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In recent years, population outbreaks of the annelid Hermodice carunculata (Polychaeta, Amphinomidae) are recurrently detected along the coastal zone of the Salento peninsula (Southern Italy), with impacts on marine benthic ecosystems. Annelida are renowned for their remarkable regeneration potential, enabling them to reform lost body parts. A handful of studies have reported posterior regeneration of H. carunculata, but anterior regeneration has not been fully explored. In this study, we investigated the capacity of H. carunculata collected in shallow coastal areas (Ionian Sea, 40°08'26.9" N 17°58'44.1" E) to regenerate anterior body parts under different temperature conditions (22 and 14 °C) and considering two different body sizes (∼ 4 g and 25 g). In addition, histological analysis and lipid analyses were carried out to detect changes in the reproductive cycle and lipid storage during ongoing regeneration. The results suggest that small and large-sized specimens of H. carunculata can regenerate efficiently anterior body parts in 12–20 weeks post amputation when kept at 22 °C. Small-sized worms kept at 14 °C regenerated slower but died in 24 weeks post amputation before regenerating a mouth, while large-sized worms kept at 14 °C were affected by a 100% mortality during blastema formation. In addition, lipid extraction analyses show that H. carunculata can regenerate during extended periods of starvation by de novo synthesizing lipid reserves and regeneration in H. carunculata does not negatively impact the reproductive cycle, as gametogenesis occurs also during the regenerative processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to high rates of prenatal complications, twins are, on average, substantially smaller than population norms on physical measurements including height, weight, and head circumference at birth. By early childhood, twins are physically average. This study is the first to explore the process of catch-up growth by fitting asymptotic growth models to age-standardized height, weight, and head circumference measurements in a community sample of twins (n = 1281, 52.3% female) followed at up to 17 time points from birth to 15 years. Catch-up growth was rapid over the first year and plateaued around the population mean by early childhood. Shared environmental factors accounted for the majority of individual differences in initial physical size (57.7–65.5%), whereas additive genetic factors accounted for the majority of individual differences in the upper asymptotes of height, weight, and head circumference (73.4–92.6%). Both additive genetic and shared environmental factors were associated with variance in how quickly twins caught up. Gestational age and family SES emerged as important environmental correlates of physical catch-up growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Scarr-Rowe hypothesis proposes that the heritability of intelligence is higher in more advantaged socioeconomic contexts. An early demonstration of this hypothesis was Rowe and colleagues (Rowe et al., Child Dev 70:1151–1162, 1999), where an interaction between the heritability of verbal intelligence and parental education was identified in adolescent siblings in Wave I of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The present study repeated their original analysis at Wave I using contemporary methods, replicated the finding during young adulthood at Wave III, and analyzed the interaction longitudinally utilizing multiple measurements. We examined parental education, family income, and peer academic environment as potential moderators. Results indicated increased heritability and decreased shared environmental variance of verbal intelligence at higher levels of parental education and peer academic environment in adolescence. Moreover, moderation by peer academic environment persisted into adulthood with its effect partially attributable to novel gene-environment interactions that arose in the process of cognitive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α) catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucose-6-phosphate to glucose and functions as a key regulator in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis. Deficiency in G6Pase-α causes glycogen storage disease 1a (GSD1a), an inherited disorder characterized by life-threatening hypoglycemia and other long-term complications. We have developed a potential mRNA-based therapy for GSD1a and demonstrated that a human G6Pase-α (hG6Pase-α) variant harboring a single serine (S) to cysteine (C) substitution at the amino acid site 298 (S298C) had > twofold increase in protein expression, resulting in improved in vivo efficacy. Here, we sought to investigate the mechanisms contributing to the increased expression of the S298C variant. Mutagenesis of hG6Pase-α identified distinct protein variants at the 298 amino acid position with substantial reduction in protein expression in cultured cells. Kinetic analysis of expression and subcellular localization in mammalian cells, combined with cell-free in vitro translation assays, revealed that altered protein expression stemmed from differences in cellular protein stability rather than biosynthetic rates. Site-specific mutagenesis studies targeting other cysteines of the hG6Pase-α S298C variant suggest the observed improvements in stability are not due to additional disulfide bond formation. The glycosylation at Asparagine (N)-96 is critical in maintaining enzymatic activity and mutations at position 298 mainly affected glycosylated forms of hG6Pase-α. Finally, proteasome inhibition by lactacystin improved expression levels of unstable hG6Pase-α variants. Taken together, these data uncover a critical role for a single amino acid substitution impacting the stability of G6Pase-α