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Stabilized reverse transcriptase fusion proteins
Stabilized reverse transcriptase fusion proteins including a thermostable reverse transcriptase connected to a stabilizer protein are described. Attaching the stabilizer protein to the thermostable reverse transcriptase stabilizes the fusion protein and can aid in its purification, provide increased solubility, allow for longer storage, or allow the fusion protein to be used under more rigorous conditions such as higher temperature. The stabilized reverse transcriptase fusion protein can also include a linker between the stabilizer protein and the thermostable reverse temperature. The stabilized reverse transcriptase fusion proteins are suitable for use in nucleic acid amplification methods such as the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and other applications involving cDNA synthesis.Board of Regents, University of Texas Syste
Mne1 Is a Novel Component of the Mitochondrial Splicing Apparatus Responsible for Processing of a \u3ci\u3eCOX1\u3c/i\u3e Group I Intron in Yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells lacking Mne1 are deficient in
intron splicing in the gene encoding the Cox1 subunit of cytochrome
oxidase but contain wild-type levels of the bc1 complex.
Thus, Mne1 has no role in splicing of COB introns or expression
of the COB gene. Northern experiments suggest that splicing of
the COX1 aI5ÎČ intron is dependent on Mne1 in addition to the
previously known Mrs1, Mss116, Pet54, and Suv3 factors. Processing
of the aI5_ intron is similarly impaired in mne1â and
mrs1â cells and overexpression of Mrs1 partially restores the
respiratory function of mne1â cells. Mrs1 is known to function
in the initial transesterification reaction of splicing. Mne1 is a
mitochondrial matrix protein loosely associated with the inner
membrane and is found in a high mass ribonucleoprotein complex
specifically associated with the COX1 mRNA even within
an intronless strain. Mne1 does not appear to have a secondary
function in COX1 processing or translation, because disruption
of MNE1 in cells containing intronless mtDNA does not lead to
a respiratory growth defect. Thus, the primary defect in mne1â
cells is splicing of the aI5ÎČ intron in COX1
First-trimester glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and maternal characteristics in the prediction of gestational diabetes: An observational cohort study.
INTRODUCTION
This study aimed to investigate the extent to which gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be predicted in the first trimester by combining a marker of growing interest, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and maternal characteristics.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
This observational study was conducted in the outpatient obstetric department of our institution. The values of HbA1c and venous random plasma glucose were prospectively assessed in the first trimester of pregnancy. We determined maternal characteristics that were independent predictors from the regression analysis and calculated areas under the receiver-operating curves by combining the maternal age, body mass index, previous history of GDM, and first-degree family history for diabetes mellitus. Moreover we investigated the predictive capability of HbA1c to exclude GDM. Patients with a first-trimester HbA1c level of 6.5% (48âmmol/mol) or more were excluded. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02139254.
RESULTS
We included 785 cases with complete dataset. The prevalence of GDM was 14.7% (115/785). Those who developed GDM had significantly higher HbA1c and random plasma glucose values (pâ<â0.0001 and p = 0.0002, respectively). In addition, they had a higher body mass index, were more likely to have a history of GDM and/or a first-degree family history of diabetes. When these maternal characteristics were combined with the first-trimester HbA1c and random plasma glucose the combined area under the receiver operating characteristics curve was 0.76 (95% CI 0.70-0.81).
CONCLUSIONS
Our results indicate that HbA1c and random plasma glucose values combined with age, body mass index, and personal and family history, allow the identification of women in the first trimester who are at increased risk of developing GDM
Preparing medical first responders for crises: a systematic literature review of disaster training programs and their effectiveness.
BACKGROUND
Adequate training and preparation of medical first responders (MFRs) are essential for an optimal performance in highly demanding situations like disasters (e.g., mass accidents, natural catastrophes). The training needs to be as effective as possible, because precise and effective behavior of MFRs under stress is central for ensuring patients' survival and recovery. This systematic review offers an overview of scientifically evaluated training methods used to prepare MFRs for disasters. It identifies different effectiveness indicators and provides an additional analysis of how and to what extent the innovative training technologies virtual (VR) and mixed reality (MR) are included in disaster training research.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and focused specifically on (quasi-)experimental studies published between January 2010 and September 2021. The literature search was conducted via Web of Science and PubMed and led to the inclusion of 55 articles.
RESULTS
The search identified several types of training, including traditional (e.g., lectures, real-life scenario training) and technology-based training (e.g., computer-based learning, educational videos). Most trainings consisted of more than one method. The effectiveness of the trainings was mainly assessed through pre-post comparisons of knowledge tests or self-reported measures although some studies also used behavioral performance measures (e.g., triage accuracy). While all methods demonstrated effectiveness, the literature indicates that technology-based methods often lead to similar or greater training outcomes than traditional trainings. Currently, few studies systematically evaluated immersive VR and MR training.
