Journal of Immunology Research & Reports
Journal of Immunology Research & Reports is an open access peer-reviewed journal from the publishers of Scientific Research and Community (SRC) which publishes articles in the form of written, video and power-point presentations from the arena of Immunology Research & Reports. The journal focuses to build up accessing the complete content of articles freely from online for reader’s perusal. Article acceptance will be in the form of Research, Review, Case Reports, Analysis, Magazines, Editorials, Opinion, Communications, Mini-Review, Short Communications, Picturized, Book Review, Video type and Power Point Presentations (PPTS). Articles can be submitted through online from https://srcpublishers.com/immunology-research-reports/user/register or can send through an Email with attachment for immunology@onlinescientificresearch.info 0.5* Impact Factor 84.5% Citations 90% Acceptance
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, and current medical management focuses primarily on symptom control rather than disease reversal. Furthermore, despite significant advances in understanding immune, vascular, and fibrotic mechanisms, no therapy has been shown to reverse established fibrosis or cure SSc. However, a growing number of patient-reported cases involving various rare and intractable diseases describe substantial recovery following non-biomedical interventions, suggesting that existing scientific models may be incomplete in explaining all disease trajectories. Therefore, this paper presents a case of advanced SSc in which marked physical and psychological recovery occurred after the sustained application of the Five Golden Buddhist Practices of the Guan Yin Citta Dharma Door. The patient experienced improvements in respiratory function, skin softening, pain resolution, functional mobility, and remission of depression after conventional treatments had failed. This case challenges the prevailing assumption that SSc is universally irreversible and highlights the potential value of alternative explanatory frameworks when conventional medicine reaches its limits.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Immunology Research & Reports
Effects of SGLT2 Inhibition on Metabolic Parameters and Cardiac Function in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Heart Disease
Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Methods: Seventy-six patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were included in this study conducted at the Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, between January 2022 and August 2023. The patients were stratified into two cohorts based on their treatment regimen, the observation group (n=40) and the control group (n=36). The control group received alternative glucose-lowering medications, excluding dapagliflozin, while the observation group was administered dapagliflozin either as monotherapy or in combination with other glucose-lowering agents. Both groups underwent standard secondary prevention therapy for CHD for a duration of 6 months. Comparisons were made between the two groups in terms of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, FBG, HbA1c, SUA, CRP, BNP, BMI, BW, LVEDD, LVEF, IVST and safety evaluation. Results: The findings revealed that in the observation group, there were significant reductions in FBG, HbA1c, BMI, BW, SUA, CRP, LDL-C, TC, TG, BNP, LVEDD, and IVST post-treatment compared to pre-treatment levels. Additionally, HDL-C and LVEF exhibited significant increases. While there were no statistically significant differences in LVEDD within the cohort (P > .05), all other intra-group comparisons displayed statistically significant variances (P < .05). Following treatment, the control group exhibited reductions in FBG, HbA1c, BMI, BW, LDL, TC, TG, BNP, LVEDD, and LVEF compared to baseline levels, while HDL, SUA, CRP, and IVST increased. However, these intragroup differences did not reach statistical significance (P > .05). Intergroup analysis following treatment showed statistically significant differences in FBG, HbA1c, CRP, LDL-c, TC, TG, LVEF, and IVST (P < .05). Conversely, no significant intergroup differences were found SUA, BW, BMI, HDL-C, LVEF, LVEDD and BNP (P > 0.05). Conclusion: dapagliflozin provides cardiovascular benefits by reducing inflammatory responses and improving cardiovascular risk factors through multiple pathways, including lowering blood glucose, regulating blood lipids, reducing inflammatory markers, and inhibiting ventricular remodeling.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Immunology Research & Reports
Interlacing Textiles and Herbal Extracts: Infused Textiles for Diversified Applications
This study concentrates on the utilization of various plant-based extracts and their infusion into textile substrates, particularly silk, which can be employed for a range of medical applications beyond their antimicrobial properties, especially in facilitating wound healing either directly or indirectly, thereby contributing to a sustainable future. The article examines methodologies for extracting medicinal compounds from plants that promote the healing process, as well as the techniques used for integrating these extracts into textile materials to ensure durability and efficacy. Additionally, a comprehensive discussion is provided on aromatic textiles that incorporate plant-based scents, exploring their uses and applications in holistic healing. The discussion also ventures into emerging areas within medical textiles, such as adaptable textiles, stimuli-responsive textiles, and materials designed for controlled drug release, which incorporate herbal extracts with silk. Furthermore, the article addresses the use of natural dyes and the methods for applying these dyes to create a robust coating suitable for various medical applications, including color therapy, which can aid in addressing ailments through eco-friendly healing practices, heralding a new era in therapeutic approaches.
Is Anti-Autoaggressive Treatment Indicated for Dementia?
The incidence of dementia is increasing. To date, there is no promising therapy, nor is there any prophylaxis. The therapy of pathological molecules, e.g. with antibodies, has proven to be insufficient. More recent publications have found that autoaggressive diseases have a dementia-reducing effect. It should be assumed that anti-rheumatic drugs have this effect. Hypotheses are put forward here as to how the pathogenesis of dementia could look so that it reacts positively to anti-autoaggressive agents as an autoaggressive disease. A number of natural remedies are listed that work in this way and are likely to be successful.
