Thesis (M.A.)--West Virginia University, 2000. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 123 p. Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 63-68).

Thesis (MSc. (Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Summary in English. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 117-126).

No description available.

Lung surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a soluble pattern recognition and innate immune molecule, which has been shown to be protective against lung infection, allergy, asthma and inflammation. SP-D is composed of an N-terminal collagen region and a homotrimeric, C-terminal carbohydrate binding domain (CRD). A recombinant form of trimeric CRD region (rhSP-D) has been shown to offer protection against asthma and inflammation in murine models by bringing down IgE levels, eosinophilia, and causing T helper cell polarisation from a pathogenic Th2 to a protective Th1 phenotype. Thus, rhSP-D can provide a therapeutic effect by dampening asthmatic symptoms in mice. The therapeutic mechanisms include inhibition of allergen-IgE binding and histamine release by sensitized mast cells, downregulation of allergen/antigen-specific IgG and IgE antibodies, pulmonary and peripheral eosinophilia, a shift from Th2 to Th1 cytokine response, interference with airway remodelling processes, and apoptosis- induction in sensitised eosinophils from allergic patients. The majority of the ex vivo and in vivo studies where a therapeutic effect of rhSP-D has been reported can not be explained by hitherto described candidate receptor involvement, especially CD91-calreticulin complex that requires collagen region for its cellular response. Thus, it is pertinent to examine at the cellular and molecular level how a trimeric lectin domain of human SP-D modulates immune cells. This was achieved by firstly expressing, purifying and characterising the recombinant rhSP-D and examining the interaction of rhSP-D with various immune cells such as macrophages, which are potent antigen presenting cells and play a crucial role in the maintenance of the inflammatory and humoral response to allergens. The highlight of this study is the demonstration that rhSP-D interferes with the co-operative binding of allergen-IgE complexes to B cells, and also downregulates expression of CD23, a low affinity IgE receptor (FcεRII), found on B cells. This suggests that inhibition of IgE-facilitated antigen presentation may represent a mechanism whereby SP-D suppresses Th2-driven allergic inflammation. In addition, this study is also the first to establish the calcium-dependent interactions between rhSP-D, CD23 and CD21. The possibility of formation of a trimolecular complex on the B cell surface may account for the suppression of IgE in therapeutic murine models since rhSP-D may interfere with CD21-CD23 mediated IgE production by primed B cells.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:26:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-08-27Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:33:59Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 zeppone_sc_me_arafcf.pdf: 626692 bytes, checksum: 4b05bfe9c52d2fcd412757520fc77ea9 (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / A alergia à proteína do leite de vaca (APLV) é comum no primeiro ano de vida e o seu reconhecimento e diagnóstico são difíceis. A proposta deste estudo é verificar a expressão de fenótipos linfocitários, as citocinas padrão Th1 e Th2, e a IgE total e específica em crianças com APLV, crianças atópicas (AC) e não atópicas (NAC) e suas respectivas mães.Foram colhidas amostras de sangue periférico para tipagem de linfócitos por citometria de fluxo, e dosadas as citocinas séricas, por CBA (Cytometric Bead Array) e dosado a IgE total e específica para as proteínas caseína, α lactoalbumina e β lactoglobulina , das crianças e suas mães nos grupos APLV, AC e NAC.Nas crianças do grupo APLV o início dos sintomas foi por volta dos 5,1 meses de idade, com idade média de 17,25 meses (sd=14,8 meses). As crianças e suas mães dos grupos alérgicos (APLV e AC) mostraram maior número de linfócitos CD4+CD25+ (p<0,05) em relação àquelas do grupo não alérgico (NAC), mas sem diferença significativa (p>0,05) entre os grupos APLV e AC. O grupo APLV mostrou maior tendência à presença do fenótipo CD25. As concentrações séricas das citocinas IL4, IL5, IL10, IL2, TNF-α e IFN-γ, entre os grupos estudados, não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas significantes (p>0,05), porém houve uma maior tendência à expressão da IL10 nas crianças do grupo APLV. A IgE total ficou mais evidente no grupo APLV do que nos demais grupos, e os principais alérgenos