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BACKGROUND: Despite the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic, there continues to be a persistent requirement for reliable testing methods that can be adapted to future outbreaks and areas with limited resources. While the standard approach of using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with Taq polymerase is effective, it faces challenges such as limited access to high-quality enzymes and the presence of bacterial DNA contamination in commercial kits, which can impact the accuracy of test results. METHODS: This study investigates the production of recombinant Taq polymerase in yeast cells and assesses its crude lysate in a multiplex RT-PCR assay for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) and N genes, with human Ribonuclease P serving as an internal control. RESULTS: The unpurified yeast Taq polymerase demonstrates sensitivity comparable to commercially purified bacterial Taq polymerase and unpurified bacterial counterparts in detecting the RdRP and N genes. It exhibits the highest specificity, with 100% accuracy, for the N gene. The specificity for the RdRP gene closely aligns with that of commercially purified bacterial Taq polymerase and unpurified bacterial Taq polymerase. CONCLUSIONS: The use of unpurified recombinant yeast Taq polymerase shows promise as a cost-effective approach for conducting in-house COVID-19 RT-PCR testing. By eliminating the need for chromatography purification steps, the production of RT-PCR kits can be streamlined, potentially improving accessibility and scalability, especially in resource-limited settings and future pandemics.

BACKGROUND: Despite the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic, there continues to be a persistent requirement for reliable testing methods that can be adapted to future outbreaks and areas with limited resources. While the standard approach of using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with Taq polymerase is effective, it faces challenges such as limited access to high-quality enzymes and the presence of bacterial DNA contamination in commercial kits, which can impact the accuracy of test results. METHODS: This study investigates the production of recombinant Taq polymerase in yeast cells and assesses its crude lysate in a multiplex RT-PCR assay for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) and N genes, with human Ribonuclease P serving as an internal control. RESULTS: The unpurified yeast Taq polymerase demonstrates sensitivity comparable to commercially purified bacterial Taq polymerase and unpurified bacterial counterparts in detecting the RdRP and N genes. It exhibits the highest specificity, with 100% accuracy, for the N gene. The specificity for the RdRP gene closely aligns with that of commercially purified bacterial Taq polymerase and unpurified bacterial Taq polymerase. CONCLUSIONS: The use of unpurified recombinant yeast Taq polymerase shows promise as a cost-effective approach for conducting in-house COVID-19 RT-PCR testing. By eliminating the need for chromatography purification steps, the production of RT-PCR kits can be streamlined, potentially improving accessibility and scalability, especially in resource-limited settings and future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic principles of ultrafast plasmonic PCR have been promulgated in the scientific and technological literature for over a decade. Yet, its everyday diagnostic utility remains unvalidated in pre-clinical and clinical settings. Although the impressive speed of plasmonic PCR reaction is well-documented, implementing this process into a device form compatible with routine diagnostic tasks has been challenging. Here, we show that combining careful system engineering and process control with innovative and specific PCR biochemistry makes it possible to routinely achieve a sensitive and robust "10 min" PCR assay in a compact and lightweight system. The critical analytical parameters of PCR reactions are discussed in the current instrument setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting mutations related to tumors holds immense clinical significance for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, the presence of highly redundant wild DNA poses a challenge for the advancement of low-copy mutant ctDNA genotyping in cancer cases. To address this, a Taqman qPCR strategy to identify rare mutations at low variant allele fractions (VAFs) has been developed. This strategy combines mutant-specific primers with wild-specific blockers. Diverging from other blocker-mediated PCRs, which rely on primer-induced strand displacement or the use of modified oligos resistant to Taq polymerase, our innovation is built upon the cleavage of specific blockers by Taq polymerase. Given its unique design, which does not hinge on strand displacement or base modification, we refer to this novel method as unmodified-blocker cleavage PCR (UBC-PCR). Multiple experiments consistently confirmed that variant distinction was improved significantly by introduction of 5′ unmatched blockers into the reaction. Moreover, UBC-PCR successfully detected mutant DNA at VAFs as low as 0.01% across six different variant contexts. Multiplex UBC-PCR was also performed to identify a reference target and three mutations with a sensitivity of 0.01% VAFs in one single tube. In profiling the gene status from 12 lung cancer ctDNA samples and 22 thyroid cancer FNA DNA samples, UBC-PCR exhibited a 100% concordance rate with ddPCR and a commercial ARMS kit, respectively. Our work demonstrates that UBC-PCR can identify low-abundance variants with high sensitivity in multiplex reactions, independent of strand displacement and base modification. This strategy holds the potential to significantly impact clinical practice and precision medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taq DNA polymerase functions at elevated temperatures with fast conformational dynamics-regimes previously inaccessible to mechanistic, single-molecule studies. Here, single-walled carbon nanotube transistors recorded the motions of Taq molecules processing matched or mismatched template-deoxynucleotide triphosphate pairs from 22° to 85°C. By using four enzyme orientations, the whole-enzyme closures of nucleotide incorporations were distinguished from more rapid, 20-μs closures of Taq's fingers domain testing complementarity and orientation. On average, one transient closure was observed for every nucleotide binding event; even complementary substrate pairs averaged five transient closures between each catalytic incorporation at 72°C. The rate and duration of the transient closures and the catalytic events had almost no temperature dependence, leaving all of Taq's temperature sensitivity to its rate-determining open state.