and provide insights into the molecular genetics of GSD1a and protein engineering for therapeutic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spionid polychaete Pseudopolydora paucibranchiata (Okuda, 1937) was originally described from Japan and has since been reported as a non-indigenous species in soft bottom communities in the Northeast Pacific, the Mediterranean Sea, around Europe, Australia, Brazil, and Florida. The diagnostic features of the adults are palps with ramified yellow chromatophores, prostomium rounded anteriorly, short occipital antenna on the caruncle, and a small disc-like pygidium. We collected Pseudopolydora with these features from locations worldwide and compared them by a molecular analysis. The Bayesian analysis of the combined dataset of three genetic markers (mitochondrial 16S rDNA, nuclear 28S rDNA and Histone 3; 811 bp in total) showed that the worms form a monophyletic group comprising four genetically different clades. We name this group the P. paucibranchiata complex and consider the clades as four pseudocryptic species. The largest examined clade comprises individuals from the Pacific Canada (British Columbia), Russia (Sea of Japan), South Korea (East Sea), Italy (Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas), Australia (Victoria), Netherlands, and Japan, which we identify as P. paucibranchiata. The morphology, reproductive biology and ecology of P. paucibranchiata are briefly reviewed. The other three clades are referred to as Pseudopolydora vexillosa Radashevsky and Hsieh, 2000 (Vietnam, Nha Trang Bay), Pseudopolydora sp. A (Australia, Northern Territory), and Pseudopolydora sp. B (Kuwait, Arabian Gulf). We explain the occurrence of P. paucibranchiata outside of the Northwest Pacific by unintentional human-mediated transportation in ballast water and/or with commercial oyster movements in aquaculture operations, followed by successful invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper provides a multidisciplinary fine-scale description of a Mediterranean mesophotic new habitat dominated by the bivalve Neopycnodonte cochlear (Poli, 1795), building large and thick pinnacles on vertical cliffs at two study areas along the southern Italian coast. The pinnacles, constituted by a multilayered aggregation of living and dead specimens of N. cochlear, were interconnected with each other to form a framework of high structural complexity, never observed before for this species. The bioconstruction, considerably extended, resulted very complex and diversified in the associated community of structuring organisms. This latter included 165 taxa attributable to different ecological groups occurring in different microhabitats of the bioconstruction. Among the secondary structuring taxa there were scleractinians, serpulids and bryozoans, all contributing to the deposition of calcium carbonate, and poriferans, helping to bind shells together or eroding carbonate by boring species. In comparison with coralligenous sensu stricto and the recently described Mediterranean mesophotic coral reef, the Neopycnodonte bioconstruction showed peculiar features, since it lacked the major contribution of encrusting coralline algae and scleractinians as reef builders, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Louisville Twin Study (LTS) began in 1958 and became a premier longitudinal twin study of cognitive development. The LTS continuously collected data from twins through 2000 after which the study closed indefinitely due to lack of funding. Now that the majority of the sample is age 40 or older (61.36%, N = 1770), the LTS childhood data can be linked to midlife cognitive functioning, among other physical, biological, social, and psychiatric outcomes. We report results from two pilot studies in anticipation of beginning the midlife phase of the LTS. The first pilot study was a participant tracking study, in which we showed that approximately 90% of the Louisville families randomly sampled (N = 203) for the study could be found. The second pilot study consisted of 40 in-person interviews in which twins completed cognitive, memory, biometric, and functional ability measures. The main purpose of the second study was to correlate midlife measures of cognitive functioning to a measure of biological age, which is an alternative index to chronological age that quantifies age as a function of the breakdown of structural and functional physiological systems, and then to relate both of these measures to twins' cognitive developmental trajectories. Midlife IQ was uncorrelated with biological age (−.01) while better scores on episodic memory more strongly correlated with lower biological age (−.19 to −.31). As expected, midlife IQ positively correlated with IQ measures collected throughout childhood and adolescence. Additionally, positive linear rates of change in FSIQ scores in childhood significantly correlated with biological age (−.68), physical functioning (.71), and functional ability (−.55), suggesting that cognitive development predicts lower biological age, better physical functioning, and better functional ability. In sum, the Louisville twins can be relocated to investigate whether and how early and midlife cognitive and physical health factors contribute to cognitive aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates two populations of a polychaete identified as Ophelia barquii Fauvel, 1927, collected in two beaches from the Adriatic (Alimini beach) and Ionian (Gallipoli beach) coasts from the Salento Peninsula. Each population was analyzed monthly from April 2017 to March 2018. In both beaches, populational density decreased from April to August with a complete absence of worms from August to the following January. We hypothesize that this trend results from horizontal migration of individuals for