Design and Synthesis of Novel Antioxidant 2-Substituted-5,7,8-Trimethyl-1,4-Benzoxazine Hybrids: Effects on Young and Senescent Fibroblasts.

The exponential growth of the aged population worldwide is followed by an increase in the prevalence of age-related disorders. Oxidative stress plays central role in damage accumulation during ageing and cell senescence. Thus, a major target of today's anti-ageing research has been focused on antioxidants counteracting senescence. In the current work, six novel 5,7,8-trimethyl-1,4-benzoxazine/catechol or resorcinol hybrids were synthesized connected through a methoxymethyl-1,2,3-triazolyl or a 1,2,3-triazoly linker. The compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant capacity in a cell-free system and for their ability to reduce intracellular ROS levels in human skin fibroblasts, both young (early-passage) and senescent. The most efficient compounds were further tested in these cells for their ability to induce the expression of the gene heme oxygenase-1 (ho-1), known to regulate redox homeostasis, and cellular glutathione (GSH) levels. Overall, the two catechol derivatives were found to be more potent than the resorcinol analogues. Furthermore, these two derivatives were shown to act coordinately as radical scavengers, ROS inhibitors, ho-1 gene expression inducers, and GSH enhancers. Interestingly, one of the two catechol derivatives was also found to enhance human skin fibroblast viability. The properties of the synthesized compounds support their potential use in cosmetic applications, especially in products targeting skin ageing.

Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of (-)-cleistenolide, (6S)-cleistenolide and 4-substituted cleistenolide analogues.

A new total synthesis of the natural δ-lactone cleistenolide (1) and its (6S)-stereoisomer 2 was achieved starting from d-glucose. Key steps in the synthesis of 1 involved: oxidative cleavage of the C1-C2 bond in partially protected d-glucose derivative (20), and chain extension of resulting aldehyde 20a with a single C2 fragment using (Z)-selective Wittig olefination. Synthesis of 2 involves the following key steps: periodate cleavage of the C5-C6 bond in the commercially available monoacetone d-glucose (24), followed by C2 chain elongation by using the (Z)-selective Wittig olefination. This new approach is also applied to prepare a few new 4-substituted cleistenolide analogues (3 - 18). Compounds 3 - 7 were designed using molecular hybridization, while the remaining eleven analogues were designed using the bioisosterism method. MTT assay showed that most analogues were more active than lead 1 against several malignant cells, but were completely inactive in the culture of normal foetal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). The K562 cells appeared to be the most sensitive to the synthesized analogues. The strongest antiproliferative activity against this cell line was shown by 4-O-cinnamoyl derivative 3 and 4,6-di-O-benzyl derivative 17, with submicromolar IC50 values (0.76 and 0.67 µM, respectively). Structural features important for the activity of this class of compounds were identified by SAR analysis.

Investigation of Sexes and Fertility Potential of Female Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) and Male American Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) Hybrids.

In the present study, 10 allotriploid (3nALT) and 10 allopentaploid (5nALP) six-month-old hybrid fish and two 3nALT and four 5nALP 40-month-old hybrid fish, which resulted by crossing female Russian sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedtii (Brandt and Ratzeberg, 1833) and male American paddlefish Polyodon spathula (Walbaum, 1792), were investigated. It was revealed that six-month-old 3nALT and 5nALP hybrids initially had "undifferentiated" gonads, while in the 40-month-old hybrids, only testes were observed in one case of 3nALT and one case of 5nALP hybrids. The testis of 3nALT hybrids was partially developed with spermatogonia, while the testis of one 5nALP hybrid was in the second developmental stage with low spermatogonia density. We could not determine gonad differentiation in any of the cases when the hybrid individuals had the W sex chromosome. We concluded that the gonad differentiation of these interfamilial hybrids follows a similar pattern to interspecific hybrids of different ploidy parent species of the family Acipenseridae, which is consistent with the classical Haldane's rule. However, it cannot be excluded that the testis of this/these hybrid(s) may produce fertile sperm after sexual maturity, depending on additional genetic, hormonal and environmental factors, and further research is required for its evaluation.

