Towards an optimal design of acoustic Luneburg lenses.

Although the concept of acoustic Luneburg lenses was first proposed more than 50 years ago, its physical realization became feasible only in the last decade, owing to advancements in metamaterials research. Since then, numerous studies have explored the potential of these devices from the acoustic perspective. However, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms associated with the optimal performance of these lenses remains underexplored in the literature.

Nowcast flood predictions in the Amazon watershed based on the remotely sensed rainfall product PDIRnow and artificial neural networks.

The aim of this study was to develop artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict floods in the Branco River, Amazon basin. The input data for the models included the river levels and the average rainfall within the drainage area of the basin, which was estimated from the remotely sensed rainfall product PDIRnow. The hourly water level data used in the study were recorded by fluviometric telemetric stations belonging to the National Agency of Water.

Dysfunction, oxidative stress markers, and cytokine expression in the placentae of mice experimentally infected with Neospora caninum.

Neosporosis is the major cause of abortion and reproductive failures in cattle, leading to significant economic losses. In this study, we evaluated the impact of Neospora caninum infection on oxidative stress (OS) markers and local cytokine mRNA expression at the placenta, as well as its effect on the progesterone (P) serum levels and systemic cytokine profile in a pregnant mouse model. Infected pregnant mice (NC-1 group) showed increased percentages of fetal losses and IFN-γ serum levels, decreased serum progesterone, increased placental mRNA expression levels of both Th1-type (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and Th2-type (IL-4) cytokines, and inhibited expression of TGF-β1 (Treg) compare to control dams (CONTROL group).

Mechanistic and functional aspects of the Ruminococcin C sactipeptide isoforms.

In a scenario where the discovery of new molecules to fight antibiotic resistance is a public health concern, ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides constitute a promising alternative. In this context, the Gram-positive human gut symbiont E1 produces five sactipeptides, Ruminococcins C1 to C5 (RumC1-C5), co-expressed with two radical SAM maturases. RumC1 has been shown to be effective against various multidrug resistant Gram-positives clinical isolates.

TREML4 polymorphisms increase the mRNA in blood leukocytes in the progression of atherosclerosis.

TREML4 and other members of the triggering receptor expressed in the myeloid cell family are associated with a risk of atherosclerosis and progression in coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndrome, and coronary artery calcification. Herein, the relationship between TREML4 expression and its polymorphisms (rs2803495 and rs280396) was evaluated in patients with subclinical atherosclerosis (n = 340) and heart failure post-acute myocardial infarction (MI) (n = 68) for the first time. TREML4 variants rs2803495 (A > G) and rs2803496 (T > C) and leukocyte mRNA expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR.

The Multifunctional Sactipeptide Ruminococcin C1 Displays Potent Antibacterial Activity In Vivo as Well as Other Beneficial Properties for Human Health.

The world is on the verge of a major antibiotic crisis as the emergence of resistant bacteria is increasing, and very few novel molecules have been discovered since the 1960s. In this context, scientists have been exploring alternatives to conventional antibiotics, such as ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). Interestingly, the highly potent in vitro antibacterial activity and safety of ruminococcin C1, a recently discovered RiPP belonging to the sactipeptide subclass, has been demonstrated.

Structural, biochemical and functional analyses of tRNA-monooxygenase enzyme MiaE from Pseudomonas putida provide insights into tRNA/MiaE interaction.

MiaE (2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyl-adenosine37-tRNA monooxygenase) is a unique non-heme diiron enzyme that catalyzes the O2-dependent post-transcriptional allylic hydroxylation of a hypermodified nucleotide 2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyl-adenosine (ms2i6A37) at position 37 of selected tRNA molecules to produce 2-methylthio-N6-4-hydroxyisopentenyl-adenosine (ms2io6A37). Here, we report the in vivo activity, biochemical, spectroscopic characterization and X-ray crystal structure of MiaE from Pseudomonas putida. The investigation demonstrates that the putative pp-2188 gene encodes a MiaE enzyme.

The unusual structure of Ruminococcin C1 antimicrobial peptide confers clinical properties.

The emergence of superbugs developing resistance to antibiotics and the resurgence of microbial infections have led scientists to start an antimicrobial arms race. In this context, we have previously identified an active RiPP, the Ruminococcin C1, naturally produced by E1, a symbiont of the healthy human intestinal microbiota. This RiPP, subclassified as a sactipeptide, requires the host digestive system to become active against pathogenic Clostridia and multidrug-resistant strains.

Ruminococcin C, a promising antibiotic produced by a human gut symbiont.

A major public health challenge today is the resurgence of microbial infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains. Consequently, novel antimicrobial molecules are actively sought for development. In this context, the human gut microbiome is an under-explored potential trove of valuable natural molecules, such as the ribosomally-synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs).

TREML4 mRNA Expression and Polymorphisms in Blood Leukocytes are Associated with Atherosclerotic Lesion Extension in Coronary Artery Disease.

Members of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) family are associated with atherosclerosis risk and progression. TREML4 is upregulated in the early phase of acute coronary syndrome. We investigated the relationship between the mRNA expression of 13 genes in blood leukocytes, TREML4 polymorphisms, and coronary artery lesion extension (Friesinger index) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 137).

