Extended longevity of termite kings and queens is accompanied by extranuclear localization of telomerase in somatic organs and caste-specific expression of its isoforms.

Kings and queens of termites are endowed with an extraordinary longevity coupled with lifelong fecundity. We recently reported that termite kings and queens display a dramatically increased enzymatic activity and abundance of telomerase in their somatic organs when compared to short-lived workers and soldiers. We hypothesized that this telomerase activation may represent a noncanonical pro-longevity function, independent of its canonical role in telomere maintenance.

Modified activities of macrophages' deubiquitinating enzymes after infection.

influences several host molecular/signaling pathways during infection. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination are among the most important regulatory mechanisms and respectively occur through attachment or removal of the ubiquitin molecule. The process is necessary not only to mark molecules for degradation, but also, for example, to the activation of signaling pathways leading to pro-inflammatory host response.

Characterization of insulin crystalline form in isolated β-cell secretory granules.

Insulin is stored inside the pancreatic β-cell insulin secretory granules. studies have led to an assumption that high insulin and Zn concentrations inside the pancreatic β-cell insulin secretory granules should promote insulin crystalline state in the form of Zn-stabilized hexamers. Electron microscopic images of thin sections of the pancreatic β-cells often show a dense, regular pattern core, suggesting the presence of insulin crystals.

Non-thermal plasma causes biofilm release to planktonic form and inhibits production of Las-B elastase, protease and pyocyanin.

The increasing risk of antibiotic failure in the treatment of infections is largely related to the production of a wide range of virulence factors. The use of non-thermal plasma (NTP) is a promising alternative to antimicrobial treatment. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of knowledge about the effects of NTP on the virulence factors production.

Aggregation-aided SERS: Selective detection of arsenic by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy facilitated by colloid cross-linking.

Arsenic of natural or industrial origin often occurs in water and makes it impotable. Due to its high toxicity, very sensitive detection is required. In the present study an ultra-sensitive arsenite (As) sensing is reported, based on aggregation-aided surface-enhanced Raman scattering (AA-SERS) of modified silver colloids.