CONCLUSION
To determine the success of a training, proper and scientifically sound evaluation is necessary. Of the effectiveness indicators found, performance assessments in simulated scenarios are closest to the target behavior during real disasters. For valid yet inexpensive evaluations, objectively assessible performance measures, such as accuracy, time, and order of actions could be used. However, performance assessments have not been applied often. Furthermore, we found that technology-based training methods represent a promising approach to train many MFRs repeatedly and efficiently. These technologies offer great potential to supplement or partially replace traditional training. Further research is needed on those methods that have been underrepresented, especially serious gaming, immersive VR, and MR
Talbot-Lau x-ray phase-contrast setup for fast scanning of large samples
Abstract Compared to conventional attenuation x-ray radiographic imaging, the x-ray Talbot-Lau technique provides further information about the scattering and the refractive properties of the object in the beam path. Hence, this additional information should improve the diagnostic process concerning medical applications and non-destructive testing. Nevertheless, until now, due to grating fabrication process, Talbot-Lau imaging suffers from small grating sizes (70âmm diameter). This leads to long acquisition times for imaging large objects. Stitching the gratings is one solution. Another one consists of scanning Talbot-Lau setups. In this publication, we present a compact and very fast scanning setup which enables imaging of large samples. With this setup a maximal scanning velocity of 71.7âmm/s is possible. A resolution of 4.1 lines/mm can be achieved. No complex alignment procedures are necessary while the field of view comprises 17.5âĂâ150âcm2. An improved reconstruction algorithm concerning the scanning approach, which increases robustness with respect to mechanical instabilities, has been developed and is presented. The resolution of the setup in dependence of the scanning velocity is evaluated. The setup imaging qualities are demonstrated using a human knee ex-vivo as an example for a high absorbing human sample
Central airway obstruction treatment with selfâexpanding covered Yâcarina nitinol stents: A single center retrospective analysis
Background Central airway obstruction (CAO) is one of the most challenging, potentially lethal complications in malignant and benign respiratory diseases. Worsening dyspnea is also a relevant cause for reduced quality of life in such patients. Here, we present our data on the application of covered, self-expanding Y-carina nitinol stents due to benign and malignant diseases. Methods We retrospectively identified 27 patients who had undergone 31 rigid bronchoscopies with implantation of covered Y-carina nitinol stents over a period of 10 years in order to evaluate indication, clinical course, and outcome. Results Short-term survival of successfully stented patients with palliative and curative treatment goal did not differ, allowing for diagnosis independent indication. With respect to overall survival, patients with endoluminal obstruction benefited most compared to patients with fistula and/or external compression. Granulation tissue formation (61.3%) and mucus plugging (80.6%) were the most frequent complications. Material defect (6.5%) and migration (3.2%) were rare complications that could be handled by revisional rigid bronchoscopy and stent exchange in some cases. Conclusions Implantation of self-expanding covered Y-carina nitinol stents via rigid bronchoscopy is a feasible and safe treatment option for benign and malignant central airway obstruction. Especially in palliative, malignant airway stenosis, stenting might facilitate additional treatment options and optimize dyspnea and eventually quality of life
The X-ray luminous galaxy cluster XMMU J1007.4+1237 at z=1.56 - The dawn of starburst activity in cluster cores
Observational galaxy cluster studies at z>1.5 probe the formation of the
first massive M>10^14 Msun dark matter halos, the early thermal history of the
hot ICM, and the emergence of the red-sequence population of quenched
early-type galaxies. We present first results for the newly discovered X-ray
luminous galaxy cluster XMMU J1007.4+1237 at z=1.555, detected and confirmed by
the XMM-Newton Distant Cluster Project (XDCP) survey. We selected the system as
a serendipitous weak extended X-ray source in XMM-Newton archival data and
followed it up with two-band near-infrared imaging and deep optical
spectroscopy. We can establish XMMU J1007.4+1237 as a spectroscopically
confirmed, massive, bona fide galaxy cluster with a bolometric X-ray luminosity
of Lx=(2.1+-0.4)\times 10^44 erg/s, a red galaxy population centered on the
X-ray emission, and a central radio-loud brightest cluster galaxy. However, we
see evidence for the first time that the massive end of the galaxy population
and the cluster red-sequence are not yet fully in place. In particular, we find
ongoing starburst activity for the third ranked galaxy close to the center and
another slightly fainter object. At a lookback time of 9.4Gyr, the cluster
galaxy population appears to be caught in an important evolutionary phase,
prior to full star-formation quenching and mass assembly in the core region.
X-ray selection techniques are an efficient means of identifying and probing
the most distant clusters without any prior assumptions about their galaxy
content.Comment: 6 pages, 3 color figures, accepted for publication in A&
The contribution of cellulosomal scaffoldins to cellulose hydrolysis by Clostridium thermocellum analyzed by using thermotargetrons
<p>
Background: Clostridium thermocellum is a thermophilic anaerobic bacterium that degrades cellulose by using a highly effective cellulosome, a macromolecular complex consisting of multiple cellulose degrading enzymes organized and attached to the cell surface by non-catalytic scaffoldins. However, due largely to lack of efficient methods for genetic manipulation of C. thermocellum, it is still unclear how the different scaffoldins and their functional modules contribute to cellulose hydrolysis.</p
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