Article
Environmental Sciences
S. M. Mendoza, M. P. Garcia-Moll, V. H. Fernandez, M. Barrios, R. Mena, S. Miriuka, M. Cledon
Summary: This study examined microplastics in young blennies of the species Eleginops maclovinus, finding that 70% of the individuals had microplastics in their stomach contents, with 95% containing fibers. There was no statistical correlation between individual size and the largest particle size that can be eaten. The quantity of microplastic particles taken in by each individual did not change with size. Analysis showed that blue and red microfibers were the most common, and all sampled fibers were synthetic, with no natural fibers detected. These findings indicate that protected coastlines create conditions that increase local wildlife exposure to microplastics, with potential consequences for physiology, ecology, economy, and human health.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Ana Maria Quilapi, Carolina Vargas-Lagos, Danixa Martinez, Jose Luis Munoz, Johana Spies, Ivan Esperguel, Jaime Tapia, Ricardo Oyarzun-Salazar, Luis Vargas-Chacoff
Summary: The study investigates the role of the brain's immune system in fish infected with Francisella, finding that high concentrations of Francisella lead to bacterial infection in the fish's brain, with immune gene responses mainly occurring at medium doses and involving genes related to iron metabolism. Additionally, serotonin levels in the brain were higher in infected fish compared to uninfected fish.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
R. Oyarzun-Salazar, C. Vargas-Lagos, P. Orellana, P. Dantagnan, J. L. P. Munoz, A. Romero, L. Vargas-Chacoff
Summary: The study found that challenged with the pathogen of aquaculture relevance has a significant impact on the fatty acid profile of Eleginops maclovinus, especially the high dose of the pathogen has a greater effect on the fatty acid profile.
Article
Fisheries
Carolina Vargas-Lagos, Danixa Martinez, Jose Luis Munoz, Ricardo Enriquez, Francisco Morera, Luis Vargas-Chacoff
Summary: This study found that Francisella noatunensis can be horizontally transmitted between Atlantic salmon and Eleginops maclovinus. Infected fish showed changes in their immune response, while cohabitating fish did not. This research is important for understanding bacterial transmission mechanisms and preventing fish diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
R. Oyarzun-Salazar, D. Martinez, D. Nualart, J. L. P. Munoz, L. Vargas-Chacoff
Summary: The intermediate metabolism of E. maclovinus varies according to the time of day, with increased metabolism in the morning and decreased metabolism as the day progresses, especially at the hepatic level. While gill tissue is not a metabolic organ, its metabolism varies with feeding. Further studies are needed to confirm if a feeding strategy during the higher metabolic hours in the morning would improve the growth of E. maclovinus.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Cristian B. Canales-Aguirre, Wesley A. Larson, Garrett J. McKinney, C. Eliza Claure, J. Dellis Rocha, Santiago G. Ceballos, Maria Cadiz, Jose M. Yanez, Daniel Gomez-Uchida
Summary: This study investigated the genetic population structure of E. maclovinus in Patagonia and identified two neutral genetic groups and three adaptive genetic groups. The results suggest a complex interaction between genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection in this area. These findings are significant for fishery management and provide guidance for future research.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
R. Oyarzun-Salazar, J. J. Rojas, J. P. Pontigo, O. Mardones, J. L. P. Munoz, P. Dantagnan, L. Vargas-Chacoff
Summary: The study found that E. maclovinus juveniles tolerate temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, but temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius or higher could have lethal effects.
Article
Fisheries
Daniela Diaz-Ibarrola, Danixa Martinez, Carolina Vargas-Lagos, Julia Saravia, Luis Vargas-Chacoff
Summary: This study discovered that different portions of the gut may have different immune responses to bacterial pathogens, indicating the importance of understanding the specific parts of the gut that are more susceptible to infection. This finding has significant implications for the development and modification of functional foods.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Fiedor, Mateusz Przetocki, Aleksander Siniarski, Grzegorz Gajos, Nika Spiridis, Kinga Freindl, Kvetoslava Burda
Summary: The study demonstrates that incubating red blood cells with beta-Carotene can lead to membrane expansion, slight cell elongation, and changes in hemoglobin-oxygen affinity, potentially optimizing oxygen transportation to tissues. Higher concentrations of beta-Carotene may further alter the shape and size of red blood cells, while also increasing resistance to hemolysis due to reduced ion permeability. This interaction with red blood cell membranes could potentially impact heart performance and cardiovascular load optimization.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael Berenbrink
Summary: The study highlights the evolution of myoglobin with increased net positive surface charge in certain diving mammals, enhancing muscle oxygen storage capacity and maximum dive duration. By using myoglobin net surface charge as a marker, insights into the evolution of mammal diving capacity and adaptive protein evolution mechanisms are gained.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Chi-Hing Christina Cheng, Angel G. Rivera-Colon, Bushra Fazal Minhas, Loralee Wilson, Niraj Rayamajhi, Luis Vargas-Chacoff, Julian M. Catchen
Summary: The genome of the basal South American notothenioid Eleginops maclovinus has been sequenced and compared with other fish genomes to determine its phylogenetic position as well as its relationship with Antarctic cryonotothenioids. The study also analyzed the repertoire of circadian rhythm genes in E. maclovinus and assessed their functionality. The findings support E. maclovinus as the closest sister species and ancestral proxy of cryonotothenioids.
