In Vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacity of 3,3-Disubstituted-3H-benzofuran-2-one Derivatives in a Cellular Model of Neurodegeneration

Oxidative stress represents a hallmark for many degenerative pathologies of the Central Nervous System. Throughout life, the constant pressure of noxious stimuli and/or episodes of traumatic events may expose the brain to a microenvironment where the non-balanced reactive oxygen species inevitably lead to neuronal loss and cognitive decline. HO-1, a 32 kDa heat-shock protein catalyzing the degradation of heme into carbon monoxide (CO), iron and biliverdin/bilirubin is considered one of the main antioxidant defense mechanisms playing pivotal roles in neuroprotection. Restoring the redox homeostasis is the goal of many natural or synthetic antioxidant molecules pursuing beneficial effects on brain functions. Here, we investigated the antioxidant capacity of four selected benzofuran-2-one derivatives in a cellular model of neurodegeneration represented by differentiated SH-SY5Y cells exposed to catechol-induced oxidative stress. Our main results highlight how all the molecules have antioxidant properties, especially compound 9, showing great abilities in reducing intracellular ROS levels and protecting differentiated SH-SY5Y cells from catechol-induced death. This compound above all seems to boost HO-1 mRNA and perinuclear HO-1 protein isoform expression when cells are exposed to the oxidative insult. Our findings open the way to consider benzofuran-2-ones as a novel and promising adjuvant antioxidant strategy for many neurodegenerative disorders.

A Systematic Review on Drugs Acting as Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonists in the Treatment of Dementia

Acetylcholine signaling is attenuated in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. A significant reduction in the expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain of AD patients has also been reported in several molecular biological and in situ labeling studies. The modulation of the functional deficit of the cholinergic system as a pharmacological target could therefore have a clinical benefit, which is not to be neglected. This systematic review was conducted to identify clinical trials, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists using Clinicaltrial (CT) and EudraCT databases. Structured searches identified 39 trials, which used 15 different drugs designed to increase the function of the nAChRs. Most of the identified clinical trials were phase II trials, with some of them classified as ongoing for several years. The systematic screening of the literature led to the selection of 14 studies out of the 8261 bibliographic records retrieved. Six trials reported detailed data on adverse events associated with the intervention, while twelve trials reported data on efficacy measures, such as attention, behavior and cognition. Overall, smost of the physical side effects of cholinergic agonists were reported to be well tolerated. Some trials also reported improvements in attention. However, the efficacy of these drugs in other cognitive and behavioral outcomes remains highly controversial.

The new annotated checklist of the wild bees of Europe (Hymenoptera: Anthophila)

At a time when nature conservation has become essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of our environment, it is widely acknowledged that conservation actions must be implemented within a solid taxonomic framework. In preparation for the upcoming update of the IUCN Red List, we here update the European checklist of the wild bees (sensu the IUCN geographical framework). The original checklist, published in 2014, was revised for the first time in 2017. In the present revision, we add one genus, four subgenera and 67 species recently described, 40 species newly recorded since the latest revision (including two species that are not native to Europe), 26 species overlooked in the previous European checklists and 63 published synonymies. We provide original records for eight species previously unknown to the continent and, as original taxonomic acts, we provide three new synonyms, we consider two names as nomina nuda, ten names as nomina dubia, three as species inquirenda, synonymize three species and exclude 40 species from the previous checklist. Around a hundred other taxonomic changes and clarifications are also included and discussed. The present work revises the total number of genera for IUCN Europe to 77 and the total number of species to 2,138. In addition to specifying the taxonomic changes necessary to update the forthcoming Red List of European bees, we discuss the sampling and taxonomic biases that characterise research on the European bee fauna and highlight the growing importance of range expansions and species invasions.

Solving nomenclatural problems of genus-group names of the cuckoo-wasps (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae): objectively invalid and unavailable names, new type-species designations, new names, a new genus and new synonymies

