Essays on Immunology

Capstone Project Milestone 2

Asthma is the most common cause of in-patient admissions in acute care hospitals. Poor education and training of patients with respect to self-care and symptom management has led to an increase in the number of asthmatic patients reporting to the emergency department (ED) or acute care hospitals. It is empirical to understand the cause or trigger factors that relate to acute exacerbations of asthma. Some of the common triggers that causes asthma include exercise, infections, allergens, smoking, infection, gastric problems, hear burns, and indigestion. Based on current evidence, food allergens are considered as the most common form of allergens ...

What tangible and intangible resources will be needed to implement your project? Some of the key tangible resources required for the successful implementation of educational programs on food allergies and asthma would include furniture, equipment (projector/monitor/laptops/computers), cash (finances), inventory, and space (classrooms/halls) (Järvinen, & Celestin 2014). Most of these resources may already be present. However, cash (finances) and inventory required may have to be raised from external funding. Intangible assets may include the 6-month contract, manuscript, medical records, computer software, and blueprint of the entire project (Dearholt & Dang 2012). What improved outcomes do you anticipate will occur that could ...

[Author Name] [Author Affiliation] [Author’s notes with more information about affiliations, financial obligations, conflicts of interest and how to contact] It has been estimated that 26 million Americans suffer from asthma symptoms, attributing to the majority of work- and school-related absences across the country (ACAAI, 2014). The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology defines asthma as, “a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways in the lungs” (ACAAI, 20014). This causes difficulty in breathing, termed asthma, and may lead to life-threatening consequences. The lungs allow air in and out by a network of airways, called ...

(College/University/Institute)

GERD: Introduction

“Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a syndrome wherein the stomach’s contents of those in the small intestine constantly move up into the esophagus. The rearwards motion of the contents is called a “reflux.” This condition results in the person being subjected to episodes of heartburn, a stinging sensation felt under the sternum part of the chest, is the initial symptom of heartburn; this is traditionally felt after the person has a heavy meal, or lies down or lifts a heavy object immediately after eating. If a person is consistently experiencing bouts of reflux and extreme heartburn, then ...

The patient is a 9-year-old boy, who visited the general practitioner with his 37-year-old mother. The general practitioner reviewed the patient’s medical history and conducted an interview with the patient’s mother to learn more about the boy’s family history, as well as the history of the boy’s chronic cough. The mother reported having seasonal allergies, especially during springtime when plants release their pollen. However, the boy had no known allergies or respiratory problems according to his mother and his medical history. The physical examination included the assessment of the patient’s vital signs, nasal canals, ...

Major Achievements in Biology

Researchers and scientists are always intrigued by biological processes and activities, and strive to utilize them for benefit of mankind. Antibiotics, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and several therapeutic agents, high yielding as well as disease tolerant plants and animals are all results of extensive research in the fields of cell and molecular biology, immunology, biotechnology and genetic engineering. Treatment to several diseases, even genetic disorders are available today only due to breakthrough discoveries in biology. Three such important discoveries are revelation of structure of ribosomes through X-ray crystallography, identification of tumor specific antigens (TSA) expressed on the surface of cancer ...

The administration of proper medication is essential to the treatment of a health complication. As such, medical practitioners need to enforce proper measures in the issuance of medicine to enhance the betterment of patients (Bojesen et al. 375). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the value of medicines through the utilization of a case study. This study will be in line with the code of conduct for Oncologists since the medical practitioner in this scenario deals with cancer patients. Since the maintenance of confidentiality is essential to the success of the medical practice, the practitioners’ and patient’ ...

Immunology

The rearrangement of T cell receptor (TCR) genes g and d occur in series of cells expressing variable Vg and Vd gene segments. The lymphoid precursor cells originate in the bone marrow and move to the thymus. Preliminary T cells are devoid of TCR, CD4 and CD8 molecules and are called double negative thymocytes . These double negative T cells may be further categorized into four phases of differentiation (DN1, CD44+CD25-; DN2, CD44+CD25+; DN3, CD44-CD25+; and DN4, CD44-CD25-) . CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule and CD25 serves as the IL-2 receptor. Passage into the DN2 and DN4 stages ...

