Spotlight on G-Quadruplexes: From Structure and Modulation to Physiological and Pathological Roles.

G-quadruplexes or G4s are non-canonical secondary structures of nucleic acids characterized by guanines arranged in stacked tetraplex arrays. Decades of research into these peculiar assemblies of DNA and RNA, fueled by the development and optimization of a vast array of techniques and assays, has resulted in a large amount of information regarding their structure, stability, localization, and biological significance in native systems. A plethora of articles have reported the roles of G-quadruplexes in multiple pathways across several species, ranging from gene expression regulation to RNA biogenesis and trafficking, DNA replication, and genome maintenance.

Capsaicin and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D Glycoside: Effects on the Reproductive Performance of Hyper-Prolific Sows.

This study evaluated the effect of a natural source of vitamin D [1,25-(OH)D] and capsaicin (CAP) in the dietary supplementation of sows in the final phase (85-114 days) of gestation (Gest) and lactation (Lact) on the reproductive performance of the sows and health of piglets through two experiments (Exp I and II). In Exp I, 120 sows were subjected to four treatments: T1-control (without [1,25-(OH)D] and supplemental CAP); T2-3.5 µg 1,25-(OH)D/Gest/day and 7.

Sclerosing Paragangliomas: Correlations of Histological Features with Patients' Genotype and Vesicular Monoamine Transporter Expression.

Paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors, carrying a germ-line mutation in 40% patients. Sclerosis is a rare histological feature in these tumors. We investigated the possible correlations between histological findings, first sclerosis, immunoreactivity for vesicular catecholamine transporters (VMAT1/VMAT2) and patients' genotype in a consecutive series of 57 tumors (30 paragangliomas and 27 pheochromocytomas) from 55 patients.

Vesicular monoamine transporters expression in pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas according to scintigraphy and positron emission tomography behavior.

Background: The expression of vesicular catecholamine transporters (VMAT1 and 2) in pheochromocytomas (PHEOs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) and the possible relationships with [18F]FDOPA PET/CT and [123I]MIBG scintigraphy uptake are unknown. Our purpose was to investigate possible correlations of either VMAT1 and VMAT2 expression with the functional imaging in patients with PHEOs and PGLs.

Methods: An observational 3-year time study was performed by enrolling 31 consecutive patients with PHEO (N.