Trypanosoma cruzi Fibrillarins: Two paralogous proteins with non-identical signals for nuclear transport.

Trypanosoma cruzi is a parasitic protozoa causative of Chagas disease. As part of our interest in studying the basic biology of this microorganism, this work reports our observations related to the characterization of motifs and structural domains present in two fibrillarin isoforms (TcFib1 and TcFib2) that were found to be necessary for the nuclear targeting of these nucleolar proteins. Previous characterization of these proteins indicated that they share 68.67% of identical amino acids and are both expressed as nucleolar proteins in T. cruzi epimastigotes. Using an approach based on the transfection of recombinant genes encoding fluorescent fibrillarin-EGFP fusion proteins, this study found evidence for the presence of 4 motifs or protein domains that help target these proteins to the nucleus: The GAR domain and carboxyl terminus in both TcFibs, as well as two lysines and a computationally predicted cNLS in TcFib1. As a distinctive feature, the GAR domain of TcFib2 proved to be essential for the nuclear localization of this protein paralog. Such a difference between TcFib1 and Tcfib2 nuclear localization signals can be explained as the presence of two partially related nuclear import pathways for the two fibrillarin homologues in this organism.

Ab initio methods for the computation of physical properties and performance parameters of electrochemical energy storage devices.

With the rapid development of electric vehicles and mobile technologies, there is a high demand for electrochemical energy storage devices and electrochemical energy conversion devices. Devices meeting these needs include metal-ion batteries (MIBs), supercapacitors (SCs), electrochromic devices (ECDs), and multifunctional devices such as electrochromic batteries and supercapatteries. Currently, the goal has been the enhancement of operational parameters and physical properties that results in a higher performance of these devices. In the case of batteries, SCs, and supercapatteries, scientists seek to improve the equilibrium voltage, energy density, power, capacitance, and charge rate. In the case of ECDs, the focus is on improvement of the optical modulation and coloration efficiency. However, synthesis and characterization of new materials, or of materials with optimized properties, is time consuming and highly expensive. Computational simulation of materials can expedite the experimental endeavor by modelling novel atomic structures and predicting device performance. This is possible using ab initio theories and applying physical principles that allow us to understand the underlying mechanisms governing the behavior of materials in these devices. Taking as a point of departure density functional theory (DFT), in this review, we discuss the first principles methods used for the computation of physical properties and performance parameters of electrochemical energy storage devices. A wide coverage of DFT is given, dealing with the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular functionals used in the field of electrochemical energy storage. With these tools, ab initio methods for the computation of basic properties such as effective mass, mobility, optical band gap, transmissivity, conductivity (ionic and electronic), and criteria for structure stability (cohesive energy, formation energy, adsorption energy, and phonon frequency) are addressed. We also highlight the first principles techniques for the calculation of performance parameters in MIBs, SCs, and ECDs.

Role of lithium intercalation in fluorine-doped tin oxide thin films: Ab initio calculations and experiment.

Using a combination of experimental techniques and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the influence of lithium insertion on the electronic and electrochemical properties of fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO) is assessed. For this purpose, we investigate the electrochromic behavior of a commercial FTO electrode embedded in a solution of lithium perclorate (LiClO4). The electrochromic properties are evaluated by UV-vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. These tests show that FTO exhibits electrochromism with a respectable coloration efficiency (η = 47.9 cm2/C at 637 nm). DFT study indicates that lithium remains ionized in the lattice, raising the Fermi level about 0.7 eV deep into the conduction band. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to study chemical bonding and oxidation states. XPS analysis of the Sn 3d core levels reveals that lithium insertion in FTO induces a shift of 350 meV in the Sn 3d states, suggesting that lithium is incorporated into the SnO2 lattice.

Giant right atrium, what does it hide? Case presentation.

BACKGROUND: Malformation of the right atrium is a rare cardiac abnormality and is usually reported as isolated malformation in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Prenatal giant atrial dilatation in an asymptomatic infant was treated surgically at 18 months of age, due to potential risk of thrombosis and arrhythmias. Post-surgical echocardiographic images illustrate residual atrial elevated pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Sometimes, as seems in our case, right atrial dilatation hides an associated restrictive right ventricle.

Trypanosoma cruzi Importin α: ability to bind to a functional classical nuclear localization signal of the bipartite type.

