Abstract: Twelve compounds (1-12): kaempferol (1), luteolin (2), luteolin 4'-O-β-xyloside (3), luteolin 4'-O-β-glucoside (4), quercetin 4'-O-β-xyloside (5), kaempferol-3-O-[6"-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl]-β-D-glucoside (trans-tiliroside) (6), protocatechuic acid (7), gallic acid (8), methyl gallate (9), ethyl gallate (10), shikimic acid-3-O-gallate (11), and 3,3',4'-tri-O-methyl-ellagic acid 4-sulfate (12) were isolated and identified from the aerial parts of Helianthemum cinereum (Cav.) Pers (synonym: Helianthemum rubellum C. Presl. All compounds were isolated by applying different chromatographic procedures, such as silica gel, RP-18 and sephadex LH-20 columns. The structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, mainly nuclear magnetic resonance NMR 1D and 2D, and mass spectrometry, as well as by comparison with the reported spectroscopic data. The two organic extracts, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and butanol (BuOH) were evaluated for their potent phenolic and flavonoid contents using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the two extracts was determined using the DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS methods. Pure trans-tiliroside (6), the main isolated compound, and luteolin 4'-O-β-xyloside (3) were evaluated for their antitumor activity against lung cancer (A549), melanoma (A375) and pancreatic cancer (Mia PaCa-2 and Panc-1) cell lines by MTT assay.

Abstract:

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with 27.5 million new cases projected by 2040. Disruptions in cell cycle control cause DNA errors to accumulate during cell growth, mak-ing proteins that regulate cell cycle progression crucial targets for cancer therapy. NIMA-related kinases (NEKs) are involved in regulating the cell cycle and checkpoints in humans. Among these, NEK10 is the most divergent member and has been associated with both cancer and ciliopathies. Despite its biological significance and distinctive domain architecture, structural details of NEK10 remain unknown. To address this gap, we modeled the complete structure of the NEK10 protein. Our analysis revealed a catalytic domain flanked by two coiled-coil domains, armadil-lo-type repeats, an ATP binding site, two putative UBA domains and a PEST sequence. Further-more, we mapped a comprehensive interactome of NEK10, uncovering previously unknown in-teractions with the cancer-related proteins MAP3K1 and HSPB1. MAP3K1, a serine/threonine kinase and E3 ubiquitin ligase frequently mutated in cancers, interacts with NEK10 via its scaf-fold regions. The interaction with HSPB1, a chaperone associated with poor cancer prognosis is mediated by NEK10’s armadillo repeats. Our findings underscore a connection of NEK10 with ciliogenesis and cancer, suggesting its important role in cancer development and progression.

Abstract: The nucleus, serving as a pivotal regulatory and control hub within the cell, governs numerous aspects of cellular functions, including DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing and so on. Therefore, any deviations in nuclear morphology, structure or organization can profoundly impact cellular activities. In this review, we provide an updated perspective on the structure and function of nuclear components, with a specific focus on the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton complex, the nuclear envelope, the nuclear lamina and chromatin. It is crucial to note that nuclear size should not be overlooked but rather considered as a fundamental parameter for cellular state. Its regulation is tightly linked to environmental changes, development and various diseases, including cancer. Hence, we also provide a concise overview of different mechanisms by which nuclear size is determined, the emerging role of the nucleus as a mechanical sensor, and the implications of altered nuclear morphology on the physiology of diseased cells.

Abstract: Keywords: Human Bocavirus; Acute Gastroenteritis; Viral Coinfection; Genotypes.

Abstract: Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist with global distribution, frequently found in humans and various animals. Despite its prevalence, its role in human health remains debated, oscillating between being a harmless commensal and a potential pathogen, also linked to gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syn-drome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In Italy, the genetic and spatial diversity of Blastocystis remains understudied, despite the country's diverse urbanized and environmental landscapes. This study focuses on the haplotypic and spatial diversity of clinical isolates of Blastocystis across two different Italian regions, with an emphasis on subtype distribution and genetic variation. Using a network-based haplotype analysis, the study reveals a heterogeneous subtype distribution, with subtype ST4 being the most prevalent, followed by ST3, ST1, and ST2. Notably, ST4 shows limited haplotypic variation, suggesting a more stable population structure potentially linked to a human-adapted lineage. In contrast, ST1 and ST2 exhibit greater genetic diversity, likely due to ongoing zoonotic transmission. These findings contribute to understanding the epidemiology of Blastocystis in Italy and highlight the need for further research on its pathogenic potential and transmission dynamics.

Abstract: Resurrection plants are incredibly tolerant to drought. When dried out, they temporarily halt photosynthesis and respiration while protecting cellular structures. Upon rehydration, they rapidly resume normal function, allowing their cells and tissues to become re-energized. Nucle-otides play a crucial role as energy and information carriers in all living organisms. However, the dynamics and functioning of these vital compounds in resurrection plants have not been exten-sively studied. Nucleotide, nucleoside, and nucleobase extraction and analysis are technically challenging, so improved methods are of continued interest, especially techniques that can dis-tinguish the nucleotides’ degree of phosphorylation. Here, we describe an accurate mass, high-resolution hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC-LC-hrMS/MS)- based method for quantitative profiling of nucleotides and their phosphate forms in the resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. The proposed ion-pair free method, exploiting a gradient of both organic com-ponent and buffer salt concentrations, was applied on tissue samples from leaves and roots of H. rhodopensis exposed to dehydration and subsequent rehydration. In the proposed method, 20 analyses (nucleosides and nucleotides) were separated by HILIC. This preliminary study identified remarkable features in nucleotide phosphate content and dynamics during desiccation and sub-sequent rehydration suggesting alternative energy metabolism pathways in drought tolerance of resurrection plants.