reproductive purposes. Sexual maturation was asynchronous between the two populations, with individuals becoming ripe earlier in Alimini than in Gallipoli. Significant differences in body size were recorded between the two populations, with specimens larger in Gallipoli than in Alimini, suggesting that they could belong to different species. However, life-cycle studies performed under laboratory conditions showed that both populations follow a similar developmental path and can cross-fertilize. The larval development featured a very short period of pelagic life, the shortest known so far for any species of Ophelia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) following infection or tissue injury is associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality. Extensive cellular injury results in the release of nuclear proteins, of which histones are the most abundant, into the circulation. Circulating histones are implicated as essential mediators of MODS. Available anti-histone therapies have failed in clinical trials due to off-target effects such as bleeding and toxicity. Here, we describe a therapeutic strategy for MODS based on the neutralization of histones by chemically stabilized nucleic acid bio-drugs (aptamers). Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment technology identified aptamers that selectively bind those histones responsible for MODS and do not bind to serum proteins. We demonstrate the efficacy of histone-specific aptamers in human cells and in a murine model of MODS. These aptamers could have a significant therapeutic benefit in the treatment of multiple diverse clinical conditions associated with MODS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper deals with the description of specimens of a new species of Pseudobranchiomma Jones, 1962 collected from the Sea of Marmara between 50 and 100 m depths, a genus that, up to now, is represented within the Mediterranean area by only one species. The new species is mainly characterized by having radioles without serrations, well-developed paired compound eyes on radioles, absence of dorsal pinnular appendages, minute interramal eyespots appearing after chaetiger 5, and pointed ventral sacs and lappets. The morphological features of the new species are compared to those of the most similar species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The project “Biodiversity MARE Tricase” aims to research and promote coastal and marine biodiversity at the MARE Outpost (Avamposto MARE), a marine station established in Tricase (Lecce, Italy) in 2015. From March 2016 to September 2017, the first biodiversity inventory of the Tricase coastal area (Ionian Sea) was realized with the aid of citizen scientists (e.g. local fishermen, divers, bathers, and tourists). Preliminary results include 556 taxa, of which the 95% were identified at the species level. Despite the broad knowledge on Mediterranean coastal biodiversity, 71 species represented new records for the Ionian Sea. In parallel with the research activities, people’s awareness of the value of biodiversity was raised with scientific dissemination initiatives, involving about 1700 people. The “Biodiversity MARE Tricase” project realized a first small-scale species inventory contributing to the distributional, taxonomic, and ecological knowledge of the present Mediterranean biota. The coastal area of Tricase will be soon included in a new Marine Protected Area and this project represents a step forward for the sustainable development of the community of this coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report results from a 2-year study on the succession pattern of macrofouling assemblages in the Taranto Sea, an important alien species hotspot in the Mediterranean Sea. Four sets of PVC panels were used as macrofouling collectors; each unit was installed at a different time (April 2013, July 2013, October 2013 and January 2014) and then surveyed quarterly for 1 year. The macrofouling community consisted of 93 sessile invertebrate species, of which 16 were NIS and five were cryptogenic. In both years non-indigenous species (NIS) recruitment occurred mainly in the quarter July/October in concert with the settlement of pioneer autochthonous species. This recruitment is independent of immersion time, occurring on both bare substrates and on previously colonized panels. This increase in NIS coverage is influenced by the development stage of the community, suggesting that NIS grow better without potential competitors. Two sets of NIS were distinguished. The first included abundant ascidians, serpulids, and bryozoans that are structuring components of early communities when favorable conditions exist (i.e. a lack of competitive autochthonous species). After settlement, these species are unable to develop in later-stage communities. The second set of NIS was composed of sabellid worms that settle in early and late communities but, unlike the other NIS, are able to persist and become dominant in late macrofouling communities independent of seasonal changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work analyzed three hard-bottom and two soft-bottom species of sabellid polychaetes to determine the content of several heavy metals in their branchial crown and body. