Life | July 2020 - Browse Articles

23 pages, 2433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Patterns and Puzzles of Genetic Diversity of Endangered Freshwater Mussel Unio crassus Philipsson, 1788 Populations from Vistula and Neman Drainages (Eastern Central Europe)

by Adrianna Kilikowska, Monika Mioduchowska, Anna Wysocka, Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk-Ziemba, Joanna Rychlińska, Katarzyna Zając, Tadeusz Zając, Povilas Ivinskis and Jerzy Sell

Life 2020, 10(7), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070119 - 21 Jul 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3820

Abstract

Mussels of the family Unionidae are important components of freshwater ecosystems. Alarmingly, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List of Threatened Species identifies almost 200 unionid species as extinct, endangered, or threatened. Their decline is the result of [...] Read more.

Mussels of the family Unionidae are important components of freshwater ecosystems. Alarmingly, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List of Threatened Species identifies almost 200 unionid species as extinct, endangered, or threatened. Their decline is the result of human impact on freshwater habitats, and the decrease of host fish populations. The Thick Shelled River Mussel Unio crassus Philipsson, 1788 is one of the examples that has been reported to show a dramatic decline of populations. Hierarchical organization of riverine systems is supposed to reflect the genetic structure of populations inhabiting them. The main goal of this study was an assessment of the U. crassus genetic diversity in river ecosystems using hierarchical analysis. Different molecular markers, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer ITS region, and mitochondrial DNA genes (cox1 and ndh1), were used to examine the distribution of U. crassus among-population genetic variation at multiple spatial scales (within rivers, among rivers within drainages, and between drainages of the Neman and Vistula rivers). We found high genetic structure between both drainages suggesting that in the case of the analyzed U. crassus populations we were dealing with at least two different genetic units. Only about 4% of the mtDNA variation was due to differences among populations within drainages. However, comparison of population differentiation within drainages for mtDNA also showed some genetic structure among populations within the Vistula drainage. Only one haplotype was shared among all Polish populations whereas the remainder were unique for each population despite the hydrological connection. Interestingly, some haplotypes were present in both drainages. In the case of U. crassus populations under study, the Mantel test revealed a relatively strong relationship between genetic and geographical distances. However, in detail, the pattern of genetic diversity seems to be much more complicated. Therefore, we suggest that the observed pattern of U. crassus genetic diversity distribution is shaped by both historical and current factors i.e. different routes of post glacial colonization and history of drainage systems, historical gene flow, and more recent habitat fragmentation due to anthropogenic factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Phylogenetics and Mitochondrial Evolution)

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17 pages, 4740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Perspective on Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment: Rosmarinic Acid Molecular Interplay with Copper(II) and Amyloid β

by Arian Kola, Aleksandra Hecel, Stefania Lamponi and Daniela Valensin

Life 2020, 10(7), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070118 - 20 Jul 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4273

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease is a severe disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a very debilitating disease with no cure at the moment. The necessity of finding an effective treatment is very demanding, and the entire scientific community is putting in a [...] Read more.

Alzheimer’s disease is a severe disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a very debilitating disease with no cure at the moment. The necessity of finding an effective treatment is very demanding, and the entire scientific community is putting in a lot of effort to address this issue. The major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is the presence of toxic aggregated species in the brain, impaired metal homeostasis, and high levels of oxidative stress. Rosmarinic acid is a well-known potent antioxidant molecule, the efficacy of which has been proved both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated the possible role played by rosmarinic acid as a mediator of the copper(II)-induced neurotoxicity. Several spectroscopic techniques and biological assays were applied to characterize the metal complexes and to evaluate the cytotoxicity and the mutagenicity of rosmarinic acid and its Cu(II) complex. Our data indicate that rosmarinic acid is able to interfere with the interaction between amyloid β and Cu(II) by forming an original ternary association. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Function, Regulation, and Dysfunction of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins)

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21 pages, 1609 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between the Expression of Fatty Acyl Desaturase 2 (fads2) Gene in Peripheral Blood Cells (PBCs) and Liver in Gilthead Seabream, Sparus aurata Broodstock Fed a Low n-3 LC-PUFA Diet

by Shajahan Ferosekhan, Serhat Turkmen, Hanlin Xu, Juan Manuel Afonso, Maria Jesus Zamorano, Sadasivam Kaushik and Marisol Izquierdo

Life 2020, 10(7), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070117 - 19 Jul 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3633

Abstract

The principle aim of this study is to elucidate the relationship between the fatty acid desaturase 2 gene (fads2) expression pattern in peripheral blood cells (PBCs) and liver of gilthead seabream (GSB), Sparus aurata broodstock in order to determine the possible [...] Read more.

