Tuning Human Serum Albumin (HSA) Hydrogels through Albumin Glycation.

The changes of technological properties of albumin-based hydrogels induced by increasing degrees of post-translational modification of the protein are reported. Maillard-type modification of amino acids arginine and lysine of albumin is achieved through glyoxal as an α-dicarbonyl compound. The degrees of modification are fine-tuned using different molar ratios of glyoxal. Hydrogels are thermally induced by heating highly concentrated precursor solutions above the protein's denaturation temperature. While the post-translational modifications are determined and quantified with mass spectrometry, continuous-wave (CW) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy shed light on the protein fatty acid binding capacity and changes thereof in solution and in the gel state. The viscoelastic behavior is characterized as a measure of the physical strength of the hydrogels. On the nanoscopic level, the modified albumins in low concentration solution reveal lower binding capacities with increasing degrees of modification. On the contrary, in the gel state, the binding capacity remains constant at all degrees of modifications. This indicates that the loss of fatty acid binding capacity for individual albumin molecules is partially compensated by new binding sites in the gel state, potentially formed by modified amino acids. Such, albumin glycation offers a fine-tuning method of technological and nanoscopic properties of these gels.

Gut-oriented interventions in patients with multiple sclerosis: fact or fiction?

OBJECTIVE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating, disimmune disease of the central nervous system whose etiology and pathogenesis remain poorly understood, due to its complex and multifactorial nature. Evidence of a bidirectional connection linking the gut microbiome with the intestinal barrier and the immune system (the gut-brain axis) may have implications for the pathogenesis of inflammatory demyelinating diseases such as MS. This narrative review summarizes the evidence for the gut-brain axis involvement in the pathogenesis of MS and examines the role of gut-oriented interventions in MS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed all available studies in PubMed concerning gut-directed interventions and MS. This research was conducted using different combinations of pertinent keywords (multiple sclerosis, immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, first demyelinating event, neurocognition, neurological disorders, neurology practice, risk factors, taxonomic biomarkers, nutrition, diet, dietary additives, complementary treatment, gut bacteria, gut microbiome, microbiome, gut-brain axis, epidemiology, alpha-linolenic acid, fermentative metabolites, fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, omega-3 fatty acids, calorie restricted diet, fasting, fecal microbiome, fecal microbiota transplantation, animal testing). RESULTS: There is an emerging evidence that alterations in the gut microbiome and increased intestinal permeability may be causative factors in the complex interplay between nutrition, metabolic status and the immune-inflammatory response in patients with MS. This suggests the possibility that modification of lifestyle and the microbiome, for example by specific diets or fecal microbiota transplantation, supplementation with bile acids and intestinal barrier enhancers, may positively influence the pathogenesis of MS. CONCLUSIONS: Although the role of nutritional factors in the pathogenesis of MS remains to be established, there is evidence that appropriate gut-directed interventions such as diet, nutritional supplementation or fecal transplantation may modulate the inflammatory response and improve the course of MS as a complementary treatment in the disease.

Group O blood donors in Iran: evaluation of isoagglutinin titers and immunoglobulin G subclasses.

This study aims to determine the most frequent titers of anti-A and anti-B (both presumed immunoglobulin [Ig]M and IgG) in Iranian group O blood donors and to compare these titer values with those found in other studies. In addition, alloantibody production and plasma levels of four IgG subclasses were compared between the high-titer and non-high-titer study groups. This study investigated anti-A and anti-B titers in 358 plasma samples. Based on these results, two study groups (high-titer and non-high-titer) were formed. Antibody detection tests were performed to detect unexpected antibodies to D, C, c, E, e, K, k, Fya, Fyb, Jka, Jkb, M, N, S, s, P1, Lea, and Leb. Four IgG subclasses were also evaluated through nephelometry assay. The most frequent titer obtained by room temperature and indirect antiglobulin tube tests was 256. The frequency of titers ≥512 was 31.5 percent. None of the cases showed unexpected RBC alloantibodies. IgG2 levels were significantly higher in the high-titer group. Evaluation of isoagglutinin titers in group O Iranian blood donors can provide insight into the frequency of isoagglutinin titers both within the Iranian population and as compared with other populations. A significant difference in IgG2 levels between the high-titer and non-high-titer groups was identified. More investigation needs to be conducted on the root cause of this finding. Immunohematology 2021;37:5-12 .This study aims to determine the most frequent titers of anti-A and anti-B (both presumed immunoglobulin [Ig]M and IgG) in Iranian group O blood donors and to compare these titer values with those found in other studies. In addition, alloantibody production and plasma levels of four IgG subclasses were compared between the high-titer and non­high-titer study groups. This study investigated anti-A and anti-B titers in 358 plasma samples. Based on these results, two study groups (high-titer and non­high-titer) were formed. Antibody detection tests were performed to detect unexpected antibodies to D, C, c, E, e, K, k, Fya, Fyb, Jka, Jkb, M, N, S, s, P1, Lea, and Leb. Four IgG subclasses were also evaluated through nephelometry assay. The most frequent titer obtained by room temperature and indirect antiglobulin tube tests was 256. The frequency of titers ≥512 was 31.5 percent. None of the cases showed unexpected RBC alloantibodies. IgG2 levels were significantly higher in the high-titer group. Evaluation of isoagglutinin titers in group O Iranian blood donors can provide insight into the frequency of isoagglutinin titers both within the Iranian population and as compared with other populations. A significant difference in IgG2 levels between the high-titer and non­high-titer groups was identified. More investigation needs to be conducted on the root cause of this finding. Immunohematology 2021;37:5­12 .

