The actin cytoskeleton in living cells generates forces in conjunction with myosin motor proteins to directly and indirectly drive essential cellular processes. The semiflexible filaments of the cytoskeleton can respond nonlinearly to the collective action of motors. We here investigate mechanics and force generation in a model actin cytoskeleton, reconstituted in vitro, by observing the response and fluctuations of embedded micron-scale probe particles. Myosin mini-filaments can be modeled as force dipoles and give rise to deformations in the surrounding network of cross-linked actin. Anomalously correlated probe fluctuations indicate the presence of rapid local compression or draining of the network that emerges in addition to the ordinary linear shear elastic (incompressible) response to force dipoles. The anomalous propagation of compression can be attributed to the nonlinear response of actin filaments to the microscopic forces, and is quantitatively consistent with motor-generated large-scale stiffening of the gels.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c9sm02362c | DOI Listing |
Infect Prev Pract
September 2024
SARS-CoV-2 Sequencing Consortium, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Background: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, dominant viral variants were repeatedly replaced by new variants with altered properties, frequently changing the dynamics of the infection event, as well as the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutics. SARS-CoV-2 variant monitoring by whole genome sequencing was established at the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany to support patient management during the pandemic.
Methods: SARS-CoV-2 RNA samples from the University Medical Center were analysed weekly with whole genome sequencing.
Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS
December 2024
Department of Internal Medicine, AFMC, Pune, India.
A young male with no known addictions and comorbidities presenting with recurrent clonic-myoclonic movements, initially localized to the left corner of the mouth and left upper limb, evolving into epilepsia partialis continua, despite appropriate sequential antiepileptic medications, subsequently progressed to refractory status epilepticus. He was tested positive for HIV infection and his neuroimaging revealed nonenhancing lesions, a novel finding in HIV-related encephalitis. We managed him with intravenous immunoglobulin along with multiple antiepileptic medications and highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART), and he exhibited a rapid clinical recovery over 3 weeks.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS Sens
January 2025
Department of Chemistry, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, South Korea.
Bacterial infections, such as sepsis, require prompt and precise identification of the causative bacteria for appropriate antibiotics treatment. Traditional methods such as culturing take 2-5 days, while newer techniques such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and mass spectrometry are hindered by blood impurities. Consequently, this study developed a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based acoustofluidic technique for rapid bacterial detection without culturing or lysing.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Neurointerv Surg
January 2025
Neurosurgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
Background: The contact aspiration (CA) technique is often used to perform endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, rescue strategies are necessary if CA fails to achieve recanalization. This study investigates the outcomes of incorporating stent retriever (SR) thrombectomy in the rescue strategy following failed CA.
Methods: EVT patients with failed CA attempts were identified from a large multicenter registry and stratified by rescue technique: CA alone or incorporating SR in the rescue strategy.
Environ Pollut
January 2025
Department of Environmental Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, 44 Circle Drive SW 2145, PO Box 1099, Edwardsville, IL 62026. Electronic address:
The antimicrobial properties and widespread incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into consumer products have raised concerns about their potential impact on public health and the environment. This study examined citrate-coated and uncoated AgNPs' antimicrobial effects on microbial growth and their potential to induce antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the natural environment. We isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella spp.
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