Substances In Saliva Research Articles

Disinfection effect of ozonated water on SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of salivary proteins.

Ozonated water is expected to be an effective disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2 present on environmental fomites; however, ozone is consumed by organic substances, resulting in attenuation of its effect. SARS-CoV-2 present in saliva can contaminate environmental surfaces; therefore, it is essential to understand the effect of organic substances in saliva on the disinfectant properties of ozonated water. To assess organic factors in saliva and the extent to which they diminish the effect of ozonated water on SARS-CoV-2. Ozonated water was exposed to salivary organic factors and residual ozone concentrations were measured. SARS-CoV-2 was exposed to a salivary factor and virus inactivation by ozonated water was measured. Amylase and mucin consumed ozone in a concentration-dependent manner. Urea did not. Ozonated water appeared to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 within 30 sec. The amount of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 decreased as the protein concentration increased. Virus inactivation was stronger by 1.5 mg/L ozonated water than by 0.5 mg/L ozonated water. This study suggests that the salivary amylase and mucin decay ozone in a concentration-dependent manner, thereby attenuating the disinfection properties of ozonated water for SARS-CoV-2. An increase of the initial amount of ozone can ameliorate the disinfection effect of ozonated water on SARS-CoV-2. Ozone consumption should be taken into consideration for virus infection control. These results provide fundamental information about the effect of ozonated water when used to decontaminate surfaces harbouring SARS-CoV-2 in saliva.

Fabrication of a salivary amylase electrochemical sensor based on surface confined MWCNTs/β-cyclodextrin/starch architect for dental caries in clinical samples

Salivary α-amylase (α-ALS) has drawn attention as a possible bioindicator for dental caries. Herein, combining the synergistic properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and starch, an electrochemical sensor is constructed employing ferrocene (FCN) as an electrochemical indicator to oversee the progression of the enzymatic catalysis of α-ALS. The method involves a two-step chemical reaction sequence on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the synthesized material, while Static water Contact angle measurements, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were performed to monitor each step of sensor fabrication. The electrochemical sensor permitted to detect α-ALS within the linear range of 0.5–280 U mL−1, revealing detection (LOD), and quantification (LOQ) values of 0.041 U mL−1, and 0.159 U mL−1, respectively. Remarkably, the sensor demonstrated exceptional specificity and selectivity, effectively discriminating against other interfering substances in saliva. Validation of the method involved analyzing α-ALS levels in artificial saliva with an accuracy range of 97 % to 103 %, as well as in real clinical saliva samples across various age groups.

Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Diseases in Saliva and Gingival Crevicular Fluid: A Review.

Due to the fact that cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become the most serious problem in public health, there is a need for new and efficient methods for screening and early detection. In the recent literature, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) have been gaining recognition as sources of many potential biomarkers of various systemic diseases, mainly because of correlation between the level of some compounds in the blood and saliva and association between the composition of saliva and health status. In this review, we summarize published findings of patients with atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and stroke in the context of clinical utility of saliva and GCF in diagnosing and assessing CVD severity. We hypothesize that substances in saliva including inflammatory markers, enzymes, or hormones might become novel contributors to the diagnosis and screening of CVDs. In particular, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis alpha (TNFα), and cortisol seem to be the most promising. However, further investigation is warranted to determine the most effective markers and methods for their analysis.

Spontaneous Swallowing Frequency in Post-Stroke Patients with and Without Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: An Observational Study

