Abstract Proteolytic activity is fundamental to survival, so it is not surprising that all living organisms have proteases, especially seine protease. This enzyme in its numerous isoforms and ...homologues, constitutes the quintessential offence and defence factors, in the form of surface proteins, secreted molecules, gut digestive enzymes, venom in specialised glands or plant latex, among other manifestations. Occurring as trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, collagenase, thrombin, subtilisin etc., it mediates a diverse array of functions, including pathological roles as inflammatory, coagulatory to haemorrhagic. This review emphasizes that despite the superficial differences in mechanisms, most health issues, be they infectious, allergic, metabolic, or neural have a common conduit. This enzyme, in its various glycosylated forms leads to signal misinterpretations, wreaking havoc. However, organisms are endowed with serine protease inhibitors which might restrain this ubiquitous yet deleterious enzyme. Hence, serine proteases-driven pathogenesis and antagonising role of inhibitors is the focal point of this critical review.
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been specifically designed to produce undistorted three‐dimensional information of the maxillofacial skeleton, including the teeth and their surrounding ...tissues with a significantly lower effective radiation dose compared with conventional computed tomography (CT). Periapical disease may be detected sooner using CBCT compared with periapical views and the true size, extent, nature and position of periapical and resorptive lesions can be assessed. Root fractures, root canal anatomy and the nature of the alveolar bone topography around teeth may be assessed. The aim of this paper is to review current literature on the applications and limitations of CBCT in the management of endodontic problems.
This article describes a novel three‐dimensional classification for external cervical resorption (ECR). The European Society of Endodontology and American Association of Endodontists & American ...Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology position statements advise that Cone beam computed tomography should be considered for the assessment and/or management of root resorption if it appears to be clinically amenable to treatment following clinical and conventional radiographic examination. The new classification takes into account the ECR lesion height (1: at CEJ level or coronal to the bone crest (supracrestal), 2: extends into the coronal third of the root and apical to the bone crest (subcrestal), 3: extends into the mid‐third of the root, 4: extends into the apical third of the root), circumferential spread (A: ≤90° B: ≤180° C: ≤270° D: >270°) and proximity to the root canal (d: lesion confined to dentine, p: probable pulpal involvement), thus classifying ECR in three dimensions. At present, there is no classification to accurately describe ECR. This novel and clinically relevant three‐dimensional classification should allow effective and accurate communication of ECR lesions between colleagues. It will also allow the effect of the nature of ECR on the outcome of treatment to be assessed objectively.
A novel type of spherical and porous composites were synthesized to dually benefit from reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and magnetic materials as supports for enzyme immobilization. Three magnetic ...composite particles of Fe3O4 and rGO containing 71% (rGO-Fe3O4-M1), 36% (rGO-Fe3O4-M2), and 18% (rGO-Fe3O4-M3) Fe were prepared using a one-pot spray pyrolysis method and were used for the immobilization of the model enzymes, laccase and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The rGO-Fe3O4 composite particles prepared by spray pyrolysis process had a regular shape, finite size, and uniform composition. The immobilization of laccase and HRP on rGO-Fe3O4-M1 resulted in 112 and 89.8% immobilization efficiency higher than that of synthesized pure Fe3O4 and rGO particles, respectively. The stability of laccase was improved by approximately 15-fold at 25 °C. Furthermore, rGO-Fe3O4-M1-immobilized laccase exhibited 92.6% of residual activity after 10 cycles of reuse and was 192% more efficient in oxidizing different phenolic compounds than the free enzyme. Therefore, these unique composite particles containing rGO and Fe3O4 may be promising supports for the efficient immobilization of industrially important enzymes with lower acute toxicity toward Vibrio fischeri than commercial pure Fe3O4 particles.
