Gas vesicles (GVs) are large cylindrical gas-filled protein assemblies found in diverse aquatic bacteria that enable their adaptation of buoyancy. GVs have already been used as ultrasound contrasting agents. Here, we investigate GVs derived from , aiming to minimize the number of accessory Gvps within the GV gene cluster and demonstrate the use of GVs as enhancers of acoustic radiation force administered by ultrasound.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHuman dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI) belongs to the family of papain-like cysteine peptidases. Its distinctive features are the unique exclusion domain which enables the eponymous activity and homotetramerization of DPPI, and its dependence on chloride ions for enzymatic activity. The oligomeric state of DPPI is unique in this family of predominantly monomeric peptidases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe purpose of this study was to find potential differences in vitamin D levels between different groups: overweight children with hypertension, normal-weight children with hypertension, overweight children with normal blood pressure and normal-weight children without hypertension, representing the control group. We also wanted to determine whether there are correlations between vitamin D levels and other clinical laboratory parameters, to evaluate the potential need for substitution. We measured vitamin D, homocysteine, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, uric acid, glucose, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphate and magnesium serum levels in all groups.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: The occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders steadily increases with the body mass index (BMI). Since the latter is not the best and earliest indicator of obesity and cardiovascular risk, the aim of the study was to evaluate some potential biological markers that would allow us to detect children and adolescents at higher risk at an early stage.
Methods: A sample of 330 children and adolescents were included in the study and divided into four groups: obese patients with hypertension, normal-weight patients with hypertension, patients with mildly elevated lipids and a control group of healthy children and adolescents.
The aim of the study was to investigate dynamic of tissue structures in critical defects of calvaria of rats after inoculation of bisphosphonate (BF) alendronate Na complex into bone defects. Animal model included 24 Wistar rats divided in 3 groups: spontaneous healing under blot clot (1), inoculation of carbonate hydroxide apatite β-tricalcium phosphate blocks (2) and BF alendronate Na complex (3) on 15, 30, 60 and 90 experiment day. New bone formation was observed in group 3 as opposed to groups 1 and 2.
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