Extracellular Optogenetics to Interrogate Unmodified Primary Cell Functions.

Optogenetics often requires genetic modification of the target cells to enable the expression of specific optogenetic tools, making it difficult to study primary cells in their native state. We have recently generated a fully extracellular optogenetic system for reversible light control of T cell receptor (TCR) activation on murine naïve T cells, a cell model that is very difficult to manipulate genetically. This molecular system is very versatile and can be easily modified to study different cell systems in different species.

Associations between health-related quality of life, infertility-related psychological well-being, and relationship quality in individuals with endometriosis: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Endometriosis is the most frequent gynecological diseases and accompanied by both physical and psychological symptoms. An increasing number of studies suggested acknowledging endometriosis as a systematic disease due to the multifactorial effects throughout the body. The chronic disease significantly impacts daily life, including romantic relationships.

Monitoring of the Biotechnological Production of Dihydroxyacetone Using a Low-Field H NMR Spectrometer.

The concept of sustainable production necessitates the utilization of waste and by-products as raw materials, the implementation of biotechnological processes, and the introduction of automated real-time monitoring for efficient use of resources. One example is the biocatalyzed conversion of the reusable by-product glycerin by acetic acid bacteria to dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is of great importance to the cosmetic industry. The application of compact spectrometers enables the rapid measurement of samples while simultaneously reducing the consumption of resources and energy.

Exploring the innate immune response in polycystic liver disease.

Rationale: The role of the innate immune system in polycystic liver disease (PLD) has been underexplored despite its potential importance in disease progression. This study explores the innate immune response in PLD patients by analyzing cytokine production of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in response to various pathogens compared to healthy controls.

Methods: Samples were collected from patients with ADPLD or ADPKD and PLD.

Drop deformation in a planar elongational flow: impact of surfactant dynamics.

Drops in extensional flow undergo a deformation, which is primarily fixed by a balance between their surface tension and the viscous stress. This deformation, predicted and measured by Taylor on millimetric drops, is expected to be affected by the presence of surfactants but has never been measured systematically. We provide a controlled experiment allowing us to measure this deformation as a function of the drop size and of the shear stress for different surfactants at varying concentrations.