Induced immune response of DNA vaccine encoding an association MSP1a, MSP1b, and MSP5 antigens of Anaplasma marginale

The outer membrane proteins of Anaplasma marginale have been the focus of research to obtain an improved vaccine against bovine anaplasmosis. We evaluated the capacity of the recombinant plasmids pcDNA-msp1alpha, pcDNA-msp1beta, and pcDNA-mp5 to express MSP1a, MSP1b, and MSP5 proteins, and to determine the immunogenicity of BALB/c mice immunized with these plasmids individually or in association. Expression of proteins was confirmed in Vero cells by IFA. The combination of recombinant plasmids showed high antibodies response, produced better induction of Th1 response than individual plasmids, and induced significant proliferation of splenocytes. The mice sera immunized with A. marginale showed seroconversion and reacted with all native MSPs, but demonstrated predominance of the humoral IgG1 isotype and did not induce significant proliferation of splenocytes. The use of association of recombinant plasmid can be an effective strategy for the immunoprophylaxis of anaplasmosis.     

Cost-Effectiveness of the Management of Rh-Negative Pregnant Women

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the most cost-effective option to prevent alloimmunization against the Rh factor.MethodsA virtual population of Rh-negative pregnant women in Quebec was built to simulate the cost-effectiveness of preventing alloimmunization. The model considered four options: (1) systematic use of anti-D immunoglobulin; (2) fetal Rh(D) genotyping; (3) immunological determination of the father’s Rh type; (4) mixed screening: immunological determination of the father’s Rh type, followed if positive by fetal Rh(D) genotyping. Two outcomes were considered, in addition to the estimated costs: (1) the number of babies without hemolytic disease, and (2) the number of surviving infants.ResultsIn a first pregnancy, two options emerged as the most cost-effective options: systematic prophylaxis and immunological Rh typing of the father, with overlapping confidence intervals between them. In a second pregnancy, the results were similar. In all cases (first or second pregnancy or a combination of the two) fetal genotyping was not found to be a cost-effective option.ConclusionRoutine prophylaxis and immunological Rh typing of the father are the most cost-effective options for the prevention of Rh alloimmunization. Considering that immunological typing of the father would probably not be carried out by the majority of clinicians, routine prophylaxis remains the preferred option. However, this could change if the cost of Rh(D) fetal genotyping fell below $140 per sample.     

Vibrations in the Temporomandibular Joints in Patients Examined and Treated in a Private Clinic

Patients indicated for examination, evaluation and treatment of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in the Centro de Diagnostic e Tratamento da ATM (CDTATM) were submitted to computerized BioPAK system tests.* Special attention was placed on the SonoPAK test (electrovibratography), seeking to evaluate the articular sound problem in differentiated patients for specific TMJ treatment. The percentage of sounds (148 joints, 74 patients) was high (75.67% in the opening movement and 50.00% in the closing movement) which suggests the necessity to give more attention to the TMJ sounds during a clinical exam. And also, if possible, give more attention to the utilization of specific tests to obtain a clear definition of the type of sound the patient presents.     

Root formation of an autotransplanted tooth

Abstract –  Traumatic injuries with loss of anterior teeth occur more frequently in children. Treatment of the dental trauma is complex and requires a comprehensive and accurate diagnostic and treatment plan. It is also important to consider the biological, functional, esthetic, and economic aspects. The purpose of this article is to show a case report with a successful root formation and periodontal healing after autotransplantation of maxillary second right premolar in place of maxillary right central incisor site. Tooth autotransplantation may be considered as a viable treatment option instead of a conventional prosthetic and implant rehabilitation.     

Rhus chinensis and Galla Chinensis – folklore to modern evidence: review

The species Rhus chinensis Mill. (Anacardiaceae) is an important representative of the genus Rhus, which contains over 250 individual species found in temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Rhus chinensis has long been used by folk medicine practitioners in Asia. Leaves, roots, stem, bark, fruit and particularly the galls on Rhus chinensis leaves, Galla chinensis, are recognized to have preventative and therapeutic effects on different ailments (such as diarrhea, dysentery, rectal and intestinal cancer, diabetes mellitus, sepsis, oral diseases and inflammation). However, it is critical to separate evidence from anecdote. Fortunately, recent scientific research has revealed that Rhus chinensis compounds possess strong antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiarrheal and antioxidant activities. Moreover, compounds isolated from the stem of Rhus chinensis significantly suppressed HIV‐1 activity in vitro. Compounds from this plant were also found to inhibit enamel demineralization in vitro and enhance remineralization of dental enamel with fluoride. This review highlights claims from traditional and tribal medicinal lore and makes a contemporary summary of phytochemical, biological and pharmacological findings on this plant material. It aims to show that the pharmaceutical potential of this plant deserves closer attention. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.