Modulation of the Antimelanoma Activity Imparted to Artemisinin Hybrids by the Monoterpene Counterpart.

Molecular hybridization is a widely used strategy in drug discovery and development processes that consists of the combination of two bioactive compounds toward a novel entity. In the current study, two libraries of hybrid derivatives coming from the linkage of sesquiterpene counterparts dihydroartemisinin and artesunic acid, with a series of monoterpenes, were synthesized and evaluated by cell viability assay on primary and metastatic melanoma cell lines. Almost all the obtained compounds showed micromolar antimelanoma activity and selectivity toward the metastatic form of this cancer. Four hybrid derivatives containing perillyl alcohol, citronellol, and nerol as monoterpene counterpart emerged as the best compounds of the series, with nerol being active in combination with both sesquiterpenes, dihydroartemisinin and artesunic acid. Preliminary studies on the mechanism of action have shown the dependence of the pharmacological activity of newly synthesized hybrids on the formation of carbon- and oxygen-centered radical species. This study demonstrated the positive modulation of the pharmacodynamic effect of artemisinin semisynthetic derivatives dihydroartemisinin and artesunic acid due to the hybridization with monoterpene counterparts.

Identification of coumarin - benzimidazole hybrids as potential antibacterial agents: Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo biological assessment, and ADMET prediction.

The direct-linked coumarin-benzimidazole hybrids, featuring aryl and n-butyl substituents at the N1-position of benzimidazole were synthesized through a Knoevenagel condensation reaction. This reaction involved the condensation of 1,2-diaminobenzene derivatives with coumarin-3-carboxylic acids in the presence of polyphosphoric acid (PPA) at 154 °C. The in vitro antibacterial potency of the hybrid molecules against different gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains led to the identification of the hybrids 6m and 6p with a MIC value of 6.25 µg/mL against a gram-negative bacterium, Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 27736. Cell viability studies on THP-1 cells demonstrated that the compounds 6m and 6p were non-toxic at a concentration of 50 µM. Furthermore, in vivo efficacy studies using a murine neutropenic thigh infection model revealed that both compounds significantly reduced bacterial (Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 27736) counts (more than 2 log) compared to the control group. Additionally, both compounds exhibited favorable physicochemical properties and drug-likeness characteristics. Consequently, these compounds hold promise as lead candidates for further development of effective antibacterial drugs.

Divergence of Phyllosphere Microbial Community Assemblies and Components of Volatile Organic Compounds between the Invasive Sphagneticola trilobata, the Native Sphagneticola calendulacea and Their Hybrids, and Its Implications for Invasiveness.

Closely-related plant groups with distinct microbiomes, chemistries and ecological characteristics represent tractable models to explore mechanisms shaping species spread, competitive dynamics and community assembly at the interface of native and introduced ranges. We investigated phyllosphere microbial communities, volatile organic compound (VOC) compositions, and potential interactions among introduced S. trilobata, native S. calendulacea and their hybrid in South China. S. trilobata exhibited higher α diversity but significantly different community composition compared to the native and hybrid groups. However, S. calendulacea and the hybrid shared certain microbial taxa, suggesting potential gene flow or co-existence. The potent antimicrobial VOC profile of S. trilobata, including unique compounds like p-cymene (13.33%), likely contributes to its invasion success. The hybrid's intermediate microbial and VOC profiles suggest possible consequences for species distribution, genetic exchange, and community assembly in heterogeneous environments. This hybrid deserves further study as both an opportunity for and threat to diversity maintenance. These differentiating yet connected plant groups provide insight into ecological and evolutionary dynamics shaping microbiome structure, species co-occurrence and competitive outcomes during biological exchange and habitat transformation. An interdisciplinary approach combining chemical and microbial ecology may reveal mechanisms underlying community stability and change, informing management of species spread in a globalized world.

