Treatment of denture-related stomatitis improves endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated vascular dilation

Introduction: The presence of oral inflammation has recently been linked with the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. While numerous studies have described links between periodontitis and endothelial dysfunction, little is known about the influence of denture-related stomatitis (DRS) on cardiovascular risk. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the treatment of DRS can lead to improvement of the clinical measures of vascular dysfunction. Material and methods: The DRS patients were treated with a local oral antifungal agent for 3 weeks. Blood pressure, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-mediated vascular dilatation (NMD) were measured during three study visits: before treatment, one day and two months after conclusion of antifungal therapy. Results: Flow-mediated dilatation measurements showed significant improvement of endothelial function 2 months after treatment (FMD median 5%, 95 CI: 3–8.3 vs. 11%, 95% CI: 8.8–14.4; p < 0.01), while there was no difference in control, endothelium-independent vasorelaxations (NMD; median = 15.3%, 95% CI: 10.8–19.3 vs. 12.7%, 95% CI: 10.6–15; p = 0.3). Other cardiovascular parameters such as systolic (median = 125 mm Hg; 95% CI: 116–129 vs. 120 mm Hg, 95% CI: 116–126; p = 0.1) as well as diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (median = 65.5 bpm, 95% CI: 56.7–77.7 vs. 71 bpm, 95% CI: 66.7–75; p = 0.5) did not change during or after the treatment. Conclusions: Treatment of DRS is associated with improvement of endothelial function. Since endothelial dysfunction is known to precede the development of severe cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, patients should be more carefully screened for DRS in general dental practice, and immediate DRS treatment should be advised

Transcriptional analysis of ESAT-6 cluster 3 in Mycobacterium smegmatis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The ESAT-6 (early secreted antigenic target, 6 kDa) family collects small mycobacterial proteins secreted by <it>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</it>, particularly in the early phase of growth. There are 23 ESAT-6 family members in <it>M. tuberculosis </it>H37Rv. In a previous work, we identified the Zur- dependent regulation of five proteins of the ESAT-6/CFP-10 family (<it>esxG</it>, <it>esxH</it>, <it>esxQ</it>, <it>esxR</it>, and <it>esxS</it>). <it>esxG </it>and <it>esxH </it>are part of ESAT-6 cluster 3, whose expression was already known to be induced by iron starvation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this research, we performed EMSA experiments and transcriptional analysis of ESAT-6 cluster 3 in <it>Mycobacterium smegmatis </it>(<it>msmeg0615</it>-<it>msmeg0625</it>) and <it>M. tuberculosis</it>. In contrast to what we had observed in <it>M. tuberculosis</it>, we found that in <it>M. smegmatis </it>ESAT-6 cluster 3 responds only to iron and not to zinc. In both organisms we identified an internal promoter, a finding which suggests the presence of two transcriptional units and, by consequence, a differential expression of cluster 3 genes. We compared the expression of <it>msmeg0615 </it>and <it>msmeg0620 </it>in different growth and stress conditions by means of relative quantitative PCR. The expression of <it>msmeg0615 </it>and <it>msmeg0620 </it>genes was essentially similar; they appeared to be repressed in most of the tested conditions, with the exception of acid stress (pH 4.2) where <it>msmeg0615 </it>was about 4-fold induced, while <it>msmeg0620 </it>was repressed. Analysis revealed that in acid stress conditions <it>M. tuberculosis rv0282 </it>gene was 3-fold induced too, while <it>rv0287 </it>induction was almost insignificant.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In contrast with what has been reported for <it>M. tuberculosis</it>, our results suggest that in <it>M. smegmatis </it>only IdeR-dependent regulation is retained, while zinc has no effect on gene expression. The role of cluster 3 in <it>M. tuberculosis </it>virulence is still to be defined; however, iron- and zinc-dependent expression strongly suggests that cluster 3 is highly expressed in the infective process, and that the cluster contributes to the antigenic profile during the course of infection. Moreover, cluster 3 induction in acid stress conditions strengthens the hypothesis that cluster 3 is expressed in the course of infection.</p> <p>In <it>M. smegmatis</it>, the expression of <it>msmeg0615 </it>and <it>msmeg0620 </it>genes is broadly similar in differing growth phases and in stress conditions, with the exception of acid stress (pH 4.2). Differences in expression between cluster 3 genes can be explained by the presence of internal promoters, both in <it>M. smegmatis </it>and <it>M. tuberculosis</it>.</p