Hormonal Genetic Synergy-Induced Regression of Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Hormonal therapy is the standard treatment for advanced androgen-dependent prostate adenocarcinoma. If tumor regression is not achieved early, the adenocarcinoma inevitably evolves toward androgen independence. This is due to the development of resistance mechanisms and the incomplete tissuelevel cessation of androgen deprivation. Current research is focused on combined therapeutic strategies that will increase the effectiveness of androgen deprivation and delay recurrence. Androgen deprivation through hormonal therapy combined with genetic therapy can induce tumor regression by reducing angiogenesis and enhancing mitotic arrest and apoptosis. A study by the Intergroup in the United States has demonstrated a method for hormonal and genetic restoration of altered prostate cancer patterns resulting from intergenic suppression. This is due to mutations that alter the process by which the genetic information of a mutated gene is expressed. This highlights the urgent need to combine hormonal and genetic therapeutic approaches and expand our current understanding of molecular mechanisms. Epigenetic changes are considered key factors in prostate cancer treatment. Studies have shown that targeting epigenetic enzymes or regulatory proteins halts cancer cell division. Combining hormonal and genetic therapeutic approaches leads to induced regression of prostate adenocarcinoma.
Trained Immunity in Cancer: Pathways, Strategies and Emerging Therapies
Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized oncological treatment; yet, its efficacy is compromised by the immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment (TME) and limited T-cell responses. Trained immunity, a newly recognized feature of the innate immune system characterized by memory-like functional reprogramming, offers a viable supplementary approach to enhance immune responses against cancers. Unlike adaptive immunity, which relies on specific antigen recognition, trained immunity augments the readiness of innate immune cells via epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming, facilitating more vigorous responses to subsequent stimuli. Innate immune cells, including as monocytes, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells, are essential to this phenomenon. Their enhanced functional state, achieved through exposure to microbial ligands or immunomodulatory agents such as BCG or β-glucans, results in increased cytokine production, elevated phagocytic activity, and greater cytotoxicity in subsequent encounters with infections or tumor antigens. These trained responses are transient but can be maintained through the reprogramming of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs), hence promoting long-term enhancement of innate immunity. This review comprehensively analyzes the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind trained immunity, including its induction via histone modifications, DNA methylation, and shifts in cellular metabolism. We examine the therapeutic relevance of trained immunity in cancer treatment, particularly its role in enhancing the efficacy of existing medicines, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines. We highlight novel approaches employing nanoparticles for the direct delivery of therapeutics that stimulate trained immunity within the tumor microenvironment, thereby improving treatment efficacy and minimizing systemic toxicity. Integrating trained immunity into cancer immunotherapy frameworks is a viable strategy to tackle critical challenges such as immune evasion, antigen heterogeneity, and resistance to conventional medicines. Trained immunity can alter the innate immunological environment, potentially promoting a more robust, sustained, and personalized anti-tumor immune response.
Rapid Diagnostic Tests in Malaria Diagnosis and Discordance between RDT and Microscopy: A Review
Malaria can be diagnosed with microscopy as well as by Rapid diagnostic tests or RDTs. RDTs may miss low level of parasitemia and in many cases, may also be false positive. RDTs can detect various antigens in different stages of the malaria parasite. Sometimes stained smear may be positive but RDT may appear to be negative, owing to low parasite count. The reverse is also true in many cases, where gene deletions or antigenic persistence occur. This is important from the viewpoint of applied immunology. All these interesting aspects have been reviewed here.
Project Optimus: An Overview of the Principles and Challenges
Phase 1 trial designs to establish the appropriate dose for cytotoxic agents are based on the assumption that both clinical benefit & toxicity increase with dose. These studies seek to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for future development, for targeted non-cytotoxic therapies maximum efficacy may be achieved at doses below the MTD. The FDA has set up Project Optimus (PO) to reform the dose optimisation and dose selection paradigm for cancer drug development. PO is a bid for balance: maintaining treatment efficacy at a therapeutic dose that does not generate toxicities that could otherwise be avoided with a different dose. PO guidance includes that dose escalation decisions in Phase I trials should consider preclinical data (ideally using models that predict human efficacy, toxicity, and receptor engagement), toxicity (including early and delayed, low-grade toxicities, and patient-reported outcomes), pharmacokinetic (PK) data, efficacy data and pharmacodynamic (PD) data. Phase I studies should identify a dose range within which efficacy has been observed rather than a single dose for further development. Adherence to PO principles will have a large impact on early oncology development. This presentation summarises the key PO guidance and the challenges that ensue.
