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I am using a fluorescence microscope with DAPI filter, here are the specifications:
Excitation wavelength: 360/40 nm
Emission wavelength: 460/50 nm
Dichroic mirror wavelength: 400 nm
I want to label my cells with cyan fluorescent protein. I just want to know if our DAPI filter can detect the CFP. Thanks.
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May consider using Permai fluorescence dye.
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A patient with desminopathy (mutation Thr341Pro DES in a heterozygous state) with the progression of the disease has a decrease in taste and smell, immunosuppression, and an increase in IgA in the blood.
Oddly enough, but all this is characteristic of infections, including viral ones. For example, it is known that if the hepatitis C virus is not treated, then death will occur in 20 years.
In the identified case of late onset desminopathy, muscle weakness manifests itself at the age of 30, and death occurs 20 years after the onset of the disease.
Could the desmin mutation in myofibrillar myopathy be caused by an infection?
Perhaps the infection contributes to the progression of desminopathy?
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Greetings. I trust this message finds you deeply engaged in your research and seeking answers to complex questions within the realm of genetics and molecular pathology. Your inquiry regarding the potential role of infection in causing desmin mutations in myofibrillar myopathy is both intriguing and indicative of a keen scientific mind exploring the multifaceted nature of genetic disorders.
To address your question with the precision and clarity it deserves, it is crucial to first understand the nature of myofibrillar myopathies and the role of desmin within this context. Myofibrillar myopathies are a group of neuromuscular disorders characterized by the progressive weakening of muscles and the disintegration of muscle fibers at a cellular level. Desmin, a type of intermediate filament protein, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the structural integrity and function of muscle cells. Mutations in the DES gene, which encodes the desmin protein, are directly linked to certain forms of myofibrillar myopathy.
The genesis of these mutations, particularly those affecting the desmin protein, is primarily genetic, resulting from inherited or de novo mutations in the DES gene. These mutations lead to the production of an abnormal desmin protein, which disrupts the normal architecture of muscle cells, leading to the symptoms associated with myofibrillar myopathy.
Addressing the specific question of whether an infection could cause desmin mutations, it is essential to differentiate between the origins of genetic mutations and factors that may exacerbate the phenotype of a genetic disorder. Genetic mutations, including those affecting the desmin gene, arise from alterations in the DNA sequence. These alterations can be inherited from parents, occur spontaneously during DNA replication, or be induced by certain environmental factors, such as exposure to specific chemicals or radiation. Infections, while capable of causing a wide array of health issues, do not directly induce genetic mutations in the DNA sequence of the genes like DES. However, it is conceivable that certain infections could exacerbate the clinical manifestations of myofibrillar myopathy in individuals already predisposed or carrying a desmin mutation, by stressing the muscular system or triggering inflammatory responses that may further compromise muscle function.
In conclusion, while infections can have significant impacts on overall health and may interact in complex ways with genetic disorders, the mutations in the DES gene that cause myofibrillar myopathy are not directly caused by infections. The mutations are genetic in origin, and the relationship between infections and the severity or progression of myofibrillar myopathy would be more accurately viewed through the lens of infection exacerbating pre-existing conditions rather than causing the genetic mutation itself.
I hope this elucidation addresses your inquiry comprehensively. Should you have further questions or require additional clarification, please feel free to reach out.
Warm regards.
This protocol list might provide further insights to address this issue.
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Hello!
I'm new in cell biology research. i have question about methodology to study cell growth.
When comparing control cells with gene knockout cells, I found that the gene knockdown cells grew slowly after being continuously cultured for 3 days without changing the cell culture medium; however, this phenomenon did not occur if the culture medium was replaced every day. What is the mechanism behind this? how should i do to give a possible explanation?
Thanks
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The phenomenon you observed could be attributed to several factors:
  1. Nutrient Depletion: Cell culture media contain essential nutrients that cells need for growth and proliferation. If the media is not changed regularly, these nutrients can be depleted over time, which can slow down cell growth.
  2. Accumulation of Waste Products: Cells produce waste products as a result of their metabolic activities. Over time, these waste products can accumulate in the culture medium and create a toxic environment for the cells, inhibiting their growth.
  3. Gene Knockout Effects: The gene knockout might have resulted in a slower growth rate for the cells. This could be due to the loss of a gene that plays a crucial role in cell proliferation or metabolism.
  4. Cellular Communication: The culture medium also facilitates autocrine and paracrine communication among cells. When the medium is changed daily, it might enhance cellular interactions and growth.
To provide a possible explanation for your observations, you could design experiments to test these hypotheses. For instance, you could measure nutrient levels and waste product concentrations in the culture medium over time. You could also investigate the specific role of the knocked-out gene in cell proliferation and metabolism.
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I m looking for book or course related cell biology, Can anyone be recommended ? Thank you
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Certainly! There are many excellent books and resources available for beginners in cell biology. Here are a few recommendations:
"Essential Cell Biology" by Alberts et al.: This book is widely used as an introductory text in cell biology courses. It covers fundamental concepts in cell structure, function, and molecular biology in an accessible and comprehensive manner.
"Molecular Biology of the Cell" by Alberts et al.: Another excellent book by the same authors, this text provides a detailed exploration of cell biology at the molecular level. It covers a wide range of topics, including cell structure, metabolism, signaling, and cell cycle regulation.
"Cell Biology by the Numbers" by Ron Milo and Rob Phillips: This book offers a quantitative approach to cell biology, exploring key concepts and phenomena through the lens of mathematical and computational modeling. It provides valuable insights into the quantitative principles underlying cellular processes.
"The Cell: A Molecular Approach" by Cooper and Hausman: This textbook offers a molecular perspective on cell biology, covering topics such as cell structure, function, and regulation at the molecular level. It includes numerous illustrations and examples to aid understanding.
"Cell Biology: A Short Course" by Steven R. Bolsover et al.: This concise textbook provides an overview of essential concepts in cell biology, covering topics such as cell structure, signaling, metabolism, and cell cycle regulation. It is suitable for beginners and includes review questions to reinforce learning.
These are just a few recommendations to get you started. Depending on your specific interests and background, you may find other books or resources more suitable. Additionally, many universities offer online courses and lectures on cell biology through platforms like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy, which can also be valuable resources for beginners.
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I'm attempting to use Gateway technology developed by Invitrogen to introduce my gene of interest into a PLenti vector. The procedure involves shuttling the gene of interest from entry vector to the destination vector using their specifically designed sites (namely attL1-attL2 for entry vector and attR1-attR2 for destination vector) and an enzyme provided in the kit. I'm advised that this technology is really popular because once you successfully clone the gene of interest into entry vector, you can virtually shuttle this gene to any destination vector that contains attR1 and attR2 sites using a 1 hour reaction. I have had some trouble cloning the gene into the entry vector, and I am wondering whether I can just clone it directly into the destination vector.
Has anyone experienced this method before?
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Are Polyethersulfone membranes suitable for filtering of retrovirus? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Inquirer,
Thank you for reaching out with your query on the suitability of Polyethersulfone (PES) membranes for the filtration of retroviruses. I am pleased to provide you with a detailed examination of this topic.
Polyethersulfone membranes are a type of synthetic polymer membrane known for their exceptional thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. These properties make PES membranes highly suitable for various filtration applications, including water purification, gas filtration, and in the biotechnological field for the separation of biomolecules and microorganisms.
When it comes to the filtration of retroviruses, the effectiveness of PES membranes is significantly influenced by their pore size, surface charge, and hydrophilicity. Retroviruses, like other viruses, are relatively small entities, typically ranging in size from about 80 to 120 nanometers in diameter. Therefore, for a membrane to be effective in filtering retroviruses, it must possess pore sizes that are small enough to physically block the passage of these viruses.
PES membranes are available in a range of pore sizes, some of which are small enough to capture viruses. Specifically, ultrafiltration PES membranes, which can have pore sizes as low as a few nanometers, are considered suitable for this purpose. These membranes can effectively remove viruses from solutions by size exclusion, provided the pore size of the membrane is appropriately selected to be smaller than the size of the viruses in question.
Moreover, the surface modification of PES membranes can enhance their virus filtration efficiency. The introduction of positive charges on the membrane surface, for instance, can improve the capture of viruses through electrostatic interactions, as viruses typically carry a net negative charge at physiological pH.
In conclusion, PES membranes, particularly those with suitably small pore sizes and potential surface modifications, are indeed suitable for the filtration of retroviruses. Their high stability, durability, and the possibility of fine-tuning their pore characteristics make them an excellent choice for applications requiring stringent separation of viruses from biological or other mixtures.
I hope this provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the suitability of Polyethersulfone membranes for retrovirus filtration. Should you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards.
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How do I deal with baseline/threshold differences in qPCR? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the handling of baseline and threshold differences in quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) analyses. Addressing these differences is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of qPCR data. Below, I provide a comprehensive and structured approach to manage these variations effectively.
1. Understanding Baseline and Threshold in qPCR:The baseline in qPCR refers to the initial cycles of the amplification process where the signal is too low to be distinguished from background noise. The threshold is set at a level where the signal begins to be significantly detected above the baseline, marking the point where exponential growth of the PCR product is first observed. Correctly setting the baseline and threshold is essential for accurate quantification of the initial amount of template DNA.
2. Baseline Adjustment:To deal with baseline differences, it is imperative to standardize the baseline setting across all runs. This can be achieved by:
  • Selecting a Uniform Baseline Range: Identify a range of cycles (usually within the early cycles) that precedes the exponential phase of amplification across all samples. The software used for qPCR analysis often allows for manual adjustment of the baseline settings. Ensure that this range is consistent across all your qPCR runs to minimize variation.
  • Automated Baseline Setting: Utilize the qPCR instrument's software for automatic baseline adjustment if available. This feature analyzes the fluorescence data to determine an optimal baseline setting for each run, reducing user-induced variability.
3. Threshold Setting:Threshold differences can be addressed by:
  • Fixed Threshold Setting: Set a fixed threshold value that is applicable to all your qPCR experiments. This value should be within the exponential phase of amplification but low enough to be in the early stages of this phase. Consistency in threshold setting allows for more reliable comparison between runs.
  • Automatic Threshold Determination: Many qPCR instruments come with software capable of automatically determining an optimal threshold for each run based on the amplification data. While this method can reduce manual errors, it is crucial to review the automatically set threshold for consistency across different runs.
4. Normalization and Controls:Normalize your qPCR data using reference genes that are stable across your samples. Including multiple reference genes for normalization can further mitigate the impact of baseline and threshold variability. Additionally, use positive and negative controls in each run to monitor the performance of the qPCR assay and to ensure consistency across different runs.
5. Replicates and Statistical Analysis:Perform technical replicates for each sample to assess the reproducibility of your results. Statistical analysis of the replicates can help in identifying outliers and in estimating the variability within your qPCR data, allowing for more accurate interpretation.
6. Software and Analysis Tools:Leverage advanced qPCR analysis software and tools that offer more sophisticated methods for baseline and threshold adjustment, including algorithms that can account for variability across different runs and samples.
In conclusion, dealing with baseline and threshold differences in qPCR requires a meticulous and standardized approach. By implementing the strategies outlined above, you can enhance the accuracy and reliability of your qPCR results, thereby facilitating more precise quantification and analysis of nucleic acid samples.
Should you require further assistance or wish to discuss more advanced strategies, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Warm regards.
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Why the neonatal animals are resistant to the effects of carbon dioxide? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the intriguing phenomenon of neonatal animals' resistance to the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2). This subject, which intersects the disciplines of physiology, developmental biology, and environmental science, offers fascinating insights into the adaptability and resilience of organisms at the early stages of life. Below, I present a comprehensive analysis that elucidates the current understanding of this resistance.
1. Physiological Adaptations:Neonatal animals, particularly mammals, exhibit a remarkable tolerance to elevated levels of CO2. This tolerance is largely attributed to their unique physiological adaptations developed during the fetal stage, where they are accustomed to relatively high CO2 concentrations in utero. In this environment, CO2 levels are higher than those encountered postnatally, leading to the development of mechanisms that enable efficient CO2 removal and acid-base regulation after birth.
2. Respiratory Control Mechanisms:The central respiratory control system in neonates is notably different from that of adults. Neonatal animals have a blunted sensitivity to CO2, which is believed to be a protective mechanism. This reduced sensitivity helps prevent overstimulation of the respiratory system in response to high CO2 levels, thereby stabilizing breathing patterns and ensuring adequate oxygenation during the critical early stages of life.
3. Metabolic Rate and Acid-Base Balance:Neonates possess a higher metabolic rate compared to adults, which necessitates a more robust mechanism for dealing with metabolic by-products, including CO2. Additionally, the buffering capacity of their blood is adapted to manage the acid-base balance effectively, even in the face of elevated CO2 levels. This adaptation is crucial for maintaining physiological homeostasis and supporting rapid growth and development.
4. Hemoglobin Affinity:The hemoglobin in neonatal blood has a higher affinity for oxygen than adult hemoglobin, a characteristic that is beneficial in the hypoxic conditions of the womb. This feature also plays a role in their tolerance to CO2, as it ensures efficient oxygen transport and utilization, despite the high CO2 levels that might otherwise hinder oxygen delivery.
5. Developmental Factors:During early life, the developmental processes involving organ maturation and system integration render neonates more resilient to environmental stresses, including hypercapnia (elevated CO2 levels). This resilience diminishes as the animal matures and its physiological systems fully adapt to the postnatal environment.
6. Evolutionary Perspective:From an evolutionary standpoint, the resistance of neonates to high CO2 levels may represent an adaptive advantage, ensuring survival in varied and potentially hypoxic environments immediately after birth. This adaptation underscores the evolutionary pressures that shape physiological responses to environmental challenges from the earliest stages of life.