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were recorded in the hard-bottom species Branchiomma bairdi, a recent Mediterranean introduction. Differences in the metal concentrations were most notable in the high trace metal levels of the branchial crown for all the studied species. Statistical analysis showed that the Mediterranean hard-bottom species were similar each other in their heavy metal content in the body as well as in the branchial crown and appeared separated from all the other species. Arsenic and vanadium hyperaccumulation in the branchial crowns of the considered sabellid species probably acts as a deterrent for predation. The observed differences among the examined species were discussed not only at the light of habitat colonization but also in terms of the phylogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of inhibitory antibodies is a complication which arise in approximately 10% of patients with haemophilia A. The underlying genetic mutation is the single most important predisposing cause, although other risk factors have been identified. Periodic screening for inhibitors is a vital aspect of haemophilia care. The consequences of inhibitor development are very significant in terms of morbidity and cost. Several agents are now available for control of bleeding, but these are often very expensive. The most useful agents include recombinant activated factor VII, prothrombin complex concentrates and porcine factor VIII. It is possible to suppress antibody production with immune tolerance, which is successful in approximately 85% of cases and relapse is rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During several surveys conducted along the Ionian coast of Italy, specimens belonging to two species of the genera Monticellina and Protocirrineris were collected and described as new species in the present study. Protocirrineris purgamentorum sp. nov., collected from hard bottom near a sewage outfall, is mainly characterized by having branchiae commencing from the anteriormost tentacle-bearing chaetiger. Monticellina marypetersenae sp. nov., found in muddy sediments of the Gulf of Taranto, is unique among its congeners by having the first pair of branchiae arising anteriorly from the dorsal tentacles, notopodia with only capillaries, and four peristomial rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to utilize the biomass of the polychaete Sabella spallanzanii Gmelin as a dietary supplement for fish nourishment, we conducted some experiences of rearing this worm in the Mediterranean Sea. A preliminary study on the growth of this species on suspended plastic nets was conducted in two sites of the Apulian coast with different trophic features. Data for the first 12 months show that S. spallanzanii reared in eutrophic conditions grows producing a biomass higher than the natural population. The acquired experience was afterward tested in a pilot plant located in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto, a eutrophic area where polychaetes were co-cultured with Mytilus galloprovincialis within a long-line farm. The slight mortality recorded during the first 2 months and quite negligible after 4 months, the high increase in volume and biomass of the reared polychaetes, especially at high density (70 individuals for each net), demonstrated the advantage of rearing S. spallanzanii in the pilot plant with low cost of production and high profit. If the acquired technology is applied to a medium farm containing up to 400 sectors, the biomass produced indeed might reach about 1.36 tons/year. In conclusion, on the basis of our results, we demonstrated the possibility to obtain high-value worm biomass coupled to mussel biomass in a completely non-fed culturing system without increasing, but presumably reducing the environmental impact due to mussel farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrios are among the most abundant culturable microbes in aquatic environments. They can be either free-living in the water column or associated with several marine organisms as mutualists, saprophytes, or parasites. In the present study we analysed vibrios abundance and diversity in the mucus of the polychaete Myxicola infundibulum, complementing culture-based with molecular methods. Vibrios reached 4.6 × 10 CFU mL thus representing a conspicuous component of the heterotrophic culturable bacteria. In addition, luminous vibrios accounted for about 60 % of the total culturable vibrios in the mucus. The isolates were assigned to: Vibrio gigantis, Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio jasicida, Vibrio crassostreae, Vibrio kanaloae, and Vibrio xuii. Two Vibrio isolates (MI-13 and MI-15) may belong to a new species. We also tested the ability of the Vibrio isolates to grow on M. infundibulum mucus as the sole carbon source. All strains showed appreciable growth in the presence of mucus, leading us to conclude that this matrix, which is abundant and covers the animal entirely, may represent a microcosm and a food source for some bacteria, playing a crucial role in the structuring of a mucus-associated beneficial microbial community. Moreover, the trophic relationship between vibrios and M. infundibulum mucus could be enhanced by the protection that mucus offers to vibrios. The results of this study represent a contribution to the growing evidence for complex and dynamic invertebrate-microbe associations present in nature and highlight the importance of exploring relationships that Vibrio species establish with marine invertebrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are ubiquitous and vital components of the cell surface of Gram-negative bacteria that have been shown to play a relevant role in the induction of the immune-system response. In animal and plant cells, innate immune defenses toward microorganisms are triggered by the perception of pathogen associated molecular patterns. These are conserved and generally indispensable microbial structures such as LPSs that are fundamental in the Gram-negative immunity recognition. This paper reports the development of an integrated strategy based on lipopolysaccharide affinity methodology that represents a new starting point to elucidate the molecular mechanisms elicited by bacterial LPS and involved in the different steps of innate immunity response. Biotin-tagged LPS was immobilized on streptavidin column