Entropy-driven phase behavior of all-DNA associative polymers.

Associative polymers (APs) with reversible, specific interactions between "sticker" sites exhibit a phase behavior that depends on a delicate balance between distinct contributions controlling the binding. For highly bonded systems, it is entropy that mostly determines whether, upon increasing concentration, the network forms progressively or via a first-order transition. With the aim of introducing an experimentally viable system tailored to test the subtle dependence of the phase behavior on binding site topology, we numerically investigate APs made of DNA, where "sticker" sites formed by short DNA sequences are interspersed in a flexible backbone of poly-T spacers.

Physiological Differences in Sebum Composition in Regularly Menstruating Healthy Women.

Sex hormones regulating the menstrual cycle influence sebaceous gland cell lipogenesis and the feeling of skin oiliness or dryness on the face. The aim of this study was to elucidate sebaceous lipogenesis in females during the menstrual cycle and define their facial sebum composition. Sebum was sampled from cheeks and foreheads in 38 Chinese women, 19 with sebometry ≤ 70 μg/cm (low sebometry group, LS), and 19 with sebometry ≥ 150 μg/cm (high sebometry group, HS), in the ovulation phase (OP) and in the early luteal phase (ELP).

Circulating mitochondrial components and metabolic and inflammatory markers in Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2B.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2B (CMT2B) is a rare inherited neuropathy caused by mutations in the RAB7A gene. Altered mitochondrial dynamics and late endosome trafficking contribute to CMT2B pathophysiology. In this case-control study, we quantified levels of circulating cell-free mtDNA (ccf-mtDNA), mitochondrial proteins secreted within mitochondria-derived vesicles (MDVs), and metabolic and inflammatory markers in biofluids of individuals with CMT2B (n = 5) and healthy controls (n = 4).

Human and mouse platelet transcriptomes and proteomes for phenotyping 3474 genes with hemostatic and platelet traits.

The hemostatic process relies on platelet and coagulation activation, with additional roles of red blood cells and the vessel wall. By systematic screening of databases for gene-linked information on hemostasis, we collected phenotypic profiles of 3474 orthologous human and mouse genes regarding bleeding, arterial thrombosis, thrombophilia, platelet traits, coagulation, and erythrocytes. Comparisons showed that defects in 252 mouse genes led to increased bleeding combined with platelet dysfunction or thrombocytopenia, in addition to 150 human orthologs that are registered for familial bleeding disorders, based on panel sequencing.

Coagulation proteases modulate nucleic-acid uptake and cGAS-STING-IFN induction in the tumor microenvironment.

Malignancies increase the risk for thrombosis and metastasis dependent on complex interactions of innate immune cells, platelets, and the coagulation system. Immunosuppressive functions of platelets and macrophage-derived coagulation factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME) drive tumor growth. Here we show that patients with malignancies and tumor-bearing mice have increased levels of coagulation factor (F) X expressing circulating monocytes engaged in platelet aggregate formation.

DNA hypomethylation traits define human regulatory T cells in cutaneous tissue and identify their blood recirculating counterparts.

CD4 regulatory T (T) cells in tissues play crucial immunoregulatory and regenerative roles. Despite their importance, the epigenetics and differentiation of human tissue T cells are incompletely understood. Here, we performed genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of human T cells from skin and blood and integrated these data into a multiomic framework, including chromatin accessibility and gene expression.

Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogies for the Screening of New Psychoactive Substances through UPLC-HRMS/MS.

The proliferation of NPS has become a global issue, due to their easy availability and ability to bypass drug screening tests. These substances are particularly concerning because of their unpredictable toxicological effects and the analytical challenge in identifying them. The present study combines advanced analytical strategies based on UPLC-HRMS with multivariate analysis to identify and classify unknown NPS.

Cholangiocytes contribute to hepatocyte regeneration after partial liver injury during growth spurt in zebrafish.

The liver's regenerative ability depends on injury extent. Minor injuries are repaired by hepatocyte self-duplication, while severe damage triggers cholangiocyte involvement in hepatocyte recovery. This paradigm is well-documented for adult animals but is less explored during rapid growth.

Genome-wide transcriptomic response of whole blood to radiation.

Blood cells are affected in nearly all ionizing radiation exposure scenarios. Whole transcriptome data offer detailed insights into blood's radiation response, crucial for radiotherapy and biodosimetry. We conducted genome-wide RNA-seq analysis on blood from three donors irradiated ex vivo with X-rays and incubated for 2 h and 6 h.

Volatiles from cocoa bean to nibs, liquor, and chocolate: An integrated chemometric analysis of fermentation treatments with pulp reduction, malt residues, and banana peel.

The objective of this study was twofold: first, to investigate how fermentation treatments influence the volatile composition across different cocoa fractions, from beans to chocolate; and second, to apply and demonstrate the use of the ComDim method for analyzing multi-block datasets generated by the same analytical technique. While principal component analysis was used to provide insights into individual datasets, ComDim revealed complementary information across all data tables, enhancing data interpretation. Cocoa pulp reduction and inclusion of malt residue and banana peel partially affected the volatile composition of cocoa beans, nibs, liquor, and chocolate.

HuBMAPR: an R client for the HuBMAP data portal.

