The GAUGAA Motif Is Responsible for the Binding between circSMARCA5 and SRSF1 and Related Downstream Effects on Glioblastoma Multiforme Cell Migration and Angiogenic Potential

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a large class of RNAs with regulatory functions within cells. We recently showed that circSMARCA5 is a tumor suppressor in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and acts as a decoy for Serine and Arginine Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) through six predicted binding sites (BSs). Here we characterized RNA motifs functionally involved in the interaction between circSMARCA5 and SRSF1. Three different circSMARCA5 molecules (Mut1, Mut2, Mut3), each mutated in two predicted SRSF1 BSs at once, were obtained through PCR-based replacement of wild-type (WT) BS sequences and cloned in three independent pcDNA3 vectors. Mut1 significantly decreased its capability to interact with SRSF1 as compared to WT, based on the RNA immunoprecipitation assay. In silico analysis through the “Find Individual Motif Occurrences” (FIMO) algorithm showed GAUGAA as an experimentally validated SRSF1 binding motif significantly overrepresented within both predicted SRSF1 BSs mutated in Mut1 (q-value = 0.0011). U87MG and CAS-1, transfected with Mut1, significantly increased their migration with respect to controls transfected with WT, as revealed by the cell exclusion zone assay. Immortalized human brain microvascular endothelial cells (IM-HBMEC) exposed to conditioned medium (CM) harvested from U87MG and CAS-1 transfected with Mut1 significantly sprouted more than those treated with CM harvested from U87MG and CAS-1 transfected with WT, as shown by the tube formation assay. qRT-PCR showed that the intracellular pro- to anti-angiogenic Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) mRNA isoform ratio and the amount of total VEGFA mRNA secreted in CM significantly increased in Mut1-transfected CAS-1 as compared to controls transfected with WT. Our data suggest that GAUGAA is the RNA motif responsible for the interaction between circSMARCA5 and SRSF1 as well as for the circSMARCA5-mediated control of GBM cell migration and angiogenic potential.     

The Role of Thyroid Hormone Signaling in the Prevention of Digestive System Cancers

Thyroid hormones play a critical role in the growth and development of the alimentary tract in vertebrates. Their effects are mediated by nuclear receptors as well as the cell surface receptor integrin α_Vβ₃. Systemic thyroid hormone levels are controlled via activation and deactivation by iodothyronine deiodinases in the liver and other tissues. Given that thyroid hormone signaling has been characterized as a major effector of digestive system growth and homeostasis, numerous investigations have examined its role in the occurrence and progression of cancers in various tissues of this organ system. The present review summarizes current findings regarding the effects of thyroid hormone signaling on cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, and colon. Particular attention is given to the roles of different thyroid hormone receptor isoforms, the novel integrin α_Vβ₃ receptor, and thyroid hormone-related nutrients as possible protective agents and therapeutic targets. Future investigations geared towards a better understanding of thyroid hormone signaling in digestive system cancers may provide preventive or therapeutic strategies to diminish risk, improve outcome and avert recurrence in afflicted individuals.     

Silver nanoparticles enhance Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm detachment

Objectives: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with a size ranging from 7 to 70?nm were synthesized using the ascorbic acid-citrate seed-mediated growth approach at room temperature.

Methods: The 8?nm silver particles were prepared using gallic acid in alkaline conditions and used as seed to prepare AgNPs.

Results: The presence of ascorbic acid and citrate allows the regulation of size and size distribution of the nanoparticles. The increase in free silver ion-to-seed ratio (Ag⁺/Ag⁰) resulted in changes of particle shape from spherical to pseudo-spherical and minor cylindrical shape. Further, a repetitive seeding approach resulted in the formation of pseudo-spherical particles with higher polydispersity index and minor distributions of tetrahedral particles. Citrate-capped AgNPs were stable and did not agglomerate upon centrifugation. The effect of AgNPs on biofilm reduction was evaluated using static culture on 96-well microtiter plates. Results showed that AgNPs with the smallest average diameter were most effective in the reduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm colonies, which accounted for 90% of removal.

Conclusion: The biofilm removal activities of the nanoparticles were found to be concentration-independent particularly for the concentration within the range of 80–200?µg/mL.     

