Volatile components of whole and different plant parts of bastard balm (Melittis melissophyllum L., Lamiaceae) collected in Central Italy and Slovakia

The aim of this work was to trap the volatiles released from whole frozen and dry aerial parts, and, separately, from different organs (leaves, stems, corolla and calyx) of bastard balm (Melittis melissophyllum L., Lamiaceae) populations collected in Italy and Slovakia by HS-SPME, and to identify the headspace constituents responsible for the characteristic aroma impression by GC/FID and GC/MS techniques. Among more than 100 volatile components detected, the C(8) alcohol oct-1-en-3-ol, responsible for the typical mushroom-like odor, and the phenolic coumarin, with a characteristic sweet and creamy vanilla bean odor, played a major role in the aroma of whole aerial parts and different plant organ samples. In particular, dry calyx parts could be proposed as flavoring agent in food products as mushroom aroma enhancer. Multivariate chemometric techniques, such as cluster analysis and principal component analysis, were used to characterize the sample populations according to the geographical origin and processing of plant material.     

HIV-2 Integrase Variation in Integrase Inhibitor-Na?ve Adults in Senegal,West Africa

Background

Antiretroviral therapy for HIV-2 infection is hampered by intrinsic resistance to many of the drugs used to treat HIV-1. Limited studies suggest that the integrase inhibitors (INIs) raltegravir and elvitegravir have potent activity against HIV-2 in culture and in infected patients. There is a paucity of data on genotypic variation in HIV-2 integrase that might confer intrinsic or transmitted INI resistance.

Methods

We PCR amplified and analyzed 122 HIV-2 integrase consensus sequences from 39 HIV-2–infected, INI-naive adults in Senegal, West Africa. We assessed genetic variation and canonical mutations known to confer INI-resistance in HIV-1.

Results

No amino acid-altering mutations were detected at sites known to be pivotal for INI resistance in HIV-1 (integrase positions 143, 148 and 155). Polymorphisms at several other HIV-1 INI resistance-associated sites were detected at positions 72, 95, 125, 154, 165, 201, 203, and 263 of the HIV-2 integrase protein.

Conclusion

Emerging genotypic and phenotypic data suggest that HIV-2 is susceptible to the new class of HIV integrase inhibitors. We hypothesize that intrinsic HIV-2 integrase variation at “secondary” HIV-1 INI-resistance sites may affect the genetic barrier to HIV-2 INI resistance. Further studies will be needed to assess INI efficacy as part of combination antiretroviral therapy in HIV-2–infected patients.     

Comparative proteomic analysis of four Bacillus clausii strains: proteomic expression signature distinguishes protein profile of the strains

A comparative proteomic approach, using two dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, has been developed to compare and elucidate the differences among the cellular proteomes of four closely related isogenic O/C, SIN, N/R and T, B. clausii strains during both exponential and stationary phases of growth. Image analysis of the electropherograms reveals a high degree of concordance among the four proteomes, some proteins result, however, differently expressed. The proteins spots exhibiting high different expression level were identified, by mass-spectrometry analysis, as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADHA, EC1.2.1.3; ABC0046 isoform) aldehyde dehydrogenase (DHAS, EC 1.2.1.3; ABC0047 isoform) and flagellin-protein of B. clausii KSM-k16. The different expression levels of the two dehydrogenases were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR and dehydrogenases enzymatic activity. The different patterns of protein expression can be considered as cell proteome signatures of the different strains.     

Odontostomatologic management of patients receiving oral anticoagulant therapy: a retrospective multicentric study

Background

Neurologically, it is proven that stimulation of larger diameter fibers - e.g. using appropriate coldness, warmth, rubbing, pressure or vibration- can close the neural "gate" so that the central perception of itch and pain is reduced. This fact is based upon "Gate-control" theory of Melzack and Wall.

Presentation of the hypothesis

Syringe Micro Vibrator is a new design being introduced for the first time in the field of Dentistry. This device is a promising breakthrough in pain and anxiety management and may deliver solution for clinicians plagued with patient pain phobia. It has an off-set rotating micro vibration creator with ultra high frequency and ultra low altitude that can be easily placed on any standard dental syringe and some disposable syringes. This device was registered as an invention in dentistry and received Iran National Patent number of 63765.

Testing the hypothesis

By creating micro vibration, this device would be effective in reducing the pain and anxiety confronted with most types of intraoral injections as palatal, mandibular block, intraligamental and local infiltration. From the aspect of the patient pain management, this device contributes both physiologically (based on Gate Control Theory of pain) and psychologically (based on the device function as will be explained by dentist to the patient as a modern pain reducing technology). From the aspect of clinician, SMV motor provides vibrations with ultra high frequency to alleviate pain, but since it has ultra low vibration altitude, it has no adverse effect on the clinician dexterity and accuracy during injection and it does not interfere with pin point localization of injection site.

Implications of the hypothesis

Upon mounting on a conventional dental anesthesia injection syringe, SMV is switched on and the clinician then uses normal injection technique to administer the anesthetic. This device is not only a useful accessory device for ordinary patients, but also more useful for pediatric patients and those who have a phobia of intraoral injection or pain.     

