The novel ruthenium—γ‐linolenic complex [Ru2(aGLA)4Cl] inhibits C6 rat glioma cell proliferation and induces changes in mitochondrial membrane potential,increased reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis in vitro

The present study reports the synthesis of a novel compound with the formula [Ru₂(aGLA)4Cl] according to elemental analyses data, referred to as Ru₂GLA. The electronic spectra of Ru₂GLA is typical of a mixed valent diruthenium(II,III) carboxylate. Ru₂GLA was synthesized with the aim of combining and possibly improving the anti‐tumour properties of the two active components ruthenium and γ‐linolenic acid (GLA). The properties of Ru₂GLA were tested in C6 rat glioma cells by analysing cell number, viability, lipid droplet formation, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species. Ru₂GLA inhibited cell proliferation in a time and concentration dependent manner. Nile Red staining suggested that Ru₂GLA enters the cells and ICP‐AES elemental analysis found an increase in ruthenium from <0.02 to 425 mg/Kg in treated cells. The sub‐G1 apoptotic cell population was increased by Ru₂GLA (22 ± 5.2%) when analysed by FACS and this was confirmed by Hoechst staining of nuclei. Mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased in the presence of Ru₂GLA (44 ± 2.3%). In contrast, the cells which maintained a high mitochondrial membrane potential had an increase (18 ± 1.5%) in reactive oxygen species generation. Both decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased reactive oxygen species generation may be involved in triggering apoptosis in Ru₂GLA exposed cells. The EC₅₀ for Ru₂GLA decreased with increasing time of exposure from 285 µM at 24 h, 211 µM at 48 h to 81 µM at 72 h. In conclusion, Ru₂GLA is a novel drug with antiproliferative properties in C6 glioma cells and is a potential candidate for novel therapies in gliomas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using the tools of genetic epidemiology to understand sex differences in neuropsychiatric disorders

Many neuropsychiatric disorders exhibit differences in prevalence, age of onset, symptoms or course of illness between males and females. For the most part, the origins of these differences are not well understood. In this article, we provide an overview of sex differences in psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, alcohol and substance abuse, schizophrenia, eating disorders and risk of suicide. We discuss both genetic and nongenetic mechanisms that have been hypothesized to underlie these differences, including ascertainment bias, environmental stressors, X‐ or Y‐linked risk loci, and differential liability thresholds in males and females. We then review the use of twin, family and genome‐wide association approaches to study potential genetic mechanisms of sex differences and the extent to which these designs have been employed in studies of psychiatric disorders. We describe the utility of genetic epidemiologic study designs, including classical twin and family studies, large‐scale studies of population registries, derived recurrence risks, and molecular genetic analyses of genome‐wide variation that may enhance our understanding sex differences in neuropsychiatric disorders.     

Investigating the Effects of Chemical Gradients on Performance and Reliability within Perovskite Solar Cells with TOF‐SIMS

Time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS), a powerful analytical technique sensitive to all components of perovskite solar cell (PSC) materials, can differentiate between the various organic species within a PSC absorber or a complete device stack. The ability to probe chemical gradients through the depth of a device (both organic and inorganic), with down to 100 nm lateral resolution, can lead to unique insights into the relationships between chemistry in the absorber bulk, at grain boundaries, and at interfaces as well as how they relate to changes in performance and/or stability. In this review, the technique is described; then, from the literature, several examples of how TOF‐SIMS have been used to provide unique insight into PSC absorbers and devices are covered. Finally, the common artifacts that can be introduced if the data are improperly collected, as well as methods to mitigate these artifacts are discussed.     

On the reporting and review requirements of ISO 14044

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment -     

Signature of sexual conflict is actually conflict resolved

There has been substantial interest of late in using population genetic methods to study sexual conflict, where an allele increases the fitness of one sex at some cost to the other (Mank, 2017). Population genomic scans for sexual conflict offer an important advance given the difficulties of identifying antagonistic alleles from more traditional methods, and could greatly increase our understanding of the extent and loci of sexual conflict. This is particularly true for studies in natural populations, for which obtaining accurate fitness measurements for each sex can be challenging. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Bissegger, Laurentino, Roesti, and Berner (2019) present a cautionary tale about how to interpret these population genomic data.     

Population modelling and genetics of a critically endangered Madagascan palm Tahina spectabilis

Madagascar is home to 208 indigenous palm species, almost all of them endemic and >80% of which are endangered. We undertook complete population census and sampling for genetic analysis of a relatively recently discovered giant fan palm, the Critically Endangered Tahina spectablis in 2008 and 2016. Our 2016 study included newly discovered populations and added to our genetic study. We incorporated these new populations into species distribution niche model (SDM) and projected these onto maps of the region. We developed population matrix models based on observed demographic data to model population change and predict the species vulnerability to extinction by undertaking population viability analysis (PVA). We investigated the potential conservation value of reintroduced planted populations within the species potential suitable habitat. We found that the population studied in 2008 had grown in size due to seedling regeneration but had declined in the number of reproductively mature plants, and we were able to estimate that the species reproduces and dies after approximately 70 years. Our models suggest that if the habitat where it resides continues to be protected the species is unlikely to go extinct due to inherent population decline and that it will likely experience significant population growth after approximately 80 years due to the reproductive and life cycle attributes of the species. The newly discovered populations contain more genetic diversity than the first discovered southern population which is genetically depauperate. The species appears to demonstrate a pattern of dispersal leading to isolated founder plants which may eventually lead to population development depending on local establishment opportunities. The conservation efforts currently put in place including the reintroduction of plants within the species potential suitable habitat if maintained are thought likely to enable the species to sustain itself but it remains vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts.     

Life-cycle impact assessment methods for physical energy scarcity: considerations and suggestions

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment - Most approaches for energy use assessment in life cycle assessment do not consider the scarcity of energy resources. A few approaches consider...