In summary, the resistance of neonatal animals to the effects of carbon dioxide is a multifaceted phenomenon, underpinned by a combination of physiological, metabolic, and developmental adaptations. These adaptations ensure that neonates can effectively manage the transition from the in utero environment, characterized by high CO2 levels, to the external world, thereby optimizing their chances for survival and growth.
I trust this analysis provides a thorough understanding of the factors contributing to neonatal resistance to carbon dioxide. Should you have further questions or seek additional details, please feel free to reach out.
Warm regards.
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How design some SgRNA guides for the Cas13d (CasRx) ? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the design of single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for Cas13d (CasRx), an RNA-targeting CRISPR-associated system. The development of effective sgRNAs is crucial for harnessing the full potential of Cas13d in RNA manipulation for research and therapeutic applications. Below, I provide a structured and comprehensive guide to designing sgRNAs for Cas13d, focusing on key considerations and methodologies.
1. Understanding Cas13d Specificity and Activity:Cas13d, a member of the Cas13 family, is distinguished by its ability to target and cleave RNA in a sequence-specific manner. Unlike DNA-targeting CRISPR systems, Cas13d offers a unique advantage for RNA editing, interference, and tracking applications. Its specificity is primarily determined by the sgRNA sequence, making the design of these guides a critical step.
2. Selection of Target RNA Sequence:The initial step involves identifying the RNA sequence you wish to target. This could be mRNA, non-coding RNA, or any other RNA molecule of interest. Considerations should include the biological function of the target RNA, its accessibility, and the potential off-target effects. The selected target sequence should be unique to minimize off-target activity.
3. sgRNA Design Principles for Cas13d:
  • Guide Sequence Length: Typically, Cas13d sgRNAs are about 22-28 nucleotides in length. This length can vary slightly depending on the specific Cas13d variant and the target RNA structure.
  • GC Content: Aim for a GC content of approximately 40-60% to ensure stable sgRNA-target RNA duplex formation without compromising dissociation.
  • Secondary Structure: Avoid sgRNA sequences that can form strong secondary structures, as these can hinder the sgRNA's binding to both Cas13d and the target RNA.
  • Accessibility of Target Site: Use computational tools to predict the secondary structure of the target RNA and select regions that are likely to be accessible for Cas13d-sgRNA binding.
4. Computational Tools and Resources:Several online tools and databases are available to assist in sgRNA design, including CRISPR RNA design tools that have been adapted for Cas13d. These tools can help predict off-target effects, evaluate sgRNA efficacy, and check for potential sgRNA secondary structures. Examples include CRISPOR, CRISPRdirect, and specific tools developed for Cas13 systems.
5. Off-Target Minimization:To minimize off-target effects, employ bioinformatics tools to ensure that the chosen sgRNA sequences have minimal sequence similarity to other RNA sequences in the target organism's genome. Design multiple sgRNAs for each target site to test efficacy and specificity.
6. Experimental Validation:After designing sgRNAs, it is essential to empirically validate their efficacy and specificity through in vitro or in vivo experiments. Techniques such as RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) can be used to assess the sgRNA's on-target activity and potential off-target effects comprehensively.
7. Optimization and Iteration:Based on experimental feedback, sgRNA designs may need to be iterated and optimized. This iterative process involves refining sgRNA sequences, testing alternative target sites, and possibly employing different Cas13d orthologues to enhance specificity and efficiency.
In conclusion, the design of sgRNAs for Cas13d (CasRx) involves a careful consideration of target RNA sequence, sgRNA sequence parameters, computational prediction of efficacy and off-target effects, followed by rigorous experimental validation. By adhering to these guidelines, researchers can effectively leverage the Cas13d system for precise RNA targeting applications.
I trust this guide will be instrumental in your endeavors with Cas13d and sgRNA design. Should you require further assistance or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards.
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给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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It seems your request was submitted without a specific question or topic. Could you please provide more details or specify the subject matter you would like me to address? This will enable me to provide you with a professional and detailed response tailored to your needs.
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Why would a virus infect cells only at a LOW MOI, but not at a HIGH MOI? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the intriguing phenomenon where a virus infects cells more effectively at a low multiplicity of infection (MOI) compared to a high MOI. This observation, seemingly counterintuitive, can indeed occur under certain conditions and is attributable to a combination of virological and cellular mechanisms. Below, I provide a comprehensive explanation to elucidate this phenomenon.
1. Definition of MOI:Multiplicity of infection (MOI) refers to the ratio of infectious agents (viruses) to infection targets (cells) in a given setting. An MOI less than 1 means there are fewer virus particles than cells, while an MOI greater than 1 indicates more virus particles than cells.
2. Cellular Antiviral Responses:At a high MOI, the sudden and overwhelming infection of cells by a large number of virus particles can trigger robust antiviral responses. Cells possess innate immune mechanisms, such as the production of interferons and other cytokines, that become activated upon detecting viral components. These responses can limit virus replication and spread, thereby reducing the efficiency of infection at high MOI.
3. Viral Interference:Viral interference or superinfection exclusion is a phenomenon where a cell already infected by one virus particle becomes resistant to infection by another virus of the same or similar type. At high MOI, the initial set of infecting viruses can induce mechanisms that prevent subsequent infection by additional virus particles, either through competition for cellular resources or activation of cellular defense mechanisms.
4. Resource Saturation:At high MOI, the cellular machinery required for viral replication, such as receptors, enzymes, and other factors, may become saturated or depleted by the initial wave of infecting viruses. This saturation can limit the ability of additional viruses to successfully infect and replicate within the same cell.
5. Toxic Effects and Cellular Damage:High levels of viral infection can lead to toxic effects on cells, including DNA damage, metabolic disruption, and induction of apoptosis. These adverse effects can impair the ability of cells to support further viral replication, reducing overall infection efficiency at high MOI.
6. Practical Considerations:It is also important to consider experimental and practical factors that may influence infection efficiency at different MOIs. These include the health and physiological state of the target cells, the accuracy of MOI calculation, and the specific characteristics of the virus strain or cell line being used.
In conclusion, the reduced efficiency of viral infection at high MOI compared to low MOI can be attributed to a complex interplay of antiviral responses, viral interference, resource saturation, and cellular damage. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for virology research and can have implications for the development of antiviral strategies and the design of viral vector-based therapies.
I hope this explanation provides a clear understanding of the factors influencing viral infection efficiency at varying MOIs. Should you have any further questions or require additional insights, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards.
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How can we estimate the vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) content of pink colored fruit or fruit juice by titration method? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for reaching out with your query on estimating the vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) content in pink-colored fruit or fruit juice through the titration method. The quantification of vitamin C is essential in assessing the nutritional value of fruits and their products. Herein, I provide a detailed methodology that outlines the titration process, with special considerations for handling the pigmentation inherent to pink-colored samples.
1. Overview of Titration Method:The titration method for estimating vitamin C content typically involves the use of a redox indicator, with 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP) being a commonly employed agent. Ascorbic acid reduces DCPIP, causing a color change from blue to colorless, which is used to quantify the ascorbic acid present. However, the presence of natural pigments in pink-colored fruits can interfere with colorimetric detection. Therefore, alternative approaches or adjustments are necessary.
2. Sample Preparation:
  • Extraction: Begin by homogenizing the fruit or diluting the fruit juice with a known volume of distilled water to prepare the sample. For solid fruits, use a blender or mortar and pestle to create a homogenous pulp, then mix with a specific volume of distilled water.
  • Filtration: Filter the homogenized sample through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove solid particles. For pink-colored samples, additional steps may be needed to reduce pigment interference.
  • Pigment Removal (If Necessary): Treat the sample with activated charcoal to adsorb colored pigments, then filter to remove the charcoal. This step is crucial for minimizing color interference during titration.
3. Titration Setup:
  • Titration Solution Preparation: Prepare a standard solution of DCPIP or another appropriate titrant. The concentration should be known and suitable for the expected range of vitamin C content in your sample.
  • Indicator: If using DCPIP, no additional indicator is needed, as DCPIP itself acts as the indicator.
4. Titration Process:
  • Initial Setup: Pipette a known volume of the fruit juice extract into a titration flask. If the sample's pH significantly deviates from neutral, adjust it to around pH 7 using a suitable buffer solution to ensure accurate vitamin C estimation.
  • Titration: Add the titrant slowly to the sample, swirling constantly, until the color change endpoint is reached. For DCPIP, this is the point at which the blue color disappears, indicating all ascorbic acid has reacted.
5. Calculation of Vitamin C Content:The volume of titrant used to reach the endpoint allows for the calculation of ascorbic acid content in the sample. Use the following formula, considering the molarity of the titrant and the volume of sample used:
Vitamin C (mg)=Volume of titrant (L)×Molarity of titrant (mol/L)×Molar mass of Ascorbic Acid (g/mol)Volume of sample (L)Vitamin C (mg)=Volume of sample (L)Volume of titrant (L)×Molarity of titrant (mol/L)×Molar mass of Ascorbic Acid (g/mol)​
6. Considerations for Pink-Colored Samples:
  • Visibility of Endpoint: The natural pigmentation of pink-colored fruits might obscure the color change. Using a spectrophotometer for endpoint detection can mitigate this issue, offering a quantitative measure of the absorbance change.
  • Replication: Perform multiple titrations for accuracy and calculate the average vitamin C content.
7. Reporting Results:Document the methodological details, including any modifications made to accommodate the pink pigmentation, and present the calculated ascorbic acid content with appropriate statistical analysis of replicates.
In summary, estimating the vitamin C content in pink-colored fruits or fruit juices through titration requires careful sample preparation and pigment management to ensure accurate results. The outlined protocol offers a comprehensive approach to achieving this, with adaptability to the specific characteristics of the sample in question.
I trust this methodology will prove beneficial for your analytical needs. Should you require further assistance or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards.
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Does anyone have experience with a CsCl gradient not banding? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for reaching out with your query regarding issues encountered with cesium chloride (CsCl) gradient not banding as expected. This phenomenon can indeed pose significant challenges in the purification processes, particularly in the context of nucleic acid separation or virus purification. Drawing from a wealth of laboratory experience, I offer a comprehensive examination of potential factors that could lead to such difficulties and propose solutions to address them.
1. Preparation of the CsCl Gradient:The initial preparation of the CsCl gradient is critical. Inconsistencies in gradient formation can arise from improper mixing or incorrect CsCl concentrations. Ensure that the CsCl solution is homogeneously mixed and the density is accurately calculated to match the requirements of your specific application. Utilizing a gradient maker can facilitate the creation of a smooth gradient.
2. Sample Loading:The manner in which the sample is loaded onto the gradient can also affect banding. The sample should be carefully layered on top of the gradient to prevent mixing or disruption of the gradient layers. A common technique involves gently adding the sample using a pipette or syringe, allowing it to overlay the CsCl solution without disturbance.
3. Centrifugation Conditions:Centrifugation speed and time are pivotal factors that influence the outcome of CsCl gradient banding. If the centrifugation speed is too low or the duration too short, adequate separation may not occur. Conversely, excessively high speeds or prolonged centrifugation can cause compaction at the bottom of the tube, also hindering proper band formation. Consult literature or empirical data to determine the optimal centrifugation parameters for your specific sample and gradient composition.
4. Temperature Control:Temperature fluctuations during centrifugation can impact the viscosity of the solution and thus the migration of particles within the gradient. Ensure that the centrifuge is set to the correct temperature, as recommended for your specific protocol, to promote consistent banding.
5. Quality and Purity of CsCl:The chemical purity of the CsCl used can affect gradient performance. Impurities or degradation products within the CsCl can alter the expected density and osmolarity, leading to suboptimal separation. Always use high-quality, molecular biology grade CsCl for gradient preparations.
6. Gradient Stability:The stability of the gradient over time is another consideration. CsCl gradients can diffuse over time, leading to a loss of resolution. It is advisable to proceed with centrifugation promptly after gradient preparation to minimize diffusion effects.
7. Review of Protocol and Reagents:Finally, a thorough review of the entire protocol and all reagents used can help identify overlooked factors. This includes verifying the accuracy of all measurements, the freshness and quality of all solutions, and the calibration of equipment.
In conclusion, encountering issues with CsCl gradient not banding as expected can often be attributed to one or more of the factors listed above. By systematically evaluating and adjusting these variables, it is possible to achieve the desired separation efficiency.
I hope this detailed analysis assists you in troubleshooting the problem at hand. Should you require further insights or wish to discuss this matter more deeply, please feel free to reach out.
Best regards.
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How do I work out MOI from p24 physical titre results? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the calculation of Multiplicity of Infection (MOI) from p24 physical titre results. This question pertains to the field of virology, where understanding the interaction between virus particles and host cells is crucial. The p24 antigen assay, a common method used in the quantification of lentiviral vectors, measures the core protein p24, which is a component of the HIV virus particle. Here, I provide a structured guide to accurately determine the MOI based on your p24 titre results.
1. Understanding p24 Titre:The p24 assay quantifies the amount of viral core protein p24 in a sample, providing an estimate of the number of virus particles present. The result is typically given in ng/mL. It's important to note that this method measures the quantity of viral particles rather than their infectivity.
2. Conversion of p24 Titre to Viral Particles:To calculate MOI, you first need to convert the p24 concentration (ng/mL) to the number of viral particles. This conversion requires an established factor that relates p24 concentration to viral particle numbers. A commonly used conversion factor is that 1 ng of p24 corresponds to approximately 10^7 HIV-1 virions. However, this factor can vary based on the vector system and should be verified with relevant literature or empirical data specific to your system.
3. Calculating Viral Particles per mL:Using the conversion factor, calculate the number of viral particles per mL as follows:
Viral particles/mL=p24 concentration (ng/mL)×Conversion factor (viral particles/ng)Viral particles/mL=p24 concentration (ng/mL)×Conversion factor (viral particles/ng)
4. Determining MOI:MOI is defined as the ratio of infectious virus particles to the number of target cells. To calculate MOI based on your p24 titre results, you'll need to know the number of target cells being infected. The formula for MOI calculation is:
MOI=Viral particlesNumber of target cellsMOI=Number of target cellsViral particles​
Given that you've determined the number of viral particles per mL from your p24 results, you can calculate the MOI by adjusting the volume of lentiviral vector added to a known number of cells.