foram a α-lactoalbumina e β lactoglobulina. As crianças com alergia ao leite de vaca apresentam uma maior positividade de linfócitos CD4+CD25+, presença de IgE total e expressão de IL10 in vivo o que também pode sugerir um meio de controle da alergia para desenvolver tolerância à proteína do leite de vaca... / The allergy to cow‟s milk protein (CMA) is common in the first year of life and it is difficult to acknowledge and diagnose it. This study aims to verify the expression of lymphocyte phenotypes, detect the TH2 and TH1 pattern cytokines and the total and specific IgE in CMA children, in atopic (AC) and non-atopic (NAC) children and their respective mothers. Samples of peripheral blood were collected in order to type the lymphocytes by flow cytometry, dosed the serial cytokines by Cytometric Bead Array (CBA) and dosed the total IgE and specific IgE for the casein, α lactoalbumin and β lactoglobulin proteins of the children and their mothers in the CMA, AC and NAC groups. In the CMA children the symptoms first occurred around 5,1months old, with the average age of 17.25 months (sd=14.8 months). The children and their mothers from the allergic group (CMA and AC) showed significantly presence of CD4+CD25+ lymphocytes (p<0.05) higher than the non-allergic group (NAC), but without any significant difference (p>0.05) between the CMA and AC groups, although there was a tendency to an increase presence of these cells in the CMA group. The serial concentration of the IL4, IL5, IL10, IL2, TNF-α and IFN-γ cytokines, among the studied groups, did not present significant statistical difference (p>0.05), however, there was a tendency to an increase expression of IL10 in the CMA group of children. The total IgE was more evident in the CMA group than in the other ones and the main proteins which caused allergic reactions were α-lactoalbumin e β lactoglobulin. The children with cow‟s milk allergy presented a higher positivity of CD4+CD25+ lymphocytes, higher total IgE and an increase expression of in vivo IL10, which may also suggest a means of control of the allergy to develop tolerance to the cow‟s milk proteins... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology: Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2013. / Several genes are associated with an increased susceptibility to respiratory diseases, including asthma, which may be exacerbated by ambient air pollution. These genes include the Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFα) gene and the Cluster of Differentiation 14 (CD14) gene A total of 104 schoolchildren from seven primary schools in a heavily industrialized region of south Durban participated in the study. For the purpose of this study, DNA was extracted from whole blood using the GENTRA Puregene kit. Genotyping for the TNF-308α G/A polymorphism was conducted using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The CD14 (-159) C/T genotype was determined using real time PCR and Taqman probes (Applied Biosystems). Multiple logistic models and Pearson’s chi-squared tests were used to evaluate the association between any asthma, BHR, atopy, persistent asthma and genotype. Covariate-adjusted generalised estimating equations (Martin et al.) with lags of 1-5 days were used to evaluate genotype effect modification of exposure-response. The TNF-308α variant A allele was quite common in the population, it was detected in more than forty percent of the population and with an allelic frequency of 0.24. Similarly almost 38% of the population carried the variant CD14 (-159) T allele, with an allelic frequency of 0.24. TNF-308α G/A and CD14 (-159) C/T polymorphisms were not associated significantly with asthma, and its related respiratory phenotypes. In addition there was no association detected between any of the gene polymorphisms and the levels of their respective cytokine proteins. Increased TNFα levels were associated with persistent asthma. On the other hand lower sCD14 levels were associated with atopy in children. There was a significant relationship between TNF- α levels and acute asthma (p=0.03) and sCD14 levels and atopy (p=0.04) GEE models showed that the TNF- 308-α A allele carriers had a greater deterioration of lung function post pollution exposure to SO2 (intraday variability FEV1 readings lag 2) β= 2.62, CI (0.51, 4.71) p= 0.02 and p (interaction=0.03). There was a statistically significant gene environment interaction with NO in individuals who were carriers of the TNF- A allele (Nadir of PF readings lag 2: β= -12.3, CI (-22.09, -2.51), p=0.01 p (interaction) =0.03.and 5 day average β= - 42.83, CI (-70.11,-15.55), p≤0.005 and p (interaction) =0.01). With analysis of the CD14 gene polymorphism