RESULTS

Section 1 All samples were found to be positive for the anti-Ro antibody with higher than 240 IU/ml, except Sample ID # 13 and 32, which showed lower concentrations (Figure 1.). These samples also exhibited occurrence of Smd and Dn respectively, albeit at low concentrations. Sample Id# 12 and 20 also showed presence of anti-La antibody. The autosera of Patient Id # 32 suffering from SS displays a faint 52kd IgM band, which is representative of 52kd anti-Ro antibody and is fainter in ethanol treatment sample. Patient ID # 42 expressing a higher than 240 IU/L of anti-Ro antibody in the clinical ...

HCV or Hepatitis C virus infection has over 5 million people affected in US (Chak, et al., 2011) and over 120 million people worldwide hence a global health problem. This virus belongs to Hepacivirus genus and Flaviviridae family (Lindenbach, et al., 2007) with six genotypes and with more than seventy subtypes. In approximately 85% infected individuals it may be unresolved, hence representing a significant hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis cause. It is viewed as commonest cirrhosis cause and chronic liver disease in the world. It also represents the main liver transplantation cause in USA, Europe, and Australia (Thimme, et ...

Immunogenic cell death: the role of SAGE

Immunogenic cell death: the role of SAGE

Introduction

Millions of cells are always being removed in the human body not only to regulate and coordinate the body’s biochemical pathways but also to keep the cells healthy. This particular systematic removal of cells occurs through a selective mechanism called cell death or apoptosis process. Apoptosis is not a new concept in the understanding of the biological workings of the body. This homeostatic death of body cells has been defined as a tolerogenic or a non-immunogenic event for many [1]. However, new discoveries have unearthed the existence of a different concept ...

Immunogenic Cell Death: The Role of RAGE

Introduction Millions of cells are always being removed in the human bodyin order to regulate biological pathways and keep cells healthy through a particular mechanism called cell death or apoptosis. Through apoptosis, such homeostatic death of cells has been defined as a tolerogenic or a non-immunogenic event for many years [1]. However, during the past few years, scientists have discovered the occurrence of a different concept of cell death – immunogenic cell death (ICD), where the death of a cell stimulates a response from the immune system against antigens of a dead cell, and this mechanism of cell death may ...

Aim: To identify the differential risk of peanut allergies among Chinese children in the U.S and China. Introduction: Peanut allergy is a very common allergy among American children. Though the exact number of people affected by this condition is not known, millions of people in U.S suffer from peanut allergies, and the number is increasing. The reason for the high prevalence of this condition is not known. While in most children, the condition persists throughout life, in a few, it will subside and eventually disappears with growth and age. Unlike almonds, cashews and walnuts that grow on trees, peanuts ...

Subjective Data:

Patient’s demographic and social information Jnr. is a 10 year old African American Male patient brought into clinic by his mother who reports that Jnr. was recently discharged from hospital for acute asthma exacerbation. The boy presented with cough and difficulty in breathing combined with a running nose and elevated temperature which has now been resolved with over the counter Tylenol. The mother also says that her son has a history of multiple admissions to the hospital for acute asthma exacerbation. His mother reports child repeatedly loses inhalers. She also states that she does not check for inhaler ...

For my student practical skills development training, I had the opportunity to be placed as a trainee in the Immunology department of a Women’s and Children’s Hospital. It is naturally agreed that one acquires important practical skills and learns the ropes of one’s profession while on the practicum placement. A career in laboratory medicine requires a lot practical skills and one has to be conversant with many laboratory procedures involved. The Women’s and Children’s Hospital is one of its kind. It is a care facility that centers on family needs, and it is specifically dedicated to offering ...

- Non-specific immunity provides the first line of defense against infection. Non-specific immune responses are directed towards a wide range of pathogens, for example, the epithelium provides a physical barrier to the entry of pathogens in addition to producing other antimicrobial factors. Specific immunity takes some time to develop. It allows for a response directed towards a specific antigen. Innate immunity is nonspecific. It provides the first line of defense against infection. Its components include macrophages and neutrophils; barriers like skin, and antimicrobial substances synthesized by the body. Acquired immunity is highly specific. It involves antigen processing and presentation, which induces the production ...

{Author Name [first-name middle-name-initials last-name]} {Institution Affiliation [name of Author’s institute]}

Abstract

Asthma and allergic reactions result in inflamed and swollen lung airways. Asthma is of two types, atopic and non-atopic. The asthma symptoms include excessive production of mucus, coughing, tightness in chest, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. The triggers for atopic asthma are allergens and the hyper-responsiveness of IgE immunoglobulin. Genetic factors are involved in non-atopic asthma that relies on the propensity of developing asthma and hypersensitivity of airways. Epithelial cytokines, macrophage, eosinophils, and T cells collectively influence the fibroblast production resulting in muscle mutagenesis and bronchial ...