Information is provided for 143 objectively invalid or unavailable genus-group names used in Chrysididae; 34 are objectively invalid, of which 18 are junior homonyms (five of these are also currently junior subjective synonyms), 18 are junior objective synonyms (two of these are also junior homonyms) of which seven are unjustified emendations, and two are unnecessary replacement names. The remaining 109 names are unavailable; 96 are incorrect subsequent spellings, most of them were originally lapsus calami or misprints, one is hereby deemed to be an incorrect original spelling, eight are nomina nuda, three were originally published as junior synonyms and never adopted before 1961 as valid names of any taxa, and one is a vernacular name previously considered as valid. Gender, type species, taxonomic history and status are given for each name except for incorrect subsequent spellings and unjustified emendations. Some cases of homonymies with taxa currently classified as non-animal are discussed. For two such junior homonyms, denoting genus-group taxa considered as valid in the present work, new replacement names are proposed: Linsenmaierella Rosa & Pavesi nom. nov. for Chrysidella Linsenmaier, nec Pascher; and Rhipidochrysis Rosa & Pavesi nom. nov. for Pleurochrysis Bohart, nec Pringsheim. New generic synonymies are established: consequent on new type-species designations, Leptoglossa Klug becomes a junior objective synonym of Parnopes Latreille syn. nov., and Pyrochloris Klug becomes a junior objective synonym of Euchroeus Latreille syn. nov.; Pseudodichrysis Trautmann is a junior objective synonym of Dichrysis Lichtenstein syn. nov. and the latter is in turn a junior subjective synonym of Chrysis Linnaeus. Platycelia Dahlbom is selected by the authors, acting as First Revisers, as the correct original spelling, and the simultaneously published Platycoelia is therefore deemed to be an incorrect subsequent spelling. The validation of Philoctetes Abeille de Perrin, not available when originally proposed, is discussed. Morphochrysis Rosa & Pavesi gen. nov. (type species: Chrysis pulchella Spinola) is here described; it includes members of the Chrysis pulchella species group previously included in Gonodontochrysis Semenov-Tian-Shanskij & Nikol'skaya, an unavailable name. The Chrysis zaravshanica species group is merged with the pulchella species group. A new specific synonymy within this group is proposed: Chrysis zaravshanica Tarbinsky syn. nov. of C. personata Semenov-Tian-Shanskij.

Circular solar: Evaluating the profitability of a photovoltaic panel recycling plant

Photovoltaic (PV) panels have a crucial role in coping with the global warming mitigation and the energetic crisis currently affecting the European Community. However, from the circular perspective of end-of-life (EoL) management, there are still big issues to be solved in order to recover materials from this kind of e-wastes. Because of several reasons (e.g. type of embedded materials, illegal shipments, location of manufacturers) EoL businesses do not have the interest in approaching them. This poses a significant environmental concern in terms of their management. This work wants to assess the profitability of a specific PV module recycling plant, by evaluating several market contexts in which multiple scenarios of material price, investment and process costs will be considered. The results for a 3000 tonnes plant show that profitability is not verified in the absence of an avoided landfill cost. Instead, when a value of 200 €/tonnes is applied, the net present value is positive in 35.2% of the scenarios and at 87.6% when a value of 350 €/tonnes is considered. The policy choice of this value requires linking the PV module disposal fee to the circular benefits associated with its recovery.

The Palaearctic types of Chrysididae (Insecta, Hymenoptera) deposited in the Linsenmaier collection. Part 4. Elampini: genus Omalus Panzer, 1801

An illustrated catalogue of the Palaearctic types of species and subspecies described by Walter Linsenmaier in Omalus Panzer, 1801 is given. Linsenmaier described 16 species and subspecies of Omalus; most of the primary types are deposited in the collection at the Natur-Museum in Luzern, Switzerland, with the exception of four holotypes which are deposited at the Natural History Museum in London, UK; Nationalparkzentrum in Zernez, Switzerland; Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule in Zurich, Switzerland; and Museo de Naturaleza y Arqueologia in St. Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. A list of the species described and pictures of 13 primary and secondary types are presented. A synthesis of his classification is given, with comments and comparison to modern classification.

Inflammatory Response Modulation by Low-Dose Anti-inflammatory Drugs Treatment in an in vitro Osteoarthritis Cellular Model

BACKGROUND

Low-dose-medicine is based on the administration of low doses of biological regulators to restore the immunologic balance altered in the disease. Cytokines are pivotal regulators of cellular and tissue functions and impaired crosstalk, due to an imbalance between specific cytokines, it is fundamental in acute inflammation and diseases correlated to low-grade chronic inflammation. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent arthritic disease and a leading cause of disability. In the treatment of muscle-skeletal pathologies, the therapeutic integration of conventional medicine with homotoxicology, or low-dose-medicine appears to be beneficial.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to get more insights into the role of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines during the development of osteoarthritis and to evaluate a possible blocking strategy using anti-inflammatory molecules, we resort to an in vitro experimental model using an established human chondrosarcoma cell line that underwent to a well known pro-inflammatory stimulus as bacterial lipopolysaccharide.

METHOD

We tested the production of inflammatory-related cytokines and chemokines, and the efficacy of low-dose (LD) administration of anti-inflammatory compounds, namely IL-10 and anti-IL-1, to block inflammatory cellular pathways.

RESULTS

Following an inflammatory insult, chondrocytes upregulated the expression of several pro-inflammatory cyto-/chemokines and this induction could be counteracted by LD IL-10 and anti-IL-1. We reported that these effects could be ascribed to an interfering effect of LD drugs with the NF-κB signaling.

CONCLUSION

Our results provided a good indication that LD drugs can be effective in inhibiting the inflammatory response in chondrocytes opening the way to new therapies for the treatment of diseases such as osteoarthritis.