Abstract: A Species richness is a critical measure in biodiversity studies, providing insights into the diversity and conservation value of ecosystems. This research presents an exhaustive inventory of crustaceans and fish species from the Yucatan Peninsula's epicontinental, underground, and anchialine aquatic systems. Spanning records from 1936 to 2024, the study analyzed over 2,600 entries across 670 aquatic systems, including cenotes, flooded caves lakes, springs, and wetlands. A total of 325 species were recorded, comprising 113 fish and 212 crustacean species. The richness and endemism of these species were assessed through a completeness analysis, utilizing non-parametric models (Chao 2, Jackknife 1, Bootstrap) to estimate potential species richness. Notably, the region exhibits high endemism, especially among crustaceans, with up of 50 species and 2 endemic families unique to the Yucatan Peninsula. The study underscores the importance of the eastern YP for crustaceans and central YP for fish, highlighting areas critical for conservation. These findings emphasize the need for further exploration, as the diversity of aquatic species remains incompletely understood. This comprehensive synthesis aims to inform future conservation strategies, environmental management, and regional planning efforts, particularly highlighting the vulnerability of these unique aquatic systems to environmental degradation.

Abstract: Background: The development of different phenotypes of coronary artery (CA) lesions is regu-lated by many various factors such as proinflammatory agents, zinc-dependent endopeptidases, growth factors and circulating microRNAs (miRs). Objective: to evaluate the expression levels of miR-34a, miR-145 and miR-222, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -9, -13, -14) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with different phenotypes of coronary artery disease (CAD): ischemia/angina with non- obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA/ANOCA) and obstructive CAD (oCAD) compared with the control group. Method: The cross-sectional observational study included 157 subjects with verified CAD diag-nosis (51 patients with INOCA, 76 patients with oCAD and 30 healthy volunteers). The expression of miR-34a, miR-145, miR-222 (RT-PCR) and the levels of VEGF, TNF-α, MMP-1, MMP-9, MMP-13, MMP-14 (ELISA) were estimated in the plasma samples. Results: Higher concentration of MMP-9 was found in oCAD group samples compared to the INOCA/ANOCA group. The INOCA/ANOCA group was characterized by higher levels of TNF-α. Based on multivariate regression analysis, a mathematical model predicting the type of CA lesion was constructed. MiR-145 was the inde-pendent predictor of INOCA/ANOCA (p=0.006). Conclusions: Changes in concentrations of MMP-9 and MMP-14 were found in both investigated CAD groups, with MMP-9 levels were sig-nificantly higher in obstructive CAD samples than in INOCA/ANOCA, which confirms the role of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis. The multivariate regression analysis allowed us to obtain a model that can predict the phenotype of stable CAD and MiR-145 can be assumed as independent predictor of the INOCA/ANOCA.

Abstract: The Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) family, a group of cell wall-modifying enzymes, plays crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. The quality and yield of Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) fruit are significantly impacted by environmental stresses, including excessive salinity, drought, freezing, and disease. However, there has no report of the XTH encoding genes present in Chinese jujube genome and their response transcription level under various stresses. This study provides an in-depth analysis of ZjXTH genes in genome of Chinese jujube and elucidating their structural motifs, regulatory networks, and expression patterns under various stresses. A total of 29 ZjXTH genes were identified from Ziziphus jujuba genome. Phylogenetic analysis classifies ZjXTH genes into four distinct groups, while conserved motifs and domain analyses reveal coordinated xyloglucan modifications, highlighting key shared motifs and domains. Interaction network predictions suggest that ZjXTHs may interact with proteins such as Expansin-B1 (EXPB1) and Pectin Methylesterase 22 (PME22). Additionally, cis-regulatory element analysis enhances our understanding of Chinese jujube plant's defensive systems, where TCA- and TGACG-motifs process environmental cues and orchestrate stress responses. Expression profiling revealed differential regulation of ZjXTH genes under various stress conditions. Under salt stress, ZjXTH1 was upregulated, while ZjXTH6, and ZjXTH13 were downregulated, with ZjXTH3 and ZjXTH19 exhibiting negative regulation. In response to drought, ZjXTH5 showed upregulation, whereas ZjXTH7, -25, -13 were downregulated, and ZjXTH13 and ZjXTH19 were negatively regulated. Furthermore, under cold conditions, ZjXTH14 and ZjXTH18 were upregulated, while ZjXTH22, -23, -28, -29 were downregulated, and ZjXTH20 exhibited negative regulation. Additionally, phytoplasma infection induced the upregulation of ZjXTH1, -3, -5, with ZjXTH6, -7, -11, -16, -25 being downregulated, and ZjXTH20 showing negative regulation. Collectively, these findings deepen our understanding of the functional roles of Chinese jujube XTHs, emphasizing their regulatory function in adaptive responses in Chinese jujube plants.

Abstract:

The 20-hydroryecdysone (20E) has been used in traditional medicine for a long time and acquired attention in the last decade as a food supplement and stimulant in phys-ical activities. This polyhydroxylated cholesterol is found in the highest concentration in plants and it is one of the secondary plant products that has a real hormonal influ-ence in arthropods. Various beneficial effects have been reported in vivo and in vitro for 20E and its related compounds in mammals. Trials for safety of clinical application showed a remarkable high tolerance in human. This review aims to assess the latest development in the involvement of various pathways in tissues and organs and look if it is plausible to find a single primary target of this compound. The similarities with agens mimicking calorie restriction and anti-aging effects are also elucidated and discussed.