In vivo imaging of enamel by reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM): non-invasive analysis of dental surface

The aim is to establish the feasibility to image in vivo microscopic dental surface by non-invasive, real-time, en face Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM). Fifteen healthy volunteers referred at the Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialties, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy, were enrolled. A commercially available hand-held RCM (Vivascope^®3000, Lucid, Rochester, NY, USA) was used to image in vivo the dental surface of the upper right and left central incisors of each volunteer. Totally, thirty vestibular surfaces of upper central incisors were imaged in vivo by RCM to preliminary image the dental surface and assess the feasibility of a more extended study on teeth. In vivo RCM was able to image the dental surface within the enamel, at a maximum depth imaging of 300 μm, with images good in quality and the capability to detect enamel structures such as enamel lamellae and enamel damages, such as unevenness and cracks. In conclusion, enamel “optical biopsy”, gained by RCM imaging, revealed to be a non-invasive real-time tool valid to obtain architectural details of the dental surface with no need for extraction or processing the samples. RCM appears to be an optimum auxiliary device for investigating the architectural pattern of superficial enamel, therefore inviting further experiments aimed to define our knowledge about damages after etching treatments or bracket removal and the responsiveness to fluoride seals and the morphology of the tooth/restoration interface. Moreover, this device could also be used to detect relevant diseases like caries, or to assess surface properties to evaluate lesion activity.     

Antidiarrhoeal Activity of Hamelia patens Methanol Extract in Rats and Mice

The inhibitory action of Hamelia patens methanol extract was studied in vitro on uterus, ileum and duodenum, and the antidiarrhoeal activity was evaluated in vivo on mice and rats. It was found that for the uterus and intestine the inhibitory response was dose dependent and the major antidiarrhoeal effect was observed at a dose of 100 mg/kg.     

Targeted Analysis of Tears Revealed Specific Altered Metal Homeostasis in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PurposeSpecific altered metal homeostasis has been investigated in the tear film of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients considering that metal dyshomeostasis contributes to the production of free radicals, inflammation, and apoptosis and results in conformational changes of proteins.MethodsA multitargeted approach based on spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry techniques has been implemented to the multiplexed quantitation of lactoferrin (LF), S100 calcium binding protein A6 (S100A6), metallothionein 1A (MT1A), complement factor H (CFH), clusterin (CLU), amyloid precursor protein (APP), Mg, P, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Ca, in the tear film from 60 subjects, 31 patients diagnosed with the dry form of AMD, and 29 healthy individualsResultsSignificant up-regulations of MT1A (1.9-fold) and S100A6 (1.4-fold) and down-regulations of LF (0.7-fold), Fe (0.6-fold), Mg (0.7-fold), and Cu (0.7-fold) were observed in AMD patients, when compared to control subjects. Of all the studied variables, only APP showed negative correlation with age in the AMD group. Also, positive correlations were observed for the variables Mg and Na, Cu and Mg, and P and Mg in both the AMD and control groups, whereas positive correlations were exclusively determined in the AMD group for Cu and LF, Na and Ca, and Mg and Ca. The panel constituted of MT1A, Na, and Mg predicts AMD disease in 73% of cases.ConclusionsThe different levels of target metals and (metallo-)proteins in the tear film suggest altered metal homeostasis in AMD patients. These observed pathophysiological changes may be related with the anomalous protein aggregation in the macula.     

Incidence and spatial distribution of adult-onset primary malignant and other central nervous system tumors in Southern Sardinia,Italy

Neurological Sciences - To study for the first time the incidence of adult-onset CNS tumors in Southern Sardinia, Italy. Clinical records of patients > 18 years old who...     

Detection of grouper mislabelling in the fish market by an immunostick colorimetric ELISA assay

We have applied an immunostick colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay for the rapid authentication of grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) fillets in the fish market. An indirect ELISA has been assayed by using a monoclonal antibody (3D12) developed previously in another work. In this study, 52 commercial fish fillets samples collected from local markets and supermarkets, which were labelled as grouper, have been analysed by this methodology; only 14 samples were confirmed to be grouper. The simplicity of the procedure and the short time required for the analysis make it suitable for a screening test of a large number of samples and it can be made into a field test for fish processors and inspectors to be used on site.     

Inspecting the Ribozyme Region of Hepatitis Delta Virus Genotype 1: Conservation and Variability

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) genome has an autocatalytic region called the ribozyme, which is essential for viral replication. The aim of this study was to use next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze the ribozyme quasispecies (QS) in order to study its evolution and identify highly conserved regions potentially suitable for a gene-silencing strategy. HDV RNA was extracted from 2 longitudinal samples of chronic HDV patients and the ribozyme (nucleotide, nt 688–771) was analyzed using NGS. QS conservation, variability and genetic distance were analyzed. Mutations were identified by aligning sequences with their specific genotype consensus. The main relevant mutations were tested in vitro. The ribozyme was conserved overall, with a hyper-conserved region between nt 715–745. No difference in QS was observed over time. The most variable region was between nt 739–769. Thirteen mutations were observed, with three showing a higher frequency: T23C, T69C and C64 deletion. This last strongly reduced HDV replication by more than 1 log in vitro. HDV Ribozyme QS was generally highly conserved and was maintained during follow-up. The most conserved portion may be a valuable target for a gene-silencing strategy. The presence of the C64 deletion may strongly impair viral replication, as it is a potential mechanism of viral persistence.     

High SARS-CoV-2 Prevalence among Healthcare Workers in Cochabamba,Bolivia

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of the study was to estimate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among HCWs in Cochabamba, Bolivia and to determine the potential risk factors. In January 2021, a cross-sectional SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study was conducted in 783 volunteer clinical and non-clinical HCWs in tertiary care facilities. It was based on IgG detection using ELISA, chemiluminiscence, and seroneutralisation tests from dried blood spots. Analysis revealed a high seroprevalence (43.4%) of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. The combination of anosmia and ageusia (OR: 68.11; 95%-CI 24.83–186.80) was predictive of seropositivity. Belonging to the cleaning staff (OR: 1.94; 95%-CI 1.09–3.45), having more than two children in the same house (OR: 1.74; 95%-CI 1.12–2.71), and having been in contact with a close relative with COVID-19 (OR: 3.53; 95%-CI 2.24–5.58) were identified as risk factors for seropositivity in a multivariate analysis. A total of 47.5% of participants had received medication for COVID-19 treatment or prevention, and only ~50% of symptomatic subjects accessed PCR or antigenic testing. This study confirms a massive SARS-CoV-2 attack rate among HCWs in Cochabamba by the end of January 2021. The main risk factors identified are having a low-skilled job, living with children, and having been in contact with an infected relative in the household.