Article
Hematology
Andrea Valle, Javier Rodriguez, Felix Camina, Miguel Rodriguez-Segade, Juan B. Ortola, Santiago Rodriguez-Segade
Summary: Lung damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients can lead to arterial hypoxia and potentially affect the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen. A study of 517 hospitalized COVID-19 patients found that a majority of patients had lower affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, which changed over time with treatment. Additionally, patients with lower p50 values had a higher probability of survival.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Ragusa, Alessandro Svelato, Criselda Santacroce, Piera Catalano, Valentina Notarstefano, Oliana Carnevali, Fabrizio Papa, Mauro Ciro Antonio Rongioletti, Federico Baiocco, Simonetta Draghi, Elisabetta D'Amore, Denise Rinaldo, Maria Matta, Elisabetta Giorgini
Summary: The study revealed the presence of microplastic fragments in human placentas, with different shapes and possible origins from man-made coatings, paints, adhesives, etc.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raquel C. C. Laginha, Clara B. B. Martins, Ana L. C. Brandao, Joana Marques, M. Paula M. Marques, Luis A. E. Batista de Carvalho, Ines P. Santos, Ana L. M. Batista de Carvalho
Summary: In this study, the cytotoxic effects of a complex with two Pd(II) centers (Pd(2)Spm) on healthy and cancerous prostate human cell lines were evaluated and compared to cisplatin. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman microspectroscopies were used to understand the molecular mechanisms of action of both drugs, revealing differences in their impact on DNA, lipids, and proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Naim M. Bautista, Christian Damsgaard, Angela Fago, Tobias Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates that during diving, crocodilians primarily accumulate CO2 within erythrocytes, where most of it binds to hemoglobin. The binding of HCO3- is tightly associated with the progressive blood deoxygenation during diving, showing a difference from the classic vertebrate pattern.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas Gabler, Federico Sebastiani, Johannes Helm, Andrea Dali, Christian Obinger, Paul G. Furtmueller, Giulietta Smulevich, Stefan Hofbauer
Summary: Coproporphyrin III serves as the substrate for coproporphyrin ferrochelatases (CpfCs), playing a crucial role in the coproporphyrin-dependent haeme biosynthesis pathway utilized mainly by monoderm bacteria. This pathway differs from the protoporphyrin-dependent pathway, commonly used by diderm bacteria, showcasing distinct substrate ferrochelatases.
Article
Spectroscopy
Federico Sebastiani, Chiara Niccoli, Hanna Michlits, Riccardo Risorti, Maurizio Becucci, Stefan Hofbauer, Giulietta Smulevich
Summary: The actinobacterial coproheme decarboxylase catalyzes the final reaction to generate heme b in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Excess hydrogen peroxide causes hydroxylation of ring C or D, leading to the formation of an iron chlorin-type heme d species.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Giordano, Cinzia Verde, Paola Corti
Summary: NO plays a crucial role in the cardiovascular system of teleosts, where its production and signaling are influenced by changes in oxygen tension. The wide range of environmental adaptations made by fish leads to various in vivo models characterized by different implications of NO production and signaling.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Luca Spiridigliozzi, Mauro Bortolotti, Grazia Accardo, Alessandro Vergara, Domenico Frattini, Claudio Ferone, Raffaele Ciof, Gianfranco Dell'Agli
Summary: This study provides a complete structural characterization of rare earth carbonates and reveals their relationship with the tengerite-(Y) structure. The influence of different ionic radii of rare earth cations on lattice parameters is analyzed. In addition, structural features are validated through FT-IR and Raman spectra. The findings are important for understanding the structure and properties of rare earth carbonates.