The principle aim of this study is to elucidate the relationship between the fatty acid desaturase 2 gene (fads2) expression pattern in peripheral blood cells (PBCs) and liver of gilthead seabream (GSB), Sparus aurata broodstock in order to determine the possible use of fads2 expression as a potential biomarker for the selection of broodstock. This selection could be utilized for breeding programs aiming to improve reproduction, health, and nutritional status. Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT)-tagged GSB broodstock (Male-1.22 ± 0.20 kg; 44.8 ± 2 cm and female-2.36 ± 0.64 kg; 55.1 cm) were fed a diet containing low levels of fish meal and fish oil (EPA 2.5; DHA 1.7 and n-3 LC-PUFA 4.6% TFA) for one month. After the feeding period, fads2 expression in PBCs and liver of both male and female broodstock were highly significantly correlated (r = 0.89; p < 0.001). Additionally, in male broodstock, liver fads2 expression was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) to liver contents in 16:0 (r = 0.95; p = 0.04) and total saturates (r = 0.97; p = 0.03) as well as to 20:3n–6/20:2n–6 (r = 0.98; p = 0.02) a Fads2 product/precursor ratio. Overall, we found a positive and significant correlation between fads2 expression levels in the PBCs and liver of GSB broodstock. PBCs fads2 expression levels indicate a strong potential for utilization as a non-invasive method to select animals having increased fatty acid bioconversion capability, better able to deal with diets free of fish meal and fish oil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Science)

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10 pages, 1669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Adenine Enhance Osteogenesis in the Osteoblast-Like MG-63 Cells

by Yu-Pin Chen, Yo-Lun Chu, Yang-Hwei Tsuang, Yueh Wu, Cheng-Yi Kuo and Yi-Jie Kuo

Life 2020, 10(7), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070116 - 19 Jul 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3600

Abstract

Background: Adenine is a purine with a role in cellular respiration and protein synthesis. It is considered for its pharmacological potential. We investigated whether anti-inflammatory effect of adenine benefits on the proliferation and maturation of osteoblastic cells. Methods: Human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) were [...] Read more.

Background: Adenine is a purine with a role in cellular respiration and protein synthesis. It is considered for its pharmacological potential. We investigated whether anti-inflammatory effect of adenine benefits on the proliferation and maturation of osteoblastic cells. Methods: Human osteoblast-like cells (MG-63) were cultured with adenine under control conditions or pre-treated with 10ng/mL of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) followed by adenine treatment. Cell viability was examined using dimethylthiazol diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Expression of cytokines and osteogenic markers were analyzed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and ELISA. Enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and collagen content were measured. Results: TNF-α exposure led to a decreased viability of osteoblastic cells. Treatment with adenine suppressed TNF-α-induced elevation in IL-6 expression and nitrite oxide production in MG-63 cells. Adenine induced the osteoblast differentiation with increased transcript levels of collage and increased ALP enzyme activity. Conclusions: Adenine exerts anti-inflammatory activity in an inflammatory cell model. Adenine benefits osteoblast differentiation in normal and inflammatory experimental settings. Adenine has a potential for the use to treat inflammatory bone condition such as osteoporosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)

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21 pages, 3825 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Profiling and Identification of Omeprazole Metabolites in Mouse Brain and Plasma by Isotope Ratio-Monitoring Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric Method

by Seok-Ho Shin, Yuri Park, Min-Ho Park, Jin-Ju Byeon, Byeong ill Lee, Jangmi Choi and Young G. Shin

Life 2020, 10(7), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070115 - 19 Jul 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4331

Abstract

Neuro–inflammation is known to be one of the pathogenesis for the degenerative central nervous system (CNS) disease. Recently various approaches for the treatment of brain diseases by controlling neuro-inflammation in the brain have been introduced. In this respect, there is a continuous demand [...] Read more.

Neuro–inflammation is known to be one of the pathogenesis for the degenerative central nervous system (CNS) disease. Recently various approaches for the treatment of brain diseases by controlling neuro-inflammation in the brain have been introduced. In this respect, there is a continuous demand for CNS drugs, which could be safer and more effective. Omeprazole, a well-known proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) is generally prescribed for the treatment of peptic ulcer. In addition to the anti-gastric acid secretion mechanism, recent studies showed that omeprazole or PPIs would likely have anti-inflammation effects in vitro and in vivo, but their effects on anti-inflammation in brain are still unknown. In this study, omeprazole and its metabolites in a mouse’s brain after various routes of administration have been explored by stable isotope ratio-patterning liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric method. First, a simple liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric (LC–MS) method was established for the quantification of omeprazole in mouse plasma and brain. After that, omeprazole and its stable isotope (D3–omeprazole) were concomitantly administered through various routes to mice in order to identify novel metabolites characteristically observed in the mouse brain and were analyzed using a different LC–MS method with information-dependent analysis (IDA) scan. With this unique approach, several new metabolites of omeprazole were identified by the mass difference between omeprazole and stable isotope in both brain and plasma samples. A total of seventeen metabolites were observed, and the observed metabolites were different from each administration route or each matrix (brain or plasma). The brain pharmacokinetic profiles and brain-to-plasma partition coefficient (Kp) were also evaluated in a satellite study. Overall, these results provide better insights to understand the CNS-related biological effects of omeprazole and its metabolites in vivo. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics 2020)