and used as a bait in an affinity capture procedure to identify protein partners from human serum specifically interacting with this effector. The complex proteins/lipopolysaccharide was isolated and the protein partners were fractionated by gel electrophoresis and identified by mass spectrometry. This procedure proved to be very effective in specifically binding proteins functionally correlated with the biological role of LPS. Proteins specifically bound to LPS essentially gathered within two functional groups, regulation of the complement system (factor H, C4b, C4BP, and alpha 2 macroglobulin) and inhibition of LPS-induced inflammation (HRG and Apolipoproteins). The reported strategy might have important applications in the elucidation of biological mechanisms involved in the LPSs-mediated molecular recognition and anti-infection responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a contribution to the knowledge of marine and brackish water alien species (infraspecific taxa included) recorded along the Italian coasts. The Italian Peninsula, with over 7,000 km of coastline, is located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, splitting the Western and the Eastern basins. Data were collected from published material, mostly authored by the experts of different marine taxa participating in the 'Allochthonous Species Group' of the Italian Society of Marine Biology (SIBM). The data have been reviewed according to the taxonomic expertise of the authors and are organized in a referenced database containing information on each species about: distribution along Italian coasts, the native range, most probable vectors of introduction, population status and impact. The total number of marine alien species recorded along Italian coasts during the selected time period 1945-2009 is relatively high: 165 species, in many cases native from tropical regions of the world. Most of them were introduced in the 1980s and 1990s, whereas in the last few years the number of new records has decreased. The highest number of alien species has been observed in the northern Adriatic Sea, particularly in the Lagoon of Venice, which is the main hotspot of introduction. Of the total number of species, 46% was unable to establish resident populations in the Italian seas; 15% (24 species) rapidly increased their populations and extended their geographical range, consequently they may be considered invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main reason why tumours are not controlled by the immune system is that, unlike pathogens, they do not express potent tumour rejection antigens (TRAs). Tumour vaccination aims at stimulating a systemic immune response targeted to, mostly weak, antigens expressed in the disseminated tumour lesions. Main challenges in developing effective vaccination protocols are the identification of potent and broadly expressed TRAs and effective adjuvants to stimulate a robust and durable immune response. Here we describe an alternative approach in which the expression of new, and thereby potent, antigens are induced in tumour cells by inhibiting nonsense-mediated messenger RNA decay (NMD). Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated inhibition of NMD in tumour cells led to the expression of new antigenic determinants and their immune-mediated rejection. In subcutaneous and metastatic tumour models, tumour-targeted delivery of NMD factor-specific siRNAs conjugated to oligonucleotide aptamer ligands led to significant inhibition of tumour growth that was superior to that of vaccination with granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-expressing irradiated tumour cells, and could be further enhanced by co-stimulation. Tumour-targeted NMD inhibition forms the basis of a simple, broadly useful, and clinically feasible approach to enhance the antigenicity of disseminated tumours leading to their immune recognition and rejection. The cell-free chemically synthesized oligonucleotide backbone of aptamer–siRNAs reduces the risk of immunogenicity and enhances the feasibility of generating reagents suitable for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylogeny of Syllidae is under debate due to new studies based on molecular and morphological data. The noticeable taxonomic diversity of syllids (about 700 listed species) is also mirrored in the array of reproductive strategies as well as in sperm morphology, counting a display of forms already supposed to reflect phylogenetic relationships between the species. The sperm ultrastructure of Syllis gerlachi, S. prolifera and S. vittata is herein presented and compared to the Syllinae species studied previously. Moreover, the egg structure and the gamete allocation within stolons of S. vittata are particularly investigated. Both male germinal cells at different level of maturation and oocytes were found in the same individual of S. vittata, suggesting simultaneous hermaphroditism. The ultrastructural analysis revealed that the observed spermatozoa belong to the ect-aquasperm type resembling those of the similar studied species ( Syllis sp., S. pigmentata and S. krohni). Differences in the acrosome structure and nucleus shape are in accordance with a recent phylogenetic reconstruction and suggest a trend in the evolution of spermatozoa in Syllinae toward the development of the apical part. However, further molecular and ultrastructural analyses are needed to support this hypothesis. This is the first record of simultaneous hermaphroditism within Syllinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer cells expressing prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) have been targeted with RNA aptamer–small interfering (si)RNA chimeras, but therapeutic efficacy in vivo was demonstrated only with intratumoral injection. Clinical translation of this approach