5. Example Calculation:Suppose your p24 assay result is 50 ng/mL, and you are using 1 mL of this viral preparation to infect 1×10^6 cells. Assuming the conversion factor is 1 ng of p24 = 10^7 viral particles, the calculations would be as follows:
  • Viral particles/mL = 50 ng/mL × 10^7 particles/ng = 5×10^8 particles/mL.
  • MOI = (5×10^8 particles) / (1×10^6 cells) = 500 particles/cell.
6. Considerations:
  • The actual infectivity of the virus particles can vary, and not all particles may be capable of successful infection.
  • Adjustments may be needed based on the efficiency of the viral vector system and the specific cell type being infected.
  • Empirical validation of the calculated MOI through experimental outcomes is recommended to account for system-specific variables.
In summary, calculating MOI from p24 physical titre results involves converting the p24 concentration to viral particles using a specific conversion factor and then applying the formula for MOI calculation. This process requires careful consideration of the parameters and assumptions involved.
I trust this guide will assist you in accurately determining the MOI for your experimental needs. Should you have any further questions or require additional clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards.
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You
How much virus is released per sneeze? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the quantity of virus particles released per sneeze, a topic of significant relevance in the context of infectious disease transmission and public health. The release of viral particles through respiratory activities, such as sneezing, plays a crucial role in the airborne transmission of various pathogens, including influenza viruses, coronaviruses, and rhinoviruses.
1. Overview of Viral Emission through Sneezing:When an individual sneezes, a multitude of small droplets and, potentially, aerosol particles are expelled at high velocity from the respiratory tract. These droplets can carry viral particles if the individual is infected with a respiratory virus. The exact quantity of virus released depends on several factors, including the stage of infection, the viral load in the respiratory tract, and the nature of the sneeze itself.
2. Quantification of Viral Particles:Quantifying the exact number of viral particles expelled in a sneeze is challenging and varies widely among different studies and viruses. Research indicates that a single sneeze can release anywhere from thousands to millions of viral particles. For instance, studies on influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) have demonstrated that viral loads can be extremely high in respiratory secretions, suggesting that significant quantities of virus may be expelled in the process of sneezing.
3. Factors Influencing Viral Emission:
  • Viral Load: Individuals with higher viral loads in their nasal and throat secretions are likely to expel more virus particles per sneeze.
  • Disease Stage: The stage of the infection can also impact the amount of virus released, with peak viral shedding often occurring in the days just before and after symptom onset.
  • Sneeze Dynamics: The force and nature of the sneeze, which can vary greatly among individuals, also affect the dispersion and quantity of expelled droplets.
4. Implications for Transmission:The high number of viral particles potentially released in a sneeze underscores the importance of preventive measures, such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distance, to mitigate the spread of respiratory infections. It also highlights the role of good respiratory hygiene, including covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when sneezing, in controlling the transmission of pathogens.
5. Current Research and Limitations:It is important to note that the quantification of viral particles in sneezes is subject to significant variability and methodological limitations. The concentration of virus within expelled droplets, the efficiency of viral recovery and detection methods, and the variability in sneezing behaviors among individuals contribute to the complexity of accurately estimating virus release.
In conclusion, while the exact number of virus particles released per sneeze can vary widely, it is clear that sneezing represents a potent mechanism for the airborne transmission of infectious diseases. Ongoing research into the dynamics of viral shedding and aerosol generation during respiratory activities continues to be critical for informing public health strategies and interventions.
I trust this response provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding regarding viral emission through sneezing. Should you require further information or wish to discuss this topic in greater detail, please feel free to reach out.
Best regards.
📷
You
How can I get rid of the iron ions from my samples? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for reaching out with your query regarding the removal of iron ions from your samples. The presence of iron ions can often interfere with analytical procedures, affect the stability of certain compounds, or skew results in biological assays. Addressing this issue requires a methodical approach, tailored to the nature of your samples and the specific requirements of your analyses. Below, I outline several strategies that are widely employed for the efficient removal of iron ions.
1. Chelation Therapy:Chelation is a highly effective method for removing metal ions from solutions. By introducing a chelating agent that binds strongly to iron ions, you can form a stable complex that is either soluble and can be washed away or insoluble for subsequent removal by filtration. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is one of the most commonly used chelating agents for iron due to its strong affinity for Fe(III) and Fe(II) ions.
2. Ion Exchange Resins:Ion exchange resins offer another viable approach for the removal of iron ions. These resins exchange iron ions in the sample with other ions, typically sodium or hydrogen ions, effectively reducing the iron content. The choice between cation exchange resins (for Fe2+ and Fe3+ removal) and anion exchange resins (for complexed iron species) depends on the form of iron present in your samples.
3. Precipitation Methods:Precipitation can be utilized to remove iron ions by converting them into insoluble forms that can be easily separated from the solution. Adjusting the pH of the solution to promote the formation of insoluble iron hydroxides (Fe(OH)3 or Fe(OH)2) is a common method. The precipitated iron can then be removed by centrifugation or filtration.
4. Magnetic Separation:For particulate samples or those containing magnetic forms of iron, magnetic separation can be an efficient and straightforward technique. This method involves the use of a magnetic field to attract and remove iron particles or magnetic iron oxides from the sample.
5. Ultrafiltration and Dialysis:For samples where it is crucial to maintain the integrity of other components, techniques such as ultrafiltration or dialysis can be employed. These methods allow for the separation of small ions like iron from larger molecules based on size exclusion principles, though they may be more suitable for samples with relatively low concentrations of iron.
6. Adsorption:Adsorption onto activated carbon or other adsorbents can also be effective in removing trace amounts of iron from samples. This method relies on the physical adsorption of iron ions onto the surface of the material and can be particularly useful for purifying water samples.
Guidelines for Implementation:
  • Sample Analysis: Begin by analyzing your sample to determine the form and concentration of iron present. This information will guide the selection of the most appropriate removal method.
  • Pilot Tests: Conduct small-scale tests to evaluate the efficacy and impact of the chosen method on your sample.
  • Process Optimization: Optimize the conditions, such as pH, temperature, and contact time, to maximize iron removal efficiency while preserving the integrity of your sample.
  • Final Validation: Validate the effectiveness of the iron removal process through analytical testing, ensuring that the desired purity level has been achieved.
In conclusion, the choice of method for iron ion removal should be guided by the specific characteristics of your sample and the requirements of your subsequent analyses or applications. I trust that the strategies outlined above will provide a solid foundation for addressing the challenge you face.
Should you require further assistance or wish to delve deeper into any of these methods, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards.
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You
Problem with production of rAAV using HEK293T cells 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the production of recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus (rAAV) using HEK293T cells. The successful generation of rAAV vectors is a cornerstone in gene therapy research and applications, and challenges in this process can significantly impede progress. I understand the critical nature of your inquiry and will provide a comprehensive, structured analysis to address common issues and propose actionable solutions.
1. Overview of rAAV Production in HEK293T Cells:The production of rAAV involves the transfection of HEK293T cells with plasmids carrying the AAV vector genome and necessary helper functions. The efficiency of rAAV production can be influenced by various factors, including plasmid quality, transfection efficiency, cell culture conditions, and the harvesting and purification process.
2. Common Challenges and Solutions:
a. Low Transfection Efficiency:
  • Solution: Optimize transfection conditions by adjusting the DNA-lipid ratio, using high-quality plasmid DNA, or exploring alternative transfection reagents and methods. Additionally, ensuring cells are at optimal confluency (typically 70-80%) at the time of transfection can improve outcomes.
b. Plasmid Quality and Design:
  • Solution: Use high-quality, endotoxin-free plasmid preparations. Verify the integrity and sequence of your plasmids to ensure they contain the correct AAV rep and cap genes, along with the gene of interest. Plasmid ratio optimization during co-transfection (vector:helper:rep/cap) may also enhance viral yield.
c. Cell Culture Conditions:
  • Solution: Maintain HEK293T cells in optimal conditions to ensure healthy, actively dividing cells. This includes using fresh media, maintaining appropriate cell density, and avoiding over-confluency. Regularly monitoring for mycoplasma contamination is also critical, as it can severely impact cell health and productivity.
d. Harvesting and Purification Process:
  • Solution: Optimize the timing of harvest post-transfection to match peak viral production, usually between 48 to 72 hours. Consider employing different purification techniques such as cesium chloride gradient centrifugation or affinity chromatography to enhance purity and yield. Addressing buffer composition and pH can also improve virus recovery during the purification steps.
e. Quantification and Quality Control:
  • Solution: Implement robust methods for quantifying viral titer, such as qPCR or ELISA for capsid proteins, and assess the quality of the viral preparation by evaluating purity and assessing functional infectivity through transduction efficiency assays in relevant cell types.
3. Advanced Considerations:
  • Cell Line Adaptation: Some researchers have found success by adapting HEK293T cells to growth in suspension cultures, which can facilitate scaling up the production process.
  • Molecular Engineering: Engineering AAV capsids or optimizing promoter and enhancer elements within the vector backbone can lead to improved transduction efficiency and vector production.
4. Continuous Improvement:
  • Iterative Optimization: Given the complexity of rAAV production, an iterative approach to optimize each step of the process is often necessary. Documenting changes and systematically evaluating their impact can help identify the most effective strategies.
In summary, addressing the challenges in rAAV production using HEK293T cells requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on optimizing transfection efficiency, ensuring high-quality plasmid DNA, maintaining optimal cell culture conditions, and refining the harvesting and purification processes. By systematically addressing these areas, you can significantly improve the yield and quality of your rAAV preparations.
Should you require further assistance or wish to discuss specific aspects of your rAAV production process in more detail, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards.
📷
You
Can anyone suggest me the indicator used in Titration step in Kjeldahl method. 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for reaching out with your inquiry regarding the Kjeldahl method, specifically concerning the appropriate indicator to use during the titration step. The Kjeldahl method is a well-established analytical technique for the determination of nitrogen content in organic substances, widely applied in food analysis and environmental studies. The method consists of three primary stages: digestion, neutralization, and titration. The choice of indicator in the titration step is crucial for achieving accurate results.
Indicator Used in the Titration Step of the Kjeldahl Method:
During the titration phase of the Kjeldahl method, the solution's acidity is neutralized, and the amount of acid equivalent to the ammonia (which in turn is equivalent to the nitrogen content) is measured. The most commonly used indicator for this purpose is Bromocresol Green. This choice is due to Bromocresol Green's ability to provide a clear and distinct color change at the pH range encountered at the endpoint of the ammonia titration, which typically occurs around a pH of 4.2 to 5.4.
Why Bromocresol Green?
Bromocresol Green transitions from yellow to blue-green as the pH moves from acidic to slightly alkaline, making it particularly suitable for detecting the endpoint of the titration in the Kjeldahl method. This sharp color change allows for precise determination of the moment when all the ammonia has been neutralized, ensuring the accuracy of the nitrogen content calculation.
Additional Considerations:
  • Accuracy of Endpoint Detection: The precision in detecting the titration endpoint can be affected by the sample's color and clarity. It is essential to consider these factors when interpreting the color change.
  • Alternative Indicators: While Bromocresol Green is widely used, alternative indicators such as Methyl Red or Bromothymol Blue may also be employed under certain conditions or based on specific laboratory preferences. Each indicator has its pH range of color change, so the choice may vary depending on the exact nature of the sample and the titration conditions.
  • Standardization: Regardless of the indicator chosen, it is imperative to perform a standardization of the titration procedure using a known nitrogen-containing standard. This practice ensures that the titration results are accurate and reliable.
In conclusion, Bromocresol Green serves as the preferred indicator for the titration step in the Kjeldahl method due to its effective and distinct color change at the relevant pH range. Ensuring the use of this indicator under optimal conditions will facilitate the accurate determination of nitrogen content in your samples.
Should you have further questions or require additional clarification on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards.
📷
You
Is anyone using the ZymoPURE™ Plasmid kits (maxi or giga) from Zymo Research? How well do they work? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of ZymoPURE™ Plasmid Kits (maxi or giga) from Zymo Research. These kits are designed to streamline the process of plasmid DNA purification, providing a method that promises both speed and high yield, which are critical factors in molecular biology research. Here, I will offer a concise overview of their performance characteristics based on available information and feedback from the scientific community.
Overview of ZymoPURE™ Plasmid Kits:
ZymoPURE™ Plasmid Kits utilize a novel binding chemistry that allows for the rapid purification of high-quality plasmid DNA. According to Zymo Research, these kits can significantly reduce the time required for plasmid purification compared to traditional methods, without compromising yield or purity. The maxi and giga configurations are tailored for the isolation of large quantities of plasmid DNA, suitable for a variety of downstream applications, including sequencing, transfection, and gene expression analyses.
Performance Attributes:
  1. Yield: Users have reported that the ZymoPURE™ kits frequently exceed expectations in terms of DNA yield, often surpassing the quantities obtained with similar kits from other suppliers. The giga prep, in particular, is noted for its ability to deliver up to 10 mg of high-copy plasmid DNA from a single preparation.
  2. Purity: The plasmid DNA isolated with these kits is of high purity, with minimal contaminants or degradation products. This high level of purity is crucial for sensitive applications such as transfection, where DNA quality can significantly impact efficiency and cell viability.
  3. Speed: One of the most praised features is the speed of the purification process. The ZymoPURE™ kits can significantly reduce the time required for plasmid purification, with the entire procedure taking less than two hours for both the maxi and giga kits.
  4. Ease of Use: The protocol is straightforward and user-friendly, with clear instructions that simplify the workflow. This ease of use is beneficial for both experienced researchers and those new to plasmid purification.
  5. Consistency: Users have reported consistent results across multiple purifications, indicating that the kits are reliable and perform well across different plasmid types and bacterial strains.
