Spatial patterns of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) dens in a semi-arid landscape of North Africa

Different patterns of the use of space by red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ) depend mainly on the distribution and availability of food patches. Nevertheless, other key resources such as suitable areas for dens can also influence the territory size and social organization of this predator. In fact, landscape modifications such as habitat patchiness made by human activities (agricultural practices, urbanization) should create ample unfavourable zones for den settlement. Several studies focused on the distribution and use of dens by the red fox in different habitat types but we do not have any data on the den settlement and habitat composition in the semi-arid regions of North Africa. This study was carried out at Djerba island (SE Tunisia), virtually deprived of surface water and with a semi-arid climate because of the bordering Sahara desert. We used line and random transects to find fox dens. The spatial pattern of dens varied mainly in different habitat types and geoclimatic regions. Highly fragmented areas were also occupied by foxes that built dens close together inside small suitable patches. Fox dens had fewer entrances in more arid regions and they mainly faced the south. Habitat selection was influenced by water availability and irrigated tree plantations that modify soil textures allowing digging of dens. Moreover, asphalt roads limit den settlements. We suggest that the choice of denning sites by foxes depends on persisting harsh conditions and human activities.     

Tau is Endogenously Nitrated in Mouse Brain: Identification of a Tyrosine Residue Modified In vivo by NO

Nitration of tau protein is normally linked to neurodegeneration but, until now, no comprehensive information is available regarding tau nitration in healthy subjects. It has been previously reported that in differentiated PC12 cells, tau co-immunoprecipitated with alpha-tubulin is nitrated at tyrosine residues and that this post-translation modification doesn’t impair the association of tau with the cytoskeleton. The present paper is focused on the identification of tyrosine residues endogenously modified in tau from PC12 cells and reports for the first time that tau is also nitrated in vivo in normal mouse brain and that one tyrosine is endogenously modified.     

New sulfurated derivatives of valproic acid with enhanced histone deacetylase inhibitory activity

One dithiolthione and two new methanethiosulfonate derivatives of valproic acid (VPA) were synthesized and tested in vitro as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. The new molecules, as well as their sulfurated moieties, exhibited a much stronger inhibition of HDAC enzymatic and antiproliferative activities and histone hyperacetylation than VPA. ACS 2 is the most interesting compound among the new VPA derivatives and its sulfurated moiety, 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione, also known to be a metabolite of anethole trithione, seems to contribute significantly to its activity. This is the first time that HDAC inhibitory activity is described for dithiolethiones and thiosulfonates.     

A volatile Pb(II) β-Diketonate diglyme complex as a promising precursor for MOCVD of lead oxide films

A polyether adduct of the lead(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. The single crystal X-ray diffraction study provides evidence of a dimeric structure of the type [Pb(hfa)₂ · diglyme]₂ (Hhfa=1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedione, diglyme=CH₃O(CH₂CH₂O)₂CH₃). The thermal analyses have revealed high volatility and good thermal stability with a low residue despite the dimeric nature of the adduct. This novel compound has been successfully applied as a precursor for the depositions of PbO films. It represents the first example of lead precursors that can be used in the liquid phase without decomposition, thus providing constant evaporation rates even for very long deposition times.     

Synthesis of peptide-immunogens corresponding to amino acid sequences from human histocompatibility class II membrane glycoproteins

Six peptides with amino acid sequences of human histocompatibility Class II membrane glycoproteins were synthesized by conventional solution methods. Five peptides were prepared by stepwise procedures from the carboxyterminus. The sixth was synthesized by fragment condensation (5 + 10 coupling). Antibodies to synthetic peptides were then used to locate exposed and buried regions in the membrane glycoproteins.     

