Identification and reactivity of pigments in prominent vegetable leaves of Basella alba L. var. 'Rubra' (Malabar spinach).

The unique profiles of betacyanins as well as their stability and antioxidant activity in purple leaf extracts of the fast-growing, soft-stemmed vine Basella alba L. var. 'Rubra', known as Malabar spinach, are partly characterized for the first time.

L. (Malabar Spinach) as an Abundant Source of Betacyanins: Identification, Stability, and Bioactivity Studies on Natural and Processed Fruit Pigments.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of acylated and decarboxylated gomphrenins, as well as L. fruit extract, were investigated in relation to gomphrenin, known for its high biological potential. The most abundant natural acylated gomphrenins, namely, 6'---caffeoyl-gomphrenin (malabarin) and 6'---4-coumaroyl-gomphrenin (globosin), were isolated from extract for the studies.

Increased expression of BRD4 isoforms long (BRD4-L) and short (BRD4-S) promotes chemotherapy resistance in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.

Chemoresistance in ovarian carcinoma is a puzzling issue that urges understanding of strategies used by cancer cells to survive DNA damage and to escape cell death. Expanding efforts to understand mechanisms driving chemoresistance and to develop alternative therapies targeting chemoresistant tumors are critical. Amplification of is frequently associated with chemoresistant ovarian carcinoma, but little is known about the biological effects of the overexpression of BRD4 isoforms in this malignancy.

An unbiased seed-based RNAi selection screen identifies small RNAs that inhibit androgen signaling and prostate cancer cell growth.

Blocking androgen receptor signaling is the mainstay of therapy for advanced prostate cancer (PCa). However, acquired resistance to single agents targeting this pathway results in the development of lethal castration-resistant PCa. Combination therapy approaches represent a promising strategy for the treatment of advanced disease.

Cloning BRD4 long isoform into overexpression vectors for stable overexpression of BRD4-L in mammalian cells.

Molecular cloning of BRD4-L is a challenging technique, because the DNA insert is formed by a long, GC-rich sequence, which folds into secondary structures. The present protocol defines a specific strategy to amplify BRD4-L, followed by the successful cloning of the gene into an overexpression vector. Since there are no existing protocols nor commercially available plasmids, this work provides a useful tool for studies involving molecular cloning of BRD4-L and could potentially be applied to other challenging genes.

Upregulation of Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDHA) Contributes to Enhanced Bioenergetics of Ovarian Cancer Cells and Higher Sensitivity to Anti-Metabolic Agent Shikonin.

We discovered that the overexpression of mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA) is particularly prevalent in ovarian carcinoma and promotes highly metabolically active phenotype. Succinate dehydrogenase deficiency has been previously studied in some rare disorders. However, the role of SDHA upregulation and its impact on ovarian cancer metabolism has never been investigated, emphasizing the need for further research.

Structural Studies on Diverse Betacyanin Classes in Matured Pigment-Rich Fruits of L. and L. var. 'Rubra' (Malabar Spinach).

Identification of betacyanins in L. and L. var.

Gold Nanoparticles Disrupt the IGFBP2/mTOR/PTEN Axis to Inhibit Ovarian Cancer Growth.

By exploiting the self-therapeutic properties of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) a molecular axis that promotes the growth of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), one of the deadliest gynecologic malignancies with poorly understood underlying molecular mechanisms, has been identified. The biodistribution and toxicity of GNPs administered by intravenous or intraperitoneal injection, both as a single dose or by repeated dosing over two weeks are first assessed; no biochemical or histological toxicity to vital organs is found. Using an orthotopic patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of HGSOC, the authors then show that GNP treatment robustly inhibits tumor growth.

The Content of Selected Bioactive Compounds in Wines Produced from Dehydrated Grapes of the Hybrid Variety 'Hibernal' as a Factor Determining the Method of Producing Straw Wines.

Sweet wines are appreciated worldwide; many are produced by fermenting the must of dehydrated (semi-dried) grapes, using methods that vary from region to region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the basic chemical and oenological characteristics of wines obtained by three technologies of production. The wines were made from a hybrid cultivar 'Hibernal', grown under cool climate conditions.

Patient-derived tumor models are attractive tools to repurpose drugs for ovarian cancer treatment: pre-clinical updates.

Despite advances in understanding of ovarian cancer biology, the progress in translation of research findings into new therapies is still slow. It is associated in part with limitations of commonly used cancer models such as cell lines and genetically engineered mouse models that lack proper representation of diversity and complexity of actual human tumors. In addition, the development of anticancer drugs is a lengthy and expensive process.

Patient-Derived Xenografts of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Subtype as a Powerful Tool in Pre-Clinical Research.

(1) Background. PDX models have become the preferred tool in research laboratories seeking to improve development and pre-clinical testing of new drugs. PDXs have been shown to capture the cellular and molecular characteristics of human tumors better than simpler cell line-based models.

The role of distinct BRD4 isoforms and their contribution to high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma pathogenesis.