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a frequent complication after stroke (PSOD) that increases morbidity and mortality. Early detection of PSOD is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with acute stroke. In recent years, an association between reduced spontaneous swallowing frequency (SSF) and OD has been described. Likewise, the reduction of saliva substance P (SP) concentration has been associated with an increased risk of aspiration and a decrease in SSF. In this study we aimed to compare SSF, salivary SP concentration, hydration and nutritional status in post-stroke (PS) patients with and without OD. We included 45 acute PS patients (4.98 ± 2.80 days from stroke onset, 62.22% men, 71.78 ± 13.46 year). The Volume-Viscosity Swallowing Test (V-VST) was performed for clinical diagnosis of OD. SSF/minute was assessed through 10-min neurophysiological surface recordings including suprahyoid-electromyography and cricothyroid-accelerometry. Saliva samples were collected with a Salivette® to determine SP by ELISA. Hydration status was assessed by bioimpedance. Nutritional status was evaluated by Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-sf) and blood analysis. Twenty-seven PS patients (60%) had OD; 19 (40%), impaired safety of swallow. SSF was significantly reduced in PSOD, 0.23 ± 0.18 and PSOD with impaired safety, 0.22 ± 0.18 vs 0.48 ± 0.29 swallows/minute in PS without OD (PSnOD); (both p < 0.005). Nutritional risk was observed in 62.92% PSOD vs 11.11% PSnOD (p = 0.007) and visceral protein markers were also significantly reduced in PSOD (p < 0.05). Bioimpedance showed intracellular dehydration in 37.50% PSOD vs none in PSnOD. There were no differences for saliva SP concentrations. SSF is significantly reduced in PSOD in comparison with PSnOD. Acute PSOD patients present poor nutritional status, hydropenia, and high risk for respiratory complications.

Development of smart core-shell nanoparticle-based sensors for the point-of-care detection of alpha amylase in diagnostics and forensics

Smart biocompatible materials, responsive to various external stimuli, hold immense potential in the development of biosensors for low-cost diagnostics. The present paper outlines the development of smart enzyme-responsive core-shell nanoparticle-based sensors as low-cost diagnostics for alpha amylase detection. The biocompatible core-shell nanoparticles of 200–250 nm size consisted of a chitosan-tripolyphosphate core formed by ionic gelation coated with a starch-iodine shell. In the presence of specific concentrations of amylase, the starch-iodine shell was disrupted and resulted in the exposure of core. This application herein describes a visible switch in color from blue to red towards the point-of-care detection of salivary alpha amylase (sAA). Stress and other autonomic disturbances can be diagnosed by measuring this biomarker. Also, alpha amylase can be used in the detection of latent saliva at crime scenes for forensic investigations. Using the present platform technology, a paper-based diagnostic was developed for detection of salivary alpha amylase that demonstrated a limit of detection (LoD) of 140 units/ml (70 mg/ml) at 5 minutes while a coated swab developed from the nanoparticles for crime scene investigations could achieve an LoD of 2.5 units/ml (1.25 mg/ml) over 30 minutes. The nanoparticles demonstrated stability and reproducibility with no interference seen with other substances in saliva. The present paper provides a proof-of-concept technology underscoring the utility of smart nanoparticles in affordable, versatile biosensing platforms like paper-based and swab-based formats for such diverse applications as diagnostics for stress and in forensics.

Salivary Biomarkers of Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

Stress, anxiety and depressive disorders are often characterized by the activation of the stress axis, which results in similar symptoms at some point in these disorders. These disorders are closely related to each other—they occur simultaneously or follow one another. The diagnosis of stress, anxiety and depression is not a perfect procedure currently—it is based on patient observation and an interview with the patient and their family. There are no laboratory tests that would dispel the doubts of the doctor making the diagnosis and allow the appropriate treatment to be implemented as soon as possible. Therefore, this study will review the components of saliva that could be helpful in the quick diagnosis of stress, anxiety and/or depression. Such potential salivary biomarkers could also be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment prescribed by a psychiatrist. The following are promising salivary biomarkers of stress, anxiety or depression: cortisol, immunoglobulin A (sIgA), lysozyme, melatonin, α-amylase (sAA), chromogranin A (CgA) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2). To the best valuable potential salivary markers of stress, we can include cortisol, lysozyme, sAA and CgA. To differentiate depression from stress, salivary cortisol and melatonin can be helpful. Fluctuations in the concentrations of the above-mentioned substances in saliva indicate a particularly strong relationship with typical human psychological problems, such as stress, depression or anxiety.