Fabrication and Characterization of Native and Oxidized Potato Starch Biodegradable Films

The need to replace conventional polymers due to environmental pollution caused by them has led to increased production of biodegradable polymers such as starch. Thus, the application possibilities of starch have increased. In this study, we produced and characterized biodegradable films derived from native and oxidized potato starch. The film-forming solution was prepared with different concentrations of extracted starch (native or oxidized) and a plasticizer (glycerol or sorbitol). Then, the mechanical, barrier, morphological, and structural properties of the films were characterized. The moisture content of the films varied from 15.35?±?1.31 to 21.78?±?0.49%. The elastic modulus of the films ranged from 219?±?14.97 to 2299?±?62.91 MPa. The film of oxidized starch plasticized with sorbitol in the lowest content was the most resistant and flexible; moreover, this film also presented lower water vapor permeability and low solubility in water. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of the biodegradable films indicated the presence of same functional groups as those of starch with bands in the same regions. The film thickness was lower for the films plasticized with glycerol whereas the color variation (Δ?) was lower for the ones plasticized with sorbitol. In case of both plasticizers, the increase in their content decreased the Δ? value. All the biodegradable films presented stability against water absorption owing to their low solubility in water. Morphological evaluation revealed the presence of partially gelatinized starch granules in the films. The roughness parameter (Rq) of the films varied from 3.39 to 10.9 nm, indicating that their surfaces are smooth. X-ray diffraction studies showed a B-type pattern for the starches, which is representative of tubers. Further, the films present higher relative crystallinity (RC) compared to the starches. The biodegradable starch films are uniform, transparent and with low solubility in water. The oxidation of starch and use of sorbitol as a plasticizer resulted in improved properties of the starch films, which is suitable for application.     

Microtubule defects in mesenchymal stromal cells distinguish patients with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disease whose etiopathogenesis remains elusive. The intraneuronal accumulation of hyperphosphorylated Tau, a pivotal protein in regulating microtubules (MT), leads to include PSP into tauopathies. Pathological hallmarks are well known in neural cells but no word yet if PSP‐linked dysfunctions occur also in other cell types. We focused on bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that have recently gained attention for therapeutic interventions due to their anti‐inflammatory, antiapoptotic and trophic properties. Here, we aimed to investigate MSCs biology and to disclose if any disease‐linked defect occurs in this non‐neuronal compartment. First, we found that cells obtained from patients showed altered morphology and growth. Next, Western blotting analysis unravelled the imbalance in α‐tubulin post‐translational modifications and in MT stability. Interestingly, MT mass is significantly decreased in patient cells at baseline and differently changes overtime compared to controls, suggesting their inability to efficiently remodel MT cytoskeleton during ageing in culture. Thus, our results provide the first evidence that defects in MT regulation and stability occur and are detectable in a non‐neuronal compartment in patients with PSP. We suggest that MSCs could be a novel model system for unravelling cellular processes implicated in this neurodegenerative disorder.     

Regenerating Eye Tissues to Preserve and Restore Vision

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Mitochondrial Complex I defects in aging

According to the 'mitochondrial theory of aging' it is expected that the activity of NADH Coenzyme Q reductase (Complex I) would be most severely affected among mitochondrial enzymes, since mitochondrial DNA encodes for 7 subunits of this enzyme. Being these subunits the site of binding of the acceptor substrate (Coenzyme Q) and of most inhibitors of the enzyme, it is also expected that subtle kinetic changes of quinone affinity and enzyme inhibition could develop in aging before an overall loss of activity would be observed.The overall activity of Complex I was decreased in several tissues from aged rats, nevertheless it was found that direct assay of Complex I using artificial quinone acceptors may underevaluate the enzyme activity. The most acceptable results could be obtained by applying the 'pool equation' to calculate Complex I activity from aerobic NADH oxidation; using this method it was found that the decrease in Complex I activity in mitochondria from old animals was greater than the activity calculated by direct assay of NADH Coenzyme Q reductase.A decrease of NADH oxidation and its rotenone sensitivity was observed in nonsynaptic mitochondria, but not in synaptic 'light' and 'heavy' mitochondria of brain cortex from aged rats.In a study of Complex I activity in human platelet membranes we found that the enzyme activity was unchanged but the titre for half-inhibition by rotenone was significantly increased in aged individuals and proposed this change as a suitable biomarker of aging and age-related diseases. (Mol Cell Biochem 174: 329–333, 1997)