Molecular Mechanisms of DNA Replication Initiation in HPVs with Genetic Variations Leading to Cellular Carcinogenesis

Human papillomaviruses are a vast family of double-stranded DNA viruses containing non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic types, whose crucial differences remain unknown, except for the difference in the frequency of DNA replication. The human papillomavirus (HPV) E2 protein regulates the initiation of viral DNA replication and transcription. Its recognition and binding to four 12 bp palindromic sequences in the viral origin is essential for its function. Little is known about the DNA binding mechanism of the E2 protein found in HPV types that have low risk for oncogenicity (low-risk) as well as the roles of various elements of the individual binding sites. The binding sites in the origin of all HPVs are separated by variable spacer and flanking regions; however, their importance in E2-DNA recognition and regulation remains unclear. Analysis of low-risk E2 DNA binding affinity unraveled multiple sequence elements that appeared to influence target discrimination including the sequence of spacer region, flanking sequences, and proximity of E2 binding sites. The results for the low-risk E2 were compared to those of the E2 encoded by HPVs that have high risk for oncogenicity (high-risk). Single nucleotide variations in the high-risk E2 binding sites were identified by sequence analysis of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic HPVs. Sequence variations in binding sites of carcinogenic HPVs were correlated to attenuated formation of the E2-DNA complex. Differences in E2 binding in the origin of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic HPVs were observed. Further analysis of viral replication initiation included the assessment of E2 in the presence of the HPV E1 helicase, also required in this process. The fundamental biochemical properties of the E1-E2-DNA complex formation were evaluated. E1 was localized to the DNA by E2 bound to the DNA, through E1-E2 protein interactions. The data presented here suggests the mechanism of E1-E2 interaction at the origin in HPV DNA replication initiation. E2 binding to the origin is tightly linked to the activation of the DNA replication origin as well as initiation of DNA replication. Together, these results allow us to elucidate a model for replication initiation in carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic HPVs and propose a correlation to HPV-mediated cellular carcinogenesis

A Case of Brucellosis Presenting with Multiple Hypodense Splenic Lesions and Bilateral Pleural Effusions

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease, which mainly present with lymphoreticular system invovement. However any organ system can be attacked by the microorganism. In this paper we present a 52-year-old female patient who was admitted to the Infectious Diseases Department with complaints of fatigue, arthralgias, fever, and weight loss. In the medical examination and radiological analysis bilateral pleural effusions and hepatosplenomegaly were detected. Serum transaminase levels were two times higher than the upper limits of normal. Abdominal ultrasound revealed sludge in the gallbladder and multiple hypodense splenic lesions (the largest was 1 cm in diameter). Brucella melitensis was isolated from the blood culture of the patient. Rifampicin (600 mg/day) and doxycycline (200 mg/day) therapy was started. Follow-up chest radiography and ultrasonography revealed the absence of pleural effusion. Splenic lesions and hepatosplenomegaly were totally regressed. The patient has been followed for 3 months after 6 week antibiotic regimen without recurrence. Brucellosis was expected to be the cause of all pathological signs

Assessment of the Diagnostic Skills of General Dentists in Different Types of Orthodontic Malocclusions

Objective: One of the biggest problems in publicly funded dental clinics is the patient waiting list. The appropriate referral plays a key role in avoiding an increase in the number of patients on this waiting list. This study aimed to assess general dentists’ diagnostic skills and approaches for different malocclusions.Methods: A questionnaire was prepared using photos of 8 patients previously treated for different malocclusions. One hundred twenty general dentists (83 female, mean age: 24 ± 1.18 years; 37 male, mean age: 24 ± 1.95 years) participated in the survey and were asked to decide whether the patient needed orthodontic treatment or orthognathic surgery, and to provide the reason for surgery (irregular teeth, or both unesthetic profile and irregular teeth), and the cause of the unesthetic profile (mandibular protrusion, mandibular retrusion, maxillary protrusion, maxillary retrusion).Results: The answers suggesting the need for orthodontic treatment were significantly higher for all malocclusions except for the Class II camouflage case. Of the Class III cases, the general dentists chose orthognathic surgery for both surgery and facemask cases (93.1%, 66.4% respectively). For the severe open bite case, orthognathic surgery was chosen with a ratio of 81.2%, and orthognathic surgery was decided as not necessary for the mild open bite case (74.8%). Among the surgery cases, mandibular retrusion for the Class II case (94.6%), mandibular protrusion for Class III case (95.4%), and maxillary retrusion for the severe open bite case (44.6%) were the maximum reported reasons.Conclusion: The distinction between camouflage and surgical treatment was better made by dentists in Class II and open bite cases than in Class III cases

Cinnamon: An antimicrobial ingredient for active packaging

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade de Vigo/CISUGCinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.) is one of the oldest spices known to humankind and is used in culinary and traditional medicine practices. It is obtained from the inner bark of cinnamon trees and contains cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and cinnamate responsible for its antimicrobial activities. The focus on agri-food industry challenges, such as sustainability, antibiotic-resistant, eco-friendly farming, and the clean label, has been highlighted and increased. Therefore, the review will give a critical snapshot of cinnamon's potential to respond to the agri-food industry challenge. Cinnamon essential oil, obtained from both bark and leave, has been widely used as an antimicrobial ingredient against spoilage microorganisms and foodborne pathogens in the formulations of biodegradative films, edible coating, and adhesive patches. In addition to antibacterial and antifungal activity shown by these packaging, the cinnamon essential oil can improve the barrier, thermal and mechanical properties of films and coatings.GAIN (Axencia Galega de Innovación) | Ref. IN607A2019/01CYTED | Ref. 119RT0568Ministerio de UniversidadesUniversidade de Vigo/CISU