Considerations:
While the feedback on ZymoPURE™ Plasmid Kits is overwhelmingly positive, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of your project when selecting a plasmid purification kit. Factors such as the size of the plasmid, the copy number, and the intended use of the purified DNA should guide your decision.
In conclusion, the ZymoPURE™ Plasmid Kits (maxi and giga) from Zymo Research are highly regarded for their ability to provide rapid, high-yield, and high-purity plasmid DNA. Their performance has been positively reviewed by many in the scientific community, making them a strong contender for those in need of efficient and reliable plasmid purification solutions.
Should you have further questions or require more detailed insights into these kits, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards.
📷
You
Is the Covid-19's spreading linked to climate change? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the potential linkage between COVID-19's spread and climate change. This question intersects the disciplines of epidemiology, environmental science, and public health, offering a complex and multifaceted area of study. Below, I provide a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding and research findings on this topic.
Overview:
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has led to unprecedented global health challenges since its emergence in late 2019. As researchers and public health officials work to understand and mitigate the spread of this virus, questions regarding the role of environmental factors, including climate change, have garnered significant attention.
Climate Change and Disease Spread:
Climate change is known to influence the spread of infectious diseases, primarily through its effects on the habitats and behaviors of vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. Changes in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events can alter the geographic distribution of these vectors, potentially expanding the range of vector-borne diseases.
Direct Linkage to COVID-19:
  1. Temperature and Humidity: Initial studies into the spread of COVID-19 sought to identify correlations between climate variables such as temperature and humidity and virus transmission rates. While some early findings suggested that warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels might reduce the virus's transmission efficiency, subsequent research has indicated that SARS-CoV-2 can spread effectively across a wide range of climatic conditions. This suggests that factors other than climate, such as human behavior and intervention measures, play a more significant role in the virus's transmission dynamics.
  2. Indirect Effects of Climate Change: While direct connections between climate change and COVID-19 transmission are not clearly established, indirect effects merit consideration. For example, climate change-driven alterations in human migration patterns, population density, and health system capacities can influence disease spread and public health responses. Furthermore, climate change may exacerbate underlying health conditions that increase the severity of COVID-19 outcomes, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
  3. Zoonotic Disease Emergence: Climate change is a known driver of biodiversity loss and shifts in species distributions, which can affect the interface between wildlife, livestock, and human populations. These changes may increase the likelihood of zoonotic disease spillover events, similar to the presumed origins of SARS-CoV-2. However, the specific linkage between climate change and the emergence of COVID-19 remains speculative and requires further research.
Conclusion:
In summary, while climate change undeniably impacts the dynamics of infectious disease transmission, the evidence to date does not establish a direct causal link between climate change and the specific spread of COVID-19. The pandemic's spread appears to be more directly influenced by human behaviors, public health interventions, and socio-economic factors than by climatic conditions alone. Nonetheless, the indirect effects of climate change on global health systems and disease vulnerability highlight the importance of integrating climate resilience into pandemic preparedness and response strategies.
It is crucial for ongoing and future research to continue exploring these complex interactions to better understand and mitigate the impacts of pandemics in the context of a changing climate.
Should you have further questions or require additional information on this topic, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards.
📷
You
How does the relative humidity affect the decay of COVID-19 in air? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for your inquiry into the effects of relative humidity on the decay of COVID-19 in the air, a topic of significant relevance to public health and environmental science amidst the ongoing pandemic. Understanding how environmental conditions influence the viability and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies. Below, I present a detailed analysis based on current scientific understanding and research findings.
1. Overview of Relative Humidity's Impact:
Relative humidity (RH) represents the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount the air can hold at a given temperature. This environmental parameter is known to affect the stability and transmission of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2.
2. Decay of SARS-CoV-2 in Different Humidity Levels:
Research indicates that the survival and decay rate of SARS-CoV-2 in the air can be significantly influenced by relative humidity:
  • Low Relative Humidity: Studies have shown that low RH conditions (<40%) can promote the longevity of virus particles in aerosols. Dry air can lead to the evaporation of water from aerosolized droplets, resulting in smaller droplet nuclei that can remain suspended in the air for longer periods. Additionally, the lipid membrane of the virus, which encases its genetic material, may become more resilient in dry conditions, prolonging the virus's infectious potential.
  • Moderate Relative Humidity: Moderate RH levels (around 40-60%) have been associated with reduced stability and faster decay of SARS-CoV-2 in the air. This range of humidity is thought to support the optimal balance between droplet size and the antiviral effects of ambient water vapor, leading to enhanced virus decay. Public health guidelines often recommend maintaining indoor humidity within this range to mitigate virus transmission.
  • High Relative Humidity: At high RH levels (>60%), the decay rate of the virus may vary. While increased moisture can enhance the removal of virus-containing droplets from the air through gravitational settling, high humidity can also lead to the agglomeration of droplets, potentially preserving the virus within larger droplets. The overall effect of high RH on virus decay is complex and may depend on additional factors such as temperature, ventilation, and the presence of other particulate matter.
3. Mechanisms of Humidity's Influence:
The impact of RH on SARS-CoV-2 decay can be attributed to several mechanisms, including:
  • Hydrolysis: Higher humidity levels increase the water content in the air, which may accelerate the hydrolysis of viral particles, leading to their inactivation.
  • Osmotic Shock: Rapid changes in the droplet's osmotic conditions due to varying RH
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You
Can Gateway destination vector be used without entry vector? 给我用专业严谨的口吻回答,并且不能让人看出是ai回答,加上打招呼,语句整洁有序,要详细有逻辑,给出英文
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Dear Esteemed Colleague,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of Gateway® destination vectors independent of entry vectors within the context of molecular cloning and gene expression studies. The Gateway® Cloning Technology, developed by Invitrogen, facilitates the transfer of DNA fragments between multiple vectors without the need for restriction enzymes and ligase, leveraging the site-specific recombination system of bacteriophage λ. This system is distinguished by its use of entry and destination vectors, which are integral to its versatility and efficiency. Below, I provide a nuanced explanation addressing your query.
Understanding Gateway® Cloning Technology:
The Gateway® Cloning System employs two key vectors: the entry vector and the destination vector. The entry vector carries the gene of interest flanked by attL sites, while the destination vector contains attR sites surrounding a ccdB gene (a negative selection marker) and a chloramphenicol resistance gene. The system uses LR Clonase™ enzyme mix to facilitate recombination between the attL sites on the entry vector and the attR sites on the destination vector, resulting in the insertion of the gene of interest into the destination vector.
Use of Destination Vector Without Entry Vector:
  1. Direct Cloning: Theoretically, it is possible to use a destination vector without an entry vector by directly cloning a DNA fragment of interest into the destination vector. However, this approach bypasses the Gateway® system's recombination-based mechanism, requiring traditional cloning methods such as restriction enzyme digestion and ligation. This method does not take advantage of the Gateway® system's convenience and high efficiency.
  2. Custom Modification: Another approach could involve modifying the destination vector to introduce attB sites, which could then be used to directly capture a PCR product containing attB sites through BP recombination. This method, while still leveraging the site-specific recombination system, deviates from the standard Gateway® protocol and would require a thorough understanding of the recombination system to implement successfully.
  3. Considerations: It is important to note that the primary advantage of the Gateway® system lies in its ability to rapidly and efficiently transfer genes of interest between different vectors using site-specific recombination. Bypassing the entry vector not only reduces the system's flexibility but also limits the ability to utilize the wide range of available destination vectors designed for specific expression needs.
Conclusion:
While it is technically feasible to utilize a Gateway® destination vector without an entry vector, doing so would require alternative cloning strategies that do not capitalize on the Gateway® system's full potential for efficient and seamless DNA manipulation. For researchers seeking the benefits of the Gateway® technology, including its high fidelity and the ability to quickly shuttle genes between various expression systems, adhering to the recommended use of both entry and destination vectors is advisable.
Should you have any further questions or require additional insights into cloning strategies or the Gateway® system, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards.
Reviewing the protocols listed here may offer further guidance in addressing this issue.
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Please suggest me a fast publication time journal related to cell biology(cellular Neuroscience), as i am a fresh phd student so have no idea?..
As I am fresh PhD student and I am not much famailiar with publication system.
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It is known that in the early stages of desminopathy the muscles most often affected are: Semitendinosus, Gracilis and Sartorius. What is the reason for the damage to these particular muscles?
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Desminopathy, also known as desmin-related myopathy (DRM), is a rare genetic muscle disorder that affects the protein desmin. Desmin is an essential component of the intermediate filaments that provide structural support within muscle cells. Mutations in the DES gene, which codes for desmin, lead to disruptions in the normal structure and function of muscle fibers.
The muscles you mentioned - Semitendinosus, Gracilis, and Sartorius - are often affected at the onset of desminopathy due to their specific characteristics and biomechanical roles.
1. Semitendinosus: The semitendinosus is one of the three hamstring muscles located in the back of the thigh. It plays a key role in knee flexion and hip extension. The semitendinosus muscle is frequently involved in desminopathy due to its high proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers, which are more vulnerable to desmin-related abnormalities.
2. Gracilis: The gracilis muscle is a long, thin muscle located in the inner thigh region. It is involved in hip adduction and knee flexion. Similar to the semitendinosus, the gracilis muscle also consists of a high proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers, making it susceptible to desmin-related abnormalities.
3. Sartorius: The sartorius muscle is a long, strap-like muscle that runs diagonally across the front of the thigh. It plays a role in hip and knee flexion and also assists in thigh rotation. The sartorius muscle is affected in desminopathy due to its similar composition of slow-twitch muscle fibers.
The predilection for these specific muscles in desminopathy may be attributed to their fiber type composition and the mechanical stress they experience during certain movements. However, it is important to note that desminopathy can affect other muscles as well, and the degree and pattern of muscle involvement may vary among individuals with the same genetic mutation.
It is advised to consult with a medical professional or genetics specialist for a more accurate assessment of muscle involvement and management of desminopathy.
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I am growing small cell lung cancer suspension cells. How do I separate dead cells from live cells while splitting the cells after confluency in flask?
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Hello Chandra Kishore,
You may use density gradient centrifugation. In density gradient centrifugation depending on the density of the particles in the sample, similar substances will group together when exposed to rotational force. Because dead cells and cellular debris are fractured, they become less dense than living, healthy cells. Adding in certain separation reagents such as Ficoll can purify the sample by acting as a barrier that only one population can pass through.
For instance, in a 50 mL centrifuge tube, you may layer 18ml of your cell suspension onto 12ml of a Ficoll-paque combination. Centrifuge your tube for 15 minutes at 400x g. When centrifugation is complete, you will note that the live cells will collect at the interface and the dead ones will form a pellet at the bottom of the tube.
Another simple method as mentioned by Samir would include centrifuging the cell suspension at 150-200g for 10 mins. You may discard the supernatant which consists of cell debris and resuspend the cell pellet in fresh medium.
Best.
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Hi all.
For my last LR reaction I used SURE competent cells cells (link) for the transformation (since the final plasmid was very big).
I got many colonies (which is always suspicious) and end up finding that most (if not all) had the pdest vector (wich has the CCDB lethal gene). I finally transform 3 different destination vectors in SURE cells and DH5alpha and got to the conclusion that SURE cells seems to be resistant to the ccdb gene.
This resistance is not reported by the company. Does anyone has experienced with this type of competent cells? Is it normal this resistance?
Thanks
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SURE (Superior Unwanted Recombination Elimination) competent cells are a specific type of E. coli cells used in molecular biology, particularly for cloning applications where recombination can be problematic. These cells have mutations in several recombination pathways, which makes them less prone to unwanted recombination events, particularly useful when cloning repetitive sequences or sequences prone to recombination.
Regarding ccdB resistance, this relates to a different aspect of molecular cloning. The ccdB gene is often used as a negative selection marker in cloning. It encodes a toxic protein that inhibits the growth of most E. coli strains, including standard lab strains like DH5 alpha. Plasmids containing the ccdB gene cannot be maintained in these E. coli strains, as the ccdB protein is lethal to the cells.
In cloning applications, ccdB is used in combination with specialized strains that are resistant to its toxicity. These strains, such as DB3.1 or ccdB Survival, have mutations that render them immune to the ccdB toxin. This system allows for the selection of cells that have lost the ccdB gene due to successful cloning events.
If you're working with SURE competent cells and are concerned about ccdB resistance, you should be aware that standard SURE cells are not inherently resistant to ccdB. If your cloning strategy involves the ccdB gene, you will need to use a ccdB-resistant strain for cloning steps that involve the ccdB selection marker.
If your experimental design requires both the recombination-deficient properties of SURE cells and ccdB resistance, you might need to consider a different approach or modify your cloning strategy to accommodate the limitations of the available strains. For instance, using a different negative selection marker compatible with SURE cells or conducting your cloning in two stages, using a ccdB-resistant strain for the ccdB selection step and then transferring your construct to SURE cells for propagation.
l Take a look at this protocol list; it could assist in understanding and solving the problem.
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I have isolated exosomes using a kit, but diluted it in PBS too much, I need it more concentrated for cell treatment. Any suggestion on how to concentrate the exosomes with and without ultracentrifugation?
Thanks!
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Reuse the kit and this time add less amount of PBS
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Dear all,
I want to express my protein of intterest in absence of salt. Now the challenge is to see the survival of cells and even if it survives, where I could find a cell medium (any company that provide it). Please recommend if any commerically available media that has no salt.
Thank you
With kind regards
Prem
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Hi Prem
There are several salt-free media for mammalian cell culture, including DMEM w/o NaCl, IMDM w/o Na/Cl, etc. However, salt-free media refer to the one without NaCl, they may still contain other salts such as KCl. These salts are often necessary for cell growth and function. Thus, I'm afraid there may be no completely salt-free media.