Indirect effect of substances of the hemophagous parasite Hirudo verbana on the immune system of the host rats.

A positive relationship between the hematophagous parasite-medicinal leech and the host (animals and humans) has been partially shown by many authors. But only direct influence was shown, and how they can influence indirectly has not been studied by anyone. Therefore, it became relevant to analyse the immunological parameters of blood and histological analysis of the central lymphoid organ of female rats on the 30th day after the birth of their offspring, as well as the same indicators in their offspring on the 30th and 60th days of ontogenesis under the indirect influence of saliva substances of the hematophagous parasite Hirudo verbana. The parasite attachments were carried out to male rats before mating; after four attachments, males were added to the females. After pregnancy, the females were removed. The analysis of indicators was carried out according to the goal. We counted the number of erythrocytes and leukocytes, analysed the leukocyte blood count, studied the phagocytic and metabolic activity of neutrophils, histologically analysed the thymus, carried out a statistical analysis. Under the indirect influence of the substances of the parasite saliva, in experimental female rats and their offspring, in comparison with the control group, a significant increase in the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes is observed. The leukocyte blood count in the experimental group remains unchanged in females and their offspring in comparison with the control. When analysing the thymus in the experimental group, the number of lymphocytes significantly increases in females and their offspring. Substances of the hematophagous parasite are able to indirectly positively influence the general condition of pregnant female rats, and later their offspring. It should be noted that the parasite did not directly affect females and their offspring.

Conserved and distinct morphological aspects of the salivary glands of sand fly vectors of leishmaniasis: an anatomical and ultrastructural study

BackgroundSand flies are vectors of Leishmania spp., the causative agents of leishmaniasis in vertebrates, including man. The sand fly saliva contains powerful pharmacologically active substances that prevent hemostasis and enhance Leishmania spp. infections. On the other hand, salivary proteins can protect vaccinated mice challenged with parasites. Therefore, sand fly salivary proteins are relevant for the epidemiology of leishmaniasis and can be a potential target for a vaccine against leishmaniasis. Despite this, studies on sand fly salivary glands (SGs) are limited.MethodsThe present study analyzes, in detail, the morphology, anatomy and ultrastructure of the SGs of sand fly vectors of the genera Lutzomyia and Phlebotomus. We used histology, transmission and scanning electron microscopy and lectin labeling associated with confocal laser microscopy.ResultsThe SGs have conserved and distinct morphological aspects according to the distinct sand fly species. Each SG has a single rounded lobe constituting of c.100–120 secretory cells. The SG secretory cells, according to their ultrastructure and lectin binding, were classified into five different subpopulations, which may differ in secretory pathways.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, these morphological details of sand fly salivary glands are described for the first time. Further studies are necessary to better understand the role of these different cell types and better relate them with the production and secretion of the saliva substances, which has a fundamental role in the interaction of the sand fly vectors with Leishmania.

Comprehensive analysis of protein expression levels and phosphorylation levels in host skin in response to tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) bite