Apexification with Calcium Hydroxide vs. Revascularization.

Treatment of necrotic immature teeth has always been a real challenge for the clinician due to the open apex and weak root structure, which does not allow a conventional endodontic treatment. Several therapeutic options are possible to treat those teeth. Calcium hydroxide apexification is the oldest and most studied therapeutic option, but it has some disadvantages, including the long term of treatment, the possibility of reinfection, and the weakness of the wall. To solve these problems, several authors recommend the revascularization technique. This therapy allows the continuation of root edification with apical closure and thickening of the walls. The aim of our work is to compare the two therapeutic procedures, apexification with calcium hydroxide and revascularization, through a clinical case treated and followed up for 24 months at the pediatric dentistry department in Casablanca, Morocco.

HLA-DRB1*01:01, but not HLA-DRB1:1503 or HLA-DRB1*11, is associated with decreased inhibitor risk in Iranian hemophilia A patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Hemophilia A is a genetic disorder through which patients suffer from recurrent bleeding. This can be caused by a defect in human plasma coagulation factor VIII. High incidence of FVIII inhibitors in some severe hemophilia A patients after FVIII therapy is a considerable complication. Determination of good predictive factors can improve the safety of this treatment. HLA-II have been shown as a predictive element for inhibitor development. The goal of this study is to determine the association between HLA-DRB1*15:03, HLA-DRB1*11 and HLA-DRB1*01:01 alleles and FVIII inhibitors in severe hemophilia A patients in Iran. MATERIALS/METHODS: HLA-DRB1 genotyping was performed using Multiplex sequences Specific Primers (PCR-SSP) in two groups of severe hemophilia A patients comprising 51 and 50 individuals with and without FVIII inhibitors respectively. The levels of inhibitor were determined through Nijmegen-modified Bethesda assay. HLA-DRB1 allele frequencies were compared between groups by using multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: HLA-DRB1*01:01 allele frequency was significantly higher in patients without inhibitor ORadj: 2.7 (95%CI: 1.08, 6.97; P = 0.034). There wasn't any statistically significant difference in HLA-DRB1*11 allele frequency between groups ORadj: 0.7 (95%CI: 0.27, 1.82; P = 0.47). There was no connection between HLA-DRB1*15:03 and inhibitor development ORadj: 0.94 (95%CI: 0.38, 2.35; P = 0.94). CONCLUSION: An association between HLA-DRB1*01:01 and paucity of FVIII inhibitor showed that this allele has probably a protective effect in severe hemophilia A patients in Iran. Determination of the predictive and protective alleles are beneficial in pre-treatment activities and decrease the risk of unsuccessful therapy with FVIII in each population.

Serum albumin hydrogels in broad pH and temperature ranges: characterization of their self-assembled structures and nanoscopic and macroscopic properties.

We report extended pH- and temperature-induced preparation procedures and explore the materials and molecular properties of different types of hydrogels made from human and bovine serum albumin, the major transport protein in the blood of mammals. We describe the diverse range of properties of these hydrogels at three levels: (1) their viscoelastic (macroscopic) behavior, (2) protein secondary structure changes during the gelation process (via ATR-FTIR spectroscopy), and (3) the hydrogel fatty acid (FA) binding capacity and derive from this the generalized tertiary structure through CW EPR spectroscopy. We describe the possibility of preparing hydrogels from serum albumin under mild conditions such as low temperatures (notably below albumin's denaturation temperature) and neutral pH value. As such, the proteins retain most of their native secondary structure. We find that all the combined data indicate a two-stage gelation process that is studied in detail. We summarize these findings and the explored dependences of the gels on pH, temperature, concentration, and incubation time by proposing phase diagrams for both HSA and BSA gel-states. As such, it has become possible to prepare gels that have the desired nanoscopic and macroscopic properties, which can, in future, be tested for, e.g., drug delivery applications.

