Targeting ncRNAs by plant secondary metabolites: The ncRNAs game in the balance towards malignancy inhibition

The current trend of combining state of the art technologies with quondam treatments in order to overcome existing gaps in the clinical area determined an increased interest into polyphenols, common dietary phytochemicals, for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, especially cancer. The reemergence of polyphenols in the cancer field is sustained by advanced-omics technologies able to identify coding and non-coding genes and their related signaling pathways modulated by natural compounds. Identification of the structural correspondence between interacting molecules will allow the development of more targeted and informed therapeutic strategies for cancer management.     

Descriptions of two new species of feather mites (Acarina: Psoroptidia: Pteronyssidae) from Ivory Coast

Two new feather mite species of the family Pteronyssidae Oudemans, 1941 collected from birds captured in Ivory Coast are described: Pteronyssoides cyanomitrae n. sp. from Cyanomitra obscura (Jardine) (Passeriformes: Nectariniidae) and Conomerus pygmaeus n. sp. from Hylia prasina (Cassin) (Passeriformes: Macrosphenidae). Pteronyssoides cyanomitrae n. sp. belongs to the nectariniae species group and differs from the closest species, P. garioui Gaud & Mouchet, 1959, in having, in males, the adanal shield present and setae f longer than setae d on the tarsus III; females of this species have the hysteronotal shield with two small median incisions on the anterior margin barely extending beyond the level of setae e2. Conomerus pygmaeus n. sp. is the first species of this genus found on a passerine host, and seems to be more similar to C. sclerosternus Gaud, 1990. This new species has the following distinctive characters: in females, the opisthosoma has small lobe-like extensions and the central sclerite is fused posteriorly with the lateral opisthosomal sclerites; in males, coxal fields I–IV lack large sclerotised areas.     

Involvement of Golgin-160 in cell surface transport of renal ROMK channel: co-expression of Golgin-160 increases ROMK currents.

The weak inward rectifier potassium channel ROMK is important for water and salt reabsorption in the kidney. Here we identified Golgin-160 as a novel interacting partner of the ROMK channel. By using yeast two-hybrid assays and co-immunoprecipitations from transfected cells, we demonstrate that Golgin-160 associates with the ROMK C-terminus. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed that both proteins are co-localized in the Golgi region. The interaction was further confirmed by the enhancement of ROMK currents by the co-expressed Golgin-160 in Xenopus oocytes. The increase in ROMK current amplitude was due to an increase in cell surface density of ROMK protein. Golgin-160 also stimulated current amplitudes of the related Kir2.1, and of voltage-gated Kv1.5 and Kv4.3 channels, but not the current amplitude of co-expressed HERG channel. These results demonstrate that the Golgi-associated Golgin-160 recognizes the cytoplasmic C-terminus of ROMK, thereby facilitating the transport of ROMK to the cell surface. However, the stimulatory effect on the activity of more distantly-related potassium channels suggests a more general role of Golgin-160 in the trafficking of plasma membrane proteins.     

Fibroblast dynamics as an in vitro screening platform for anti‐fibrotic drugs in primary myelofibrosis

Although the cause for bone marrow fibrosis in patients with myelofibrosis remains controversial, it has been hypothesized that it is caused by extensive fibroblast proliferation under the influence of cytokines generated by the malignant megakaryocytes. Moreover, there is no known drug therapy which could reverse the process. We studied the fibroblasts in a novel system using the hanging drop method, evaluated whether the fibroblasts obtain from patients are part of the malignant clone of not and, using this system, we screen a large library of FDA‐approved drugs to identify potential drugs candidates that might be useful in the treatment of this disease, specifically which would inhibit fibroblast proliferation and the development of bone marrow fibrosis. We have found that the BM fibroblasts are not part of the malignant clone, as previously suspected and two immunosuppressive medications—cyclosporine and mycophenolate mophetil, as most potent suppressors of the fibroblast collagen production thus potentially inhibitors of bone marrow fibrosis production in myelofibrosis.     

