Modulating the interaction of graphenic substrates with human interleukin-6 and its monoclonal antibody: a study by Raman images.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine with wide-ranging biological effects, playing an important role on the immune system and inflammatory responses. Therefore, it is important to develop alternative, highly sensitive and reliable analytical methodologies for the accurate detection of this biomarker in biological fluids. Graphene substrates (GS), such as pristine graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), have shown great benefits for biosensing and in the development of novel biosensor devices.

Sensitive Raman detection of human recombinant interleukin-6 mediated by DCDR/GERS hybrid platforms.

Recombinant human interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key cytokine that plays an important role in the immune system and inflammatory response, explaining why any modification of its concentration in biological fluids is considered a signal of a pathological condition. Therefore, it is important to develop alternative, highly sensitive and reliable analytical methodologies to detect and identify this analyte in biological fluids. Herein, we present a proof of concept for the development of a new analytical hybrid platform for IL-6 detection that is based on the combination of drop-coating deposition Raman (DCDR) spectroscopy and graphene-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (GERS) effects.

Correction to: Inhibition of the K conductance and Cole-Moore shift of the oncogenic Kv10.1 channel by amiodarone.

The original publication of this article contained multiple technical errors that occurred during its production and printing. These errors included sentences and paragraphs with parts missing. The Publisher regrets these mistakes.

Inhibition of the K conductance and Cole-Moore shift of the oncogenic Kv10.1 channel by amiodarone.

The ectopic overexpression of the voltage-dependent Eag1 (Kv10.1) K channel is associated with the cancerous phenotype in about 70% of human cancers and tumor cell lines. Recent reports showed that, compared with the canonical Shaker-related Kv family, Kv10.

The biochemical roots of the RNA world: from zymonucleic acid to ribozymes.

The history of the ideas that led to the RNA World hypothesis is reviewed. As the understanding of the properties of RNA molecules progressed, the evolutionary interpretation of their genetic properties and widespread distribution in intracellular environments, as well as the catalytic properties of nucleotide coenzymes and the participation of RNA monomers in metabolic pathways, led to several independent proposals of protein-free primordial life forms. Current ideas on the RNA World are part of a long and storied scientific perspective in which these different hypotheses were developed.

Individual basis for collective behaviour in the termite, Cornitermes cumulans.

Interactions among individuals in social groups lead to the emergence of collective behaviour at large scales by means of multiplicative non-linear effects. Group foraging, nest building and task allocation are just some well-known examples present in social insects. However the precise mechanisms at the individual level that trigger and amplify social phenomena are not fully understood.

Selection on predicted breeding value for milk production delays ovulation independently of changes in follicular development, milk production and body weight.

Two studies were conducted to investigate the effect of selection on predicted breeding value (PBV) for milk production, and its associated metabolic and endocrine milieu, on follicular development and ovulation in the postpartum period. A total of 71 cattle from lines selected to differ in their PBV were used in two consecutive years. In Study 1 the first ovulation and commencement of normal luteal function occurred significantly earlier in low (L) line cows than high (H) line cows.

Seasonal transmission of Fasciola hepatica in cattle and Lymnaea (Fossaria) humilis snails in central Mexico.

A 19-month study on the prevalence of fasciolosis in 30 naturally infected cows, the presence of infected and non-infected Lymnaea (Fossaria) humilis snails, and variation in soil temperature and humidity is reported. The prevalence of fasciolosis in cattle declined from around 50% in March to 30% in July, then, it increased from August, reaching a plateau of 100% in November-January, before gradually declining thereafter. A rise in soil humidity and temperature in June and July, respectively, which peaked between August and November was observed.

Efficacy of an experimental fasciolicide against immature and mature Fasciola hepatica in artificially infected calves.

The efficacy of 5-chloro-2-methylthio-6-(1-naphthyloxy)- 1H-benzimidazole, called "alpha", was tested against Fasciola hepatica. Fluke-free calves ( n=32) were divided into 8 groups and infected with 150 metacercariae per animal. All animals subsequently received a second infection with another 150 metacercariae, given at different time intervals aimed to produce flukes of differing ages within the experimental animals.