Genomic evidence of reproductive isolation among the Semisulcospira snails radiated in the ancient Lake Biwa.

Determining species boundaries within rapidly evolving species flocks is essential to understanding their evolutionary history but is often difficult to achieve due to the lack of clear diagnostic features. Ancient Lake Biwa harbors endemic snails in the genus Semisulcospira, a species flock with 19 described species. However, their morphological and genetic similarity cast doubt on the validity of their species status and their histories of explosive speciation. To evaluate their species boundaries, we examine patterns of gene flow among the sympatric or parapatric nominal Semisulcospira species in Lake Biwa. The principal component analysis and Bayesian structure analysis based on the genome-wide genotyping dataset demonstrated no gene flow between five pairs of the Semisulcospira species. However, we found the hybrids between the closely related species pair, Semisulcospira decipiens and S. rugosa. Despite the presence of hybrids, these nominal species still formed their own genetic clusters. There are variations in the chromosome numbers among these species, potentially providing an intrinsic barrier to panmictic gene flow. Our study showed complete or partial reproductive isolation among the sympatric or parapatric Semisulcospira species, demonstrating that the Semisulcospira snails are real species assemblages radiated in Lake Biwa. Our study provides significant implications for establishing species boundaries among rapidly evolving freshwater species in ancient lakes.

Novel Saccharomyces uvarum x Saccharomyces kudriavzevii synthetic hybrid with enhanced 2-phenylethanol production.

BACKGROUND: Over the last two decades, hybridization has been a powerful tool used to construct superior yeast for brewing and winemaking. Novel hybrids were primarily constructed using at least one Saccharomyces cerevisiae parent. However, little is known about hybrids used for other purposes, such as targeted flavor production, for example, 2-phenylethanol (2-PE). 2-PE, an aromatic compound widely utilised in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, presents challenges in biotechnological production due to its toxic nature. Consequently, to enhance productivity and tolerance to 2-PE, various strategies such as mutagenesis and genetic engineering are extensively explored to improved yeast strains. While biotechnological efforts have predominantly focused on S. cerevisiae for 2-PE production, other Saccharomyces species and their hybrids remain insufficiently described. RESULTS: To address this gap, in this study, we analysed a new interspecies yeast hybrid, II/6, derived from S. uvarum and S. kudriavzevii parents, in terms of 2-PE bioconversion and resistance to its high concentration, comparing it with the parental strains. Two known media for 2-PE biotransformation and three different temperatures were used during this study to determine optimal conditions. In 72 h batch cultures, the II/6 hybrid achieved a maximum of 2.36 ± 0.03 g/L 2-PE, which was 2-20 times higher than the productivity of the parental strains. Our interest lay not only in determining whether the hybrid improved in productivity but also in assessing whether its susceptibility to high 2-PE titers was also mitigated. The results showed that the hybrid exhibited significantly greater resistance to the toxic product than the original strains. CONCLUSIONS: The conducted experiments have confirmed that hybridization is a promising method for modifying yeast strains. As a result, both 2-PE production yield and tolerance to its inhibitory effects can be increased. Furthermore, this strategy allows for the acquisition of non-GMO strains, alleviating concerns related to additional legislative requirements or consumer acceptance issues for producers. The findings obtained have the potential to contribute to the development of practical solutions in the future.

Current scenario of indole hybrids with antibacterial potential against Acinetobacter baumannii pathogens: A mini-review.

Acinetobacter baumannii with the capability to "escape" almost all currently available antibacterials is eroding the safety of basic medical interventions and is an increasing cause of mortality globally, prompting a substantial requirement for new classes of antibacterial agents. Indoles participate in the regulation of persistent bacterial formation, biofilm formation, plasmid stability, and drug resistance. In particular, indole hybrids demonstrated promising antibacterial activity against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant A. baumannii pathogens, representing a fertile source for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents for clinical deployment in controlling A. baumannii infections. This mini-review outlines the current innovations of indole hybrids with antibacterial activity against A. baumannii pathogens, covering articles published from 2020 to the present, to open new avenues for exploring novel anti-A. baumannii candidates.

