Fungi Tryptophan Synthases: What Is the Role of the Linker Connecting the α and ß Structural Domains in Hemileia vastatrix TRPS? A Molecular Dynamics Investigation.

Tryptophan synthase (TRPS) is a complex enzyme responsible for tryptophan biosynthesis. It occurs in bacteria, plants, and fungi as an αßßα heterotetramer. Although encoded by independent genes in bacteria and plants, in fungi, TRPS is generated by a single gene that concurrently expresses the α and ß entities, which are linked by an elongated peculiar segment. We conducted 1 µs all-atom molecular dynamics simulations on Hemileia vastatrix TRPS to address two questions: (i) the role of the linker segment and (ii) the comparative mode of action. Since there is not an experimental structure, we started our simulations with homology modeling. Based on the results, it seems that TRPS makes use of an already-existing tunnel that can spontaneously move the indole moiety from the α catalytic pocket to the ß one. Such behavior was completely disrupted in the simulation without the linker. In light of these results and the αß dimer's low stability, the full-working TRPS single genes might be the result of a particular evolution. Considering the significant losses that Hemileia vastatrix causes to coffee plantations, our next course of action will be to use the TRPS to look for substances that can block tryptophan production and therefore control the disease.

Pregnancy outcomes after ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for conservative treatment of uterine fibroids: experience of a single institution.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) ablation for uterine fibroids on fertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted of 560 reproductive-age women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who underwent USgHIFU therapy at Mútua Terrassa University Hospital, Spain, between February 2008 and February 2018. We analyzed pregnancy outcomes including time to conception, pregnancy approach, gestational age, delivery mode, neonatal outcomes and complications during pregnancy and delivery. RESULTS: After USgHIFU treatment, 71 pregnancies were obtained in 55 patients. Of these, 58 (82%) cases were natural pregnancies and 13 (18%) were in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies. The median time to conception was 12 (range 1-72) months. There were 43 (61%) successful deliveries, including a twin gestation, 22 (31%) spontaneous abortions and 6 (8%) therapeutic abortions. The rate of full-term deliveries was 91% (39/43) and the remaining 9% (4/43) were preterm deliveries. Of the 44 live births, 25 (57%) were born vaginally and 19 (43%) by cesarean section. The complications reported included 3 women with retained placenta (7%), 2 with placenta previa (5%) and 1 with severe preeclampsia (2%). The mean birth weight was 3.1 (range: 1.4-4.3) kg, and except for a baby born with a tetralogy of Fallot, all newborns developed well without complications during postpartum and breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing USgHIFU treatment of uterine fibroids can achieve full-term pregnancies with few intrapartum or postpartum complications. More studies are required to compare fertility and perinatal outcomes between patients who underwent or not USgHIFU.

Minimal Incision Approach for Condyle Fracture Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of condylar neck fractures requires an extraoral approach when, due to the degree of difficulty of the fracture, an intraoral approach or an endoscopically supported treatment is not possible. In contrast to the cosmetically more favorable oral approach, extraoral approaches offer a better overview of the operating field and thus an easier fracture repositioning and osteosynthetic treatment. In 2007, Marti et al. described a minimal pre- and retroauricular incision with no extension to the hair-bearing skin and which aimed to improve the parotidectomy approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present two cases in which minimal incision was used as a surgical approach for treatment of the condylar neck. DISCUSSION: Using the minimal incision, we were able to access the condylar neck. This type of approach as well as having the advantages of an open approach makes it possible to conceal the scar in the periauricular region and reduce the likelihood of salivary fistula.

Human papillomavirus in carcinomas of the tongue: clinical and prognostic implications.

It is not clear whether the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue (SCCT) is of etiopathogenic and clinical significance. This study was designed to establish the incidence of HPV in SCCT and to determine the influence of HPV detection on clinical parameters and the prognosis. Clinical and histopathological data of 64 patients with SCCT were collected. Thirty benign lesions of the tongue were analyzed in parallel, in order to compare the HPV incidence and genotypes in these lesions with those of SCCT. Paraffin blocks of all cases were collected and PCR was carried out using SPF10 primers and the INNO-LiPA genotyping methodology. HPV was detected in 26.2% of the patients. Hybridization results showed that all patients except one had high-risk (HR)-HPV. HPV56 was the most common (42.1%), followed by HPV18 (26.3%), HPV16 (10.5%), HPV66 (10.5%), HPV39 (5.3%), and HPV51 (5.3%). The odds ratio of HR-HPV infection in cases vs. controls was statistically significant (9.45, 95% confidence interval 1.18-75.46). Among the results of the univariate analysis correlating the presence of HR-HPV with different clinical parameters, only mortality showed a statistically significant correlation, being higher in HR-HPV patients (odds ratio 3.97, 95% confidence interval 1.07-14.7).

Aetiology of community-acquired pneumonia among adults in an H1N1 pandemic year: the role of respiratory viruses.

