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Effect of geographical origin, regional adaptation, genotype, and release year on winter hardiness of wheat and triticale accessions evaluated for six decades in trials
A robust strategy for overexpression of DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus using an IPTG-independent autoinduction system in a benchtop bioreactor
Abstract The DNA polymerase derived from Thermus aquaticus is the most widely utilized among various DNA polymerases, indicating its significant economic importance. Consequently, efforts to achieve a substantial yield of Taq DNA polymerase (Taq-pol) are ongoing. The expression of recombinant protein using T7-induced promoters presents challenges in cost-effectiveness, primarily due to the reliance on traditional induction method. Our study aims to enhance cost-efficiency, and scalability of our method for overproducing Taq-pol, particularly in comparison to traditional IPTG-induced techniques, which remain underreported in the current literature. To achieve those purposes, this work integrated the use of (1) a high copy number vector; (2) an optimized chemically defined medium; and (3) optimized fermentation conditions in a 5 L bioreactor. A total of 83.5 mg/L of pure Taq-pol was successfully synthesized in its active form, leading to a 9.7-fold enhancement in protein yield. This was achieved by incorporating glucose, glycerol, and lactose into a defined medium at concentrations of 0.1, 0.6, and 1%, respectively, under specific production conditions in a 5 L bioreactor: 300 rpm, 2 vvm, and 10% inoculant. The data collectively suggest that the strategy serves as a significant foundation for the future advancement of large-scale production of Taq-pol.
Exploring the causal influence of 731 immune cells on 4 different glaucoma subtypes using a two-sample mendelian randomization method
Sex-specific asymmetry in lumbar paraspinal muscles among chronic low back pain patients: correlation with pain duration and intensity
Abstract Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a multifactorial condition, including paraspinal muscle asymmetry. Understanding the relationship between muscle asymmetry and cLBP and how this varies by sex is crucial for targeted interventions. From January 2022 to December 2023, 250 participants were enrolled: 117 without back pain (no-BP) (61 females, 56 males) and 133 with cLBP (69 females, 64 males). MRI assessed the cross-sectional area (CSA), functional CSA (FCSA), and fat infiltration (FI) of the paraspinal muscles, including the psoas major (PM), quadratus lumborum (QL), erector spinae (ES), and multifidus (MF), at all lumbar levels. Asymmetry indices were calculated for CSA (CAI), FCSA (FCAI), and FI (FIAI). Data were analyzed using multiple linear and logistic regression. Muscle asymmetries were observed in both sexes and groups, with significant differences in the CSA and FCSA of the QL in males and notable FI asymmetries in the cLBP group. In women with cLBP, higher ES CAI and FCAI at L5/S1 (p < 0.05) and lower PM FCAI at L4/5 (OR 0.869, 95% CI 1.008–1.150, p = 0.03) were observed. FIAI was significantly higher in cLBP for ES at L2/3 and PM, MF, and ES at L4/5 (p < 0.05). Men with cLBP had lower PM CAI and FCAI at L1/2 and L4/5 (p < 0.05), with varying FIAI levels. FIAI correlated with cLBP duration and intensity in both sexes (p < 0.05). Paraspinal muscle asymmetry, particularly in fat infiltration, is associated with cLBP and varies by sex. These findings support sex-specific approaches to managing cLBP.
Damage effects in GaN high electron mobility transistor power amplifier induced by high power microwave pulses
Diaphragm and sternocleidomastoid muscle activity with increasing inspiratory pressure loads in people after stroke
Author Correction: Trends in use of antiseizure medication and treatment pattern during the first trimester in the German Embryotox cohort
Aβ42 induces stress granule formation via PACT/PKR pathway
The clinical performance of robotic assisted navigation system versus conventional freehand technique for percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy
Incidence and factors associated with agitation in patients on mechanical ventilators in Amhara Region, North-West Ethiopia: a multi-center study
The development of an artificial intelligence auto-segmentation tool for 3D volumetric analysis of vestibular schwannomas
Constructing an origin discrimination model of japonica rice in Heilongjiang Province based on confocal microscopy Raman spectroscopy technology
Synthesis and characterization of Sb/P substituted Ge–Ga–Se–Te bulk glasses
Integrated anti-electronics for positron annihilation spectroscopy
Abstract Imaging the features of a sample using Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy (PAS) is currently achieved by rastering, i.e. by scanning the sample surface with a sharply focused positron beam. However, a beam of arbitrary shape (sculpted beam) would allow the application of more versatile single-pixel imaging (SPI) techniques. I introduce the design of a microelectronic device employing a 2D array of Zener diodes as an active positron moderator, capable of sculpting positron beams with $${6}\,\upmu \hbox {m}$$ resolution. The re-emitted positrons are accelerated towards the sample through a miniaturized electrostatic lens system and reaching $${100}\,\hbox {nm}$$ resolution. The fast switch-on ( $${90}\,\hbox {ps}$$ ) and switch-off ( $${250}\,\hbox {ps}$$ ) time of the device would enable state-of-the-art positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) and PAS imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution.
