Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of a new enzyme solution for caries removal in deciduous teeth

This study evaluated a new enzyme solution (SFC-V) for dentin caries removal, and obtained results were compared with Carisolv. Both solutions were used with a prototype plastic instrument - this being a modified technique for Carisolv. Five carious deciduous teeth were sectioned, and both treatments were applied alternately to each half. Micro-CT observations showed that both treatments resulted in removal of the outer demineralized dentin layer: 28.6% for SFC-V and 28.2% for Carisolv. As for the remaining demineralized dentin, thicknesses of 0.27 microm (SFC-V) and 0.31microm (Carisolv) were observed with no statistically significant differences. FE-SEM analysis revealed that the use of Carisolv resulted in a rougher surface; whereas after SFC-V enzymatic treatment, an organized dentin collagen network with open tubules and few signs of bacteria were observed. In summary, the experimental enzymatic solution and the modified Carisolv treatment removed comparable amounts of carious dentin but with differing resultant surface morphologies.     

Sleep deprivation attenuates experimental stroke severity in rats

Indirect epidemiological and experimental evidence suggest that the severity of injury during stroke is influenced by prior sleep history. The aim of our study was to test the effect of acute sleep deprivation on early outcome following experimental stroke. Young male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 20) were subjected to focal cerebral ischemia by reversible right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 90 min. In 10 rats, MCAO was performed just after 6-h of total sleep deprivation (TSD) by “gentle handling”, whereas the other rats served as controls. Neurological function during the first week after stroke was monitored using a battery of behavioral tests investigating the asymmetry of sensorimotor deficit (tape removal test and cylinder test), bilateral sensorimotor coordination (rotor-rod and Inclined plane) and memory (T-maze and radial maze). Following MCAO, control rats had impaired behavioral performance in all tests. The largest impairment was noted in the tape test where the tape removal time from the left forelimb (contralateral to MCAO) was increased by ∼ 10 fold (p < 0.01). In contrast, rats subjected to TSD had complete recovery of sensorimotor performance consistent with a 2.5 fold smaller infarct volume and reduced morphological signs of neuronal injury at day 7 after MCAO. Our data suggest that brief TSD induces a neuroprotective response that limits the severity of a subsequent stroke, similar to rapid ischemic preconditioning.     

Adjunct extended-release valproate semisodium in late life schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: Adjunctive anticonvulsant medications may benefit some individuals with schizophrenia, however data on adjunct anticonvulsants in older adults with schizophrenia is limited. This prospective, 12-week open label study evaluated adjunct extended-release valproate semisodium (divalproex) in 20 older adults with schizophrenia. METHODS: The study was conducted at an academic psychiatry clinic in the mid-western United States. Participants were self-referred from posted advertisements or referred by clinic practitioners. Extended-release valproate semisodium was added onto antipsychotic treatment. Individuals with active substance use disorders or active significant medical comorbidity were excluded. Primary outcome measures included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Global Assessment Scale (GAS). Tolerability was evaluated via patient self-reported side effects, change from baseline in body weight and change on abnormal movement scales. RESULTS: Patients (mean age 61 years, range 49.8-79.2 years) had significant reductions in psychosis scores as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) p<0.01, as well as in global functioning as measured by the Global Assessment Scale (GAS) p<0.01 and depression as measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) p<0.05. Mean dose of extended-release valproate semisodium was 587.50 mg/day SD+/-247.02. Extended-release valproate semisodium was well tolerated in this older adult population. The primary adverse effect was sedation, which appeared to be relatively dose and titration-speed dependent. Weight change was not significant. CONCLUSION: While extended-release valproate semisodium appears efficacious and well tolerated in older adults with schizophrenia, data from larger, controlled trials is needed.     

Non-diabetic glomerular lesions in diabetic kidney disease: clinical predictors and outcome in an Eastern European cohort

International Urology and Nephrology - Since patients’ prognosis depends on the lesions identified by kidney biopsy (KB), we aimed to evaluate predictors of non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD)...     

High-resolution crystal structure reveals molecular details of target recognition by bacitracin

Bacitracin is a metalloantibiotic agent that is widely used as a medicine and feed additive. It interferes with bacterial cell-wall biosynthesis by binding undecaprenyl-pyrophosphate, a lipid carrier that serves as a critical intermediate in cell wall production. Despite bacitracin’s broad use, the molecular details of its target recognition have not been elucidated. Here we report a crystal structure for the ternary complex of bacitracin A, zinc, and a geranyl-pyrophosphate ligand at a resolution of 1.1 Å. The antibiotic forms a compact structure that completely envelopes the ligand’s pyrophosphate group, together with flanking zinc and sodium ions. The complex adopts a highly amphipathic conformation that offers clues to antibiotic function in the context of bacterial membranes. Bacitracin’s efficient sequestration of its target represents a previously unseen mode for the recognition of lipid pyrophosphates, and suggests new directions for the design of next-generation antimicrobial agents.