Importin α, a transport factor in the classical pathway of nuclear transport of proteins in eukaryotes, has not been experimentally studied in trypanosomatids. A chimeric fluorescent version of this protein (TcImportin α-EGFP) expressed in transfected epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi is characterized here. Initially, the cellular localization of the tagged protein was analysed in exponentially growing and non-growing quiescent cells in a stationary phase. In growing epimastigotes, the fluorescence signal appeared to be mostly localized in the nucleolus, with additional minor fluorescent dots observed close to the nuclear periphery. In the stationary phase, both aged epimastigotes and metacyclic trypomastigotes presented with dispersed fluorescence of a granular form within the nucleoplasm of the cells that predominantly localized in poorly DAPI-stained regions. On the other hand, the ability of a tagged (6×His) version of TcImportin α to bind the nuclear protein cargo TcRPA31 (TcRPA31-EGFP) was determined by pull-down assays of co-transfected cultures. In addition, the results from the in vitro analyses with these tagged recombinant proteins showed that the functional nuclear localization signal (NLS) previously mapped to TcRPA31 was sufficient to sustain binding to TcImportin α. Moreover, the second cluster of basic amino acids within this bipartite NLS (formerly termed element B) was found to be essential for complex formation, as previously described for the nuclear translocation of these fluorescent chimeras. To our knowledge, this approach is the first in which Importin α was experimentally researched in kinetoplastids. The ability of TcImportin α to bind the NLS motif analysed here, is an essential feature expected for its potential functional role as a soluble transport factor.

Nuclear distribution of the Trypanosoma cruzi RNA Pol I subunit RPA31 during growth and metacyclogenesis, and characterization of its nuclear localization signal.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the aetiologic agent of Chagas disease. Our research group studies ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene transcription and nucleolus dynamics in this species of trypanosomes. RPA31 is an essential subunit of RNA polymerase I (Pol I) whose presence is apparently restricted to trypanosomes. Using fluorescent-tagged versions of this protein (TcRPA31-EGFP), we describe its nuclear distribution during growth and metacyclogenesis. Our findings indicate that TcRPA31-EGFP alters its nuclear presence from concentrated nucleolar localization in exponentially growing epimastigotes to a dispersed granular distribution in the nucleoplasm of stationary epimastigotes and metacyclic trypomastigotes. These changes likely reflect a structural redistribution of the Pol I transcription machinery in quiescent cellular stages where downregulation of rRNA synthesis is known to occur. In addition, and related to the nuclear internalization of this protein, the presence of a classical bipartite-type nuclear localization signal was identified towards its C-terminal end. The functionality of this motif was demonstrated by its partial or total deletion in recombinant versions of the tagged fluorescent protein. Moreover, ivermectin inhibited the nuclear localization of the labelled chimaera, suggesting the involvement of the importin α/ß transport system.

Improved passive catheter tracking with positive contrast for CMR-guided cardiac catheterization using partial saturation (pSAT).

BACKGROUND: Cardiac catheterization is a common procedure in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Although cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) represents a promising alternative approach to fluoroscopy guidance, simultaneous high contrast visualization of catheter, soft tissue and the blood pool remains challenging. In this study, a novel passive tracking technique is proposed for enhanced positive contrast visualization of gadolinium-filled balloon catheters using partial saturation (pSAT) magnetization preparation. METHODS: The proposed pSAT sequence uses a single shot acquisition with balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) readout preceded by a partial saturation pre-pulse. This technique was initially evaluated in five healthy subjects. The pSAT sequence was compared to conventional bSSFP images acquired with (SAT) and without (Non-SAT) saturation pre-pulse. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the catheter balloon, blood and myocardium and the corresponding contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) are reported. Subjective assessment of image suitability for CMR-guidance and ideal pSAT angle was performed by three cardiologists. The feasibility of the pSAT sequence is demonstrated in two adult patients undergoing CMR-guided cardiac catheterization. RESULTS: The proposed pSAT approach provided better catheter balloon/blood contrast and catheter balloon/myocardium contrast than conventional Non-SAT sequences. It also resulted in better blood and myocardium SNR than SAT sequences. When averaged over all volunteers, images acquired with a pSAT angle of 20° to 40° enabled simultaneous visualization of the catheter balloon and the cardiovascular anatomy (blood and myocardium) and were found suitable for CMR-guidance in >93% of cases. The pSAT sequence was successfully used in two patients undergoing CMR-guided diagnostic cardiac catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed pSAT sequence offers real-time, simultaneous, enhanced contrast visualization of the catheter balloon, soft tissues and blood. This technique provides improved passive tracking capabilities during CMR-guided catheterization in patients.