The InBIO Barcoding Initiative Database: contribution to the knowledge on DNA barcodes of cuckoo wasps, with the description of new species from the Iberian Peninsula (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae)

Background

DNA barcoding technologies have provided a powerful tool for the fields of ecology and systematics. Here, we present a part of the InBIO Barcoding Initiative Database: contribution to the knowledge on DNA barcodes of cuckoo wasps (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) dataset representing 144 specimens and 103 species, covering approximately 44% of the Iberian and 21% of the European fauna. The InBIO Barcoding Initiative (IBI - DNA Barcoding Portuguese terrestrial invertebrate biodiversity) aims to fill the barcoding gap for the terrestrial invertebrate taxa. All DNA extractions are deposited in the IBI collection at CIBIO, Research Center in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources and specimens are deposited in the University of Mons collection (Belgium) and in the Natur-Museum in Lucerne (Switzerland).

New information

This dataset increases the knowledge on the DNA barcodes and distribution of 102 species of cuckoo wasps. A total of 52 species, from 11 different genera, were new additions to the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), with DNA barcodes for another 44 species added from under-represented taxa in BOLD. All specimens have their DNA barcodes publicly accessible through the BOLD online database. Nine cuckoo wasp species are newly recorded for Portugal. Additionally, two new species for science are described: Chrysiscrossi Rosa, sp. nov. from southern Portugal and Hedychridiumcalcarium Rosa, sp. nov. from eastern Spain. Several taxonomic changes are proposed and Hedychrumrutilans Dahlbom, 1845 is found to consist of two different taxa that can be found in sympatry, Hedychrumrutilans s. str. and Hedychrumviridaureum Tournier, 1877 stat. nov. Stilbumwestermanni Dahlbom, 1845 stat. nov. is confirmed as distinct from Stilbumcalens (Fabricius, 1781), with the latter species not confirmed as present in Iberia; barcoded Stilbum material from Australia is distinct and represents Stilbumamethystium (Fabricius, 1775) sp. resurr.; Portuguese material identified as Hedychridiumchloropygum Buysson, 1888 actually belongs to Hedychridiumcaputaureum Trautmann & Trautmann, 1919, the first confirmed record of this species from Iberia. Philoctetesparvulus (Dahlbom, 1845) is confirmed to be a synonym of Philoctetespunctulatus (Dahlbom, 1845). Chrysislusitanica Bischoff, 1910 is confirmed as a valid species. Chrysishebraeica Linsenmaier, 1959 stat. nov. is raised to species status.

Assessing the relation between waste management policies and circular economy goals

The European Union has recently prioritized waste policies by embedding them in the new Horizon Europe work programme. Here, circular economy (CE) and digitalization are matching together in order to support all the industrial sectors in increasing their sustainability level. One of the main impacts expected from the EU is a better exploitation of wasted resources. However, waste streams are very different in terms of volumes, embedded materials and management policies. Considering only those waste streams with highest volumes, this study focuses on End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV), Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Starting from some policy recommendations and analyses identified through a literature review and the support of the experts, a survey has been conducted to identify the most critical items for each waste stream. Results of the survey show that, on the one hand, end of waste strategies has the highest importance for WEEE and ELV categories. On the other hand, social change has the highest importance for MSW. Consequently, end of waste strategies and social change should be considered as enablers of reuse and recycling practices in their reference contexts. In order to counteract the significant socio-economic issues already caused by delays in taking clear decisions about climate change mitigation strategies, policymakers should focus on these policy implications urgently if even more imminent environmental catastrophes are to be avoided.

Next-Generation Sequencing Comparative Analysis of DNA Mutations between Blood-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Matched Cancer Tissue in Patients with Grade 4 Glioblastoma

The biological heterogeneity of glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (GBM, CNS WHO grade 4), the most aggressive type of brain cancer, is a critical hallmark, caused by changes in the genomic mutational asset and influencing clinical progression over time. The understanding and monitoring of the mutational profile is important not only to reveal novel therapeutic targets in this set of patients, but also to ameliorate the clinical stratification of subjects and the prognostic significance. As neurosurgery represents the primary technique to manage GBM, it is of utmost importance to optimize alternative and less invasive methods to monitor the dynamic mutation profile of these patients. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are included in the liquid biopsy analysis and have emerged as the biological mirror of escaping and surviving mechanisms by many tumors, including glioblastoma. Very few studies have investigated the technical feasibility to detect and analyze the genomic profile by Next-Generation Sequencing (UMI system) in circulating EVs of patients with grade IV glioblastoma. Here, we attempted to characterize and to compare the corresponding matched tissue samples and potential variants with pathogenic significance of the DNA contained in peripheral-blood-derived EVs. The NGS analysis has revealed that patients with grade IV glioblastoma exhibited lesser DNA content in EVs than controls and that, both in EVs and matched cancer tissues, the NF1 gene was consistently mutated in all patients, with the c.2568C>G as the most common pathogenic variant expressed. This study supports the clinical utility of circulating EVs in glioblastoma as an eligible tool for personalized medicine.