Darline Stvictor-Viau

Molloy College Abstract Lung cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States today. While smoking is a significant risk factor, there are other causes of the disease. Second-hand smoke, exposure to radon gas and asbestos, and possibly other environmental contaminants act in conjunction with gender and ethnicity to result in a diagnosis of lung cancer. Numbers indicate that more non-smokers are being diagnosed with lung cancer at this time than non-smokers due to development of the disease after cessation. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly extend the life of the lung cancer patient while studies continue seeking ...

Cortisol is a steroid hormone synthesized in adrenal glands with a myriad of functions mainly in the endocrine and immune systems, and produced during stress circumstances. Under normal conditions, stimuli such as a pathogen release immune proteins called interleukins, which further activate T-lymphocyte cells. T-cells multiply to amplify the immune response and ultimately attack the pathogen (Abbas, 2014). Other immune responses are simultaneously activated, e.g. the complement system. The complement system exerts its functions through three pathways: classical, alternative or lectin pathways. The main activators of the classical pathway are antigen-antibody complexes, which trigger a series of events mainly mediated by complement proteins ...

I am choosing to study for a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research because I have a passion for working in this field. My background makes me well suited to make progressive advances in the field. I was involved actively and directly in evaluating and managing ill children and I assumed the role of team leader. Additionally, I have interacted with different subspecialties and have collaborated with different institutions in the field. I have interacted with available experts in medical education, which has enriched my experience in the clinical research field. During this time, I formed an interest in clinical research ...

Asthma is a chronic airway disease that is difficult to manage because of numerous risk factors and complicated by poor self-management. This is a case study of acute severe asthma triggered by viral respiratory infection and exercise in an Aboriginal female with chronic asthma. The discussion will include the diagnostic tests, patient assessment, care and interventions, medications, and nursing care performed or should have been performed. The expected outcomes will also be described.

An arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis was performed showing respiratory acidosis and mild hypoxaemia. Above normal PaCO2 and below normal pH meant the lungs could not eliminate carbon ...

Specific Aims

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) encodes a DNA-editing deaminase, which is a group of the Cytidine Deaminase family (Bello). This protein is concerned in somatic gene conversion, hypermutation, and class-switch recombination of Ig (immunoglobulin genes). Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) has been expressed in B cells at germinal center and starts the events, which lead to class switch recombination of immunoglobulin genes and somatic hypermutation. Additionally to this primary responsibility in immune diversification, deviant targeting of Activation-induced cytidine deaminase activity leads to translocations and point mutations of oncogenes linked with B-cell lymphoma. Lately, AID has been related in active DNA demethylation (Sariah). ...

Introduction

Allergy is an immune system disorder. Allergy or allergic reaction is a hypersensitivity to otherwise innocuous substances present in the environment. The allergic reaction is usually a rapid response; however, the sensitivity to certain allergens can be acquired over a period. It was previously called the type one hypersensitivity. It is characterized by an over activation of leucocytes, called the mast cells and the basophils following activation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) (Frigas, Gleich 1986). This activation of the basophiles and mast cells triggers an inflammatory response.

Pathophysiology of the allergic response

The type 1 hypersensitivity reaction is initiated when an allergen is introduced to the atopic individual, ...

The Definition and Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma is a common medical condition which is chronic and involves the airway. It is a complex disease which is symptomatized by repeated instances of inflammation resulting in varying degrees of airflow blockage and a hyperactive bronchial response. The way the disease manifests clinically, the level of severity, and the treatment efficacy is determined by the interaction of these features. The symptoms of asthma are usually preceded by specific triggering events or stressors such as physical exertion, pollutants, or weather changes. Asthmatic episodes may also be seasonal, especially for children who have seasonal allergies (Ege, Mayer, Normand, Genuneit, Cookson, Braun-Fahrländer, & ...

Meadowbank TAFE

HLTAP501A/B/C Analyze Health Information HLTCOM510B Provide Services to Clients with Chronic Disease or Conditions PATHOLOGY ASSIGNMENT –ASTHMA– Abstract Asthma is a chronic problem that influences lung function. Clinically asthma is identified by the variation in expiratory airflow and abnormal respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, chest congestion, cough, and shortness of breath. The aetiology of asthma is linked to a mixture of genetic and environmental factors, though; heredity or atopy also plays a role in asthma. Asthma is categorized into two types: extrinsic (allergic) and intrinsic (nonallergic). Allergic asthma is an outcome of the reaction of an antibody ...