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8 pages, 1097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Atelocollagen Application in Human Periodontal Tissue Treatment—A Pilot Study

by Marzena Wyganowska-Swiatkowska, Anna Duda-Sobczak, Andrea Corbo and Teresa Matthews-Brzozowska

Life 2020, 10(7), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070114 - 16 Jul 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3480

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is the clinical observation of gingival tissue condition after atelocollagen injection. Methods: In 18 patients, 97 gingival class I Miller recessions were divided according to recession height, gingival papillae loss and thickness of gingivae. Atelocollagen (Linerase, 100 [...] Read more.

Background: The aim of this study is the clinical observation of gingival tissue condition after atelocollagen injection. Methods: In 18 patients, 97 gingival class I Miller recessions were divided according to recession height, gingival papillae loss and thickness of gingivae. Atelocollagen (Linerase, 100 mg) was injected into keratinized gingivae twice or thrice, at two-week intervals. Results: Statistically significant changes in gingival recession, amount of gingival papillae loss and thickness of gingiva were observed, after both two and three collagen injections. Although the degree (height) of recession decreased and gingival tissue thickness increased with every injection; there was no difference in gingival papillae loss between second and third collagen injections. Conclusions: The injectable form of atelocollagen is a promising material for gingival soft tissue regeneration and stimulation and allows for reduction in the number of procedures and support in a variety of surgical scenarios. This is a pilot study that clinically measures the impact of injected atelocollagen on periodontal tissue biotype, including the thickness of gingivae and gingival papillae regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)

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28 pages, 5072 KiB

Open AccessReview

Organic Matter Preservation in Ancient Soils of Earth and Mars

by Adrian P. Broz

Life 2020, 10(7), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070113 - 16 Jul 2020

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6233

Abstract

The emerging field of astropedology is the study of ancient soils on Earth and other planetary bodies. Examination of the complex factors that control the preservation of organic matter and other biosignatures in ancient soils is a high priority for current and future [...] Read more.

The emerging field of astropedology is the study of ancient soils on Earth and other planetary bodies. Examination of the complex factors that control the preservation of organic matter and other biosignatures in ancient soils is a high priority for current and future missions to Mars. Though previously defined by biological activity, an updated definition of soil as planetary surfaces altered in place by biological, chemical or physical processes was adopted in 2017 by the Soil Science Society of America in response to mounting evidence of pedogenic-like features on Mars. Ancient (4.1–3.7 billion year old [Byr]) phyllosilicate-rich surface environments on Mars show evidence of sustained subaerial weathering of sediments with liquid water at circumneutral pH, which is a soil-forming process. The accumulation of buried, fossilized soils, or paleosols, has been widely observed on Earth, and recent investigations suggest paleosol-like features may be widespread across the surface of Mars. However, the complex array of preservation and degradation factors controlling the fate of biosignatures in paleosols remains unexplored. This paper identifies the dominant factors contributing to the preservation and degradation of organic carbon in paleosols through the geological record on Earth, and offers suggestions for prioritizing locations for in situ biosignature detection and Mars Sample Return across a diverse array of potential paleosols and paleoenvironments of early Mars. A compilation of previously published data and original research spanning a diverse suite of paleosols from the Pleistocene (1 Myr) to the Archean (3.7 Byr) show that redox state is the predominant control for the organic matter content of paleosols. Most notably, the chemically reduced surface horizons (layers) of Archean (2.3 Byr) paleosols have organic matter concentrations ranging from 0.014–0.25%. However, clay mineralogy, amorphous phase abundance, diagenetic alteration and sulfur content are all significant factors that influence the preservation of organic carbon. The surface layers of paleosols that formed under chemically reducing conditions with high amounts of iron/magnesium smectites and amorphous colloids should be considered high priority locations for biosignature investigation within subaerial paleoenvironments on Mars. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Astrobiology)

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13 pages, 629 KiB

Open AccessArticle

UPLC-MS/MS Phytochemical Analysis of Two Croatian Cistus Species and Their Biological Activity

by Ivana Carev, Ana Maravić, Nada Ilić, Vedrana Čikeš Čulić, Olivera Politeo, Zoran Zorić and Mila Radan

Life 2020, 10(7), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070112 - 14 Jul 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4000

Abstract

Aqueous extracts of two Cistus species wild growing in Croatia—Cistus creticus (CC) and Cistus salviifolius (CS)—have been assessed with UPLC-MS/MS, showing 43 different phytochemicals, with flavonol glycosides: myricetin-3-hexoside and myricetin-rhamnoside, predominate ones in CC and myricetin-3-hexoside in CS. Antioxidant potential tested with [...] Read more.

