Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd as a source of thermostable serine protease: production and characterization

Proteases are ubiquitously present and are among the largest groups of commercially important enzymes. Here, we investigated a wood-rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd [Syn. Coriolus versicolor (L.) Quél.; Polyporus versicolor (L.) Fr.] as a source of the enzyme serine protease, its production, and optimized to obtain a higher yield of the enzyme.. The significant variables with optimized values for maximum production of the enzyme were temperature (30?C), incubation time (120 h) and wheat bran (10 g). The yield increased by 30.76% by statistically optimizing the media. The optimized temperature and pH for the maximum protease activity was 50?C and pH 7.0, respectively. The enzyme was purified through ion exchange (using DEAE cellulose 52 resin) and gel filtration chromatography (using Superdex 200 column). The purified enzyme had a retention time of 7 min in RP-HPLC. The enzyme was stable at a broad range of temperature (30-60?C) and pH (5.0-8.0) with a half-life of 58.72 min, Vmax of 37.17 ?M min/mL and Km of 0.657 mg/mL. Its activity was enhanced by Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ ions and SDS surfactant. These properties make this enzyme a valuable candidate for industrial applications

Effects of maxillary expansion on hearing and voice function in non-cleft lip palate and cleft lip palate patients with transverse maxillary deficiency: a multicentric randomized controlled trial / Efeitos da expansão maxilar na função auditiva e vocal em pacientes sem fissura labiopalatina e com fissura labiopalatina e deficiência maxilar transversa: um estudo controlado multicêntrico e randomizado

Abstract Introduction The association between the treatment of transverse maxillary deficiency and the recovery of hearing and voice functions has gained attention in recent years. Objective This prospective controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on hearing and voice function in children with non-cleft lip palate and bilateral cleft lip palate with transverse maxillary deficiency Methods 53 patients (26 non-cleft and 27 bilateral cleft lip palate; mean age, 11.1 ± 1.8 years) requiring rapid maxillary expansion for correction of narrow maxillary arches were recruited for this trial. Eight sub-groups were established based on the degree of hearing loss. Pure-tone audiometric and tympanometric records were taken for each subject at four different time periods. The first records were taken before rapid maxillary expansion (T0), the second after expansion (T1) (mean, 0.8 months), the third after three months (T2) (mean, 3 months) and the fourth at the end of retention period (T3) (mean, 6 months). ANOVA and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests were used for data analysis. Additionally, voice analysis was done using an updated PRAAT software program in a computerized speech lab at T0 and T2. A paired-samplet-test was used for comparisons of mean values of T0 and T2 voice parameters within both groups. Results Rapid maxillary expansion treatment produced a significant increase in the hearing levels and middle ear volumes of all non-cleft and bilateral cleft lip palate patients with normal hearing levels and with mild conductive hearing loss, during the T0-T1, T1-T2, T0-T2, and T0-T3 observation periods (p < 0.05). The significant increase was observed in right middle ear volumes during the T0-T1, T0-T2 and T0-T3 periods in non-cleft patients with moderate hearing loss. For voice analysis, significant differences were observed only between the T0 and T2 mean fundamental frequency (F0) and jitter percentage (p < 0.05) in the non-cleft group. In the cleft group, no significant differences were observed for any voice parameter between the T0 and T2 periods. Conclusion Correction of the palatal anatomy by rapid maxillary expansion therapy has a beneficial effect on both improvements in hearing and normal function of the middle ear in both non-cleft and bilateral cleft lip palate patients. Similarly, rapid maxillary expansion significantly influences voice quality in non-cleft patients, with no significant effect in BCLP patients.