Prévalence et facteurs de risque de la carie dentaire chez l'adolescent : étude réalisée dans les collèges de la préfecture CASA-ANFA

Introduction : Une étude épidémiologique descriptive de l'état bucco-dentaire des adolescents, a été menée dans le but de déterminer la prévalence, et les facteurs de risque de la maladie carieuse en milieu scolaire.Matériels et méthodes : L'enquête a concerné un échantillon de 1003 adolescents âgés de 12 à 18 ans scolarisés au sein de collèges publiques et privés de la région CASA-ANFA. Le niveau socio-économique, le niveau d'instruction de parents, la consommation de sucreries, les habitudes d'hygiène bucco-dentaire, la prévalence de la carie, l'indice CAOD (Nombre de dents permanentes cariées, absentes et obturées), et le MIH (Hypominéralisation molaire incisive) ont été étudiés.Résultats : La prévalence de la carie était élevée (74,9%), l'indice CAOD présentait une moyenne de 3,15 (écart type : 2,699), et le taux du MIH était de 16,0%. Les résultats obtenus ont confirmé une association statistiquement significative entre la carie dentaire et la fréquence de consommation de sucreries par les adolescents (p = 0,000043), entre le MIH et la carie dentaire (p = 0,034821), et aussi entre les habitudes de brossage dentaire et le niveau d'instruction des parents (p = 0,000378). Ces informations montrent la nécessité de développer un programme régional de promotion de la santé bucco-dentaire chez les adolescents en milieu scolaire

Numerical investigation of angulation effects in stenosed renal arteries.

BACKGROUND: Numerical study of angulation effects of renal arteries on blood flow has been of great interest for many researchers. Objective : This paper aims at numerically determining the angulation effects of stenosed renal arteries on blood flow velocity and renal mass flow. METHOD: An anatomically realistic model of abdominal aorta and renal arteries is reconstructed from CT-scan images and used to conduct numerical simulation of pulsatile non-Newtonian blood flow incorporating fluid-structure interaction. The renal arteries in the realistic model have left and right branch angles of 53˚ and 45˚, respectively. Atrapezium shape stenosis is considered in the entrance of right renal artery. Two other branch angles, i.e. 90 and 135˚, are also considered for right renal artery to study the angulation effects. RESULTS: Comparison between models with right renal branch angles of 45˚, 90˚ and 135˚ reveals that high curvature of streamlines in the entrance of the renal artery with the angle of 135˚ causes the flow velocity and renal mass flow to be less than those of 45˚and 90˚. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that large renal branch angles cause the arteries to be unable to deliver blood in the requisite amounts to kidney. Kidney responds to counteract low blood flow by activating the renin-angiotension system which leads to severe hypertension.

Novel top-contact monolayer pentacene-based thin-film transistor for ammonia gas detection.

We report on the fabrication of an organic field-effect transistor (OFET) of a monolayer pentacene thin film with top-contact electrodes for the aim of ammonia (NH3) gas detection by monitoring changes in its drain current. A top-contact configuration, in which source and drain electrodes on a flexible stamp [poly(dimethylsiloxane)] were directly contacted with the monolayer pentacene film, was applied to maintain pentacene arrangement ordering and enhance the monolayer OFET detection performance. After exposure to NH3 gas, the carrier mobility at the monolayer OFET channel decreased down to one-third of its original value, leading to a several orders of magnitude decrease in the drain current, which tremendously enhanced the gas detection sensitivity. This sensitivity enhancement to a limit of the 10 ppm level was attributed to an increase of charge trapping in the carrier channel, and the amount of trapped states was experimentally evaluated by the threshold voltage shift induced by the absorbed NH3 molecular analyte. In contrast, a conventional device with a 50-nm-thick pentacene layer displayed much higher mobility but lower response to NH3 gas, arising from the impediment of analyte penetrating into the conductive channel, owing to the thick pentacene film.