Aqueous extracts of two Cistus species wild growing in Croatia—Cistus creticus (CC) and Cistus salviifolius (CS)—have been assessed with UPLC-MS/MS, showing 43 different phytochemicals, with flavonol glycosides: myricetin-3-hexoside and myricetin-rhamnoside, predominate ones in CC and myricetin-3-hexoside in CS. Antioxidant potential tested with the FRAP method showed no difference between CS and CC aqueous extracts, while higher phenolic content of CC comparing to CS, determined with a Folin–Cicolateu reagent correlated to its higher antioxidant capacity observed by the DPPH method. Both extracts were assessed for antimicrobial activity, using disc-diffusion and broth microdilution assays, targeting the opportunistic pathogens, associated with food poisoning, urinary, respiratory tract, blood stream and wound infections in humans. Antimicrobial assays revealed that fungi were in general more sensitive to both Cistus aqueous extracts, comparing to the bacteria where two extracts showed very similar activity. The most potent activity was observed against A. baumannii for both extracts. The extracts were tested on human lung cancer (A549) cell line using the MTT assay, showing very similar antiproliferative activity. After 72 h treatment with CC and CS aqueous extracts in concentration of 0.5 g/L, the viability of the cells were 37% and 50% respectively, compared to non-treated cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Natural Compounds for Therapeutics and Nutraceutical Applications)

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22 pages, 2539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Embelin as Lead Compound for New Neuroserpin Polymerization Inhibitors

by Cristina Visentin, Loana Musso, Luca Broggini, Francesca Bonato, Rosaria Russo, Claudia Moriconi, Martino Bolognesi, Elena Miranda, Sabrina Dallavalle, Daniele Passarella and Stefano Ricagno

Life 2020, 10(7), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070111 - 11 Jul 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3338

Abstract

Familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB) is a severe and lethal neurodegenerative disease. Upon specific point mutations in the SERPINI1gene-coding for the human protein neuroserpin (NS) the resulting pathologic NS variants polymerize and accumulate within the endoplasmic reticulum of neurons in [...] Read more.

Familial encephalopathy with neuroserpin inclusion bodies (FENIB) is a severe and lethal neurodegenerative disease. Upon specific point mutations in the SERPINI1gene-coding for the human protein neuroserpin (NS) the resulting pathologic NS variants polymerize and accumulate within the endoplasmic reticulum of neurons in the central nervous system. To date, embelin (EMB) is the only known inhibitor of NS polymerization in vitro. This molecule is capable of preventing NS polymerization and dissolving preformed polymers. Here, we show that lowering EMB concentration results in increasing size of NS oligomers in vitro. Moreover, we observe that in cells expressing NS, the polymerization of G392E NS is reduced, but this effect is mediated by an increased proteasomal degradation rather than polymerization impairment. For these reasons we designed a systematic chemical evolution of the EMB scaffold aimed to improve its anti-polymerization properties. The effect of EMB analogs against NS polymerization was assessed in vitro. None of the EMB analogs displayed an anti-polymerization activity better than the one reported for EMB, indicating that the EMB–NS interaction surface is very specific and highly optimized. Thus, our results indicate that EMB is, to date, still the best candidate for developing a treatment against NS polymerization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Function, Regulation, and Dysfunction of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins)

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15 pages, 2642 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamical Behavior and Conformational Selection Mechanism of the Intrinsically Disordered Sic1 Kinase-Inhibitor Domain

by Davide Sala, Ugo Cosentino, Anna Ranaudo, Claudio Greco and Giorgio Moro

Life 2020, 10(7), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070110 - 11 Jul 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3068

Abstract

Intrinsically Disordered Peptides and Proteins (IDPs) in solution can span a broad range of conformations that often are hard to characterize by both experimental and computational methods. However, obtaining a significant representation of the conformational space is important to understand mechanisms underlying protein [...] Read more.

Intrinsically Disordered Peptides and Proteins (IDPs) in solution can span a broad range of conformations that often are hard to characterize by both experimental and computational methods. However, obtaining a significant representation of the conformational space is important to understand mechanisms underlying protein functions such as partner recognition. In this work, we investigated the behavior of the Sic1 Kinase-Inhibitor Domain (KID) in solution by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Our results point out that application of common descriptors of molecular shape such as Solvent Accessible Surface (SAS) area can lead to misleading outcomes. Instead, more appropriate molecular descriptors can be used to define 3D structures. In particular, we exploited Weighted Holistic Invariant Molecular (WHIM) descriptors to get a coarse-grained but accurate definition of the variegated Sic1 KID conformational ensemble. We found that Sic1 is able to form a variable amount of folded structures even in absence of partners. Among them, there were some conformations very close to the structure that Sic1 is supposed to assume in the binding with its physiological complexes. Therefore, our results support the hypothesis that this protein relies on the conformational selection mechanism to recognize the correct molecular partners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Function, Regulation, and Dysfunction of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins)

