Oceanic islands act as drivers for the genetic diversity of marine species: Cardita calyculata (Linnaeus, 1758) in the NE Atlantic as a case-study.

Geographic distribution, as well as evolutionary and biogeographic processes and patterns of marine invertebrate benthic species are strongly shaped by dispersal ability during the life cycle. Remote oceanic islands lie at the brink of complex biotic and abiotic interactions which have significantly influenced the biodiversity patterns we see today. The interaction between geological environmental change and taxon-specific dispersal modes can influence species evolutionary patterns, eventually delimiting species-specific biogeographic regions.

Novel 3D human trophoblast culture to explore infection in the placenta.

Introduction: Human trophoblastic cell lines, such as BeWo, are commonly used in 2D models to study placental infections. However, these models do not accurately represent natural infections. Three-dimensional (3D) microtissue cultures offer a more physiologically relevant in vitro model, mimicking tissue microarchitecture and providing an environment closer to natural infections.

Fission yeast Bgs1 glucan synthase participates in the control of growth polarity and membrane traffic.

Rod-shaped fission yeast grows through cell wall expansion at poles and septum, synthesized by essential glucan synthases. Bgs1 synthesizes the linear β(1,3)glucan of primary septum at cytokinesis. Linear β(1,3)glucan is also present in the wall poles, suggesting additional Bgs1 roles in growth polarity.

Assessment of the Effects of Abrocitinib on the Pharmacokinetics of Probe Substrates of Cytochrome P450 1A2, 2B6 and 2C19 Enzymes and Hormonal Oral Contraceptives in Healthy Individuals.

Background And Objective: Abrocitinib is an oral small-molecule Janus kinase (JAK)-1 inhibitor approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. In vitro studies indicated that abrocitinib is a weak time-dependent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19/3A and a weak inducer of CYP1A2/2B6/2C19/3A. To assess the potential effect of abrocitinib on concomitant medications, drug-drug interaction (DDI) studies were conducted for abrocitinib with sensitive probe substrates of these CYP enzymes.

Reductions in remnant cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol through inhibition of ANGPTL3 protein synthesis: an analysis from the TRANSLATE-TIMI 70 trial.

Aims: Remnant cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) are increasingly recognized risk factors for atherosclerotic disease with few therapeutic options. Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3), a key protein in the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, is a promising target.

Methods And Results: TRANSLATE-TIMI 70 was a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial testing seven dose regimens of vupanorsen, an antisense oligonucleotide against ANGPTL3, in adults with non-HDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dL and triglycerides 150-500 mg/dL.

Small-scale metapopulation structure of a limnophilic fish species in a natural river system investigated using microsatellite genotyping by amplicon sequencing (SSR-GBAS).

Habitat niches of fish species can exert a strong influence on population structure, even on a small geographical scale. In this scope, Pelasgus thesproticus is a great model species to study connectivity in riverine environments owing to its naturally patchy habitat distribution. Furthermore, it is important to conduct such studies in near-natural systems to avoid the impact of human disturbances on the river, such as fragmentation, morphological changes and habitat degradation.

Hepatic fat changes with antisense oligonucleotide therapy targeting ANGPTL3.

Background: Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) is a novel therapeutic target for hyperlipidemia. Vupanorsen, an antisense oligonucleotide targeting ANGPTL3, reduced triglycerides up to 57% in a phase 2b trial, but caused dose-dependent increases in hepatic fat fraction (HFF).

Objective: To determine the degree of HFF progression with escalating doses of vupanorsen, differential HFF increases in key patient subgroups, and the correlation between changes in HFF and liver enzymes.

Microsatellites reveal divergence in population genetic diversity, and structure of osyris lanceolata (santalaceae) in Uganda and Kenya.

Background: Osyris lanceolata (Hochst. & Steud.) (Santalaceae) is a multipurpose plant highly valued culturally and economically in Africa.

Exploring the morphological dynamics of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linn. 1758) in Victoria Nile as depicted from geometric morphometrics.

Background: Various anthropogenic activities continue to threaten the fish biodiversity of the East African water bodies such as the Victoria Nile. Although the Victoria Nile is a significant source of livelihood for human populations, the biology and ecology of Nile tilapia in this ecosystem remain understudied with little or no information on the morphology of the fish given varying and immense anthropogenic activities. Here, we use geometric morphometrics to examine the morphology/shape variations of Nile tilapia populations in Victoria Nile to gain insights into their current ecological state.

Analysis of the Localization of Glucan Synthases in the Presence of the Antifungal Agent Caspofungin.

In recent years, invasive fungal infections have emerged as a common source of infections in immunosuppressed patients. All fungal cells are surrounded by a cell wall that is essential for cell integrity and survival. It prevents cell death and lysis resulting from high internal turgor pressure.

Morphospecies and molecular diversity of 'lace corals': the genus Reteporella (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida) in the central North Atlantic Azores Archipelago.

Background: As in most bryozoans, taxonomy and systematics of species in the genus Reteporella Busk, 1884 (family Phidoloporidae) has hitherto almost exclusively been based on morphological characters. From the central North Atlantic Azores Archipelago, nine Reteporella species have historically been reported, none of which have as yet been revised. Aiming to characterise the diversity and biogeographic distribution of Azorean Reteporella species, phylogenetic reconstructions were conducted on a dataset of 103 Azorean Reteporella specimens, based on the markers cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1, small and large ribosomal RNA subunits.

