Caspase-11–dependent cell death is controlled by carboxypeptidase B1 by inducing the cleavage of C3 and activation of C3aR.

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, one of ∼600 bacterial species in the human oral cavity, is among the most acidogenic constituents of the plaque biofilm. Considered to be the primary causative agent of dental caries, harbors a 25kDa SloR metalloregulatory protein which controls metal ion transport across the bacterial cell membrane to maintain essential metal ion homeostasis. The expression of SloR derives, in part, from transcriptional readthrough of the operon which encodes a Mn/Fe ABC transport system. Herein, we describe the details of the promoter that drives this transcription, as well as a novel independent promoter in an intergenic region (IGR) that contributes to downstream expression. RT-PCR studies support transcription that is independent of expression, and the results of 5' RACE revealed a transcription start site in the IGR from which the -10 and -35 promoter regions were predicted. The results of gel mobility shift assays support direct SloR binding to the IGR, albeit with lower affinity than SloR binding to the promoter. Function of the promoter was validated in qRT-PCR experiments. Interestingly, expression was not significantly impacted when grown in the presence of high manganese, whereas expression of the operon was repressed under these conditions. The results of transcription studies support SloR-mediated transcriptional-activation of and -repression of Taken together, these findings implicate SloR as a bifunctional regulator that represses promoter activity and encourages transcription from an independent promoter. Tooth decay is a ubiquitous infectious disease that is especially pervasive in underserved communities worldwide. -induced carious lesions cause functional, physical, and/or aesthetic impairment in the vast majority of adults, and in 60-90% of schoolchildren in industrialized countries. Billions of dollars are spent annually on caries treatment, and productivity losses due to absenteeism from the workplace are significant. Research aimed at alleviating-induced tooth decay is important because it can address the socioeconomic disparity that is associated with dental cavities and improve overall general health which is inextricably linked to oral health. Research focused on the SloR metalloregulatory protein can guide the development of novel therapeutics and so alleviate the burden of dental cavities.

Clinicians have evaluated motion measurement technologies in older adults with depression, dementia, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Results from studies in dementia populations suggest that motion measurement technologies can assist clinicians in diagnosing dementia earlier through the evaluation of gait, balance, and postural kinematics. Motion detection technologies can also be used to identify mood episodes at an earlier stage by detecting subtle behavioral changes. Clinicians may use the objective data provided by technologies such as accelerometers to identify illnesses earlier, which may inform treatment decisions. The data may be used as a suitable surrogate marker for detecting depression in older adults, predicting the likelihood of falls, or quantifying physical activity in older adults with chronic mental illnesses or anxiety. Motion-based technologies also have the potential to detect physical activity for older adults residing in nursing homes. Wearable technologies are generally well tolerated in older adults, although the use of new technology and electronic health data could involve privacy and security concerns among this vulnerable population.