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20 pages, 4161 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Optimization of Molecular Dynamics Simulations of c-MYC^1-88—An Intrinsically Disordered System

by Sandra S. Sullivan and Robert O.J. Weinzierl

Life 2020, 10(7), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070109 - 10 Jul 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4764

Abstract

Many of the proteins involved in key cellular regulatory events contain extensive intrinsically disordered regions that are not readily amenable to conventional structure/function dissection. The oncoprotein c-MYC plays a key role in controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis and more than 70% of the [...] Read more.

Many of the proteins involved in key cellular regulatory events contain extensive intrinsically disordered regions that are not readily amenable to conventional structure/function dissection. The oncoprotein c-MYC plays a key role in controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis and more than 70% of the primary sequence is disordered. Computational approaches that shed light on the range of secondary and tertiary structural conformations therefore provide the only realistic chance to study such proteins. Here, we describe the results of several tests of force fields and water models employed in molecular dynamics simulations for the N-terminal 88 amino acids of c-MYC. Comparisons of the simulation data with experimental secondary structure assignments obtained by NMR establish a particular implicit solvation approach as highly congruent. The results provide insights into the structural dynamics of c-MYC^1-88, which will be useful for guiding future experimental approaches. The protocols for trajectory analysis described here will be applicable for the analysis of a variety of computational simulations of intrinsically disordered proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Function, Regulation, and Dysfunction of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins)

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15 pages, 19719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Correlation between Larval, Deutonymph and Adult Stages of the Water Mite Arrenurus (Micruracarus) Novus

by Pedro María Alarcón-Elbal, Ricardo García-Jiménez, María Luisa Peláez, Jose Luis Horreo and Antonio G. Valdecasas

Life 2020, 10(7), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070108 - 9 Jul 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3172

Abstract

The systematics of many groups of organisms has been based on the adult stage. Morphological transformations that occur during development from the embryonic to the adult stage make it difficult (or impossible) to identify a juvenile (larval) stage in some species. Hydrachnidia (Acari, [...] Read more.

The systematics of many groups of organisms has been based on the adult stage. Morphological transformations that occur during development from the embryonic to the adult stage make it difficult (or impossible) to identify a juvenile (larval) stage in some species. Hydrachnidia (Acari, Actinotrichida, which inhabit mainly continental waters) are characterized by three main active stages—larval, deutonymph and adult—with intermediate dormant stages. Deutonymphs and adults may be identified through diagnostic morphological characters. Larvae that have not been tracked directly from a gravid female are difficult to identify to the species level. In this work, we compared the morphology of five water mite larvae and obtained the molecular sequences of that found on a pupa of the common mosquito Culex (Culex) pipiens with the sequences of 51 adults diagnosed as Arrenurus species and identified the undescribed larvae as Arrenurus (Micruracarus) novus. Further corroborating this finding, adult A. novus was found thriving in the same mosquito habitat. We established the identity of adult and deutonymph A. novus by morphology and by correlating COI and cytB sequences of the water mites at the larval, deutonymph and adult (both male and female) life stages in a particular case of ‘reverse taxonomy’. In addition, we constructed the Arrenuridae phylogeny based on mitochondrial DNA, which supports the idea that three Arrenurus subgenera are ‘natural’: Arrenurus, Megaluracarus and Micruracarus, and the somewhat arbitrary distinction of the species assigned to the subgenus Truncaturus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Phylogenetics and Mitochondrial Evolution)

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20 pages, 1676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Viral Abundance and Community Composition in Four Contrasting Regions of the Southern Ocean

by Ana Sotomayor-Garcia, Maria Montserrat Sala, Isabel Ferrera, Marta Estrada, Evaristo Vázquez-Domínguez, Mikhail Emelianov, Pau Cortés, Cèlia Marrasé, Eva Ortega-Retuerta, Sdena Nunes, Yaiza M. Castillo, Maria Serrano Cuerva, Marta Sebastián, Manuel Dall’Osto, Rafel Simó and Dolors Vaqué

Life 2020, 10(7), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070107 - 5 Jul 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4389

Abstract

We explored how changes of viral abundance and community composition among four contrasting regions in the Southern Ocean relied on physicochemical and microbiological traits. During January–February 2015, we visited areas north and south of the South Orkney Islands (NSO and SSO) characterized by [...] Read more.

