Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin C, and Biotin Play Important Roles in the Growth of Lactobacillus helveticus.

Lactobacillus helveticus is an important lactic acid bacterium. The strains used in this study have proven probiotic function, and the potential to produce functional dairy products and bioactive peptides. To explore the effects of vitamins on the growth of L. helveticus, a chemically defined medium was designed and nine vitamins were tested. Pantothenic acid (Vb5), vitamin C (Vc), and biotin were necessary for the growth of L. helveticus CICC 22171. These three vitamins had an important effect on the glucose metabolism and energy metabolism of strain CICC 22171. Through transcriptomic analysis, we found that three vitamins were related to the synthesis of fatty acids and participate in the energy supply of the cells. Additionally, Vb5 was involved in the metabolism of bacterial proteins and lipids and was related to the activity of various enzymes. The results indicated that Vc was involved in protein metabolism, and biotin affected the intracellular transport mechanism of bacteria. The ability of vitamins to promote the growth of the strain was verified in skim milk medium. The results indicated that Vc, biotin, and Vb5 could promote the proliferation of L. helveticus but had no significant effect on Lactobacillus bulgaricus.

Delayed treatment of unstable proximal interphalangeal joint fracture-dislocations with a dynamic external fixator.

BACKGROUND: Fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) remain a challenging problem to treat. Although there are a number of papers describing the use of dynamic external fixators and force couples for treatment of unstable PIPJ fracture-dislocations acutely, the literature is scarce on delayed treatment of PIPJ fracture-dislocations, where malunion of the articular surface may theoretically compromise postoperative range of motion (ROM) at the PIPJ. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic distraction external fixation (DDEF) for the delayed treatment of PIPJ fracture-dislocations at least 3 weeks after the inciting injury. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients were treated with delayed DDEF between 2010 and 2013. Postoperative ROM at the PIPJ was measured. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire were administered to all patients postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean time from injury to surgery was 27.5 days. The mean follow-up period was 23.7 months (range 10-36). The mean active ROM at the PIPJ on final postoperative follow-up was 83.9° (range 52-100). None of the patients experienced pin-tract infections. Mean DASH score was 3.7+3.4 and mean Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score was 97.3+3.0. All patients returned to work and resumed normal activities. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed treatment of unstable PIPJ fracture-dislocations with a DDEF is effective in restoring function to the PIPJ. Nascent malunion of the PIPJ articular surface does not compromise postoperative outcomes and the joint surface undergoes remodelling over time to restore a smooth and functional articular surface.