MicroInspector: a web tool for detection of miRNA binding sites in an RNA sequence

Regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression by microRNAs (miRNA) has so far been validated for only a few mRNA targets. Based on the large number of miRNA genes and the possibility that one miRNA might influence gene expression of several targets simultaneously, the quantity of ribo-regulated genes is expected to be much higher. Here, we describe the web tool MicroInspector that will analyse a user-defined RNA sequence, which is typically an mRNA or a part of an mRNA, for the occurrence of binding sites for known and registered miRNAs. The program allows variation of temperature, the setting of energy values as well as the selection of different miRNA databases to identify miRNA-binding sites of different strength. MicroInspector could spot the correct sites for miRNA-interaction in known target mRNAs. Using other mRNAs, for which such an interaction has not yet been described, we discovered frequently potential miRNA binding sites of similar quality, which can now be analysed experimentally. The MicroInspector program is easy to use and does not require specific computer skills. The service can be accessed via the MicroInspector web server at

Randomized Controlled Parallel-Design Clinical Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Intranasal Interferon gamma in Treatment of Influenza-Like Infections

Background: Influenza is a highly variable infection that can cause fatal complications. Universal approaches, such as general stimulation of the immune system to activate its natural antiviral capacities, seem to be a rational measure. Methods: A total of 410 patients with influenza-like infections (ILI) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups and one control group. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) was administered by intranasal introduction of 1 to 3 drops into each nostril 5 times per day daily for 5 days. The first dose of investigational medicine was given within 48h of the onset of the influenza-like symptoms. One drop of the solution contains 1,000 IU of active substance. All patients received basic complex therapy without any antiviral or immunomodulating agents. The patients were followed up for 7 days. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by the mean duration of symptoms (MDS), the period of viral antigen detection (VAD) measured after 1-2 and 4-5 days of treatment, and the incidence of complications. We used conventional indicators to evaluate the safety of IFN-γ in the treatment of ILI. Results: The administration of 2 or 3 drops of IFN-γ in each nasal passage led to better outcomes manifested in the considerable (P<0.05) reduction of all acute respiratory symptoms, and therefore to a more rapid recovery. In these treatment groups, statistically significant decreases for MDS values, VAD period, and incidence of complications were registered. Intranasal IFN-γ in complex therapy of ILI was considered to be well tolerated and safe

DEVICE FOR MEASURING DOSIMETRIC SIGNAL OF OPTICALLY STIMULATED LUMINESCENCE

FIELD: engineering of devices for measuring dosimetric signal in optically stimulated luminescent dosimetry of ionizing radiations, possible use for increased reliability, precision and trustworthiness of method and measurements performed during its use. SUBSTANCE: device for measuring dosimetric signal of optically stimulated luminescence includes a light-impenetrable body which contains source of optical stimulation, detector of ionizing radiations, separating optical filter and photo-detector, where detector of ionizing radiations is positioned between source of optical stimulation and dividing optical filter at a distance of 1-2 millimeters from their surfaces, and the source of optical stimulation is made in form of light-emitting diode with Fresnel prism, optical axis of which is perpendicular to detector plane. EFFECT: simplified structure of device for measuring signal of optically stimulated luminescence, increased precision, increased reliability, increased trustworthiness of dose measurements due to increased efficiency of registration of optically stimulated luminescence. 6 dwg.Предложенное изобретение относится к устройствам для измерения дозиметрического сигнала в оптически стимулированной люминесцентной дозиметрии ионизирующих излучений и может быть использовано для повышения надежности, точности и достоверности метода и проводимых с его помощью измерений. Задачей изобретения является упрощение конструкции устройства для измерения сигнала оптически стимулированной люминесценции, повышение точности, надежности и достоверности измерений доз за счет увеличения эффективности регистрации оптически стимулированной люминесценции. Устройство для измерения дозиметрического сигнала оптически стимулированной люминесценции включает в себя светонепроницаемый корпус с расположенными в нем источником оптической стимуляции, детектором ионизирующих излучений, разделительным оптическим фильтром и фотоприемником, при этом детектор ионизирующих излучений расположен между источником оптической стимуляции и разделительным оптическим фильтром на расстоянии 1-2 мм от их поверхностей, а источник оптической стимуляции выполнен в виде светоизлучающего диода с призмой Френеля, оптическая ось которой перпендикулярна к плоскости детектора. 6 ил

The 2021 FASEB science research conference on NAD metabolism and signaling

publishedVersio

Table of Contents

Chromosome errors, or aneuploidy, affect an exceptionally high number of human conceptions, causing pregnancy loss and congenital disorders. Here, we have followed chromosome segregation in human oocytes from females aged 9 to 43 years and report that aneuploidy follows a U-curve. Specific segregation error types show different age dependencies, providing a quantitative explanation for the U-curve. Whole-chromosome nondisjunction events are preferentially associated with increased aneuploidy in young girls, whereas centromeric and more extensive cohesion loss limit fertility as women age. Our findings suggest that chromosomal errors originating in oocytes determine the curve of natural fertility in humans. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2019 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

METHOD FOR HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE CUMULATIVE DOSE MEASURING IN ALUMINA-BASED SOLID-STATE IONISING-RADIATION DETECTORS

FIELD: physics; measurement. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to method of measurement of cumulative dose or dose rate by means of solid-state detectors exposed to ionising radiation at high ambient temperatures. Method for measuring ionising radiation doze at high ambient temperature, including detector heat treatment at 900-950°C for 10-15 minutes and measurement of signal of optically stimulated luminescence excited at room temperature, implies additional exposure of heat-treated detector to 5-10 mGy fixed dose radiation at room temperature. Then optically stimulated luminescence signal is measured and its value is used to estimate high-temperature cumulative dose. EFFECT: improved reliability, accuracy and validity of measurements, longer service-life of detectors. 5 dwg.Изобретение относится к способу измерения накопленной дозы или мощности дозы ионизирующего излучения твердотельными детекторами, облученными при высокой температуре окружающей среды. Способ измерения дозы ионизирующего излучения при повышенной температуре окружающей среды, включающий термообработку детектора при 900-950°С в течение 10-15 минут и измерение сигнала оптически стимулированной люминесценции, возбужденной при комнатной температуре, характеризуется тем, что облученный при повышенной температуре детектор дополнительно облучают при комнатной температуре фиксированной дозой 5-10 мГр от источника ионизирующего излучения, после чего измеряют сигнал оптически стимулированной люминесценции и по его величине судят о накопленной дозе при повышенной температуре. Технический результат - повышение надежности, точности и достоверности измерений, продление ресурса детекторов. 5 ил