This study utilized solid-state nanopores, combined with artificial intelligence (AI), to analyze the double-stranded polynucleotides encoding angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, receptor-binding domain, and N protein, important parts of SARS-CoV-2 infection. By examining ionic current signals during DNA translocation, we revealed the dynamic interactions and structural characteristics of these nucleotide sequences and also quantified their abundance. Nanopores of sizes 3 and 10 nm were efficiently fabricated and characterized, ensuring an optimal experimental approach.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA tryptophan (Trp) sensor was investigated based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of a molecularly imprinted polymer on a lysozyme amyloid fibril (MIP-AF). The MIP-AF was composed of aniline as a monomer chemically polymerized in the presence of a Trp template molecule onto the AF surface. After extracting the template molecule, the MIP-AF had cavities with a high affinity for the Trp molecules.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAggregation of unfolded or misfolded proteins into amyloid fibrils can cause various diseases in humans. However, the fibrils synthesized in vitro can be developed toward useful biomaterials under some physicochemical conditions. In this study, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations were performed to address the mechanism of beta-sheet formation of the unfolded hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) under a high temperature and low pH.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn this work, an ecofriendly approach for biogenic production of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) was proposed by utilizing the leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis of CuO-NPs was instantly confirmed by a shift in the color of the copper solution from blue to dark gray. The use of UV-visible spectroscopy revealed a strong narrow peak at 535 nm, confirming the existence of monoclinic-shaped nanoparticles.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe liver is one of the most common sites of cancer in the world, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) predominating. HCC is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer related death overall. Hepatitis C is a major risk factor and HCV is a rapid spreading virus which has become a problem globally, including in Pakistan.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAsian Pac J Cancer Prev
December 2016
Hepatitis C is an ailment of liver caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. About 3% of the world population is infected by this virus. HCV infection is a leading reason for liver cirrhosis and therefore a major source of hepatocellular carcinoma.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe aim of the study was to investigate whether weight loss followed the same pattern in HCV patients ('responders' and 'non-responders) after interferon (IFN-α) treatment. A total of 20 male HCV positive patients (mean age 33.1±9.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBody weight changes in HCV patients on interferon therapy are well documented. However, the underlying mechanism involved in these changes is poorly understood and rarely reported. The main objectives of this review are to 1) discuss changes in body weight and other compartments of body composition, particularly, body fat, and 2) to discuss the underlying mechanism for these changes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDietary intake has been shown to influence the acid-base balance in human subjects; however, this phenomenon is poorly understood and rarely reported for the least well-studied segment of older people in a developing country. The aims of the present study were to: (1) quantify estimates of daily net endogenous acid production (NEAP) (mEq/d) in a sample of otherwise healthy elderly aged 50 years and above; and (2) compare NEAP between the elderly and young to determine the effects of aging, which could contribute to changes in the acid-base balance. Analyses were carried out among 526 elderly and 131 young participants (aged 50-80 and 23-28 years, respectively), all of whom were free of discernible disease, nonsmokers, and not on any chronic medication.
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