JOURNAL OF RARE EARTHS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mark Shepherd, Daniela Giordano, Cinzia Verde, Robert K. Poole
Summary: This article provides an overview of the chemistry and biology of nitric oxide (NO), discussing its origins, toxic consequences, and biological functions. It also suggests the hypothesis that the potential for toxicity of NO preceded its biological functions, based on the fact that NO appeared in the early Earth's atmosphere before the evolution of complex lifeforms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrea Dali, Thomas Gabler, Federico Sebastiani, Alina Destinger, Paul Georg Furtmueller, Vera Pfanzagl, Maurizio Becucci, Giulietta Smulevich, Stefan Hofbauer
Summary: Coproporphyrin ferrochelatases (CpfCs) are enzymes that catalyze the penultimate step in the coproporphyrin-dependent heme biosynthesis pathway. The discovery of the correct substrate for these ferrochelatases and the characterization of their binding mode provide valuable insights into the iron insertion process. This knowledge is essential for understanding the preconditions and mechanisms of iron insertion in CpfCs.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pragati Rajendra More, Carla Zannella, Veronica Folliero, Francesco Foglia, Romualdo Troisi, Alessandro Vergara, Gianluigi Franci, Anna De Filippis, Massimiliano Galdiero
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a significant concern for public health, and researchers are exploring new antibacterial strategies using nanotechnology. In this study, silver and platinum nanoparticles were synthesized using Ocimum basilicum leaf extract, which showed low cytotoxicity and strong antibacterial activity. These nanoparticles have the potential to be a natural, ecofriendly, and cost-effective alternative for combating bacterial infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Federico Sebastiani, Chiara Baroni, Gaurav Patil, Andrea Dali, Maurizio Becucci, Stefan Hofbauer, Giulietta Smulevich
Summary: Monoderm bacteria accumulate heme b through the coproporphyrin-dependent biosynthesis pathway. The decarboxylation of propionate groups in coproheme by coproheme decarboxylase (ChdC) is a stepwise process. H-bond interactions in the pocket of ChdCs play a crucial role in stabilizing the active site and enzyme functionality, which were evaluated through characterization of mutants complexed with coproheme and heme b via spectroscopies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cinzia Verde, Daniela Giordano, Stefano Bruno
Summary: Heme proteins exhibit dual reactivity towards nitric oxide (NO) and cysteine residues, resulting in heme-dependent nitrosylation and S-nitrosylation. This interplay between heme proteins and NO plays a crucial role in the production, scavenging, and transport of nitrogen compounds. Understanding the biological functions associated with heme nitrosylation and S-nitrosylation is important in elucidating signaling pathways.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pasquale Pernice, Luigi Sirleto, Manuela Rossi, Mario Iodice, Alessandro Vergara, Rocco Di Girolamo, Giuseppina Luciani, Claudio Imparato, Antonio Aronne
Summary: In this study, stimulated Raman scattering in transparent glass-ceramics (TGCs) based on bulk nucleating phase Ba2NaNb5O15 was investigated to explore the influence of micro-and nanoscale structural transformations on Raman gain. Nanostructured TGCs were synthesized by proper nucleation and crystallization heat treatments. The results demonstrate a significant Raman gain improvement for both BaNaNS glass and TGCs with respect to SiO2 glass, which can be clearly attributed to the nanostructuring process. These findings suggest that the nonlinear optical functionalities of TGC materials can be controlled by modulating the structural transformations at the nanoscale rather than microscale.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Daniela Coppola, Chiara Lauritano, Gianluca Zazo, Genoveffa Nuzzo, Angelo Fontana, Adrianna Ianora, Maria Costantini, Cinzia Verde, Daniela Giordano
Summary: Antarctica is a potential reservoir of bacteria that can adapt to extreme conditions and produce valuable compounds for biotechnological applications. In this study, UV-resistant bacteria were isolated from different Antarctic aquatic environments and identified. The most abundant bacteria belonged to Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria phyla, with the genus Psychrobacter being dominant. Many of these bacteria were pigmented, potentially helping them tolerate low temperatures and harmful levels of UV radiation.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas Gabler, Andrea Dali, Federico Sebastiani, Paul Georg Furtmueller, Maurizio Becucci, Stefan Hofbauer, Giulietta Smulevich
Summary: Understanding the reaction mechanism of enzymes is challenging, but studying model substrates can provide valuable information. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of ferrous iron incorporation in a bacterial enzyme complex and discovered the role of hydrogen bond interactions in this process.
Article
Biology
Fiore Capozzi, Maria Cristina Sorrentino, Angelo Granata, Alessandro Vergara, Miriam Alberico, Manuela Rossi, Valeria Spagnuolo, Simonetta Giordano
Summary: This article presents the results of an experiment using transplanted mosses and lichens as biomonitors to optimize the detection of anthropogenic microfibers. The study found that the moss H. cupressiforme is a better indicator than the lichen P. furfuracea, especially when exposed without a covering net. The accumulation of microfibers was higher in moss compared to lichen, and naked transplants provided greater sensitivity.
