Recent advances in biological nanopores for nanopore sequencing,sensing and comparison of functional variations in MspA mutants

Biological nanopores are revolutionizing human health by the great myriad of detection and diagnostic skills. Their nano-confined area and ingenious shape are suitable to investigate a diverse range of molecules that were difficult to identify with the previous techniques. Additionally, high throughput and label-free detection of target analytes instigated the exploration of new bacterial channel proteins such as Fragaceatoxin C (FraC), Cytolysin A (ClyA), Ferric hydroxamate uptake component A (FhuA) and Curli specific gene G (CsgG) along with the former ones, like α-hemolysin (αHL), Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A (MspA), aerolysin, bacteriophage phi 29 and Outer membrane porin G (OmpG). Herein, we discuss some well-known biological nanopores but emphasize on MspA and compare the effects of site-directed mutagenesis on the detection ability of its mutants in view of the surface charge distribution, voltage threshold and pore–analyte interaction. We also discuss illustrious and latest advances in biological nanopores for past 2–3 years due to limited space. Last but not the least, we elucidate our perspective for selecting a biological nanopore and propose some future directions to design a customized nanopore that would be suitable for DNA sequencing and sensing of other nontrivial molecules in question.

Future of nanopore DNA sequencing: schematic illustration shows the future of nanopore DNA sequencing by using a customized biological nanopore with appropriate fabrication.     

The Potential Use of Ultrasound‐Magnetic Resonance Imaging Fusion Applications in Musculoskeletal Intervention

We sought to assess the potential use of an application allowing real‐time ultrasound spatial registration with previously acquired magnetic resonance imaging in musculoskeletal procedures. The ultrasound fusion application was used to perform a range of outpatient procedures including piriformis, sacroiliac joint, pudendal and intercostal nerve perineurial injections, hamstring‐origin calcific tendonopathy barbotage, and 2 soft tissue biopsies at our institution in 2015. The application was used in a total of 7 procedures in 7 patients, all of which were technically successful. The ages of patients ranged from 19 to 86 years. Particular use of the fusion application compared to sonography alone was noted in the biopsy of certain soft tissue lesions and in perineurial therapeutic injections.     

The effect of bleaching gel and (940 nm and 980 nm) diode lasers photoactivation on intrapulpal temperature and teeth whitening efficiency

This in vitro study aimed to investigate the whitening efficacy of 940 nm and 980 nm diode laser photoactivation in tooth bleaching by analysing pulp chamber temperature, as well as the change in tooth colour. Root canals of thirty extracted human lower premolars were prepared. Laserwhite* 20 bleaching agent containing 38% of hydrogen peroxide was photoactivated with 7 W output power of 940 nm and 980 nm diode lasers for 120 s. Bleaching gel reduced 27–29% of the temperature from reaching the pulp chamber. For shade assessment, only the groups photoactivated using diode lasers showed statistically significant differences from control group P < 0.001. Within the studied parameters, both 940 nm and 980 nm diode lasers produced a safe pulp temperature increase. Diode laser photoactivation of bleaching gel resulted in more efficient teeth whitening. Photoactivation with 940 nm diode laser yielded the highest change in colour with only minor increase in pulp chamber temperature.