Summary: The Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (HuBMAP) constructs the worldwide available platform to research the human body at the cellular level. The HuBMAP Data Portal encompasses a wide range of data resources measured on emerging experimental technologies at a spatial resolution. To broaden access to the HuBMAP Data Portal, we introduce an R client called HuBMAPR available on Bioconductor.

Urinary Metabolomics of Plastic Manufacturing Workers: A Pilot Study.

The plastic manufacturing industry has a crucial role in the global economy with a significant impact in a wide range of fields. The chemical risk to which workers are potentially exposed is difficult to characterize and strictly related to both the products and processes adopted. Among the chemicals used, we can cite styrene, phenol, butadiene and phthalates, but nano- and microplastic particles can also be released in the work environment.

Metabolomics insights into the protective molecular mechanism of Vaccinium myrtillus against oxidative stress in intestinal cells.

Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is a rich source of secondary metabolites known for their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. These compounds are essential in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are implicated in oxidative stress-related diseases.

Yeast-Based Direct Catalytic Ethanol Fuel Cell Biosensors: A Batch Analysis Apparatus Combined with Chemometrics for Qualitative Carbohydrate Detection.

A novel strategy for the qualitative analysis of carbohydrates is developed, utilizing a direct catalytic fuel cell (DCFC) as a sensor, combined with chemometric tools for processing the resulting response curves. Specifically, carbohydrate solutions were incubated with yeast to produce alcohol, and the corresponding current decay trends were measured using a direct catalytic fuel cell designed for ethanol detection. Multiple data processing approaches were then evaluated.

Ptprz Signaling, Tubule-Mediated and Macrophage-Mediated Kidney Injury, and Subsequent CKD.

Key Points: Ischemia/reperfusion injury induces Ptprz in mouse kidney tubules and macrophages. Stimulated tubules and macrophages expressing Ptprz promote kidney destruction. Ptprz is similarly expressed in inflamed mouse and human (transplant) kidneys, thus are translational.

Beetroot juice intake positively influenced gut microbiota and inflammation but failed to improve functional outcomes in adults with long COVID: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background & Aims: Long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (long COVID) develop in a substantial number of people following an acute COVID-19 episode. Red beetroot juice may have positive effects on multiple pathways involved in long COVID. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the impact of beetroot juice supplementation on physical function, gut microbiota, and systemic inflammation in adults with long COVID.

The Potential Application of Visible-Near Infrared (Vis-NIR) Hyperspectral Imaging for Classifying Typical Defective Goji Berry ( L.).

Goji berry is acknowledged for its notable medicinal attributes and elevated free radical scavenger properties. Nevertheless, its susceptibility to mechanical injuries and biological disorders reduces the commercial diffusion of the fruit. A hyperspectral imaging system (HSI) was employed to identify common defects in the Vis-NIR range (400-1000 nm).

Unraveling the glycosphingolipid metabolism by leveraging transcriptome-weighted network analysis on neuroblastic tumors.

Background: Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are membrane lipids composed of a ceramide backbone linked to a glycan moiety. Ganglioside biosynthesis is a part of the GSL metabolism, which involves sequential reactions catalyzed by specific enzymes that in part have a poor substrate specificity. GSLs are deregulated in cancer, thus playing a role as potential biomarkers for personalized therapy or subtype classification.

HuBMAPR: an R Client for the HuBMAP Data Portal.

Summary: The Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (HuBMAP) constructs the worldwide available platform to research the human body at the cellular level. The HuBMAP Data Portal encompasses a wide range of data resources measured on emerging experimental technologies at a spatial resolution. To broaden access to the HuBMAP Data Portal, we introduce an R client called HuBMAPR available on Bioconductor.

Sulfated Bile Acids in Serum as Potential Biomarkers of Disease Severity and Mortality in COVID-19.

The fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues. Since the pandemic's onset, several biomarkers have been proposed to assess the diagnosis and prognosis of this disease. This research aimed to identify potential disease severity biomarkers in serum samples of patients with COVID-19 during the disease course.

Rice sample preparation method for ICP-MS and CV-AFS analysis: Elemental levels and estimated intakes.

Eight sample digestion procedures were compared to determine 41 elements in rice samples by ICP-MS and CV-AFS. Analytical methods were evaluated using certified rice flour reference material (NIST 1568b) and recovery experiments. The microwave-assisted digestion of 0.

Assessment of Fatty Acid and Oxylipin Profile of Resprouting Olive Trees Positive to subsp. in Salento (Apulia, Italy).

subsp. ST53 (XFP), the causal agent of olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS), was thoroughly investigated after a 2013 outbreak in the Salento region of Southern Italy. Some trees from Ogliarola Salentina and Cellina di Nardò, susceptible cultivars in the Gallipoli area, the first XFP infection hotspot in Italy, have resprouted crowns and are starting to flower and yield fruits.

NMR-based metabolomics for investigating urinary profiles of metal carpentry workers exposed to welding fumes and volatile organic compounds.

Introduction: Metal carpentry includes a wide range of work activities such as welding and cutting metallic components, use of solvents and paints. Therefore, the employees in these types of activities are mainly exposed to welding fumes and volatile organic solvents. Here, we present an NMR-based metabolomic approach for assessing urinary profiles of workers in the same company that are exposed to two different risk factors.