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Medical literature is an important source of drug safety information relevant for signal detection, safety profile analysis and risk-benefit assessment. The main goal of our study was to assess the utility of domestic medical literature as a source of drug safety information. All safety information identified for active substances published between 1.01.2018-31.12.2019 in domestic medical journals published in Poland were analyzed. Four thousand seven hundred eighty-nine drug safety information was reported for 500 active substances. Two thousand and forty-four submissions dealing with drug safety (48.28%) were identified in the 10 journals from the list of analyzed journals (3 of these were identified in the 2019 JCR and 5 of these were indexed in the main scientific databases and 9 of these had an affiliation to scientific society). There was a correlation between journal impact factor and scientific database indexation with the number of published individual literature reports and type of safety information. Journals publishing in Polish constituted source for about 40% of all safety information published in the examined period. Journals indexed in Medline were the source of about 37% of all safety information while 42% was published in Embase. Local medical literature is a source of valuable safety information but the list of journals for monitoring should be carefully selected with particular attention to journals with impact factor.

In wolves Canis lupus, scent marking plays an important role in territory defence. In Europe, studies on patterns of scent marking in wolves have mostly been conducted in mountains or primeval forests, but since these areas are characterised by low human activity, the impact of people on this behaviour has been neglected. We conducted a study that combined genetic methods with an analysis of the spatial distribution of wolf territory markings in lowland managed forests with high human activity. We found that scent markings are deposited by all members of wolf family groups. Wolves most intensively marked crossroads and their vicinity, especially on roads only accessible for four-wheel drive cars. Our study provides further evidence that crossroads of forest roads play a crucial role in wolf scent marking. The results of our study may be useful during inventories of wolf populations based on collecting indirect signs of their presence or non-invasive genetic sampling.

Summary Background Signal management is considered an important activity in pharmacovigilance and should be performed using any available source of data, including scientific literature. The main aim of this study was to assess the role of scientific literature in both indexed and unindexed journals and compare the relevance of both in the signal management process. Methods The study was a retrospective analysis of safety data. For the purposes of the study, drugs for which safety signals were evaluated by European Medicine Agency (EMA) were chosen. A match analysis of data collected in the EudraVigilance (EV) database with data from bibliographic databases such as MEDLINE, Embase or EBSCO (International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, IPA and the Allied and the Complementary Medicine Database, AMED) was performed. Results A total of 73 drug event associations (DEA) and 4160 individual case safety reports (ICSRs) were analyzed. About 33% of ICSRs were created based on scientific literature. A total of 1196 ICSRs were submitted to the EV database based on journals indexed in global bibliographic databases Embase (86.00%) or MEDLINE (81.96%) or EBSCO (IPA or AMED, 0.66%). Conclusion This study underlines the importance of scientific literature for the signal management process in addition to other data sources. Most literature ICSRs from this analysis were created based on scientific journals indexed in bibliographic databases; therefore, it can be concluded that a systematic review of bibliographic databases, such as Embase or MEDLINE is highly relevant for the signal management process.

Simple Summary The aim of the study was to determine the nature and causes of direct contact between a wolf and domestic dog during different forms of human recreation. The results are crucial for reducing human–nature conflicts and for education. Thanks to this study, we conclude that humans are responsible for reducing the risk of direct contact between these two canine species. The risk of interaction between wolves and a dog that is with a human depends on the distance between the dog and its owner, the number of wolves, and the size of the dog. Hunting with a dog poses a seven times greater risk of interaction with wolves compared to recreational walking. Abstract As a result of species protection in Poland, wolves now appear in places that are attractive for human recreation, increasing their exposure to dogs. This creates a risk of spontaneous direct interactions between these two canine species. Aggressive interactions between the gray wolf and the domestic dog lead to human–large predator conflicts. This study examined wolf–dog interactions using data collected in an online questionnaire and included questions related to factors that might influence the likelihood of interactions between these canines. One of the most important factors affecting the likelihood of interaction between a dog and a wolf was the distance between the dog and the human. The number of wolves was also important—the more wolves, the more likely they were to interact with dogs. The risk of interaction also significantly increases with decreasing distance to human settlements. There were also statistical differences in terms of the type of outdoor activity being engaged in. Hunting was seven times more likely to result in a wolf–dog interaction than normal walk. We postulate that the choices made by the human (dog control and type of recreation) caring for the dog are an important factor that can reduce the risk of direct contact between dogs and wolves.