Association of Serum Alpha-Tocopherol and Retinol with the Extent of Coronary Lesions in Coronary Artery Disease.

: Fat-soluble vitamins play an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease and progression of atherosclerosis. This study aimed at investigating the relationship of the serum levels of alpha-tocopherol and retinol with the extent of coronary lesions in patients with coronary artery disease. .

Relationship between circulating VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin and MMP9 and the extent of coronary lesions.

Objectives: Inflammatory molecules play a role in the development of atherosclerosis, which is the primary origin of cardiovascular disorders. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has attempted to investigate the relationship between these circulating molecules and the prediction of cardiovascular risk. The present study aimed to investigate the relationships of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 serum concentrations with the extent of coronary lesions.

A Vastly Increased Chemical Variety of RNA Modifications Containing a Thioacetal Structure.

Recently discovered new chemical entities in RNA modifications have involved surprising functional groups that enlarge the chemical space of RNA. Using LC-MS, we found over 100 signals of RNA constituents that contained a ribose moiety in tRNAs from E. coli.

A new panel of SNPs to assess thyroid carcinoma risk: a pilot study in a Brazilian admixture population.

Background: Thyroid cancer is a common malignant disease of the endocrine system with increasing incidence rates over the last few decades. In this study, we sought to analyze the possible association of 45 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with thyroid cancer in a population from Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Methods: Based on histological analysis by a pathologist, 80 normal thyroid specimens of tissue adjacent to thyroid tumors were obtained from the biobank at the Laboratory of Pathology of Liga Norte Riograndense Contra o Câncer, Natal, RN.

On the Role of Additional [4Fe-4S] Clusters with a Free Coordination Site in Radical-SAM Enzymes.

The canonical CysXXXCysXXCys motif is the hallmark of the Radical-SAM superfamily. This motif is responsible for the ligation of a [4Fe-4S] cluster containing a free coordination site available for SAM binding. The five enzymes MoaA, TYW1, MiaB, RimO and LipA contain in addition a second [4Fe-4S] cluster itself bound to three other cysteines and thus also displaying a potentially free coordination site.

The relationship of the oleic acid level and ECHDC3 mRNA expression with the extent of coronary lesion.

Background: The fatty acid profile is associated with the risk and progression of several diseases, probably via mechanisms including its influence on gene expression. We previously reported a correlation between ECHDC3 upregulation and the severity of acute coronary syndrome. Here, we assessed the relationship of serum fatty acid profile and ECHDC3 expression with the extent of coronary lesion.

Reaction of PerR with Molecular Oxygen May Assist H2O2 Sensing in Anaerobes.

PerR is the peroxide resistance regulator found in several pathogenic bacteria and governs their resistance to peroxide stress by inducing enzymes that destroy peroxides. However, it has recently been implicated as a key component of the aerotolerance in several facultative or strict anaerobes, including the highly pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus. By combining (18)O labeling studies to ESI- and MALDI-TOF MS detection and EMSA experiments, we demonstrate that the active form of PerR reacts with dioxygen, which leads ultimately to disruption of the PerR/DNA complex and is thus physiologically meaningful.

Liposome encapsulated curcumin-difluorinated (CDF) inhibits the growth of cisplatin resistant head and neck cancer stem cells.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer, with 600,000 new cases every year worldwide. Although chemotherapeutics exist, five-year survival is only 50%. New strategies to overcome drug resistance are required to improve HNSCC treatment.

Healthcare costs of acute and chronic tonsillar conditions in the pediatric population in the United States.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and healthcare costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic tonsillar conditions (ACT) in children.

Design: Cross-sectional analysis of the 2006, 2008, and 2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys.

Methods: Pediatric patients (age < 18 years) were examined from the above mentioned database.

Single asparagine to arginine mutation allows PerR to switch from PerR box to fur box.

Fur family proteins, ubiquitous in prokaryotes, play a pivotal role in microbial survival and virulence in most pathogens. Metalloregulators, such as Fur and PerR, regulate the transcription of genes connected to iron homeostasis and response to oxidative stress, respectively. In Bacillus subtilis, Fur and PerR bind with high affinity to DNA sequences differing at only two nucleotides.

Coblation total tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy versus coblation partial intracapsular tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children.

Objectives/hypothesis: To evaluate the postoperative course of children who underwent coblation T&A versus those who underwent coblation partial intracapsular tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (PITA).

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: Records of children undergoing consecutive tonsillectomies from July 2009 to October 2012 were analyzed.

Comparison of dental health of patients with head and neck cancer receiving IMRT vs conventional radiation.

Objective: To analyze the dental health of patients with head and neck cancer who received comprehensive dental care after intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) compared with radiation therapy (RT).

Study Design: Historical cohort study.

Setting: Veteran Affairs (VA) hospital.

Swallow preservation exercises during chemoradiation therapy maintains swallow function.

Objective: To evaluate a swallow preservation protocol (SPP) in which patients received swallow therapy before, during, and after radiation treatment and its efficacy in maintaining swallowing function in head and neck cancer patients.

Design: Case series with chart review.

Setting: Tertiary care academic medical center.