Long-term durability and ecotoxicity of biocomposites in marine environments: a review.

There is a growing interest in replacing fossil-based polymers and composites with more sustainable and renewable fully biobased composite materials in automotive, aerospace and marine applications. There is an effort to develop components with a reduced carbon footprint and environmental impact, and materials based on biocomposites could provide such solutions. Structural components can be subjected to different marine conditions, therefore assessment of their long-term durability according to their marine applications is necessary, highlighting related degradation mechanisms.

The gut bacterial microbiome of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from lakes across an altitudinal gradient.

Background: Microorganisms inhabiting the gut play a significant role in supporting fundamental physiological processes of the host, which contributes to their survival in varied environments. Several studies have shown that altitude affects the composition and diversity of intestinal microbial communities in terrestrial animals. However, little is known about the impact of altitude on the gut microbiota of aquatic animals.

Effect of Vupanorsen on Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Statin-Treated Patients With Elevated Cholesterol: TRANSLATE-TIMI 70.

Background: Genetic loss-of-function variants in are associated with lower levels of plasma lipids. Vupanorsen is a hepatically targeted antisense oligonucleotide that inhibits Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) protein synthesis.

Methods: Adults with non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) ≥100 mg/dL and triglycerides 150 to 500 mg/dL on statin therapy were randomized in a double-blind fashion to placebo or 1 of 7 vupanorsen dose regimens (80, 120, or 160 mg SC every 4 weeks, or 60, 80, 120, or 160 mg SC every 2 weeks).

School Refusal Behavior: Role of Personality Styles, Social Functioning, and Psychiatric Symptoms in a Sample of Adolescent Help-Seekers.

Objective: School refusal (SR) in adolescence represents an important risk factor associated with adverse consequences. Although many clinical features of adolescents presenting with SR have been studied, the relationship between SR and personality styles-specifically in the help-seeking population-remains unclear. The present study aimed at investigating differences in personality style, adaptive functioning, and symptomology between Italian help-seeking adolescents who refused (SRa) and did not refuse (non-SRa) to attend school, to provide preliminary evidence of personality patterns in adolescent help-seekers presenting with SR.

Echinocandin Drugs Induce Differential Effects in Cytokinesis Progression and Cell Integrity.

Fission yeast contains three essential β(1,3)-D-glucan synthases (GSs), Bgs1, Bgs3, and Bgs4, with non-overlapping roles in cell integrity and morphogenesis. Only the mutants and exhibit resistance to GS inhibitors, even in the presence of the wild-type (WT) sequences of and . Thus, Bgs1 and Bgs3 functions seem to be unaffected by those GS inhibitors.

Knowledge Gaps in Taxonomy, Ecology, Population Distribution Drivers and Genetic Diversity of African Sandalwood ( Hochst. & Steud.): A Scoping Review for Conservation.

The increasing demand for ornamental, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products is driving exploitation of plant species globally. Sub-Saharan Africa harbours unique and valuable plant resources and is now a target of plant resource depletion. African Sandalwood ( a multi-purpose and drought-tolerant species, has seen increased exploitation for the last thirty years and is now declared endangered.

Analysis and application of a suite of recombinant endo-β(1,3)-D-glucanases for studying fungal cell walls.

Background: The fungal cell wall is an essential and robust external structure that protects the cell from the environment. It is mainly composed of polysaccharides with different functions, some of which are necessary for cell integrity. Thus, the process of fractionation and analysis of cell wall polysaccharides is useful for studying the function and relevance of each polysaccharide, as well as for developing a variety of practical and commercial applications.

Dispersal ability, habitat characteristics, and sea-surface circulation shape population structure of Cingula trifasciata (Gastropoda: Rissoidae) in the remote Azores Archipelago.

Background: In the marine realm, dispersal ability is among the major factors shaping the distribution of species. In the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, the Azores Archipelago is home to a multitude of marine invertebrates which, despite their dispersal limitations, maintain gene flow among distant populations, with complex evolutionary and biogeographic implications. The mechanisms and factors underlying the population dynamics and genetic structure of non-planktotrophic gastropods within the Azores Archipelago and related mainland populations are still poorly understood.

Genetic diversity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) populations in Ethiopia: insights from nuclear DNA microsatellites and implications for conservation.

Background: Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) is among the economically most important freshwater fish species in East Africa, and a major source of protein for local consumption. Human induced translocations of non-native stocks for aquaculture and fisheries have been found as a potential threat to the genetic diversity and integrity of local populations. In the present study, we investigate the genetic structure of O.

Cluster Headache is Still Lurking in the Shadows.

Cluster headache, apart from its legendary reputation as the most violent headache that can exist, suffers from an average 60-month delay in diagnosis. The simplicity of the clinical manifestations, although dramatic, makes this delay inexplicable. The education of emergency department physicians and various specialists not specifically dedicated to headaches allows cluster headache to remain in a lurking position with flourishing periods of disease that are often unpredictable in both onset and disappearance.

X-ray computed tomography evaluations of additive manufactured multimaterial composites.

Additive Manufacturing (AM) often produces complex engineered structures by precisely distributing materials in a layer-by-layer fashion. Multimaterial AM is a particularly flexible technique able to combine a range of hard and soft materials to produce designed composites. Critically, the design of AM multimaterial structures requires the development of precise three-dimensional (3D) computed aided design (CAD) files.