Gene expression of bacterial collagenolytic proteases in root caries

Objective: It is unknown whether bacteria play a role in the collagen matrix degradation that occurs during caries progression. Our aim was to characterize the expression level of genes involved in bacterial collagenolytic proteases in root biofilms with and without caries. Method: we collected samples from active cavitated root caries lesions (RC, n = 30) and from sound root surfaces (SRS, n = 10). Total microbial RNA was isolated and cDNA sequenced on the Illumina Hi-Seq2500. Reads were mapped to 162 oral bacterial reference genomes. Genes encoding putative bacterial collagenolytic proteases were identified. Normalization and differential expression analysis was performed on all metatranscriptomes (FDR8) but none in SRS were Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus [HMPREF0721_RS02020; HMPREF0721_RS04640], Scardovia inopinata [SCIP_RS02440] and Olsenella uli DSM7084 [OLSU_RS02990]. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the U32 proteases may be related to carious dentine. The contribution of a small number of species to dentine degradation should be further investigated. These proteases may have potential in future biotechnological and medical applications, serving as targets for the development of therapeutic agents

Evaluation of Shoulder Microcirculation Abnormality Using Laser Doppler Flowmetry

Severe neck-shoulder pain induces functional limitations in both life and work. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of shoulder microcirculation abnormality in workers. This study recruited 32 workers and patients, both n = 16. Questionnaires were administered, and Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) was used to measure microcirculatory blood flow (MBF) at the myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) on the shoulders. The absolute-deviationMMBF represented the mean MBF (MMBF) variability among subjects. The differences in the life characteristics, shoulder pain level, and microcirculatory characteristics at MTrPs between the two groups were compared. It was found that shoulder pain level was significantly higher in the patient than in the control group (p < 0.001). Deviation of the MMBF value beyond the postulated “normal range” of 60–80 was significantly higher in the patient than in the control group (p < 0.001). The MMBF deviation was significantly correlated with shoulder pain level, pain duration, and the symptom effect (p < 0.01, n = 32). A normal range for the MMBF of 60–80 on the shoulder near MTrPs is hypothesized for the first time based on this study. Noninvasive LDF can be used to assess abnormality in the MBF on shoulder MTrPs at an early stage

Investigation of tropane alkaloids in genetically transformed Atropa belladonna L. cultures

The purpose of the present study was to determine the tropane alkaloid content of genetically transformed hairy root cultures of Atropa belladonna L. Determination of alkaloids was performed by HPLC method. Samples were extracted with chloroform - methanol - cc. ammonia 15:5:1 (v/v/v). Crude extracts were purified on Extrelut columns. HPLC separation was performed on Luna C8 reversed phase column. An isocratic mixture of acetonitrile - 30 mM phosphate buffer - methanol 12.2:79.7:8.1 (v/v/v) was used as eluent. Peaks were identified by addition of standards and diode-array detection. Hyoscyamine, scopolamine and apoatropine were determined by external standard method at 210 nm. We measured the alkaloid content of genetically transformed in vitro cultures (hairy roots and reorganised plants) cultivated on Gamborg B5 basic media. The highest hyoscyamine and scopolamine content was found in hairy root clone #K-5 (0,223 m/m%) and in hairy root clone #K-4 (0,018 m/m%) respectively. Alkaloid contents were higher in the hairy roots than in the reorganised plants

Management of HIV-associated tuberculosis in resource-limited settings: a state-of-the-art review.

The HIV-associated tuberculosis (TB) epidemic remains a huge challenge to public health in resource-limited settings. Reducing the nearly 0.5 million deaths that result each year has been identified as a key priority. Major progress has been made over the past 10 years in defining appropriate strategies and policy guidelines for early diagnosis and effective case management. Ascertainment of cases has been improved through a twofold strategy of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling in TB patients and intensified TB case finding among those living with HIV. Outcomes of rifampicin-based TB treatment are greatly enhanced by concurrent co-trimoxazole prophylaxis and antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART reduces mortality across a spectrum of CD4 counts and randomized controlled trials have defined the optimum time to start ART. Good outcomes can be achieved when combining TB treatment with first-line ART, but use with second-line ART remains challenging due to pharmacokinetic drug interactions and cotoxicity. We review the frequency and spectrum of adverse drug reactions and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) resulting from combined treatment, and highlight the challenges of managing HIV-associated drug-resistant TB