Molecular characterization of the PhiKo endolysin from HB27 bacteriophage phiKo and its cryptic lytic peptide RAP-29.

Introduction: In the era of increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics, new bactericidal substances are sought, and lysins derived from extremophilic organisms have the undoubted advantage of being stable under harsh environmental conditions. The PhiKo endolysin is derived from the phiKo bacteriophage infecting Gram-negative extremophilic bacterium HB27. This enzyme shows similarity to two previously investigated thermostable type-2 amidases, the Ts2631 and Ph2119 from bacteriophages, that revealed high lytic activity not only against thermophiles but also against Gram-negative mesophilic bacteria.

ONCOBREAST-TEST Is a Quick Diagnostic, Prognostic and Predictive Method of Response to Systemic Treatment.

ONCOBREAST-TEST is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that is part of the comprehensive care of a patient with breast cancer.: Chemosensitivity of cancer cells was assessed using the MTT test, morphological assessment of cells, LDH activity in the culture medium, and flow cytometry technique (apoptosis, proliferation, CD24, CD44, GATA3, cytokeratin, Ki-67). Diagnostic tools included panels of simple tests which could be used to accurately predict the chemosensitivity of tumor cells previously isolated from a patient, even before actual chemotherapy.

Lethal perturbation of an Escherichia coli regulatory network is triggered by a restriction-modification system's regulator and can be mitigated by excision of the cryptic prophage Rac.

Bacterial gene regulatory networks orchestrate responses to environmental challenges. Horizontal gene transfer can bring in genes with regulatory potential, such as new transcription factors (TFs), and this can disrupt existing networks. Serious regulatory perturbations may even result in cell death.

Plasma Treatment of PDMS for Microcontact Printing (μCP) of Lectins Decreases Silicone Transfer and Increases the Adhesion of Bladder Cancer Cells.

The present study investigates silicone transfer occurring during microcontact printing (μCP) of lectins with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamps and its impact on the adhesion of cells. Static adhesion assays and single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS) are used to compare adhesion of nonmalignant (HCV29) and cancer (HT1376) bladder cells, respectively, to high-affinity lectin layers (PHA-L and WGA, respectively) prepared by physical adsorption and μCP. The chemical composition of the μCP lectin patterns was monitored by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).

CXCL5 and CXCL14, but not CXCL16 as potential biomarkers of colorectal cancer.

Experts emphasize that colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality are increasing. That is why its early detection is of the utmost importance. Patients with cancer diagnosed in earlier stages have a better prognosis and a chance for faster implementation of treatment.

The Significance of CXCL1 and CXCR1 as Potential Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer.

The CXCL1/CXCR2 and CXCL8-CXCR1/CXCR2 axes are under intensive investigation as they appear to regulate the progression and invasion of colorectal cancer (CRC). Growing evidence demonstrates the elevated expression of these proteins in CRC. However, a majority of relevant studies have been performed on CRC tissues using immunohistochemical techniques.

Cannabis Use and Perceptions Among Current and Former Military Service Members.

Background: Research indicates separation from the military may result in increased risk of alcohol use. However, there is little data on cannabis use among military service members, particularly when examining the period after separation from military service. This research examines cannabis-related perceptions and use among U.

Numerical scrutiny of a silica-titania-based reverse rib waveguide with vertical and rounded sidewalls.

In this work, a modal analysis of reverse rib waveguide (RRW) structures based on a silica-titania platform is carried out. The silica-titania waveguide films can be deposited via the sol-gel method and dip-coating technique. To combine this low-cost deposition technique with the economical fabrication method, we propose to structure the samples via wet-chemical etching.

American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria and EURO-2000 Guidelines Offer Limited Guidance for MRI Imaging of Pediatric Patients.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the clinical scenarios addressed by the EURO-2000 guidelines and the ACR appropriateness criteria for referring children to MRI and assessing the referring physician compliance with both guidelines.

Methods: In January 2022, clinical scenarios reported in the last 1000 consecutive MRI requests for children (0-16 years) in one university children's hospital and two general university hospitals in Belgium, Europe, were retrospectively matched to the EURO-2000 guidelines and ACR appropriateness criteria. The number of clinical scenarios addressed and the justification for MRI referral were independently assessed for both guidelines.

Acute kidney injury prevalence in patients with colorectal cancer undergoing surgery with curative intent.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent postoperative complication. However, data on the incidence of AKI in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) undergoing surgery with curative intent are still limited. We examined the relationship between postoperative AKI among CRC surgery patients and preoperative therapy or no prior therapy.

Chronic Kidney Disease Prevalence in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Undergoing Surgery.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and mortal disease. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the relatively common comorbidity among cancer patients affecting the available therapy and outcomes. However, data on prevalence of CKD in patients with CRC undergoing surgery is limited.

Molecular Characterization of a DNA Polymerase from MAT72 Phage vB_Tt72: A Novel Type-A Family Enzyme with Strong Proofreading Activity.

We present a structural and functional analysis of the DNA polymerase of thermophilic Thermus thermophilus MAT72 phage vB_Tt72. The enzyme shows low sequence identity (<30%) to the members of the type-A family of DNA polymerases, except for two yet uncharacterized DNA polymerases of T. thermophilus phages: φYS40 (91%) and φTMA (90%).