Resumo Introdução A associação entre o tratamento da deficiência maxilar transversa e a recuperação das funções auditivas e vocais ganhou atenção nos últimos anos. Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos da expansão rápida da maxila na função auditiva e vocal em crianças sem fissura labiopalatina e com fissura labiopalatina bilateral com deficiência maxilar transversa. Método Foram recrutados para este estudo 53 pacientes (26 sem fissura e 27 com fissura labiopalatina bilateral; média de 11,1 ± 1,8 anos) que necessitam de expansão rápida da maxila para correção de arcos maxilares estreitos. Oito subgrupos foram estabelecidos com base no grau de perda auditiva. Registros audiométricos e timpanométricos de tons puros foram obtidos para cada indivíduo em quatro períodos. Os primeiros registros foram obtidos antes da expansão rápida da maxila (T0), o segundo após a expansão (T1) (média de 0,8 meses), o terceiro após três meses (T2) (média de 3 meses) e o quarto no fim do período de retenção (T3) (média de 6 meses). Anova e o teste post-hoc de Tukey HSD foram usados para análise dos dados. Além disso, a análise da voz foi feita com um programa PRAAT atualizado em um laboratório de fala computadorizadaem T0 e T2. Foi usado um teste t de amostras pareadas para comparação dos valores médios dos parâmetros de voz em T0 e T2 nos dois grupos. Resultados O tratamento com expansão rápida da maxila produziu um aumento significativo nos níveis auditivos e nos volumes da orelha média de todos os pacientes sem fissura e pacientes com fissura labiopalatina bilateral e níveis auditivos normais e com perda auditiva condutiva leve, durante os períodos de observação T0-T1, T1-T2, T0-T2 e T0-T3 (p < 0,05). Aumento significativo foi observado nos volumes da orelha média direita durante os períodos T0-T1, T0-T2 e T0-T3 em pacientes sem fissura e com perda auditiva moderada. Para a análise de voz, diferenças significantes foram observadas apenas entre a frequência fundamental média T0 e T2 (F0) e a porcentagem de jitter (p < 0,05) no grupo sem fissura. No grupo com fissura, não foram observadas diferenças significantes para nenhum parâmetro de voz entre os períodos T0 e T2. Conclusão A correção da anatomia palatal pela expansão rápida da maxila tem um efeito benéfico tanto na melhoria da audição quanto na função normal da orelha média em pacientes sem fissura e com fissura labiopalatina bilateral. Da mesma forma, a expansão rápida da maxila influencia significativamente a qualidade da voz em pacientes sem fissura, sem efeito significativo em pacientes com fissura labiopalatina bilateral.

Winged nance palatal arch An adjunct to tooth movement

Anchorage control during the correction of severely crowded dentitions has always been a source of concern during orthodontic therapy. The Nance palatal arch (NPA) has, in the past, been widely used for reinforcing anchorage in such cases. Modifications of the NPA have been reported for use as a fixed functional appliance or for molar distalization. Herein, a simple, effective modification of the conventional NPA is introduced incorporating two power arms, which can be used for unravelling of anterior crowding at the same time effectively augmenting molar anchorage.

Interdisciplinary management of an impacted dilacerated maxillary central incisor

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tooth dilacerations are dental anomalies characterized by an abrupt deviation in the longitudinal axis of a tooth. They may occur either in the crown, between the crown and root, or in the root. Although not so common, impacted maxillary incisors exhibiting root dilaceration pose a diagnostic and treatment challenge to the clinician. Description: This case report describes the management of a horizontally impacted and dilacerated maxillary central incisor in a 12-year-old girl. Cone-beam computed tomographic scans were used to accurately localize the position of the dilacerated tooth, and to assess the extent of root formation and degree of dilaceration present in the root. Treatment included surgical exposure and orthodontic traction, followed by root canal treatment and apicoectomy. Results: Through a meticulously planned interdisciplinary approach, the impacted dilacerated central incisor was properly aligned and demonstrated good stability after the long-term follow-up. Conclusion: Taking into consideration the concerns and expectations of the patient, communicative feedback between the oral surgeon, orthodontist and endodontist helped achieving successful esthetic, structural and functional outcome in the present case.