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Immunology Research & Reports
Evaluating the Effectiveness of “I LIKE VST” Digital Technology in Enhancing Tuberculosis Treatment Adherence in Moldova
This study assessed the acceptance and feasibility of the implementation of Video Supported Treatment (VST) “I LIKE VST” digital application as an approach to increase tuberculosis (TB) treatment adherence in the Republic of Moldova. It employed mixed quantitative and qualitative method among TB patients and healthcare providers. The analysis encompasses socio-demographic factors, adherence levels, technological accessibility, and user experiences with the VST app. Results indicate that VST app method is acceptable and feasible to implement for people who find it convenient, regardless of their level of education. Adherence data from the I LIKE VST system shows that 75% of participants have over 90% adherence rate, due to VST app’s digital nature offering convenience and flexibility. No cases of less than 50% adherence were found. Challenges include technological, financial barriers and the need forpatient-centric customization. Less than 2% of TB patients have their own phones which support the app work. Moreover, 13.3% of TB patients and 19.7% medical staff stated that they did not have own resources to cover mobile internet costs, until they were covered by the project. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of digital health interventions in resource-limited settings. The findings are particularly relevant for policymakers and health practitioners aiming to innovate TB treatment adherence strategies
Using Quality Improvement Method to Improve TB Program: A Pilot Project of 10 Sub-Districts of South Africa
The 2017-2022 National TB Program’s strategic plan calls for a 50% reduction in TB deaths by 2022 and a 30% reduction in TB incidence. To achieve these ambitious targets, the SA health system needs to build a reliable system to find, test, diagnose, start treatment, and retain patients in care. The health system also needs to develop unprecedented convergence of the TB and HIV care systems that are currently managed separately. These goals can be achieved through a health systems design that improves the reliability of a discrete set of processes along the cascade of care in the primary health sector, community as well as in hospitalized patients.
“Factors Associated with Malnutrition among Adults Living with HIV in the Rutshuru Health Zone (DRC)”
Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the factors associated with malnutrition among adults living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Rutshuru Health Zone. Methodology: The study was a 4-month cross-sectional analysis of 307 adult PLHIV undergoing antiretroviral treatment (ART). Malnutrition was assessed by calculating the body mass index (BMI) and food insecurity by the food insecurity score (HFIAS - FANTA). Results: The prevalence of malnutrition was 13% and food insecurity 71%. Diarrhoea was a factor associated with malnutrition {p = 0.013; OR = 3.113; 95% CI = [1.236-7.836]}. Conclusion: Malnutrition and food insecurity were significant among adult PLHIV on ART, and diarrhoea was an exposure factor. Shortcomings in the provision of care were noted among providers. Hence the need to implement nutritional education and capacity-building programmes for care providers at the sites surveyed.
TB stigmatization is among the most significant social factors hindering equal access to the health care services for people with tuberculosis (PWTB), preventing them from seeking care and continuing treatment and resulting in poor health outcome and human rights violation. Personal factors, family, health care, community settings and legal environment were studied to assess how stigma affects people-centered care in Ukraine being amongst the thirty countries with high MDR TB burden.
Physical Stimualtion for Delivery of Curative Liposome to Dermal Diabetic Tissue
Various delivery system were tested as carriers of curative compounds in last 20 years. Subdermal wound tissue and cardiac ischemic tissue are target of many experimental nanoparticles in literature. Our experimental study reports the synthesis of nano-liposomes as vehicles for miR-21, miR-126 and insulin. The liposomes were not injected directly into the diabetic foot tissue in gel or solution, however loaded to special ultrasound compatible gel body and arranged to surface plane of the diabetic foot. The final gel formulation was able to effectively release of containing liposomes to sorounding space of dermal tissue, the specific ultrasound pulses accelerated the liposome release. The transport of the liposomes were visualised using confocal microscopy, the kinetic of lipsomes in real tissue were quantified by CT-tomography. Themethods have potential to be upgraded for delivery of specific bioactive compounds in cardiology and dermatology
Assessment of Child and Adolescent TB Policy and Governance in Countries Participating in The Union’s Sub-Saharan Africa Child and Adolescent TB Centre of Excellence
In August 2019, The Union in collaboration with GTB/CDC convened a regional stakeholder meeting in Kampala, Uganda to launch the COE and discuss the need to address the child and adolescent TB policy-practice gap, and share best practices and lessons learned in combatting child and adolescent TB among countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The meeting was attended by global TB stakeholders and representatives from nine NTPs: Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These countries eventually became the founding members of the COE. The goal of the COE is to pursue the bold vision of the Childhood TB Roadmap by capacitating national leadership, bridging the policy-practice gap, and fostering partnerships across the region to improve and expand interventions to end child and adolescent TB. To optimize the quality and type of technical assistance provided to COE member countries, the COE team needed information on the landscape of policy, governance, financing, and training for child and adolescent TB in the COE member countries. This foundational information would then enable COE staff to support the development of tools and other forms of technical assistance that address specific needs/requests by country teams. Further, this landscape assessment would serve as a baseline by which to measure the contributive impact of the COE’s activities on child and adolescent TB programming in member countries in the future. In April 2021, all nine COE member countries were provided with a standardised survey tool to complete the landscape assessment. The analysis of survey results was performed with a focus on aggregated country results to identify variability in policy, governance, training and management processes, including prioritizing common technical assistance needs. The NTPs of all COE member countries provide oversight of TB programming in the respective countries and are responsible for the inclusion of child and adolescent TB in the TB National Strategic Plan (NSP). Only 44% of member countries have specific interventions and targets for addressing adolescent TB in the TB NSPs that were in effect during the survey. While child TB was included in all NSPs, there were gaps in the integration of child TB into MOH/NTP guidelines. All member countries have dedicated child and adolescent TB focal points. The NTPs ensure the functionality of child and adolescent TB Technical Working Groups (TWGs) (existing in 89% COE member countries), these however have a varying representation of relevant stakeholders. All COE member countries report having dedicated funding for child and adolescent TB but only half report such funding from their national MOH or government. All COE countries have training programs informed by a curriculum. In addition, they have tools for supervision and mentorship. Not all COE member countries have training materials that comprehensively cover all relevant topics in the management of child and adolescent TB. In addition, adolescent TB management has been omitted in some of the member countries’ training materials, supervision and mentorship tools. Only four countries are capturing the WHO recommended age disaggregated data for child and adolescent TB. These findings will further guide the COE work plans and provision of technical assistance that addresses the specific needs of its member countries.
