Arginylation of ⍺-tubulin at E77 regulates microtubule dynamics via MAP1S.

Arginylation is the posttranslational addition of arginine to a protein by arginyltransferase-1 (ATE1). Previous studies have found that ATE1 targets multiple cytoskeletal proteins, and Ate1 deletion causes cytoskeletal defects, including reduced cell motility and adhesion. Some of these defects have been linked to actin arginylation, but the role of other arginylated cytoskeletal proteins has not been studied.

Metabolic Differences in Neuroimaging with [F]FDG in Rats Under Isoflurane and Hypnorm-Dormicum.

Background: Anesthesia can significantly impact positron emission tomography (PET) neuroimaging in preclinical studies. Therefore, understanding these effects is crucial for accurate interpretation of the results. In this experiment, we investigate the effect of [F]-labeled glucose analog fluorodeoxyglucose ([F]FDG) uptake in the brains of rats anesthetized with two commonly used anesthetics for rodents: isoflurane, an inhalation anesthetic, and Hypnorm-Dormicum, a combination injection anesthetic.

Biological and Social Predictors of HIV-1 RNA Viral Suppression in ART Treated PWLH in Sub-Saharan Africa.

HIV remains a significant health issue, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. There are 39 million people living with HIV (PLWH) globally. Treatment with ART improves patient outcomes by suppressing the HIV RNA viral load.

Acute Febrile Illness Accompanied by 7th and 12th Cranial Nerve Palsy Due to Lyme Disease Following Travel to Rural Ecuador: A Case Report and Mini-Review.

The causative agent of Lyme disease, , is endemic to Canada, the northeastern United States, northern California, and temperate European regions. It is rarely associated with a travel-related exposure. In this report, we describe a resident of southern Ontario, Canada who developed rash, fever, and cranial nerve VII and XII palsies following a 12 day trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos islands approximately four weeks prior to referral to our center.

Serological Profile of Anti- Antibodies in Liver Transplant Recipients.

, a globally distributed obligatory intracellular opportunistic parasite that has infected one third of the world population, has different transmission routes including via organ transplantation. The liver has emerged as a frequent transplanted organ in which the transmission of can occur between seropositive donors and seronegative recipients. Allied with immunosuppressive therapy, the presence of latent infection in recipients elevates the risk of severe toxoplasmosis.

Serious Bacterial Infections and Hepatitis C Virus Among People Who Inject Drugs: A Syndemic or Intertwined Epidemics?

Limited research has examined the possible synergistic interrelationships between serious bacterial infections (SBIs) of the heart (i.e., endocarditis), bone, spine, brain, or joints (e.

Effects of Iron Impurities and Content on Electrochemical Performance and Oxygen Evolution Selectivity of Nickel Catalysts for Ethanol Oxidation.

Although performance enhancements due to trace Fe incorporation into Ni catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) have been well documented, the effects of trace versus bulk Fe incorporation into Ni catalysts for the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR)─a promising anodic alternative to OER─are unclear. Herein, we perform extensive cyclic voltammetry experiments on Ni-based thin films to show that trace Fe incorporation from electrolyte impurities has a minimal impact on EOR performance, while codeposited Fe significantly suppresses catalytic current (by half at 1.5 V).

Virus-Mimicking Polymer Nanocomplexes Co-Assembling HCV E1E2 and Core Proteins with TLR 7/8 Agonist-Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vivo Activity.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health concern, and the development of an effective HCV vaccine plays an important role in the effort to prevent new infections. Supramolecular co-assembly and co-presentation of the HCV envelope E1E2 heterodimer complex and core protein presents an attractive vaccine design strategy for achieving effective humoral and cellular immunity. With this objective, the two antigens were non-covalently assembled with an immunostimulant (TLR 7/8 agonist) into virus-mimicking polymer nanocomplexes (VMPNs) using a biodegradable synthetic polyphosphazene delivery vehicle.

Anthoteibinenes F-Q: New Sesquiterpenes from the Irish Deep-Sea Coral .