RESUMO Introdução: as dilacerações dentárias são anomalias caracterizadas por desvio acentuado no eixo longitudinal de um dente. Elas podem ocorrer na coroa, entre a coroa e a raiz, ou na raiz. Apesar de não serem muito comuns, os incisivos superiores impactados apresentando dilaceração radicular representam um desafio para o clínico, quanto ao diagnóstico e tratamento. Descrição: o presente relato de caso descreve o tratamento de um incisivo central superior impactado horizontalmente e com dilaceração, em uma menina com 12 anos de idade. Tomografias computadorizadas de feixe cônico foram utilizadas para localizar com precisão a posição do dente dilacerado e avaliar o grau de formação e de dilaceração da raiz. O tratamento incluiu exposição cirúrgica e tração ortodôntica, seguida de tratamento do canal radicular e apicectomia. Resultados: por meio de uma abordagem interdisciplinar meticulosamente planejada, o incisivo central impactado com dilaceração foi devidamente alinhado e demonstrou boa estabilidade em acompanhamento de longo prazo. Conclusão: levando-se em consideração as preocupações e expectativas da paciente, a comunicação interativa adotada entre o cirurgião oral, ortodontista e o endodontista ajudou na obtenção de resultados estéticos, estruturais e funcionais satisfatórios no presente caso.

Giant nontraumatic intradiploic arachnoid cyst in a young male / Cisto aracnóideo intradiploico gigante não traumático em jovem do sexo masculino

Abstract Intradiploic arachnoid cysts have scarcely been reported in the literature, most reported cases being secondary to trauma. Nontraumatic arachnoid cysts are quite rare and have been reported mostly in adults. Here, we report the case of a 16-year-old male presenting with a slowly growing mass in the occipital region and intermittent headaches. On the basis of the findings of X-rays, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging scans of the head, the mass was diagnosed as a giant intradiploic arachnoid cyst.

Resumo Cistos aracnóideos intradiploicos foram raramente relatados na literatura, sendo a maior parte desses casos decorrente de traumas. Cistos aracnóideos não traumáticos são muito raros e têm sido relatados principalmente em adultos. Aqui, relatamos o caso de um jovem de 16 anos de idade apresentando uma massa de crescimento lento na região occipital e dores de cabeça intermitentes. Com base nos resultados de radiografia, tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética da cabeça, a massa foi diagnosticada como um cisto aracnóideo intradiploico gigante.

Histopathological Spectrum of various gastroduodenal lesions in North India and prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in these lesions: a prospective study.

Background: Gastroduodenal diseases are perhaps the commonest diseases in adult population worldwide. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) represent one of the most common gastroduodenal infections and have been established as the etiologic factor in the development of various gastroduodenal diseases. Spectrum of H. pylori associated gastroduodenal diseases have not been systematically investigated in North India. So this study was carried out to determine the spectrum of gastroduodenal lesions on upper Gastro-Intestinal (GI) endoscopic biopsies and to determine the prevalence of H. pylori in gastric mucosa in these lesions. Methods: Gastroduodenal mucosal biopsies of 100 patients from November 2012 to October 2013 in a tertiary care centre in north India were evaluated by routine histopathological methods and the presence of H. pylori in gastric mucosa in these lesions was determined. Results: An age range of 17 years to 80 years was observed with maximum cases in the 4th decade and a male to female ratio of 1.86:1. The most frequently observed lesions were chronic gastritis followed by duodenitis, duodenal ulcer and gastric carcinoma. 5% cases showed unremarkable mucosa. H. pylori positivity was seen in 47% cases. 80% cases of duodenal ulcer, 68.75% cases of duodenitis, 50.56% cases of chronic gastritis, 50% cases of gastric ulcer & 40% cases of gastric carcinoma were positive for H. pylori infection. Conclusion: Endoscopic gastroduodenal biopsies help to detect benign and malignant gastroduodenal diseases and to rule out H. pylori infection. Chronic gastritis was the most common gastroduodenal lesion followed by duodenitis, duodenal ulcer and gastric carcinoma. Duodenal ulcer, duodenitis, chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer showed strong positivity for H. pylori highlighting the role of this microorganism in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Differential Effect of Paromomycin and Nitazoxanide on Clinical Isolates of Cryptosporidia In Vitro.