Potential Pathogenetic Role of Antimicrobial Peptides Carried by Extracellular Vesicles in an in vitro Psoriatic Model

Purpose

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of cell-derived membranous nanoparticles involved in several physiopathological processes. EVs play a crucial role in the definition of the extracellular microenvironment through the transfer of their cargo. Psoriasis is a prototypical chronic inflammatory disease characterized by several secreted mediators, among which antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered pivotal in the development of the psoriatic inflammatory microenvironment. The role of EVs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been elucidated yet, even if emerging evidence demonstrated that interleukin-17A (IL-17A), the psoriasis-related principal cytokine, modifies EVs release and cargo content. The aim of this work was to analyze whether, besides IL-17A, other psoriasis-related cytokines (ie, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-22 and IL-23) could affect EVs release and their AMPs mRNAs cargo as well as to analyze the potential biological effect due to EVs internalization by different acceptor cells.

Methods

Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) was performed on supernatants of HaCaT cells stimulated with IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-22 or IL-23 to enumerate EVs. Real-Time RT-PCR was used for gene expression analysis in cells and EVs. Confocal microscopy and Flow cytometry were used to, respectively, study Netosis and EVs internalization.

Results

IL-17A and IFN-γ increased EVs release by HaCaT cells. All the tested cytokines modulated AMPs mRNA expression in parental cells and in their respective EVs. S100A12 and hBD2 mRNAs were upregulated following IL-17A and IL-22 treatments. Interestingly, EVs derived from cytokine treated HaCaT cells induced Netosis in freshly isolated neutrophils. Upregulation of S100A12 and hBD2 mRNA was also detectable in acceptor cells incubated with EVs derived from cells treated with psoriasis-related cytokines.

Conclusion

The obtained results highlighted the role of EVs in the composition of psoriasis-associated secretome and microenvironment also suggesting the EV involvement in the spreading of the disease mediators and in the possible associated comorbidities.

Polysialic Acid Sustains the Hypoxia-Induced Migration and Undifferentiated State of Human Glioblastoma Cells

Gliomas are the most common primary malignant brain tumors. Glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype (GBM, CNS WHO grade 4) is the most aggressive form of glioma and is characterized by extensive hypoxic areas that strongly correlate with tumor malignancy. Hypoxia promotes several processes, including stemness, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and radio- and chemoresistance, that have direct impacts on treatment failure. Thus, there is still an increasing need to identify novel targets to limit GBM relapse. Polysialic acid (PSA) is a carbohydrate composed of a linear polymer of α2,8-linked sialic acids, primarily attached to the Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM). It is considered an oncodevelopmental antigen that is re-expressed in various tumors. High levels of PSA-NCAM are associated with high-grade and poorly differentiated tumors. Here, we investigated the effect of PSA inhibition in GBM cells under low oxygen concentrations. Our main results highlight the way in which hypoxia stimulates polysialylation in U87-MG cells and in a GBM primary culture. By lowering PSA levels with the sialic acid analog, F-NANA, we also inhibited GBM cell migration and interfered with their differentiation influenced by the hypoxic microenvironment. Our findings suggest that PSA may represent a possible molecular target for the development of alternative pharmacological strategies to manage a devastating tumor like GBM.

Circulating Exosomal-DNA in Glioma Patients: A Quantitative Study and Histopathological Correlations—A Preliminary Study

Glial neoplasms are a group of diseases with poor prognoses. Not all risk factors are known, and no screening tests are available. Only histology provides certain diagnosis. As already reported, DNA transported by exosomes can be an excellent source of information shared by cells locally or systemically. These vesicles seem to be one of the main mechanisms of tumor remote intercellular signaling used to induce immune deregulation, apoptosis, and both phenotypic and genotypic modifications. In this study, we evaluated the exosomal DNA (exoDNA) concentration in blood samples of patients affected by cerebral glioma and correlated it with histological and radiological characteristics of tumors. From 14 patients with diagnosed primary or recurrent glioma, we obtained MRI imaging data, histological data, and preoperative blood samples that were used to extract circulating exosomal DNA, which we then quantified. Our results demonstrate a relationship between the amount of circulating exosomal DNA and tumor volume, and mitotic activity. In particular, a high concentration of exoDNA was noted in low-grade gliomas. Our results suggest a possible role of exoDNAs in the diagnosis of brain glioma. They could be particularly useful in detecting early recurrent high-grade gliomas and asymptomatic low-grade gliomas.