Comparison of antibacterial effects of oral rinses chlorhexidine and herbal mouth wash in patients admitted to intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mouthwashes decrease the risk of VAP by reducing the number of microorganisms and their transmission and colonization in the lung. Among the oral rinses, chlorhexidine is considered as the gold standard but it has a variety of complications. The purpose of this study was to determine and compare anti-bacterial effects of the chlorhexidine gluconate and herbal mouthwashes in intensive care unit patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 60 patients who were admitted in ICU were divided into two equal 30 persons groups. In the first group Chlorhexidine gluconate 2 % mouthwash and in the second group herbal mouth wash was used. Just before and again after 6 min of oral rinsing, salivary samples were obtained without any stimulation in order to culture Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The data were processed in SPSS16 software and were analyzed by appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Matrica® and chlorhexidine mouthwashes have significant antibacterial effects against Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Decreasing of the number of bacteria in samples after oral rinsing was significant in both groups (p <0.001) but chlorhexidine was significantly more effective than herbal mouth wash in reducing the number of colonies (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The herbal mouth wash has significant antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, but its efficacy is less than chlorhexidine, so after further investigation, it would be considered as an alternative to chlorhexidine in ICUs (Tab. 3, Ref. 33).

A case of hypertensive encephalopathy with prominent brainstem presentation.

A 39-year-old woman developed severe arterial hypertension associated with brainstem hyperintensity in T2-weighted images and hyperintense lesion in the left basal ganglia. Clinical findings were a sudden loss of consciousness, confusion, nausea, vomiting and headache. Rapid treatment of hypertension resulted in clinical and radiological improvement. Rapid identification and appropriate diagnostics are essential, as prompt treatment usually results in reversal of symptoms; permanent neurologic injury or death can occur with treatment delay.

Place de la prevention bucco-dentaire au sein du centre de consultation et de traitement dentaire de Casablanca (Maroc) : enquete aupres de 129 praticiens

Dans l'objectif d'evaluer la place qu'occupe la prevention Bucco-Dentaire au sein du Centre de Consultation et de Traitement Dentaire de Casablanca; nous avons mene une enquete descriptive; entre le 24 Avril 2006 et le 15 Mai 2006. Notre echantillon etait constitue de 129 praticiens incluant l'ensemble des etudiants de la 5eme annee; des internes et des residents exercant au Centre de Consultation et de Traitement Dentaire de Casablanca. La collecte des donnees a ete realisee a l'aide d'un questionnaire comportant 42 questions; reparties en 5 volets. Parmi les resultats trouves : 100des praticiens font la motivation a l'Hygiene Bucco-Dentaire a leurs patients; 99;2des praticiens donnent des recommandations concernant la frequence et la methode de brossage et 85;7des praticiens conseillent a leurs patients un dentifrice fluore. 66;4des praticiens donnent a leurs patients des conseils dietetiques. Pour 89;9des praticiens; l'hygiene de leurs patients est amelioree apres motivation a l'Hygiene Bucco-Dentaire. Nous avons egalement note que 95;8des praticiens rapportent que la pratique professionnelle de la prevention Bucco-Dentaire rencontre des obstacles et 56;3des praticiens ont juge que la formation actuelle en matiere de prevention bucco-dentaire n'est pas suffisante. A l'issue de ces resultats; il parait que la prevention Bucco-Dentaire occupe une place importante dans la pratique quotidienne au sein du Centre de Consultation et de Traitement Dentaire de Casablanca. Toutefois; la presence de certains obstacles entrave la bonne pratique de cette prevention. Par ailleurs; des efforts restent encore a deployer en vue de promouvoir la formation aussi bien que la pratique de la prevention Bucco-Dentaire au Centre de Consultation et de Traitement Dentaire de Casablanca

Traitement orthodontique et prevention du risque carieux

Le traitement orthodontique chez l'enfant se solde souvent par la presence de sequelles souvent indelebiles sur certaines dents qui resultent d'un mauvais suivi clinique.C'est pourquoi le role du pedodontiste est primordial a tous les stades du traitement d'orthodontie. La complementarite de l'orthodontiste et du pedodontiste doit se manifester non seulement avant le traitement orthodontique; mais aussi pendant et apres celui-ci.Avant le traitement orthodontique; la preparation bucco-dentaire est une etape primordiale puisqu'elle permettra d'assainir la cavite buccale. Le pedodontiste doit aussi intervenir au cours du traitement et des la fin de celui-ci afin d'intercepter toutes les anomalies passageres avant l'installation des complications

La sedation consciente par inhalation du melange equimolaire oxygene-protoxyde d'azote (meopa) : une methode actuellement utilisee pour traiter les enfants difficiles au centre de consultations et de traitements dentaires de Casablanca