Denture-related stomatitis is associated with endothelial dysfunction

Oral inflammation, such as periodontitis, can lead to endothelial dysfunction, accelerated atherosclerosis, and vascular dysfunction. The relationship between vascular dysfunction and other common forms of oral infections such as denture-related stomatitis (DRS) is unknown. Similar risk factors predispose to both conditions including smoking, diabetes, age, and obesity. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate endothelial function and major vascular disease risk factors in 44 consecutive patients with dentures with clinical and microbiological features of DRS (n = 20) and without DRS (n = 24). While there was a tendency for higher occurrence of diabetes and smoking, groups did not differ significantly in respect to major vascular disease risk factors. Groups did not differ in main ambulatory blood pressure, total cholesterol, or even CRP. Importantly, flow mediated dilatation (FMD) was significantly lower in DRS than in non-DRS subjects, while nitroglycerin induced vasorelaxation (NMD) or intima-media thickness (IMT) was similar. Interestingly, while triglyceride levels were normal in both groups, they were higher in DRS subjects, although they did not correlate with either FMD or NMD. Conclusions. Denture related stomatitis is associated with endothelial dysfunction in elderly patients with dentures. This is in part related to the fact that diabetes and smoking increase risk of both DRS and cardiovascular disease

In vitro transcription profiling of the σS subunit of bacterial RNA polymerase: re-definition of the σS regulon and identification of σS-specific promoter sequence elements

Specific promoter recognition by bacterial RNA polymerase is mediated by σ subunits, which assemble with RNA polymerase core enzyme (E) during transcription initiation. However, σ70 (the housekeeping σ subunit) and σS (an alternative σ subunit mostly active during slow growth) recognize almost identical promoter sequences, thus raising the question of how promoter selectivity is achieved in the bacterial cell. To identify novel sequence determinants for selective promoter recognition, we performed run-off/microarray (ROMA) experiments with RNA polymerase saturated either with σ70 (Eσ70) or with σS (EσS) using the whole Escherichia coli genome as DNA template. We found that Eσ70, in the absence of any additional transcription factor, preferentially transcribes genes associated with fast growth (e.g. ribosomal operons). In contrast, EσS efficiently transcribes genes involved in stress responses, secondary metabolism as well as RNAs from intergenic regions with yet-unknown function. Promoter sequence comparison suggests that, in addition to different conservation of the −35 sequence and of the UP element, selective promoter recognition by either form of RNA polymerase can be affected by the A/T content in the −10/+1 region. Indeed, site-directed mutagenesis experiments confirmed that an A/T bias in the −10/+1 region could improve promoter recognition by Eσ

Is immunosuppressive therapy an effective treatment for COVID-19? – literature review

Introduction: The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a dysregulated immune response and a generalized inflammatory response. Therefore, during the search for effective therapy, attention was paid to drugs affecting and stabilizing such a response - tocilizumab, sarilumab, siltuximab, anakinra, baricitinib.Purpose of the work: Evaluation of the impact of immunosuppressant therapy on the course of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.Material and methods: The work was based on a review of available medical publications about immunosuppressive therapy for COVID-19 treatment. The literature in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was searched based on the following keywords: tocilizumab, sarilumab, siltuximab, baricitinib, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, immunosuppressive therapy.Conclusion: Based on the analysis of the literature, the most effective therapeutic option seems to be tocilizumab. Promising alternatives may be sarilumab and siltuximab as they have the same target point of action. However, it is necessary to conduct further tests on their operation. The use of baricitinib may be useful, but probably only in certain circumstances. Anakinra proved to be much less effective. It should therefore be used with great caution

Skin aging from the medical point of view, literature review in the aspect of tissue stimulants

Introduction and purpose of the work.  Aesthetic medicine currently has many methods to keep our skin in the best possible condition, and one of these methods is the use of tissue stimulators. The purpose of the following paper is to analyze, present and apply tissue stimulators in anti-aging prevention. Review methods. The paper is based on a review of literature about tissue stimulators, aesthetic medicine and anti-aging therapy. Most of the publications used were from Pubmed and Google Scholar electronic databases. State of the art description. Aesthetic medicine is a department that over the past few years has been closely associated with the slowing down of skin aging processes. In humans, over the years, proliferative processes slow down, the rate of collagen and elastin degradation increases, and the intercellular matrix is reduced. Substances known as tissue stimulators used in anti-aging therapies mean that the above processes can be delayed. Conclusion. The expectations of patients visiting aesthetic medicine clinics regarding activities that improve their appearance are increasing. They are unable to accept their own aesthetic defects, which is why they often strive for unnatural effects. Tissue simulator treatments can be a valuable way for patients to maintain healthy and rejuvenated skin

Acute appendicitis - One of the causes of peritonitis in newborn - A case report with literature review