This study aimed to determine the aetiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) by adding polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to conventional methods and to describe the clinical and laboratory features between patients with bacterial pneumonia (BP) and viral pneumonia (VP). Adults with CAP admitted from November 2009 to October 2010 were included. Demographics, comorbidities, severity and clinical features were recorded. Conventional microbiological methods included blood and sputum cultures, acute and convalescent serologic samples, and antigen urinary detection. New methods included multiplex PCR for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis and 15 respiratory viruses. A total of 169 patients were included. Using conventional methods, we identified a pathogen in 51 % of cases. With PCR, up to 70 % of cases had an aetiological diagnosis. Forty-five patients had BP (34 %), 22 had VP (17 %) and 25 (19 %) had co-infection (BP and VP). Pneumococci and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were the most frequently identified pathogens. Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) median values were significantly higher in BP than in VP patients. Shaking chills, higher CURB score and shock were significantly more frequent in BP. A viral infection was identified in more than one-third of patients with CAP. Clinical and laboratory features could help to differentiate between VP and BP and to guide empirical therapy.

Parosteal osteoma of the iliac bone.

A 33-year-old patient with a 2-year history of intermittent pain in the right gluteal region and thigh presented with a large sclerotic lesion of the iliac bone. From the findings on radiography, scintigraphy, CT and MRI, a giant parosteal osteoma was suspected. The histological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Since the lesion was extensive it was observed with periodic follow-up examinations. At present, 5 years after the diagnosis, the patient is asymptomatic and imaging studies show that the lesion persists with reduction of sclerosis and size. The tumor was on the surface as well as intramedullary--only one other case with such a distribution is known to us--and it was also in the iliac bone.

Functional characteristics of pyruvate transport in Phycomyces blakesleeanus.

A saturable and accumulative transport system for pyruvate has been detected in Phycomyces blakesleeanus NRRL 1555(-) mycelium. It was strongly inhibited by alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate. l-Lactate and acetate were competitive inhibitors of pyruvate transport. The initial pyruvate uptake velocity and accumulation ratio was dependent on the external pH. The Vmax of transport greatly decreased with increasing pH, whereas the affinity of the carrier for pyruvate was not affected. The pyruvate transport system mediated its homologous exchange, which was essentially pH independent, and efflux, which increased with increasing external pH. The uptake of pyruvate was energy dependent and was strongly inhibited by inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation and of the formation of proton gradients. Glucose counteracted the inhibitory effect of the pyruvate transport produced by inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Our results are consistent with a pyruvate/proton cotransport in P. blakesleeanus probably driven by an electrochemical gradient of H+ generated by a plasma membrane H+-ATPase.

[A study of the fragile X syndrome among the employees of the Spanish National Telephone Company]. / Estudio del síndrome X-frágil en la población de la compañía telefónica de España.

Our aim was to study the incidence rate of the X-fragile syndrome among the male employees throughout Spain and that of the physically handicapped dependants of those workers at the Spanish National Telephone Company (TESA), this last goal being to offer genetic counselling to their families. The method used was to check the census of the Telephone Company Handicapped Assistance Association (ATAM), which embraces all handicapped dependents of TESA employees. 386 mentally backward (IQ under 70) males were found. A cytogenic study was offered to all those cases of unknown etiology. A total of 49 cases (12.7%) without any data to lead us into thinking of other etiological factors refused to take part. Molecular genetic studies were carried out on families with male members diagnosed as having X-fragile syndrome. The results were as follows: the total number of patients suffering with this syndrome was eleven. The incidence rates of X-fragile syndrome in the group studied was 14.3/386 (3.7% of mentally backward males). Molecular genetics was more sensitive than cytogenetics in diagnosing the state of mother and sister carriers.

Fragile X syndrome with extra microchromosome.

A mentally retarded male with Martin-Bell syndrome, who has an extra microchromosome and is fra X negative in cytogenetic study is reported. Because of its small size, the origin of the microchromosome could not be determined. Two other affected males in this family (a cousin and a nephew of the proband) were fragile X positive, 24% and 26%, respectively. Cytogenetic studies and DNA analysis with the probe St B 12.3 were performed on several members of the family. The proband and the two other affected males showed a similar full mutation on the molecular study. This study emphasizes the importance of molecular analysis in the diagnosis of fragile X syndrome, particularly when cytogenetic studies demonstrate fra X negative in individuals in families likely to have X-linked mental retardation.

[Pancoast's syndrome: difficulties in its diagnosis]. / Tumor de Pancoast: dificultades para su diagnóstico.

We present four patients with pancoast tumor diagnosed between 6 to 13 months after the appearance of symptoms. In three of the patients, the presence of old pulmonary apical fibrous lesions complicated diagnosis by simple radiology. Clinical suspicion of the tumor provided the basis for further complementary explorations which confirmed the apical lesion: TC in two patients and RM in the third. Three patients histological diagnosis was obtained by aspirative transthoracic punction. The late diagnosis resulted in the treatment being purely palliative in three cases. It should be stressed that when presented with persistent shoulder pain, clinicoradiological assessment need to be exhaustive in order to make an early diagnosis.

[Deviations of the nasal septum and their relation to tubal physiopathology]. / Les déviations du septum nasal et leur relation avec la physiopathologie tubaire.

It is frequently shown by the specialist, the relation exists between an obstructive septal deviation and the bad function of the Eustachian tube. Nasal physiopathology, as regulator of the tubaric function has been established as a controversial subject during the past two decades. This research demonstrates the relation between the septal deviation and tubaric pathology.

Imaging of the azygos lobe: normal anatomy and variations.

We describe the normal appearance of the azygos lobe on plain radiography and CT. Several findings are presented that, to our knowledge, have not been previously reported, such as the inferior prolongation of the fissure, the apparent intrapulmonary path of the right brachiocephalic vein and superior vena cava seen on the anteroposterior chest radiograph, and the visible fissure on the lateral chest radiograph.