Yeast Npl3 regulates replicative senescence outside of TERRA R-loop resolution and co-transcriptional processing.

Eukaryotic cells without telomerase experience progressively shorter telomeres with each round of cell division until cell cycle arrest is initiated, leading to replicative senescence. When yeast TLC1, which encodes the RNA template of telomerase, is deleted, senescence is accompanied by increased expression of TERRA (non-coding telomere repeat-containing RNA). Deletion of Npl3, an RNA-processing protein with telomere maintenance functions, accelerates senescence in tlc1Δ cells and significantly increases TERRA levels. Using genetic approaches, we set out to determine how Npl3 is involved in regulating TERRA expression and maintaining telomere homeostasis. Even though Npl3 regulates hyperrecombination, we found that Npl3 does not help resolve RNA:DNA hybrids formed during TERRA synthesis in the same way as RNase H1 and H2. Furthermore, Rad52 is still required for cells to escape senescence by telomere recombination in the absence of Npl3. Npl3 also works separately from the THO/TREX pathway for processing nascent RNA for nuclear export. However, deleting Dot1, a histone methyltransferase involved in tethering telomeres to the nuclear periphery, rescued the accelerated senescence phenotype of npl3Δ cells. Thus, our study suggests that Npl3 plays an additional role in regulating cellular senescence outside of RNA:DNA hybrid resolution and co-transcriptional processing.

Biocompatible Hybrid Graphenic Thin Coatings on Flexible Substrates through Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE).

This work reports the production of biocompatible thin layers for biomedical applications based on a graphene-like material (GL), a graphene-related material (GRM) obtained from carbon black. GL was combined in a hybrid fashion with polydopamine (pDA), a mussel-inspired water-resistant wet adhesive bonding obtained by the oxidative polymerization of dopamine (DA), and polyvinyl pyrrolidinone (PVP), a nontoxic synthetic polymer with intrinsic adhesion properties, to obtain a tighter adhesion of the thin layer to the substrate (silicone slices). Matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) was used to coat PDMS slices with thin films of GL-pDA and GL-PVP directly from their frozen suspensions in water. The results indicate that the relevant chemical-physical characteristics of both thin films (evidenced by FTIR and AFM) were maintained after MAPLE deposition and that the films exhibit uniformity also at the nanometric level. After deposition, the GL-pDA and GL-PVP films underwent a biological survey toward murine fibroblasts (NIH3T3), human keratinocytes (HaCAT), and human cervical adenocarcinoma epithelial-like (HeLa) cells to assess the feasibility of this approach. Results indicate that both the GL-pDA and GL-PVP films did not perturb the biological parameters evaluated, including cytoskeleton alterations. Both hybrid films enhanced the effects of GL on cellular vitality across all cell lines. Specifically, the GL-pDA film exhibited a more stable effect over time (up to 72 h), whereas the GL-PVP film behaved similarly to the GL film in NIH3T3 and HeLa cell lines after long-term exposure. These promising results make the GL-pDA and GL-PVP films potential candidates for the manufacture of coated flexible devices for biomedical applications.

Eurochevalierines A-I, Sesquiterpene Alkaloid Hybrids with Anti-Triple Negative Breast Cancer Activity from Penicillium sp. HZ-5.

Nine new sesquiterpene alkaloids, eurochevalierines A-I (1-9), were separated from the rice cultures of the endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. HZ-5 originated from the fresh leaf of Hypericum wilsonii N. Robson. The structures' illumination was conducted by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, extensive spectroscopic analysis, alkaline hydrolysis reaction, and Snatzke's method. Importantly, the antitumor activities screen of these isolates indicated that 1 could suppress triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell proliferation and induce apoptosis, with an IC50 value of 5.4 µM, which is comparable to the positive control docetaxel (DXT). Flow cytometry experiments mentioned that compound 1 significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of TNBC cells. In addition, 1 could activate caspase-3 and elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expressions of suppressive cytokines and chemokines. Further Western blot analysis showed that 1 could selectively induce mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in TNBC cells via the BAX/BCL-2 pathway. Remarkably, these finding provide a new natural product skeleton for the treatment of TNBC.