Understanding factors and mechanisms causing large carnivore aggression towards people is crucial for their conservation in modern human-dominated landscapes. We present detailed descriptions of wolf attacks on people in early summer 2018 in two areas of Poland, analysis of behaviour, fitness and origin of individuals responsible for the attacks and management actions undertaken by local communities as well as governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations. We show that attacks were caused by yearling wolves (13-month-old male and 14-month-old female) originating from local packs, which appeared near households several months prior to incidents. Both individuals were positively food-conditioned and showed increasing habituation caused by irresponsible behaviour of people such as long-lasting intentional feeding or illegal keeping. Post mortem necropsy revealed obesity and serious abnormality of spleen (polysplenia) in the problem female wolf that negatively impacted her fitness and was the most likely reason for her presence near households and feeding on leftovers. Despite prolonged observations of these wolves very close to human settlements (less than 30 m), no mitigation actions were undertaken until the attacks, after which both individuals were killed. We provide several recommendations to avoid aggressive human-carnivore encounters.

The gray wolf Canis lupus range in central Europe is dynamically expanding, reconnecting previously isolated populations. Thus, a recent paper has proposed to merge the current Baltic and Central European (CE) wolf management units, which are no longer isolated by distance. However, recent genetic findings indicate that these two populations are not genetically homogenous. Here we review the most recent data on wolf genetic structure in central Europe and show that even though the CE and Baltic wolves represent the same phylogeographic lineage, their demographic history has resulted in significant genetic structure between these two populations. While the groups are interconnected by moderate gene flow, it is not high enough to reduce the strong founder signal observed in the CE population, suggesting that population dynamics within the CE wolf range are largely independent from those of its source (Baltic) population. Consequently, a management unit combining the CE and Baltic wolves would not form a demographically coherent entity. Thus, we recommend that conservation management units maintain their separate status.

Nucleic acids research / Special publication 48(10), 5572 - 5590 (2020). doi:10.1093/nar/gkaa302, RNA decay is a key element of mitochondrial RNA metabolism. To date, the only well-documented machinery that plays a role in mtRNA decay in humans is the complex of polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) and SUV3 helicase, forming the degradosome. REXO2, a homolog of prokaryotic oligoribonucleases present in humans both in mitochondria and the cytoplasm, was earlier shown to be crucial for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, but its function in mitochondria has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we created a cellular model that enables the clear dissection of mitochondrial and non-mitochondrial functions of human REXO2. We identified a novel mitochondrial short RNA, referred to as ncH2, that massively accumulated upon REXO2 silencing. ncH2 degradation occurred independently of the mitochondrial degradosome, strongly supporting the hypothesis that ncH2 is a primary substrate of REXO2. We also investigated the global impact of REXO2 depletion on mtRNA, revealing the importance of the protein for maintaining low steady-state levels of mitochondrial antisense transcripts and double-stranded RNA. Our detailed biochemical and structural studies provide evidence of sequence specificity of the REXO2 oligoribonuclease. We postulate that REXO2 plays dual roles in human mitochondria, ‘scavenging’ nanoRNAs that are produced by the degradosome and clearing short RNAs that are generated by RNA processing., Published by Information Retrieval Ltd.21517, London