Characterization of microorganisms in Argentinean honeys from different sources

Seventy polyfloral honeys including commercial samples obtained from supermarkets, harvested from apiaries and purchased in bulk were initially examined for total antibacterial activity. From each sample, numbers of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, moulds and yeasts were determined and the presence of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Clostridium sulfite-reducers, Paenibacillus larvae and Bacillus spp. was investigated. Moisture content, pH and total acidity were also determined for all samples. Any honey diluted to concentrations from 75% to 1% (w/v) of full-strength honey showed total antibacterial activity. The numbers of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, moulds and yeasts were less than 10(3) cfu/g for all 70 samples. Faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp. and Clostridium sulfite-reducers were not detected but P. larvae subspp. larvae, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus laterosporus were found among samples. For commercial, apiary and bulk honey the mean values for moisture content, pH and acidity, respectively, were 17.50%, 17.40% and 17.50%; 4.60, 4.10 and 4.20; and 18.30, 20.60 and 21 meq NaOH/kg. P. larvae was recovered from 35% of apiaries including hives in which the bees did not display symptoms of American foulbrood disease.     

Non-specific airway hyperresponsiveness in mono-sensitive Sicilian patients with allergic rhinitis. Its relationship to total serum IgE levels and blood eosinophils during and out of the pollen season

BACKGROUND: Initial attempts to evaluate the association between allergic rhinitis and non-specific bronchial responsiveness has produced conflicting results. In fact, some studies showed a strong correlation and other failed to find an association. However, little is known about the effect of natural specific allergen exposure on the bronchial reactivity of mono-sensitive patients with rhinitis in the southern Mediterranean area, in relation to skin reactivity to allergens, total serum IgE levels and blood eosinophils. OBJECTIVES: The significance of the association between allergic rhinitis, and abnormal airway responsiveness with regard to the pathogenesis of asthma is unclear. For this reason, we have studied non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity, in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, with reference to the responsible allergen. The aim of the study was to correlate the responsiveness to bronchoprovocation with methacholine in subjects a with allergic rhinitis during and out of the pollen season with total serum IgE and blood eosinophils. METHODS: Fourty-nine non-smoking patients with clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis and mono-sensitive skin-prick tests to pollen allergens were enrolled in the study. Twenty patients suffered from seasonal rhinitis to Parietaria pollen, 15 patients to Gramineae pollen and 14 patients to Olea pollen. In all patients lung function measurements (assessed as response to methacholine), total serum IgE and blood eosinophil counts were measured during and out of the pollen season. RESULTS: During pollen season, 16 out of 49 rhinitis patients demonstrated values of bronchial responsiveness measured as response to inhaled methacholine in the asthmatic range whereas out of the pollen season only eight patients were in the asthmatic range. By analysing the results with reference to the responsible allergen, during the pollen season 15 out of 16 patients were Parietaria-sensitive and out of the pollen season seven out of eight patients. Finally, in Parietaria-sensitive rhinitis bronchial responsiveness significantly correlated, during and out of the pollen season, with total serum IgE and with blood eosinophil counts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that Parietaria is more important than Olea and Gramineae as a risk for developing non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness. On the whole, present observations provide further evidence that there is an interrelationship of allergen kind, total serum IgE, eosinophil and bronchial hyperresponsiveness suggesting that they may play a role in the development of bronchial asthma in rhinitis patients.     

Use of a rapid intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay in the surgical management of parathyroid disease

We present recent developments in the area of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and their possible interaction with insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). GAGs are constituents of proteoglycans, and the combination of a core protein and a specific GAG makes a unique proteoglycan with a precise developmental pattern and with the ability to bind growth factors. This process is apparently regulated by the moiety of the peripheral GAGs. The supplementation of GAGs promotes neuritogenesis in vitro and stimulates nerve regrowth and muscle reinnervation, an effect correlated with an increase in trophic factor mRNA expression. In the case of neonatal nerve lesion, there is in addition an enhanced motor neuron survival, accompanied by higher levels of IGF-I in plasma and denervated muscle. The neurotrophic and neuroregenerative effects of exogenous GAGs were also observed in motor neuron disease in the wobbler mouse.     