We explored how changes of viral abundance and community composition among four contrasting regions in the Southern Ocean relied on physicochemical and microbiological traits. During January–February 2015, we visited areas north and south of the South Orkney Islands (NSO and SSO) characterized by low temperature and salinity and high inorganic nutrient concentration, north of South Georgia Island (NSG) and west of Anvers Island (WA), which have relatively higher temperatures and lower inorganic nutrient concentrations. Surface viral abundance (VA) was highest in NSG (21.50 ± 10.70 × 10⁶ viruses mL⁻¹) and lowest in SSO (2.96 ± 1.48 × 10⁶ viruses mL⁻¹). VA was positively correlated with temperature, prokaryote abundance and prokaryotic heterotrophic production, chlorophyll a, diatoms, haptophytes, fluorescent organic matter, and isoprene concentration, and was negatively correlated with inorganic nutrients (NO₃₋, SiO₄²⁻, PO₄³⁻), and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) concentrations. Viral communities determined by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA–polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) were grouped according to the sampling location, being more similar within them than among regions. The first two axes of a canonical correspondence analysis, including physicochemical (temperature, salinity, inorganic nutrients—NO₃₋, SiO₄²⁻, and dimethyl sulfoniopropionate -DMSP- and isoprene concentrations) and microbiological (chlorophyll a, haptophytes and diatom, and prokaryote abundance and prokaryotic heterotrophic production) factors accounted for 62.9% of the variance. The first axis, temperature-related, accounted for 33.8%; the second one, salinity-related, accounted for 29.1%. Thus, different environmental situations likely select different hosts for viruses, leading to distinct viral communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Community Structure and Metabolic Networks in Polar Areas)

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30 pages, 448 KiB

Open AccessReview

Pharmacokinetic Interactions between Herbal Medicines and Drugs: Their Mechanisms and Clinical Relevance

by Laura Rombolà, Damiana Scuteri, Straface Marilisa, Chizuko Watanabe, Luigi Antonio Morrone, Giacinto Bagetta and Maria Tiziana Corasaniti

Life 2020, 10(7), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070106 - 4 Jul 2020

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 8801

Abstract

The therapeutic efficacy of a drug or its unexpected unwanted side effects may depend on the concurrent use of a medicinal plant. In particular, constituents in the medicinal plant extracts may influence drug bioavailability, metabolism and half-life, leading to drug toxicity or failure [...] Read more.

The therapeutic efficacy of a drug or its unexpected unwanted side effects may depend on the concurrent use of a medicinal plant. In particular, constituents in the medicinal plant extracts may influence drug bioavailability, metabolism and half-life, leading to drug toxicity or failure to obtain a therapeutic response. This narrative review focuses on clinical studies improving knowledge on the ability of selected herbal medicines to influence the pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs. Moreover, in vitro studies are useful to anticipate potential herbal medicine-drug interactions. In particular, they help to elucidate the cellular target (metabolic or transporter protein) and the mechanism (induction or inhibition) by which a single constituent of the herbal medicine acts. The authors highlight the difficulties in predicting herbal–drug interactions from in vitro data where high concentrations of extracts or their constituents are used and pharmacokinetics are missed. Moreover, the difficulty to compare results from human studies where different kinds of herbal extracts are used is discussed. The herbal medicines discussed are among the best sellers and they are reported in the “Herbal Medicines for Human Use” section of the European Medicinal Agency (EMA). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pharmaceutical Science)

9 pages, 5467 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Nocturnal Lagophthalmos and Sleep Quality in Patients with Dry Eye Disease

by Aya Takahashi, Kazuno Negishi, Masahiko Ayaki, Miki Uchino and Kazuo Tsubota

Life 2020, 10(7), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070105 - 4 Jul 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 9228

Abstract

Nocturnal lagophthalmos (NL) refers to the inability to close the eyelids during sleep, which is known to affect dry eye disease (DED) symptoms and sleep quality. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of NL and sleep quality in DED patients. We launched [...] Read more.

Nocturnal lagophthalmos (NL) refers to the inability to close the eyelids during sleep, which is known to affect dry eye disease (DED) symptoms and sleep quality. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of NL and sleep quality in DED patients. We launched a survey website to recruit 2000 Japanese. The participants were asked to answer a questionnaire about DED, sleep quality, and happiness. Participants were divided into two groups according to the presence of DED, and responses were compared between the groups. The DED group was comprised of 890 subjects (44 ± 13.8 years, 359 males) and women were predominant (p < 0.001). Sleep duration was significantly shorter (p = 0.008), sleep latency was longer (p < 0.001), and sleep efficacy was worse compared with the non-DED group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, people belonging to the DED group were more frequently working night shifts (p < 0.001). NL was more prevalent in the DED group (p = 0.007). Logistic regression analysis showed that NL correlated with younger age, symptomatic DED, and eye symptoms upon waking. The current study suggested that NL was associated with worsened DED symptoms and poor sleep quality. Preventative eye care for lagophthalmos before and during sleep may be helpful for DED and sleep quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)

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20 pages, 2769 KiB

Open AccessReview

Endosperm of Angiosperms and Genomic Imprinting

by Elizabeth L. Kordyum and Sergei L. Mosyakin

Life 2020, 10(7), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070104 - 3 Jul 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6410

Abstract

Modern ideas about the role of epigenetic systems in the regulation of gene expression allow us to understand the mechanisms of vital activities in plants, such as genomic imprinting. It is important that genomic imprinting is known first and foremost for the endosperm, [...] Read more.