Health Seeking Behaviour among the Internally Displaced Persons in the North East Nigeria: Case Study of Tuberculosis Patients
Over two million people are internally displaced in north-eastern Nigeria due to the complex humanitarian catastrophe. Overcrowded and unclean living conditions increase the risk of tuberculosis (TB) transmission, sickness, and death. The seeking behaviour of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northeastern Nigeria was explored to improve disease surveillance and response in IDP camps and host communities. In Adamawa, Gombe, and Yobe states, this qualitative study recruited tuberculosis patients from IDPs. The study selected 50 adult IDPs using purposive sampling. Participants were interviewed at relocation camps utilising open-ended in-depth questions. Finance predicted response speed and health care seeking. Most individuals use chemists or alternative treatment instead of hospitals except in emergencies. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) can get healthcare depending on proximity and transit difficulty and cost, according to the study. Internally displaced people (IDPs) were satisfied with free medical care, but hospitals’ incapacity to prescribe and perform exams pushed them to private institutions. Free medications and education increase healthcare utilisation. Logistical difficulties must be addressed to improve IDP hospital treatment. Hospital wait times must be fixed.
Mesenteric Cyst- A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain in McBurney`s Point and Presence of need to Urinate in Sitting Position: Case Report
Background: Mesenteric cysts are rare benign intra-abdominal tumors manifested with a lack of specific symptoms with the importance of diagnosis because of various complications associated with suboptimal surgical management. Aim: To raise awareness about the unusual manifestation of mesenteric cyst at unusual age. Case Report: A 19-year-old male adolescent came to the local ambulance due to throat pain and the appearance of a need to urinate but only while he was sitting. During physical examination his throat was hyperemic and abdominal painful resistance was palpated in the suprapubic area. He was given Cefuroxime and probiotics due to suspicion of cystitis. After three days on control examination, his throat pain was gone but abdominal pain was still present. During this physical examination, a painful resistance was palpated in McBurney`s spot. Further examination indicated ultrasound, which showed a round formation size of approximately 3.5 cm located above the bladder, paraaortal. Behind formation was present acoustic enhancement. The patient was referred to the general surgery department, the appointment was scheduled for next week. But in the evening of that same day the abdominal pain increased so he went to the emergency room. The patient underwent computed tomography. CT confirmed the presence of cystic formation in the right lower quadrant probably corresponding to the mesenteric cyst of the small intestine. Due to findings patient was referred to the surgery intervention to remove the cyst. Conclusion: Mesenteric cysts are very rare conditions but different abdominal symptoms due to cyst localization and specific ultrasound findings should raise the suspicion of abdominal cysts.
COVID-19 Reinfection: Can Humoral or Cellular Immune Status Predict need for Vaccination and which Vaccine is more Effective: mRNA Booster or Inactivated whole Virus (VLA2001)?
