Various Options for Covalent Immobilization of Cysteine Proteases-Ficin, Papain, Bromelain.

This study explores various methods for the covalent immobilization of cysteine proteases (ficin, papain, and bromelain). Covalent immobilization involves the formation of covalent bonds between the enzyme and a carrier or between enzyme molecules themselves without a carrier using a crosslinking agent. This process enhances the stability of the enzyme and allows for the creation of preparations with specific and controlled properties.

Pyrrolysine Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase as a Tool for Expanding the Genetic Code.

In addition to the 20 canonical amino acids encoded in the genetic code, there are two non-canonical ones: selenocysteine and pyrrolysine. The discovery of pyrrolysine synthetases (PylRSs) was a key event in the field of genetic code expansion research. The importance of this discovery is mainly due to the fact that the translation systems involving PylRS, pyrrolysine tRNA (tRNA) and pyrrolysine are orthogonal to the endogenous translation systems of organisms that do not use this amino acid in protein synthesis.

Cholesterol Attenuates the Pore-Forming Capacity of CARC-Containing Amphipathic Peptides.

Artificial peptides P4, A1 and A4 are homologous to amphipathic α-helical fragments of the influenza virus M1 protein. P4 and A4 contain the cholesterol recognition sequence CARC, which is absent in A1. As shown previously, P4 and A4 but not A1 have cytotoxic effects on some eukaryotic and bacterial cells.

Cr-Doped Nanocrystalline TiO-CrO Nanocomposites with p-p Heterojunction as a Stable Gas-Sensitive Material.

Nanocrystalline TiO is a perspective semiconductor gas-sensing material due to its long-term stability of performance, but it is limited in application because of high electrical resistance. In this paper, a gas-sensing nanocomposite material with p-p heterojunction is introduced based on p-conducting Cr-doped TiO in combination with p-conducting CrO. Materials were synthesized via a single-step flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) technique and comprehensively studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area analysis, transition electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and Raman spectroscopy.

Au Acyclic (Amino)(N-Pyridinium)carbenoids: Synthesis via Addition of 2-PySeCl to Au-Bound Isonitriles, Structures, and Cytotoxicity.

In this study, we report the first example of acyclic (amino)(N-pyridinium)carbenoid gold(III) complexes synthesized via a coupling reaction between 2-pyridylselenyl chloride and Au(I)-bound isonitriles. The reaction involves an initial oxidative addition of the Se-Cl moiety to Au(I), followed by the nucleophilic addition of the pyridine fragment to the isonitrile's C≡N bond, furnishing a metallacycle. Importantly, this is the first example of the pyridine acting as a nucleophile towards metal-bound isonitriles.

Responsivity of Two Pea Genotypes to the Symbiosis with Rhizobia and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi-A Proteomics Aspect of the "Efficiency of Interactions with Beneficial Soil Microorganisms" Trait.

It is well known that individual pea ( L.) cultivars differ in their symbiotic responsivity. This trait is typically manifested with an increase in seed weights, due to inoculation with rhizobial bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Human Induced Lung Organoids: A Promising Tool for Cystic Fibrosis Drug Screening.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the gene. Currently, CFTR modulators are the most effective treatment for CF; however, they may not be suitable for all patients. A representative and convenient model is needed to screen therapeutic agents under development.

Myocardial Infarction-Associated Shock: A Comprehensive Analysis of Phenotypes, SCAI Classification, and Outcome Assessment.

: In-hospital mortality associated with myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (MI-CS) remains critically high. A particularly challenging form, mixed shock (MS), combines features of cardiogenic shock (CS) with distributive elements such as vasodilation and reduced vascular resistance. MS is associated with elevated mortality rates and presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Joint Group and Multi Institutional Position Opinion: Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy-From Fundamentals to Applied Tactics.

Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a diagnostic entity defined as cardiac dysfunction (diastolic and/or systolic) in patients with liver cirrhosis, in the absence of overt cardiac disorder. Pathogenically, CCM stems from a combination of systemic and local hepatic factors that, through hemodynamic and neurohormonal changes, affect the balance of cardiac function and lead to its remodeling. Vascular changes in cirrhosis, mostly driven by portal hypertension, splanchnic vasodilatation, and increased cardiac output alongside maladaptively upregulated feedback systems, lead to fluid accumulation, venostasis, and cardiac dysfunction.

Biodegradation of Phenol at High Initial Concentration by 3D Strain: Biochemical and Genetic Aspects.

Phenolic compounds are an extensive group of natural and anthropogenic organic substances of the aromatic series containing one or more hydroxyl groups. The main sources of phenols entering the environment are waste from metallurgy and coke plants, enterprises of the leather, furniture, and pulp and paper industries, as well as wastewater from the production of phenol-formaldehyde resins, adhesives, plastics, and pesticides. Among this group of compounds, phenol is the most common environmental pollutant.

In Vivo and In Vitro Studies Assessing the Antiviral Efficacy of Double Combinations Against Coxsackievirus B Infection.

Coxsackievirus B (CVB) infections, ranging from mild to severe diseases, lack specific antiviral treatments, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Drug therapy is an important tool for controlling enterovirus infections, but clinically effective drugs do not currently exist, mainly due to the development of drug resistance. Combination therapy with two or more drugs has the potential to successfully inhibit viral infection more effectively than either drug alone as well as delay the development of resistance.

Studying the Oncolytic Activity of Strains Against Hepatoma, Glioma, and Pancreatic Cancer and .

Background: Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally. Conventional treatment modalities, including radiation and chemotherapy, often fall short of achieving complete remission, highlighting the critical need for novel therapeutic strategies. One promising approach involves the oncolytic potential of Group A (GAS) strains for tumor treatment.

Effect of Phosphate Starvation on Gene Expression in Cells.

Phosphorus is a key nutrient for all organisms. The study of phosphate metabolism and its regulation is important for understanding the evolutionary processes of regulatory systems in eukaryotic cells. The methylotrophic yeast is an efficient producer organism, and it is actively used in biotechnological production.

Toward Virulence Inhibition: Beyond Cell Wall.

(Mtb) is one of the most successful bacterial pathogens in human history. Even in the antibiotic era, Mtb is widespread and causes millions of new cases of tuberculosis each year. The ability to disrupt the host's innate and adaptive immunity, as well as natural persistence, complicates disease control.

An Approach to Reduce Tuning Sensitivity in the PIC-Based Optoelectronic Oscillator by Controlling the Phase Shift in Its Feedback Loop.

Radio photonic technologies have emerged as a promising solution for addressing microwave frequency synthesis challenges in current and future communication and sensing systems. One particularly effective approach is the optoelectronic oscillator (OEO), a simple and cost-effective electro-optical system. The OEO can generate microwave signals with low phase noise and high oscillation frequencies, often outperforming traditional electrical methods.

Incidence and Impact of Myocarditis in Genetic Cardiomyopathies: Inflammation as a Potential Therapeutic Target.

Background: Myocardial disease is an important component of the wide field of cardiovascular disease. However, the phenomenon of multiple myocardial diseases in a single patient remains understudied.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and impact of myocarditis in patients with genetic cardiomyopathies and to evaluate the outcomes of myocarditis treatment in the context of cardiomyopathies.

Polygenic Score Approach to Predicting Risk of Metabolic Syndrome.

Background/objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition linking obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, representing a major challenge in clinical care. Its rising global prevalence, driven by urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes, underscores the need for effective management. This study aims to explore the genetic mechanisms behind MetS, including adiposity, inflammation, neurotransmitters, and β-cell function, to develop a prognostic tool for MetS risk.

Novel Variants Lead to Aberrant Splicing in a Patient with Chediak-Higashi Syndrome.

