The Role of Streptococcal Cell-Envelope Proteases in Bacterial Evasion of the Innate Immune System

Bacteria possess the ability to evolve varied and ingenious strategies to outwit the host immune system, instigating an evolutionary arms race. Proteases are amongst the many weapons employed by bacteria, which specifically cleave and neutralize key signalling molecules required for a coordinated immune response. In this article, we focus on a family of S8 subtilisin-like serine proteases expressed as cell-envelope proteases (CEPs) by group A and group B streptococci. Two of these proteases known as Streptococcus pyogenes CEP (SpyCEP) and C5a peptidase cleave the chemokine CXCL8 and the complement fragment C5a, respectively. Both CXCL8 and C5a are potent neutrophil-recruiting chemokines, and by neutralizing their activity, streptococci evade a key defence mechanism of innate immunity. We review the mechanisms by which CXCL8 and C5a recruit neutrophils and the characterization of SpyCEP and C5a peptidase, including both in vitro and in vivo studies. Recently described structural insights into the function of this CEP family are also discussed. We conclude by examining the progress of prototypic vaccines incorporating SpyCEP and C5a peptidase in their preparation. Since streptococci-producing SpyCEP and C5a peptidase are responsible for a considerable global disease burden, targeting these proteases by vaccination strategies or by small-molecule antagonists should provide protection from and promote the resolution of streptococcal infections.     

Evaluation of the Radiation Shielding Properties of a Tellurite Glass System Modified with Sodium Oxide

In this study, the X-ray and gamma attenuation characteristics and optical properties of a synthesized tellurite–phosphate–sodium oxide glass system with a composition of (85 − x)TeO₂–10P₂O₅–xNa₂O mol% (where x = 15, 20, and 25) were evaluated. The glass systems we re fabricated by our research group using quenching melt fabrication. The shielding parameters of as-synthesized systems, such as the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), effective atomic number (Z_eff), half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective electron density (N_eff) in a wide energy range between 15 keV and 15 MeV, were estimated using well-known PHY-X/PSD software and recently developed MIKE software. Herein, the optical parameters of prepared glasses, such as molar volume (V_M), oxygen molar volume (V_O), oxygen packing density (OPD), molar polarizability (αm), molar refractivity (R_m), reflection loss (R_L), and metallization (M), were estimated using MIKE software. Furthermore, the shielding performance of the prepared glasses was compared with that of commonly used standard glass shielding materials. The results show that the incorporation of sodium oxide into the matrix TeO₂/P₂O₅ with an optimum concentration can yield a glass system with good shielding performance as well as good optical and physical properties, especially at low photon energy.     

Biological Activities of 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole Derivatives: A Review

2-Mercaptobenzothiazoles are an important class of bioactive and industrially important organic compounds. These compounds are reported for their antimicrobial and antifungal activities, and are subsequently highlighted as a potent mechanism-based inhibitor of several enzymes like acyl coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase, monoamine oxidase, heat shock protein 90, cathepsin D, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases. These derivatives are also known to possess antitubercular, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, amoebic, antiparkinsonian, anthelmintic, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antiulcer, chemoprotective, and selective CCR3 receptor antagonist activity. This present review article focuses on the pharmacological profile of 2-mercaptobenzothiazoles with their potential activities.     

Initial experience with a self-expanding retrievable stent for recanalization of large vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke

Introduction  

Quicker recanalization results in better clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic strokes. We describe our experience with the use of a self-expanding, fully retrievable stent in acute intracranial occlusions.     

Robotic uretero-ureterostomy of the retrocaval ureter without excision of the retrocaval segment

Robotic reconstruction of the retrocaval ureter is gaining momentum as the method of choice for surgically treating this rare condition. Maintaining the retrocaval ureteric segment further facilitates the procedure. We report a case of a 23-year-old man who underwent intraperitoneal robotic resection anastomosis and repositioning of the retrocaval ureter. We also discuss the advantages of this technique.