Background: Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most difficult protozoan infections to treat, with only two drugs i.e. nitazoxanide and paromomycin known for treatment with variable response in different patients. Human cryptosporidiosis is accounted mainly by C. hominis and C. parvum. These two species or their subtypes are known to differ in clinical manifestations, and may differ in their response to drugs. So, we planned the study to see the effect of nitazoxanide and paromomycin on different isolates of Cryptosporidium in vitro. Methods: MDCK cell lines were used for in vitro growth of parasite and cytotoxicity of drugs to MDCK cells was determined by MTT assay after 3, 12 and 24 hours of drug exposure. Efficacy of non-toxic drug concentrations (<25% cytotoxic) on 12 Cryptosporidium isolates (7 C. hominis and 5 C. parvum) was determined at three different life cycle stages (in vitro growth, invasion and oocyst) by quantitative RT-PCR. Unpaired t-test was used to calculate the difference response of Cryptosporidium isolates to nitazoxanide and paromomycin. Results and conclusions: Cytotoxicity of nitazoxanide and paromomycin increased in dose and time dependent manner. After 24 hours of drug exposure, >25% cytotoxic effect was seen with nitazoxanide and paromomycin at concentrations of more than, 25μg/ml and 6mg/ml, respectively. Nitazoxanide was more effective than paromomycin in decreasing in vitro growth, invasion inhibition and reducing oocyst viability of Cryptosporidium isolates. Drugs effect was higher on growth inhibition followed by invasion inhibition and least in decreasing oocyst viability. Different isolates had variable response to drugs; cumulatively C. parvum isolates were more susceptible at particular drug concentrations than C. hominis isolates.

A Cephalometric Evaluation of Anterior Deep Bite in Class II Malocclusions.

Background & objectives: Vertical malocclusions of the incisor teeth namely, anterior openbite and deep overbite present a challenge to the orthodontic clinicians. Determining the etiology of these is utmost important for further treatment planning and prognosis. Present study was carried out to understand the dentofacial skeletal pattern of the deep overbite in two types of deformities, Angle's Class II Div.l & Class II Div.2 (study group) and comparing them with normal occlusion (control group). Methods: Lateral cephalogram of total 60 pts, 20 in each of the above mentioned groups were analysed using 19 linear and 8 angular parameters and results of each group were compared with other two groups and conclusions were drawn. Result and conclusion: Larger posterior facial height, lower anterior facial height, lower gonial angle, larger Jaraback’s ratio & reduced lower molar height together contribute to horizontal growth pattern. It was concluded that there is more horizontal growth pattern in class II div. 2 cases hence the deepbite is more severe in class II div.2 cases compared to div.1 cases.

HIV positivity in TB suspects - An observational, nonrandomized study.

Aims: The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of TB, HIV, and TB- HIV co-infection in 618 patients who attended the health institute for TB diagnosis and treatment at a rural tertiary care hospital in Punjab. Methods: Pulmonary T.B was diagnosed by sputum smear microscopy, culture and extra-pulmonary TB was diagnosed by X-ray, CT and other methods.HIV diagnosis was made by testing the sera by 3E/R/S (ELISA/RAPID/SIMPLE) tests as per NACO guidelines. Results: Of the total 618 patients, 74(12%) were patients of pulmonary TB, out of whom 72 were diagnosed by Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) staining and two were diagnosed by culture as the ZN stained smear was negative, 169(27.3%) were cases of extra-pulmonary TB. Three out of 618 were HIV positive. 1.23% were TB- HIV co-infected. Conclusion: The risk of developing TB increases in patients with HIV. So, HIV and TB programmes should be collaborated together and should be closely integrated with medical care to curb the spread of these deadly diseases.

Conventional and molecular characterization of coagulase-negative staphylococcus in hospital isolates.