Ticks are parasitic arthropods that suck blood from the surface of most vertebrates. They can transmit a variety of pathogens. The blood sucking of ticks causes varying degrees of damage to the skin of the host. Proteins related to immune regulation, vascular repair, and wound healing in mammalian skin respond to tick bites by regulating their expression and post-translational modifications to protect the skin from injury. Phosphorylation of proteins, as the most common post-translational modification of proteins, plays an important role in the rapid regulation of cell signal transduction, gene expression and cell cycle. To systematically explore the molecular regulatory mechanisms employed by mammalian skin to resist tick bites, larval, nymphal, and adult Haemaphysalis longicornis were used to bite the skin tissues of healthy rabbits in the present study. The quantitative proteomic technology data-independent acquisition was then carried out to investigate in depth the changes in protein expression and phosphorylation in rabbit skin after tick bite. The results showed that among the 4034 proteins and 1795 phosphorylated proteins identified, a total of 202 proteins and 435 phosphorylation sites were changed after H. longicornis bite. In order to provide convenience for sucking blood, active substances in the saliva of H. longicornis injected into the rabbit's skin can cause the expression level of trichohyalin and peptidyl arginine deiminase 3 in the skin of the host downregulate, which can make the host hair loss and regeneration disorders. At the same time, the active substances in saliva of the H. longicornis led to the phosphorylation of microtubule actin cross-linking factor 1 in the host's skin and further inactivation, so as to delay the healing of the host wound. In response to tick bites, the host skin promotes coagulation through high expression of fibrinogen and fibronectin, and vascular repair through high expression of integrin linked kinase and tenascin C, as well as accelerated phosphorylation of the phosphorylated protein Nck adaptor protein 1, and wound healing through high expression of ezrin and integrin. The upregulation of proteins such as coronin, NADPH oxidase, calnexin, and calreticulin and phosphorylation level of IL-4R in the host skin after the H. longicornis bite indicated that the immune response was playing an important defensive role in response to tick bites. Meanwhile, we found that the upregulated two lectins, mannose receptor C-type 1 and DC-SIGN, may serve as molecular makers to identify and monitor whether the skin is bitten by ticks. SignificanceHaemaphysalis longicornis are parasitic arthropods that suck blood from the surface of most vertebrates. They can transmit a variety of pathogens and are harmful to humans and livestock.The present study is the first quantitative proteomic study on protein expression levels in the rabbit skin after infection by H. longicornis. It is also the first quantitative phosphoproteomic study in the host skin infected by ticks. In this study, we found that tick bites cause the host hair loss and regeneration disorders. For resisting tick bite, the host activates the immune response and initiates vascular repair and wound-healing systems. In addition, some phosphorylated proteins promote host immunity and vascular repair. These results can help us further understand the defence mechanism of the host against tick bites, provide a basis for the development of an anti-tick vaccine, the development of anti-tick drugs, and the diagnosis of tick-borne diseases.

Study of Anti-A Antibody Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles as a Biomolecular Detection Probe for a Substance in Saliva

In this research studied on the conjugation of antibodies on gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and the optimization in term of antibody concentration and albumin blocking concentration. Gold nanoparticleswith diameter size of ~20 nm were synthesized via chemical reduction of HAuCl4 with trisodium citrate as reducing and stabilizing agent. Gold nanoparticles and anti-A antibody at various concentrations were mixed and nonspecific binding sites were blocked by using bovine serum albumin (BSA) at various concentrations. The antibody conjugated gold nanoparticles were tested by coagulation with 1% sodium chloride salt solution to obtain the optimal antibody concentration. BSA 50, 100 and 200 μg/mL were added in solution after antibody covered on gold nanoparticles. The solutions were characterized by measuring absorbance spectra. From the results found that the optimal concentration of antibodies and BSA blocking were 45 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, respectively. The anti-A conjugated gold nanoparticles were tested with saliva of blood group A sample to monitor the specific interaction between antibody on gold surface and antigen in saliva via the change of absorbance spectra.

Salivary Cortisol Determination on Smartphone-Based Differential Pulse Voltammetry System.