BACKGROUND: Avian pox is a viral disease documented in a wide range of bird species. Disease-related detrimental effects can cause dyspnea and dysphagia, and birds with high metabolic requirements, such as hummingbirds, are thus especially vulnerable to the pathogen. Hummingbirds have a strong presence in California, especially in urban environments. However, little is understood regarding the impact of pox virus on hummingbird populations. Currently, diagnosing a pox infection relies on obtaining a tissue biopsy, which poses significant risks to birds and challenges in the field. Understanding the ecology of hummingbird pox viral infections could be advanced by a minimally invasive ante-mortem diagnostic method. Our aim was to address whether pox infections can be diagnosed using integumentary system samples besides tissue biopsies. To meet this goal, we tested multiple integumentary sample types using a quantitative real-time PCR assay. A secondary study goal was to determine which sample types (ranging from minimally to highly invasive sampling) were optimal for identifying infected birds. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Pox-like lesion tissue, pectoral muscle, feathers, toenail clippings, blood, and swabs (both pox-like lesion tissue and non pox-like lesion tissue) were taken from live birds and carcasses of two species of hummingbirds found in California. To maximize successful diagnosis, especially for samples with low viral load, a real-time quantitative PCR assay was developed for detecting the hummingbird-specific Avipoxvirus 4b core protein gene. Avipoxvirus DNA was successfully amplified from all sample types obtained from 27 individuals. These results were compared to those of conventional PCR and comparisons were also made among sample types, utilizing lesion tissue samples as the gold standard. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Hummingbird avian pox can be diagnosed without relying on tissue biopsies. We identify that feather samples, of which contour feathers yielded the best results, can be used for diagnosing infected birds, thus reducing sampling risk. In sum, the real-time PCR assay detected viral DNA in various integumentary system sample types and will be useful in future studies of hummingbird disease ecology.

A DNA polymerase from Thermus aquaticus remains the most popular among DNA polymerases. It was widely applied in various fields involving the application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), implying the high commercial value of this enzyme. For this reason, an attempt to obtain a high yield of Taq DNA polymerase is continuously conducted. In this study, the l -rhamnose-inducible promoter rhaBAD was utilized due to its ability to produce recombinant protein under tight control in E. coli expression system. Instead of full-length Taq polymerase, an N-terminal deletion of Taq polymerase was selected. To obtain a high-level expression, we attempted to optimize the codon by reducing the rare codon and GC content, and in a second attempt, we optimized the culture conditions for protein expression. The production of Taq polymerase using the optimum culture condition improved the level of expression by up to 3-fold. This approach further proved that a high level of recombinant protein expression could be achieved by yielding a purified Taq polymerase of about 8.5 mg/L of culture. This is the first research publication on the production of Taq polymerase with N-terminal deletion in E. coli with the control of the rhaBAD promoter system. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of a TaqPol using rhaBAD was successfully demonstrated. • Optimization of codon and culture condition were employed to improve protein yield. • Expression of TaqPol increased by up to 3-fold with a yield of about 7.7 mg/L. • TaqPol was produced in its active form based on quantitative and qualitative assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity of DNA polymerase underlies numerous biotechnologies, cell division, and therapeutics, yet the enzyme remains incompletely understood. We demonstrate that both thermostable and mesophilic DNA polymerases readily utilize deoxyribonucleoside diphosphates (dNDPs) for DNA synthesis and inorganic phosphate for the reverse reaction, that is, phosphorolysis of DNA. For Taq DNA polymerase, the KMs of the dNDP and phosphate substrates are ∼20 and 200 times higher than for dNTP and pyrophosphate, respectively. DNA synthesis from dNDPs is about 17 times slower than from dNTPs, and DNA phosphorolysis about 200 times less efficient than pyrophosphorolysis. Such parameters allow DNA replication without requiring coupled metabolism to sequester the phosphate products, which consequently do not pose a threat to genome stability. This mechanism contrasts with DNA synthesis from dNTPs, which yield high-energy pyrophosphates that have to be hydrolyzed to phosphates to prevent the reverse reaction. Because the last common ancestor was likely a thermophile, dNDPs are plausible substrates for genome replication on early Earth and may represent metabolic intermediates later replaced by the higher-energy triphosphates.

