A panel of real-time PCR assays for specific detection of three phytoplasmas from the apple proliferation group

We report here on the development of combination of assays for fast, reliable, specific and sensitive detection and discrimination of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’, ‘Ca. P. prunorum’ and ‘Ca. P. pyri’ from the 16Sr-X (apple proliferation – AP) group. These phytoplasmas are causal agents of diseases of fruit trees within the family Rosaceae, namely apple proliferation (AP), European stone fruit yellows (ESFY) and pear decline (PD). The designed panel of assays uses TaqMan^® minor groove binder probes (MGB). It comprises the same set of primers and specific probes for species-specific amplification within the 16S–23S rRNA intergenic spacer region, a set of primers and probes for amplification of the 16S ribosomal DNA region for the universal phytoplasma detection, and an additional set of primers and probe for 18S rRNA as an endogenous quality control of DNA extraction. The performance characteristics of the panel were evaluated. The advantages of new assays were shown in a comparative study with the conventional PCR, which proved their higher sensitivity combined with three-fold shorter time of testing process; and in comparison with two reported multiplex real-time PCR assays for detection of ‘Ca. P. mali’ or ‘Ca. P. pyri’. New panel of assays were tested on the DNA samples of ‘Ca. P. mali’, ‘Ca. P. prunorum’, ‘Ca. P. pyri’, other phytoplasmas and other bacteria isolated from plant material. Additionally, 198 symptomatic and asymptomatic fruit tree field samples collecting during several growing seasons were tested with new assays as well. The results of this study indicate that the combination of three specific assays may be applied in routine phytoplasma surveys and in the certification programs.     

Incarceration of the appendix into silicone drain holes without signs of appendicytis

A surgical drainage simple surgical procedure that enables elimination of pathological effluent from operative wounds or other anatomical spaces, as well as removal of possible pathological exudates (blood, pus, enteric content, pancreatic juice, etc.). Nowadays, silicone drains are used for draining of the peritoneal cavity. In this study we presented a case of 42-year old female patient who underwent surgery after traumatic injury of intraabdominal organs and fracture of pelvic ring bone structure. Postoperative drain placed into the rectovesical space could not be removed on day 17 post surgery. Additional diagnostics could not identify the actual reason of failing to remove the drain, thus relaparotomy was required. Intraoperative diagnosis revealed incarceration of the antimesenteric part of the appendix into two circumjacent side perforations in the drain, without signs of acute inflammation. This paper presents an unusual and rare case of peritoneal drainage complication. The drainage of peritoneal cavity should be performed only in appropriate clinical situations, i.e. when the procedure is surgically indicated.     

Relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and sleep bruxism: a systematic review

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a clinical risk factor for sleep bruxism (SB). Both OSAS and SB are reported to be associated with sleep‐related arousal reactions, although no clear causative link has been established. An electronic literature search was conducted of the MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library, SAGE Journals and EBSCOhost databases covering the period January 2006 and September 2016. Sequential screenings at the title, abstract and full‐text levels were performed. The review included observational studies in the English language with a clearly established aim to assess the relationship between OSAS and SB using full‐night PSG. The seven‐item quality‐assessment tool for experimental bruxism studies was used to assess the methodology across the studies. After a comprehensive screening of titles, abstracts and full texts, only three studies that met the pre‐defined criteria were finally included in this systematic review. Two studies gave evidence that OSAS is associated with the occurrence of SB events: (i) SB events frequently occur during micro‐arousal events consequent on apnoea–hypopnoea (AH) events and (ii) most SB events occur in temporal conjunction with AH events termination. However, one study did not report a strong association between AH and SB events. It can be concluded that there are not enough scientific data to define a clear causative link between OSAS and SB. However, they appear to share common clinical features. Further studies should focus on the intermediate mechanisms between respiratory and SB events.     