Platelet Activation Favours NOX2-Mediated Muscle Damage in Elite Athletes: The Role of Cocoa-Derived Polyphenols

Mechanisms of exercise-induced muscle injury with etiopathogenesis and its consequences have been described; however, the impact of different intensities of exercise on the mechanisms of muscular injury development is not well understood. The aim of this study was to exploit the relationship between platelet activation, oxidative stress and muscular injuries induced by physical exercise in elite football players compared to amateur athletes. Oxidant/antioxidant status, platelet activation and markers of muscle damage were evaluated in 23 elite football players and 23 amateur athletes. Compared to amateurs, elite football players showed lower antioxidant capacity and higher oxidative stress paralleled by increased platelet activation and muscle damage markers. Simple linear regression analysis showed that sNOX2-dp and H₂O₂, sCD40L and PDGF-bb were associated with a significant increase in muscle damage biomarkers. In vitro studies also showed that plasma obtained from elite athletes increased oxidative stress and muscle damage in human skeletal muscle myoblasts cell line compared to amateurs’ plasma, an effect blunted by the NOX2 inhibitor or by the cell treatment with cocoa-derived polyphenols. These results indicate that platelet activation increased muscular injuries induced by oxidative stress. Moreover, NOX2 inhibition and polyphenol extracts treatment positively modulates redox status and reduce exercise-induced muscular injury.

Nucleolar localization of the ErbB3 receptor as a new target in glioblastoma

Background

The nucleolus is a subnuclear, non-membrane bound domain that is the hub of ribosome biogenesis and a critical regulator of cell homeostasis. Rapid growth and division of cells in tumors are correlated with intensive nucleolar metabolism as a response to oncogenic factors overexpression. Several members of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) family, have been identified in the nucleus and nucleolus of many cancer cells, but their function in these compartments remains unexplored.

Results

We focused our research on the nucleolar function that a specific member of EGFR family, the ErbB3 receptor, plays in glioblastoma, a tumor without effective therapies. Here, Neuregulin 1 mediated proliferative stimuli, promotes ErbB3 relocalization from the nucleolus to the cytoplasm and increases pre-rRNA synthesis. Instead ErbB3 silencing or nucleolar stress reduce cell proliferation and affect cell cycle progression.

Conclusions

These data point to the existence of an ErbB3-mediated non canonical pathway that glioblastoma cells use to control ribosomes synthesis and cell proliferation. These results highlight the potential role for the nucleolar ErbB3 receptor, as a new target in glioblastoma.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-022-00411-y.

The Palaearctic types of Chrysididae (Insecta, Hymenoptera) deposited in the Linsenmaier collection. Part 2. Elampini: genus Hedychridium Abeille de Perrin, 1878

An illustrated catalogue of the Palaearctic types of species and subspecies described by Walter Linsenmaier in the genus Hedychridium Abeille de Perrin, 1878 is given. Linsenmaier described 110 species and subspecies of Hedychridium, most of the holotypes are deposited in his collection, at the Natur-Museum (Luzern, Switzerland), with the exception of 25 holotypes which are deposited at the Bristish Museum (London), at the Muse cantonal de zoologie (Lausanne) and in two private collections. Hedychridium atratum is here transferred to Chamaeholopyga Linsenmaier, 1987. Hedychridium krajniki turceyense Linsenmaier, 1968 stat. nov. is upgraded to species rank. The holotype of Hedychridium caireanum Linsenmaier, 1968 is considered lost. A list of the species described and a synthesys of his classification is given. Pictures of 83 primary and secondary types are presented.

Toll-like receptor 4 activation in platelets from myocardial infarction patients

INTRODUCTION

Platelet toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is overexpressed in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) but it remains to elucidate if it is activated and the potential trigger.

METHODS

Serum levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and platelet aggregation (PA) by collagen alone or in combination with a TLR4 inhibitor (TLR4i) were studied ex vivo in platelets from 40 MI patients and 40 controls matched for age, sex and atherosclerotic risk factors; platelet TIR domain-containing adaptor protein (TIRAP) and TIRAP-MyD88 interaction were also investigated by western blot and co-immunoprecipitation, respectively. In vitro experiments were conducted to see if LPS triggers platelet TIRAP phosphorylation.

RESULTS

Serum LPS was significantly higher in patients compared to controls (29.5±7.1 vs 16.2±3.8 pg/mL; p<0.001). Collagen-stimulated platelets from MI pre-treated with TLR4i showed a significant decrease of PA compared to platelets stimulated with collagen. Ex vivo study showed that TIRAP phosphorylation as well as TIRAP-MyD88 co-immunoprecipitation were higher in patients compared to controls. In vitro study showed that LPS, at concentrations like those found in MI, dose-dependently activated TIRAP and amplified the platelet response to the agonist, an effect blunted by TLR4i.

CONCLUSION

The study provides evidence that in MI patients platelet TLR4 is activated and suggests circulating LPS as potential trigger.

