Land Use Change Consistently Reduces α- But Not β- and γ-Diversity of Bees.

Land use change threatens global biodiversity and compromises ecosystem functions, including pollination and food production. Reduced taxonomic α-diversity is often reported under land use change, yet the impacts could be different at larger spatial scales (i.e.

Immobilization of purified pectinase from Aspergillus nidulans on chitosan and alginate beads for biotechnological applications.

Background: Because the process is cost-effective, microbial pectinase is used in juice clearing. The isolation, immobilization, and characterization of pectinase from Aspergillus nidulans (Eidam) G. Winter (AUMC No.

Unravelling the outcome of L-glutaminase produced by Streptomyces sp. strain 5 M as an anti-neoplasm activity.

Background: Actinomycetes are a well-known example of a microbiological origin that may generate a wide variety of chemical structures. As excellent cell factories, these sources are able to manufacture medicines, agrochemicals, and enzymes that are crucial.

Results: In this study, about 34 randomly selected Streptomyces isolates were discovered in soil, sediment, sea water, and other environments.

Structural insights into the LGR4-RSPO2-ZNRF3 complexes regulating WNT/β-catenin signaling.

WNT/β-catenin signaling plays key roles in development and cancer. ZNRF3/RNF43 modulates Frizzleds through ubiquitination, dampening WNT/β-catenin signaling. Conversely, RSPO1-4 binding to LGR4-6 and ZNRF3/RNF43 enhances WNT/β-catenin signaling.

Global, regional, and national burden of primary liver cancer attributable to metabolic risks: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2021.

Background: The global burden of metabolic diseases is increasing, but estimates of their impact on primary liver cancer are uncertain. We aimed to assess the global burden of primary liver cancer attributable to metabolic risk factors, including high body mass index (BMI) and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, between 1990 and 2021.

Methods: The total number and age-standardized rates of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from primary liver cancer attributable to each metabolic risk factor were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2021.

Avian metapneumovirus subtype B in a Northern shoveler () wintering in Italy: implications for the domestic-wild bird interface?

Wild birds sampled in Italy tested for aMPV detection and characterization.aMPV-B found for the first time in a wintering Northern shoveler.Close phylogenetic relationship with aMPV-B strains circulating in Italian poultry.

Standardization of Genomic Nomenclature across a Diverse Ecosystem of Stakeholders: Evolution and Challenges.

Background: Genetic testing has traditionally been divided into molecular genetics and cytogenetics, originally driven by the use of different assays and their associated limitations. Cytogenetic technologies such as karyotyping, fluorescent in situ hybridization or chromosomal microarrays are used to detect large "megabase level" copy number variants and other structural variants such as inversions or translocations. In contrast, molecular methodologies are heavily biased toward subgenic "small variants" such as single nucleotide variants, insertions/deletions, and targeted detection of intragenic, exon level deletions or duplications.

Virtual screening of targeted acrylamide warheads for identification of covalent inhibitors of Cryptopain, a cysteine protease of .

Cryptosporidiosis is an infection induced by the single-celled protozoan Cryptosporidium parasite. This parasite commonly infects the intestines of humans and animals, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Cryptopain protein, a type of cysteine protease found in the genome of plays an important role in cell invasion and its survival.

PD-L1 and IFN-γ modulate Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cell plasticity associated to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-mediated hyperprogressive disease (HPD).

Background: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown remarkable clinical efficacy, they can also induce a paradoxical cancer acceleration, known as hyperprogressive disease (HPD), whose causative mechanisms are still unclear.

Methods: This study investigated the mechanisms of ICI resistance in an HPD-NSCLC model.

Same-session dual chromophore riboflavin/UV-A and rose bengal/green light PACK-CXL in Acanthamoeba keratitis: a case report.

Background: Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is the most challenging corneal infection to treat, with conventional therapies often proving ineffective. While photoactivated chromophore for keratitis-corneal cross-linking (PACK-CXL) with riboflavin/UV-A has shown success in treating bacterial and fungal keratitis, and PACK-CXL with rose bengal/green light has demonstrated promise in fungal keratitis, neither approach has been shown to effectively eradicate AK. This case study explores a novel combined same-session treatment approach using both riboflavin/UV-A and rose bengal/green light in a single procedure.

The β Common Cytokine Receptor Family Reveals New Functional Paradigms From Structural Complexities.

Cytokines are small proteins that are critical for controlling the growth and activity of hematopoietic cells by binding to cell surface receptors and transmitting signals across membranes. The β common (βc) cytokine receptor family, consisting of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-3, and IL-5 cytokine receptors, is an architype of the heterodimeric cytokine receptor systems. We now know that signaling by cytokine receptors is not always an "all or none" phenomenon.

A recent large-scale intraspecific IR expansion and evolutionary dynamics of the plastome of Peucedanum japonicum.