Real-time qPCR and digital PCR are powerful techniques for detecting nucleic acids with high specificity and sensitivity, relying on sequence-specific labeled probes. However, each target requires the design and synthesis of specific probes, incurring significant costs. Therefore, the development of a specific and universal detection technique is both urgent and beneficial. Previously, a universal detection method was developed using a modified mediator probe and a universal hairpin reporter. However, our experiments uncovered that the mediator primers, generated by Taq polymerase cleaving mediator probes, deviate from the expected sequence, indicating a severe compromise in detection ability. Additionally, the high cost of the modified mediator probe and hairpin reporter impedes the practicality of their method. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a novel universal detection method (MP-UP) using Taqman probes, unmodified mediator probes and helper target, enabling the utilization of all mediator primers to produce abundant fluorescence. Enhanced MP-UP qPCR with an increased signal-to-noise ratio, MP-UP ddPCR, and multiplex MP-UP were established, exhibiting remarkable sensitivity, specificity, and precision comparable to specific probe assays or commercial testing kit. The mediator probe and helper target cost only one-tenth of a specific Taqman probe, rendering it feasible to replace the latter in specific nucleic acid detection. • Mediator primers are tailed with one or two template-specific nucleotides at the 3'3′ end. • Taqman probes and unmodified MP, more accessible and cheaper, were used in MP-UP. • Improve signal-to-noise ratio of MP-UP by adding heated step or using hairpin helper target. • MP-UP ddPCR was established by utilizing double-quenched probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae are important causes of bacterial meningitis. In this study, the DNA binding site of the wild type Taq DNA polymerase was modified to produce a mutant enzyme with enhanced DNA affinity and PCR performance. The engineered and the wild type enzymes were integrated into qPCR-based assays for molecular detection of S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis, H. influenzae, and serogroups and serotypes of these three pathogens., Methods: Bio-Speedy® Bacterial DNA Isolation Kit (Bioeksen R&D Technologies, Turkiye) and 2× qPCR-Mix for hydrolysis probes (Bioeksen R&D Technologies, Turkiye) and CFX96 Instrument (Biorad Inc., USA) were used for all molecular analyses. Spiked negative clinical specimens were tested using the developed qPCR assays and the culture-based conventional methods for the analytical performance evaluation., Results: All qPCR assays did not produce any positive results for the samples spiked with potential cross-reacting bacteria. Limit of detection (LOD) of the assays containing the mutant enzyme was 1 genome/reaction (10 cfu/mL sample) which is at least 3 times lower than the previously reported LOD levels for DNA amplification based molecular assays. LODs for the spiked serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples decreased 2.3-4.7 and 1.2-3.5 times respectively when the mutant enzyme was used instead of the wild type Taq DNA polymerase., Conclusions: It is possible to enhance analytical sensitivity of qPCR assays targeting the bacterial agents of meningitis by using an engineered Taq DNA polymerase. These qPCR-based assays can be used for direct detection and serogrouping / serotyping of S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis and H. influenzae at concentrations close to the lower limit of medical decision point., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Due to its advantages of high precision and low cost, automated Sanger sequencing technology remains useful for many applications despite the emergence of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms. Few studies revealed the sequence errors in sanger sequencing because the instrumentation and chemistry currently used for Sanger sequencing is highly reliable and reproducible. Unexpectedly, in our study, the sequencing artifacts were identified in sequencing the PCR product of rAAV-ITR (recombination Adeno-Associated Virusinverted terminal repeat) which formed highly stable T-shaped hairpin and played critical role in virus production. The artifactual sequences were characterized by the 3’ end palindromic sequence and nucleotide substitutions. We confirmed that the presence of stable hairpin in template results in sequencing artifacts by employing disruptor to eliminate the structure, sequencing the PCR product and the synthezized strands containing stable or weak hairpin respectively for comparation. Furthermore, we proposed that endonuclease activity of Taq polymerase cleaves the templates containing stable structure to generate annealed 3’end which acts as primer to synthesize the artifactual palindrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pioneering use of Taq polymerase-mediated hairpin amplicon cleavage to