Bacterial vaginosis is associated with transcriptomic changes but not higher concentrations of cervical leukocytes in a study of women at high risk for HIV acquisition.

Background: The association between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and increased HIV acquisition risk may be related to concentrations of HIV-susceptible immune cells in the cervix.

Methods: Participants (31 with BV and 30 with normal microbiota) underwent cervical biopsy at a single visit. Immune cells were quantified and sorted using flow cytometry (N=55), localization assessed by immunofluorescence (N=16), and function determined by bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of live CD45+ cells (N=21).

Laser Desorption-Ion Mobility Spectrometry of Explosives for Forensic and Security Applications.

Background: The detection of explosives in crime scene investigations is critical for forensic science. This study explores the application of laser desorption (LD) ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) as a novel method for this purpose utilising a new IMS prototype developed by MaSaTECH.

Methods: The LD sampling technique employs a laser diode module to vaporise explosive traces on surfaces, allowing immediate analysis by IMS without sample preparation.

Computational neuroscience as a tool for studying neurons.

Objectives: Computational neuroscience uses a neuron model to investigate the behavior of a neuron under different stimuli e.g. magnetic field.

Computational study of endogenous magnetic particles' effect on action potential processing in a Purkinje cell model.

Objectives: The study aims to investigate how changes in the conductance of axonal (Na+) and calcium (Ca2+) ion channels affect the generation, course, excitability and firing rate of action potentials in a model of Purkinje cell neurons.

Methods: The NEURON Simulator was utilized with a Purkinje cell model to investigate generation, time to first spike, firing rate and pattern of action potential (AP) as well as neuronal excitability in relation to the influence of magnetic field on axonal ion channels.

Results: The downregulation of axonal Na+ and Ca2+ conductance led to a significant delay in the generation of the first spike, with completely blocked action potential generation when downregulated by 75%.

Laser Desorption of Explosives from the Surface of Different Real-World Materials Studied Using CCl-Dopant-Assisted Ion Mobility Spectrometry.

A highly efficient and sensitive ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) system with laser desorption sampling was applied for rapid explosive detection using different surface materials. This portable IMS detector, powered by a battery, offers mobility and is suitable for use in the field or combat zones. The laser desorption (LD) sampling of common explosives (Trinitrotoluene-TNT; Dinitrotoluenes-DNTs; Hexogene-RDX; pentaerythritol tetranitrate-PETN; plastic explosives-Compound 4 (C-4) and Semtex) on a wide range of common surface materials, such as metal, ceramic, plastic, glass, drywall, paper, wood, and textiles, was studied.