New technology has opened opportunities for research and exploration of deep-water ecosystems, highlighting deep-sea coral reefs as a rich source of novel bioactive natural products. During our ongoing investigation of the chemodiversity of the Irish deep sea and the soft coral we report 12 unreported cadinene-like functionalized sesquiterpenes, anthoteibinenes F-Q. The metabolites were isolated using both bioassay- and H NMR-guided approaches.

Direct and Indirect Protein Interactions Link FUS Aggregation to Histone Post-Translational Modification Dysregulation and Growth Suppression in an ALS/FTD Yeast Model.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are incurable neurodegenerative disorders sharing pathological and genetic features, including mutations in the gene. FUS is an RNA-binding protein that mislocalizes to the cytoplasm and aggregates in ALS/FTD. In a yeast model, FUS proteinopathy is connected to changes in the epigenome, including reductions in the levels of H3S10ph, H3K14ac, and H3K56ac.

Harnessing Genetic Resistance in Maize and Integrated Rust Management Strategies to Combat Southern Corn Rust.

Southern corn rust (SCR) caused by Underw. has recently emerged as a focal point of study because of its extensive distribution, significant damage, and high prevalence in maize growing areas such as the United States, Canada, and China. is an obligate biotrophic fungal pathogen that cannot be cultured in vitro or genetically modified, thus complicating the study of the molecular bases of its pathogenicity.

Species and Their Associations with Chaparral and Oak Woodland Vegetation in Southern California.

Evidence of unintended introductions of species into native habitats has become increasingly prevalent in California. If not managed adequately, species can become devastating agricultural and forest plant pathogens. Additionally, California's natural areas, characterized by a Mediterranean climate and dominated by chaparral (evergreen, drought-tolerant shrubs) and oak woodlands, lack sufficient baseline knowledge on biology and ecology, hindering effective management efforts.

Omics-Based Comparison of Fungal Virulence Genes, Biosynthetic Gene Clusters, and Small Molecules in and .

is a ubiquitous pathogenic fungus that causes blue mold decay of apple fruit postharvest, and another member of the genus, , is a well-studied saprophyte valued for antibiotic and small molecule production. While these two fungi have been investigated individually, a recent discovery revealed that can block mediated decay of apple fruit. To shed light on this observation, we conducted a comparative genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic study of two (404 and 413) and two (Pe21 and R19) isolates.

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Single-Center, Crossover Study to Evaluate the Effects of Pre-Meal Whey Protein Microgel on Post-Prandial Glucometabolic and Amino Acid Response in People with Type 2 Diabetes and Overweight or Obesity.

: Whey protein (WP) consumption prior to a meal curbs appetite and reduces postprandial glucose (PPG) through stimulating endogenous GLP-1 secretion and insulin. : We assessed the metabolic effects of a concentrated WP, using a new micelle-technology (WPM), in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and overweight or obesity (NCT04639726). In a randomized-crossover design, participants performed two 240 min lunch meal (622 kcal) tests 7 ± 4 days apart.

Volatile Organic Metabolites as Potential Biomarkers for Genitourinary Cancers: Review of the Applications and Detection Methods.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, and is ranked second in the United States. Early detection is crucial for more effective treatment and a higher chance of survival rates, reducing burdens on individuals and societies. Genitourinary cancers, in particular, face significant challenges in early detection.

Evaluating Metabolic Profiling of Human Milk Using Biocrates MxP QUANT 500 Assay.

Metabolic profiling of human milk (HM) is indispensable for elucidating mother-milk-infant relationships. We evaluated the Biocrates MxP Quant 500 assay for HM-targeted metabolomics (106 small molecules, 524 lipids) and analyzed in a feasibility test HM from apparently healthy Brazilian mothers (A: 2-8, B: 28-50, C: 88-119 days postpartum, n = 25). Of the 630 possible signatures detectable with this assay, 506 were above the limits of detection in an HM-pool (10 µL) used for assay evaluation, 12 of them above the upper limit of quantitation.

Effects of Polysaccharide on Gut Microbiota, the Intestinal Mucosal Barrier, and Inflammation in Diabetic Mice.

