Necessity of purification during bacterial DNA extraction with environmental soils

Complexity and heterogeneity of soil samples have often implied the inclusion of purification steps in conventional DNA extraction for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Unfortunately the purification steps are also time and labor intensive. Therefore the necessity of DNA purification was re-visited and investigated for a variety of environmental soil samples that contained various amounts of PCR inhibitors. Bead beating and centrifugation was used as the baseline (without purification) method for DNA extraction. Its performance was compared with that of conventional DNA extraction kit (with purification). The necessity criteria for DNA purification were established with environmental soil samples. Using lysis conditions at 3000 rpm for 3 minutes with 0.1 mm glass beads, centrifugation time of 10 minutes and 1:10 dilution ratio, the baseline method outperformed conventional DNA extraction on cell seeded sand samples. Further investigation with PCR inhibitors (i.e., humic acids, clay, and magnesium [Mg]) showed that sand samples containing less than 10 μg/g humic acids and 70% clay may not require purifications. Interestingly, the inhibition pattern of Mg ion was different from other inhibitors due to the complexation interaction of Mg ion with DNA fragments. It was concluded that DNA extraction method without purification is suitable for soil samples that have less than 10 μg/g of humic acids, less than 70% clay content and less than 0.01% Mg ion content.

Immediate loading of mandibular single implant by using surgical guide and modeless digital prosthesis: a case report

In this case report, immediate loading of an implant-supported single-tooth prosthesis through complete digital workflow. A patient presented for restoration of missing a single tooth in the mandibular first molar. The digital impression was made with intraoral scanner and implant was placed using surgical guide pre-fabricated with pre-operative computed tomography (CT) and scan data. After 1 week later, prefabricated customized abutment and provisional restoration were connected for immediate loading. After 8 weeks later, abutment level impression was taken by intraoral scanner. At 3 months later from implant installation, monolithic zirconia crown were fabricated. This clinical report presents satisfying result in accuracy and patient satisfaction. A completely modeless digital procedure met expectations regarding precision, esthetics, and functionality.

Factors associated with nutrition label use among female college students applying the theory of planned behavior

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Use of nutrition labels in food selection is recommended for consumers. The aim of this study is to examine factors, mainly beliefs explaining nutrition label use in female college students based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). SUBJECTS/METHODS: The subjects were female college students from a university in Seoul, Korea. The survey questionnaire was composed of items examining general characteristics, nutrition label use, behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, corresponding motivation to comply, and control beliefs. The subjects (n = 300) responded to the questionnaire by self-report, and data from 275 students were analyzed using t-test or chi2-test. RESULTS: The results showed that 37.8% of subjects were nutrition label users. Three out of 15 behavioral beliefs differed significantly by nutrition label use. Nutrition label users agreed more strongly on the benefits of using nutrition labels including 'comparing and selecting better foods' (P < 0.001), 'selecting healthy foods' (P < 0.05). The negative belief of 'annoying' was stronger in non-users than in users (P < 0.001). Three out of 7 sources (parents, siblings, best friend) were important in nutrition label use. Twelve out of 15 control beliefs differed significantly by nutrition label use. These included beliefs regarding constraints of using nutrition labels (e.g., time, spending money for healthy foods) and lack of nutrition knowledge (P < 0.001). Perceived confidence in understanding and applying the specifics of nutrition labels in food selection was also significantly related to nutrition label use (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the beliefs, especially control beliefs, suggested in the TPB were important in explaining nutrition label use. To promote nutrition label use, nutrition education might focus on increasing perceived control over constraints of using nutrition labels, acquiring skills for checking nutrition labels, as well as the benefits of using nutrition labels and receiving support from significant others for nutrition label use.

Characterization of denaturation and renaturation of DNA for DNA hybridization

OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to systematically characterize the denaturation and the renaturation of double stranded DNA (dsDNA), which is suitable for DNA hybridization. METHODS: A series of physical and chemical denaturation methods were implemented on well-defined 86-bp dsDNA fragment. The degree of each denaturation was measured and the most suitable denaturation method was determined. DNA renaturation tendency was also investigated for the suggested denaturation method. RESULTS: Heating, beads mill, and sonication bath did not show any denaturation for 30 minutes. However probe sonication fully denatured DNA in 5 minutes. 1 mol/L sodium hydroxide (alkaline treatment) and 60% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) treatment fully denatured DNA in 2-5 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Among all the physical methods applied, the direct probe sonication was the most effective way to denature the DNA fragments. Among chemical methods, 60% DMSO was the most adequate denaturation method since it does not cause full renaturation during DNA hybridization.

A Case of Rapidly Improved Menetrier's Disease after Short-term Treatment with Proton Pump Inhibitor / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Menetrier's disease is a rare illness that is characterized by diffuse tremendous thickening of the gastric wall caused by excessive proliferation of the mucosa of unknown cause. An exact diagnosis is crucial due to the excellent prognosis as compared to other malignant lesions such as a gastric lymphoma and infiltrative gastric carcinoma. A 23-year-old woman presented with epigastric discomfort and dyspepsia. A rapid urease test, a test for H. pylori using serum IgG antibody, and a (13)C-urea breath test were all negative. A gastroscopic examination revealed a wide lesion encircling the lumen, which showed diffusely hard and thickened folds from an angle to the upper body near the cardia. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed diffusely hypoechoic thickness of the second wall layer, but the other wall layers were well preserved. The patient was diagnosed with Menetrier's disease without H. pylori infection, and the patient rapidly improved after short-term treatment with a proton pump inhibitor.