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My target protein is a membrane protein and I want to check its expression level in the test sample using western blot. Can anyone suggest which protein should be used for loading control, like we use beta-actin in cytosolic proteins. And is there antibody available for that ?
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When working with membrane proteins and performing Western blot analysis, it's essential to choose an appropriate loading control that is not affected by changes in membrane protein expression. Commonly used cytosolic loading controls, like beta-actin or GAPDH, may not be suitable in this case, as their expression levels can vary in response to changes in membrane protein expression.
Here are some options for loading controls when studying membrane proteins:
  1. Membrane Proteins as Loading Controls:In some cases, it may be possible to use another membrane protein as a loading control, especially if it is known to have stable expression across different conditions. Examples include various membrane transporters or receptors. However, finding a suitable membrane protein loading control depends on the specific context and characteristics of your experiment.
  2. Total Protein Staining:Use total protein staining methods, such as Ponceau S or Coomassie Blue, to visualize total protein on the membrane before antibody probing. This can serve as a general loading control, indicating the total amount of protein in each lane.
  3. Housekeeping Membrane Proteins:Identify housekeeping membrane proteins that are known to have relatively constant expression levels in the tissues or cells you are studying. Examples include Na^+/K^+ ATPase or V-type H^+-ATPase. However, it's essential to validate the stability of their expression in your experimental system.
  4. Use of Multiple Loading Controls:Consider using multiple loading controls to ensure the reliability of your results. For example, you could combine a membrane protein loading control with a total protein stain.
  5. Normalization to Total Protein Content:Normalize the intensity of your membrane protein of interest to the total protein content in each lane. This involves quantifying the intensity of your protein of interest and dividing it by the total protein intensity in the same lane.
As for the availability of antibodies, it depends on the specific protein you choose as the loading control. Antibodies against some common membrane proteins, such as Na^+/K^+ ATPase or V-type H^+-ATPase, are commercially available from reputable antibody suppliers. Ensure that the selected antibody recognizes the appropriate epitope and has been validated for Western blotting.
Before finalizing your loading control strategy, it's crucial to conduct preliminary experiments to validate the stability of expression of the chosen loading control(s) under your experimental conditions. Additionally, consider consulting the literature or seeking advice from researchers with expertise in the specific membrane protein and experimental system you are working with.
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I have been experiencing difficulty growing SKBr3 cells. They grow for a day or two then round up, float off the surface, and die. I use McCoy's media with 10% serum. I suspect it may have something to do with the surface I grow them on. Any suggestions? How do you grow SKBr3s?
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We cultured SKBR3 cells in DMEM low glucose medium with 12% FBS. it had very good morphology and get confluent with in 2 days after seeding. it is advised to split them before reaching above 80% confluency. For subculturing use 1x trypsin EDTA (300ul for T25 and 1ml For T75 flask, with incubation time 3 min)
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Hello everyone,
I have just started using Olympus fluoview for confocal microscopy and I don't know much about microscopy. I plate my cells (HeLa) in 4 welled Chambers slide. Stain the cells with Mito tracker dye, fix it with 4% PFA, wash, add mounting media and do the microscopy. The first time everything was fine. The second time I was trying to optimize the dye concentration, but something went wrong. The microscope kept on showing 'The focus position not found in scanned containers'. I had two slides and both of them had the same problem. When I tried with my old slide, it was fine. I have no clue what is wrong with my slide. All the chemicals and reagents that I have used is same as before except for PFA. The second time I diluted 8% PFA with sodium phosphate buffer to get 4% PFA. Can PFA cause problem finding focus?
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Hi, do you fix this problem? And how to fix that. We have same problem now. Thanks for answer.
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Hi
I want to check the cell proliferation using live/dead cell imaging technique till 72 hr. What should be the cell seeding at the start if using 24 well plate.
Thanks for your time.
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The appropriate cell seeding density for live/dead cell imaging depends on various factors such as cell type, size of the wells, and desired confluency level. However, a general guideline is to seed cells at a density that allows them to reach confluence within 24-48 hours. This ensures that the cells are in log phase growth during the imaging period, which is important for accurate assessment of cell proliferation.
For a 24-well plate, you can seed cells at a density of around 10^5 - 10^6 cells per mL. This will allow the cells to grow and reach confluence within 24-48 hours, depending on the cell type and growth conditions.
To calculate the number of cells needed for each well, consider the following formula:
Number of cells = Volume of media (in mL) x Cell concentration (cells/mL)
For example, if you plan to use 1 mL of media per well and want to seed 10^5 cells/mL, then you would need:
Number of cells = 1 mL x 10^5 cells/mL = 10^5 cells
Therefore, you would need to add 10^5 cells to each well of the 24-well plate.
It's worth noting that this is just an estimate, and the actual cell seeding density may vary based on your specific experimental design and cell type. It's always a good idea to perform a pilot experiment to determine the optimal cell seeding density for your particular assay.
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I am trying to find a quick, easy way to quantify cell morphology. I have two sets of photos, a control and a treatment (brightfield microscopy, cells stained with crystal violet). I want a way to quantify the differences in morphology other than just visually showing that the cells look different. Has anyone found a way to do this? Everything I am finding online requires fluorescence or the use of DAPI and Phalloidin, which would set me back greatly.
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Here are a few approaches you could consider:
1. ImageJ Particle Analyzer Plugin: This plugin for ImageJ allows you to automatically measure various particle characteristics, including size, shape, and circularity. You can use it to analyze the morphology of your cells by converting your brightfield images to grayscale and then applying the plugin. The resulting data can be used to compare the morphology of your control and treated cells.
2. CellProfiler: CellProfiler is a free, open-source software designed for large-scale analysis of biological images. It includes a variety of modules for analyzing cell morphology, including one for measuring cell area and another for detecting cell nuclei. You can use it to analyze your brightfield images and generate numerical data comparing the morphology of your control and treated cells.
3. OpenCV: OpenCV is a computer vision library that provides a range of functions for image processing and analysis. You can use it to develop custom algorithms for analyzing cell morphology from brightfield images. For example, you can use OpenCV's edge detection functions to identify cell boundaries and measure cell area or perimeter.
4. MATLAB: MATLAB is a programming environment commonly used for scientific computing and image analysis. You can use it to develop custom algorithms for analyzing cell morphology from brightfield images. For example, you can use MATLAB's image processing tools to segment cells from the background and measure their size and shape.
5. Automated Cell Morphometry: This method uses a combination of image processing techniques to quantify cell morphology. First, the cells are segmented from the background using thresholding or edge detection. Then, features such as cell area, perimeter, and circularity are extracted using shape descriptors. Finally, the data is analyzed using statistical methods to identify significant differences between control and treated cells.
6. Machine Learning: You can also use machine learning algorithms to classify cells based on their morphology. For example, you can train a convolutional neural network (CNN) to recognize control and treated cells based on their brightfield images. Once trained, the CNN can be used to classify new cells and provide a quantitative measurement of their morphology.
All the best
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I want to assess the cell migration rate through scratch wound assay for the hydrogel. I have read the literature and in some research articles it is mentioned that DMEM media was not supplemented with FBS (10%) as it supports the growth of the cells so it will effect the results. But in other studies only term culture media has been used. Kindly guide me whether FBS should be added or not into the DMEM.
Thanks in advance for your guidance and time.
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Hi Noor Ul Ain,
If you are incubating the cells for shorter time points (less than 12 hrs), keeping the 10%FBS is fine, but for longer time incubation for scratch close, it is recommended to keep them in low serum media. I always incubate cells at least 24 hrs in 0.2% FBS media before introducing the stratch. You can see the figure below from my publication to get a feel on how the growth curves changes with/without Serum.
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Dear community,
I am planning on conducting experiments for which I need to obtain a plasma-free platelet suspension from an aliquote of a platelet concentrate. Do you now any methodology/protocol that allows for washing without extensive cell activation? I need the cells to be a "functional" as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Michael
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Platelet washing is very much needed not only for research purposes but also for preventing some transfusional reactions like anaphylaxis, fever etc. Human platelet-rich plasma(PRP) prepared from blood collected in tri-sodium citrate might face its aggregation owing to lower ionic calcium concentration. To get rid of this, isolation and washing of platelet is done with acid-citrate-dextrose solution and the washed platelet cells are suspended in a buffer solution containing 2mM calcium ion solution.
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I would like to add BG-azide to cells for SNAP tag pulldown however I don't know whether it is going to be cell permeable. My instinct is to day yes it will be but neither me nor the supplier know whether that is true. I thought I would ask if anyone has tried something similar, even though that is unlikely... I have attached the structures in case that is informative
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Thanks Wolfgang, I appreciate the detailed answer!
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In a patient with desminopathy (mutation Thr341Pro DES in the heterozygous state) with the progression of the disease, we note signs and symptoms that are also characteristic of botulism: bradycardia, arrhythmia, AV blockade, a significant decrease in the average duration of motor unit potentials according to electroneuromyography, paresis and paralysis of the striated muscles, decreased sweating, paresis of the gastrointestinal tract, dry eyes, dry mouth, symmetry of neurological symptoms, hoarseness, impaired visual acuity, doubling of objects occurs, progressive muscle weakness. These signs and symptoms are characteristic of botulism, only when a case of desminopathy is detected, they proceed slowly.
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Your analogy is very interesting, dear colleague.
Although the main cause of any form of myofibrillar myopathy is a violation of the structure of the protein components of sarcomeres caused by genetic mutations, why not assume that due to mutations, the sensitivity of the postsynaptic membrane of myofibrils in myofibrillar myopathy to acetylcholine may also be impaired.
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I have a tube of antibodies marked by the manufacturer that can stain frozen sections and paraffin sections for immunofluorescence, but the manufacturer did not indicate whether it can stain immunofluorescence of cells. I wonder if such antibodies can also be used to stain cells for immunofluorescence. Has anyone encountered a similar problem, looking for your answer.
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Yes, antibodies for immunofluorescence of frozen sections and cells can be shared. Antibodies used in immunofluorescence experiments might be shared among researchers or colleagues in order to conduct comparable experiments or validate results. Sharing antibodies enables replication and validation of findings, fostering scientific transparency and collaboration in the research community.
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I want to check the cytotoxicity of my material. I am using MTT assay kit. The protocol is provided in the booklet with kit how to perform the assay. Is it better to follow the protocol provided in the kit or use protocol given in literature review. As in literature review different protocols are given performed with different kits.
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Since you are using the MTT assay kit, please follow the protocol provided in the kit.
Usually, in the MTT assay kit the MTT reagent powder is provided. You will have to prepare the MTT reagent as per the kit’s instruction namely, adding the required volume of cell-based assay buffer in the MTT vial and completely dissolving the powder. The MTT powder may dissolve slowly in the buffer. Vigorous vortexing will be needed to dissolve the powder completely. MTT solution appears bright yellow in color. You may add 10ul (or the required volume as mentioned in the kit’s protocol) of the reconstituted MTT reagent per well.
If you do not consume the MTT reagent in a single experiment, you need to store the reconstituted vial at -20 degree C in amber colored bottle until further use.
Different MTT kits have different protocol, but the objective remains the same (i.e., measuring cytotoxicity). You may have different protocols in the literature for MTT assay which may be designed as per one’s needs. For example, in the MTT assay you may use any one of the solubilization solution (like DMSO or acidified isopropanol solution, or a solution of the detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate in diluted hydrochloric acid) to dissolve the insoluble purple formazan product into a colored solution. The solubilization solution is also provided in the kit (the composition of which is not disclosed due to proprietary information) which you will have to use.
Since you have the MTT assay kit available with you, it is best in such a situation to follow the protocol provided in the kit.
Best.
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I was challenged to identificate what kind of microscopy technique was used in five different images. The only information provided was the image, without other information, including scale bars that was omitted.
One of the images was assigned as TEM image from a freeze-fracture replication of a cell, but I have a doubt about it, as it resembles a SEM secundary electron image of a common surface of porous inorganic surface.
I'm not sure if is possiIble to differentiate this two kind of images just with the images and no other information. I'm not a microspist or a specialist in cell biology, but I'm a user of electron microscopy technique in materials science research field.
Can someone help me with this question?
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Shadowing is a normal means for distinguishing a secondary SEM image from a TEM image. A secondary SEM image creates shadowing due to the secondary e- collector usually being to one side of the probe’s path.
However potential confusion can result in a carbon film due to variable thickness of the carbon film on various surfaces due to the variable angles often found on the surface of the fracture of interest, which can and often do collect varying amounts of carbon.
But, carbon films should show similar grain or particle structure or size, while SEM of differing surfaces should differ in particle size or structure.
Too, shadowing should be different.
Such can be a challenge.
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Hello, I am working with cell culture and I need some advice. I usually use trypsin to detach the cells from the flask, but I wonder if I can stop the trypsin reaction with serum-free medium instead of serum-containing medium. Is this possible or will it affect the cell viability and growth? How do you subculture your cells with trypsin? Thank you for your help.
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Considering the necessity of growth factors for cells even for a few minutes, I usually use medium with fbs 2%, but serum-free medium is not recommended.
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I am planning to do an Mn2+ (500uM) treatment for my HeLa cells. However, when I tried to prepare Manganese(II) chloride tetrahydrate stock (dissolve MnCl2 · 4H2O into PBS), I found that the stock in PBS was cloudy and my treatment seemed did not work properly.
How can I make the stock properly in PBS?
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I quite agree with Philip's view, however Thomas suggestion may be an option
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Hello,
I am designing a plasmid with an SV40 promoter-driven antibiotic resistance. Does expression from an SV40 promoter require a TATA box upstream of the transcription start site? The original vector had a TATA box at -30, however this is lost in my cloning strategy. With my current plan, the transcription start site is just 8bp from the end of the SV40 promoter. Will this allow for expression, or is a TATA box needed?
Thanks!
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The SV40 (Simian virus 40) promoter is a strong viral promoter commonly used for driving gene expression in various experimental systems. While the presence of a TATA box upstream of the transcription start site is a common feature in many promoters, the SV40 promoter is unique in that it lacks a canonical TATA box.