Background/Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 variant (Omicron) has shown high infectivity worldwide, even in vaccinated patients. Little is known about how well naturally acquired immunity protect against further COVID-19 infections in unvaccinated or vaccinated patients. We investigated whether vaccination is still warranted, and if so, what type of vaccine should be used. Methods: 36 patients with previous PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2-omicron infection (10 unvaccinated, 10 with Valneva booster vaccination and 16 triple vaccinated with mRNA), were included in this six-month prospective observational study from Oct2022 to Mar2023. SARS-CoV-2-Omicron immune status (SARS-CoV-2 immunoblot nucleoprotein IgG (BLOT-NP)) was analyzed four weeks after acute illness or Valneva booster vaccination, along with neutralizing antibodies IgG-S1 spike (NAB-S1) and T-cell response interleukin2 (ITT-BA5-IL2) or interferon (ITT-BA5-IFN) against Omicron-BA5 in blood samples. Endpoint at follow-up was PCR-confirmed reinfection with a SARS-CoV-2 variant. Wilcoxon-, Pearson-Chi-Square- and Whitney-U-tests were used for statistical analysis. p≤0.05 was assumed to be significant and p≤0.01 highly significant. Results: The ten patients in the Valneva group, all older than 60 years (75.4 ± 13.3 y) showed no persisting humoral or cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2-Omicon in their blood at baseline. These patients were boosted with inactivated whole virus vaccine VLA2001 against SARS-CoV-2. Immunity was fully restored within 4 weeks (BLOT-NP before 0 vs. after 1.2 ± 1.2 [p=0.026], ITT-BA5-IL2 before 5.7 ± 7.5 pg./mL vs. after 11.2 ± 9.9 pg./mL [p=0.063], ITT-BA5-IFN before 1.7 ± 2.6 pg./mL vs. after 5.5 ± 4.5 pg./mL [p=0.011]). There were no side effects of vaccination. Compared to the group of unvaccinated patients (N=10) or the triple mRNA-vaccinated patients (N=16), patients in the Valneva group suffered fewer reinfections with a SARS-CoV-2 variant during follow-up (40% vs. 25% vs. 20% [p=0.575]). All patients reinfected with SARS-CoV-2 (N=10) had either a metabolic syndrome (N=5: diabetes mellitus and obesity) or a neuro-degenerative-psychiatric disease [N=5: dementia (2), anxiety disorder (2), depression (1)]. In the BLOT-NP, patients with reinfection showed a significantly poorer immune response compared to patients without reinfection, both in the group of unvaccinated patients and in the group of Valneva-vaccinated patients, but not in the group of mRNA-vaccinated patients (BLOT-NP reinfection yes vs. no unvaccinated: 0.5 ± 0.7 vs. 1.38 ± 1.30 [p=0.041] / Valneva-vaccinated: 1.0 ± 0.82 vs 2.32 ± 0.82 [p=0.046] / mRNA-vaccinated: 2.0 ± 0.82 vs 2.42 ± 0.79 [p=n’s.]). In ITT-BA5-IL2 and ITT-BA5-IFN, patients with reinfection showed significantly poorer cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2-Omicron compared with patients without reinfection, not only within the Valneva-vaccinated group, but also in the groups of unvaccinated and mRNA-vaccinated patients (ITT-BA5-IL2 reinfection yes vs. no with Valneva vaccination vs. 0 vaccination vs. 3 vaccination: 0 vs. 14 ± 8.99 pg./ mL [p=0.036] / 4.75 ± 5.5 vs. 17.5 ± 26.82 pg./mL [p=n’s.] / 40.5 ± 31.98 vs. 47.25 ± 91.14 pg./mL [p=n’s.] - ITT-BA5-IFN reinfection yes vs. no with Valneva vaccination vs. 0 vaccination vs. 3 vaccination: 0 vs. 6.88 ± 3.83 pg./mL [p=0.034] / 2.5 ± 4.36 vs. 4.83 ± 4.88 pg./ml [p=n’s.] / 10.25 ± 8.18 vs. 30.17 ± 34.07 pg./mL [p=n’s.]). Conclusion: Recurrent mutations of the SARS-CoV2 virus continue to cause acute infection, the current variant EG5 triggering significantly more severe COVID-19 symptoms than the previous variant Omicron BA5. Patients over 65 years of age with high-risk underlying illnesses and a lack of humoral protection (SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein IgG antibodies) as well as limited or no cellular protection (ITT-BA5-IFN) are highly likely to experience reinfection. In this prospective study the whole virus vaccination VLA2001 was found to be effective in restoring humoral or cellular immune protection. mRNA vaccination, on the other hand, failed to restore humoral immune protection (SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein IgG antibodies) and can therefore no longer be recommended for immune boosting.
Community-led TB Interventions: Improving Tuberculosis Services in Rural South Africa
South Africa faces high TB incidence, with 304,000 cases at a rate of 513/100,000 population and 56,000 TB deaths in 2021. Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a public health challenge in South Africa, prompting the need for innovative solutions to navigate deeply rooted obstacles. Despite commendable efforts, ongoing issues, particularly treatment adherence and a lack of community engagement, emphasise the necessity for refined interventions. Focusing on improved TB awareness and outcomes resulting from a community-led TB intervention in rural KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Implemented under the USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Tuberculosis Local Organization Network (TBLON) project, the exercise provides insights into potential breakthroughs in TB management using community-driven initiatives.