Morphological three-dimensional analysis of papillary muscles in borderline left ventricles.

OBJECTIVE: Mitral valve anatomy has a significant impact on potential surgical options for patients with hypoplastic or borderline left ventricle. Papillary muscle morphology is a major component regarding this aspect. The purpose of this study was to use cardiac magnetic resonance to describe the differences in papillary muscle anatomy between normal, borderline, and hypoplastic left ventricles. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective, observational cardiac magnetic resonance study of children (median age 5.36 years) with normal (n=30), borderline (n=22), or hypoplastic (n=13) left ventricles. Borderline and hypoplastic cases had undergone an initial hybrid procedure. Morphological features of the papillary muscles, location, and arrangement were analysed and compared across groups. RESULTS: All normal ventricles had two papillary muscles with narrow pedicles; however, 18% of borderline and 46% of hypoplastic cases had a single papillary muscle, usually the inferomedial type. In addition, in borderline or hypoplastic ventricles, the supporting pedicle occasionally displayed a wide insertion along the ventricular wall. The length ratio of the superolateral support was significantly different between groups (normal: 0.46±0.08; borderline: 0.39±0.07; hypoplastic: 0.36±0.1; p=0.009). No significant difference, however, was found when analysing the inferomedial type (0.42±0.09; 0.38±0.07; 0.39±0.22, p=0.39). The angle subtended between supports was also similar among groups (113°±17°; 111°±51° and 114°±57°; p=0.99). A total of eight children with borderline left ventricle underwent biventricular repair. There were no significant differentiating features for papillary muscle morphology in this subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: The superolateral support can be shorter or absent in borderline or hypoplastic left ventricle cases. The papillary muscle pedicles in these patients often show a broad insertion. These changes have important implications on surgical options and should be described routinely.

Electrochemical charge-transfer resistance in carbon nanotube composites.

Using a model system of single, isolated carbon nanotubes loaded with high-capacitance metal-oxide films, we have quantitatively investigated electrochemical composites on the single-nanotube scale. Electrochemical charging and discharging of a model MnO2 storage material was used to probe interfacial charge transfer and surface impedances at the nanotube interface. We found that one single-walled carbon nanotube has an apparent surface resistivity of 30 mΩ cm(2), approximately 4 times smaller than for a multiwalled carbon nanotube and 50 times smaller than the 1.5 Ω cm(2) resistivity of Pt or graphite films. The improvement originates in the electrochemical-transport properties of microelectrodes shrunk to a nanotube's dimensions rather than any unique nanotube property like curvature, bandstructure, or surface chemistry. In explaining the enhanced performance of certain nanotube-containing composites, the results overturn widely held assumptions about nanotubes' roles while also providing guidelines for optimizing effective composites.

Multiple types of nuclear localization signals in Entamoeba histolytica.

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that belongs to the Amoebozoa supergroup whose study related to the nucleocytoplasmic transport of proteins through the nucleus is poorly studied. In this work, we have performed in silico predictions of the potential nuclear localization signals (NLS) corresponding to the proteome of 8201 proteins from Entamoeba histolytica annotated in the AmoebaDB database. We have found the presence of monopartite nuclear localization signals (MNLSs), bipartite nuclear localization signals (BNLSs), and non-canonical monopartite NLSs with lengths exceeding 20 amino acid residues. Additionally, we detected a new type of NLS consisting of multiple juxtaposed bipartite NLSs (JNLSs) that have not been described in any eukaryotic organism. Also, we have generated consensus sequences for the nuclear import of proteins with the NLSs obtained. Docking experiments between EhImportin α and an MNLS, BNLS, and JNLS outlined the interacting residues between the Importin and cargo proteins, emphasizing their putative roles in nuclear import. By transfecting HA-tagged protein constructs, we assessed the nuclear localization of MNLS (U1A and U2AF1), JMNLS (U2AF2), and non-canonical NLS (N-terminus of Pol ll) in vivo. Our data provide the basis for understanding the nuclear transport process in E. histolytica.

Infections of cardiac implantable electronic devices and how to improve transvenous lead extraction by the virtual reality.

