were enrolled in this retrospective research: 100 archived breast from female patients with invasive breast cancers (BC) [20 well differentiated BC tissues; 48 moderately differentiated BC and 32 poorly differentiated BC tissues]; 50 tissue biopsies from female patients with benign breast tumors and 25 apparently normal individuals with healthy breast tissues (included as the control group for this study). Immunohistochemistry was achieved for the detection of the expressed surface biomarker proteins related to B cell CD20 and NK cell CD56 present on the infiltrative lymphocytic subpopulations in breast tissues by using specific primary antibodies for these proteins via utilizing an immune-enzymatic antigen detection system. The detection of IHC reactions for the expressed B cell CD20 - cell surface ( CD) biomarker proteins were observed in 53 out of 100 (53.0%) BC tissues, and in 24 out of 50 (48.0%) benign breast tumorous tissues, while CD20- positive cell surface markers was detected in apparently healthy breast tissues of the control group in a percentage of 32.0% (8 out of 25 tissues). Statistical significant differences (P<0.05) between both groups of malignant and benign breast tumors and the control group were found. However, between breast malignant and benign tumor groups, no significant difference was found ( p >0.05). Detection of CD56- IHC reactions revealed in 14% (14 out of 100 BC tissues), in 16% (8 out of 50 benign breast tissues) and none of control breast tissues revealed CD56- IHC reactions. Among all the enrolled groups, no significant differences (P>0.05) were detected. The observed significant rates that showed highly significant differences between both studied groups of breast malignant and benign tumor in comparison to the control group indicate that the CD20- positive infiltrative B cell- lymphocytic subpopulations might contributed in the defense against these subsets of benign and malignant breast tumors. However, the observed rates of NK cell CD56 present on the lymphocytic subpopulations infiltrating the examined malignant and benign breast tumorous tissues seeming to play irrelevant roles in the defense against these studied breast tumor groups.

Airway epithelial cells mount an early response to mycobacterial infection.

Lung epithelial cells represent the first line of host defence against foreign inhaled components, including respiratory pathogens. Their responses to these exposures may direct subsequent immune activation to these pathogens. The epithelial response to mycobacterial infections is not well characterized and may provide clues to why some mycobacterial infections are cleared, while others are persistent and pathogenic. We have utilized an air-liquid interface model of human primary bronchial epithelial cells (ALI-PBEC) to investigate the epithelial response to infection with a variety of mycobacteria: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), M. bovis (BCG), M. avium, and M. smegmatis. Airway epithelial cells were found to be infected by all four species, albeit at low frequencies. The proportion of infected epithelial cells was lowest for Mtb and highest for M. avium. Differential gene expression analysis revealed a common epithelial host response to mycobacteria, including upregulation of BIRC3, S100A8 and DEFB4, and downregulation of BPIFB1 at 48h post infection. Apical secretions contained predominantly pro-inflammatory cytokines, while basal secretions contained tissue growth factors and chemokines. Finally, we show that neutrophils were attracted to both apical and basal secretions of infected ALI-PBEC. Neutrophils were attracted in high numbers to apical secretions from PBEC infected with all mycobacteria, with the exception of secretions from M. avium-infected ALI-PBEC. Taken together, our results show that airway epithelial cells are differentially infected by mycobacteria, and react rapidly by upregulation of antimicrobials, and increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines which directly attract neutrophils. Thus, the airway epithelium may be an important immunological component in controlling and regulating mycobacterial infections.

67 Infant Health Status Impacts the Neutrophil Phenotypes and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Composition in Human Milk