gene environment interaction, adverse effects of SO2 were limited to individuals carrying the C allele of this polymorphism, β= - 1.50, CI (-0.36, 3.37), p=0.01, p (interaction) =0.01. Carriers of the T allele seemed to have a protective effect with NO2 and NO exposure. Intraday variability of FEV1 improved 5 days post exposure to NO2 β= -4.02, CI (-6.52,- 1.53), p=0, p (interact) =0.05. There was also improvement five days post exposure to NO β= -9.42, CI (-12.45, -6.03), p= p≤0.005, p (interact) ≤0.005 There was no association of co-inheritance of the 2 gene polymorphisms, CD14 (-159) C/T and TNF-308α G/A, and protein expression or respiratory phenotype. The GEE model results were consistent with modification of air pollutant-pulmonary function relationships by proinflammatory cytokine associated genotypes. Results indicate that genetic susceptibility combined with exposure to pollutants causes adverse respiratory effects. This study supports the importance of further investigation on these and other genotype variants involved in inflammation and respiratory linked phenotypes in larger cohorts. / M

Orientador: Carlos Rossa Junior / Banca: Alexandra Ivo de Medeiros / Banca: Luis Carlos Spolidorio / Banca: Ricardo Della Coletta / Banca: Roseanas Almeida Freitas / Resumo: Carcinoma espinocelular de cabeça e pescoço (HNSCC, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck) é uma neoplasia caracterizada mais comumente por invasão local/regional de prognóstico sombrio quando diagnosticada em estágios avançados e uma característica imunossupressão local ou sistêmica associada. A taxa de sobrevivência em casos avançados é inferior à de câncer de mama ou próstata, e seu tratamento usualmente causa morbidade severa. A resposta ao tratamento é altamente variável mesmo entre pacientes em estágios iniciais da doença e apesar do tratamento implementado seguir o padrão de cuidados vigente. Assim, há grande necessidade de identificar biomarcadores que indiquem um fenótipo agressivo e possa proporcionar informações de utilidade no desenvolvimento de novas terapias específicas. Nossa hipótese foi de que produtos secretados por células de HNSCC ou o contato direto das mesmas com células imunológicas podem induzir uma modulação no sentido de causar a evasão do tumor da resposta imune. Observamos que a literatura mostra diversos trabalhos onde células tumorais exercem efeito imunossupressor em diversos tipos celulares da resposta imune. O estímulo de PBMC com meio condicionado (CM) de células de HNSCC induziu uma diminuição na proliferação, bem como modulou a polarização para fenótipos anti-inflamatórios e em co-cultura de HNSCC e PBMC, o tratamento prévio com CM das PBMC conferiu vantagem às células tumorais. Por último avaliamos um possível biomarcador, a galanin... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC) is a cancer characterized commonly by local/regional invasion of poor prognosis when diagnosed in advanced stages and are associated with local or systemic immunosuppression. The survival rate for advanced cases is below the breast or prostate cancer, and treatment usually causes severe morbidity. The response to the treatment is highly variable among patients even in the early stages of the disease, despite the treatment implemented following the current standard care. Thus, there is great need to identify biomarkers that indicate an aggressive phenotype and can provide useful information on the development of new target therapies. Our hypothesis was that secreted products by HNSCC cells or direct contact with immune cells can induce a modulation in order to cause tumor evasion of the immune response. We note that the literature shows several studies where tumor cells exert immunosuppressive effect in different cell types of the immune response. The stimulation of PBMC with conditioned medium (CM) of HNSCC cells induced a decrease in proliferation, and modulates a polarization toward anti-inflammatory phenotypes and in co-culture of HNSCC and PBMC pre-treatead with CM caused advantage to tumor cells. Finally we evaluate a possible biomarker, galanin, in modulating the immune response. The absence of galanin induced higher levels of proliferation as well a more bias towards proinflammatory phenotypes. Increase of galanin expres... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Orientadores: Eduardo Mello de Capitani, Celso Henrique de Oliveira / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-10T11:51:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silva_DagobertoRibeiroda_D.pdf: 7786104 bytes, checksum: 79d077434edacc262627179e99b88b50 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: A prevenção e tratamento de sintomas referidos como asma e rinite alérgica devem incluir o controle ambiental de aeroalérgenos, tais como ácaros e baratas. O objetivo desse estudo foi investigar a fauna acarina em amostras de poeira de colchões de berços e camas em Londrina, estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil, e avaliar a correlação entre fatores e métodos de controle ambientais e a sensibilidade acarina de pacientes atópicos. Crianças atópicas pré-escolares (n=24) e escolares e adultos (n=21) e o grupo-controle, com crianças sem atopia, pré-escolares (n=15), escolares e adultos (n=15) responderam a um questionário de perguntas específicas sobre as condições estruturais e ambientais de residências na cidade de Londrina/PR. Testes de puntura para ácaros e poeira domiciliar foram realizados na maioria dos pacientes para avaliar a sensibilidade imediata. Foram aspirados uma única vez, 133 amostras de poeira das faces superior e inferior de colchões e estrados de 38 residências (18 berços e 21 camas) e um berçário (6 berços). A análise estatística foi realizada para analisar a correlação dos resultados obtidos. O adequado controle ambiental foi raramente observado nas residências. Os testes de puntura mostraram uma alta sensibilidade para os extratos de poeira domiciliar e os ácaros D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, e B. tropicalis, também em crianças. Não foi observada correlação entre sensibilização e os diversos fatores ou métodos de controle ambiental analisados. Um total de 758 corpos de ácaros foram contados em 133 amostras analisadas; 233 (30,7%) em amostras de berços e 525 (69,3%) nas amostras das camas (p<0,0001). Ácaros da poeira domiciliar, principalmente Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, representaram 72% e 84% do total de ácaros contados em amostras de poeira de berços e camas, respectivamente. A média de concentração estimada de corpos de ácaros da poeira domiciliar em amostras de berços e camas foi de 289,9 ± 136,7 e 875,0 ± 183,6 ácaros/g, respectivamente. A análise estatística demonstrou uma contagem significativamente maior de corpos de ácaros na face inferior dos colchões quando comparado com a face superior, somente nas amostras das camas (p=0,025). O estudo sugere que ácaros são importantes alérgenos para atópicos na cidade de Londrina. Os resultados aqui obtidos demonstram que os colchões de berços têm suficiente corpos de ácaros para causar sensibilização em humanos. Esforços adicionais devem ser realizados para melhorar a conscientização da população local quanto ao uso de métodos de controle de alérgenos, tais como o uso de capas de revestimento em travesseiros e colchões de berços e camas para evitar a exposição alergênica / Abstract: The prevention and treatment of symptoms related to asthma and allergic rhinitis must include the environmental control of aeroallergens such as mites and cockroaches. The aim of this study was to investigate mites in mattress dust samples from cribs or beds in the southern Brazilian city of Londrina, State of Paraná as well as to evaluate the possible interrelation between environmental factors and control methods, and mite sensitivity of atopic patients. Atopic pre-school children (n=24), school-age children and adults (n=21) and group-control with non-atopic pre-school children (n=15), school-age children and adults (n=15) completed a questionnaire on the structural and environmental conditions of Londrina/PR. Skin prick tests for mites and house dust extracts were performed in most patients to evaluate immediate sensitivity. Dust samples from 133 top and bottom mattress surfaces, and bed frames from 38 dwellings (18 cribs and 21 beds), and one day nursery (6 cribs) were vacuumed. Statistical analysis was also performed. Adequate environmental control was rarely seen in dwellings. Skin prick test results showed a high sensitivity for the extracts of house dust, and the mites D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, and B. tropicalis, also in children. Sensitivity and environmental factors or control method correlation was not observed. A total of 758 mite bodies were counted in slides; 233 (30.7%) from cribs and 525 (69.3%) from beds (p<0.001). House dust mites- mainly Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, represented 72% and 84% of total mite count in crib and bed dust samples, respectively. The estimated mean HDM body concentration in crib or bed slides were 289.9 ± 136.7 and 875.0 ± 183.6 mites/g, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significantly higher mite body count on bottom mattress surfaces compared to top surface in bed samples only (p=0.025). The study suggests which mites are important allergens for atopic patients in Londrina. Data herein show that cribs like mattresses have sufficient mite bodies to cause sensitization to humans. Local communities should be informed about allergen control methods such as the use of mattress and pillow covers for cribs and beds to avoid allergen exposure / Doutorado / Clinica Medica / Doutor em Clínica Médica

