Application of the endogenous CRISPR-Cas type I-D system for genetic engineering in the thermoacidophilic archaeon .

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas systems are widely distributed among bacteria and archaea. In this study, we demonstrate the successful utilization of the type I-D CRISPR-Cas system for genetic engineering in the thermoacidophilic archaeon . Given its extreme growth conditions characterized by a temperature of 75°C and pH 3, an uracil auxotrophic selection system was previously established, providing a basis for our investigations.

Identification of XylR, the Activator of Arabinose/Xylose Inducible Regulon in and Its Application for Homologous Protein Expression.

The thermophilic archaeon can use different carbon sources for growth, including the pentoses D-xylose and L-arabinose. In this study, we identified the activator XylR () responsible for the transcriptional regulation of the pentose transporter and pentose metabolizing genes in . A deletion mutant showed growth retardation on D-xylose/L-arabinose containing media and the lack of transcription of the respective ABC transporter.

Alternative dimerization interfaces in the glucocorticoid receptor-α ligand binding domain.

Background: Nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) constitute a large family of multi-domain ligand-activated transcription factors. Dimerization is essential for their regulation, and both DNA binding domain (DBD) and ligand binding domain (LBD) are implicated in dimerization. Intriguingly, the glucocorticoid receptor-α (GRα) presents a DBD dimeric architecture similar to that of the homologous estrogen receptor-α (ERα), but an atypical dimeric architecture for the LBD.

Fundus image mosaicking for information augmentation in computer-assisted slit-lamp imaging.

Laser photocoagulation is currently the standard treatment for sight-threatening diseases worldwide, namely diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions. The slit lamp biomicroscope is the most commonly used device for this procedure, specially for the treatment of the eye periphery. However, only a small portion of the retina can be visualized through the biomicroscope, complicating the task of localizing and identifying surgical targets, increasing treatment duration and patient discomfort.

Endovenous laser ablation (980 nm) of the small saphenous vein in a series of 147 limbs with a 3-year follow-up.

Aim: This study aims to demonstrate the treatment outcomes of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of incompetent small saphenous veins (SSVs) with a 980-nm diode laser.

Materials And Methods: Between 1 June 2003 and 30 June 2006, 128 patients (147 limbs) with varicose veins and reflux in the SSV on duplex ultrasound (US) examination were treated with a 980-nm diode laser under US guidance. EVLA was performed using pulsed mode with a power of 10W.