Peucedanum japonicum (PJ), a member of the Apiaceae family, is widely distributed and cultivated in East Asian countries for edible and functional foods. In this study, we compared the plastid genomes (plastomes) and 45S nuclear ribosomal DNA (45S nrDNA) simultaneously from 10 PJ collections. Plastome-based phylogenetic analysis showed that the PJ accessions were monophyletic within the genus Peucedanum.

The spatially informed mFISHseq assay resolves biomarker discordance and predicts treatment response in breast cancer.

Current assays fail to address breast cancer's complex biology and accurately predict treatment response. On a retrospective cohort of 1082 female breast tissues, we develop and validate mFISHseq, which integrates multiplexed RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization with RNA-sequencing, guided by laser capture microdissection. This technique ensures tumor purity, unbiased whole transcriptome profiling, and explicitly quantifies intratumoral heterogeneity.

The relevance of the history of biotechnology for healthcare : Teaching students how biotechnology and medicine have been closely entwined during the past century highlights how both fields have inspired and driven each other.

Given how biotechnology has revolutionized medical research, drug development and treatment across fields like precision medicine, cancer therapy, and vaccine development, courses on the History of Biotechnology in academic curricula can inspire future scientists and clinicians to continue improving human health and well-being. [Image: see text]

Exosomes derived from hUC-MSCs exhibit ameliorative efficacy upon previous cesarean scar defect via orchestrating β-TrCP/CHK1 axis.

Previous cesarean scar defect (PCSD), also acknowledged as the myometrium of uterus defects, which commonly results in myometrial discontinuity between the uterine and cervical cavity. Current literatures have indicated the efficacy of MSCs and MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) for diverse refractory disease administration, yet the feasibility of MSC-Exos for PCSD treatment is largely obscure. In this study, we took advantage of the in vivo myofibrotic model for mimicking the typical manifestation of PCSD and the assessment of fertility.

Computational and GC-MS screening of bioactive compounds from Thymus Vulgaris targeting mycolactone protein associated with Buruli ulcer.

Buruli ulcer (BU) a neglected disease induced by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans, predominantly impacts tropical and subtropical areas with its pathophysiology ascribed to the Mycolactone protein. Current antibiotics frequently prove insufficient to manage advanced or chronic ulcers and the rise of drug resistance presents a considerable challenge. This work aims to address these challenges by employing computational methods to identify therapeutic candidates from organic compounds, which may be developed into more effective therapies for Buruli ulcer.

Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies CXADR as a fate determinant of the placental exchange surface.

The placenta is the critical interface between mother and fetus, and consequently, placental dysfunction underlies many pregnancy complications. Placental formation requires an adequate expansion of trophoblast stem and progenitor cells followed by finely tuned lineage specification events. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse trophoblast stem cells during the earliest phases of differentiation, we identify gatekeepers of the stem cell state, notably Nicol1, and uncover unsuspected trajectories of cell lineage diversification as well as regulators of lineage entry points.

Whole exome sequencing identifies ABHD14A and MRNIP as novel candidate genes for developmental language disorder.

Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving impaired language abilities. Its genetic etiology is heterogeneous, involving rare variations in multiple susceptibility loci. However, family-based studies on gene mutations are scarce.

MCM2-7 ring closure involves the Mcm5 C-terminus and triggers Mcm4 ATP hydrolysis.

The eukaryotic helicase MCM2-7, is loaded by ORC, Cdc6 and Cdt1 as a double-hexamer onto replication origins. The insertion of DNA into the helicase leads to partial MCM2-7 ring closure, while ATP hydrolysis is essential for consecutive steps in pre-replicative complex (pre-RC) assembly. Currently it is unknown how MCM2-7 ring closure and ATP-hydrolysis are controlled.

Intratumor heterogeneity of EGFR expression mediates targeted therapy resistance and formation of drug tolerant microenvironment.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors are commonly used to treat non-small cell lung cancers with EGFR mutations, but drug resistance often emerges. Intratumor heterogeneity is a known cause of targeted therapy resistance and is considered a major factor in treatment failure. This study identifies clones of EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung tumors expressing low levels of both wild-type and mutant EGFR protein.

Unraveling the mechanism of microRNA-134 in colon cancer progression: Targeting KRAS and PIK3CA for cell cycle control and histone deacetylase regulation.

Colon cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, often dysregulated in colon cancer. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic role of miR-134-5p as a tumor suppressor miRNA in colon cancer cells.

Gut microbiome and clinical and lifestyle host factors associated with recurrent positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 are still active in the population. Some patients remained PCR-positive for more than 4 weeks, called "persistently PCR-positive". Recent evidence suggests a link between the gut microbiota and susceptibility to COVID-19, although no studies have explored persistent PCR conditions.

New insights into methods to measure biological age: a literature review.

Biological age is a concept that reflects the physiological state of an individual rather than the chronological time since birth. It can help assess the risk of age-related diseases and mortality and the effects of interventions to slow down or reverse aging. However, there is no consensus on measuring biological age best, and different methods may yield different results.