Physicochemical,Nutritional, and Functional Characterization of Fruits Xoconostle (Opuntia matudae) Pears from Central-México Region

Abstract: Xoconostle cv. Cuaresmeño (Opuntia matudae) has attracted domestic and international industry attention; however, variations of composition from xoconostle structures have not been evaluated. Industries discard the pulp (endocarp) and peel (pericarp) as wastes and utilize the skin (mesocarp), which is the edible portion. The physicochemical, nutritional, and functional characterization of structures from xoconostle pear from 3 major sites of production in Mexico were assessed. Skin yield ranged from 58% to 64% and was higher to that of peel (22% to 24%) and pulp (12% to 18%) yields. pH, °Brix, and acidity were similar among xoconostle structures. Total fiber showed by peel (18.23% to 20.37%) was 2-fold higher than that of skin. Protein and ether extract were higher in xoconostle pulp compared to that showed by peel and skin. Iron content of xoconostle peel (6 to 9.6 mg/100 g, DWB) was higher to that of skin and pulp and prickly pear pulp. Soluble phenols of peel (840 to 863 mg GAE/100 g, DWB) were almost similar to that of skin (919 to 986 mg GAE/100 g, dry weigh basis); meanwhile, ascorbic acid concentration of skin was 2-fold higher compared to that of peel. The phenolic fraction of xoconostle structures consisted of gallic, vanillic, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids; catechin, epicatechin, and vanillin were also identified by high-performance liquid chromatography–didoe array detection (HPLC-DAD). Xoconostle peel showed higher antioxidant activity (TEAC) compared to that of skin (2-fold) and pulp (6-fold) of commonly consumed fruits and vegetables. The potential of xoconostle peel and pulp for the production of feed or food is promissory. Practical Application: Outstanding nutritional and functional properties of xoconostle cv. Cuaresmeño fruits are demonstrated. Increased consumption could contribute positively to improve the diet of rural and urban consumers. The high fiber, mineral, and antioxidant components of xoconostle peel and pulp suggest that these fruit structures, which are currently discarded as waste, have promissory use as feed or food by industry.     

Bioprotective Leuconostoc strains against Listeria monocytogenes in fresh fruits and vegetables

Ten Leuconostoc mesenteroides and one Ln. citreum strains isolated from fresh fruit and vegetables were tested for their antagonistic capacity against Listeria monocytogenes. Genetic differences among strains were analyzed by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). All the isolates clustered together and differed from the type strain Ln. mesenteroides ATCC 8293 as well as from Ln. fallax and Ln. citreum. Organic acids, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocins were detected as main inhibition mechanisms. Characterization of culture supernatants from the bacteriocinogenic strains, CM135 and CM160 revealed a high resistance of antibacterial activity to temperature and pH, and a bactericidal mode of action against L. monocytogenes. Produced bacteriocins belonged to the Class IIa and sequencing of genes showed complete homology with mesentericin Y105. A study of the effect of the relative dose of pathogen and LAB on control of L. monocytogenes in wounds of Golden Delicious apples and Iceberg lettuce leaf cuts was performed. A comparison of the dose of bioprotective strain needed for a ten fold reduction of the viable pathogen concentration (ED(90)) revealed that strain CM160 was the most effective against L. monocytogenes. ED(90) values varied from 1.3.10(4) to 5.0.10(5) cfu.g(-1) or wound, at ranges of pathogen levels from 1.0.10(3) to 5.0.10(4) cfu.g(-1) of lettuce or wound of apple. The efficiency of the strains was also calculated as the ratio of the ED(90) value to the pathogen dose inoculated. The lowest ratio was found for strain CM160 at 5 to 50 cells of LAB per cell of pathogen. The strain offers potential application for prevention of the presence of L. monocytogenes in fresh fruit and vegetables.     

Preparation of spherical aggregates of taro starch granules

Taro starch spherical aggregates were prepared by including a spray drying step in a conventional pilot plant-scale starch isolation procedure. The aim of this study was to characterize these spherical aggregates. The procedure was repeated three times to verify the spherical aggregates formation, which was shown by scanning electron microscopy. Amylose was not be detected in the aggregates, and a protein content of 4.5 g/100 g was recorded. Aggregation of taro starch granules did not affect the X-ray diffraction pattern. The maximum peak viscosity of the aggregate preparation was obtained at a relatively high temperature (i.e. start of the temperature holding step). The phase transition of taro starch aggregates in excess water showed high temperatures, with low molecular reorganization during storage. During water retention capacity (WRC) and solubility tests, taro starch aggregates were stable until 70 °C. The spray drying conditions used produced spherical aggregates of taro starch that presented physicochemical and functional characteristics with potential for encapsulation of substances.