The Significance of Selected C-C Motif Chemokine Ligands in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed neoplasms. Despite the advances in diagnostic tools and treatments, the number of CRC cases is increasing. Therefore, it is vital to search for new parameters that could be useful in its diagnosis.

Use of Inhaled Nicotine and Cannabis Products among Adults Who Vape Both Substances.

Background: Co-occurring use (co-use) of nicotine and cannabis is common, and represents a broad range of use behaviors, including , , and . Co-use has primarily been examined through the lens of smoked tobacco and cannabis. Little is known about those who co-use vaped nicotine and cannabis, and the degree to which specific co-use behaviors are associated, based on mode of use and/or substance.

Proteome-pI 2.0: proteome isoelectric point database update.

Proteome-pI 2.0 is an update of an online database containing predicted isoelectric points and pKa dissociation constants of proteins and peptides. The isoelectric point-the pH at which a particular molecule carries no net electrical charge-is an important parameter for many analytical biochemistry and proteomics techniques.

Novel Lytic Enzyme of Prophage Origin from E3 Strain Alaska E43 with Bactericidal Activity against Clostridial Cells.

is a Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium capable of producing botulinum toxin and responsible for botulism of humans and animals. Phage-encoded enzymes called endolysins, which can lyse bacteria when exposed externally, have potential as agents to combat bacteria of the genus . Bioinformatics analysis revealed in the genomes of several species genes encoding putative -acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine amidases with anti-clostridial potential.

Reasons for individual and concurrent use of vaped nicotine and cannabis: their similarities, differences, and association with product use.

Background: Understanding similarities, differences, and associations between reasons people vape nicotine and cannabis may be important for identifying underlying contributors to their co-use.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 112 co-users of vaped nicotine and cannabis was conducted in 2020. A convenience sample of participants was recruited for the survey using Amazon Mechanical Turk.

Queuine, a bacterial-derived hypermodified nucleobase, shows protection in in vitro models of neurodegeneration.

Growing evidence suggests that human gut bacteria, which comprise the microbiome, are linked to several neurodegenerative disorders. An imbalance in the bacterial population in the gut of Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients has been detected in several studies. This dysbiosis very likely decreases or increases microbiome-derived molecules that are protective or detrimental, respectively, to the human body and those changes are communicated to the brain through the so-called 'gut-brain-axis'.

Nicotine Addiction, Maurice Seevers, and the First Surgeon General Report on Cigarette Smoking and Health: Conflicting Terms and Interests.

Objective: This study assessed the role of Maurice Seevers in delaying the United States Surgeon General Reports' judgment that nicotine use is a drug addiction and examined the use of , as applied to nicotine (smoking), from the 1930s to 2013.

Method: In this narrative review, Truth Tobacco Industry Documents were searched using names of those involved in the 1964 Surgeon General Report; key staff of the American Tobacco Company; and the terms , , , , and . Use of "addiction" to smoking was also examined in selected works from 1938 to 2013.

Eotaxins and Their Receptor as Biomarkers of Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies. Despite the availability of diagnostic tests, an increasing number of new cases is observed. That is why it is very important to search new markers that would show high diagnostic utility.

Going to extremes - a metagenomic journey into the dark matter of life.

The Virus-X-Viral Metagenomics for Innovation Value-project was a scientific expedition to explore and exploit uncharted territory of genetic diversity in extreme natural environments such as geothermal hot springs and deep-sea ocean ecosystems. Specifically, the project was set to analyse and exploit viral metagenomes with the ultimate goal of developing new gene products with high innovation value for applications in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical, and the life science sectors. Viral gene pool analysis is also essential to obtain fundamental insight into ecosystem dynamics and to investigate how viruses influence the evolution of microbes and multicellular organisms.

IPC 2.0: prediction of isoelectric point and pKa dissociation constants.

The isoelectric point is the pH at which a particular molecule is electrically neutral due to the equilibrium of positive and negative charges. In proteins and peptides, this depends on the dissociation constant (pKa) of charged groups of seven amino acids and NH+ and COO- groups at polypeptide termini. Information regarding isoelectric point and pKa is extensively used in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE), capillary isoelectric focusing (cIEF), crystallisation, and mass spectrometry.

Tribes of Trust or Distrust, "Attitude Roots" and Encouraging Scientific Participation in the Tobacco Harm-Reduction Debate.

Implications This commentary provides an analysis of non-scientific influences on the tobacco harm reduction debate. It makes use of the "attitude roots" model and the issue of misplace trust and distrust. Greater participation in the debate by experts is encouraged, along with efforts to minimize the effects of non-scientific, biasing effects on judgments.

How I Learned That Cigarettes Were Addictive--1970s to 1980s: A Personal History.

This is a personal history of how I came to view cigarette smoking as an addiction to nicotine. I discuss working with Stanley Schachter and Murray Jarvik. Although I note the importance of Michael Russell (as do many colleagues), I draw attention to the considerable effect on my work of Edward Brecher through his 1972 book, Licit and Illicit Drugs.

UV Sensor Based on Fiber Bragg Grating Covered with Graphene Oxide Embedded in Composite Materials.

Polymer-matrix composites degrade under the influence of UV radiation in the range of the 290-400 nm band. The degradation of polymer-matrix composites exposed to UV radiation is characterized by extensive aging of the epoxy matrix, resulting in deterioration of their mechanical properties. Glass fibers/epoxy resin composites were made by an out-of-autoclave method whereas a fiber optic sensor was placed between different layers of laminates.