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is the inflammation of the nasal and often conjunctival mucous membrane. It manifests due to the exposure of inhaled allergic agents and results in an immunoglobulin E (lgE) mediated reaction (DiPiro et al., 2002; Shargel et al., 2001). Allergic rhinitis is characterised by four principle symptoms, watery rhinorrhoea, nasal obstruction, nasal itching and sneezing (Min, 2010). In addition to the cardinal symptoms experienced during AR other common symptoms include postnasal drip, pruritic eyes; ears; nose and palate (Kemp, 2009). Although allergic rhinitis is not life threatening, the adverse impact on quality of life is significant. Those affected by allergic rhinitis are restricted in their ability to carry out their normal daily activities (Nelson, 2007; Wilson et al., 2002). Sleep, social interaction, emotional well being as well as cognitive and psychomotor function are affected by allergic rhinitis, and can lead to impaired learning ability. Serious disorders such as eczema, asthma, sinusitis, otitis media, nasal polyposis, respiratory infections and orthodontic malocclusions are. frequently linked with allergic rhinitis (DiPiro et al., 2002; Kemp, 2009)., The therapeutic goal for patients suffering with allergic rhinitis is to prevent or minimise symptoms, using treatment with minimal or no side effects and of reasonable expense, so that patients may maintain a normal lifestyle (DiPiro et aI., 2002). One of the most frequent indications for which homoeopathic treatment is sought after is for respiratory allergies (Ramchandani, 2009). Thus it has been proposed that the remedies contained within Otirin Nasal Spray"; namely Allium cepa, Euphrasia officinalis, Luffa operculata and Sabadilla officinarummay be effective as a treatment for allergic rhinitis (Vermeulen, 2000). Otirin Nasal Spray" is a homoeopathic complex preparation indicated for allergic rhinitis. No specific research has been conducted on this product to determine its efficacy in this condition (Medford, 2008). The aim of this research study was to determine the efficacy of Otirin Nasal Spray" in the treatment of allergic rhinitis with regard to the severity Of symptoms; specifically on the symptoms relating to the nose, eyes, throat, mouth and ears. Diary cards and questionnaires were completed, making use of the severity of symptoms scores to grade the symptoms. This research study was a quantitative" double-blind, placebo-controlled study and included thirty participants suffering from AR. Participants volunteered to participate in the study, were over the age of eighteen and consented to the procedures of the research study. Participants involved in the study were randomly divided into a treatment (experimental) group and a control (placebo) group. The treatment group received the Otirin Nasal Spray'" as opposed to the control group who received the placebo nasal spray (saline nasal spray). The research study was conducted over a period of four weeks at the UJ Health Centre. Participants were instructed to complete an individual "Treatment Diary Card" (Appendix E) during each hayfever attack by scoring the severity of each symptom they suffered from. During the final consultation the "Response to Treatment Questionnaire" (Appendix F) was completed under the researcher's supervision. This questionnaire required participants to score an amelioration, aggravation, no change or not applicable for each symptom, as well as other associated symptoms. Results acquired from the research study were statistically analysed by Statkon at the University of Johannesburg by means of descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric tests. The parametric test included the Independent Samples TTest. Non-parametric tests included the Friedman Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank, and Mann-Whitney U Test. This research study determined that the homoeopathically prepared Otirin Nasal Spray" did have a statistically significant effect in the treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms. A trend towards a decrease in the severity of the participant's symptoms was observed, in particular for rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal blockage/congestion, pruritic/itchy eyes and postnasal drip.