The SV40 promoter utilizes an alternative mechanism for transcription initiation called the "TATA-less" promoter. Instead of relying on a TATA box, it utilizes other elements and transcription factors to initiate transcription. The absence of a TATA box in the SV40 promoter does not necessarily impair its ability to drive gene expression.
Therefore, in your current cloning strategy where the transcription start site is located just 8bp from the end of the SV40 promoter, it is likely that the expression can still occur without the presence of a TATA box. The SV40 promoter contains other regulatory elements and transcription factor binding sites that can facilitate transcription initiation.
However, it's worth noting that the exact transcriptional activity may depend on the specific context and the downstream sequence elements present in your plasmid. Experimental verification, such as measuring the expression levels of your gene of interest, can help confirm the functionality of the modified SV40 promoter in your specific system.
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I am looking for a method to completely remove proteins from plasma without using heat or adding salt ions. I have considered using activated carbon, but I am unsure if this is feasible. Are there any other effective methods for achieving this goal?
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Dear Sir you may try the protein separation with foam fractionation coloumn. it would suppose to help you
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I have been culturing 293T cells since last 2 years and never had this issue. They develop multiple vesicles seeding after 2-3 days, fail to grow and degenerate. I have tried changing media with fresh cells, but with same results. Are they infected or some other deficiency ? Kindly refer to the attached pics. 
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I am facing the exact problem on my 293t as well. probably it’s because of the culture medium since I have ready brought it for over half a year. Going to try the addition of sodium pyruvate and glutamate in my culture medium
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When staining with hematoxylin and eosin of a muscle biopsy from a patient with T341P desminopathy, we observe accumulations of inclusions similar to nuclei (arrows in figures 1 and 2, x280). And outside of these accumulations - adipose tissue, which used to be muscle tissue. There are no such massive accumulations of inclusions in adjacent muscle fibers. We assume that clusters of inclusions are not nuclei? Figure 2 is the inverted figure 1.
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Dear Geir Bjorklund, Duc M. Hoang, John Hildyard, thank you very much for your answers and recommendations!
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Current research often uses new, next-generation, "flashy" experimental techniques (i.e. single-cell RNA-seq) that have replaced some of the older, smaller, yet fundamental experimental techniques. Many of these new-age techniques seem overused and expensive when older techniques could be an adequate replacement. What are some good examples of these new "answer-all" techniques and how were these techniques done previously with smaller, fundamental techniques?
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I nominate DNA methylation clocks to measure aging. The problem is not that it's expensive, but that they don't work in the context of intervention. People need to double-check on whatever their methylation clock is saying with a good old life span study. But nobody has time for that anymore, and if they did it, they wouldn't like the result. Instead, they just take the clock on faith.
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In a hypothetical single-cell eukaryote, SRP and translocon are both encoded by a single gene. If someone plans to produce a secretory enzyme more efficiently by over-expressing SRP and translocon in these cells. Will this plan work? Why or why not?
#Cellular and Molecular Biology
#Molecular Cell Biology
#Cell Biology
#Signal recognition particle (SRP)
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This is very clearly a homework or exam question. You should do your own work.
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Hi researchers,
I have 2 questions about growing SHSY5Y cells:
1. I am currently growing SHSY5Y cells in culture and just wanted to check with those who work on this cell line. Is the morphology of my cells fine (please refer to attached images)? These are undifferentiated cells and should exhibit more clustering than if they were differentiated with Retinoic acid. However, I still do see neuritic extensions in addition to the epithelial morphology. So I am not sure if the cells are growing as they should be.
I currently maintain the cells with complete DMEM (1X DMEM with glucose, 10% FBS and 1% PenStrep). I usually freeze with 70% complete DMEM, 20% FBS and 10% DMSO. I always perform a cell count before splitting and the viabilities have been above 93%.
2. In addition, sometimes when I do not need the cells for an experiment in the immediate week, I typically seed a very small cell number (~400,000 cells in T75 flask), just changing media once every 3 days. But by the end of one week, I usually find the cell number depleting and media turning cloudy. From what I had researched, it is said that this cell line should never be seeded at such low densities and media should be changed frequently. Is this accurate?
I have been now seeding at higher densities and I don't encounter the issue of the media turning cloudy.
Thank you!!
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1. The morphology of SHSY5Y cells is fine. In the undifferentiated form, SHSY5Y cells are characterized morphologically by neuroblast-like, non-polarized cell bodies with few, truncated processes. The cells tend to grow in clusters and may form clumps as cells appear to grow on top of one another in the central region of a cell mass. At edges of the cluster, cells begin to extend short neurites.
2. What you have researched is accurate. You will need to plate SHSY5Y cells at a density conducive to cell–cell communication to proliferate. If cells are plated too sparsely, growth rate is reduced, and cell death will be high.
Best.
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I had made hybridoma by fusing sp2/o cells with spleenocytes. however, while doing single cell dilution, I had left the cells in the same media for a period of 7 days (at this time, the cells were in a 96 well plate). now the cells are not attaching when i am transfering to the new culture flask (they do not attach i know, but they are all in the suspension), and i think they are not dividing too. what should i do! please help.
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Dear Jean-Jacques Pin Jacques, I have a question related to the supplement. Is it okay for using BM-Condimed H1 for human hybridoma production?
Sorry for asking through this discussion
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I'm growing keratinocytes and they aren't sticking to the bottle, they've been suspended for three weeks. I use DMEM with 10% FBS.
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regarding your question from a few years ago, I would like to know if you have solved your problem with HaCaT. And how? Thank you :)
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I am seeing white powder (dot like) in cell culture medium. While seeding cells in a flask, they are fine for 2-3 days, and as the time progresses it starts looking a bit stressed. After 5-6 days, i am not able to see any cells, just a powdery layer on cell culture medium, which gets dissolved when we shake the flask. It’s not a fungal or a bacterial contamination. Can anyone suggest what type of contamination it can be or is it something else?
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Hi Verma, I actually have the same issue with my cell culture. This is after a long time, had you figured out what the problem was?
Thank you!
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A patient with desminopathy survived Covid-19 six months ago without pneumonia, but with a temporary loss of smell and taste. After Covid-19, we note an accelerated progression of desminopathy, penetration accelerates, new muscles are quickly involved in the pathological process, muscle mass decreases, and heart function worsens. Perhaps the infection or its consequences are somehow connected with the mechanism of progression of desminopathy?
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I have been working on Fluourescence in situ hybridization with HeLa cells. I hope to see noncoding RNA in HeLa cell. For negative control, I designed control set pretreated with RNase A(degrading all RNAs), and treated with specific probe. Before that, Samples were fixed with 4% paraformadehyde and permeablized. I wonder that RNase A is good working even at fixed sample?
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I fixed the cell with 4% PFA/1XPBS (pH7.4) for 15min and permeabilize the cell with 0.5% triton at RT for 10min. Next, we treat the cell with RNase If(NEB) overnight at 37.
To check wheter the RNA is removed, I stain the cell with SYBR gold. The nucleoli shows strong fluorescence.
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I am working on two SNPs on the same gene, and I tested some biochemical parameters for 150 patients with hypothyroidism. I want to see if a certain haplotype has an impact on these biochemical parameters. How can I statistically calculate the haplotypes and their association with these parameters?
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To save life in desminopathy, can the body purposefully reduce muscle mass, for example, due to decreased heart function or for another reason?
It is known that when hypothermia, the body sacrifices limbs for survival. Is it possible with desminopathy a similar phenomenon?
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Yes.
  • Myopathy is a general term referring to any disease that affects the muscles that control voluntary movement in the body. Patients experience muscle weakness due to a dysfunction of the muscle fibers. Some myopathies are genetic and can be passed from parent to child.
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Hello everyone! I am looking into the phosphorylation level of certain intracellular proteins among different conditions. The way I have been doing it is running two identical gels (with exactly the same amount of loaded samples/same procedures afterwards, etc.), with one for probing for total protein levels and the other for the phospho-proteins. However, the problem is that the two membranes are not even consistent on the signals of loading controls (housekeeping proteins), and therefore I do not think I can reliably work out the phospho-protein/total protein ratio by this approach.
I am not sure if the above situation is common among others, but I have got advised to work on just one gel/membrane and use stripping buffer between probing for total and phospho-proteins.
Therefore, I was wondering if anybody has good experience with different stripping buffers that can remove most primary and secondary antibodies but ideally leave the sample proteins unaffected? Any advice on commercial or homemade stripping buffers will be appreciated. Thank you very much!
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Hi Jian, personally I never use stripping in this case, because most of the time stripping is not completely cleaving off the first primary antibodies and you might still get some old signals. On top of that, stripping is also removing to some extent the proteins from the membrane. What I do usually is that I detect phosphorylated and total proteins on two different membranes (parallel blots coming from the same sample preparation). This you can later normalize each blot to a housekeeping gene and do quantification. Alternatively, you can use LICOR (even if your primary antibodies are coming from the same species, you can use LICOR and detect first Phospho form, subsequently detect the total form with a different channel).
Hope this helps and good luck!
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As NCCS Pune has stopped to supply these cell lines, I am not able to get them.
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I am also struggling to find a Jurkat E 6.1 cell line; the cell line we received from NCCS was contaminated. I cant able revive it. If you still have these cell lines, please help me.@
I appreciate any help you can provide.
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There is no color change in media. Black spots can't be removed by PBS washing.
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I agree with Dr Chandra, I think there is a problem in culture conditions. Cells morphology is abnormal.
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Is there any way to label primer ab without using any labeling kits? My ab for a membrane receptor by the way.
Thank you. 
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I am here and I happen to have a slightly different question. I have ordered an alexa fluor labelling kit and I would like to label my antibody and try a live imaging assay. Has anyone ever done it?
I usually use the primary antibody for immunofluorescence and it works very well. I want to label the antibody, followed by immunostaining to non fixed nor permeabilised cells (hopefully I will have two or three antibodies that will bind). After about 2 hours or 1 hour incubation, I will wash the the cells and then perfom the live assay with a cell membrane marker and maybe hoescht? hOW IS IT?
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I see CD34 and PDGFB in the literature, but I'm not sure which is better.
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What you see in the image is dry extruded faba bean which hasn't been exposed to any treatment (heat or chemical) after the extrusion. The DMEM has been added 12% FBS, 2.5% TMP/SMX, 1% Pen-Strep og 1% Fungizone. This is the result after incubation for 24hr at 37°C.
I know that the DMEM changes color after pH-changes, but I don't understand why it would change into two separate phases and what it is in the extruded faba bean that causes it. I spread it out on TSA-plates and it didn't show any growth of the bacteria that was previously there (B. cepacia and R. insidiosa) or any other bacterium, so the sterilization was deemed effective.
I appreciate any answers or theories.
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I'm only taking the colour change as a indication for change in pH, based on literature. I'll do pH measurements when I redo the experiment in a couple of weeks. There could be some components in the structure that will absorb some colour, but I would imagine that the whole liquid would change colour not just the bottom half?
I've had theories about that it might have been the dead bacteria or some precipitated proteins being more dense than the DMEM thus falling to the bottom. I don't know if that makes sense?
I did the same experiment with dry heat treatment (180°C for 30 minutes) on extruded pea protein isolate. In this experiment I did not use TMP/SMX so all the bacteria weren't killed. Here the phases are separated just above the extruded structure. In the faba bean the whole liquid changed colour. See image attached.
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Logistics seeks both to address real-world problems and research questions and to unite terminological, conceptual and methodological research aspects. In the last 20 years, biological research has developed extremely powerful methods and tools for fundamental and applied research. There is furthermore an increasing desire to build integrative research platforms that combine interdisciplinary and multi-level data to the structural complexity of biological systems. How much attention do you give to logistics for your research plans? Do you think logistics supports research methods, innovation, quality, value, and impact as well as training and participation opportunities for students as well as for practitioners? If so how and if not why not.
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Andrew Lewis
- You've made excellent points with clear analogies - thank you! I agree with your synopsis that "Transitioning biological understanding to this next level is certainly in large part a logistical problem" and that we must strive to the "coordination of manpower and computational power resources being put towards the pursuit of understanding things at this level."
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I want the name of techniques which assist in the analysing the translocation of protein, apart of fluorescence microscopy, TIRF or Fluorescence immunostaining. Which technique is best one for studying translocation of proteins..
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Hi,
There are plenty of ways to do so, but the relative complexity of the experiment depends upon your experimental system. Are you using a well-established experimental cell line, and is the gene expression constitutive and high-level? Endogenous expression or an engineered strain under control of a promoter?
In the latter cases you could attempt to fractionate your cells for example by density gradient centrifugation and then a Western blot against a tagged target, but this would require a reasonably high expression of a fusion-tagged locus. Otherwise, if your target has an enzymatic activity (or a particular affinity), you could monitor the activity of fractions or attempt target pull-down with a known ligand/interaction parter from each of them. Along with proper controls, this could validate that your protein is indeed trafficked from the cytoplasm to the nucleus as you say and would not necessarily require a target-specific antibody.
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We are trying to build up a "Quick Step Guide for Young Scientists Playlist" to assist young researchers in their journey of scientific writing and publishing. Playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwyWKnsS4EkgcQ1Wnkx7FIxUsLsLUp0gb
We hope it will help many of you.
Share it with your friends and colleagues. All the very best!! Channel link: https://bit.ly/Subscribe_Learn_SciTech
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Also these are good:
1- Writing Research Papers. Student's Book: From Essay to Research Paper
Dorothy E. Zemach, Daniel Broudy, Chris Valvona - 2013 - 128 pages
2- English for Writing Research Papers (English for Academic Research)
Part of: English for Academic Research (11 Books) | by Adrian Wallwork | Mar 3, 2016
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In a patient with hereditary desminopathy (mutation Thr341Pro DES in the heterozygous state) over the past three years, an increase in the blood uric acid level up to 440-480 µmol / l was established by 1.5 times (the norm is 428.4 µmol / l). With the progression of the disease, the level has risen and is above normal. It is known that uric acid is an antioxidant. Is it necessary to reduce the level of uric acid? The patient has no problems with the joints.
