Publications

INTRODUCTION The genetic architecture of fitness-related traits in Drosophila is usually studied using populations that have been maintained in the laboratory for some period of time, sometimes years (e.g., Ehiobu et al. 1989; Santiago et al. 1989; Garcia et al. 1994). A population in captivity may suffer from the joint action of random drift and adaptation to captivity, with variable outcomes, depending on particular circumstances. For example, frequent bottlenecks occurring in the laboratory may induce a purge of deleterious recessive genes (see, e.g., Wang et al. 1999). In contrast, deleterious recessive alleles may become more common under benign laboratory conditions, as a consequence of adaptation to captivity (Hoffmann et al. 2001; Woodworth et al. 2002). It is therefore possible that the genetic constitution of a captive population substantially differs from the wild population of origin. We compared estimates of genetic parameters for fitness-related traits (additive genetic variance and inbreeding depression) obtained from a recently captured population (Rodriguez-Ramilo et al. 2004) with those obtained from the same population after two years of captivity in laboratory conditions.

The covering of quartz particles (Q) with Fe oxides provides high capacity sorption and immobilization of both paraquat (PQ) and diquat (DQ) as well as phosphates (P), that can be used to remediate contaminated environments due to their persistence. Both PQ and DQ have higher sorption strength on crystalline iron oxide coated quartz particles (QFec) than on amorphous iron oxides (QFea), but the highest is for PQ, which might be due to its strongest interaction. The increasing addition of P contributes to the increase of quat maximum sorption on iron oxide coated quartz particles, because the cosorption of P causes the surface charge to become more negative, facilitating the sorption of positively charged quats, but this happens in a different way for both quats. It was also seen that the formation of phosphate−quat complexes has a lower affinity than P by the coated quartz particles. The characteristics of the coated quartz particles would allow increased sorption of these quaternary ammonium herbicide contaminants.

Scope Phytosterols (PS) and sterol oxidation products are key dietary factors influencing atherosclerosis besides cholesterol, although the mechanisms remain elusive. Recently, single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) has revealed the heterogeneity of multiple cell types associated with complex pathogenesis in atherosclerosis development. Methods and results Here, scRNA‐seq is performed to investigate the alterations in the aortic cells from ApoE −/− mice induced by diet‐derived PS or two sterol oxidation products, phytosterols oxidation products (POPs), and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). The study identifies four fibroblast subpopulations with different functions, and immunofluorescence demonstrates their spatial heterogeneity, providing evidence that suggests the transformation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and fibroblasts in atherosclerosis. The composition and gene expression profiles of aortic cells change broadly in response to PS/COPs/POPs exposure. Notably, PS exhibits an atheroprotective effect where different gene expressions are mainly found in B cells. Exposure to COPs accelerates atherosclerosis and results in marked alternations in myofibroblast subpopulations and T cells, while POPs only alter fibroblast subpopulations and B cells. Conclusion The data elucidate the effects of dietary PS/COPs/POPs on aortic cells during atherosclerosis development, especially on the newly identified fibroblast subpopulations.

Extensive transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed the generation of thousands of mutations within its genome. While several of these become rare, others largely increase in prevalence, potentially jeopardizing the sensitivity of PCR-based diagnostics. Taking advantage of SARS-CoV-2 genomic knowledge, we designed a one-step probe-based multiplex RT-qPCR (OmniSARS2) to simultaneously detect short fragments of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in ORF1ab, E gene and S gene. Comparative genomics of the most common SARS-CoV-2 lineages, other human betacoronavirus and alphacoronavirus, was the basis for this design, targeting both highly conserved regions across SARS-CoV-2 lineages and variable or absent in other Coronaviridae viruses. The highest analytical sensitivity of this method for SARS-CoV-2 detection was 94.2 copies/mL at 95% detection probability (~1 copy per total reaction volume) for the S gene assay, matching the most sensitive available methods. In vitro specificity tests, performed using reference strains, showed no cross-reactivity with other human coronavirus or common pathogens. The method was compared with commercially available methods and detected the virus in clinical samples encompassing different SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including B.1, B.1.1, B.1.177 or B.1.1.7 and rarer lineages. OmniSARS2 revealed a sensitive and specific viral detection method that is less likely to be affected by lineage evolution oligonucleotide–sample mismatch, of relevance to ensure the accuracy of COVID-19 molecular diagnostic methods.