Evolution of Surface Chemistry in Two-Dimensional MXenes: from Mixed to Tunable Uniform Terminations.

Surface chemistry of MXenes is of great interest as the terminations can define the intrinsic properties of this family of materials. The diverse and tunable terminations also distinguish MXenes from many other 2D materials. Conventional fluoride-containing reagents etching approaches resulted in MXenes with mixed fluoro-, oxo-, and hydroxyl surface groups. The relatively strong chemical bonding of MXenes' surface metal atoms with oxygen and fluorine makes post-synthetic covalent surface modifications of such MXenes unfavorable. In this minireview, we focus on the recent advances in MXenes with uniform surface terminations. Unconventional methods, including Lewis acidic molten salt etching (LAMS) and bottom-up direct synthesis, have been proven successful in producing halide-terminated MXenes. These synthetic strategies have opened new possibilities for MXenes because weaker surface chemical bonds in halide-terminated MXenes facilitate post-synthetic covalent surface modifications. Both computational and experimental results on surface termination-dependent properties are summarized and discussed. Finally, we offer our perspective on the opportunities and challenges in this exciting research field.

Enhancing kernel oil and tailoring fatty acid composition by genomics-assisted selection for dgat1-2 and fatb genes in multi-nutrient-rich maize: new avenue for food, feed and bioenergy.

Enhancing maize kernel oil is vital for improving the bioavailability of fat-soluble vitamins. Here, we combined favourable alleles of dgat1-2 and fatb into parental lines of four multi-nutrient-rich maize hybrids (APTQH1, APTQH4, APTQH5 and APTQH7) using marker-assisted selection (MAS). Parental lines possessed favourable alleles of crtRB1, lcyE, vte4 and opaque2 genes. Gene-specific markers enabled successful foreground selection in BC1F1, BC2F1 and BC2F2, while background selection using genome-wide microsatellite markers (127-132) achieved 93% recurrent parent genome recovery. Resulting inbreds exhibited significantly higher oil (6.93%) and oleic acid (OA, 40.49%) and lower palmitic acid (PA, 14.23%) compared to original inbreds with elevated provitamin A (11.77 ppm), vitamin E (16.01 ppm), lysine (0.331%) and tryptophan (0.085%). Oil content significantly increased from 4.80% in original hybrids to 6.73% in reconstituted hybrids, making them high-oil maize hybrids. These hybrids displayed 35.70% increment in oil content and 51.56% increase in OA with 36.32% reduction in PA compared to original hybrids, while maintaining higher provitamin A (two-fold), vitamin E (nine-fold), lysine (two-fold) and tryptophan (two-fold) compared to normal hybrids. Lipid health indices showed improved atherogenicity, thrombogenicity, cholesterolaemic, oxidability, peroxidizability and nutritive values in MAS-derived genotypes over original versions. Besides, the MAS-derived inbreds and hybrids exhibited comparable grain yield and phenotypic characteristics to the original versions. The maize hybrids developed in the study possessed high-yielding ability with high kernel oil and OA, low PA, better fatty acid health and nutritional properties, higher multi-vitamins and balanced amino acids, which hold immense significance to address malnutrition and rising demand for oil sustainably in a fast-track manner.

Design, Synthesis, Antitumor, and Antiplasmodial Evaluation of New 7-Chloroquinoline-Benzimidazole Hybrids.