INTRODUCTION. Acute appendicitis is the most common reason for abdominal surgery in children however in newborn and infants it’s casuistics. It is also the most common surgical emergency in pregnancy. Right lower abdominal pain, abdominal stiffness, and periabdominal pain radiating to the right lower abdomen are the best signs to diagnose acute appendicitis in adults. Absence Or attenuation of intestinal murmurs, positive sternal muscle signs, positive blunt signs, and positive Rovsing's Sign are the most reliable signs for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children. PURPOSE. The aim of the study is to show diagnostic difficulties of acute appendicitis in newborns and infants. It is one of the main differential diagnoses of unclear abdominal conditions. The smaller the child, the less characteristic the symptoms. A CASE REPORT. The study analyzes a male newborn born in the 37th week of pregnancy by caesarean section. Prenatal and family history of siblings' illnesses. In whom, on the 11th day of life, symptoms of food intolerance were found, green deposits were noticed in the stomach probe, and the presence of blood in the stool. Intraoperatively, gangrenous perforated appendix with diffuse peritonitis was found.Acute appendicitis is rarely considered in newborns and infants as the etiological factor of acute peritonitis. However, the presented patient with a genetic defect.CONCLUSION. Acute appendicitis is a common phenomenon in childhood, but this diagnosis is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in the neonatal period, is more common in premature babies. The clinical picture of neonatal acute appendicitis is unspecific and may lead to delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis, which is a much more common condition in the neonatal period. We would like to present the diagnostic difficulties, course of treatment, and complications associated with neonatal appendicitis

Is it possible to change the human voice? - analysis of the medical review on the example of people facing gender dysphoria

Introduction The term gender dysphoria has been known to humanity for a long time. Transsexuality has many definitions, but each of them leads to the same conclusions. It is a lack of acceptance of one's own biological sex, the one indicated by the anatomy and sex given to a newborn human. For these people, it is important that their appearance and tone of voice allow them to be recognized according to the gender they want to represent. This topic requires a multidisciplinary approach of specialists from various fields of medicine, such as: phoniatrics, otolaryngology, endocrinology, surgery and psychiatry. Purpose The aim of study is to review data on voice modification in both transgender men and transgender women. The possibilities that medicine offers to people who want to change the tone, quality and pitch of their voice will be emphasized. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was performed using the PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, and Science Direct databases. ResultsChanging the voice of transgender people is essential for self-acceptance and improves the quality of life of such people. Mental health problems such as depression and anxiety have been found to be significantly less after treatment has been implemented in these people's lives. ConclusionsMedicine offers many solutions, from conservative to invasive. Over the years, therapies have been developed that combine many medical fields, and these often bring the expected results. People who decide to undergo surgery must be aware that the results may not always be as expected or that complications may occur

CO2 ablative fractional laser - mechanism of action and assessment of safety, effectiveness in the treatment and possible side effects based on a review of scientific literature

Introduction: Laser therapy has been used in medicine for many years. One of the most willingly used is the fractional ablative CO2 laser. As a result of its use, the improvement of pigmentation, skin texture and signs of aging are achieved. Laser therapy owes its popularity to its low invasiveness and good, long-lasting effects of the procedure. Despite its important role in aesthetic medicine, we should not forget about its participation in the treatment of scars, often extensive, causing troublesome symptoms to patients, the source of which is not only a defect of a cosmetic nature. Purpose of the work: The purpose of the study is to present mechanism of action, assessment of safety,  effectiveness in the treatment and possible side effects based on a review of scientific literature. Material and methods: The work was based on a review of available medical publications on the use of the fractional ablative CO2 laser. The literature in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was searched based on the following keywords: fractional ablative CO2 laser, mechanism of action, safety of use, side effects. Conclusion: The use of a fractional ablative CO2 laser causes the increased collagen production in the dermis. This effect contributes to the elevation of the quantity and level of collagen arrangement, and also to the reduction of the visibility of the effects of photoaging. As a result, the skin in the treated area becomes thicker, and thus firmer. The pigmentation and texture are also being improved. The procedure is relatively slightly invasive, and the side effects are self-limiting in the most cases

Multidirectional pharmacological effects of saponins in light of clinical trials: a systematic review of literature

Introduction: Saponins are secondary metabolites widely distributed in higher plants with multidirectional pharmacological effects. We distinguish between steroidal and triterpenoidal saponins, which are composed of glycone and aglycone. The varied medicinal properties of saponins are influenced by the presence of different substituents in the polycyclic aglycone, e.g. hydroxyls, hydroxymethyls, carboxyls and acyl groups, as well as the difference in bonding, composition and number of sugar chains. It is noteworthy that foods rich in these compounds can reduce the risk of developing various diseases, and the isolation of these compounds from the plant matrix provides new opportunities to create potential and effective drugs. Purpose of the work: Conduct a literature review on the basis of available clinical studies on the pharmacological effects of saponins extracted from medicinal plants and their potential application in medicine. Materials and methods: The work was based on a literature review of available medical publications from clinical trials conducted for the multidirectional therapeutic effects of saponins. Reports available in publications and scientific studies posted in medical information databases such as Pubmed and Google Scholar were summarised. Results: Clinical studies confirm the pharmacological effect of saponins in the treatment of sports injuries and trauma, type II diabetes, abnormal glycemic state &nbsp;fasting glucose, ischemic heart disease, pancytopenia and aplastic anemia. Conclusions: With the advancement of scientific research on saponins, it is possible to use them to produce potential drugs and dietary supplements with pharmacological effects. However, before saponins can be used for medical treatment, further research on their efficacy and safety is needed. &nbsp