MSRE-PCR for analysis of gene-specific DNA methylation

Abnormal DNA methylation is observed in certain promoters of neoplastic cells, although the likelihood of methylation for each individual promoter varies. Simultaneous analysis of many promoters in the same sample can allow use of statistical methods for identification of neoplasia. Here we describe an assay for such analysis, based on digestion of genomic DNA with methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme and multiplexed PCR with gene-specific primers (MSRE-PCR). MSRE-PCR includes extensive digestion of genomic DNA (uncut fragments cannot be identified by PCR), can be applied to dilute samples (<1 pg/μl), requires limited amount of starting material (42 pg or genomic equivalent of seven cells) and can identify methylation in a heterogeneous mix containing <2% of cells with methylated fragments. When applied to 53 promoters of breast cancer cell lines MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and T47D, MSRE-PCR correctly identified the methylation status of genes analyzed by other techniques. For selected genes results of MSRE-PCR were confirmed by methylation-specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing. The assay can be configured for any number of desired targets in any user-defined set of genes

Assessment of the State of Plant Biomass Based on the Integration of Multispectral Sensors of Optical and Radio Ranges

One of the main tasks of using remote sensing in agriculture for precision farming purposes is to identify management zones or management zones within which the timing and parameters of agrotechnical measures differ significantly. To clarify the boundaries of these zones, it is proposed to use jointly data on soil moisture (electrical conductivity) and the normalized plant index (NDVI) in a field of about 70 hectares. Based on spatial variations of humidity data obtained using a bistatic radar system and electrical conductivity obtained using electromagnetic scanning, as well as NDVI indices obtained using multispectral cameras, maps of the spatial distribution of these parameters are constructed. To determine the control zones, a fuzzy clustering algorithm was used, three target classes for assessing the state of plant biomass with restrictions on the percentage of moisture in the soil were identified. An analysis of 813 points of the soil surface was carried out with reference to geographical coordinates, the elements of the array were assigned to one of the target classes corresponding to one of the three control zones. The results of the analysis of arrays formed by classes allow us to conclude that it is possible to use fuzzy clustering to determine the boundaries of control zones in conditions of significant heterogeneity of the studied fields in terms of physico-chemical properties and relief

To The Covid-19 Pandemic Experience: A View from Russia

In the presented work, an attempt to assess the correlation between the performance indicators of several sectors of the Russian economy and a set of restrictive measures taken by the Government of our country against the backdrop of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is made.  In addition, a comparative analysis of the impact of this pandemic on the neighboring countries of Russia, which, in the recent past, were part of the USSR and, therefore, have similar health care organization structures, is carried out

Instabilities in extreme magnetoconvection

Thermal convection in an electrically conducting fluid (for example, a liquid metal) in the presence of a static magnetic field is considered in this chapter. The focus is on the extreme states of the flow, in which both buoyancy and Lorentz forces are very strong. It is argued that the instabilities occurring in such flows are often of unique and counter-intuitive nature due to the action of the magnetic field, which suppresses conventional turbulence and gives preference to two-dimensional instability modes not appearing in more conventional convection systems. Tools of numerical analysis suitable for such flows are discussed

DNA Methylation as Clinically Useful Biomarkers—Light at the End of the Tunnel

A recent expansion of our knowledge about epigenetic changes strongly suggests that epigenetic rather than genetic features better reflect disease development, and consequently, can become more conclusive biomarkers for the detection and diagnosis of different diseases. In this paper we will concentrate on the current advances in DNA methylation studies that demonstrate a direct link between abnormal DNA methylation and a disease. This link can be used to develop diagnostic biomarkers that will precisely identify a particular disease. It also appears that disease-specific DNA methylation patterns undergo unique changes in response to treatment with a particular drug, thus raising the possibility of DNA methylation-based biomarkers for the monitoring of treatment efficacy, for prediction of response to treatment, and for the prognosis of outcome. While biomarkers for oncology are the most obvious applications, other fields of medicine are likely to benefit as well. This potential is demonstrated by DNA methylation-based biomarkers for neurological and psychiatric diseases. A special requirement for a biomarker is the possibility of longitudinal testing. In this regard cell-free circulating DNA from blood is especially interesting because it carries methylation markers specific for a particular disease. Although only a few DNA methylation-based biomarkers have attained clinical relevance, the ongoing efforts to decipher disease-specific methylation patterns are likely to produce additional biomarkers for detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of different diseases in the near future

DNA Methylation as Clinically Useful Biomarkers—Light at the End of the Tunnel

A recent expansion of our knowledge about epigenetic changes strongly suggests that epigenetic rather than genetic features better reflect disease development, and consequently, can become more conclusive biomarkers for the detection and diagnosis of different diseases. In this paper we will concentrate on the current advances in DNA methylation studies that demonstrate a direct link between abnormal DNA methylation and a disease. This link can be used to develop diagnostic biomarkers that will precisely identify a particular disease. It also appears that disease-specific DNA methylation patterns undergo unique changes in response to treatment with a particular drug, thus raising the possibility of DNA methylation-based biomarkers for the monitoring of treatment efficacy, for prediction of response to treatment, and for the prognosis of outcome. While biomarkers for oncology are the most obvious applications, other fields of medicine are likely to benefit as well. This potential is demonstrated by DNA methylation-based biomarkers for neurological and psychiatric diseases. A special requirement for a biomarker is the possibility of longitudinal testing. In this regard cell-free circulating DNA from blood is especially interesting because it carries methylation markers specific for a particular disease. Although only a few DNA methylation-based biomarkers have attained clinical relevance, the ongoing efforts to decipher disease-specific methylation patterns are likely to produce additional biomarkers for detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of different diseases in the near future

Targeted Attacks Using Vulnerability CVE-2013-3897

This article provides an overview of the malicious code creation and implementation techniques that were used by cyber criminals to conduct targeted attacks on PCs of residents of the Republic of South Korea in September and October 2013