The interrelations of radiologic findings and mechanical ventilation in community acquired pneumonia patients admitted to the intensive care unit: a multicentre retrospective study

BACKGROUND: We evaluated patients admitted to the intensive care units with the diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) regarding initial radiographic findings. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was held. Chest x ray (CXR) and computerized tomography (CT) findings and also their associations with the need of ventilator support were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 388 patients were enrolled. Consolidation was the main finding on CXR (89%) and CT (80%) examinations. Of all, 45% had multi-lobar involvement. Bilateral involvement was found in 40% and 44% on CXR and CT respectively. Abscesses and cavitations were rarely found. The highest correlation between CT and CXR findings was observed for interstitial involvement. More than 80% of patients needed ventilator support. Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) requirement was seen to be more common in those with multi-lobar involvement on CXR as 2.4-fold and consolidation on CT as 47-fold compared with those who do not have these findings. Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) need increased 8-fold in patients with multi-lobar involvement on CT. CONCLUSION: CXR and CT findings correlate up to a limit in terms of interstitial involvement but not in high percentages in other findings. CAP patients who are admitted to the ICU are severe cases frequently requiring ventilator support. Initial CT and CXR findings may indicate the need for ventilator support, but the assumed ongoing real practice is important and the value of radiologic evaluation beyond clinical findings to predict the mechanical ventilation need is subject for further evaluation with large patient series

Knowledge and attitudes of university students toward pandemic influenza: a cross-sectional study from Turkey

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>During an influenza pandemic, higher education institutions with large populations of young adults can become serious outbreak centers. Since outbreak management is essential to disease control, we aimed to examine university students' knowledge of and attitudes toward the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 and vaccination and other preventive measures.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 first year university students at Yeditepe University in Istanbul, Turkey between 1^stand 30^thof November 2009. Data regarding socio-demographic characteristics of the students, perceptions, level of knowledge and attitudes toward influenza pandemic and prevention measures were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed by the students affiliated with SANITAS, a university club of students in health related sciences.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>25.1% (101/402) of the study group perceived their personal risk of influenza as "high", while 40.5% (163/402) perceived it as "moderate", 20.6% (107/402) viewed it as "low" and 7.7% (31/402) indicated that it was "unknown". The risk perception of males was significantly lower than that of females (p = 0.004) and the risk perception among the students of health sciences was significantly lower than that of students of other sciences (p = 0.037). Within the study group, 72.1% (290/402) indicated that their main information source regarding H1N1 was the mass media. Health sciences students tended to rely more on the internet as an information source than other students (p = 0.015). The vast majority (92.8%; 373/402) of those interviewed indicated that they would not be vaccinated. The major concerns regarding vaccination had to do with the safety and side effects of the vaccine. Most of the participants (343/402, 85.3%) were carrying out one of prevention measures and the vast majority believed that hand washing, face mask and quarantina were effective measures for prevention.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The participants had enough knowledge about H1N1 pandemic about the disease although there were still gaps and confusions in some areas. In the future, when planning management strategies regarding pandemics or outbreaks in higher education institutions, new strategies should be developed to promote positive health behaviour among university students compatible with the international guidelines. Main information source is mass media, so it seems that new policies must be developed to attract attention of students to use different and more scientific-based information sources.</p

Spatial Distribution of Local Sheep Breeds in Antalya Province

Sheep breeding is important in terms of meeting both the demand of red meat consumption and the availability of industrial raw materials and the employment of the rural sector in Turkey. It is also very important to ensure the selection and continuity of the breeds that are raised in order to increase quality and productive products related to sheep breeding. The protection of local breeds and crossbreds also enables the development of the sector in the region and the reduction of imports. In this study, the data were obtained from the records of the Turkish Statistical Institute and Antalya Sheep & Goat Breeders' Association. Spatial distribution of sheep breeds in Antalya is reviewed statistically in terms of concentration at the local level for 2015 period spatially. For this reason; mapping, box plot, linear regression are used in this study. Concentration is introduced by means of studbook data on sheep breeding as locals and total sheep farm by mapping. It is observed that Pırlak breed (17.5%) and Merinos crossbreed (16.3%) have the highest concentration in the region. These breeds are respectively followed by Akkaraman breed (11%), Pirlak crossbreed (8%), Merinos breed (7.9%) Akkaraman crossbreed (7.9%) and Ivesi breed (7.2%)

Relationship between the serum sCD40L level and aspirin-resistant platelet aggregation in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Background Current evidence supports the central role of inflammation in all phases of the atherosclerotic process, including its thrombotic complications. Increased serum sCD40L may trigger platelet activation, so the aim of the present study was to determine the relation between sCD40L levels and aspirin-resistant platelet aggregation in patients with coronary atherosclerosis