Monitoring of the wolf Canis lupus is a demanding task as it lives in low densities, utilizes vast home ranges and disperses over large areas. These factors make obtaining accurate data about population parameters over the whole distribution area of the species impossible. Thus detailed local studies on socio-spatial organization are essential to calibrate information obtained over a larger area. We applied GPS/GSM telemetry, non-invasive genetic sampling, year-round tracking, camera trapping and howling stimulations to determine the number of family groups, population density and home-range sizes of wolves in the Drawa Forest (DF, western Poland, 2500 km2), an area recently recolonized by the species. Home ranges of three collared male wolves ranged from 321.8 to 420.6 km2 (MCP 100%) and from 187.5 to 277.5 km2 (Kernel 95%), but core areas had a size of 30.5–84.7 km2 (MCP50%) and 35.0–88.8 km2 (Kernel 50%). Mean near neighbour distance between centres of 6 tracked pack homesites was 15.3 km. The number of wolves in DF increased from 14 individuals in 2013/2014 to 30 in 2016/2017. The annual rate of increase varied from 43% in 2014/2015 to 7% in the final year. Population density for the whole study area was relatively low (1.2 indiv./100 km2 in 2016/2017), but densities within territories of two packs studied with telemetry were 1.9 and 1.5 indiv./100 km2. Mean pack size varied between 3.5 and 5.6 individuals, with the largest pack comprising 8 wolves. Mean number of pups observed in summers (June–August) was 4.5. Differences in home range sizes between wolves in western and eastern Poland indicate that results of regional studies cannot be freely extrapolated despite close genetic relationships. Thus, decisions related to management of wolf habitats should be based on intensive local studies.

The GC skew in vertebrate mitochondrial genomes results in synthesis of RNAs that are prone to form G-quadruplexes (G4s). Such RNAs, although mostly non-coding, are transcribed at high rates and are degraded by an unknown mechanism. Here we describe a dedicated mechanism of degradation of G4-containing RNAs, which is based on cooperation between mitochondrial degradosome and quasi-RNA recognition motif (qRRM) protein GRSF1. This cooperation prevents accumulation of G4-containing transcripts in human mitochondria. In vitro reconstitution experiments show that GRSF1 promotes G4 melting that facilitates degradosome-mediated decay. Among degradosome and GRSF1 regulated transcripts we identified one that undergoes post-transcriptional modification. We show that GRSF1 proteins form a distinct qRRM group found only in vertebrates. The appearance of GRSF1 coincided with changes in the mitochondrial genome, which allows the emergence of G4-containing RNAs. We propose that GRSF1 appearance is an evolutionary adaptation enabling control of G4 RNA., G-rich RNAs encoded in mitochondrial DNA are prone to form four-stranded structures called G-quadruplexes (G4s). Here the authors show using in vitro and in vivo approaches that GRSF1 promotes melting of G4 RNA structures in mtRNAs, thus leading to their decay by the hSuv3–PNPase complex.

African swine fever (ASF), caused by a DNA virus (ASFV) belonging to genus Asfivirus of the Asfarviridae family, is one of the most threatening diseases of suids. During last few years, it has spread among populations of wild boars and pigs in countries of Eastern and Central Europe, causing huge economical losses. While local ASF occurrence is positively correlated with wild boar density, ecology of this species (social structure, movement behavior) constrains long-range disease transmission. Thus, it has been speculated that carnivores known for high daily movement and long-range dispersal ability, such as the wolf (Canis lupus), may be indirect ASFV vectors. To test this, we analyzed 62 wolf fecal samples for the presence of ASFV DNA, collected mostly in parts of Poland declared as ASF zones. This dataset included 20 samples confirmed to contain wild boar remains, 13 of which were collected near places where GPS-collared wolves fed on dead wild boars. All analyzed fecal samples were ASFV-negative. On the other hand, eight out of nine wild boar carcasses that were fed on by telemetrically studied wolves were positive. Thus, our results suggest that when wolves consume meat of ASFV-positive wild boars, the virus does not survive the passage through intestinal tract. Additionally, wolves may limit ASFV transmission by removing infectious carrion. We speculate that in areas where telemetric studies on large carnivores are performed, data from GPS collars could be used to enhance efficiency of carcass search, which is one of the main preventive measures to constrain ASF spread.