Introduction: Infections in cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are increasing over time and associated with substantially mortality and healthcare costs. The best approach is the complete removal of the system by transvenous lead extraction (TLE). However, when leads are more than 10 years old, this technique requires considerable expertise and failures with the result of abandoned leads or serious complications may occur. The aim of this study is to describe our experience using virtual and mixed reality in the preoperative planning of complex cases. Patients and methods: Consecutive patients from a referral centre with CIED infections in which TLE was judged difficult. Synchronized computed tomography (CT) scan images were processed and transferred to a fully immersive virtual reality room and also to the operative room (mixed reality) for better guidance during the extracting procedure. Results: Ten patients (seven with local and three with systemic infections) were preoperative evaluated. Processed images and virtual reality showed intense adherences of the leads to the veins, right ventricle, and right atrium endocardium and between them that preclude a difficult extraction and required a carefully planning and sometimes a different technical approach. The anticipated difficulty was confirmed by the higher times of fluoroscopy. All leads were extracted and no complications were registered. Conclusions: Preoperative planning is essential for evaluation of TLE difficulty and prevention of unexpected situations. Virtual reality seems an estimable aid for operators in planning difficult cases and also an excellent tool for teaching. Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12055-023-01663-9.

Genome-Wide Classification of Myb Domain-Containing Protein Families in Entamoeba invadens.

Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amebiasis, is the third leading cause of death among parasitic diseases globally. Its life cycle includes encystation, which has been mostly studied in Entamoeba invadens, responsible for reptilian amebiasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are not fully understood. Therefore, we focused on the identification and characterization of Myb proteins, which regulate the expression of encystation-related genes in various protozoan parasites. Through bioinformatic analysis, we identified 48 genes in E. invadens encoding MYB-domain-containing proteins. These were classified into single-repeat 1R (20), 2R-MYB proteins (27), and one 4R-MYB protein. The in-silico analysis suggests that these proteins are multifunctional, participating in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, telomere maintenance, and splicing. Transcriptomic data analysis revealed expression signatures of eimyb genes, suggesting a potential orchestration in the regulation of early and late encystation-excystation genes. Furthermore, we identified probable target genes associated with reproduction, the meiotic cell cycle, ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolism, and endosomal transport. In conclusion, our findings suggest that E. invadens Myb proteins regulate stage-specific proteins and a wide array of cellular processes. This study provides a foundation for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms governing encystation and unveils potential targets for therapeutic intervention in amebiasis.

Respiratory Muscle Function and Exercise Performance in Adult Patients with Fontan Circulation.

At rest, a good Fontan circulation can provide a normal cardiac output (CO). However, as a consequence of its unique hemodynamic nature, the limitations of the Fontan circuit are exposed during exercise. We aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the pathophysiology of exercise in adult Fontan patients (FPs) and identify factors limiting their functional capacity (FC). In a single-center study conducted in 37 FPs aged ≥16 years and 19 healthy-controls (HCs) who underwent CPET on a cycle ergometer in February and March 2022, the mean peakVO2 was 21 ± 5.4 mL/kg/min, which was 55% of the predicted value. Morphologically, the left single ventricle showed a higher peakVO2% predicted value (57.4 ± 14.4% vs. 43.4 ± 8.1%, p = 0.045). The factors associated with low peakVO2 values were an early flattened or descending O2 pulse at maximal exertion (52 ± 14% vs. 62 ± 12.5, p = 0.04 and 47.6 ± 9% vs. 60 ± 14, p = 0.018, respectively) and chronotropic insufficiency (53 ± 12% vs. 69.8 ± 20%, p = 0.008). The OUES was found to be a useful parameter to assess the FC in FPs in maximal and submaximal exercise testing. A strong positive correlation was observed between the %OUES and peakVO2%predicted (r = 0.726, p > 0.001). The lung function was impaired in the FPs, mostly with a mild restrictive pattern (56.8%). The FPs showed lower inspiratory muscle strength compared to the HCs but it was not statistically associated with either the peakVO2 or VE/VCO2 slope. Regular intense physical activity improves one's FC. Although FPs have inspiratory muscle weakness, its impact on their FC is unclear. The peakVO2% predicted grew progressively higher as the level of physical activity increased (low level 49.5 ± 14%, moderate level 55 ± 12%, intense level 69 ± 20%).

The Disproportionate Impact of Fear of Negative Evaluation on First-Generation College Students, LGBTQ+ Students, and Students with Disabilities in College Science Courses.