discriminate variants. • HAC-PCR allows for the effective identification of rare variants without strand displacement, base modification, or additional reagents. • Our method consistently achieved a remarkable sensitivity of 0.01% Variant Allele Fraction (VAF). Highly sensitive detection of gene variants holds immense significance for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, the presence of highly redundant wild DNA poses a substantial challenge when identifying low-frequency mutant circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in cancer cases. Here, a novel technique called hairpin amplicon cleavage PCR (HAC-PCR) for detecting low-level DNA mutations with exceptional sensitivity was presented. What sets HAC-PCR apart is its ability to achieve high sensitivity independently of strand-displacement, base modification, or the use of additional reagents. The discrimination between wild-type targets (WT) and mutant targets (MT) is significantly improved by introducing uniquely designed hairpin structures. These hairpins hinder the amplification of WT and are cleaved during the elongation of MT. For the first time, the unique mechanism of hairpin amplicon cleavage by Taq polymerase was exploited for mutation identification. The optimized HAC-PCR consistently demonstrates the capability to discriminate mutant DNA at levels as low as 0.01% variant allele fraction (VAF) for five mutation types. Furthermore, this impressive sensitivity of 0.01% VAF has also been achieved in a multiplex assay. When applied to the testing of tissue DNA from 24 patients with thyroid cancers and plasma ctDNA from 12 patients with non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), HAC-PCR exhibited a 100% concordance rate with the existing commercial kit and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). Therefore, HAC-PCR stands as a cost-effective and highly effective tool for variant identification in clinical testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA polymerases are fundamental enzymes that play a crucial role in processing DNA with high fidelity and accuracy ensuring the faithful transmission of genetic information. The recognition of unnatural base pairs (UBPs) by polymerases, enabling their replication, represents a significant and groundbreaking discovery with profound implications for genetic expansion. Romesberg et al. examined the impact of DNA containing 2,6-dimethyl-2 H -isoquiniline-1-thione: D5SIC (DS) and 2-methoxy-3-methylnaphthalene: DNAM (DN) UBPs bound to T. aquaticus DNA polymerase ( Taq ) through crystal structure analysis. Here, we have used polarizable and nonpolarizable classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the structural aspects and stability of Taq in complex with a DNA duplex including a DS-DN pair in the terminal 3' and 5' positions. Our results suggest that the flexibility of UBP-incorporated DNA in the terminal position is arrested by the polymerase, thus preventing fraying and mispairing. Our investigation also reveals that the UBP remains in an intercalated conformation inside the active site, exhibiting two distinct orientations in agreement with experimental findings. Our analysis pinpoints particular residues responsible for favorable interactions with the UBP, with some relying on van der Waals interactions while other on Coulombic forces.

The development and characterization of a new enzyme reaction contribute to advancements in modern biotechnology. Here, we report a novel CIS (clamping-mediated incorporation of single-stranded DNA with concomitant DNA synthesis) reaction catalyzed by Taq polymerase. In the reaction, a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with 3' Cs is attached with a preformed 3' G-tail of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA); DNA syntheses starting from both 3' ends result in the incorporation of ssDNA. A 3' G-tail length of 3 nucleotides adequately supports this reaction, indicating that Taq polymerase can clump short Watson-Crick base pairs as short as three pairs and use them to initiate DNA polymerization. The reverse transcriptase from Molony murine leukemia virus catalyzes strand displacement synthesis and produces flapped-end DNA, whereas the reaction by Taq polymerase involves the nick translation. These new reaction properties may be beneficial for the development of new molecular tools applicable in various fields. Apart from its CIS reaction activity, we also report that Taq polymerase has the undesirable characteristic of removing 5' fluorescent labels from dsDNA. This characteristic may have compromised various experiments involving the preparation of fluorescently-labeled dsDNA by PCR for a long time., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The methylation status of the MGMT promoter represents the valuable prognostic and predictive marker in glioblastoma (GBM) patients undergoing treatment with alkylating agents such as Temozolomide. Although Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Tissue (FFPE) signifies the most