Yellow fever is a classic viral hemorrhagic fever and is an example of diseases of antiquity. It was first described in 1667 in Barbados. The name of the disease is derived from the appearance of those infected (usually a yellow tinted skin). It was earlier called as Yellow Jack because jaundice is a prominent sign in severe cases. Devastating epidemics of yellow fever were prevalent in the Americas, Europe and Africa from the seventeenth to the twentieth century. The mortality rate for yellow fever is about 20% (Narins 2003).

Cause

Yellow fever virus belongs to the genus Flavivirus (Family: Flaviviridae) and is the ...

Introduction

Genes are the smallest functional units present in the human body, which controls the development and formation of the organism. These genes are present on the chromosomes as pair and are expressed when the body needs a certain protein or compound. However, at times, one or both the genes may be faulty due to mutations. This impaired gene causes the formation of a Genetic disorder. These genetic diseases were studied with the tools of biotechnology and thus developed the Gene Therapy technique (Sheridan 121). Gene therapy is a tool that uses biotechnological techniques to prevent diseases caused by defective genes. It ...

Abstract

The use of influenza vaccine has both advantages and disadvantages. Its low efficacy rate has resulted to several questions being raised on whether it is necessary to have the vaccine. This paper aims to discuss whether it is beneficial to obtain influenza vaccine in terms of its safety and effectiveness. The topic will also go beyond science by focusing on the cost effectiveness of the influenza vaccine. The study was done by looking for other peer-reviewed sources and doing an assessment of the information presented. The studies have shown several benefits of using influenza vaccine such as efficacy, safety ...

Introduction

Antigen Presentation Antigen presentation plays a pivotal role in the immune system through which pathogenic antigens are processed and coupled along with major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and presented to T cells for their effector response. Macrophages, B cells and dendritic cells are the primary antigen presenting cells (APC’s). Intracellular antigens generated by viruses, or some cytoplasmic bacterial antigens are digested by the host cells and coupled with MHC Class I by Transporter associated with antigen Processing complex (TAP), which transports them to the cell surface and presents to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (Germain, R 1994). These cells elicit a ...

Introduction

The fight or flight response is one of the body’s autonomic defense mechanisms. This innate defense mechanism gets triggered whenever a person encounters a harmful entity or event, or basically anything that one may perceive as a threat to his survival. In such cases, the body’s hyper-arousal state which is characterized by dramatic changes not just in one but across all organ systems. The fight or flight response actually started as a simple theory by Dr. Walter Cannon. Dr. Cannon explained that any animal is subject to a reaction called fight or flight response which is characterized by a general and fast-acting discharge ...

Conclusion

Looking into various sources, both primary and secondary, revealed information that led to the formation of the research hypothesis: it is possible to mitigate incidences of diabetes among the black communities, especially if the factors increasing the chances of diabetes are handled effectively. From the findings, it was clear that diabetes was closely connected with the SEP of both men and women above the age of fifty years. However, it was established that in the case of women, the relationship between SEP and diabetes could be traced back to their childhood days. On the contrary, the connection between SEP ...

My admiration and inspiration for choosing immunology resulted from a book by Lauren M. Sompayrac on how the immune system works. I was fascinated with the basic mechanism for the human immune system and its ability to produce antibodies that fight toxins as well as reduce allergy cases. Intellectual curiosity regarding immunology deepened when completing my graduation project “Computers, Keyboard and Mice Contamination at ICU,” that resulted in a significant policy change at several healthcare institutions in my country. The project’s strong results eventually led to our paper being published in the Journal of Critical Care (October 2011, Volume 26, Issue ...

Immunology

In biomedical science, immunology the study of the response or reaction of any organism to antigenic challenge(s) and the organism’s ability to recognize what is self and what is foreign. It fundamentally covers all the defense mechanisms of an organism, comprising chemical, biological and physical characteristics that aid the organism to fight predisposition to foreign material, organisms, etc. The most common immunology test is the allergy test for individuals who are suspected to be allergic or have allergic reactions to certain elements. The Blood tests for allergen specific IgE (RAST) is mostly used. The blood tests ...

