Molecular Docking and Dynamics Simulation Revealed the Potential Inhibitory Activity of New Drugs against Human Topoisomerase I Receptor.

Human Topoisomerase I (hTop1p) is a ubiquitous enzyme that relaxes supercoiled DNA through a conserved mechanism involving transient breakage, rotation, and binding. Htop1p is the molecular target of the chemotherapeutic drug camptothecin (CPT). It causes the hTop1p-DNA complex to slow down the binding process and clash with the replicative machinery during the S phase of the cell cycle, forcing cells to activate the apoptotic response.

RACK1 is evolutionary conserved in satellite stem cell activation and adult skeletal muscle regeneration.

Skeletal muscle growth and regeneration involves the activity of resident adult stem cells, namely satellite cells (SC). Despite numerous mechanisms have been described, different signals are emerging as relevant in SC homeostasis. Here we demonstrated that the Receptor for Activated C-Kinase 1 (RACK1) is important in SC function.

Lutein/β-carotene ratio in extra virgin olive oil: An easy and rapid quantification method by Raman spectroscopy.

Carotenoids play an important role in the stability, freshness, and nutritional value of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). However, the carotenoid content in EVOO changes over time as a function of olive ripening and degrading events. A reliable quality marker is the ratio between the two most abundant carotenoids, namely lutein and β-carotene, since the second degrades more rapidly.

In Vitro Anti-Proliferative and Apoptotic Effects of Hydroxytyrosyl Oleate on SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cells.

The antitumor activity of polyphenols derived from extra virgin olive oil and, in particular the biological activity of HTyr, has been studied extensively. However, the use of HTyr as a therapeutic agent for clinical applications is limited by its low bioavailability and rapid excretion in humans. To overcome these limitations, several synthetic strategies have been optimized to prepare lipophenols and new compounds derived from HTyr to increase lipophilicity and bioavailability.

Determination of Carbonyl Compounds in Different Work Environments: Comparison between LC-UV/DAD and LC-MS/MS Detection Methods.

There were two analytical methods for the determination of 12 carbonyl compounds (CCs) by using liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and diode array detector (UV/DAD) that were developed and applied to 52 samples that were collected in 10 workplaces. Linearity (0.996 < R < 0.

Brain de novo transcriptome assembly of a toad species showing polymorphic anti-predatory behavior.

Understanding the genomic underpinnings of antipredatory behaviors is a hot topic in eco-evolutionary research. Yellow-bellied toad of the genus Bombina are textbook examples of the deimatic display, a time-structured behavior aimed at startling predators. Here, we generated the first de novo brain transcriptome of the Apennine yellow-bellied toad Bombina pachypus, a species showing inter-individual variation in the deimatic display.

Assessing Dietary Intakes from Household Budget Survey in Armenia, 2008-2019.

Household budget surveys are used regularly to estimate dietary intakes. The study aims to assess the trends in food consumption and nutrient intake, according to 14 dietary indicators from household budget surveys in Armenia. Data on food consumption was obtained from Armenian Integrated Living Conditions Surveys, 2008-2019.

How Computations Can Assist the Rational Design of Drugs for Photodynamic Therapy: Photosensitizing Activity Assessment of a Ru(II)-BODIPY Assembly.

Ruthenium-based complexes represent a new frontier in light-mediated therapeutic strategies against cancer. Here, a density functional-theory-based computational investigation, of the photophysical properties of a conjugate BODIPY-Ru(II) complex, is presented. Such a complex was reported to be a good photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT), successfully integrating the qualities of a NIR-absorbing distyryl-BODIPY dye and a PDT-active [Ru(bpy)] moiety.

Biosignature stability in space enables their use for life detection on Mars.

Two rover missions to Mars aim to detect biomolecules as a sign of extinct or extant life with, among other instruments, Raman spectrometers. However, there are many unknowns about the stability of Raman-detectable biomolecules in the martian environment, clouding the interpretation of the results. To quantify Raman-detectable biomolecule stability, we exposed seven biomolecules for 469 days to a simulated martian environment outside the International Space Station.