Cortisol is commonly used as a significant biomarker of psychological or physical stress. With the accelerated pace of life, non-invasive cortisol detection at the point of care (POC) is in high demand for personal health monitoring. In this paper, an ultrasensitive immunosensor using gold nanoparticles/molybdenum disulfide/gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/MoS2/AuNPs) as transducer was explored for non-invasive salivary cortisol monitoring at POC with the miniaturized differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) system based on a smartphone. Covalent binding of cortisol antibody (CORT-Ab) onto the AuNPs/MoS2/AuNPs transducer was achieved through the self-assembled monolayer of specially designed polyethylene glycol (PEG, SH-PEG-COOH). Non-specific binding was avoided by passivating the surface with ethanolamine. The miniaturized portable DPV system was utilized for human salivary cortisol detection. A series current response of different cortisol concentrations decreased and exhibited a linear range of 0.5–200 nM, the detection limit of 0.11 nM, and high sensitivity of 30 μA M−1 with a regression coefficient of 0.9947. Cortisol was also distinguished successfully from the other substances in saliva. The recovery ratio of spiked human salivary cortisol and the variation of salivary cortisol level during one day indicated the practicability of the immunosensor based on the portable system. The results demonstrated the excellent performance of the smartphone-based immunosensor system and its great potential application for non-invasive human salivary cortisol detection at POC.

Efficacy of Sucrose in Reducing Pain during Immunization among 10- to 18-Month-Old Infants and Young Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeSucrose is recommended to reduce pain associated with vaccination in neonates. However, research results concerning its effectiveness in infants and young children are inconclusive. This study aims to determine the efficacy of sucrose administration in reducing pain during immunization in 10- to 18-month-old infants and young children as assessed by behavioral pain parameters, crying time, and saliva substance (P) concentration. Design and methodsThis was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial and included healthy infants and young children undergoing their 10- to 18-month immunization. Behavioral pain outcome was measured during, and shortly after the last injection. The infant's pain was also measured by a salivary test using substance (P), and videotaping of crying time. ResultsThe study results indicate that, compared with a placebo group, the sucrose group had significantly less pain post-immunization (F (1,129) = 1.72, p = 0.001). Moreover, substance (P) was lower in the intervention group post-immunization, and it could be considered a good predictor of pain reduction associated with immunization. ConclusionsSucrose administration during immunization injection helps in reducing pain, which is one of the most critical factors affecting compliance with the immunization schedule. Substance (P) measurement can be used as a predictor of immunization pain level in 10- to 18-month-old infants and young children. Practice implicationsSucrose is an effective method to reduce needle pain during immunization; therefore, healthcare providers should administer sucrose as a pain relief intervention in the immunization clinical setting.

SPECIFIC USE OF SCREENING IMMUNOCHROMATOGRAPHIC TESTS FOR THE PRIMARY DETECTION OF FACTS OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE IN URINE AND SALIVA

The use of narcotic substances is a serious social problem, a threat to the health of an individual and to the security of the country as a whole. The use of narcotic substances affects the safety of the overall productivity of labor, which, ultimately, creates a rather large burden on the economy of the country as a whole. In the framework of federal programs for the prevention of drug addiction, the practice of testing for the use of narcotic drugs at work and study places is being increasingly used. And here the question naturally arises of the significant cost, laboriousness and time-consuming test systems for the use of narcotic substances produced by Russian companies. All this, of course, complicates the process of introducing a testing procedure. In this situation, the importance of developing, improving and introducing new methods for the detection of narcotic substances and their metabolites in human biological fluids increases. The article provides a general overview of world experience in using immunochromatographic tests for identifying psychoactive substances as a screening test, with particular attention being paid to analyzing the specifics of using screening immunochromatographic tests for the initial identification of psychoactive substances in urine and saliva from the standpoint of the contextual feasibility of their applicability in a number of specific cases related to the specifics of the professional activities of the test. Along with this, the author, on the basis of the available statistical information and original research materials, provides an analysis of the Russian market of test systems for the detection of psychoactive substances in saliva and examines the feasibility of expanding its capabilities through wider use of screening psychoactive substances for saliva.