Abstract Background The abundance of human milk leukocytes, including neutrophils, changes in response to the health status of mothers and their infants. Elevated leukocyte counts occur during infant infection and return to baseline levels upon recovery. However, it is unclear how infant health status can affect the neutrophil phenotypes and the concentration of fatty acids in their mothers’ human milk. Objectives This study investigates the association between infant health status and human milk neutrophil counts and activation state, and fatty acid levels, in human milk. Design/Methods This is a prospective cohort study of 50 healthy breastfeeding mothers recruited from St. Michael’s hospital, in Toronto, Ontario, who were followed up from 2-4 weeks until 4 months postpartum. Human milk samples were collected from participants and data regarding infant health status were collected from self-reported questionnaires completed by participants at both timepoints, then imputed based on whether infants had taken antibiotics, had been hospitalized, or had been diagnosed with a medical condition, at least 2 weeks prior to samples collection. Neutrophils were quantified using flow cytometry and labelled with a panel of antibodies to detect specific cluster of differentiation (CD) biomarkers. Fatty acids were identified and quantified using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the correlation between infant health status and changes in neutrophil counts, along with their expressed CD markers, and fatty acids composition in human milk during lactation. Results The CD markers were classified into 4 categories based on their function: degranulation/activation markers (CD63, CD64, and CD66a), an immunoregulation marker (CD16), adhesion markers (CD11b, CD18), and a lipopolysaccharide receptor (CD14). Human milk from mothers whose infants had a health condition had neutrophils which significantly expressed elevated levels of the CD64 biomarker (β: 85.65, p=0.009 in adjusted models), compared to human milk from mothers of healthy infants. However, there were no significant associations between infant health status, absolute hmPMN counts, andother CD biomarkers (p&amp;gt;0.05). There were also elevated levels of arachidonic acid (β: 0.12, p=0.013) and C22:5n-6 (β: 0.06, p=0.015) fatty acids in the human milk of mothers whose infants had a health condition, compared with human milk from mothers of healthy infants, after adjusting for maternal age, post-pregnancy body mass index, infant sex, and infant feeding pattern. Conclusion This study demonstrates that infant health status is associated with changes in human milk immunological components, suggesting an inflammatory protective response mechanism in the mammary glands triggered by infants infection. How these alterations can affect infant health outcomes in the short and longer terms need critical consideration.

Characterization of the Gut Microbiota and Mycobiota in Italian Pediatric Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Ulcerative Colitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, fibroinflammatory, cholestatic liver disease of unknown etiopathogenesis, often associated with inflammatory bowel diseases. Recent evidence ascribes, together with immunologic and environmental components, a significant role to the intestinal microbiota or its molecules in the PSC pathogenesis. By metagenomic sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS2 loci, we describe the fecal microbiota and mycobiota of 26 pediatric patients affected by PSC and concomitant ulcerative colitis (PSC-UC), 27 patients without PSC but with UC (UC), and 26 healthy subjects (CTRLs). Compared with CTRL, the bacterial and fungal gut dysbiosis was evident for both PSC-UC and UC groups; in particular, Streptococcus, Saccharomyces, Sporobolomyces, Tilletiopsis, and Debaryomyces appeared increased in PSC-UC, whereas Klebsiella, Haemophilus, Enterococcus Collinsella, Piptoporus, Candida, and Hyphodontia in UC. In both patient groups, Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Oscillospira, Meyerozyma and Malassezia were decreased. Co-occurrence analysis evidenced the lowest number of nodes and edges for fungi networks compared with bacteria. Finally, we identified a specific patient profile, based on liver function tests, bacterial and fungal signatures, that is able to distinguish PSC-UC from UC patients. We describe the gut microbiota and mycobiota dysbiosis associated to PSC-UC disease. Our results evidenced a gut imbalance, with the reduction of gut commensal microorganisms with stated anti-inflammatory properties (ie, Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Oscillospira, Meyerozyma, and Malassezia) and the increase of pathobionts (ie, Streptococcus, Saccharomyces, and Debaryomyces) that could be involved in PSC progression. Altogether, these events may concur in the pathophysiology of PSC in the framework of UC.

Evolutionary trade-off between innate and acquired immune defences in birds

BackgroundThe development, maintenance, and use of immune defences are costly. Therefore, animals face trade-offs in terms of resource allocation within their immune system and between their immune system and other physiological processes. To maximize fitness, evolution may favour investment in one immunological defence or subsystem over another in a way that matches a species broader life history strategy. Here, we used phylogenetically-informed comparative analyses to test for relationships between two immunological components. Natural antibodies and complement were used as proxies for the innate branch; structural complexity of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region was used for the acquired branch.ResultsWe found a negative association between the levels of natural antibodies (i.e., haemagglutination titre) and the total MHC gene copy number across the avian phylogeny, both at the species and family level. The family-level analysis indicated that this association was apparent for both MHC-I and MHC-II, when copy numbers within these two MHC regions were analysed separately. The association remained significant after controlling for basic life history components and for ecological traits commonly linked to pathogen exposure.ConclusionOur results provide the first phylogenetically robust evidence for an evolutionary trade-off within the avian immune system, with a more developed acquired immune system (i.e., more complex MHC architecture) in more derived bird lineages (e.g., passerines) being accompanied by an apparent downregulation of the innate immune system.