Deciphering Disease: The Critical Role of Bone Marrow Aspirate and Biopsy in Diagnostic Medicine
Background: Haematological malignancies, such as non-Hodgkin lymphomas and multiple myeloma, present diagnostic challenges due to the heterogeneity and complexity of their presentation. The importance of accurate diagnostic methods, like bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and bone marrow biopsy (BMB), is paramount for patient prognosis and therapeutic decisions. Objective: This manuscript aims to critically evaluate the role of bone marrow aspiration and its efficacy with bone marrow biopsy in diagnosing and assessing different medical conditions, offering an in-depth understanding of their individual and combined implications. Methods: Diverse studies exploring on lymphomas, Leukaemia and research on multiple myeloma were analysed. The emphasis was on the diagnostic discrepancies and complementarities between BMA and BMB. Additionally, the evolving role of advanced tools like PET-CT, flow cytometry, and their integration with traditional methodologies were examined. Results: While BMA and BMB both play crucial roles in the diagnostic paradigm, there exists a tendency for BMA to underestimate plasma cell involvement in certain cases. Additionally, PET-CT scans and flow cytometry, when combined with conventional techniques, enhance diagnostic accuracy. However, the application of these techniques should be individualized based on specific clinical scenarios, with considerations for costeffectiveness and practical implications. Conclusion: The multifaceted diagnosis of haematological malignancies mandates a holistic approach, integrating both traditional and advanced methodologies. An interdisciplinary approach, prioritizing patient-specific nuances, ensures precise diagnoses, laying the groundwork for optimal therapeutic outcomes. Future research endeavours should focus on refining these diagnostic algorithms to align with the rapidly progressing field of haematology
Copyright (c) 2023 Journal of Immunology Research & Reports
Costus Afer Ameliorates Lead-Induced Reproductive Alterations in the Pituitary-Testicular Axis: Histopathological and Biochemical Studies
Lead is a multiple organ toxicant and an oxidative-stress inducer. The present study investigates the protective effect of Costus afer ethanol leaf extract on lead- induced reproductive damages in male Wistar rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were weighed and separated into four groups of five rats each. Groups 1 served as control, group two received 1000mg/kg of Lead, and while groups three and four received 400mg/kg and 800mg/ kg of CAEE for 12 days. The reproductive and antioxidant parameters obtained from the result served as scientific evidence in the study. The result showed non-significant increase in testosterone level in groups treated with CAEE when compared with group treated with lead only. Significant increases were observed in the antioxidant enzymes in the groups treated with CAEE in both serum and testicular antioxidant assessment (p<0.05). Mild restoration of the architecture of the pituitary gland were observed in the group treated with high dose of CAEE when compare with lead toxic group. Insignificant alterations were observed in the section of the testes in all the groups. The treatment with CAEE exhibited dose-dependent significant changes in testicular and serum oxidative stress changes induced by lead. Ethanol leaf extract of Costus afer may be protective against lead induced testicular and pituitary gland damage
Key Technologies for Oil and Gas Development from Deep Carbonate Fractured-Vuggy Reservoirs
China possesses abundant oil resources with a magnitude of 40.66×108 t of geological reserves contained in carbonate fractured-vuggy reservoirs. Fractured-vuggy reservoirs have become one of the most important fields in China’s oil and gas exploration and development, with the potential to markedly increase its explorable oil reserves and oil production. However, highly efficient development of this kind of reservoir can present a major challenge due to its large buried depth, i.e., larger than 6500 m, low accuracy in describing the carbonate fractured-vuggy body, and co-existence of diverse flow patterns. To address these issues, numerical models have been utilized to predict oil production and interporosity flow between water injection wells. After an approximately 20-year period of research and practice, key technologies for oilfield development have been proposed, including high-accuracy detection of multi-scale fractured-vuggy bodies, karst geological modeling, precise prediction of water flooding, and sour gas injection. In addition, major advancements have been achieved in numerous aspects, such as implementing a 91.7% production rate in each new well of the Tahe Oilfield, maintaining high production of 5.5 million t per year over a long period of time, and discovery of one billion t of oil in the Shunbe Oilfield with consequent massive and rapid production.
High-Efficiency Development of Oilfields
Studying Vaccination Coverage and Design of Short Message Service Based Reminder to Improve Children Vaccination Coverage in Hawassa; Sidama Region; Ethiopia
A vaccine is a kind of remedy that trains the body’s protection system so that it can combat an infection. The national routine immunization coverage in Ethiopia is low. Among the main reason for defaulting children vaccinations are disremembering the appointment date, communication gap between service providers and the community, knowhow about vaccination and etc. This work is to investigate vaccination coverage in Hawassa city and main reasons of vaccination drop out, and then provide a solution for that main reason. Data was collected from 360 children whose age is between 1 to 2 years who live in Hawassa city. The data analysis result showed that only 51% of the children are fully vaccinated; and the main reason for vaccination dropout which weighs 57% was found to be disremembering the appointment date. Providing a solution to not only one of the main reasons but also for the one which weighs the most in the city of this study will improve the vaccination coverage. As the main reason is found to be disremembering the vaccination appointment date, this work provides a Short Message Service (SMS) based automatic reminding system. The design part uses database, OzekiNG network gateway and global system for mobile communication modem with active subscriber identity module. In this system the health extension workers will register the clients’ detailed information including appointment dates during the birth of baby that will be accessed periodically by the OzekiNG to send the reminder SMS to the mothers one day a head to the day of vaccination. After automatic reminding mechanism was developed and implemented, coverage of fully vaccinated children increases from 51% to 71% and the problem of forgetting appointment date decreases from 57% to 14%. The efficiency of the developed system is found to be 85%. From the above mentioned results and the current available communication mechanisms, it can be concluded that the reminding system can be simply implemented to improve the child vaccination coverage by bridging the gap due to disremembering the vaccination appointment date.