will require chimeras that are effective when administered systemically and are amenable to chemical synthesis. To these ends, we enhanced the silencing activity and specificity of aptamer-siRNA chimeras by incorporating modifications that enable more efficient processing of the siRNA by the cellular machinery. These included adding 2-nucleotide 3′-overhangs and optimizing the thermodynamic profile and structure of the duplex to favor processing of the siRNA guide strand. We also truncated the aptamer portion of the chimeras to facilitate large-scale chemical synthesis. The optimized chimeras resulted in pronounced regression of PSMA-expressing tumors in athymic mice after systemic administration. Anti-tumor activity was further enhanced by appending a polyethylene glycol moiety, which increased the chimeras' circulating half-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous work has demonstrated that E2F proteins regulate the expression of various genes encoding proteins essential for DNA replication and cell-cycle progression. E2F1 in particular is required for the initial entry to the cell cycle from a quiescent state and is required for the activation of other E2F genes. Other work has demonstrated a role for the Myc transcription factor in the activation of a large number of genes associated with cell growth, including E2F genes. We now show that Myc is required to allow the interaction of the E2F1 protein with the E2F gene promoters. As such, Myc thus provides a link between the development of a growth-competent state during the initial stage of G1 and the activation of genes essential for DNA replication at G1/S.Oncogene (2008) 27, 4172–4179; doi:10.1038/onc.2008.55; published online 17 March 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technologies that mediate targeted delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are needed to improve their therapeutic efficacy and safety. Therefore, we have developed aptamer-siRNA chimeric RNAs capable of cell type–specific binding and delivery of functional siRNAs into cells. The aptamer portion of the chimeras mediates binding to PSMA, a cell-surface receptor overexpressed in prostate cancer cells and tumor vascular endothelium, whereas the siRNA portion targets the expression of survival genes. When applied to cells expressing PSMA, these RNAs are internalized and processed by Dicer, resulting in depletion of the siRNA target proteins and cell death. In contrast, the chimeras do not bind to or function in cells that do not express PSMA. These reagents also specifically inhibit tumor growth and mediate tumor regression in a xenograft model of prostate cancer. These studies demonstrate an approach for targeted delivery of siRNAs with numerous potential applications, including cancer therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the reproduction activity of Exogone naidina Örsted, 1845, followed on a hard-bottom population located at a site along the coast of Bari (South Adriatic Sea), during a year of study from November 2000 to October 2001. Population structure was analysed together with the reproductive state of individuals over time. The interpretation of frequency histograms computed on the total worm length was not easy because of the almost complete lack of juvenile forms. Ripe individuals were present for most of the year, covering a large range of sizes. The reproductive season extended from April to December, with two peaks of activity: one from April to June and one in September–October. Life span was hypothesized to be up to 1 year, with generational change clearly visible only in late summer. However, the prolonged reproductive period produces an overlapping of generations. The link between population density and the reproductive cycle of the species with food availability is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ‘latitudinal gradient of biodiversity’ hypothesis was tested utilising the geographical distribution of species taxa belonging to the family Sabellidae (Annelida: Polychaeta), one of the polychaete families studied by only a few specialists around the world. An increase in species richness towards the Tropical region was revealed, with an asymmetric distribution between the two hemispheres. Data show that most of the species were found in Northern latitudes, producing a Northern area much richer than the Southern one. The Atlantic-Mediterranean Region was particularly rich, with the number of species close to those from the Indo-Pacific Region. Mediterranean species richness is discussed in the light of the particular history of the basin, also emphasising the importance of naturalistic studies that have made the Mediterranean marine flora and fauna one of the best known in the world. The existence of ‘extrinsic factors’ that obscure the real pattern of distributions is hypothesised. Differences found between the two hemispheres could be attributed primarily to the higher number of specialists working in the Boreal Domains, including the Mediterranean area. Global trends produced by some representative genera are also discussed with respect to the distribution of the taxonomic specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder, which in its severe form is characterized by recurrent hemarthrosis and internal bleeding. In the absence of effective treatment the prognosis is poor, but the development of blood products in the last few decades has transformed the outlook, and patients can now live essentially normal lives. Treatment options vary around the world, with cryoprecipitate still the mainstay of therapy in many developing countries. Many patients were infected with hepatitis and/or HIV through the use of coagulation factor concentrates before the introduction of physical methods of viral inactivation in the mid-1980s. In more