The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized the analysis of genetic data, enabling rapid identification of pathogenic variants in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI). Sometimes, the use of NGS-based technologies is associated with challenges in the evaluation of the clinical significance of novel genetic variants. In silico prediction tools, such as SpliceAI neural network, are often used as a first-tier approach for the primary examination of genetic variants of uncertain clinical significance.

Model Organisms in Aging Research: Evolution of Database Annotation and Ortholog Discovery.

Background: This study aims to analyze the exploration degree of popular model organisms by utilizing annotations from the UniProtKB (Swiss-Prot) knowledge base. The research focuses on understanding the genomic and post-genomic data of various organisms, particularly in relation to aging as an integral model for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying pathological processes and physiological states.

Methods: Having characterized the organisms by selected parameters (numbers of gene splice variants, post-translational modifications, etc.

Construction of Promoter Elements for Strong, Moderate, and Weak Gene Expression in .

Background/objectives: Transcriptional promoters play an essential role in regulating protein expression. Promoters with weak activity generally lead to low levels of expression, resulting in fewer proteins being produced. At the same time, strong promoters are commonly used in studies using transgenic organisms as model systems.

Pseudotyped Viruses: A Useful Platform for Pre-Clinical Studies Conducted in a BSL-2 Laboratory Setting.

The study of pathogenic viruses has always posed significant biosafety challenges. In particular, the study of highly pathogenic viruses requires methods with low biological risk but relatively high sensitivity and convenience in detection. In recent years, pseudoviruses, which consist of a backbone of one virus and envelope proteins of another virus, have become one of the most widely used tools for exploring the mechanisms of viruses binding to cells, membrane fusion and viral entry, as well as for screening the libraries of antiviral substances, evaluating the potential of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, developing neutralization tests, and therapeutic platforms.

Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy: Pathogenesis of Intellectual Disability Beyond Channelopathies.

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of neuropediatric diseases associated with epileptic seizures, severe delay or regression of psychomotor development, and cognitive and behavioral deficits. What sets DEEs apart is their complex interplay of epilepsy and developmental delay, often driven by genetic factors. These two aspects influence one another but can develop independently, creating diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

The Construction of Heterothallic Strains of Using the I-SceI Meganuclease.

The methylotrophic yeast belongs to the group of homothallic fungi that are able to spontaneously change their mating type by inversion of chromosomal DNA in the MAT locus region. As a result, natural and genetically engineered cultures of these yeasts typically contain a mixture of sexually dimorphic cells that are prone to self-diploidisation and spore formation accompanied by genetic rearrangements. These characteristics pose a significant challenge to the development of genetically stable producers for industrial use.

Kinetic Isotope Effect in the Unfolding of a Protein Secondary Structure: Calculations for Beta-Sheet Polyglycine Dimers as a Model.

In the present work, we performed calculations of the kinetic isotope effect (KIE) on H/D, N/N, O/O, and C/C isotopic substitution in the dissociation of beta-sheet polyglycine dimers of different lengths into two monomer chains. This dissociation reaction, proceeding via breaking of the interchain hydrogen bonds (H-bonds), is considered to be a model of unfolding of the secondary structure of proteins. The calculated strengthening of the interchain hydrogen bonds N-H⋯O=C due to heavy isotope substitution decreases in the row H/D >> N/N > O/O > C/C.

Unveiling the Mechanisms of a Remission in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)-like Syndrome: The Role of Hippocampal Palmitoyltransferase Expression and Stress Susceptibility.

Post-translational modifications of proteins via palmitoylation, a thioester linkage of a 16-carbon fatty acid to a cysteine residue, reversibly increases their affinity for cholesterol-rich lipid rafts in membranes, changing their function. Little is known about how altered palmitoylation affects function at the systemic level and contributes to CNS pathology. However, recent studies suggested a role for the downregulation of palmitoyl acetyltransferase (DHHC) 21 gene expression in the development of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)-like syndrome.