CD40-CD40L interaction plays an important role in the pathology of certain autoimmune diseases. ITP is an autoimmune disease characterized by increased platelet destruction caused by anti-platelet autoantibodies, which mainly target a platelet surface antigen. It is speculated that platelet-associated CD154 is competent to induce the CD40-dependent proliferation of B lymphocytes. Therefore, platelet-associated CD154 expression is increased in ITP patients and is able to drive the activation of autoreactive B lymphocytes in this disease. These findings are particularly useful for clarifying the pathogenic process in ITP patients and for developing a therapeutic approach that blocks pathogenic anti-platelet antibody production. Blockade of the CD40/CD154 signal is a potential immunomodulatory strategy for T cell-mediated diseases, and many findings suggest that CD40/CD154 blockade therapy is potentially effective for ITP through selective suppression of autoreactive T and B lymphocytes to platelet antigens.

No abstract

Randomized controlled trial of effect of N-acetylcysteine as an antioxidant on iron overload in children with thalassemia major

Mini-pool intravenous immunoglobulin G was well tolerated, presented no safety issues, and was effective in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia, with efficacy comparable to that of the standard intravenous immunoglobulin G group, and it was significantly more effective than no treatment.

Introduction Nasal colonization with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) may be a preliminary risk factor for systemic infection. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of ica A and D genes and biofilm formation among hospital-acquired nasal colonizing CoNS strains isolated from neonates in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Antibiotic sensitivity patterns and some relevant risk factors were estimated.Methods This study assessed nasal colonization with CoNS among neonates at days one and three of admission to NICUs of Beni-Suef University Hospital and Beni-Suef General Hospital from November 2015 to May 2016. The isolates were screened and identified; susceptibility testing was performed. Biofilm formation was examined using the Congo red agar method. Isolates identified as CoNS were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of mecA and icaA and icaD genes.Results A total of 340 nasal swabs were collected from 170 neonates. The incidence of nasal colonization with CoNS was 50%. The species most frequently isolated were S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was detected in 86% of isolates. It was found that there was a strong association between the presence of mecA gene and phenotypic resistance to methicillin and also the presence of the icaA gene and biofilm formation.Conclusions Neonates admitted to NICUs can become reservoirs for CoNS strains, leading to potential dissemination of MDR strains into the community.

Diarrheal disease is a leading cause of illness and death in children worldwide

No abstract

Abstract:Rickets is the most common form of metabolic bone disease in children. Vitamin A and group B (p=0.013 and p=0.001, respectively). Patients who received the intramuscular dose responded promptly, whereas infants who received the oral dosages had less response.