Occurrence of Intersex in the Marine Mussel (Mollusca: Bivalvia): Does Gonadal Parasitism Play a Role?

Intersexuality is a reproductive phenomenon that occurs in some gonochoric species and refers to the simultaneous presence of both male and female gametes within the same individual. Although this phenomenon has been reported in various invertebrate species, many aspects remain poorly understood, especially in marine mussels. However, it has been suggested that the prevalence of parasites within populations could induce the occurrence of intersex animals.

Design and Characterization of a Gene-Encoding DNA Nanoparticle in a Cell-Free Transcription-Translation System.

DNA nanotechnology has made initial progress toward developing gene-encoded DNA origami nanoparticles (NPs) that display potential utility for future gene therapy applications. However, due to the challenges involved with gene delivery into cells including transport through the membrane, intracellular targeting, and inherent expression of nucleases along with interference from other active proteins, it can be difficult to more directly study the effect of DNA NP design on subsequent gene expression. In this work, we demonstrate an approach for studying the expression of gene-encoding DNA origami NPs without the use of cells.

Mortality in patients with Sjögren Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study Identifying Key Predictors.

Objective: To quantify the mortality risk in a large, well-characterized cohort of Sjögren's disease (SjD) patients and to identify independent predictors of mortality in this population.

Methods: We included 314 patients diagnosed with SjD according to the 2002 American-European Consensus Group criteria from a prospective, multicenter SjögrenSER-PROS cohort. Detailed data on systemic manifestations, serological markers, disease activity, and mortality was collected after 9 years of follow up.

In Situ Raman Spectroscopy for Early Corrosion Detection in Coated AA2024-T3.

Here we describe the synthesis and evaluation of a molecular corrosion sensor that can be applied in situ in aerospace coatings, then used to detect corrosion after the coating has been applied. A pH-sensitive molecule, 4-mercaptopyridin (4-MP), is attached to a gold nanoparticle to allow surface-enhanced Raman-scattering (SERS) for signal amplification. These SERS nanoparticles, when combined with an appropriate micron-sized carrier system, are incorporated directly into an MIL-SPEC coating and used to monitor the process onset and progression of corrosion using pH changes occurring at the metal-coating interface.