Aim To compare predictions of the habitat suitability model (HSM) for wolves Canis lupus in Poland with actual wolf distribution in western Poland after 15 years of recolonization. Location Western Poland (WPL, ca. 136,000 km2), west of the 18°48′E meridian. Methods Data on wolf occurrence (8,057 records) were gathered in 2001–2016. Wolf presence in 10 × 10 km cells was classified as follows: (1) permanent occurrence with reproduction, (2) permanent occurrence with no reproduction and (3) sporadic occurrence (interpreted as dispersing individuals). These cells were compared to all 10 × 10 km cells in WPL with respect to the probability of wolf occurrence as predicted by the HSM and habitat variables important for wolves. For temporal analysis, data were divided into two 8-year subsets: the initial and later phases of wolf recovery. Results Wolves were recorded in 259 cells (19.8% of the study area). The pairs and packs settled in areas predicted by the HSM to have good and very good habitat, in cells characterized by high forest cover and low densities of roads. Wolf groups that reproduced were found in the best-quality habitats characterized by denser forest cover and markedly lower shares of anthropogenic structures. Dispersing individuals were mostly recorded in unsuitable and suboptimal habitats, and they avoided both the poorest and the best habitats. In the initial phase of wolf recovery, cells selected by wolves for settling down and those used by dispersing wolves did not differ in their habitat parameters. However, in the later phase, as WPL became more saturated with wolf packs, dispersing individuals were recorded in less suitable habitats. Main conclusions The HSM for Polish wolves predicted with high accuracy the areas later occupied by wolf groups in the western part of the country. A similar approach may also be useful to predict the future distribution of wolves in the lowlands of central and western Europe where environmental conditions are comparable and recolonizing wolves originate from the same source population.

Water-soluble upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated NaYF4:Er3+,Yb3+,Gd3+, with various concentrations of Gd3+ ions and relatively high upconversion efficiencies, were synthesized. The internalization and cytotoxicity of the thus obtained UCNPs were evaluated in three cell lines (HeLa, HEK293 and astrocytes). No cytotoxicity was observed even at concentrations of UCNPs up to 50 μg ml-1. The fate of the UCNPs within the cells was studied by examining their upconversion emission spectra with confocal microscopy and confirming these observations with transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the cellular uptake of the UCNPs occurred primarily by clathrin-mediated endocytosis, whereas they were secreted from the cells via lysosomal exocytosis. The results of this study, focused on the mechanisms of the cellular uptake, localization and secretion of UCNPs, demonstrate, for the first time, the co-localization of UCNPs within discrete cell organelles.

Inorganic nanomaterials able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) are promising components for modern medical applications. Activated by near-infrared light, up-converting β-NaYF4 doped with Er3+–Yb3+ and Tm3+–Yb3+ pair ions nanoparticles (UCNPs), have a wide range of applications in biological imaging as compared to traditional reagents excited by ultra-violet or visible light. We analysed the green-red and the blue-red luminescence to explain the mechanism of the upconversion depended on the surface condition. The influence of SiO2 coating on the cytotoxicity of the as-produced UCNPs towards HeLa cancer cells was reported. We demonstrated a possibility of a direct UCNPs application to photodynamic therapy, without need to attach additional molecules to their surface. The presence of Tm3+–Yb3+ pair ions, thus ROS generation capability, renders the SiO2 shell coated nanoparticles to become potentially useful theranostic agent.

