International Biological and Biomedical Journal
Volume:5 Issue: 1, Winter 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are usually 18-24 nucleotides long, which may have a pivotal role in the expansion of many complex diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the transcript levels of miR-193b-3p and miR-376a-3p in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. In this case-control study, miR-193b-3p and miR-376a-3p expression in 60 RRMS patients, of which 30 were recurring patients and 30 were two months after relapse patients, and 30 healthy subjects were examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using real-time PCR reaction. Our results showed that the expression of miR-193b-3p was significantly reduced in recurring patients and two months after relapse patients in comparison with healthy subjects (P < 0.004 and P < 0.0001, respectively). In contrast, miR-376a-3p showed an increased expression in recurring patients and two months after relapse patients (P < 0.0001). Based on the findings, it can be assumed that miR-193b-3p and miR-376a-3p may be prospective biomarkers with the potential use for diagnosis of RRMS patients.

Chitosan is a biocompatible material that has been researched in many areas in recent years. As it can be obtained from renewable sources, has antimicrobial properties, is biocompatible, and has no toxic effect, chitosan is currently a widely-used material. The use of chitosan was investigated in different areas related to dentistry. Chitosan is used in the prevention of caries and wear, to increase the regeneration capability of the dentin pulp complex, in pulpotomy to accelerate osteogenesis in guided tissue regeneration due to its hemostatic property, and primarily to benefit from its antimicrobial activity by adding it to materials such as glass ionomer cement, calcium hydroxide, and adhesive systems. The aim of this review was to examine the areas of use of chitosan in dentistry, and to explain its antimicrobial activity in particular, and also its capability for regeneration of dental tissues.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. is one of medicinal plants in Indonesia that is used as a male contraceptive. Hibiscus flower contains flavonoids that can decrease testosterone. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of hibiscus flower extract on the weight of the epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles, and the thickness of the cauda epididymal epithelium, in male rats. 25 male Sprague Dawley® rats aged 60-70 days and weighing 200-210 g were subdivided into 5 groups of 5 animals each, and were treated with 0 (control), 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg/kg body weight of hibiscus flower methanolic extract for 30 days. The results showed a decrease in weight of the epididymis in the treatment groups (P < 0.001). Also, there was also a decrease in the thickness of the cauda epididymial epithelium (P = 0.021), as well as the weight of the prostate and seminal vesicles in treatment groups in comparison with the control group (P = 0.001). Therefore, hibiscus flower extract affected the weight of the epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicles and the thickness of cauda epididymial epithelium.

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes diarrhea in both humans and animals. The contaminated food and water are the most common vehicles for ETEC infection. The colonization factor antigen (CFA-1) is a fimbriae protein that promotes adherence of the ETEC strain to the epithelium of the small intestine of the host. In this study IgY proteins were produced against the CFA-1 of ETEC in immunized white leg horn chickens. The collection of antibody was found higher in 25% and 50% ammonium precipitated samples. The isolated CFA-1 protein (0.5 mg/ml) was purified by dialysis (0.42 mg/ml), gel-filtration (0.08 mg/ml), and ion-exchange chromatography (0.065 mg/ml). The CFA-1 protein obtained was submitted to pBLAST which matched with CFA-b with accession no.-AAC41415.1. The CFA-1 gene was cloned in pUC18 vector, and transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α strain. In conclusion, we have successfully purified and characterized monoclonal antibodies (IgY proteins) against CFA-1 of enterotoxigenic E. coli that may be useful for diagnosis of widely occurring Escherichia coli infections.

Permanent mandibular third molars are known to have two distinct mesial and distal morphological roots. However, there might be some discrepancies in their roots number. An additional root located mesiobuccally is called radix paramolaris (RP) while the distolingually placed one is called radix entomolaris (RE). Worldwide, RE is more common than RP. The pathogenesis of the third root occurrence in the mandibular molar is still hazy. Unawareness of the number, position, and morphology of the roots of mandibular third molars might greatly impact the extraction of this tooth which could result in serious surgical morbidity. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to present a rare case of a Nigerian patient with three rooted mandibular third molar.

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder which occurs with a frequency of about one in 10,000–30,000 live newborns. Both males and females, and all races are equally affected. PWS is a complex disorder with multiple disabilities, and the main defect is found in the hypothalamus. Child with PWS at the age between 2 and 3 years becomes constantly hungry and if the diet is not controlled, often leads to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Because of the presence of xerostomy, people with PWS have tendency to develop cavities and periodontal disease, and early application of preventive and prophylactic measures is very important. Before invasive dental treatment, consultation with a physician who treats the underlying disease is necessary, and the application of general anesthesia is often required due to mental retardation. If the pediatric dentists become more familiar with PWS, the diagnosis and treatment of oral pathology will start earlier, which is essential to improvement of the general health and the quality of life and care for these individuals. Multidisciplinary approaches are necessary for dental management of the orofacial problems in patients with PWS.