Ancient DNA reveals differences in behaviour and sociality between brown bears and extinct cave bears

Ancient DNA studies have revolutionized the study of extinct species and populations, providing insights on phylogeny, phylogeography, admixture and demographic history. However, inferences on behaviour and sociality have been far less frequent. Here, we investigate the complete mitochondrial genomes of extinct Late Pleistocene cave bears and middle Holocene brown bears that each inhabited multiple geographically proximate caves in northern Spain. In cave bears, we find that, although most caves were occupied simultaneously, each cave almost exclusively contains a unique lineage of closely related haplotypes. This remarkable pattern suggests extreme fidelity to their birth site in cave bears, best described as homing behaviour, and that cave bears formed stable maternal social groups at least for hibernation. In contrast, brown bears do not show any strong association of mitochondrial lineage and cave, suggesting that these two closely related species differed in aspects of their behaviour and sociality. This difference is likely to have contributed to cave bear extinction, which occurred at a time in which competition for caves between bears and humans was likely intense and the ability to rapidly colonize new hibernation sites would have been crucial for the survival of a species so dependent on caves for hibernation as cave bears. Our study demonstrates the potential of ancient DNA to uncover patterns of behaviour and sociality in ancient species and populations, even those that went extinct many tens of thousands of years ago.     

Early Evaluation and Monitoring of Critical Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Using Specific Genetic Polymorphisms

A high percentage of critical patients are found to develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Several studies have reported high mortality rates in these cases which are most frequently associated with multiple organ dysfunctions syndrome. Lately, many efforts have been made to evaluate and monitor ARDS in critical patients. In this regard, the assessment of genetic polymorphisms responsible for developing ARDS present as a challenge and are considered future biomarkers. Early detection of the specific polymorphic gene responsible for ARDS in critically ill patients can prove to be a useful tool in the future, able to help decrease the mortality rates in these cases. Moreover, identifying the genetic polymorphism in these patients can help in the implementation of a personalized intensive therapy scheme for every type of patient, based on its genotype.     

Stabilization of Metals in Subsurface by Biopolymers: Laboratory Drainage Flow Studies

Environmental contamination with heavy metals and radionuclides remains a major problem worldwide. The current clean-up methodologies are based on energy-intensive engineering processes, which are disruptive and costly. A new universal technology targeted for the permanent enclosure and fixation of nuclear and other extreme hazardous metallic wastes in subsurface sites is needed. Such technology will be useful in treating contamination at many sites in the U.S., with specific applications to Department of Energy (DOE) sites. Biopolymers are potential tools for such an innovative technology. Biopolymers have repeated sequences, and therefore provide ample opportunity for chemical reactions with metals, soil particles, and other biopolymers. They also have the additional ability of creating cross-linking interpenetrating networks that can encapsulate the contaminants. Based on this concept, in the present work five biopolymers (xanthan, chitosan, polyhydroxy butyrate, guar gum, polyglutamic acid) were investigated for potential use in the stabilization of metals in the subsurface. The effects of these biopolymers (used alone and in combinations) on soil characteristics (permeability, shear strength) and their metal uptake ability have been studied using laboratory drainage flow systems. Biopolymer solutions were run through the experimental sandpack columns, followed by copper solution and leaching agents (distilled water and hydrochloric acid). The permeability and shear strength of sand were evaluated. Copper uptake capacity of each biopolymer and combination of biopolymers was also studied along with subsequent leaching. All biopolymers tested improved sand characteristics (by decreasing permeability and increasing shear strength) and had good metal uptake ability (60–90%) with relatively low leachability (10–22%). While biopolymers used alone were more efficient in metal uptake, the combination of two biopolymers (xanthan and chitosan) had an increasing plugging effect. These results show the potential of using biopolymers in subsurface metal stabilization.     

Predictors of major infections in systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction  

Infections commonly complicate the course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our aim is to investigate the clinical predictors of major infections in patients with SLE.     

Regulation of the Na+/K+ ATPase by Klotho

Klotho-hypomorphic (Klotho(hm)) mice suffer from renal salt wasting and hypovolemia despite hyperaldosteronism. The present study explored the effect of Klotho on renal Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity. According to immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy Na(+)/K(+) ATPase protein abundance in isolated collecting ducts was lower in Klotho(hm) mice than in their wild type littermates (Klotho(+/+)). Analysis with dual electrode voltage clamp recording showed that expression of Klotho in Xenopus oocytes increased the Na(+)/K(+) ATPase pump current. Treatment of Xenopus oocytes with Klotho protein similarly increased the pump current. In conclusion, Klotho increases the membrane abundance and activity of the Na(+)/K(+) ATPase. Decreased Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity could thus contribute to the volume-depletion of klotho(hm) mice.