Newly synthesized 7-chloro-4-aminoquinoline-benzimidazole hybrids were characterized by NMR and elemental analysis. Compounds were tested for their effects on the growth of the non-tumor cell line MRC-5 (human fetal lung fibroblasts) and carcinoma (HeLa and CaCo-2), leukemia, and lymphoma (Hut78, THP-1, and HL-60) cell lines. The obtained results, expressed as the concentration at which 50% inhibition of cell growth is achieved (IC50 value), show that the tested compounds affect cell growth differently depending on the cell line and the applied dose (IC50 ranged from 0.2 to >100 µM). Also, the antiplasmodial activity of these hybrids was evaluated against two P. falciparum strains (Pf3D7 and PfDd2). The tested compounds showed potent antiplasmodial activity, against both strains, at nanomolar concentrations. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis resulted in predictive models for antiplasmodial activity against the 3D7 strain (R2 = 0.886; Rext2 = 0.937; F = 41.589) and Dd2 strain (R2 = 0.859; Rext2 = 0.878; F = 32.525) of P. falciparum. QSAR models identified the structural features of these favorable effects on antiplasmodial activities.

Human fascioliasis emergence in southern Asia: Complete nuclear rDNA spacer and mtDNA gene sequences prove Indian patient infection related to fluke hybridization in northeastern India and Bangladesh.

Fascioliasis is a snail-borne zoonotic disease with impact on the development of human subjects and communities. It is caused by two liver-infecting fasciolid trematode species, the globally-distributed Fasciola hepatica and the Africa/Asia-restricted but more pathogenic, larger F. gigantica. Fasciola gigantica is the cause of endemicity in livestock throughout the warm lowlands from Pakistan to southeastern Asia since old times. Human fascioliasis is emerging in this region at present, with an increase of patient reports. Complete sequences of rDNA ITS-1 and ITS-2 spacers and mtDNA nad1 and cox1 genes were obtained from fasciolid eggs found in the endoscopic bile aspirate from a patient of Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. Egg measurements, pronounced ITS heterozygosity, and pure F. gigantica mtDNA haplotypes demonstrate an infection by a recent F. gigantica-like hybrid. Sequence identities and similarities with the same DNA markers found in livestock from Bangladesh prove the human-infecting fasciolid to present identical ITSs and nad1 haplotypes and only one silent transversion in cox1 when compared to a widely-spread combined haplotype in animals. In northeastern India and Bangladesh, human fascioliasis emergence appears linked to increasing livestock prevalences due to: ruminant importation from other countries because of the increasing demand of rapidly growing human populations; numerous livestock movements, including transborder corridors, due to the uncontrolled small-scale household farming practices; and man-made introduction of F. hepatica with imported livestock into an area originally endemic for F. gigantica leading to frequent hybridization. Sequences, phylogenetic trees, and networks indicate that the origins of intermediate/hybrid fasciolids and factors underlying human infection risk differ in eastern and western South Asia. The emergence scenario in southern China and Vietnam resembles the aforementioned of northeastern India and Bangladesh, whereas in Pakistan it is linked to increasing monsoon rainfall within climate change combined with an impact of an extensive irrigation system. Past human-guided movements of pack animals along the western Grand Trunk Road and the eastern Tea-Horse Road explain the F. gigantica mtDNA results obtained. Physicians should be aware about these emerging scenarios, clinical pictures, diagnostic techniques and treatment. Government authorities must appropriately warn health professionals, ensure drug availability and improve livestock control.

Structure and rheology of the polysaccharides from Schizymenia dubyi: Isolation of an unusual glucurono-carrageenan.