Multiple roles of matrix metalloproteinases during apoptosis

Structural, molecular and biochemical approaches have contributed to piecing together the puzzle of how matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) work and contribute to various disease processes. However, MMPs have many unexpected substrates other than components of the extracellular matrix which profoundly influence cell behaviour, survival and death. With the current understanding of diverse/novel roles of matrix metalloproteinases—particularly their direct or indirect relevance for the early steps during programmed cell death—some seemingly contrasting results seem less surprising. To better target MMPs an appreciation of their many extracellular, intracellular and intranuclear functions, often acting in opposing directions with paradoxical roles in cell death, is carefully required.     

Spermiogenesis and ultrastructure of the spermatozoon of the liver fluke Fasciola gigantica Cobbold, 1856 (Digenea: Fasciolidae), a parasite of cattle in Senegal

The present paper describes the spermiogenesis and the ultrastructure of the spermatozoon of Fasciola gigantica, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. Spermiogenesis in F. gigantica begins with the formation of a differentiation zone containing 2 centrioles with associated striated roots and an intercentriolar body between them. Each centriole develops a flagellum. Proximodistal fusion of these flagella with the median cytoplasmic extension gives rise to the spermatozoon. Spermiogenesis in F. gigantica is characterized by the formation of a dorsolateral cytoplasmic expansion, an external ornamentation of the cell membrane, and spinelike bodies. These 3 structures were also observed in the anterior part of the spermatozoon. Our study describes for the first time the simultaneous presence of dorsolateral cytoplasmic expansion, external ornamentation of the plasma membrane, and spinelike bodies in the spermatozoon of a trematode.     

TLR9-independent activation of B lymphocytes by bacterial DNA

The intracellular Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is unique in its ability to recognize single-stranded DNA unmethylated at CpG motifs. Work from this laboratory showed that plasmid DNA is spontaneously internalized in B lymphocytes. This event is followed by the upregulation of costimulatory molecules and the acquisition of antigen presenting function by these cells. However, it is not known whether this phenomenon depends on TLR9. Because of the relevant role played by DNA-based drugs in immunotherapy and vaccination, and the central role of TLR9 signaling by CpG motifs, we decided to investigate whether signaling through TLR9 is a prerequisite for spontaneous transgenesis of lymphocytes. Here we found that transgene expression and upregulation of CD40 and CD86 costimulatory molecules was not inhibited by chloroquine treatment. Spontaneous transgenesis also occurred in B lymphocytes from TLR9-/- mice, and the injection of TLR9-/- transgenic B lymphocytes in C57Bl/6 mice induced both CD4 and CD8 T cell responses comparable to those induced by wild-type B lymphocytes. Collectively, these results suggest that plasmid DNA activates mammalian B lymphocytes through a TLR9 independent pathway.     

Nuclear expression of diacylglycerol kinases: possible involvement in DNA replication

The existence of intranuclear lipid-dependent signal transduction systems has been demonstrated by several independent groups. Remarkably, intranuclear lipid-dependent signal transduction pathways are regulated independently from their membrane/cytosolic counterparts. A sizable body of evidence suggests that nuclear lipid signaling controls critical biological functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Diacylglycerol (DG) is a fundamental lipid second messenger which is produced in the nucleus. Since the levels of nuclear DG fluctuate during the cell cycle progression, it has been suggested that this lipid second messenger has important regulatory roles. Most likely, nuclear DG serves as a chemoattractant for some isoforms of protein kinase C that migrate to the nucleus in response to a variety of agonists. The nucleus also contains diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs), i.e. the enzymes that, by converting DG into phosphatidic acid (PA), terminate DG-dependent events. This review aims at highlighting the different isozymes of DGKs present within the nucleus as well as at discussing their potential functions with particular emphasis placed on DNA replication.     

Lésions des organes génitaux externes par arme a feu: a propos de six observations

Patients and Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients admitted with gunshot injuries to the external genital organs to the urology departments of Aristide Le Dantec Hospital, Grand Yoff General Hospital and Dakar Principal Hospital, between January 1998 and January 2003. The following parameters were studied: patients’ age and gender, interval between accident and admission, clinical features, complementary investigations and treatment, and early and late outcomes.

Results

Only males were observed and the mean age of these patients was 37.7 years (range: 22–52 years). Lesions were accidental in five cases. Two cases of testicular wounds, two cases of corpus cavernosum injuries, two cases of urethral injury, and one case of perineal wound were observed. After excision of the lesions, complementary procedures consisted of: orchidectomy in two cases, corpus cavernosum — albuginea suture in two cases and end-to-end urethral suture in one case. Perineoscrotal wounds were sutured three days after debridement. All patients received antibiotics and antitetanus serum. No death was observed during the immediate follow-up. No case of urethral stricture or erectile dysfunction was observed with a follow-up of 18 months. Semen analysis was normal in the two cases of orchidectomy.