Das tiefe stabilisierende System der Wirbelsäule

As an introduction the motor stereotypes or patterns according to Janda are mentioned and the mechanisms and causes are explained according to the developmental kinesiology of Vojta. An equilibrium between flexors and extensors, adductors and abductors, external and internal rotators of the extremities is established which makes the upright human posture possible. During standing the feet form the fixed point for muscle chains, which by their coordinated activity are essential for the upright human posture. The spinal column is comparable to a mast to which muscles arising from the pelvis are attached. The instability of the individual vertebrae, however, requires the deep stabilization system formed dorsally by the multifidus muscles and ventrally by the abdominal cavity with its walls, the diaphragm connecting the respiratory with the postural function. Stability of the plantar arch is due mainly to the activity of the flexors of the foot and toes. The shoulder blades are fixed by the lower part of the trapezius muscle and the serratus anterior muscle. The head is stabilized by the short muscles of the craniocervical junction and the deep neck muscles. The stabilizing muscles function mainly automatically and in cases of dysfunction, correct function must be learned. Trigger points in the chains of long muscles restricting joint movement apparently compensate for insufficiencies of the deep stabilization system as they regularly disappear when the deep stabilization system returns to normal. Obviously, soft tissue lesions also play an essential role and the entire problem can only be fully understood by taking the control of the central nervous system into account.     

C-Terminal Peptide of γ-Enolase Impairs Amyloid-β-Induced Apoptosis Through p75NTR Signaling

γ-Enolase acts as a neurotrophic-like factor promoting growth, differentiation, survival and regeneration of neurons. It is shown in this study to exert a protective effect against amyloid-β-peptide (Aβ)-induced neurotoxicity in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. Aβ-induced toxicity was abolished in the presence of the active C-terminal peptide of γ-enolase (γ-Eno) as measured by cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase release, sub-G1 cell population, intracellular reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial functions and apoptotic morphology. γ-Eno caused downregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and upregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, as well as reduced caspase-3 activation. Exposure to Aβ increased surface expression of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75^NTR), and the increase was abolished in the presence of γ-Eno peptide. Further, pretreatment with γ-Eno suppressed the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 and Jun-N-terminal kinase, which are p75^NTR downstream effectors in apoptotic signaling. Moreover, Aβ triggered γ-enolase co-immunoprecipitation with p75^NTR as well as their strong association in the perimembrane region as shown by confocal microscopy, which further supports the interaction between these two proteins in cells insulted by Aβ peptide. Our results indicate the possible use of γ-enolase C-terminal peptide for treating or preventing Alzheimer’s disease.     

Pathophysiological mechanisms of reduced physical activity: Insights from the human step reduction model and animal analogues

Physical inactivity represents a heavy burden for modern societies and is spreading worldwide, it is a recognised pandemic and is the fourth cause of global mortality. Not surprisingly, there is an increasing interest in longitudinal studies on the impact of reduced physical activity on different physiological systems. This narrative review focuses on the pathophysiological mechanisms of step reduction (SR), an experimental paradigm that involves a sudden decrease in participants' habitual daily steps to a lower level, mimicking the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Analogous animal models of reduced physical activity, namely, the “wheel-lock” and the “cage reduction” models, which can provide the foundation for human studies, are also discussed. The empirical evidence obtained thus far shows that even brief periods of reduced physical activity can lead to substantial alterations in skeletal muscle health and metabolic function. In particular, decrements in lean/muscle mass, muscle function, muscle protein synthesis, cardiorespiratory fitness, endothelial function and insulin sensitivity, together with an increased fat mass and inflammation, have been observed. Exercise interventions seem particularly effective for counteracting these pathophysiological alterations induced by periods of reduced physical activity. A direct comparison of SR with other human models of unloading, such as bed rest and lower limb suspension/immobilisation, is presented. In addition, we propose a conceptual framework aiming to unravel the mechanisms of muscle atrophy and insulin resistance in the specific context of reduced ambulatory activity. Finally, methodological considerations, knowledge gaps and future directions for both animal and human models are also discussed in the review.