The system of polysaccharides from Schizymenia dubyi (Nemastomatales) was investigated. It contains a mixture of hybrid dl galactans (SH-S) and carrageenan-like polysaccharides, which were separated by means of precipitation with KCl at high concentrations. The structural features of the carrageenan-like fraction (SH-I) were investigated by methylation analysis, desulfation, uronic acid reduction, and NMR spectroscopy. It was concluded that the structure has the typical alternance α-(1 â†’ 3), ß-(1 â†’ 4) of d-galactose units, with most of the 3-linked units sulfated in O-2 (and some in O-4), and most of the 4-linked units sulfated in O-3, and substituted in O-2 by single stubs of ß-d-glucuronic acid (partly sulfated in each of the three available positions). This substituent has been only seldom found in red seaweed galactans. Rheological studies of 5 % and 10 % w/v SH, SH-S and SH-I aqueous systems, either without ions, or in KCl or CaCl2 solution gave thickening behaviors. Their random coil conformations justify the pseudoplastic behavior observed in the viscosity versus shear rate curves. As SH-S and SH-I are both contained in SH, an interpenetrating network could form in SH between the glucurono-carrageenan and the agaran, as inferred from the mechanical spectra recorded in water, especially with potassium ion.

Impact of species hybridization on the clinical management of schistosomiasis: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Species hybridization represents a real concern in terms of parasite transmission, epidemiology and morbidity of schistosomiasis. It is greatly important to better understand the impact of species hybridization for the clinical management. METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out in sub-Saharan migrants who were diagnosed with confirmed genitourinary schistosomiasis. A tailored protocol was applied, including Schistosoma serology, a specific urine LAMP tests for schistosomiasis and an ultrasound examination before treatment with praziquantel. A scheduled follow-up was performed at 3, 6 and 12 months to monitor treatment response, comparing patients carriers of Schistosoma hybrids with carriers of only genetically pure forms. RESULTS: A total of 31 male patients from West Africa were included in the study with a mean age of 26.5 years. Twelve (38.7%) of the patients were carriers of Schistosoma hybrids. As compared with patients infected with S. haematobium alone, hybrid carriers had lower haemoglobin levels (13.8 g/dL [SD 1.8] vs 14.8 g/dL [SD 1.4], p=0.04), a greater frequency of haematuria (100% vs 52.6%, p= 0.005), a higher ultrasound score (2.64, SD 2.20 vs 0.89, SD 0.99; p= 0.02). However, the presence of hybrids did not result in differences in clinical and analytical responses after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of Schistosoma hybrids seems to cause increased morbidity in infected individuals. However, it does not appear to result in differences in diagnostic tests or in clinical and analytical responses after treatment.

RNA biogenesis and RNA metabolism factors as R-loop suppressors: a hidden role in genome integrity.

Genome integrity relies on the accuracy of DNA metabolism, but as appreciated for more than four decades, transcription enhances mutation and recombination frequencies. More recent research provided evidence for a previously unforeseen link between RNA and DNA metabolism, which is often related to the accumulation of DNA-RNA hybrids and R-loops. In addition to physiological roles, R-loops interfere with DNA replication and repair, providing a molecular scenario for the origin of genome instability. Here, we review current knowledge on the multiple RNA factors that prevent or resolve R-loops and consequent transcription-replication conflicts and thus act as modulators of genome dynamics.

The role of graphene aerogels in rechargeable batteries.

Energy storage systems, particularly rechargeable batteries, play a crucial role in establishing a sustainable energy infrastructure. Today, researchers focus on improving battery energy density, cycling stability, and rate performance. This involves enhancing existing materials or creating new ones with advanced properties for cathodes and anodes to achieve peak battery performance. Graphene aerogels (GAs) possess extraordinary attributes, including a hierarchical porous and lightweight structure, high electrical conductivity, and robust mechanical stability. These qualities facilitate the uniform distribution of active sites within electrodes, mitigate volume changes during repeated cycling, and enhance overall conductivity. When integrated into batteries, GAs expedite electron/ion transport, offer exceptional structural stability, and deliver outstanding cycling performance. This review offers a comprehensive survey of the advancements in the preparation, functionalization, and modification of GAs in the context of battery research. It explores their application as electrodes and hosts for the dispersion of active material nanoparticles, resulting in the creation of hybrid electrodes for a wide range of rechargeable batteries including lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), Li-metal-air batteries, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) and zinc-air batteries (ZABs), aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs) and aluminum-air batteries and other.