SARS-CoV-2-Omicron-variant Induced COVID-19-Infection in Unvaccinated and Vaccinated Patients: Impact on Immune Response, Symptomatology, and Risk of POST-COVID Syndrome
Worldwide, the SARS-CoV-2-omicron-variant (B.1.1.529) is highly infectious, even in vaccinated patients. Little is known about the duration of acute SARS-CoV-2-omicron-infection, severity of symptoms, immunologic response and development of POST-COVID-syndrome in unvaccinated compared to vaccinated patients after acute SARS-CoV-2 omicron infection. Methods: In 24 patients suffered from acute SARS-CoV-2-omicron infection (10 unvaccinated participants, 5 participants twice vaccinated and 9 participants getting three mRNA vaccinations), symptoms and duration of disease, SARS-CoV-2-omicron immune response, 25(OH)-vitamineD3 and vitamine C were determined in blood 4 weeks after acute infection. In addition, POST-COVID-symptoms and autoantibodies against G protein-coupled receptors in blood were determined 16 weeks after acute infection. Pearson correlations and one-way ANOVA were used. p≤0.05 was assumed to be significant, and p≤0.01 was assumed to be highly significant, respectively. Results: All 24 patients (age: 54 ± 12 years; 16 females - 8 males) complained of mild symptoms during acute omicron-COVID-19 infection. In vaccinated versus (vs) unvaccinated patients the disease duration was significantly prolonged (3.4-times vs 3.8-times). POST-COVID symptoms were reported by 50% of unvaccinated patients, 60%, and 78% of vaccinated patients, respectively. Vaccinated vs unvaccinated patients showed significantly larger number of POST-COVID-symptoms. Vitamin C deficiency was detectable in all patients 4 weeks after acute COVID-19 infection. The 25(OH) Vitamin D3 concentration was within the normal range in all patients. In the SARS-CoV2-immunoblot, the unvaccinated patients showed the same antibody level against the virus core protein (NP) virus compared with the vaccinated patients, but no antibody level against the linking protein (RBD) or the spike protein (S1). Also, unvaccinated vs vaccinated patients showed no immunological response in building neutralizing antibody level IgG-S1 [neutralizing antibody IgG-S1 (norm < 34 BAU/ml) at 0-vaccination vs 2-vaccination vs 3-vaccination = <34 vs 14584 ± 12012.4 vs 15116.7 ± 10997.9 BAU/ml]. 4 weeks after omicron-COVID-19-infection, patients getting 2-vaccination vs 3-vaccination before infection showed a significant 5.4fold vs 14.9fold activation of neutralizing antibody level IgG-S1 (neutralizing antibody IgG-S1 (norm < 34 BAU/ml) in 2-vaccination vs 3-vaccination patients - before / after infection = 2678.5 ± 3454.1 / 14584 ± 12012.4 vs 1012.9 ± 918.5 vs 15116.7 ± 10997.9 BAU/ml). The level of neutralizing antibody IgG-S1 after acute Omicron-COVID-19 infection correlates significantly with the duration of disease. All patients showed a cellular immune response against the SARS-CoV-2-omicron variant in the immune tolerance test (ITT) being significantly more robust in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated patients (ITT-Omicron IL2 / IFN at 0-vaccination vs. 2-vaccination vs. 3- vaccination = 14.8 ± 23.4 / 4.0 ± 4.8 vs. 34.4 ± 28.8 / 21.2 ± 13.0 vs 59.9 ± 103.8 / 29.3 ± 40.0 pg/ml). Autoantibodies level against G-protein coupled receptors are twice as strong in 3-dose vaccinated vs unvaccinated patients. Autoantibody level of ß1-adrenergic receptor or M3-muscarinergic-choline-receptor and the level of cellular immune response ITT-omicron-IL2 significantly correlate with the risk of developing POST-COVID syndrome. Conclusion: Acute SARS-CoV-2-omicron infection causes mild disease in both unvaccinated and vaccinated patients. However, vaccinated patients experienced prolonged disease with each vaccination. Unvaccinated patients showed no level of neutralizing antibodies to IgG-S1 spike compared with vaccinated patients after acute Omicron-COVID-19 infection, which is led back to multiple mutations in the region of the spike genome in the Omicron variant. Acute Omicron-COVID-19 infection after mRNA vaccination increases the risk of a strong immune response (neutralizing antibodies IgG-S1 spike, antibodies IgG-RBD, T-cellular response in IL2 and IFN, Autoantibodies to G-protein coupled receptor ß1-ß2- M2-M3) which correlates with the risk of POST-COVID syndrome. A deficiency of immune modulating micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin D3, selenium, zinc) might be responsible. Further studies treating POST-COVID patients with high-dose micronutrient infusion are necessary proving to reduce or eliminate the symptoms in POST-COVID patients
Unnecessary Suffering in the Developed World from Cancer and Life Limiting Illnesses for Lack of Adequate Pain Control Training for All and Fear of Opioids Lessons from African Palliative Care
This paper gives examples of palliative care as it is today in some areas of UK, USA and Ireland. It also gives the story of oral morphine suitable to LMIC’s because it is a simple formula that is affordable and so easy to make even at the kitchen sink! This can change the suffering of millions of those suffering from cancer and other pains at the end of life, allowing the carers to address the Total Pain described by Dame Cecily Saunders that also can increase the physical pain and distress, for patient and family, at this special time of life.
