A Biofilm Channel Origin for Vermiform Microstructure in Carbonate Microbialites.

A three-dimensional tubular fabric known as "vermiform microstructure" in Phanerozoic and Neoproterozoic carbonate microbialites has been hypothesized to represent the body fossil of nonspicular keratose demosponges. If correct, this interpretation extends the sponge body fossil record and origin of animals to ~890 Ma. However, the veracity of the keratose sponge interpretation for vermiform microstructure remains in question, and the origin of the tubular fabric is enigmatic.

Association of circulating Z-polymer with adverse clinical outcomes and liver fibrosis in adults with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Background: Circulating polymerized mutant Z-alpha-1 antitrypsin (Z-polymer) constitutes a characteristic feature in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), but there is limited knowledge about its association with adverse clinical outcomes and liver fibrosis. We explored this association using data from a large cohort of adults with AATD.

Methods: A total of 836 (431 PiZZ, 405 PiMZ) adults with AATD and 312 controls (PiMM) from the European Alpha-1 Liver Cohort (2015-2020) were included.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Augmentation and the Liver Phenotype of Adults With Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Genotype Pi∗ZZ).

Background & Aims: α1-Antitrypsin (AAT) is a major protease inhibitor produced by hepatocytes. The most relevant AAT mutation giving rise to AAT deficiency (AATD), the 'Pi∗Z' variant, causes harmful AAT protein accumulation in the liver, shortage of AAT in the systemic circulation, and thereby predisposes to liver and lung injury. Although intravenous AAT augmentation constitutes an established treatment of AATD-associated lung disease, its impact on the liver is unknown.

Cleaning up alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency related liver disease.

Purpose Of Review: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is one of the most common genetic disorders arising due to mutations in alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) gene affecting primarily the lung and the liver. This review summarizes the pathophysiology and clinical manifestation of different AATD genotypes and discusses the recent therapeutic developments. The focus is on the severe, rare homozygous Pi∗ZZ and the common heterozygous Pi∗MZ genotype.

Characterization and functional activity of murine monoclonal antibodies specific for α1,6-glucan chain of Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide.

Background: The outer core region of H. pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contains α1,6-glucan previously shown to contribute to colonizing efficiency of a mouse stomach. The aim of the present study was to generate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for α1,6-glucan and characterize their binding properties and functional activity.

Analysis of Helicobacter pylori isolates from Chile: occurrence of selective type 1 Lewis b antigen expression in lipopolysaccharide.

Previous studies have shown that the LPS of Helicobacter pylori isolated from North American and European hosts predominantly expresses type 2 Lewis x (Le(x)) and Le(y) epitopes, whilst the LPS from Asian strains has the capacity to express type 1 Le(a) and Le(b) structures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of Le antigens and the cytotoxin-associated antigen (CagA) by H. pylori isolates from Chile.

Experimentally determined uranium isotope fractionation during reduction of hexavalent U by bacteria and zero valent iron.

Variations in stable isotope ratios of redox sensitive elements are often used to understand redox processes occurring near the Earth's surface. Presented here are measurements of mass-dependent U isotope fractionation induced by U(VI) reduction by zerovalent iron (Fe0) and bacteria under controlled pH and HCO3- conditions. In abiotic experiments, Fe0 reduced U(VI), but the reaction failed to induce an analytically significant isotopic fractionation.