Fear of negative evaluation (FNE), defined as a sense of dread associated with being negatively judged in a social situation, has been identified as the primary factor underlying undergraduate anxiety in active-learning science courses. However, no quantitative studies have examined the extent to which science undergraduates experience FNE and how they are impacted by FNE in college science courses. To address this gap, we surveyed 566 undergraduates from one university in the U.S. Southwest who were enrolled in life sciences courses where they had opportunities to speak in front of the whole class. Participants were asked a suite of questions regarding their experiences with FNE in large-enrollment college science courses. We found that first-generation college students, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities reported disproportionately high levels of FNE compared with their counterparts. Additionally, students reported that FNE can cause them to overthink their responses and participate less in class. Participants rated being cold called and presenting alone as forms of whole-class participation that elicit the highest levels of FNE. This research highlights the impact of FNE on undergraduates and provides student-generated recommendations to reduce FNE in active-learning science courses.

Castration modifies aortic vasoreactivity and serum fatty acids in a sucrose-fed rat model of metabolic syndrome.

Levels of testosterone and estradiol influence the incidence of cardiovascular diseases: generally, estrogens in females are protective before menopause; coronaropathies, hypertension, and dyslipidemias in normal men are more frequent at comparable ages. We investigated the modulation by castration of in vitro vasoreactivity, serum lipid content, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in rats with sucrose-induced metabolic syndrome. The main characteristics of the rat model are: hypertriglyceridemia, moderately high blood pressure, intra-abdominal accumulation of adipose tissue, hyperinsulinemia, nephropathy, increased oxidative stress, and altered vasoreactivity. Male weanling rats received 30% sucrose solution for 16 weeks (metabolic syndrome; MS), controls (C) had plain water; both had commercial rodent chow. They were subdivided into five groups with two subgroups each: Group 1, intact C and MS rats, Groups 2-5, C and MS rats castrated for periods of 16, 12, 8, and 4 weeks. At the end of the study period, systolic blood pressure was measured, and blood and aortas were obtained for fatty acid determination and vasoreactivity assays, respectively. After 16 weeks' sucrose treatment MS aortas showed hypercontractility and decreased vasodilation. Palmitic and palmitoleic acids were increased in MS versus C. Arachidonic acid levels in MS were lower than in intact or castrated C. Long-term castration of 16 weeks normalized the levels of palmitic and oleic acids. With the shorter periods of castration, contractility increased and relaxation decreased in C and MS, but it was more significant in C. Regarding fatty acid composition, long-term castration increased polyunsaturated (arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic) fatty acids. The shorter periods did not modify the fatty acid profile in either C or MS. Metabolic syndrome altered SBP, aortic reactivity, and levels of fatty acids; castration of long duration normalized them in some cases.

Nuclear localization signals in trypanosomal proteins.

The nuclear import of proteins in eukaryotic cells is a fundamental biological process. While it has been analysed to different extents in model eukaryotic organisms, this event has rarely been studied in the early divergent protozoa of the order Kinetoplastida. The work presented here represents an overview of nuclear import in these important species of human pathogens. Initially, an in silico study of classical nuclear localization signals within the published nuclear proteomes of Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi was carried out. The basic amino acids that comprise the monopartite and bipartite classical nuclear localization signals (cNLS) in trypanosomal proteins are similar to the consensus sequences observed for the nuclear proteins of yeasts, animals and plants. In addition, a summarized description of published studies that experimentally address the NLS of nuclear proteins in trypanosomatids is presented, and the clear occurrence of non-classical NLS (NLS that lack the consensus motifs of basic amino acids) in the analysed reports indicate a complex scenario for the types of receptors in these species. In general, the information presented here agrees with the hypothetical appearance of mechanisms for the recognition of nuclear proteins in early eukaryotic evolution.

TEM-based metrology for HfO2 layers and nanotubes formed in anodic aluminum oxide nanopore structures.

Nanotubes are fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) into nanopore arrays created by anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methodology is developed and applied to quantify the ALD conformality in the nanopores (thickness as a function of depth), and the results are compared to existing models for ALD conformality. ALD HfO2 nanotubes formed in AAO templates are released by dissolution of the Al2O3, transferred to a grid, and imaged by TEM. An algorithm is devised to automate the quantification of nanotube wall thickness as a function of position along the central axis of the nanotube, by using a cylindrical model for the nanotube. Diffusion-limited depletion occurs in the lower portion of the nanotubes and is characterized by a linear slope of decreasing thickness. Experimentally recorded slopes match well with two simple models of ALD within nanopores presented in the literature. The TEM analysis technique provides a method for the rapid analysis of such nanostructures in general, and is also a means to efficiently quantify ALD profiles in nanostructures for a variety of nanodevice applications.