affluent countries, the debate in recent years has focused on the relative merits of plasma versus recombinant products. Coagulation factor concentrates are expensive, and cost-benefit and quality-of-life studies will assume an increasing importance in guiding the selection of products. Looking to the future, genetic engineering offers the potential to create coagulation factors with enhanced properties, such as reduced immunogenicity and prolonged half-life. Transgenic animals are a potential source of therapeutic materials. Several trials of gene therapy for hemophilia are already underway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the distribution of polychaete assemblages along a depth gradient from 5 to 25 m, along a stretch of rocky coast near Otranto (South Adriatic sea, Italy). Three depths were sampled in May and November 2000. At each depth three sites (about 100 m apart) were sampled by scraping off three replicate quadrats of 20×20 cm. The experimental design enabled identification of across- and along-shore spatial patterns of variation of polychaete assemblages. A total of 4,168 specimens, belonging to 152 taxa were collected. Multivariate analysis showed that the polychaete assemblages differed significantly among depths with the clearest differences between the shallowest sites (5 m) and the deeper ones (15–25 m). A considerable source of variation among sites at each level of the shore was also exhibited by the analyses, with the greatest differences among sites within depths recorded at 5 m. The species most contributing to the differentiation of assemblages among depths and sites within each depth were identified. Some potential causes of the observed differences are hypothesized and discussed. The importance of quantitative observation to provide the context for studying the underlying ecological processes is also stressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Pseudobranchiomma Jones, 1962 can be divided into three groups: (A) those with paired serrated flanges along all or most of the crown radioles, as in the type species P. emersoni Jones, 1962; (B) those with such flanges only on the distal parts of the radioles; (C) those with flanges reduced or absent (without serrations) as in two new species described here from Florida and Italy. Group C also contains Pseudobranchiomma longa (Kinberg, 1867), P. punctata (Treadwell, 1906) and P. minima (Nogueira & Knight-Jones, 2002). Lists of species (and their synonyms) in the other two groups are given, and scissiparity, thoracic length, chaetal arrangements and types of radiolar eyes are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Polynoidae and Sabellidae represent two polychaete families with contrasting life habits and different phylogenetic constraints. Species of both families studied in this work were collected on the shelf of the Eastern Weddell Sea (Antarctica) during the EASIZ-I (1996) and EASIZ-II (1998) expeditions. Among the Polynoidae, three different species of the genus Harmothoe were observed to brood eggs under the dorsal elytra, which is an uncommon feature in this family. The egg size of all brooding taxa ranged between 120 and 216 µm. Three Sabellidae species were studied: Myxicola cf sulcata is gonochoric with eggs among the largest (up to 1000 µm) recorded for the sabellids. Eggs, as well as larvae, are incubated within the branchial crown, a feature newly discovered for the genus Myxicola. Demonax polarsterni n. sp. (a newly discovered taxon) and Euchone pallida are gonochoric and possess relatively large eggs (350 µm and 270 µm, respectively). In comparison with cogeneric species of temperate areas, the Antarctic Sabellidae have larger egg dimensions and egg brooding that seems unconstrained by adult size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses the occurrence of epibiontic and endobiontic polychaetes of Geodia cydonium in the Mediterranean Sea. Factors controlling polychaete assemblage; Influence of sponge size on polychaete colonization; Characterization of the polychaete assemblage of G. cydonium.

Presents a study which reported data on gametogenesis and larval development in Sabella spallanzanii from the Mediterranean Sea. Materials and methods; Results and discussion.

In the early 1980s it was recognized that coagulation factor concentrates prepared from plasma pooled from thousands of donors transmitted the hepatitis and the human immunodeficiency viruses. The last 15 years have witnessed the development of methods that, applied during concentrate manufacturing, inactivate viruses escaping the screening procedures. The adoption of these measures has dramatically reduced the risk of transmission of bloodborne infections by plasma-derived coagulation factor concentrates. The production of recombinant factor VIII and IX and their availability for patient treatment epitomize progress in hemophilia care through DNA technology. No transmission of infectious agents has been documented and the small amount of residual animal proteins, particularly in the early products, has not been associated with any clinically significant adverse reaction. There is little doubt that recombinant factor VIII and IX are the products of choice for the treatment of patients with hemophilia, particularly the second-generation products containing no plasma-derived human protein and fewer and fewer animal proteins. However, availability and cost still oblige most physicians to ration recombinant products and prioritize certain patient groups (previously untreated, previously uninfected). The Hematology Journal (2000) 1, 72–76 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemolytic capacity was investigated in homogenates of eight species of polychaetes, belonging to five different orders. Nainereis laevigata, Orbinia cuvieri, Cirriformia