commonly used source for tissue-based molecular testing, its use in Methylation-Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (MSP) analysis manifests certain limitations due to low DNA integrity. Our study aimed to identify the optimal MGMT promoter MSP reaction conditions concerning the utilization of bisulfite-converted FFPE-derived template DNA. Several optimizing reactions were conducted and subjected to ImageJ software analysis. As a result, 4U of HotStarTaq and 125 ng of template DNA were specified as necessary for successful MSP reactions. The confirmation of optimization success was obtained through comparison of semi-quantitative values of DNA methylation levels between reference Fresh Frozen tissue and corresponding FFPE sample obtained from the same GBM patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study a one-tube real-time RT-qPCR assay was developed using the TaqMan chemistry for the universal detection and quantification of PPV, one of the most important pathogens affecting stone fruit trees. In order to design appropriate primers and probe, nucleotide sequences from different PPV isolates originating from all known strains were recovered from the databases. Various genomic regions were screened and finally primers were selected from a conserved region of the 3′- terminal part of the CP gene amplifying a 146 bp DNA fragment while the probe was designed to bind within the amplicon. Ten-fold serial dilutions of in vitro synthesized RNA transcripts were applied for the construction of standard curve. The amplification efficiency of the assay was 93.8% and the linear range of quantification was from 40 up to 4 × 108 RNA copies. The real time RT-PCR was successfully tested with a collection of genetically diverse isolates with different geographical origin belonging to seven PPV strains. The present method is proposed as a useful tool for various basic or applied research studies of PPV as well as for routine testing of plant material during phytosanitary control or in certification schemes of Prunus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing evidences support the role of genetic factors in susceptibility to chronic periodontitis. The aim of the present pilot study was to explore the association of two potential single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): Interleukin (IL)-1β + 3954 (rs1143634, C > T) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) TaqI (rs731236, T > C) with chronic periodontitis in a North Indian population. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight chronic periodontitis subjects and 47 periodontally healthy controls were recruited. Individual samples of venous blood were obtained from each subject. Genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Logistic regression and chi square test were used for genetic association analysis and a P value less than 0.05 taken as statistical significance. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi square test and odds ratio (OR) was used. Results: Genotypes and alleles of SNP IL-1β + 3954 did not show a significant association (P > 0.05) with chronic periodontitis. Genotype CC and allele C of VDR TaqI were significantly associated with a higher risk for chronic periodontitis as compared to subjects with TT genotype (CC/TT OR = 4.615; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17 to 18.078 P = 0.028) and allele T (C/T OR = 2.423; 95% CI: 1.179 to 4.980). Conclusion: In North Indian population, genotype CC and allele C of VDR TaqI were associated with risk of chronic periodontitis. No significant correlation was found for IL-1β + 3954 polymorphism and chronic periodontitis.

Taq DNA polymerases have played an important role in molecular biology for several years and are frequently used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR); hence, there is an increasing interest in developing a convenient method for preparing Taq DNA polymerase for routine use in laboratories. We developed a method using Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) that expresses thermostable Taq DNA polymerase directly in the PCR without purification. The Taq gene was transformed into E. coli and expressed. After overnight incubation and washing, E. coli -expressing Taq DNA polymerase (EcoliTaq) was used as the DNA polymerase without purification. EcoliTaq showed activity comparable to that of commercial DNA polymerase and remained stable for 3 months. With a high-pH buffer containing 2% Tween 20 and 0.4 M trehalose, EcoliTaq facilitated direct PCR amplification from anticoagulated whole blood samples. EcoliTaq exhibited good performance in allele-specific PCR using both purified DNA and whole blood samples. Furthermore, it proved to be useful as a DNA polymerase in hot-start PCR by effectively minimizing non-specific amplification. We developed a simple and cost-effective direct and hot-start PCR method in which EcoliTaq was used directly as a PCR enzyme, thus eliminating the laborious and time-consuming steps of polymerase purification.

