Evolutionary and functional divergence of Sfx, a plasmid-encoded H-NS homolog, underlies the regulation of IncX plasmid conjugation.

Conjugative plasmids are widespread among prokaryotes, highlighting their evolutionary success. Conjugation systems on most natural plasmids are repressed by default. The negative regulation of F-plasmid conjugation is partially mediated by the chromosomal nucleoid-structuring protein (H-NS).

Structure of subcortico-cortical tracts in middle-aged and older adults with autism spectrum disorder.

Middle-aged and older adults with autism spectrum disorder may be susceptible to accelerated neurobiological changes in striato- and thalamo-cortical tracts due to combined effects of typical aging and existing disparities present from early neurodevelopment. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we employed diffusion-weighted imaging and automated tract-segmentation to explore striato- and thalamo-cortical tract microstructure and volume differences between autistic (n = 29) and typical comparison (n = 33) adults (40 to 70 years old). Fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, and tract volumes were measured for 14 striato-cortical and 12 thalamo-cortical tract bundles.

Aquatic microplastics research in the ASEAN region: Analysis of challenges and priorities.

Research on microplastics must be harmonized. Therefore, we thoroughly evaluated in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, addressing challenges and priorities in protocol harmonization and microplastics research promotion. Of the 615 papers searched by the Web of Science, 164 were used for this systematic review.

Understanding mental health in breast cancer from screening to Survivorship: an integrative phasic Model and tool.

Integrative models of mental illness and health in psycho-oncology are aimed at all types of cancer, although the patients' experiences and issues may vary. This review summarizes the different theories and models of mental illness and health pertaining to the breast cancer experience and proposes an integrative phasic model applicable to the breast cancer trajectory. Five databases were searched for studies related to breast cancer mental health and illness theories and models.

Genomic variations associated with risk and protection against vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in pediatric cancer patients.

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common and highly debilitating toxicity from vincristine treatment that affects quality of life and often requires dose reduction, potentially affecting survival. Although previous studies demonstrated genetic factors are associated with vincristine neuropathy risk, the clinical relevance of most identified variants is limited by small sample sizes and unclear clinical phenotypes. A genome-wide association study was conducted in 1100 cases and controls matched by vincristine dose and genetic ancestry, uncovering a statistically significant (p < 5.