Additions to the cuckoo wasps (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) of Mongolia, with description of eleven new species

An addendum to the recent checklist of the Chrysididae from Mongolia is given. Examination of old museum material and recently collected specimens has led to the discovery of eight new records for the country and eleven new species for science. Eight species are newly recorded from Mongolia: Chrysisinclinata Linsenmaier, 1959, C.martinella du Buysson, 1900, C.speciosa Radoszkowski, 1877, Euchroeuspurpuratus (Fabricius, 1787), Holopygalucida (Lepeletier, 1806), H.similis Mocsáry, 1889, Hedychridiumfemoratum (Dahlbom, 1854) and H.leleji Rosa, 2017. Two species, Hedychridiumcupreum (Dahlbom, 1845) and H.propodeale Rosa, 2017 are excluded from the checklist of Mongolian Chrysididae: the former is described here as H.erythrosomasp. nov., the latter is identified as H.leleji Rosa, 2017. The hitherto unknown male of Chrysismocsaryi Radoszkowski, 1889 is described and illustrated. Eleven new species are described: Chrysisstrakaisp. nov., C.woodisp. nov., Hedychridiumerythrosomasp. nov., H.frontalesp. nov., H.jacobsisp. nov., H.splendenssp. nov., H.striatumsp. nov., H.varvaraesp. nov., H.weiisp. nov., Holopygatyrnerisp. nov., and Philoctetesborekisp. nov. Keys to males and females of all known Mongolian species of Hedychridium Abeille de Perrin, 1878 are provided. The Mongolian cuckoo wasp fauna now comprises 107 species in 18 genera and two subfamilies.

Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Implications for the Atherothrombotic Process

Atherothrombosis is a frequent complication of the clinical history of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Both atherothrombosis and APS are characterized by increased oxidative stress. Oxidative modifications are implicated in the formation of antiphospholipid antibodies, which in turn may favour the oxidative imbalance by increasing the production of reactive oxidant species (ROS) or by a direct interaction with pro-oxidant/antioxidant enzymes. As a result of these processes, APS patients suffer from an oxidative imbalance that may contribute to the progression of the atherosclerotic process and to the onset of ischemic thrombotic complications. The aim of this review is to describe mechanisms implicated in the formation of ROS in APS patients and their involvement in the atherothrombotic process. We also provide an overview of potential therapeutic approaches to blunt oxidative stress and to prevent atherothrombotic complications in these patients.

Circulating microRNAs from the Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Biomarkers: A Focus on the Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as relevant molecules in cancer development and progression. MiRNAs add a post-transcriptional level of control to the regulation of gene expression. The deregulation of miRNA expression results in changing the molecular circuitry in which miRNAs are involved, leading to alterations of cell fate determination. In this review, we describe the miRNAs that are emerging as innovative molecular biomarkers from liquid biopsies, not only for diagnosis, but also for post-surgery management in cancer. We focus our attention on renal cell carcinoma, in particular highlighting the crucial role of circulating miRNAs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) management. In addition, the functional deregulation of miRNA expression in ccRCC is also discussed, to underline the contribution of miRNAs to ccRCC development and progression, which may be relevant for the identification and design of innovative clinical strategies against this tumor.

Sex differences in total brain volume in a cognitively unimpaired elderly population

Introduction

Although a large number of studies have shown brain volumetric differences between men and women, only a few investigations to date have analyzed brain tissue volumes in representative samples of the general elderly population.

Objectives

We investigated differences in gray matter (GM), white matter (WM) and intracranial volumes (ICVs) between sexes in individuals above 66 years old using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

Using FreeSurfer version 5.3, we automatically obtained the ICVs, GM and WM volumes from MRI datasets of 84 men and 92 women. To correct for interindividual variations in ICV, GM and WM volumes were adjusted with a method using the residuals of a least-square-derived linear regression between raw volumes and ICVs. We then performed an ANCOVA comparing men and woman including age and years of schooling as confounding factors.

Results

Women had a lower socioeconomic status overall and fewer years of schooling than men. The comparison of unadjusted brain volumes showed larger GM and WM volumes in men. After the ICV correction, the adjusted volumes of GM and WM were larger in women.

Conclusions

After the ICV correction and taking into account differences in socioeconomic status and years of schooling, our results confirm previous findings of proportionally larger GM in women, as well as larger WM volumes. These results in an elderly population indicate that brain volumetric differences between sexes persist throughout the aging process. Additional studies combining MRI and other biomarkers are warranted to identify the hormonal and molecular bases influencing such differences.

Validation of microscopic magnetochiral dichroism theory

Magnetochiral dichroism (MChD), a fascinating manifestation of the light-matter interaction characteristic for chiral systems under magnetic fields, has become a well-established optical phenomenon reported for many different materials. However, its interpretation remains essentially phenomenological and qualitative, because the existing microscopic theory has not been quantitatively confirmed by confronting calculations based on this theory with experimental data. Here, we report the experimental low-temperature MChD spectra of two archetypal chiral paramagnetic crystals taken as model systems, tris(1,2-diaminoethane)nickel(II) and cobalt(II) nitrate, for light propagating parallel or perpendicular to the c axis of the crystals, and the calculation of the MChD spectra for the Ni(II) derivative by state-of-the-art quantum chemical calculations. By incorporating vibronic coupling, we find good agreement between experiment and theory, which opens the way for MChD to develop into a powerful chiral spectroscopic tool and provide fundamental insights for the chemical design of new magnetochiral materials for technological applications.