One of the main objectives of conservation programs is the maintenance of genetic diversity because this provides the adaptive potential of populations to face new environmental challenges. Genetic diversity is generally assessed by means of neutral molecular markers, and it is usually quantified by the expected heterozygosity under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the number of alleles per locus or allelic diversity. These two measures of genetic diversity are complementary because whereas the former is directly related to genetic variance for quantitative traits and, therefore, to the short-term response to selection and adaptation, the latter is more sensitive to population bottlenecks and relates more strongly to the long-term capacity of adaptation of populations. In the context of structured populations undergoing conservation programs, it is important to decide the optimum management strategy to preserve as much genetic diversity as possible while avoiding inbreeding. Here we examine, through computer simulations, the consequences of choosing a conservation strategy based on maximizing either heterozygosity or allelic diversity of single-nucleotide polymorphism haplotypes in a subdivided population. Our results suggest that maximization of allelic diversity can be more efficient in maintaining the genetic diversity of subdivided populations than maximization of expected heterozygosity because the former maintains a larger number of alleles while making a better control of inbreeding. Thus, maximization of allelic diversity should be a recommended strategy in conservation programs for structured populations.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with limited treatments and poorly defined environmental risks. Micro‐ and nanoplastics (MNPs) are widespread pollutants linked to neurotoxicity, but their role in AD remains unclear. METHODS We investigated the effects of 90‐day intragastric exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS‐NPs) in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) mice using behavioral tests, brain imaging, histopathology, and cell‐type‐resolved proteomics. RESULTS PS‐NPs exacerbated cognitive deficits and hippocampal damage in APP/PS1 mice. Proteomic and CellChat analyses revealed PS‐NPs enhanced neuroglial communication through the collagen–integrin axis. In vitro triculture demonstrated that PS‐NPs strengthened collagen‐mediated astrocyte–microglia–neuron signaling, whereas in vivo blockade with TC‐I 15 suppressed collagen activation and improved cognition in PS‐NP‐exposed APP/PS1 mice. Single‐nucleus RNA sequencing of human AD brains validated conserved activation of collagen signaling. DISCUSSION Our findings highlight that PS‐NPs exacerbate cognitive impairment in AD by driving collagen‐dependent neuroglial dysfunction, establishing MNPs as modifiable environmental risk factors. Highlights MNPs act as environmental risk factors that worsen cognitive impairment in AD. PS‐NPs trigger glial–neuronal communication via the collagen–integrin axis in AD. PS‐NP‐induced astrocyte‐ and microglia‐derived collagen, driving neurotoxicity in AD. TC‐I 15 blocked collagen signaling and rescued cognition in PS‐NP‐exposed AD mice. Collagen signaling was upregulated in human AD brains, confirming disease relevance.

Sargassum muticum (SM) poses a serious environmental issue since it is a fast-expanding invasive species occupying key areas of the European shoreline, disrupting the autochthonous algae species, and disturbing the ecosystem. This problem has concerned the general population and the scientific community. Nevertheless, as macroalgae are recognized as a source of bioactive molecules, the abundance of SM presents an opportunity as a raw material. In this work, response surface methodology (RSM) was applied as a tool for the optimization of the extraction of bioactive compounds from SM by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). Five different parameters were used as target functions: yield, total phenolic content (TPC); and the antioxidant measurements of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and β-carotene bleaching (BC). After the optimal extraction conditions were determined (time = 14.00 min; pressure = 11.03 bar; ethanol = 33.31%), the chemical composition and bioactivity of the optimum extract was evaluated to appraise its antioxidant capability to scavenge reactive species and as a potential antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiproliferation, and neuroprotective agent. The results lead to the conclusion that MAE crude extract has bioactive properties, being especially active as an antiproliferation agent and as a nitric oxide and superoxide radical scavenger.

Chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI) is closely associated with various chronic diseases. Researchers have paid attention to the comprehensive application and development of food materials with potential anti-inflammatory activity. Owing to their abundant nutrients and biological activities, coarse cereals have emerged as an important component of human diet. Increasing evidence has revealed their potential protective effects against CLGI in chronic conditions. However, this property has not been systematically discussed and summarized. In the present work, numerous published reports were reviewed to systematically analyze and summarize the protective effects of coarse cereals and their main active ingredients against CLGI. Their current utilization state was investigated. The future prospects, such as the synergistic effects among the active compounds in coarse cereals and the biomarker signatures of CLGI, were also discussed. Coarse cereals show promise as food diet resources for preventing CLGI in diseased individuals. Their active ingredients, including β-glucan, resistant starch, arabinoxylan, phenolic acids, flavonoids, phytosterols and lignans, function against CLGI through multiple possible intracellular signaling pathways and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, coarse cereals play a crucial role in the food industry due to their health effects on chronic diseases and are worthy of further development for possible application in modulating chronic inflammation.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of chrysoeriol from Cardiospermum halicacabum in streptozotocin induced Wistar rats. Thirty rats were categorized as control, diabetic control supplemented with 0, 20 mg/kg chrysoeriol and 600 μg/kg BW of glibenclamide for 45-day trial period. Our results indicated that the inclusion of chrysoeriol (20 mg/kg), showed a significant reduction in plasma glucose, hemoglobin and glycosylated hemoglobin level with a rising of plasma insulin sensitivity. Further, downregulated enzymes including glucose 6-phosphatase, fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase, and glycogen phosphorylase as well upregulated enzymes such as hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, and hepatic glycogen content. There was a diminish action found in liver glycogen synthase of tested rat with a rise in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, towards normal levels upon treatment with chrysoeriol. The histopathological study confirmed that renewal of the beta cells of pancreatic of chrysoeriol and glibenclamide treated rats. In addition, the molecular docking of chrysoeriol against glycolytic enzymes including hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, using Argus software shows chrysoeriol had greatest ligand binding energy as equivalent to glibenclamide, as a standard drug. Thus, chrysoeriol found to be non-toxic with potential regulation on glycemic control and upregulation of the carbohydrate metabolic enzymes.