Therapeutic CRISPR epigenome editing of inflammatory receptors in the intervertebral disc.

Low back pain (LBP) ranks among the leading causes of disability worldwide and generates a tremendous socioeconomic cost. Disc degeneration, a leading contributor to LBP, can be characterized by the breakdown of the extracellular matrix of the intervertebral disc (IVD), disc height loss, and inflammation. The inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) has multiple signaling pathways, including proinflammatory signaling through tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 superfamily, member 1a (TNFR1 or TNFRSF1A), and has been implicated as a primary mediator of disc degeneration.

Roussouly classification of adult spinal deformity.

With an estimated prevalence of 68% among healthy adults without a previous diagnosis of scoliosis, adult spinal deformities are a growing concern as the population ages. Our understanding of this growing concern has been historically guided by previous studies performed on the pediatric population. Over time, different classifications have been developed with their own respective limitations.

Rhizobia-diatom symbiosis fixes missing nitrogen in the ocean.

Nitrogen (N) fixation in oligotrophic surface waters is the main source of new nitrogen to the ocean and has a key role in fuelling the biological carbon pump. Oceanic N fixation has been attributed almost exclusively to cyanobacteria, even though genes encoding nitrogenase, the enzyme that fixes N into ammonia, are widespread among marine bacteria and archaea. Little is known about these non-cyanobacterial N fixers, and direct proof that they can fix nitrogen in the ocean has so far been lacking.

Effect of digital tools in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation including home training-results of the EPICURE study.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and are partly caused by modifiable risk factors. Cardiac rehabilitation addresses several of these modifiable risk factors, such as physical inactivity and reduced exercise capacity. However, despite its proven short-term merits, long-term adherence to healthy lifestyle changes is disappointing.