A l'heure actuelle pour faire face aux difficultes de cooperation lors des soins dentaires; la sedation par inhalation de MEOPA est l'une des methodes de sedation consciente les plus utilisees. Cette pratique s'est developpee depuis tres longtemps dans la plupart des pays industrialises; alors qu'au Maroc; elle est restee absente de l'arsenal therapeutique. Sa mise en place au centre de consultations et de traitements dentaires (CCTD) de Casablanca pour la prise en charge de la douleur et de l'anxiete chez l'enfant; permet aujourd'hui l'acces aux soins dentaires a un bon nombre de patients initialement opposants. L'objectif de ce travail est de faire le point sur l'interet et les principes d'utilisation du MEOPA en odontologie et de decrire comment sont organises les soins dentaires sous sedation par inhalation au CCTD de Casablanca. Des cas cliniques d'enfants traites sous cette modalite de prise en charge sont egalement presentes

La carie de la petite enfance : Quelle attitude therapeutique ?

La carie de la petite enfance (CPE) est une forme de carie particulierement virulente chez le jeune enfant; elle se caracterise par des manifestations cliniques specifiques et des consequences lourdes locales locoregionales et generales. Devant un tableau clinique evocateur; une demarche diagnostique doit etre menee aussi bien clinique que radiographique sans oublier l'interet et l'importance d'un bon diagnostic etiologique. La prise en charge ou plutot la strategie therapeutique de la carie de la petite enfance dependra de l'age du patient; de l'importance des lesions et de la motivation des parents. Elle peut se faire a l'etat vigil; sous premedication sedative ou sous anesthesie generale. Elle passe par trois etapes distinctes : Information et education des parents des enfants; stabilisation des lesions carieuses avant de passer au traitement proprement dit de ces lesions. bonne prise en charge des enfants atteints de CPE ne peut etre pretendue que si un calendrier de suivi prealablement etabli est respecte; il permettra une reevaluation du risque carieux; le controle des regles d'hygiene alimentaire et buccodentaire; le respect d'un protocole de fluoration et enfin l'evaluation des traitements realisees

Cytochrome P4501A responses in two tropical fish species, riverine catfish (Rita rita) and marine mudfish (Apocryptes bato).

The present study focuses on the establishment of methods for biomarker studies in freshwater and marine fish species as a basis for monitoring the extent of contamination of fisheries resources in tropical waters. Riverine catfish (Rita rita) and marine mudfish (Apocryptes bato) were given a single intraperitoneal injection with two selected inducing compounds; beta-naphthoflavone (BNF, 50 mg/kg) and a polychlorinated biphenyl mixture (Clophen A50, 20 mg/kg), and the heavy metal compound cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 1 mg/kg). Effects on cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) were determined in post-mitochondrial supernatants (PMS) of liver at days 3 and 10 after treatment. EROD (7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase) activity and CYP1A protein level by indirect non-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting using a monoclonal antibody against fish CYP1A, were measured. BNF and Clophen A50 resulted in induction upto 9.5- and 5-fold, respectively, of CYP1A protein compared to control, while CdCl2 showed significant inhibition in these species. The present study examined the phase-I cytochrome P450 monooxygenase activity and response in these two tropical fish species for the first time.

Chromosomal analysis of mammalian oocytes matured in vitro with various culture systems.

The objective of this study was to evaluate oocyte maturation in vitro. Ten virgin CD-1 mice were used with 3 replications for in vitro with 4 different culture media. Media were minimal essential medium (MEM) with Earl's salt, Waymouth MB 752/1 (MB 752/1), BGjb medium (BGjb), and tissue culture medium-199 (TCM-199). The oocyte chromosomes were C-banded to enable an objective analysis of the chromosome abnormality and number. There was a percentage of blockage at metaphase I (M I), in matured oocytes in all culture media. Metaphase II (M II) was reached by 70.9 to 87.3% of oocytes in 4 different culture media. The frequencies of hyperploid M II oocytes were 0.0, 1.1, 2.8 and 2.6% for TCM-199, MEM, MB 752/1 and BGjb, respectively. A small proportion of oocytes was also found to be polyploid in 4 different culture media. There was an occurrence of premature centromere separation among oocytes. It was concluded that the chromosomes of the oocytes matured in vitro were not all in the normal condition (being at M II). The media used in this study for oocyte maturation caused maturation delay (being blocked at M I), premature centromere separation, polyploidy, and aneuploidy (such as, hyperploid, hypoploid).