Relationship between salivary immunoglobulin a, lactoferrin and lysozyme flow rates and lifestyle factors in Japanese children: a cross-sectional study

Objective: The antimicrobial substances in saliva contribute to the maintenance of both oral health and overall health of the body. Therefore, the associations among immunoglobulin A (IgA), lactoferrin and lysozyme flow rates in the saliva of children, and their relationships with the physical attributes and lifestyle factors of children, were examined.Materials and methods: Saliva was collected from 90 children who visited the Kanagawa Dental University Hospital Pediatric Dentistry, and questionnaires were completed by guardians. IgA, lactoferrin and lysozyme concentrations were measured in the saliva samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).Results: The IgA flow rate in saliva increased as age, height and weight increased. A correlation was found between lactoferrin and lysozyme flow rates. When the antimicrobial substance flow rates in the saliva were divided into two groups of 22 children each based on the highest and lowest quartiles, children with either a low or high IgA flow rate also had a high or low lactoferrin flow rate, respectively. The same pattern was observed for lactoferrin and lysozyme flow rates.Conclusions: There is a high probability that the IgA flow rate in the saliva of children reflects and corresponds to the developmental status of immune function as the child ages and increases in height and weight. The flow rates of lactoferrin and lysozyme were correlated in children. In addition, regarding lifestyle factors, the duration of sleep and lactoferrin flow rate were also related.

Diminished expression of B antigen mimicking B3 phenotype in a patient with AML-M3: a rare case report.

The ABO blood group system plays an important role in transfusion and transplantation practices. Correct identification of the blood group of an individual is of paramount importance as minor errors can lead to fatal transfusion reactions. Weak expression of A, B and H antigens on the red cell surface can be inherited or acquired. They are probably the least frequently encountered and pose a challenge in the routine immunohematology practice.1 Such antigenic changes in hematological malignancies most commonly involve the ABO blood group system.2 The strength of agglutination with anti-B, anti-A,B, and anti-H serum, presence or absence of ABO isoagglutinins in the serum, adsorption-elution studies and the presence or absence of A, B and H substance in saliva along with pedigree analysis help to characterize the weaker variants of A and B serologically. Possible phenotypic subgroups include A3, Aend, Ax, Am, Ay, and Ael. Subgroups of B are very rare, less frequent than those of A and are classified as B3, BX, Bm and Bel in decreasing order of the amount of the B antigen (Table 1).

Salivary-free fluoride ion concentration measured using a flow-injection analysis device and oral environment in 4-6-year-old children.

Although fluoride (F) products are widely used for caries prevention, the safest and most effective modes of application, in particular for young children, remain to be elucidated. The limitations associated with the detection of ultra-low F ion concentrations are the major obstacles in accurately assessing the salivary F ion concentrations in children. This study aimed to measure accurate salivary-free F ion concentrations in children using a flow-injection analysis device and highlight the conditions or substances that influence changes in salivary content. Subjects were 4-6-year-old children, and we statistically compared the data involving the number of decayed, missing, or filled surfaces (dmfs), the levels of Mutans streptococci (MS) and Lactobacilli (LB) cariogenic bacteria, and oral hygiene habits. The information on the latter was obtained using a parent/guardian questionnaire. The average free F ion concentration measured was 0.421±0.158μmol/L (0.008±0.003ppm), which was considerably lower than that obtained in previous studies using the conventional F electrode method. No significantly different correlations were seen between salivary-free F ion concentrations and dmfs, MS and LB levels. With regard to salivary-free F ion concentrations and oral hygiene habits, only finishing brush of subjects' teeth by guardians showed a significant difference. In summary, the frequency of brushing was shown to correlate with free F ion concentration in saliva of children. Further studies are needed to circumstantially evaluate some other substances in saliva and oral hygiene habits.