Polysaccharides produced by the edible fungus can regulate blood sugar levels and may represent a suitable candidate for the treatment of diabetes and its complications. However, there is limited information available about the mechanism of how polysaccharide (CCP) might improve diabetic conditions. This study investigated its effects on the intestinal microbiota, intestinal mucosal barrier, and inflammation in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) induced by streptozotocin, and its potential mechanisms.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in the Native American Population.

Native Americans are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease in comparison with other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Previous research has analyzed risk factors, quantified prevalence rates, and examined outcomes of cardiovascular disease in Native Americans, yet few studies have considered the role of societal and psychological factors on the increased burden of cardiovascular disease in Native Americans. Modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including poor nutrition, reduced physical activity, obesity, and increased substance use, are exacerbated in Native American communities due to cultural and historical factors.

Cerebral Embolic Protection in Patients Undergoing Left Atrial Appendage Closure.

(1) Background: Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging has reported new cerebral ischemic lesions after left atrial appendage (LAA) closure in about one- third of patients. Stroke occurs predominantly periprocedurally. This study evaluated the characteristics of embolized debris captured by the SENTINEL cerebral embolic protection system in patients undergoing LAA closure; (2) Methods: Sixty filters of 30 consecutive patients undergoing LAA closure with the WATCHMAN FLX device were collected and captured debris was analyzed by histopathology and histomorphometry.

Fluorogenic Biosensing with Tunable Polydiacetylene Vesicles.

Polydiacetylenes (PDAs) are conjugated polymers that are well known for their colorimetric transition from blue to red with the application of energetic stimulus. Sensing platforms based on polymerized diacetylene surfactant vesicles and other structures have been widely demonstrated for various colorimetric biosensing applications. Although less studied and utilized, the transition also results in a change from a non-fluorescent to a highly fluorescent state, making polydiacetylenes useful for both colorimetric and fluorogenic sensing applications.

N-Oxalylglycine-Conjugated Hyaluronic Acid as a Macromolecular Prodrug for Therapeutic Angiogenesis.

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) initiates the cellular response to low oxygen levels, making it an attractive target for stimulating therapeutic angiogenesis. Several small molecules have been identified that stabilize HIF-1α and activate the angiogenic signaling pathway. However, achieving therapeutic doses of bioactive small molecules in target tissues remains challenging.

IDH Mutant Cholangiocarcinoma: Pathogenesis, Management, and Future Therapies.

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) genes are among the most frequently encountered molecular alterations in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). These neomorphic point mutations endow mutant IDH (mIDH) with the ability to generate an R-enantiomer of 2-hydroxyglutarate (R2HG), a metabolite that drives malignant transformation through aberrant epigenetic signaling. As a result, pharmacologic inhibition of mIDH has become an attractive therapeutic strategy in CCAs harboring this mutation.

Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Acupuncture for Cognitive Dysfunction in Diverse Cancer Survivors: A Pilot, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: This pilot study evaluates the feasibility and preliminary effects of acupuncture for cancer-related cognitive dysfunction (CRCD) in cancer survivors. (2) Methods: A randomized trial comparing real acupuncture (RA) to sham acupuncture (SA) and waitlist control (WLC) among cancer survivors reporting cognitive difficulties. Interventions were delivered weekly over 10 weeks.

Pain and Frailty in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Narrative Review.

A significant proportion of childhood cancer survivors experience persistent health problems related to cancer or cancer treatment exposures, including accelerated or early onset of aging. Survivors are more likely than non-cancer peers to present a frail phenotype suggestive of reduced physiologic reserve and have symptoms that interfere with function in daily life, including pain. Studies in the general population, mostly among older adults, suggest that pain is a significant contributor to development and progression of frail health.

Nutritional Counseling During Chemotherapy Treatment: A Systematic Review of Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy.

Dietary interventions during chemotherapy hold promise for clinical and supportive care outcomes. We systematically investigated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of nutritional counseling conducted during chemotherapy. Studies prospectively implemented nutrition counseling during chemotherapy.