Local extinction and recolonization events can shape genetic structure of subdivided animal populations. The gray wolf (Canis lupus) was extirpated from most of Europe, but recently recolonized big part of its historical range. An exceptionally dynamic expansion of wolf population is observed in the western part of the Great European Plain. Nonetheless, genetic consequences of this process have not yet been fully understood. We aimed to assess genetic diversity of this recently established wolf population in Western Poland (WPL), determine its origin and provide novel data regarding the population genetic structure of the grey wolf in Central Europe. We utilized both spatially explicit and non-explicit Bayesian clustering approaches, as well as a model-independent, multivariate method DAPC, to infer genetic structure in large dataset (881 identified individuals) of wolf microsatellite genotypes. To put the patterns observed in studied population into a broader biogeographic context we also analyzed a mtDNA control region fragment widely used in previous studies. In comparison to a source population, we found slightly reduced allelic richness and heterozygosity in the newly recolonized areas west of the Vistula river. We discovered relatively strong west-east structuring in lowland wolves, probably reflecting founder-flush and allele surfing during range expansion, resulting in clear distinction of WPL, eastern lowland and Carpathian genetic groups. Interestingly, wolves from recently recolonized mountainous areas (Sudetes Mts, SW Poland) clustered together with lowland, but not Carpathian wolf populations. We also identified an area in Central Poland that seems to be a melting pot of western, lowland eastern and Carpathian wolves. We conclude that the process of dynamic recolonization of Central European lowlands lead to the formation of a new, genetically distinct wolf population. Together with the settlement and establishment of packs in mountains by lowland wolves and vice versa, it suggests that demographic dynamics and possibly anthropogenic barriers rather than ecological factors (e.g. natal habitat-biased dispersal patterns) shape the current wolf genetic structure in Central Europe.

Following protection measures implemented since the 1970s, large carnivores are currently increasing in number and returning to areas from which they were absent for decades or even centuries. Monitoring programmes for these species rely extensively on non-invasive sampling and genotyping. However, attempts to connect results of such studies at larger spatial or temporal scales often suffer from the incompatibility of genetic markers implemented by researchers in different laboratories. This is particularly critical for long-distance dispersers, revealing the need for harmonized monitoring schemes that would enable the understanding of gene flow and dispersal dynamics. Based on a review of genetic studies on grey wolves Canis lupus from Europe, we provide an overview of the genetic markers currently in use, and identify opportunities and hurdles for studies based on continent-scale datasets. Our results highlight an urgent need for harmonization of methods to enable transnational research based on data that have already been collected, and to allow these data to be linked to material collected in the future. We suggest timely standardization of newly developed genotyping approaches, and propose that action is directed towards the establishment of shared single nucleotide polymorphism panels, next-generation sequencing of microsatellites, a common reference sample collection and an online database for data exchange. Enhanced cooperation among genetic researchers dealing with large carnivores in consortia would facilitate streamlining of methods, their faster and wider adoption, and production of results at the large spatial scales that ultimately matter for the conservation of these charismatic species.

Upconverting Gd2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) doped 1% Er3+ and 18% Yb3+ permits one to perform optical imaging. Because of the presence of Gd3+ they are useful in MRI. The main challenge is to enhance the NPs upconversion efficiency. As a result of co-doping the NPs with Zn2+ ions, achieved using microwave-induced solution combustion synthesis, we obtained optimal upconversion quantum yields (UQYs). The breakdown of the local crystal field symmetry around the rare earth ions, maximal in the presence of 5% of zinc, may be responsible for the highest observed UQY. The upconversion of IR light results in emission of visible red light mainly at 660 nm and at 550 nm. Optimized red photoluminescence of the samples observed in an organic environment was examined as a function of the laser power density to explain the mechanism of the upconversion emission. Paramagnetic properties of the NPs were determined by superconducting quantum interference device measurements. The non-functionalized nanoparticles incubated with HeLa cells were endocytosed and imaged by confocal laser scanning microscopy. We investigated their localization inside HeLa cells for various incubation times and NPs concentrations. PrestoBlue toxicity assay was performed to test the NPs bio-efficacy.