- Introduction Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are disease associated with obstruction and chronic inflammation of the airway (respiratory tract). Though the two conditions are separate and different, they are so similar to the extent that misdiagnosis of either condition is highly likely. Some scholars have called for a re-evaluation of the two disorders in terms of their symptomatic differences, their coexistence and their overlap. Gibson and Simpson (2009) extensively studied the overlapping diagnosis of COPD and asthma and introduced the concept of the overlap syndrome. The major difference between the two conditions has to do with ...

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary disorder that is characterized by an inflammation and hyper-responsiveness of the airways and causes several symptoms, including coughing, shortage of breath, tightness in the chest area, and wheezing. Although asthma is generally diagnosed early in life, all age groups can suffer from asthma and be at risk for acute asthma exacerbation. Asthma is a serious issue because acute exacerbations can lead to high morbidity and mortality rates. In 2009, more than 3,000 people died because of asthma (American Lung Association, 2012). Only 37 asthma-related deaths per year occur in children, but the risk for ...

Immunotherapy of Malignant Melanoma Using Dendritic Cells Vaccines

Abstract 5 research papers on dendritic cell (DC) vaccines for malignant melanoma (MM) were studied. Study designs, patient-specific vaccine preparation, pulsing of DCs and survival rates from different types of DC vaccines were analyzed. Patients with stages III and IV MM were included for trials in all the researches. DCs were pulsed with TRIMEL, tumor lysate, melanoma associated antigens: gp100, MART-1 and tyrosinase. Delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) was studied to determine effect of the antigen. A positive reaction was considered to be appearance of eythema at the injection site. Pulsed DCs were selected by cloning and selection. ELISPOT ...

1.0The clinic allergist details are as follows: 1.0.1 Name: Dr. Sai Karlapudi of Alaska Allergy Center. He is practitioner in Asthma, Immunology and Allergy for both adults and children. The doctor is Board certified 1.0.2 Details of the Doctor: She is certified under the American Board of Medical practitioners. She has been in the field for about 20 years serving Alaska Community Service Centre. 1.0.3 Educational Background: The doctor has a Degree in Medical from New South Wales medical college in Australia (1983).She finished her residency in Pediatrics Victoria Hospital in Melbourne in 1988.Her subspecialty in ...

Introduction

Immunotherapy is a process through which diseases related to or rather affecting the immune system are treated by simply ensuring the capabilities of the immune system are improved.

Such is possible through various ways but the most common method of enhancing the immune system and ensuring its effective is through vaccination. This can also be made possible by eliminating or alternatively controlling some immune responses as evident when dealing with allergy issues. According to Edwin Smith Papyrus, treatment of most complex diseases was effected through surgery as it was considered the most effective method of treatment. This was mostly as ...

Epitopes constitute parts of antigens which bind themselves specifically on lymphocytes and receptors. As a result, they induce either antibody or cell mediated immunity. Basically, there are continuous and discontinuous epitopes (Yang & Yu, 2009, p. 77). The later are characterized by linear peptide fragments, usually of 19-12 mers. Usually, these are recognized by the distinctive T cells after they have been processed and presented on to MHC molecules. The later on the other hand comprise of 15-22 structurally complicated mers. They are characterized by a distinctive folding protein. This can be recognized by both the T and b helper cells while ...

With more than 25 percent of the world’s population reportedly suffering from allergic-reaction related conditions, allergy is increasingly becoming one of the world’s widespread conditions. Oft marked with a characteristic features such as itching, sneezing and vasodilatation, an allergy, according to Ahmed (2011), is an overreaction of an individual’s immune system to a substance (allergen) which does not usually cause any reaction to other people. Such an overreaction occurs when the body recognizes a substance as foreign thereby inducing an immune response marked with the production of antibodies.

Mechanism of an Allergic Reaction

An allergic response, as affirmed by Ahmed (2011), can conveniently be ...

1.0 Background of Immune Tolerance

The immune system is the natural defense that combats disease causing agents in the body[ CITATION Gre02 \l 1033 ] through an intricate and coordinated interactions of many classes of proteins and cells[ CITATION Len00 \l 1033 ].The immune system has a potential to destroy the body cells but in all vertebrates the system is capable of distinguishing “self” from “non-self” molecules. That way the immune system eliminates pathogens and molecules that are a threat to the integrity of the organism without “self-destructing”[ CITATION Len00 \l 1033 ]. The human body has several mechanisms of either suppressing or eliminating autoreactive immune cells. Some ...