Computational Exploration of the Synergistic Anticancer Effect of a Multi-Action Ru(II)-Pt(IV) Conjugate.

An in-depth computational study of the ability of a recently proposed multi-action Ru(II)-Pt(IV) conjugate to act as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemotherapeutic drugs is presented here. The investigated complex is characterized by a polypyridyl Ru(II) chromophore linked to a Pt(IV) complex that, acting as a prodrug, should be activated by reduction releasing the Ru-based chromophore that can absorb light of proper wavelength to be used in PDT. The reaction mechanism for active species formation has been fully elucidated by means of density functional theory and its time-dependent extension.

Comparative Analysis of the Gene from the Antarctic Teleost Reveals Distinctive Features of Cold-Adapted Notothenioidei.

The IgM and IgT classes were previously identified and characterized in the Antarctic teleost , a species belonging to the Perciform suborder Notothenoidei. Herein, we characterized the gene encoding the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in the same species and compared it to the pIgR of multiple teleost species belonging to five perciform suborders, including 11 Antarctic and 1 non-Antarctic () notothenioid species, the latter living in the less-cold peri-Antarctic sea. Antarctic genes displayed particularly long introns marked by sites of transposable elements and transcription factors.

Transport of cationic liposomes in a human blood brain barrier model: Role of the stereochemistry of the gemini amphiphile on liposome biological features.

Hypothesis: The positive charge on liposome surface is known to promote the crossing of the Blood brain barrier (BBB). However, when diastereomeric cationic gemini amphiphiles are among lipid membrane components, also the stereochemistry may affect the permeability of the vesicle across the BBB.

Experiments: Liposomes featuring cationic diasteromeric gemini amphiphiles were formulated, characterized, and their interaction with cell culture models of BBB investigated.

One drop only. Easy and rapid Raman evaluation of β-carotene in olive oil and its relevance as an index of olive fly attack.

This paper presents, for the first time, a method for the rapid quantification of β-carotene in olive oil by Raman spectroscopy. Using a 532 nm Raman laser source, our procedure requires only one drop (100 µL) of oil, for β-carotene content to be determined. Results show that β-carotene content is associated with the lutein/β-carotene ratio, a parameter whose value describes how healthy the olives were before processing, specifically whether an olive fly attack occurred.

Trans-Fatty Acids in Fast-Food and Intake Assessment for Yerevan's Population, Armenia.

There are stringent regulations applicable for trans-fatty acid (TFA) limitations from food supply across the world. However, in Armenia, there is a scarcity of data on TFA content in food products and their consumption levels. Considering that fast-food is among the major contributors to TFA intake, this study aims to assess the dietary exposure of TFAs through the consumption of fast-food in Yerevan, Armenia.

Investigation of fungal biomolecules after Low Earth Orbit exposure: a testbed for the next Moon missions.

The Moon is characterized by extremely harsh conditions due to ultraviolet irradiation, wide temperature extremes, vacuum resulting from the absence of an atmosphere and high ionizing radiation. Therefore, its surface may provide a unique platform to investigate the effects of such conditions. For lunar exploration with the Lunar Gateway platform, exposure experiments in Low Earth Orbit are useful testbeds to prepare for lunar space experiments and to understand how and if potential biomarkers are influenced by extra-terrestrial conditions.

Exploring cellulose nanocrystals obtained from olive tree wastes as sustainable crop protection tool against bacterial diseases.

Nanomaterials in agriculture represent one of the most innovative method for protecting crops, due to possibility of being applied as nanopesticides or nanocarriers for active ingredients. Furthermore, nanotechnology could be combined with the concept of circular economy through the opportunity of obtaining highly technological nanometric materials starting from agro-industrial wastes. The present research evaluated the possibility of synthesizing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from olive pruning wastes through chemical bleaching, reusing them as sustainable tool to control the causal agent of the olive knot disease (Pseudomonas savastanoi pv.