tentaculata, Notomastus latericeus, Arenicola claparedii and Petaloproctus terricola were collected during February 1990 from the coastal lagoon of Acquatina (Puglia, Italy). Nereis sp. (from the Yellow Sea, Japan) and Marphysa sanguinea (from Venice lagoon, Italy) were both purchased from a retail shop in Lecce (Italy). Homogenates from only three species [ Nainereis laevigata and O. cuvieri (family Orbinidae, order Orbinia) and P. terricola (family Maldanidae, order Capitellida)] induced hemolysis in sheep red blood cells. Important differences in hemolytic titers, Ca- or Mg-dependence and in timecourse responses were noted between the three hemolytic species. On the other hand, thermolability and proteinase-inhibitor resistance (with the exception of O. cuvieri) were features common to all three. Electrophoretic analysis revealed that hemolysis was mediated by apparently only one protein in N. laevigata and P. terricola, with no correlation between them or with the proteins responsible for hemolysis in the oligochaete Eisenia fetida andrei (Lumbricidae). No lytic protein was localized in hemolytic O. cuvieri homogenate, which was also the only homogenate to be partially inhibited by benzamidine, but not by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride or soybean trypsin inhibitor. These results underline the extreme variety existing among the species constituting the polychaete group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present high and low dispersion UV spectra of HDE 245770, which is the optical counterpart of the recurrent transient X-ray pulsar A 0535+26,during a decay of an X-ray flare. UBV photometric measurements and medium dispersion optical spectra were simultaneously obtained. The energy distribution of the star in the 12 - 10 micron range is compared with the models of Kurucz and Poeckert and Marlborough. In this phase, HDE 245770 does not show evaluable variations with respect to the quiescent X-ray phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

η Car is surrounded by a dense nebula ejected during the last 150 years. The Einstein satellite recently detected intense X-ray emission from η Car and its nebula indicating the existence of efficient gas heating processes. Ultraviolet observations with IUE confirmed the presence of hot gas in the condensation S of the nebula and in η Car. Possible interpretations of the results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight insulin-dependent non pregnant (IDD-NP), 10 insulin-dependent pregnant (IDD-P) and 9 pregnant control women were studied. During intravenous arginine challenge (ATT) there were lower glucose and higher glucagon plasma levels in the IDD-P when compared to the IDD-NP. IRG levels in response to ATT were also significantly higher in diabetic than in non diabetic control pregnant women. These results seem to indicate that pregnancy in diabetic women, in contrast to that observed in normal women, enhances glucagon secretion with impairment of the physiological mechanism of the facilitated anabolism present in normal pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Blut: Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Blutforschung is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Blut: Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Blutforschung is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This is the first description of a Mediterranean mesophotic coral reef. The bioconstruction extended for 2.5 km along the Italian Adriatic coast in the bathymetric range −30/−55 m. It appeared as a framework of coral blocks mostly built by two scleractinians, Phyllangia americana mouchezii (Lacaze-Duthiers, 1897) and Polycyathus muellerae (Abel, 1959), which were able to edify a secondary substrate with high structural complexity. Scleractinian corallites were cemented by calcified polychaete tubes and organized into an interlocking meshwork that provided the reef stiffness. Aggregates of several individuals of the bivalve Neopycnodonte cochlear (Poli, 1795) contributed to the compactness of the structure. The species composition of the benthic community showed a marked similarity with those described for Mediterranean coralligenous communities and it appeared to be dominated by invertebrates, while calcareous algae, which are usually considered the main coralligenous reef-builders, were poorly represented. Overall, the studied reef can be considered a unique environment, to be included in the wide and diversified category of Mediterranean bioconstructions. The main reef-building scleractinians lacked algal symbionts, suggesting that heterotrophy had a major role in the metabolic processes that supported the production of calcium carbonate. The large amount of available suspended organic matter in the area could be the main nutritional source for these species, as already suggested in the literature referred to Mediterranean cold-water corals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their great importance for biomedical research, the intricate network of relationships between macro- and microglia, in terms of development, function and evolution, remains poorly understood. Drawing inspiration from the recent meeting "Of Glia and Microglia", held at the University of Strasbourg in December 2017, we here discuss the outstanding questions in the seemingly disparate fields of glial development, physiology and evolution, and also provide suggestions for how the field should move forward. Volker Hartenstein and Angela Giangrande discuss recent advances and future directions in glial biology and evolution in the context of a recent scientific conference. Their Comment illustrates the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to answering outstanding questions in biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]