An annotated and illustrated checklist of the Indian cuckoo wasps (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae)

An illustrated and updated checklist of the Indian Chrysididae is presented, including synonyms and distributional summaries. The list includes 105 species in 20 genera. Six species are described as new: Elampus gladiator Rosa, sp. nov. (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh), Chrysis aswathiae Rosa, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu, elegans species group), Chrysis baldocki Rosa, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu, smaragdula group), Chrysis bernasconii Rosa, sp. nov. (Tamil Nadu, subsinuata group), Chrysis polita Rosa, sp. nov. (West Bengal, Uttaranchal, Myanmar, ignita group), and Chrysis travancoriana Rosa, sp. nov. (Kerala and Tamil Nadu, praecipua group). Six species are newly recorded: Chrysis hecate Mocsáry, 1889; Chrysis jalala Nurse, 1902; Chrysis obscura Smith, 1860; Istiochrysis ziliolii Rosa Xu, 2016; Praestochrysis furcifera (Bingham, 1903); Primeuchroeus siamensis (Bischoff, 1910). Two new synonymies are proposed: Chrysis abuensis Nurse, 1902, syn. nov. of Chrysis wroughtoni du Buysson, 1896b; Chrysis nursei Bingham, 1903 syn. nov. of Chrysis gujaratica Nurse, 1903a. Holopyga (Hedychridium) virescens Mocsáry, 1914 is transferred to the genus Hedychridium Abeille de Perrin, 1878; the name Hedychridium virescens (Mocsáry, 1914) results a secondary homonym of Hedychridium virescens du Buysson, 1908 and it is here replaced with the new name Hedychridium mocsaryi Rosa, nom. nov. Chrysis cotesi du Buysson, 1893, sp. resurr. is here revalidated from the previous synonymy with Chrysis palliditarsis Spinola, 1838. Chrysis bahadur Nurse, 1903a is transferred from the ignita group to the splendidula group, Chrysis bhavanae Bingham, 1903 is transferred from the ignita group to the maculicornis group, and Chrysis thakur is transferred from the smaragdula group to the oculata group. Chrysis nila Bingham, 1903 and Chrysis variipes Mocsáry, 1911 are included in the newly established nila group. Spinolia kashmirae Kimsey in Kimsey Bohart, 1991 is classified as unnecessary replacement name. The name Parnopes oberthuri du Buysson, 1904 is here emendated into Parnopes oberthueri (currently Cephaloparnops oberthueri). Potential erroneous data, misidentifications and dubious distributional records that may exist in the literature are also identified. We examined almost all type specimens, excluding taxa described by Cameron and Smith. We provide a key to Indian genera, including those expected for the country and not yet recorded, and colour images of type and non-type specimens belonging to 82 species.

Types of Chrysididae (Insecta, Hymenoptera) deposited at the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule in Zürich

A catalogue of the chrysidid type specimens housed at the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule in Zürich with revision and discussion of their status is presented. Selected images of the primary types are given. The new replacement name Chrysis robertsi Rosa nom. nov. pro Chrysis viridicyanea Linsenmaier, 1959, nec Giebel, 1862 is given. Ellampus subauratus Mocsáry, 1890 spec. resurr. is restored from the previous synonymy with Philoctetes sareptanus (Mocsáry, 1889). The new synonymy Ellampus schulthessi subauratus Mocsáry, 1890 = E. conifer Semenov-Tian-Shanskij, 1932 syn. nov. is proposed.

Biomimetic keratin gold nanoparticle-mediated in vitro photothermal therapy on glioblastoma multiforme

Aim: To realize and characterize a new generation of keratin-coated gold nanoparticles (Ker-AuNPs) as highly efficient photosensitive nanosized therapeutics for plasmonic photothermal (PPT) therapy. Materials & methods: The chemical, physical, morphological and photothermal properties of Ker-AuNPs are investigated using dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential, UV-Visible, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution thermography. In vitro experiments are performed on a human glioblastoma cell line (i.e., U87-MG), using viability assays, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, cytometric analyses and PPT experiments. Results: Experiments confirm the excellent biocompatibility of Ker-AuNPs, their efficient cellular uptake and localized photothermal heating capabilities. Conclusion: The reported structural and functional properties pointed out these Ker-AuNPs as a promising new tool in the field of biocompatible photothermal agents for PPT treatments against cancer-related diseases.