High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the most aggressive type of ovarian cancer, often diagnosed at advanced stages. Molecularly, HGSOC shows high degree of genomic instability associated with large number of genetic alterations. BRD4 is the 4th most amplified gene in HGSOC, which correlates with poor patients' prognosis.

Multi-kinase targeted therapy as a promising treatment strategy for ovarian tumors expressing sfRon receptor.

The sfRon kinase is an important therapeutic target in ovarian cancer that contributes to prominent tumor growth and disease progression. We reasoned that a multi-kinase inhibition of sfRon pathway might be an effective strategy to achieve a sustained anti-tumor response, while simultaneously preventing treatment resistance. We performed a detailed dissection of sfRon signaling and demonstrated that S6K1 is a key component of a multi-kinase targeting strategy in sfRon expressing ovarian tumors.

Potential and mechanism of mebendazole for treatment and maintenance of ovarian cancer.

Objective: Mebendazole and other anti-parasitic drugs are being used off-prescription based on social media and unofficial accounts of their anti-cancer activity. The purpose of this study was to conduct a controlled evaluation of mebendazole's therapeutic efficacy in cell culture and in vivo models of ovarian cancer. The majority of ovarian cancers harbor p53 null or missense mutations, therefore the effects of p53 mutations and a mutant p53 reactivator, PRIMA-1 (APR246) on mebendazole activity were evaluated.

Switching the intracellular pathway and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of small interfering RNA by auroliposome.

Gene silencing using small-interfering RNA (siRNA) is a viable therapeutic approach; however, the lack of effective delivery systems limits its clinical translation. Herein, we doped conventional siRNA-liposomal formulations with gold nanoparticles to create "auroliposomes," which significantly enhanced gene silencing. We targeted MICU1, a novel glycolytic switch in ovarian cancer, and delivered MICU1-siRNA using three delivery systems-commercial transfection agents, conventional liposomes, and auroliposomes.

Pregnant surgeon - assessment of potential harm to the woman and her unborn child.

Although most countries developed regulations concerning pregnant women at work, they are not strictly adjusted forevery profession. In the European countries directives prevent pregnant women from working during night shifts, but apartfrom a vague paragraph about avoiding hazardous agents, there are no guidelines specific for pregnant surgeons. The aimof the study was to analyse the risks and consequences of working in the operating theatre during pregnancy.

Urologic Complications After Transplantation of Kidneys With Duplicated Ureter: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Duplication of ureters is a common anatomic abnormality and occurs in 0.7% to 1% of the general population. In this article we focus on the safety of using of kidneys with complete ureteral duplication, provided no hydronephrosis or ureterocele was present in the donor.

Does Low Birthweight Have an Impact on Living Kidney Donor Outcomes?

Introduction: Because nearly 30,000 people worldwide become living kidney donors each year, donor safety is of the utmost importance. Recent studies have shown that living kidney donation is associated with an increased relative risk for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It is essential to determine which donors will be more likely to develop ESRD.

Analysis of Distribution of Expanded- and Standard-Criteria Donors and Complications Among Polish Recipients by Kidney Donor Risk Index Value.

Introduction: The approach toward transplanting kidneys from expanded-criteria donors (ECDs) in Poland is largely site-dependent. The Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) allows for obtaining a more precise characteristic of ECDs and further stratification into "better" and "worse" quality grafts.

Methods: Comparison of the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) and biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), median of hospitalization time and median of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 1 year after transplantation among kidney graft recipients (n = 468), divided by donor status (ECD/standard-criteria donor [SCD]) and KDRI value (I: 0.

Do Anatomical Anomalies Affect the Results of Living Donor Kidney Transplantation?

Background: Multiple renal artery kidneys still represent a special challenge for surgeons, during both nephrectomy for organ donation and transplantation. Recognition of anatomical conditions with advanced imaging methods is one of the most important elements of the preoperative evaluation process.

Aim: The purpose of the current study was to assess if anatomical abnormalities affect the outcomes of living kidney donor transplantation procedures.

Psychological Aspects of Living Kidney Donation in Poland: Experience of One Center.

Background: Living kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment of end-stage renal disease. The benefits for recipients are obvious. The psychological consequences for living kidney donors in Poland are not known.

Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β in Hypertensive Living Kidney Donors.

Background: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension and the development of hypertensive target organ damage. TGF-β may promote blood pressure elevation through several mechanisms. The identification of risk factors of hypertension in living kidney donors may provide proper postoperative management.

Efficacy of Follow-up Care System of Living Kidney Donors in Monitoring of Residual Kidney Function.

Background: The possibility of an increased risk of end-stage renal disease is a major concern associated with living kidney donation. Therefore, monitoring of residual kidney function becomes most essential.

Methods: A data analysis of 156 living kidney donors (LKDs) was conducted.

Short-form Ron is a novel determinant of ovarian cancer initiation and progression.

Short-form Ron (sfRon) is an understudied, alternative isoform of the full-length Ron receptor tyrosine kinase. In contrast to Ron, which has been shown to be an important player in many cancers, little is known about the role of sfRon in cancer pathogenesis. Here we report the striking discovery that sfRon expression is required for development of carcinogen-induced malignant ovarian tumors in mice.