Modern ideas about the role of epigenetic systems in the regulation of gene expression allow us to understand the mechanisms of vital activities in plants, such as genomic imprinting. It is important that genomic imprinting is known first and foremost for the endosperm, which not only provides an embryo with necessary nutrients, but also plays a special biological role in the formation of seeds and fruits. Available data on genomic imprinting in the endosperm have been obtained only for the triploid endosperm in model plants, which develops after double fertilization in a Polygonum-type embryo sac, the most common type among angiosperms. Here we provide a brief overview of a wide diversity of embryo sacs and endosperm types and ploidy levels, as well as their distribution in the angiosperm families, positioned according to the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group IV (APG IV) phylogenetic classification. Addition of the new, non-model taxa to study gene imprinting in seed development will extend our knowledge about the epigenetic mechanisms underlying angiosperm fertility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)

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12 pages, 3103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Small Cyclic Peptide for Pyrophosphate Dependent Ligation in Prebiotic Environments

by Radosław W. Piast, Maciej Garstka, Aleksandra Misicka and Rafał M. Wieczorek

Life 2020, 10(7), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070103 - 2 Jul 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3343

Abstract

All life on Earth uses one universal biochemistry stemming from one universal common ancestor of all known living organisms. One of the most striking features of this universal biochemistry is its utter dependence on phosphate group transfer between biochemical molecules. Both nucleic acid [...] Read more.

All life on Earth uses one universal biochemistry stemming from one universal common ancestor of all known living organisms. One of the most striking features of this universal biochemistry is its utter dependence on phosphate group transfer between biochemical molecules. Both nucleic acid and peptide biological synthesis relies heavily on phosphate group transfer. Such dependents strongly indicate very early incorporation of phosphate chemistry in the origin of life. Perhaps as early as prebiotic soup stage. We report here on a short cyclic peptide, c(RPDDHR), designed rationally for pyrophosphate interaction, which is able to create a new amide bond dependent on the presence of pyrophosphate. We believe this result to be a first step in the exploration of Phosphate Transfer Catalysts that must have been present and active in prebiotic soup and must have laid down foundations for the universal bioenergetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phosphorus in the Origin of Life)

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10 pages, 949 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Muscular Strength Imbalances Are not Associated with Skin Temperature Asymmetries in Soccer Players

by Rodrigo Mendonça Teixeira, Rodolfo A. Dellagrana, Jose I. Priego-Quesada, João Claudio B.P. Machado, Juliano Fernandes da Silva, Tallyne Mayara Pacheco dos Reis and Mateus Rossato

Life 2020, 10(7), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070102 - 2 Jul 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3977

Abstract

Although strength imbalances using isokinetic dynamometer have been examined for injury risk screening in soccer players, it is very expensive and time-consuming, making the evaluation of new methods appealing. The aim of the study was to analyze the agreement between muscular strength imbalances [...] Read more.

Although strength imbalances using isokinetic dynamometer have been examined for injury risk screening in soccer players, it is very expensive and time-consuming, making the evaluation of new methods appealing. The aim of the study was to analyze the agreement between muscular strength imbalances and skin temperature bilateral asymmetries as well as skin temperature differences in the hamstrings and quadriceps. The skin temperature of the anterior and posterior thigh of 59 healthy male soccer athletes was assessed at baseline using infrared thermography for the identification of hamstrings-quadriceps skin temperature differences and thermal asymmetries (>0.5 °C). Subsequently, concentric and eccentric peak torque of the quadriceps and hamstrings were considered in the determination of the ratios, as well as muscular asymmetries (>15%). When considering the torque parameters, 37.3% (n = 22) of the players would be classified as high risk for injuries. The percentage of those presenting skin temperature imbalances superior to 0.5 °C was 52.5% (n = 31). The skin temperature assessment showed sensitivity (22%) and specificity (32.2%) to identify torque asymmetries, demonstrating the inability to identify false negatives (15.3%) and false positives (30.5%) from all soccer athletes. In conclusion, skin temperature differences between hamstrings and quadriceps could be more related to thermoregulatory factors than strength imbalances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exercise Biomechanics and Physiology)

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14 pages, 1079 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Interaction of Oxidative Stress and Misfolded Proteins in the Mechanism of Neurodegeneration

by Andrey Y. Abramov, Elena V. Potapova, Viktor V. Dremin and Andrey V. Dunaev

Life 2020, 10(7), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070101 - 30 Jun 2020

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 6364

Abstract

Aggregation of the misfolded proteins β-amyloid, tau, huntingtin, and α-synuclein is one of the most important steps in the pathology underlying a wide spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders, including the two most common ones—Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Activity and toxicity of these proteins depends [...] Read more.