Nanostructures as color-tunable luminescent markers have become major, promising tools for bioimaging and biosensing. In this paper separated molybdate/Gd

The human SUV3 helicase (hSuv3p, hSUV3, SUPV3L1) is a DNA/RNA unwinding enzyme belonging to the class of DexH-box helicases. It localizes predominantly in mitochondria, where it forms an RNA-degrading complex called mitochondrial degradosome with exonuclease PNP (polynucleotide phosphorylase). Association of this complex with polyA polymerase modulates mitochondrial polyA tails. Silencing of the SUV3 gene was shown to inhibit the cell cycle and to induce apoptosis in human cell lines. However, since small amounts of the SUV3 helicase were found in cell nuclei, it was not clear whether the observed phenotypes of SUV3 depletion were of mitochondrial or nuclear origin. In order to answer this question we designed gene constructs able to inhibit SUV3 nuclear activity exclusively. The results indicate that the observed growth rate impairment upon SUV3 depletion is due to its nuclear function(s). Unexpectedly, overexpression of the nuclear-targeted wild-type copies of SUV3 gene resulted in higher growth rate. Our results indicate that the nucleus-associated human SUV3 protein is an important factor in regulation of the cell cycle.

Nanostructures as color-tunable luminescent markers have become major, promising tools for bioimaging and biosensing. In this paper separated molybdate/Gd2O3 doped rare earth ions (erbium, Er3+ and ytterbium, Yb3+) core–shell nanoparticles (NPs), were fabricated by a one-step homogeneous precipitation process. Emission properties were studied by cathodo- and photoluminescence. Scanning electron and transmission electron microscopes were used to visualize and determine the size and shape of the NPs. Spherical NPs were obtained. Their core–shell structures were confirmed by x-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy measurements. We postulated that the molybdate rich core is formed due to high segregation coefficient of the Mo ion during the precipitation. The calcination process resulted in crystallization of δ/ξ (core/shell) NP doped Er and Yb ions, where δ—gadolinium molybdates and ξ—molybdates or gadolinium oxide. We confirmed two different upconversion mechanisms. In the presence of molybdenum ions, in the core of the NPs, Yb3+–${{{\rm{MoO}}}_{4}}^{2-}$ (mid2F7/2, 3T2〉) dimers were formed. As a result of a two 980 nm photon absorption by the dimer, we observed enhanced green luminescence in the upconversion process. However, for the shell formed by the Gd2O3:Er, Yb NPs (without the Mo ions), the typical energy transfer upconversion takes place, which results in red luminescence. We demonstrated that the NPs were transported into cytosol of the HeLa and astrocytes cells by endocytosis. The core–shell NPs are sensitive sensors for the environment prevailing inside (shorter luminescence decay) and outside (longer luminescence decay) of the tested cells. The toxicity of the NPs was examined using MTT assay., The research was partially supported by the European Union within European Regional Development Fund, through grant Innovative Economy (POIG.01.01.02-00-008/08) and was partially supported by a grant from the Polish National Science Center 2013/11/B/N21/00089 and partially supported by the grant DEC-2012/07/B/ST5/02080 of the National Science Center of Poland and Center of Excellence. This work has been done in the NanoFun laboratories co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund within the Innovation Economy Operational Program, the Project no. POIG.02.02.00-00-025/09/. This research has been co-finananced with the European Union funds by the European Social Fund and was partially supported by the cluster of Biomedical Engineering Center co-financed by European Union funds under the Operational Programme Innovative Economy (project number UDA-POIG.05.01.00-00). The research was partially financed by the project Sonata from the National Science Centre, UMO-2014/15/D/ST5/02604. The research was partially supported by the Foundation for Polish Science through the International Research Agenda Programme co-financed by the European Union within Smart Growth Operational Program. The research was supported by the National Science Centre (Poland) through Grants No. DEC-2014/14/M/ST3/00484.

