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RSV-IgG antibody patterns throughout life can be used to estimate the degree of immunity acquisition to RSV and to identify groups at increased risk of infection. Seroprevalence of IgA could be a proxy to determine RSV infection in children younger than 1 year.

RSV-IgG antibody patterns throughout life can be used to estimate the degree of immunity acquisition to RSV and to identify groups at increased risk of infection. Seroprevalence of IgA could be a proxy to determine RSV infection in children younger than 1 year.Optimizing plant architecture is an efficient approach for breeders to increase crop yields, and phytohormones such as gibberellins (GAs) play an important role in controlling growth. Medicago truncatula is a model legume species, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its architecture are largely unknown. In this study, we examined a tobacco retrotransposon Tnt1-tagged mutant collection of M. truncatula and identified dwarf and increased branching 1 (dib1), which exhibited extreme dwarfism and increased numbers of lateral branches. By analysis of the flanking sequences of Tnt1 insertions in different alleles of the tagged lines, we were able to clone DIB1. Linkage analysis and reverse screening of the flanking-sequence tags identified Medtr2g102570 as the gene corresponding to the DIB1 locus in the dib1 loss-of-function mutants. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that DIB1 was the ortholog of PsGA3ox1/Le in Pisum sativum. Expression analysis using a GUS-staining reporter line showed that DIB1 was expressed in the root apex, pods, and immature seeds. Endogenous GA4 concentrations were markedly decreased whilst some of representative GA biosynthetic enzymes were up-regulated in the dib1 mutant. In addition, exogenous application of GA3 rescued the dib1 mutant phenotypes. Overall, our results suggest that DIB1 controls plant height and axillary bud outgrowth via an influence on the biosynthesis of bioactive GAs. DIB1 could therefore be a good candidate gene for breeders to optimize plant architecture for crop improvement.The Smc5/6 complex plays essential roles in chromosome segregation and repair, by promoting disjunction of sister chromatids. The core of the complex is constituted by an heterodimer of Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) proteins that use ATP hydrolysis to dynamically associate with and organize chromosomes. In addition, the Smc5/6 complex contains six non-SMC subunits. Remarkably, and differently to other SMC complexes, the Nse1 and Nse2 subunits contain RING-type domains typically found in E3 ligases, pointing to the capacity to regulate other proteins and complexes through ubiquitin-like modifiers. Nse2 codes for a C-terminal SP-RING domain with SUMO ligase activity, assisting Smc5/6 functions in chromosome segregation through sumoylation of several chromosome-associated proteins. Nse1 codes for a C-terminal NH-RING domain and, although it has been proposed to have ubiquitin ligase activity, no Smc5/6-dependent ubiquitylation target has been described to date. Here, we review the function of the two RING domains of the Smc5/6 complex in the broader context of SMC complexes as global chromosome organizers of the genome.Synthetic gene circuits allow us to govern cell behavior in a programmable manner, which is central to almost any application aiming to harness engineered living cells for user-defined tasks. Transcription factors (TFs) constitute the ‘classic’ tool for synthetic circuit construction but some of their inherent constraints, such as insufficient modularity, orthogonality and programmability, limit progress in such forward-engineering endeavors. Here we review how CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology offers new and powerful possibilities for synthetic circuit design. CRISPR systems offer superior characteristics over TFs in many aspects relevant to a modular, predictable and standardized circuit design. Thus, the choice of CRISPR technology as a framework for synthetic circuit design constitutes a valid alternative to complement or replace TFs in synthetic circuits and promises the realization of more ambitious designs.It is generally agreed that striking a balance between resuming economic and social activities and keeping the effective reproductive number (R0) below 1 using non-pharmaceutical interventions is an important goal until and even after effective vaccines become available. Therefore, the need remains to understand how the virus is transmitted in order to identify high-risk environments and activities that disproportionately contribute to its spread so that effective preventative measures could be put in place. Contact tracing and household studies in particular provide robust evidence about the parameters of transmission. In this viewpoint, we discuss the available evidence from large-scale, well-conducted contact tracing studies from across the world and argue that SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics should inform policy decisions about mitigation strategies for targeted interventions according to the needs of the society by directing attention to the settings, activities and socioeconomic factors associated with the highest risks of transmission.

A local increase in angiotensin 2 after inactivation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 by SARS-CoV-2 may induce a redox imbalance in alveolar epithelium cells, causing apoptosis, increased inflammation and, consequently, impaired gas exchange. We hypothesized that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administration could restore this redox homeostasis and suppress unfavorable evolution in Covid-19 patients.

To determine whether NAC in high doses can avoid respiratory failure in patients with Covid-19.

It was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, unicentric trial, conducted at the Emergency Department of Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo, Brazil. We enrolled 135 patients with severe Covid-19 (confirmed or suspected), with an oxyhemoglobin saturation of less than 94% or respiratory rate higher than 24 breaths/min. DNA Damage inhibitor Patients were randomized to receive NAC 21g (approximately 300mg/kg) for 20 hours, or dextrose 5%. Primary endpoint was the need for mechanical ventilation. Secondary endpoints were time of mechanical ventilation, admission to ICU, time in ICU, and mortality.