Interactions between Hyaluronic Acid, Lysozyme, Peroxidase, and Glucose Oxidase in Enzymatic Activities at Low pH

Purpose: Many substances in saliva or oral health care products interact with each other. The aim of this study was to investigate interactions between hyaluronic acid (HA), lysozyme, peroxidase, and glucose oxidase (GO) in enzymatic activities at low pH levels. Methods: HA (0.5 mg/mL), hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL, <TEX>$30{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>), bovine lactoperoxidase (bLPO, <TEX>$25{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>), and GO (<TEX>$50{\mu}g/mL$</TEX>) were used. The influences of HA, bLPO, and GO on HEWL activity were determined by measuring the turbidity of a Micrococcus lysodeikticus suspension. The influences of HA and HEWL on bLPO activity were determined by the NbsSCN assay, measuring the rate of oxidation of 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid (Nbs) to 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) <TEX>$(Nbs)_2$</TEX>. The influences of HA and HEWL on GO activity were determined by measuring oxidized o-dianisidine production. All experiments were performed at pH 4, 5, and 6. Results: HA and GO did not affect the enzymatic activity of HEWL at pH 4, 5, and 6. bLPO enhanced the enzymatic activity of HEWL at pH 5 (p<0.05) and pH 6 (p<0.05) significantly. The enzymatic activity of bLPO was not affected by HA and HEWL at pH 4, 5, and 6. HA and HEWL did not affect the enzymatic activity of the GO at pH 4, 5, and 6. Conclusions: Peroxidase enhances lysozyme activity at low pH, otherwise there were no significant interactions in enzymatic activities between HA, lysozyme, peroxidase, and GO at low pH levels.

Lasioderma serricorne(Coleoptera: Anobiidae): First Record in Dehydrated Bee Pollen in Sergipe State, Brazil

Bee pollen, which is the material that adheres to honeybees as they collect nectar from flowers, is agglutinated into balls with nectar and bee saliva substances and is important to the survival of colonies of these insects. Damage to bee pollen stored at 10% RH was found in samples collected in Sergipe State, Brazil. Insects found in the pollen were identified as Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), a cosmopolitan insect and one of the main insects infesting tobacco and many stored food products. This is the first record of damage by this insect in dehydrated pollen balls, which makes this product unfit for human consumption.

Spectral analysis of human saliva for detection of lung cancer using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has been shown to be able to detect low-concentration biofluids. Saliva SERS readings of 21 lung cancer patients and 20 normal people were measured and differentiated. Most of the Raman peak intensities decrease for lung cancer patients compared with that of normal people. Those peaks were assigned to proteins and nucleic acids, which indicate a corresponding decrease of those substances in saliva. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to reduce and discriminate between the two groups of data, and the study resulted in accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity being 80%, 78%, and 83%, respectively. In conclusion, SERS of saliva showed the ability to predict lung cancer in our experiment.

A novel FUT1 allele was identified in a Chinese individual with para‐Bombay phenotype

The para-Bombay phenotype is characterised by H-deficient or H partially deficient red blood cells (RBCs) in individuals who secrete ABH antigens in their saliva. Samples from an individual whose RBCs had an apparent para-Bombay phenotype and his family members were investigated and a novel FUT1 allele was identified. RBCs' phenotype was characterised by standard serologic technique. Genomic DNA was sequenced with primers that amplified the coding sequence of FUT1 and FUT2, respectively. Routine ABO genotyping analysis was performed. Haplotypes of FUT1 were identified by TOPO cloning sequencing. Recombination expression vectors of FUT1 mutation alleles were constructed and transfected into COS-7 cells. The pα-(1,2)-fucosyltransferase activity of expression protein was determined. B101/O02 genotype of the proband was correlated with ABH substances in saliva. The proband carried a new FUT1 allele which showed 35C/T, 235G/C and 682A/G heterozygote by directly DNA sequencing. Two haplotypes, 235C and 35T+682G, were identified by TOPO cloning sequencing and COS-7 cells transfected with five recombination vectors including wild-type, 35T, 235C, 682G and 35T+682G alleles were established respectively. The α-(1,2)-fucosyltransferase activities of cell lysates which had transfected with 35T, 235C, 682G and 35T+682G recombination vectors showed 79·45, 16·23, 80·32 and 24·59%, respectively, compared with that of the wild-type FUT1-transfected cell lysates. A novel FUT1 allele 235C was identified, which greatly diminished the activity of α-(1,2)-fucosyltransferase.