Background: During the last decade, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) have emerged as a major cause of nosocomial infections. They constitute a major component of the normal skin and mucosal microflora, and are particularly responsible for catheter- and medical device-related sepsis. They present unique problems in diagnosis and treatment of infections. Purpose: The present study has been designed to evaluate phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of CoNS among nosocomial isolates. Setting and Design: This study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. Data from 150 samples collected from 73 hospitalized patients and 15 healthy volunteers between October 2003 and May 2005 were analyzed. Patients and Methods: A total of 100 CoNS strains responsible for sepsis or implant-associated infections and 50 saprophytic strains were studied. Invasive CoNS strains were selected on the basis of different colony morphologies, drug resistance patterns, and biofilm formation. The same criteria were used to select saprophytic isolates. Multiplex PCR was used to explore the ica, mecA, and atlE genes, which might contribute to the pathogenicity of CoNS and the formation of biofilms. Results: Most of the invasive strains that formed the biofilm were resistant to multiple antibiotics, with more than 80% resistant to methicillin. ica and mecA genes were detected significantly in pathogenic strains (chi-square test, P<0.0001) whereas atlE was ubiquitously amplified in all the strains. All those strains which had ica and mecA genes were resistant to multiple antibiotics and were positive for biofilm formation. Conclusion: These genetic markers thus appear to discriminate between potential invasive virulent and saprophytic strains of CoNS.

Primary langerhans cell histiocytosis of the vulva: report of a case and brief review of the literature.

Primary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) of the vulva is rare. Fifteen cases of primary cutaneous vulvar LCH have been reported in English literature. We report an additional case of LCH confined to the vulva. In this article, we describe the clinical presentation, histopathology and immunohistochemistry findings of vulvar LCH that are helpful to both gynecologists and pathologists in the diagnosis of this entity. We briefly discuss the pathogenesis of LCH. The debate whether LCH is a reactive or neoplastic entity is still ongoing.

Chondrosarcoma of the Maxilla-Recurrent.

An uncommon case of recurrent chondrosarcoma of the maxilla is presented. A brief discussion on the radiologic and histologic presentation of the tumor and the treatment modalities of this unusual tumor is discussed.

Diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis in Women in Labour

A prospective study on 120 women in labour was conducted to determine the reliability of of different methods like clinical criteria, gram staining and vaginal culture for diagnosing bacterial vaginosis(BV). To determine the laboratory methods that best predicted the BV we calculated sensitivity, specificity, predictive value of a positive and negative test for clinical criteria, gram stain criteria of Nugent and vaginal cultures compared with gram stain criteria of Spiegel. BV was diagnosed in 23.3% of women in labour by Spiegel criteria. Sensitivity and specificity of Amsel criteria was 60.7% and 97.8% respectively. Culture of vaginal specimens yielded 58.8% predictive value of a positive test except for Mobiluncus species. Gram stain evaluation of vaginal smears is a sensitive method for diagnosing BV. Amsel clinical criteria, which are more commonly used to diagnose BV, may lead to under diagnosis of BV.

Bacterial vaginosis and vaginal anaerobes in preterm labour.

Maternal genital infections, particularly bacterial vaginosis has been implicated as a cause for preterm labour and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This prospective study aimed to study the association of bacterial vaginosis with preterm labour. The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was studied in 60 women in preterm labour who had no recognisable cause for prematurity and in 60 term labour controls. Demographic factors, pregnancy outcome and reproductive history were also studied. Vaginal specimens for Gram-stain and culture were collected from posterior vaginal fomix and bacterial vaginosis was defined by evaluation of Gram-stained smear by Spiegel criteria. Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed in 31.6% of women in preterm labour and in 15% of term labour controls ( p<0.05). In preterm labour group, preterm delivery occurred in 48 women (80%) out of which 18 women had bacterial vaginosis and term delivery occurred in only one woman with the condition. Anaerobes were significantly associated with bacterial vaginosis ( p<0.01) and were more common in women with preterm labour ( b>0.05). The results indicates that bacterial vaginosis has a significant association with preterm labour and adverse pregnancy outcome.