Aggregation of the misfolded proteins β-amyloid, tau, huntingtin, and α-synuclein is one of the most important steps in the pathology underlying a wide spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders, including the two most common ones—Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Activity and toxicity of these proteins depends on the stage and form of aggregates. Excessive production of free radicals, including reactive oxygen species which lead to oxidative stress, is proven to be involved in the mechanism of pathology in most of neurodegenerative disorders. Both reactive oxygen species and misfolded proteins play a physiological role in the brain, and only deregulation in redox state and aggregation of the proteins leads to pathology. Here, we review the role of misfolded proteins in the activation of ROS production from various sources in neurons and glia. We discuss if free radicals can influence structural changes of the key toxic intermediates and describe the putative mechanisms by which oxidative stress and oligomers may cause neuronal death. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Function, Regulation, and Dysfunction of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins)

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13 pages, 1016 KiB

Open AccessArticle

EQ-5D-3L for Assessing Quality of Life in Older Nursing Home Residents with Cognitive Impairment

by Pilar Pérez-Ros and Francisco M Martínez-Arnau

Life 2020, 10(7), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070100 - 30 Jun 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3645

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is recognized as an important patient-reported outcome measure. Assessing QoL in older people with cognitive impairment is a challenge due to discrepancies in the collection of data via proxies versus self-report. This study aimed to assess the psychometric [...] Read more.

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is recognized as an important patient-reported outcome measure. Assessing QoL in older people with cognitive impairment is a challenge due to discrepancies in the collection of data via proxies versus self-report. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the self-reported EQ-5D (including the EQ index and EQ visual analog scale (VAS)) in nursing homes residents with cognitive impairment and to analyze its validity based on scales included in the comprehensive geriatric assessment. Methods: Cross-sectional, multicenter study analyzing the feasibility, acceptability, reliability, and validity of the EQ-5D based on 251 self-administered questionnaires in a sample of nursing home residents with cognitive impairment. Reference scales were those from the comprehensive geriatric assessment, equivalent to the five dimensions of the EuroQol. Results: The EQ index was 0.31 (0.37) and the EQ VAS was 35.96 (29.86), showing adequate acceptability and feasibility. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.723. The EQ index and EQ VAS, as outcome variables for multiple linear regression models including CGA titration scales, showed better validity for the EQ index than the EQ VAS. Conclusions: As a self-administered generic scale, the EQ-5D-3L could be a good tool for QoL assessment in nursing home residents with cognitive impairment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Issues and Quality of Life in Older Individuals)

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21 pages, 9017 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oral Surgical Management of Bone and Soft Tissues in MRONJ Treatment: A Decisional Tree

by Antonia Marcianò, Erasmo Rubino, Matteo Peditto, Rodolfo Mauceri and Giacomo Oteri

Life 2020, 10(7), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/life10070099 - 29 Jun 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4434

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present work was to analyze a 10-year retrospective series of surgically treated medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) cases, reporting the clinical outcome and success rate for each adopted procedure in order to draw a treatment algorithm that [...] Read more.

Background: The aim of the present work was to analyze a 10-year retrospective series of surgically treated medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) cases, reporting the clinical outcome and success rate for each adopted procedure in order to draw a treatment algorithm that is able to standardize clinical decision making and maximize the success of oral surgical treatment of MRONJ. Methods: Different surgical approaches were categorized taking into consideration two variables (a) hard tissue management (defined as debridement, saucerization or marginal resective surgery of maxillary necrotic bone) and (b) soft tissue management (defined as type of flap design and related modality of wound-healing). Results: For the retrospective cohort study, 103 MRONJ patients were enrolled and a total of 128 surgical procedures were performed. The role of radical-intended surgery using local flaps in MRONJ treatment was investigated, as well as palliative treatments. All stage I–II patients completely healed when a combination of radical necrotic bone surgery associated with a first intention healing of soft tissues was obtained. In stage III, when a patient was not eligible for maxillo-facial surgery, the use of palliative surgical strategies was effective in symptom relief in order to maintain a better quality of life for the duration of the patient’s life. Conclusions: Oral surgery with radical intent associated with a flap design able to ensure first intention healing might represent a valid option for the majority of MRONJ patients. The designed decision tree allows clinicians to assess individual surgical approaches for MRONJ treatment in accordance with patient-centered outcomes and surgical skills. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical Research)

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Life, Volume 10, Issue 7 (July 2020) – 21 articles

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