The microRNA-6510 as a potential tumor suppressor in head and neck cancer
Abstract Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with approximately 830,000 new cases and 430,000 deaths reported annually. Due to their heterogeneity, these neoplasms differ in their clinical course and response to the therapy. Therefore, it has become imperative to identify specific biological molecules that can potentially establish novel prognostic markers or targets for molecular therapy of HNSCC. MicroRNAs are a class of short, non-coding RNAs that function as post-transcriptional regulators of genes expression. They have been shown to be directly involved in oncogenesis, acting as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Our previous study demonstrated that miRNA hsa-miR-6510-3p is significantly downregulated in tumor tissue compared to histologically normal tissue from HNSCC patients. Its significant downregulation in tumor tissue is associated with lower chances for recovery and patient’s survival. This study aimed to determine the biological role of miR-6510-3p in HNSCC pathogenesis and its impact on biological processes occurring in cancer cells such as cell cycle, cell proliferation, migration or induction of cell death. We have also examined the impact of the miR-6510-3p on expression of cancer stem cell phenotype markers as well as on sensitivity of HNSCC cells to ionizing radiation. We observed that transfection of HNSCC cells with hsa-miR-6510-3p causes the cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and is associated with a decrease of cell proliferation, migration and colony-forming ability of cancer cells. We have also demonstrated that hsa-miR-6510-3p induces cell death, increases the sensitivity of HNSCC cells to ionizing radiation and causes a loss of the stemness properties responsible for the occurrence of metastases and relapses of the disease. These results indicated the importance of miR-6510-3p as a marker and a driver of HNSCC disease.
A total loss minimization modulation for series-resonant dual-active-bridge dc–dc converter with triple phase shift control
Correction for Zhu et al., Bioinspired nanogels as cell-free DNA trapping and scavenging organelles for rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Carboxylate and coordination influence on the formation of an active RuV Oxo species
Abstract Understanding the structure of Ru(V)-oxo species is crucial for designing novel catalysts for sustainable energy applications, such as water splitting for green hydrogen production. This study reports the EPR detection of a Ru(V)-oxo intermediate stabilized by terpyridine and phenanthroline carboxylate ligands. The interaction between the carboxylate group and the ruthenium center, along with PCET-dependent hemilability under oxidative conditions, plays a critical role in achieving the high-valent state. Subtle changes in the coordination environment around the central metal also proved to be essential. Low-temperature NMR, high-resolution mass spectrometry, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations support these findings.
The power spectrum and functional connectivity characteristics of resting-state EEG in patients with generalized anxiety disorder
Abstract Recent studies have suggested a relationship between abnormal neurophysiological functions and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). However, studies on its electrophysiological characteristics, such as its power spectrum and functional connectivity are relatively few and scattered than those on other mental disorders (e.g., depression, ADHD, etc.). The present study aims to reveal the multidimensional electrophysiological characteristics of GAD via comparative analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) data between GAD patients and healthy controls. Specifically, resting-state EEG, with a duration of 10 min, was recorded from 98 GAD patients and 92 healthy control participants. The electrophysiological characteristics, including the power spectrum, alpha asymmetry, and functional connectivity, were extracted and compared between the two groups. The results revealed significantly increased beta-band activity; decreased ipsilateral fronto-temporal and parieto-temporal functional connectivities in the lower frequency bands (theta–beta band); as well as decreased frontal‒parietal and frontal‒occipital connectivities in the higher frequency bands (beta‒gamma band) in GAD patients. Additionally, alpha asymmetry analysis revealed a significantly greater rightward temporal alpha asymmetry in GAD patients. These findings suggest the existence of significant EEG characteristics in patients with GAD, supporting previous conclusions regarding abnormal neurophysiological functions in psychiatric disorders and potentially leading to the identification of biomarkers for clinical diagnosis.