Understanding how fast short-range interactions build up long-range order is one of the most intriguing topics in condensed matter physics. FeRh is a test specimen for studying this problem in ...magnetism, where the microscopic spin-spin exchange interaction is ultimately responsible for either ferro- or antiferromagnetic macroscopic order. Femtosecond laser excitation can induce ferromagnetism in antiferromagnetic FeRh, but the mechanism and dynamics of this transition are topics of intense debates. Employing double-pump THz emission spectroscopy has enabled us to dramatically increase the temporal detection window of THz emission probes of transient states without sacrificing any loss of resolution or sensitivity. It allows us to study the kinetics of emergent ferromagnetism from the femtosecond up to the nanosecond timescales in FeRh/Pt bilayers. Our results strongly suggest a latency period between the initial pump-excitation and the emission of THz radiation by ferromagnetic nuclei.
Radiation exposure during fluoroscopically guided interventions such as endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) is a growing concern for operators. This study aimed to measure DNA damage/repair markers in ...operators perfoming EVAR.
Expression of the DNA damage/repair marker, γ-H2AX and DNA damage response marker, phosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutated (pATM), were quantified in circulating lymphocytes in operators during the peri-operative period of endovascular (infrarenal, branched, and fenestrated) and open aortic repair using flow cytometry. These markers were separately measured in the same operators but this time wearing leg lead shielding in addition to upper body protection and compared with those operating with unprotected legs. Susceptibility to radiation damage was determined by irradiating operators' blood in vitro.
γ-H2AX and pATM levels increased significantly in operators immediately after branched endovascular aortic repair/fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (
<0.0003 for both). Only pATM levels increased after infrarenal endovascular aortic repair (
<0.04). Expression of both markers fell to baseline in operators after 24 hours (
<0.003 for both). There was no change in γ-H2AX or pATM expression after open repair. Leg protection abrogated γ-H2AX and pATM response after branched endovascular aortic repair/fenestrated endovascular aortic repair. The expression of γ-H2AX varied significantly when operators' blood was exposed to the same radiation dose in vitro (
<0.0001).
This is the first study to detect an acute DNA damage response in operators performing fluoroscopically guided aortic procedures and highlights the protective effect of leg shielding. Defining the relationship between this response and cancer risk may better inform safe levels of chronic low-dose radiation exposure.
Initially, children were thought to be spared from disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, a month into the epidemic, a novel multisystem inflammatory ...syndrome in children (MIS-C) emerged. Herein, we report on the immune profiles of nine MIS-C cases. All MIS-C patients had evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure, mounting an antibody response with intact neutralization capability. Cytokine profiling identified elevated signatures of inflammation (IL-18 and IL-6), lymphocytic and myeloid chemotaxis and activation (CCL3, CCL4, and CDCP1), and mucosal immune dysregulation (IL-17A, CCL20, and CCL28). Immunophenotyping of peripheral blood revealed reductions of non-classical monocytes, and subsets of NK and T lymphocytes, suggesting extravasation to affected tissues. Finally, profiling the autoantigen reactivity of MIS-C plasma revealed both known disease-associated autoantibodies (anti-La) and novel candidates that recognize endothelial, gastrointestinal, and immune-cell antigens. All patients were treated with anti-IL-6R antibody and/or IVIG, which led to rapid disease resolution.
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•The MIS-C anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody repertoire resembles a convalescent response•Cytokine profiling indicates myeloid cell chemotaxis and mucosal inflammation•Mass cytometry uncovers immune cell activation and egress to the periphery•MIS-C autoantibodies target organ systems central to MIS-C pathology
Insights into the cellular and serological immune dysfunction underlying MIS-C, a novel pediatric inflammatory syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, reveal potential autoantibodies that may link organ systems relevant to pathology.
Physician burnout is a universal dilemma that is seen in healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, and is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a feeling of low ...personal accomplishment. In this review, we discuss the contributing factors leading to physician burnout and its consequences for the physician's health, patient outcomes, and the healthcare system. Physicians face daily challenges in providing care to their patients, and burnout may be from increased stress levels in overworked physicians. Additionally, the healthcare system mandates physicians to keep a meticulous record of their physician-patient encounters along with clerical responsibilities. Physicians are not well-trained in managing clerical duties, and this might shift their focus from solely caring for their patients. This can be addressed by the systematic application of evidence-based interventions, including but not limited to group interventions, mindfulness training, assertiveness training, facilitated discussion groups, and promoting a healthy work environment.