Aim. To assess the inhibitory activity of ellagitannin complex of the purified extract from the fruits of white alder and black alder in non-eukaryotic polymerase systems and to analyze the effects of these substances on the reverse transcriptase of murine leukemia virus and HIV reproduction in vitro. Methods. Chronically infected MT4/BIII culture of human leukemic cells was used as the HIV source. Anti-HIV activity of the ellagitannin-containing extract was estimated by the reduction of HIV infectious titer in the MT-4 cells. The inhibitory effects of the extract on retroviral reverse transcriptase, T7 RNA-polymerase and Taq polymerase were also studied in cell-free systems. Results. The ellagitannin extract inhibited activities of the reverse transcriptase of murine leukemia retrovirus, T7 RNA-polymerase, and Taq polymerase. It also reduced the HIV infectious titer in MT-4 cells with IC50 of 1.5 μg/ml and selectivity index of 87. Conclusions. The ellagitannin complex possesses a significant anti-HIV activity. Its in vitro antiviral effect is achieved with a relatively low toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligictaluridus michaelalicea n. sp. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae, Ancyrocephalinae) is described from the gills of Pylodictis olivaris (Siluriformes: Ictaluridae) from Wisconsin and Iowa portions of the upper Mississippi River. Diagnostic features include a relatively large, strongly curved tubular cirrus with minor terminal flare; an accessory piece with a prominent basal lobe and a simple, thick terminal limb featuring a thin lateral flange and blunt distal tip devoid of recurved hooks. The sinistral vagina, two prostatic reservoirs, and a terminal seminal vesicle of the vas deferens are prominent. The anchors, ventral and dorsal bars, and hooks are similar in overall form to those of other members of the genus. The description includes sequence data for the 18S rRNA gene, which aligned most closely with species of ancyrocephaline monogeneans, with the highest similarity being with Ligictaluridus pricei (Mueller, 1936). Other monogenean species identified from the flathead catfish examined included L. pricei and Ligictaluridus mirabilis (Mueller, 1937). L. michaelalicea n. sp. is the fourth species to be described from P. olivaris within its natural range in central and eastern North America. Implications resulting from taxonomic name changes, including species of Ligictaluridus, and United States Food and Drug Administration treatment regulations are discussed. An updated key to species of the genus Ligictaluridus is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard Illumina libraries are biased toward sequences of intermediate GC-content. This results in an underrepresentation of GC-rich regions in sequencing projects of genomes with heterogeneous base composition, such as mammals and birds. We developed a simple, cost-effective protocol to enrich sheared genomic DNA in its GC-rich fraction by subtracting AT-rich DNA. This was achieved by heating DNA up to 90 °C before applying Illumina library preparation. We tested the new approach on chicken DNA and found that heated DNA increased average coverage in the GC-richest chromosomes by a factor up to six. Using a Taq polymerase supposedly appropriate for PCR amplification of GC-rich sequences had a much weaker effect. Our protocol should greatly facilitate sequencing and resequencing of the GC-richest regions of heterogeneous genomes, in combination with standard short-read and long-read technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been extensively studied, but results were controversial. Methods This meta-analysis aimed to confirm whether VDR gene polymorphisms were associated with MS. Meta-analysis on the association between MS and VDR Apa I, Bsm I, Taq I and Fok I polymorphisms were conducted using allelic contrast, recessive, homozygotes and dominant models. Data were extracted by standardized forms and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the random effects model if the results were heterogeneous. Stratification analysis by the selected study characteristics were performed to detect potential source of heterogeneity. Results A total of 21 relevant studies involving 3593 MS patients and 3917 controls were included in the analysis. The association between Taq I polymorphism and MS risk was significant in the homozygous model (p = 0.006) indicated a significant protective effect of TT Taq I genotype. High latitude (40.1–50°N) was also found markedly influenced Taq I polymorphism and MS risk in the recessive and homozygous models (p = 0.045 and p = 0.015, respectively). Additionally, Asian or low latitude (20.1–30°N) people with Apa I homozygous genotype, ‘> 2013’ publication year people in the allele contrast and dominant models of Fok I, ‘> 40 years’ age people with Bsm I recessive model also indirectly significantly affected the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and MS risk. Conclusion Taq I polymorphism is a significant protective factor for MS. However, the associations between Apa I, Fok I and Bsm I polymorphisms and MS were found only by study characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven ferrocenyl naphthalene diimide (FND) ligands were synthesized. Each had a higher affinity for tetraplex DNA than for either single- or double-stranded DNA. The FND binding affinities were > 10 5 M − 1 in 0.10 M AcOH-AcONa or AcOH-AcOK (pH 5.5) containing 0.10 M NaCl or KCl. The FNDs with the highest binding affinities for tetraplex DNA showed 23- or 8-times higher preference for tetraplex DNA than for single- or double-stranded DNA, respectively. The current signals generated from the seven FNDs bound to the tetraplex DNA immobilized on the electrode were found to correlate with the binding affinities of these ligands for the tetraplex DNA. Furthermore, using the telomerase repeat amplification protocol assay, the FND ligands could be categorized into three groups: (a) inhibiting both telomerase and Taq polymerase, (b) inhibiting telomerase alone, and (c) inhibiting neither telomerase nor Taq polymerase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]