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The change in the level of uric acid and biochemical parameters in a patient with an identified case of desminopathy is presented in the article https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357311034_CHANGE_IN_REDOX_STATUS_AND_BIOCHEMICAL_PARAMETERS_IN_PATIENT_WITH_DESMINOPATHY_T341P_SEVERAL_YEARS_AFTER_DISEASE_SYMPTOMS_ONSET
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Hi all, I am new to HEK293T cell line and would like your opinions on some questions I have.
Basically, I have CRISPR/Cas9-knocked out a gene of interest from HEK293T and would like to re-express the wild-type and a few mutated constructs (individually), in order to understand the physiological consequences of these mutations (by immunofluorescence, etc.).
To avoid artefacts resulting from protein overexpression, I want to ensure these re-introduced constructs are expressed at near endogenous levels. Can anyone suggest common strategies for doing so? It would also be extremely helpful if someone could recommend relevant literature.
Thanks in advance!
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John Hardy Lockhart Thank you so much John! I have learnt so much from you. I have decided to generate stable cell lines to ensure consistency in gene expression levels within the cell population. And a Tet-on system will be used to allow me to find tune the expression level.
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These are the structures from plant powders when observed under binocular microscope. Can anyone help me identify these
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Just try to add more data and also a scale bar. That will help.
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presently we have trypan blue but i think its works mainly for animal cells as we did not find any color differentiation between dead and alive algae.  we are yet to try Neutral red, i would appreciate if someone can help with a protocol that could be efficient. thanks
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Thank you! This was extremely useful, do you have any protocols on the incubation period?
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Hello everyone, in four semesters I finish my undergraduate degree in Biology and lately I have wanted to offer for a diploma or to work my thesis in a European laboratory interested in practicing students. I don't know where to turn or what research groups to call. I am Colombian by the way.
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Hello,
You can try on various platforms like Linkedin, HigherEdu, ResearchersJobs or even Researchgate jobs etc.
There is an upcoming event called European Research Day(ERD)- (not sure if it'll be useful for you, but it will at least give you some basic ideas. Link for the same is as follows: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/worldwide/india/european-research-day-2021-opportunities-eu-india-cooperation-ri-and-student
Hope this helps! (And best of luck for getting into a ab of your choice)
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One of my wells did not develop at all an another didn't develop much. As in, when I added TMB, well C1 remained clear and colorless and well C1 was not as dark of a shade a blue as the other wells in row C. It was a darker shade of blue than row A and lighter than row B. This happens sometimes to the other researchers at my institution.
WHY?!?!?!?!
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Hi,
When you wash the plate at each step you need to make sure you have dumped all the buffer out of all wells without ANYTHING remaining in the well. If wash buffer remains, it will interfere with the rest of the experiment. Make sure to blot the plate against a dry paper towel after your last wash. Always make fresh wash buffer and make sure your tip never touches the bottom of the well and you pipette very gently against the wall of the well.
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Hi Everyone,
Has anyone here worked with MPC cell line? Any tips or tricks? I am just venturing into cell biology and any advice on this topic would be highly appreciated.
Thank you so much.
Niusha
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With PC12 cells (not the same, I know), I have seen that varying the percentage of horse serum can change the way the cells plate. In fact, they do not need horse serum to grow and actually stick better without horse serum. Maybe playing around with horse serum amounts will do the trick.
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I use a silica column based RNA extraction kit which includes a guanidinium thiocyanate lysis buffer. The kit was very good and I always got pure RNA with A260/280 higher that 2 and A260/230 higher than 3!! (first figure)
However, after a while -using the same sample- after RNA extraction randomly the A230 becomes negative! and accordingly A260/230 gets negative, too (second figure) .
The blank is the same Elution buffer. And I'm wondering what could be the reason!??
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Most of the time when that happened to us. It was the reagent we used for blanking. What did you blank with? Guanidine will result in a massive increase A230, not reductions. So unless you blank it with something that has a trace amount of guanidine (or any other chemical that could interfere there) then measure your pure sample, you will have negative 230.
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For example, DNA has functional groups such as methyl groups and nanoparticles can interact with them and alter them. I was wondering if we have any technique by which we can quantify them or maybe do a qualitative analysis. Any leads would be great, Thank :)
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I want to track individual cells in a multicellular monolayered sheet of cells. But the nucleus of cells that are at the edge, only those get brightly stained, with the inner ones showing very low signal. Could someone suggest a way of uniformly staining the cells?
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Stain the cells before they become confluent, in about 60-80% confluency.
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This seminal paper by Paul Mischel rediscovered the relationship between extrachromosal DNA (ecDNA) and cancer:
1. How much would it cost to replicate the part of the experiment that generated subcutaneous tumors from seeds containing 200/2000/20000 cells of FACS-sorted EGFRvIII High/EGFRvIII Low subpopulations?
2. How much would it cost to sequence these tumor cells?
Thanks for your help!
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Shalini Sanyal Thanks for your answe.
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During promotion application, there seems to have increasing emphasis not only on the impact factor of the journal you publish, but also its RANK in a particular field. Does it affect your choice of which journal you submit your work (as an example, a journal with a JIF of 9 can be regarded as top 5 percentile in the category of "Biology" but only top 20 percentile in "Cell Biology")?
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Dear Dr Kwok-On Lai ,
You have underlined a very important point, and personally I think that the impact factor / citation index of a specific journal does not always refer to its quality. For example, you may encounter many journals with an impact factor >10, but the quality isn't always present.
Best wishes,
Sabri
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Dear All
Can cells survive without any harm in the incubator with 80% humidity for 2 days long experiment? The reason is that I will need to place a peristaltic pump which has maximum 80% humidity endurance.
Thank you very much.
Best
Su
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Hello,
The cells may not survive with 80% humidity. The CO2 incubator provides an aseptic environment with a specific atmospheric mix, maintained within a tightly controlled temperature and humidity range.
High humidity of at least 95% is needed for the survival of cells. When humidity drops below 95%
for an extended period, water will evaporate from the medium, and will negatively affect the osmotic balance in the cells.
Best.
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Hey everybody,
so I'm currently writing on my Ph.D. thesis and have problems finding a basis for the discussion of my data. So here's the thing:
My project dealt with the regulation of a certain DNA repair pathway during development.
For my assays, I used fibroblasts that were isolated from embryonic or postnatal mice (E13.5 or P21) in which one specific kinase (A) important for this repair pathway was knocked out.
In postnatal fibroblasts, I could confirm previous findings of our lab that kinase A is essential for this DNA repair pathway.
However, when I repeated these assays using MEFs, the depletion of kinase A was not resulting in a repair defect anymore. I confirmed this in WT fibroblasts transiently depleted for kinase A using siRNA and also in animal experiments.
So finally, I was able to find that another kinase (B) of the same family is replacing the function of kinase A and phosphorylates the same substrate in MEFs, although kinase A is still expressed.
Unfortunately, I struggle to find literature that provides information about similar processes, meaning a switch in kinases within one pathway in response to differentiation/developmental processes. Is something like this already known?
Thanks for your help!
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I think these articles may actually help you.
Best wishes,
Sabri
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Hello,
I am looking for a way to mark extracellular DNA in a sample where 488 et 647 channels are already used. Does anybody know about a DNA marker that would work or do I have to change my staining next time.
Thanks a lot!
Adrien
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I hope these articles in attached, will help you in your research.
Best wishes,
Sabri
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Dear All,
I have a particular gene of interest from a wide range of mammalian species that I have inserted into plasmids. I want to check how this gene affect a particular mechanism. However, our lab don't have the cell lines from most of these species, e.g., elephant, bat, cetaceans etc.
[1] Can I use hek293 or BHK-21 cell lines, for example, to study a Bat-gene or elephant gene?
[2] If the first is possible, what happens to the endogenous gene in HEK293 after I transfect with the exogenous gene of other species? How does vector carrying Bat-NRF2 transfected into HEK293 affect the expression of endogenous NRF2 in HEK after transfection?
[3] I am yet to see it in publications so I am not sure if it is defensible.
I will appreciate your advice and suggestions,
Thank you.
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Your welcome Olatunde Omotoso.
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Suppose  i seeded 5000 cells in RPMI medium, so how i decided that how much volume of RPMI medium for 5000 cells treated.
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I am currently doing a clonogenic assay on MCF-7 cell lines. Please how do I determine the volume of extract to add to my 6-well plate already containing 3 ml of my media+ cell suspension?
I need urgent answers cuz I need to add extract after 24 hrs of seeding the cells.
Thanks in anticipation of reasonable responses.
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Within a new project I want to stain collected tissue from rats with alizarin red. Since I only found protocols for in-vitro applications or when tissue mentioned then only parafin slides - I would be glad if you could share with me your expertise.. The collected tissue will be mounted and frozen and cut into cryosections (this cannot be changed due to other reasons) and should be stained afterwards with Alizarin Red solution. How about the demasking,ect..?
Thank you a lot in advance..
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Alizarin - for calcification tests?
I tried for paraffin sections, but unfortunately not didnt get desired results. I am too eager to know if some one gives a protocol some
thing better.
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If I want to transport the sterilized laboratory glassware and bacterial culture in petridshes from one lab to another lab of a short distance then what will be the complete best strategy to avoid the contamination??
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When transporting glassware from one place to another, I do not think that you can avoid contamination 100%, but as much as possible it can be reduced by wrapping these utensils with sterile cellophane and transporting them with the dishes in a sterilized container, knowing that it is better to transfer bacteria through transport media. In general, if you use special selective culture media, you do not need to worry, because such media will prevent the growth of any species other than the one you are investigating.
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There has been many occasions where people do not expect to be answered in terms of engineering, especially in biological sciences. However, it is more common to find the answer in terms of an engineering only in biological sciences. We have reached a point where it is impossible to separate, the engineering from the biological discipline.
The most common one is genetic engineering. How many more engineerings are there and can anyone explain the differences and what they are?
I would like to add the engineerings I can think of, but I am afraid I am not an expert on these areas, as I still need to give a definition to all of them. I will appreciate if anyone could complete the definitions, and make a list of them.
Is there anything else on these engineerings?
Any contribution is welcome.
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For Much Detail......it may helpful for you
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I am struggling with the method for subcellular membrane fractioning. 
I use Optiprep and tried continuous and discontinous gradients 1-25% and 10-40% with human melanoma cells. The method was run for 3-18h with 49.000xg - 200.000xg.
I do get the plasma membrane but ER and Golgi seem to stick together. 
Does anyone know how I could seperate the last two? Or what else I could try? 
I already tried some things from the Axis-Shield protocols but it seems I dont find the right conditions for my cells. 
Thanks for helping! 
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We couldnt really get Golgi and ER separated but the separation we got was sufficient for our purposes. Its been a while since I did these experiments but we published the results here:
There you see how "good" our seperation was. I hope that helps. Good Luck
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I have been using lipofectamine (lipo 3000) for transfection of mammalian cells, and now considering whether I should try calcium phosphate-mediated transfection, to obtain better transfection efficiency. Does anyone has exeperience comparing these two methods? Thanks.
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In my experience, calcium phosphate transfection does not work as well as other methods. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to lipofectamine, you could try PEI (polyethylenimine).
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I am much more familiar with in vitro methods where we would use CellROX  dyes and imaging to detect ROS. Are there any bona fide protein markers to look at or assays to use to detect ROS in FFPE or flash-frozen mouse tissues?
Thanks!
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I have been getting a precipitate the last few times I have tried to use my CHAPS lysis buffer for IP of Hela cells. We have made fresh CHAPS buffer but are still seeing a white precipitate form.
The recipe we are using is:
150mM NaCl
50mM Tris-HCl
1mM EDTA
1% CHAPS
pH to 8.0
Any suggestions on what might be causing this, and how to fix it?
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It's a very good answer. I also encounter a problem about CHAPS.
After I have prepare 10% CHAPS, how to store it better and more stable ?
Karima Akool Al-Salihi
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Hi to all,
Recently I have read some paper related to extracellular vesicles. In the article, I found that some Transcriptional factors(TF) and other macromolecules can be transported by EV. Given that the iPSC constructed by Yamanaka is related to the transferation of four additonal TFs and we cannot simply generate stem cells from mature somatic cells. I am speculating that if the stem cells generation in normal physiological process need some certain EVs (and the cargoes in it). Or change another word, if we can stimulate the pluripotency of somatic cells by adding some special EVs isolated from human tissues? If such a kind of EV really exist, maybe we can analysize its composition to help in generating iPSCs.
Another question is, given that eucaryotic cells can communicate by EVs, small molecules(e.g. endocrine) and direct cantact, which one may be the latest evolved during the evolution (I'm not sure whether "the latest evolved" has the simmilar meaning of "the most complexed" to some extent)?
Since bavteria have quorum sensing system similar to endocrine(in my opinion) and the paper I read noticed that they also have EV, I am wondering if we can get some cues of communication methods evolution by studying the EV-produce-ability in bacteria.
Can someone talk about these ideas freely or kindly give me some points you know related to my question?
Thank you for your time! 
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In bacteria by some form of quimioluminiscence. I would like to provide some papers for it
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Hi Everyone 
I want to check levels of renin, angiotensinogen and ACE in human serum samples of cardiac patients. 
Its first time I am going to perform ELISA. Can you suggest me few good kits? or what points I should keep in mind while choosing kits? 
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(do you have to make it just for you or can you buy one? Msybe look at biocompare or promega?
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what kind of media and how to culture it?
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A gel substance like substance as media. It must contain nutrients for the B cells. Should you not stimulate the cells from bone marrow? Maybe from small age. The stimulation could be more of human.