Mitochondria are semiautonomous organelles which contain their own genome. Both maintenance and expression of mitochondrial DNA require activity of RNA and DNA helicases. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae the nuclear genome encodes four DExH/D superfamily members ( MSS116 , SUV3 , MRH4 , IRC3 ) that act as helicases and/or RNA chaperones. Their activity is necessary for mitochondrial RNA splicing, degradation, translation and genome maintenance. In humans the ortholog of SUV3 ( hSUV3 , SUPV3L1 ) so far is the best described mitochondrial RNA helicase. The enzyme, together with the matrix-localized pool of PNPase ( PNPT1 ), forms an RNA-degrading complex called the mitochondrial degradosome, which localizes to distinct structures (D-foci). Global regulation of mitochondrially encoded genes can be achieved by changing mitochondrial DNA copy number. This way the proteins involved in its replication, like the Twinkle helicase ( c10orf2 ), can indirectly regulate gene expression. Here, we describe yeast and human mitochondrial helicases that are directly involved in mitochondrial RNA metabolism, and present other helicases that participate in mitochondrial DNA replication and maintenance. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Biology of RNA helicases — Modulation for life.

The human SUV3 helicase (SUV3, hSUV3, SUPV3L1) is a DNA/RNA unwinding enzyme belonging to the class of DexH-box helicases. It localizes predominantly in the mitochondria, where it forms an RNA-degrading complex called mitochondrial degradosome with exonuclease PNP (polynucleotide phosphorylase). Association of this complex with the polyA polymerase can modulate mitochondrial polyA tails. Silencing of the SUV3 gene was shown to inhibit the cell cycle and to induce apoptosis in human cell lines. However, since small amounts of the SUV3 helicase were found in the cell nuclei, it was not clear whether the observed phenotypes of SUV3 depletion were of mitochondrial or nuclear origin. In order to answer this question we have designed gene constructs able to inhibit the SUV3 activity exclusively in the cell nuclei. The results indicate that the observed growth rate impairment upon SUV3 depletion is due to its nuclear function(s). Unexpectedly, overexpression of the nuclear-targeted wild-type copies of the SUV3 gene resulted in a higher growth rate. In addition, we demonstrate that the SUV3 helicase can be found in the HeLa cell nucleoli, but it is not detectable in the DNA-repair foci. Our results indicate that the nucleolar-associated human SUV3 protein is an important factor in regulation of the cell cycle.

Mitochondria are not only ATP producing organelles, but they play pivotal roles in apoptosis, neurodegeneration, cancer and aging. Mammalian mitochondrial genome is a small DNA molecule of about 16.5 kb, encoding less than 20 polypeptides and a set of ribosomal RNAs and tRNAs. In order to ensure proper cell functioning a continous communication between cell nucleus and mitochondria must be maintained. This review presents novel developments in the field of nucleo-mitochondrial communications. We discuss the import of regulatory cytosolic miRNAs into mitochondria, export of RNA from mitochondria, the existence of novel 3 polypeptides encoded by the mitochondrial genome and the transfer of mitochondrial DNA to nuclear genomes. Mechanisms of these processes and their significance for cellular homeostasis are poorly known and present an important challenge for molecular biology.Poza produkcją ATP mitochondria regulują wiele procesów, między innymi apoptozę, neurodegenerację, kancerogenezę i starzenie. Genom mitochondrialny ssaków ma zaledwie 16, 5 kb i koduje mniej niż 20 polipeptydów i zestaw rRNA i tRNA. Pozostałe geny kodujące białka mitochondrialne znajdują się w jądrze komórki. Prawidłowy metabolizm wymaga stałej komunikacji pomiędzy mitochondriami a jądrem. Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia nowe odkrycia dotyczące komunikacji jądrowo-mitochondrialnej: import regulatorowych miRNA z cytosolu do wnętrza mitochondriów, eksport RNA z mitochondriów, nowe 3 peptydy kodowane przez genom mitochondrialny oraz transfer DNA mitochondrialnego do genomu jądrowego. Mechanizmy i znaczenie tych procesów nie są do końca poznane i stanowią kolejne wyzwanie dla współczesnej biologii molekularnej.

Transcription of the human mitochondrial genome produces a vast amount of non-coding antisense RNAs. These RNA species can form G-quadraplexes (G4), which affect their decay. We found that the mitochondrial degradosome, a complex of RNA helicase SUPV3L1 (best known as SUV3) and the ribonuclease PNPT1 (also known as PNPase), together with G4-melting protein GRSF1, is a key player in restricting antisense mtRNAs.