Copyright (c) 2022 Journal of Immunology Research & Reports
Alpha-Fetoprotein as an Immunoregulator and Immune Response Modifier: Historical Background and Current Update
The various immunological roles of human alpha-fetoprotein (HAFP) and its correlation with hepatomas, i.e., hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), are not always addressed together in the biomedical literature even though HAFP has long been utilized as a biomarker for hepatomas. Although the well-being of the newborn, infant, and juvenile can be monitored by the measurement of age-dependent HAFP in biological fluid levels throughout these stages, the majority of clinical reports in these age groups do not include hepatomas (except hepatoblastomas) because of their later onset. However, reports concerning the interaction of HAFP and immune-associated proteins and cells in HCC patients in both applied clinical research and investigational settings has gradually increased over the years; thus ,it has expanded our base knowledge of mounting an immunotherapeutic response against AFP in hepatomas. The different immune-associated proteins (cytokines, chemokines, interleukin, kinins) interacting with HAFP has remained less reported due to limitations of appropriate in vitro and in vivo models. Concomitantly, the advances in elucidating the various immunological activities of AFP are opening new vistas of knowledge regarding the physiological roles of AFP in the growth of HCC. The present review surveys HAFP as an immunologic response modifier and regulator for HCC and its use in the generation of AFP – sensitized lymphocytes. An attempt is also made to relate the AFP activities to HCC progression following immunotherapies. Hence, the present review was divided into two major sections; I) AFP structure and homologies in the immune response, and II) the therapeutic use of AFP in HCC patients in adult stages in both in vivo and in vitro models.
Plant Disease Detection using Advanced Convolutional Neural Networks with Region of Interest Awareness
The advent of deep learning has paved way for more efficient computer vision applications. In agricultural crop monitoring with technology driven approaches, it is indispensable to have plant disease identification. Recent research reveals that Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is most suitable deep learning method to process leaf images for detecting diseases. As symptoms of leaf disease appear in specific area, considering entire leaf for processing incurs more computational cost and time besides deteriorating performance due to inadequate quality of training. To overcome this problem, we proposed a framework that considers extraction of ROI using deep CNN prior to prediction of pre-trained deep learning models such as VGG13, Res Net34, Dense Net19, Alex Net, Sqeezenet1_1 and Inception_v3. An algorithm named ROI Feature Map Creation (ROI-FMC) is defined to extract ROI for given input image. This will be given as input to another algorithm proposed namely ROI based Deep CNN with Transfer Learning for Leaf Disease Prediction (ROIDCNN-LDP). The latter is used to predict leaf diseases. Plant Village dataset is used for empirical study. The experimental results revealed that with ROI awareness, all models could perform well. However, Inception_v3 is the deep CNN model that outperforms other models.
SARS-CoV-2 Cellular Entry and Antigen Recognition: Modulating Immunological Responses
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an enormous collaborative international effort within the medical and scientific community. This effort resulted in the development of several vaccines stemming from various platforms within an unprecedented timeframe. The binding of the spike protein, a specific region on the virus surface, to specific regions on certain adhesion molecules is critical at this port of entry. Once infected, the virus begins to replicate, destroys the host cells, and spreads to other cells, leading to disease. This review outlines some of the specific receptors expressed on endothelial and epithelial cells mediating the entry of the virus into the host cells via the virus-binding ligand, the spike protein. This is a key factor to be considered for developing new vaccines and therapeutic strategies against both current and potential future variants.
Transmembrane Protease Serine 2 (TMPRSS2)
Parainflammation: An Immunohematological Risk Factor for the Emergence and Re-Emergence of Diseases
Parainflammation also known as Low Grade Chronic Inflammation (LGCI) is a subclinical condition that is not routinely diagnosed especially in apparently healthy persons. The present review describes the parainflammatory theory of diseases a major risk factor to the emergence and re-emergence of diseases. We therefore recommend routine diagnostic tests, life style and dietary changes to limit the occurrence of parainflammation in apparently healthy persons as a preventive measure to combating the emergence and re-emergence of diseases.
Resistance and Sensitivity of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa against Common Used Antibiotics in Tishreen University Hospital, Syria
The multi-drug resistant bacteria to antibiotic is a global problem and wide spread which leads to infection that is difficult to treat and may result in death. Peudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen causing severe, acute and chronic nosocomial infections in urinary and pulmonary tracts, burns and wounds. Currently, there is an urgent and global need for alternative antimicrobial strategies to fight the continuous rise of P. aeruginosa resistance to different antibiotics. In this paper, we present the sensitivity and resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patients’ samples admitted to Tishreen university hospital, Latakia, Syria against common used antibiotics.
Sars-Cov-2 Persistent Infection May Evolve into Malignancy, Possibly Curbed by Vaccination: A Hypothesis
The three coronavirus variant infections which evolve onto severe respiratory conditions, have occasionally been associated with persistence. The viral RNA might be solely affected, or else, new symptoms might represent the only disease manifestations, often systemic and neurological. At times, it may associate with variable immunity. A persistent COVID-19 may initiate a “long COVID” episode. It has been hypothesized that, pending an expanded follow-up, the persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 might advance into a cancer: TMPRSS2 gene might develop into prostate cancer, while ground glass lung opacities might lead to lung cancer. In contrast, vaccines may impede the development of a malignancy. Among these, the BCG vaccine predominates, together with the MMR vaccine; mumps and measles being possibly responsible for tumor handicap. It is too early to discern a similar role for COVID-19 with anti-SARSCoV-2 vaccines, as they may relate to cancer.