Submitted in partial compliance with requirements for Master`s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a symptomatic disorder of the nose characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It consists of a group of disorders that are all typified by the presence of one or more of the following: nasal itching, congestion, sneezing and rhinorrhoea (Wallace et. al., 2008). Allergic rhinitis can result in decreased quality of life, decreased sleep quantity, obstructive sleep apnoea and impaired performance at work and school (Blaiss, 2010: 375-380). According to Small and Kim (2011) allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common allergic condition and one of the most common of all minor afflictions. It affects between 10- 20% of all people in the United States, and the prevalence of the disorder is increasing. This may result in significant impairment to quality of life, sleep and work performance (Small and Kim 2011). A therapeutic goal for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis is to prevent or minimise symptoms, using treatment with minimal effects or no side effects and of reasonable expenses, so that patients may maintain a normal life style (DiPiroet al.2002). Homoeopathy is a complete system of medicine developed by German physician and chemist, Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). It is based on the following theories, first the doctrine of signature that disease is curable by those drugs which produce effect on the body similar to the symptoms of the disease “similia similibus currantur”; second that the effects of the drug are increased by giving it in a minute dose, which is obtained by dilution or trituration to an extreme limit and thirdly the notion that chronic disease are only manifestation of suppressed itch or psora (Ernst 2016). Similasan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray® is commercially available as a homoeopathic nasal spray. It is based on the principle of "let likes cure likes" or the Law of Similars. According to the company, this product is 100% natural, and contains active ingredients with non-drowsy effects which relieves allergic congestion, itching and runny nose, and it is preservative free (Similasan Corporation 1999-2015). Similasan Nasal Allergy ReliefSpray® mist gently stimulates the body's natural ability to relieve allergic congestion, itchy, runny nose and rhinitis caused by pollen, pet dander, dust and mould spores. Furthermore, the Similasan Nasal Allergy ReliefSpray® mists is non-habit forming and will not cause reliance or a rebound effect. The ingredients are: Cardiospermum 6X, Galphimiaglauca 6X, Luffa operculata 6X, Sabadilla 6X (SimilasanCoorporation 1999-2015). The aim of this double-blind randomised controlled study is to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic Similasan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray® in the management of allergic rhinitis. Outcomes were monitored using questionnaires and a daily log book. This was a quantitative study which included thirty participants suffering from allergic rhinitis. Participants volunteered to participate in the study, were over the age of eighteen and consented to the procedure of the study. Participants involved in the research study were randomly divided into treatment group and placebo group. The treatment group received Similasan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray® and the placebo group received a saline nasal spray. The research study was conducted over a period of four weeks at the Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic Day Clinic. Participants were instructed to rate their symptoms before, during and after taking treatment (Appendix, C and D). The parametric test used in this study was Independent Samples T- Test. Non-parametric tests included ANOVA and Pearson chi-square. Rhinorrhoea, sneezing, itching of the eyes and nasal congestion showed a statistically significant results but some of the participant’s symptoms deteriorated after a period of improvement. This research determined that Similisan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray ® didn’t have a significant effect in treating allergic rhinitis in terms of the CARAT questionnaire. / M