Expression of thymidylate synthase in human cells is an early G1 event regulated by CDK4 and p16INK4A but not E2F

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is the enzyme that catalyses the last step in de novo thymidylate synthesis. It is of interest clinically because it is an effective target for drugs such as 5-fluorouracil, often used in combination therapy. Despite a number of earlier reports indicating that TS is a cell cycle-dependent enzyme, this remains equivocal. Here, we show that in HCT116 cells synchronised by serum starvation, there is a clear dissociation between the expression of cyclin E (a well-characterised cell-cycle protein) and TS. Although both cyclin E and TS mRNA and protein increased during G1, TS upregulation was delayed. Moreover, TS levels did not decrease following S-phase completion while cyclin E decreased sharply. Similarly, clear differences were seen between cyclin E and TS as asynchronously growing HCT116 cells were growth-inhibited by low-serum treatment. In contrast to previous reports using rodent cells, adenovirus-mediated over-expression of E2F1 and cyclin E in three human cell lines had no effect on TS. Cell-cycle progression was blocked by treatment of cells with pharmacological inhibitors of CDK2 and CDK4 and by ectopic expression of p16INK4A. Whereas CDK2 inhibition had no effect on TS levels, inhibition of CDK4 was associated with decreased TS protein levels. These results provide the first evidence that drugs targeting CDK4 may be useful with anti-TS drugs as combination therapy for cancer

Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap Based on Arterial Branch to Serratus Anterior as Salvage of a Failed Bipedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap: A Case Report

We present a case of a failed bipedicled (unilateral rectus flap with superior epigastric pedicle preserved and inferior epigastric vessels anastomosed to the thoracodorsal trunk as the second pedicle) transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap that had compromised the dominant pedicle of the latissimus dorsi muscle. A salvage procedure was possible using this muscle as a pedicle flap based on the back-flow from the serratus anterior arterial branch with success. The use of the reconstructive ladder is highlighted

Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap Based on Arterial Branch to Serratus Anterior as Salvage of a Failed Bipedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap: A Case Report

We present a case of a failed bipedicled (unilateral rectus flap with superior epigastric pedicle preserved and inferior epigastric vessels anastomosed to the thoracodorsal trunk as the second pedicle) transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap that had compromised the dominant pedicle of the latissimus dorsi muscle. A salvage procedure was possible using this muscle as a pedicle flap based on the back-flow from the serratus anterior arterial branch with success. The use of the reconstructive ladder is highlighted

A Preliminary Investigation of Periodontal Disease and Diabetes in Trinidad

Objectives: To describe periodontal disease status in diabetic patients in Trinidad. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients attending a tertiary referral centre for diabetes at an out-patient clinic were invited to undergo oral examinations. The basic periodontal examination (BPE) was used to assess periodontal disease status. Results: Seventy-two patients participated in the study. Mean age was 55.7 years, 54.2% were female, with 66.7% and 22.2% being of Indo-Trinidadian and Afro-Trinidadian ethnicity respectively. There were 61.1% who had not attended for dental treatment within the last year and 56.9% only attended when in pain; 15.3% had a history of cigarette smoking and 31.9% currently wore a denture. Plaque was detectable with the use of a probe in 40.3% of the 67% that underwent a BPE assessment; 38.8% were found to have advanced periodontal disease. Conclusion: The prevalence of periodontal disease in this sample of diabetic patients suggests that regular dental examinations, oral health education, and collaborative patient care between medical and dental practitioners should form part of the routine management of diabetic patients in Trinidad. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, oral health, periodontal disease, West Indies "Una Investigación de la Enfermedad Periodontal y la Diabetes en Trinidad" RESUMEN Objetivos: Describir el estado de la enfermedad periodontal en los pacientes diabéticos en Trinidad. Método: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal. Un número de pacientes que asistían a un centro terciario de remisión terciario para la diabetes en una clínica ambulatoria, fue invitado a recibir exámenes orales. Se usó el examen periodontal básico (EPB) para evaluar el estado de la enfermedad periodontal. Resultados: Setenta y dos pacientes participaron en el estudio. La edad promedio fue 55.7 años, 54.2% fueron hembras; 66.7% y 22.2% fueron de etnicidad indotrinitense y afrotrinitense respectivamente. Hubo un 61.1% que no habían asistido para recibir tratamiento dental en el último año, y 56.9% que sólo asistieron cuando tuvieron dolor; el 15.3% tenía una historia de hábito de fumar cigarrillos, y el 31.9% usaba una prótesis dental. La placa era detectable usando una sonda dental en el 40.3% del 67% que recibió la evaluación del EPB, en tanto que se halló que el 38.8% tenía la enfermedad periodontal en estado avanzado. Conclusión: La prevalencia de la enfermedad periodontal en esta muestra de pacientes diabéticos indica que los exámenes dentales regulares, la educación para la salud oral, y el cuidado colaborativo entre pacientes y trabajadores de la salud dental, deben formar parte del manejo de los pacientes diabéticos en Trinidad. Palabras claves: Diabetes mellitus, salud oral, enfermedad periodontal, West Indie

Cloning, characterization and paper pulp applications of a newly isolated DyP type peroxidase from Rhodococcus sp. T1

WOS: 000462022300057PubMed: 30474775A newly identified ligninolytic Rhodococcus strain (Rhodococcus sp. T1) was isolated from forestry wastes (Trabzon/Turkey). The DyP type peroxidase of Rhodococcus sp. T1 (DyPT1) was cloned, characterized and paper treated for industrial applications. Molecular weight of the protein was about 38kDa. The kinetic parameters were 0.94mM and 1417.53 mu mol/min/mg for Km and Vmax, respectively. The enzyme was active at the temperature range of 25-65 degrees C and optimum temperature was 35 degrees C, enzyme was stable up to 6 days at room temperature. Optimum pH of the DyPT1 was 4.0 and it was stable between pH 4.0-6.0 up to 8 days at room temperature. Effects of some metal ions, Hemin, and some chemical agents on DyPT1 were determined. Hemin has implemented protective effects on the stability and the activity of the enzyme in long time periods when added into growing medium. DyPT1 was applied to eucalyptus kraft pulp for analyzing the bleaching efficiency, physical and optical tests of the manufuctared paper were carried out. Application of lignin peroxidase to kraft pulp caused a decrease of 5.2 units for kappa number and an increase from 52.05 to 64.18% in the delignification rate.Karadeniz Technical University Research Foundation [FBA-2015-5182]This study was financially supported by Karadeniz Technical University Research Foundation (Project No: FBA-2015-5182)