If protected areas are to remain relevant in our dynamic world they must be adapted to changes in species ranges. In the EU one of the most notable such changes is the recent recovery of large carnivores, which are protected by Natura 2000 at the national and population levels. However, the Natura 2000 network was designed prior to their recent recovery, which raises the question whether the network is sufficient to protect the contemporary ranges of large carnivores. To investigate this question we evaluated Natura 2000 coverage of the three wolf Canis lupus populations in Poland. Wolf tracking data showed that wolves have recolonised almost all suitable habitat in Poland (as determined by a recent habitat suitability model), so we calculated the overlap between the Natura 2000 network and all wolf habitat in Poland. On the basis of published Natura 2000 criteria, we used 20% as the minimum required coverage. At the national level, wolves are sufficiently protected (22% coverage), but at the population level, the Baltic and Carpathian populations are far better protected (28 and 47%, respectively) than the endangered Central European Lowland population (12%). As Natura 2000 insufficiently protects the most endangered wolf population in Poland, we recommend expansion of Natura 2000 to protect at least an additional 8% of wolf habitat in western Poland, and discuss which specific forests are most in need of additional coverage. Implementation of these actions will have positive conservation implications and help Poland to fulfil its Habitats Directive obligations. As it is likely that similar gaps in Natura 2000 are arising in other EU member states experiencing large carnivore recoveries, particularly in Central Europe, we make the case for a flexible approach to Natura 2000 and suggest that such coverage evaluations may be beneficial elsewhere.

Introducing to medicine and biology concept of optical markers in tremendous way has changed the recent status of these two important disciplines. This was mainly due to strong development in imaging techniques which recently allow us to investigate both static as well dynamic properties of living cells, their components and their interactions with external factors. Recently used molecular markers including organic dyes, fluorescent proteins or chelates containing lanthanide ions have several significant limitations. One of the alternatives for molecular markers are inorganic quantum dots (ie. CdSe, CdS) which are recently commonly used in many academic works. However, even if they are much better from physico-chemical point of view, from the application point of view at this moment they use is still questionable mainly because of their high risk of toxicity and difficulties in obtaining infrared excitation/emission. One of the solutions, combining advantages of both concepts, is to make nontoxic inorganic nanocrystals doped with lanthanide ions (RENCs). In this work, we will present optical (photoluminescence (PL), PL excitation, PL decay, FTIR, Raman) and structural (XRD, HR-TEM) results obtained for NaYF4 and NaGdF4 nanocrystals doped with Eu, Er, Tm and Yb ions. Based on obtained results, we will discuss examples of ion-ion interaction like: cross-relaxation, energy migration or up-conversion [1, 2] and influence of these interactions on resultant emission properties of RENCs. Additionally, we will discuss the effect of the nanocrystals surface and their core-shell geometry on the excitation and emission properties of lanthanides in RENCs [1, 3]. Finally, we will discuss a few examples of potential application of RENCs in bio-medicine. Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank the Polish National Centre for Research and Development for their financial support under the LIDER project No. 014/L-2/10. References [1] A. Podhorodecki, M.Banski, A. Noculak, B. Sojka, G. Pawlik, J. Misiewicz, On the nature of carriers relaxation and ion-ion interactions in ultrasmall b -NaYF4 nanocrystals-effect of the surface, Nanoscale 5 (2013) 429. [2] A. Podhorodecki, M.Banski, J.Misiewicz, M. Afzaal, P. O Brien, D. Cha, X. Wang, The Multicolor light emitters based on energy exchange between Tb and Eu ions co-doped into ultrasmall b -NaYF4 nanocrystals, J.Materials Chemistry 22 (2012) 5356. [3] M. Banski, M. Afzaal, A. Podhorodecki, Jan Misiewicz, Paul O'Brien, Passivation of lanthanide surface sites in ultrasmall NaYF4:Eu3+ nanocrystals, J. Nanoparticles Research 14 (2012) 1228.