The Ground-Based BIOMEX Experiment Verification Tests for Life Detection on Mars.

The success of an astrobiological search for life campaign on Mars, or other planetary bodies in the Solar System, relies on the detectability of past or present microbial life traces, namely, biosignatures. Spectroscopic methods require little or no sample preparation, can be repeated almost endlessly, and can be performed in contact or even remotely. Such methods are therefore ideally suited to use for the detection of biosignatures, which can be confirmed with supporting instrumentation.

Oxidative Stress and Autophagy as Key Targets in Melanoma Cell Fate.

Melanoma originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes and is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. The recent approval of several drugs has increased the chance of survival although a significant subset of patients with metastatic melanoma do not show a long-lasting response to these treatments. The complex cross-talk between oxidative stress and the catabolic process autophagy seems to play a central role in all aspects of melanoma pathophysiology, from initiation to progression and metastasis, including drug resistance.

Effect of malting on nutritional and antioxidant properties of the seeds of two industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars.

The impact of malting on antioxidant, nutritional, and antinutritional features of two industrial hemp cultivars was investigated. The seeds were steeped (5 h; RT), germinated (3-days; 24 °C), and kilned at different temperatures (6 h; 50 °C or 70 °C). The following determinations were performed on malted and unmalted samples: total phenolic content, polyphenol profile, total antioxidant capacity, tocopherol composition, proximate analysis, fatty acids profile, trypsin inhibitors and phytate content.

Fungal Biomarkers Stability in Mars Regolith Analogues after Simulated Space and Mars-like Conditions.

The discovery of life on other planets and moons in our solar system is one of the most important challenges of this era. The second ExoMars mission will look for traces of extant or extinct life on Mars. The instruments on board the rover will be able to reach samples with eventual biomarkers until 2 m of depth under the planet's surface.

The Effect of Trans Fatty Acids on Human Health: Regulation and Consumption Patterns.

Health effects of trans fatty acids (TFAs) on human organisms can vary according to their type, structure, composition, and origin. Even though the adverse health effects of industrial TFAs (iTFAs) have been widely discussed, the health effects of natural TFAs (nTFAs) are still questionable. Hence, it is important to review the literature and provide an overall picture on the health effects of different TFAs coming from industrial and ruminant sources, underlining those types that have adverse health effects as well as suggesting methods for reducing their harmful effects.

Revealing Soil and Tree Leaves Deposited Particulate Matter PTE Relationship and Potential Sources in Urban Environment.

Trees play a pivotal role in improving urban environmental quality and provide several ecosystem services including the removal of pollutants from the air, such as particular matter (PM) and potentially toxic elements (PTE). Therefore, understanding the tree PM and PTE capturing potential, also in connection with plant species, is of great concern, especially in urban areas. This study aims to reveal the link between the elemental composition of PM deposited on tree leaves and soils PTE contents, as well as to rank the PM capturing efficiency of 10 different tree species growing under the impact of urban environments.

Antarctica as a reservoir of planetary analogue environments.

One of the main objectives of astrobiological research is the investigation of the habitability of other planetary bodies. Since space exploration missions are expensive and require long-term organization, the preliminary study of terrestrial environments is an essential step to prepare and support exploration missions. The Earth hosts a multitude of extreme environments whose characteristics resemble celestial bodies in our Solar System.

Nutraceutical Strategy to Counteract Eye Neurodegeneration and Oxidative Stress in Fed with High-Sugar Diet.

Aberrant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a common feature of damaged retinal neurons in diabetic retinopathy, and antioxidants may exert both preventive and therapeutic action. To evaluate the beneficial and antioxidant properties of food supplementation with Lisosan G, a powder of bran and germ of grain () obtained by fermentation with selected lactobacillus and natural yeast strains, we used an in vivo model of hyperglycemia-induced retinal damage, the fruit fly fed with high-sucrose diet. Lisosan G positively affected the visual system of hyperglycemic flies at structural/functional level, decreased apoptosis, and reactivated protective autophagy at the retina internal network.