Programa de intervención mediante ejercicio físico terapéutico en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón

Fundamento las neoplasias de pulmón son el segundo cáncer más común en el mundo. El número de muertes continúa disminuyendo debido al abandono del hábito de fumar y a los avances en la detección temprana y el tratamiento. La fisioterapia juega un papel importante al ayudar al manejo y control de signos y síntomas. Objetivo describir los resultados de un programa de intervención terapéutica en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón. Métodos se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, con 77 pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer de pulmón pertenecientes a dos policlínicos de la provincia de Ciego de Ávila, en el período 2019-2021. Las variables analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, tiempo de inicio de la rehabilitación, síntomas y calidad de vida; esta última mediante el European organization for reseach and treatment of cancer quality life questionnaire core 30. Para determinar la significación al cambio después del tratamiento se utilizó el test no paramétrico de los signos para la calidad de vida. Resultados predominó el grupo etario de 65 a 79 años y el sexo masculino. El tiempo de inicio de rehabilitación osciló entre los 6 a 12 meses. El cansancio, la disnea, la ansiedad y el insomnio fueron los síntomas predominantes, y mejoraron de forma discreta, sobre todo la disnea (de 92,2 % a 50,6 %). La calidad de vida mostró también cierta mejoría, resultado estadísticamente significativo (p=0,000). Conclusión la intervención terapéutica logró paliar algunos síntomas en los pacientes de la serie en estudio, que en el caso de la calidad de vida resultó estadísticamente significativo.

Background lung neoplasms are the second most common cancer in the world. The number of deaths continues to decline due to smoking cessation and advances in early detection and treatment. Physiotherapy plays an important role in helping to manage and control signs and symptoms. Objective to describe the results of a therapeutic intervention program in patients with lung cancer. Methods a quasi-experimental study was carried out, with 77 patients diagnosed with lung cancer belonging to two polyclinics in the Ciego de Ávila province, from 2019 to 2021. The analyzed variables: age, sex, start time of rehabilitation, symptoms and quality of life; the latter using the European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality life questionnaire core 30. To determine the significance of the change after treatment, the non-parametric sign test for life quality was used. Results the age group from 65 to 79 years old and the male sex prevailed. Rehabilitation start time ranged from 6 to 12 months. Fatigue, dyspnea, anxiety, and insomnia were the predominant symptoms, and they improved slightly, especially dyspnea (from 92.2% to 50.6%). Quality of life also showed some improvement, a statistically significant result (p=0.000). Conclusion the therapeutic intervention was able to alleviate some symptoms in patients under study, which in case of quality of life was statistically significant.

Classification of riboswitch sequences using k-mer frequencies.

Riboswitches are non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by altering the structural conformation of mRNA transcripts. Their regulation mechanism might be exploited for interesting biomedical applications such as drug targets and biosensors. A major challenge consists in accurately identifying metabolite-binding RNA switches which are structurally complex and diverse. In this regard, we investigated the classification of 16 riboswitch families using supervised learning algorithms trained solely with sequence-based features. We generated a reduced feature set and proposed a visual representation to explore its components. We induced Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Naive Bayes, J48, and HyperPipes classifiers with our proposed feature set and tested their performance over independent data. Our best multi-class classifier achieved F-measure values of 0.996 and 0.966 in the training and test phases, respectively, outperforming those of a previous approach. When compared against BLAST, our best classifiers yielded competitive results. This work shows that the classifiers trained with our sequence-based feature set accurately discriminate riboswitches.

Computational genes: a tool for molecular diagnosis and therapy of aberrant mutational phenotype.

BACKGROUND: A finite state machine manipulating information-carrying DNA strands can be used to perform autonomous molecular-scale computations at the cellular level. RESULTS: We propose a new finite state machine able to detect and correct aberrant molecular phenotype given by mutated genetic transcripts. The aberrant mutations trigger a cascade reaction: specific molecular markers as input are released and induce a spontaneous self-assembly of a wild type protein or peptide, while the mutational disease phenotype is silenced. We experimentally demostrated in in vitro translation system that a viable protein can be autonomously assembled. CONCLUSION: Our work demostrates the basic principles of computational genes and particularly, their potential to detect mutations, and as a response thereafter administer an output that suppresses the aberrant disease phenotype and/or restores the lost physiological function.