Abstract 008: Sex-dependency Of T Cell-induced Salt-sensitive Hypertension And Kidney Damage

We have previously demonstrated that female Dahl Salt-Sensitive (SS) rats are protected from salt-induced hypertension and renal injury compared to males. There is an immunological component to this sex difference, since genetic deletion of T cells via mutation of the CD247 gene on the Dahl SS genetic background (CD247-/-) normalizes sex differences in blood pressure, though females are still protected from salt-sensitive renal damage compared to males. The current study hypothesized that sex of the T cell is an important factor in determining the severity of salt-sensitivity. We tested the hypothesis via a sex-specific splenocyte transfer by freshly isolating 10 7 male or female splenocytes and injecting them i.p. on postnatal day 5 into either male or female CD247-/- recipients. At 9 weeks of age, rats underwent a 3 week high salt challenge (HS, 4.0% NaCl, AIN-76A), with blood pressure measured continuously by telemetry and overnight urine collected weekly to assess renal damage. All data presented are from HS day 21. Transfer of either male or female donor splenocytes into CD247-/- recipient males exacerbated salt-induced hypertension compared to PBS vehicle controls (+PBS: 143.7±2.9, +Male: 152.8±5.2, +Female: 151.8±3.9 mmHg, n=11-14, p&lt;0.05). Similarly reflected in proteinuria, splenocyte transfer, regardless of sex, also worsened kidney damage in male CD247-/- recipients (+PBS: 191.9±26.7, +Male: 304.6±51.3, +Female: 283.9±37.1 mg/day, n=12-16, p&lt;0.05). In CD247-/- female recipients, there was an exacerbation in blood pressure with the transfer of male splenocytes (+PBS: 144.8±6.1, +Male: 151.5±3.9 mmHg, n=6-13, p&lt;0.05), but no significant change with the transfer of female splenocytes (+Female: 145.3±2.6 mmHg). There was a trend for male splenocytes to worsen proteinuria in CD247-/- female recipients (+PBS: 103.9±11.1, +Male: 157.7±21.2 mg/day, n=6-14, p=0.056), but there was a significant reduction in the transfer of female versus male splenocytes (+Female: 113.2±15.7, p&lt;0.05). Through flow cytometry, we confirmed similar extent of T cell reconstitution in both male and female CD247-/- recipients. These data demonstrate that salt-sensitive hypertension and renal damage are amplified if the sex of the T cell or the recipient are male.

Working Mother’s Breastfeeding Experience: A Phenomenology Qualitative Approach

&lt;p&gt;Breast milk is a diet that satisfies all of a baby’s physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs because it contains nutrients, hormones, immunological components and growth factors. Unfortunately, many working mothers choose to stop breastfeeding due to various factors. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of working mothers in exclusive breastfeeding. This study used a qualitative research design with a phenomenological descriptive approach. Data were collected using in-depth interviews and then analyzed using the Colaizzi method. The study results show that children who receive exclusive breastfeeding are healthier and have adequate nutrition. However, working mothers have difficulty in breastfeeding. So, support from partners, family members, supervisors and colleagues influences a mother’s decision to breastfeed. In addition, leave regulations and child care facilities at work affect breastfeeding ability of working mothers. This study provides information about breastfeeding challenges and the support needed by breastfeeding mothers working to formulate better policies that support breastfeeding. Policies covering employee rights and privileges, such as extended maternity leave, support facilities and child care services, are critical to the success of exclusive breastfeeding by working mothers.&lt;/p&gt;

Umjetno mlijeko za novorođenu siročad divljih životinja

Milk is a very complex nutrient and differs significantly between species. Monotreme and Marsupial milk contains only trace amounts of lactose, whereas in Eutherian species, lactose is the predominant saccharide. Within the Eutheria, the composition varies from 8.5% in Indian rhinoceros to 63.8% in Grey seal in concentration; from 0.3% in Indian rhinoceros to 9.3% in elephants in total fat; from 1.2% in Indian rhinoceros to 12.8% in Fin whale in total protein; and finally from 0.8% in Great panda to 6.5% in Indian rhinoceros in lactose. Milk components change during lactation and, especially in Marsupials, this should be considered in artificial feeding. Other factors to be taken into account are the amino acid panel, whey and casein fractions, iron and immunological components. In wildlife nursing, we often come across orphaned neonates that require artificial feeding. However, there are no specific formulas for each wildlife baby. The aim of this review is to compare which artificial milk replacer is best suited for selected species of wildlife neonates.