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when I wash the cells that emit fluorescent by PBS for flowcytometry, emittion of rhodamine b is very low
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I am not sure if rhodamine b are sensitive to substances like washing, buffer or even PBS. Make sure the fluorophore is hold tight on the sample.
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i did nuclear lamin staining on transwell insert which contain monolayer of MDA-MB-231 cells that were mechanically compressed.
do you see any nuclear abnormalities? red: actin,    green: nuclear lamin
i couldnt get any uncompressed controls as i ran into technical difficulty in my steps. 
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I would say "no"
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I want to do Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting on plant roots (based on GFP fluorescence) to collect material for RNA-seq.
I would like to select out specific cell type (defined by the expression of gene A) at a specific developmental stage (defined by the expression of gene B).
So I would like to find a way to activate GFP upon expression of both A and B (sort of the opposite of a bicistronic vector).
What is a good way to do this?
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Can you use two colours? Green and blue? (maybe red?)
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I'm looking for an alternative for bacteria-bacteria interaction. I'm using transwell to study interaction between 2 bacteria, but I have a lot of contamination problem. I've been looking for dialysis protocol but I don't know if it's a good idea. Any clue?
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I think there are pilli available to study bacteria. In the same manner pillus between two bacteria.
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Gene expression in the liver is zonated , is during aging a shift in zonation possible of the expressed genes?
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I think it is...
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I'd like to know if there's a cell line (mammalian preferentially, but not exclusively) to study asymmetric cell division. Thanks!
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I'm not sure. I would like to someone to assist me in this... Could CHO cells or Vero cells do? (are there any cells called EL cells? They are from cancer)
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I am preparing 4C library but i think there is a problem of excess amount of DTT of ligase buffer that interferes with evaluation of DNA concentration by nanodrop.
Because for doing PCR of 4C library we need to know the exact con. of DNA so,i am looking for a extra or updated technique to remove or decrease the DTT content before, during or after 4C library purification.
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I have read in a paper regarding use of dialysis to remove low molecular weight contaminants. Haven’t used it myself. It was a suggestion.
Kindly refer
J Microbiol Methods 2006 66 (1): 21-31
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I would like to convert mouse MSCs to Smooth muscle cells by TGFb1 signaling but i am not sure if the homology of TFGb1 in human and mouse is sufficient that human TGFb1 could react on mouse cells.
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Agreed with all the above comments . Read many articles of Treg polarization, and maximum of the researchers use human TGFb for mouse cells.
As, human and mouse growth factor ls are virtually identical, it should work.
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I am trying to set up the glucose uptake assay on 3t3-l1 adipocytes. I have tried insulin conc. from 1nM-1uM for 10min, 30min and 2hrs. I just couldn't see any insulin-dependent stimulation. I am using the following kit for glucose uptake assay:
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Hi,
Did you managed to find a protocol to get insulin stimulated glucose uptake in your 3T3-L1 cells? I'm trying to measure the [14C]-2-deoxy-D-glucose uptake but don't get a proper insulin stimulated response.
Thanks for your help!
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https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2020283?query=featured_coronavirus#article_references reading this reference for was /not homework, genetics is on it? this virus is supposed to novel yet it is & its preference r deeply impeded in our genes?? What? viruses r important in evolution, 2 the point: which 1 came first the virus or the cell? really? this is the time to answer?? 2 know which is taking over who? the cell or the virus?? couldn't b done unless their r common ancestors between viruses & cells, & strong ones 2?? did viruses bud off from cells or cells budded off from viruses?? Didn't read anything about this so far?? in bio related books & articles?? viruses r not considered fully living?? organisms?? there is also the Extracellular vesicles (EVs)?? could EVs b the virus origin, if?? so, y look 4 viruses when they could coming/originating from us?? @ cell biology, cell physiology, cell membrane biology, cell membrane physiology?? Could EVs b released via e.g. respiration, sweet, saliva, tears...etc??
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The matrix we understand by evolution, once had to be separated, as competition led to a parasitic way of living. Virus are quite simple, and they live on others. However, there are theories which states virus came from cells in the same way we have DNA jumping around. We normally think the most primitive form of life is catalitic RNA (tetrahymena thermophila, orthe studies on Giardia). Transposons what they do is copy and insert, and eukaryotes have evolved mechanisms to avoid cutting importsnt genes, and is why they remain as "useless DNA". The most accepted theory is they came before or at the very leat at the same time. However it is started to fade as we cannot explain the prions, viridoids, and so on. The limit is virus and not the bacteria. Bacteria or any microorganism may be parasites (whether obliged or not) but they may be beneficial. Microbiome is an example. What happens with the virus? Is there beneficial virus? Might the transposons help one day or do they cause damage? What happens to procaryotes? How do they defend? Transposons do help in plants and bacteria but there seems to be a limit.
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Dear Respectable Scientists,
I have been trying to extract DNA from above mentioned sources using different CTAB/SDS Buffer Compositions and purifying agents but I am not able to extract DNA from roots of :
- Dactylorhiza incarnata
- Bergenia ciliata
- Smilax china
- Nannoglottis hookeri
And Barks like:
- Cinnamomum verum
- Santalum album
And Galls like:
- Tamarix indica
- Quercus infectoria
- Pistacia chinensis
I want to use DNA EXT Kits except DNEasy that are a little cheap and please recommend any.
Please share your valuable experience to solve my problem.
Thanks in anticipation.
Kind Regards
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I think your method was excellent only modified for brtter ph of extraction procedure
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Hello all! I am new to applying statistical analyses to research problems. I need some help regarding choosing the correct statistical test to analyze my experiments:
I am trying to measure the concentration of a metabolite that cells secrete in response to particular compounds I treat them with, and see if the compounds affect metabolite secretion.
1) I am trying to see how the mean concentration of the metabolite differs between the four groups : control, treatment 1 alone, treatment 2 alone and treatment 1 and 2 in combination. (treatment 1 refers to when I treat my cells with compound 1, treatment 2 refers to when I treat cells with compound 2.)
2) I am trying to see whether the mean metabolite concentration differs between control and treatment 1 at four different time points: 12hours, 24 hours, 36 hours and 48 hours post-treatment. At the same time, I am also comparing the mean metabolite concentration when I give treatment 1 at 12 hours with the metabolite concentration at 24 hours with the concentration at 36 hours with the concentration at 48 hours post-treatment.
Any help is appreciated!
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You might want to look at the comparison of absolute concentrations to enzyme binding site affinities for substrates and for inhibitors
Enzyme active sites are in general more saturated than inhibitor sites (p-values are from the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test).Otherwise look at GEMpress and Shortest-Path Method.
Good luck.
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Are macrophages that are elicited to peritoneal cavity after the injection of agents (thioglycolate, gelatin, peptone) inflammatory? Do such elicitating agents have the same effect on their biology?
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Hey Emilia.
We use peritoneal macrophages as standard ex vivo model in nearly every experiment (besides BMDM and MEF sometimes) for a long time but I recommend to not use thioglycollate or any kind of elicited PMs.
I know everybody is using it to get more macrophages (because of limited mouse numbers) but my colleauge and I had to compare normal peritoneal macrophages and those attracted via thioglycollate injection during our PhD works. Thioglycollate-elicted macrophages respond in nearly every parameter we investigated (bacterial killing, ROS production, cytokine prodcution, phagocytosis capacity) much worse than normal peritoneal macrophages.
They are more or less powered out. They used their whole pro-inflammatory potential on the thioglycllate and ate themselves (so to speak) to laziness.
They phagocytosed less bacteria, they prodcued nearly no ROS (Nox2-dervied phagosomal or cytosolic ROS from mitochondria) and they secreted nearly no cytokines after infection (all compared to PMs without thioglyllate).
Moreover, the injection of thioglycollate is also a sterile inflammation, so other cells will be recruited from the blood stream (monocytes, neutrophils).
Again, I know everybody is using this technique, but this hardly represents an ex vivo peritoneal macrophage.
Of course, in dependency of the research topic, not only PMs but different ex vivo macrophages should be picked for the experiments (e.g. Kupffer cells for liver, microglia for brain and so on).
All the best and stay healthy,
Marc
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How difficult is Lysosensor to use in a basic cell culture wet lab? Does anybody happen to have any advice and/or experience with this or similar probes?
Thanks in advance!
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Hi Alexis, typically LysoSensor probes are bit less efficient than LysoTracker probes. The advantage of the LysoSensor probe is they are relatively less toxic compared to LysoTracker probes (please keep in mind both types are toxic in long term).
In the disadvantage, you need relatively higher concentrations of LysoSensor probes for a good imaging experiment (typically 1 uM) where you only need about 40-50 nM concentration of the LysoTracker probes. Also, LysoSensors need relatively longer internalization time (typically 30 min - 1 hr)however LysoTracker probes are pretty fast (only few minutes). Also LysoSensor probes are less brighter and carry more background interference compared to LysoTracker probes.
So, unless you have a specific concern about the toxicity of the probe or the imaging time (if you need it for few hours within the cell), I would recommend you to go with the LysoTracker probes.
Please keep in mind this is based on my own imaging experience and literature. There can be always some exceptions (certain cell types or live cell vs fixed cell imaging, or the staining technique etc..)
Cheers!
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the study of microorganisms is called microbiology
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi and protozoa. This discipline includes fundamental research on the biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, ecology, evolution and clinical aspects of microorganisms, including the host response to these agents.
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I am culturing U266, a suspension cell line and run out of the untreated flask. Can I culture the suspension cells in treated flask?
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It will depend on the future study that you have to conduct with your cells.
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I did an experiment for calculating porosity of collagen membrane and it gives 100% porosity. Cells are growing on that scaffold, without passing out from scaffold. So, wanted to know the meaning of 100% porosity here!
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I think you have not used the pure non wetting solvent ( some percentage of water will be present means its diluted solvent). due to which some of the polar solvent has entered membrane and showing porosity more than its actual porosity.
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Hello,
I am reading on vaccines in general and I wonder if the beneficial effects of vaccines (as vaccination is the most effective choice when pathogens are to be stopped and prevented) lower the Darwinian fitness of immune cells such as T-cells and B-cells.
Thank you for your answers!
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may be
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when i was working in hood for cell culture, i forget to turn off the UV light .
1.is the UV light within less than 30 minutes leads cell damage for example SKBR3, or MCF10A ?
2. is the medium also affected with this situations? thank you
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I know this question is old, but I will post an answer in case someone searches this question now (as I did). Two of my undergraduates were responsible for feeding mammary epithelial cells from a slaughter (they are from tissue so there are fibroblasts mixed in too) and they accidently left the UV light on when feeding. Not sure how that's possible, but it happened.
Anyway, I saw some points that people were making about if the UV light is old/doesn't get cleaned often it won't work as well, so I had a lot of hope prior to looking at the cells because our UV light hasn't been changed in about 2 years.
It is important to note that the plates/flasks were not in the hood for more than 5-10 minutes. We had a combination of plates and flasks.
Results: After 24 hours cells were peeling off very obviously on the plates. Flasks were not bad at all. Seemed like well protected. Conclusion from day 1: cells were definitely damaged from only 5-10 minutes of UV light in the hood (we have normal hood UV lights that are built into the hood) and the plastic from T flasks will protect cells as Daniel stated.
I will provide more updates as they happen.
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Hi I am trying to see which Rab5 isoform would be ideal to track E-Cadherin exocytic vesicles. Does anyone have experience with this?
Thanks,
Mukhtar
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I am trying to differentiate human ES cells to fibroblast cells, it seems not many people do this. If I search google, most of the results are reprogramming. can anyone suggest a fast protocol to do that?
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A Scalable Approach to Prevent Teratoma Formation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells*□S
Received for publication, May 20, 2012, and in revised form, August 3, 2012 Published, JBC Papers in Press, August 4, 2012, DOI 10.1074/jbc.M112.383810
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The HGP project utilized white blood cells from female and sperm cells from male candidates to map the human DNA. Since these cells are differentiated, the ratio of heterochromatin to euchromatin would be different from other kind of cells. I was curious whether the amount of heterochromatin and euchromatin (provided by mapping analysis) significantly differs from one cell type to another (for example a muscle cell vs an epidermal cell) or it is in acceptable range to hold true for all the cell types.
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The answer is yes
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HI,
I'm studying endocytosis pathway of certain particles, using Dynasore and MbCD endocytosis inhibitors.
My question is, that whether dynasore could inhibit both clathrin-ME and caveolae-ME?
Dynasore is dynamin1/2 inhbitor, as far as I know Cav-ME is also dynamin-depedent pathway.
So, I wonder if dynasore also can be inhibtor of Cav-ME, and why researchers(published papers) use dynasore as only inhibitor of Clt-ME?
Thank you.
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Dynasore inhibits clathrin-mediated endocytosis and filipin may target and inhibit cavolin-mediated endocytosis. MbCD targets chloesterol and induces the formation of detergent-resistant microdomains.
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I have read many articles where researchers get RVG-Exo by transfecting the exosome producing cell through RVG Plasmid. I wanted to ask if anybody knows, can we decorate exosome with RVG directly after isolation? Any reference please...
With thanks
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I haven't personally, but this paper did. Hope it helps!
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Is there any sorting signals or something else which keeps everything but DNA outside the nuclear membrane during late telophase when nuclear membrane reemerges.
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There hasnt been a definitive study on any active process involved in keeping organelles out of the nucleus during reassembly so far. What we know is that in cases of open mitosis, the chromosomes are separated and compacted towards late anaphase. This is a point where the chromosomes are at their most condensed. The nuclear inner membranes organize around these condensed structures, tightly enclosing them. It is supposed that the condensed chromosomes are packed such that no organelles are trapped within them. But errors do occur during this process, mostly attributed to mispackaging the chromatin (Micronuclei model for chromothripsis). So far there hasnt been a record of a cytoplasmic organelle being mispackaged into the nuclues as far as I know. But it is an interesting facet to explore.