First checklist of the chrysidid wasps (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae) of Mongolia, with description of new species

An annotated checklist of the Chrysididae from Mongolia is provided. A revision of the bibliographical data is provied, since most of the collecting localities published for “Mongolia” refer to places currently located in China. The known Mongolian cuckoo wasp fauna counts 90 species in 18 genera and two subfamilies. Four genera and 57 species are recorded for the first time, including two species here described as new for science: Cleptesmongolicus Rosa, Halada & Agnoli, sp. nov. (Dornod) and Spinoliaspinosa Rosa & Halada, sp. nov. (Bayankhongor).

The Palaearctic types of Chrysididae (Insecta, Hymenoptera) deposited in the Linsenmaier collection. Part 1. Cleptes Latreille

An illustrated catalogue of the Palaearctic types of Cleptes species and subspecies described by Walter Linsenmaier is given. All types are currently housed at the Natur-Museum, Luzern, Switzerland. Cleptes laevifacies Linsenmaier, 1999 is confirmed as a member of  the nitidulus species group.

Interleukin-17A affects extracellular vesicles release and cargo in human keratinocytes

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease caused by deregulation of the interleukin-23/-17 axis that allows the activation of Th17 lymphocytes and the reprogramming of keratinocytes proliferative response, thereby inducing the secretion of cyto-/chemokines and antimicrobial peptides. Beside cell-to-cell contacts and release of cytokines, hormones and second messengers, cells communicate each other through the release of extracellular vesicles containing DNA, RNA, microRNAs and proteins. It has been reported the alteration of extracellular vesicles trafficking in several diseases, but there is scarce evidence of the involvement of extracellular vesicles trafficking in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The main goal of the study was to characterize the release, the cargo content and the capacity to transfer bioactive molecules of extracellular vesicles produced by keratinocytes following recombinant IL-17A treatment if compared to untreated keratinocytes. A combined approach of standard ultracentrifugation, RNA isolation and real-time RT-PCR techniques was used to characterize extracellular vesicles cargo. Flow cytometry was used to quantitatively and qualitatively analyse extracellular vesicles and to evaluate cell-to-cell extracellular vesicles transfer. We report that the treatment of human keratinocytes with IL-17A significantly modifies the extracellular vesicles cargo and release. Vesicles from IL-17A-treated cells display a specific pattern of mRNA which is undid by IL-17A neutralization. Extracellular vesicles are taken up by acceptor cells irrespective of their content but only those derived from IL-17A-treated cells enable recipient cells to express psoriasis-associated mRNA. The results imply a role of extracellular vesicles in amplifying the pro-inflammatory cascade induced in keratinocyte by pro-psoriatic cytokines.

PET-guided Switch from Immunotherapy to Targeted Therapy in a Metastatic Melanoma Patient: a personalized approach

An early identification of non-responders in oncology is of crucial importance to rapidly switch treatment regimens. Here we report a positron emission tomography, (PET)-guided switch from immunotherapy to targeted therapy in a patient affected by metastatic melanoma. We describe the case of a 78-years-old male patient diagnosed with nodular melanoma, submitted to baseline PET/CT with 18fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) that showed cutaneous and skeletal metastases (stage IV). The patients started immunotherapy with pembrolizumab. A PET/CT performed 3 months after the start of immunotherapy demonstrated progressive metabolic disease both at skeletal and cutaneous level, confirmed also by the biopsy. As patients resulted positive for BRAF V600k mutation, treatment regimen was rapidly switched to combined anti-BRAF/MEK targeted therapy. The PET/CT performed 3 months later, showed almost complete metabolic response. Ten months after the beginning of targeted therapy, the patient continues to present a durable metabolic response. PET/CT with 18F-FDG may help in monitoring the response to treatment in metastatic melanoma thus defining personalized therapeutic pathways.

Curcumin dietary supplementation ameliorates disease phenotype in an animal model of Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) has traditionally been described as a disorder purely of the brain; however, evidence indicates that peripheral abnormalities are also commonly seen. Among others, severe unintended body weight loss represents a prevalent and often debilitating feature of HD pathology, with no therapies available. It correlates with disease progression and significantly affects the quality of life of HD patients. Curcumin, a naturally occurring polyphenol with multiple therapeutic properties, has been validated to exert important beneficial effects under health conditions as well as in different pathological settings, including neurodegenerative and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Here, we investigated the potential therapeutic action that curcumin-supplemented diet may exert on central and peripheral dysfunctions in R6/2 mice, a well-characterized HD animal model which recapitulates some features of human pathology. Maintenance of normal motor function, protection from neuropathology and from GI dysfunction and preservation of GI emptying and conserved intestinal contractility, proved the beneficial role of life-long dietary curcumin in HD and corroborated the potential of the compound to be exploited to alleviate very debilitating symptoms associated with the disease.

Biodiversity of the aculeate wasps (Hymenoptera: Aculeata) of the Arabian Peninsula: Chrysidoidea, Chrysididae

An updated checklist of the Arabian species of Chrysididae is provided here. Three new synonymies (valid name first) are proposed: Chrysis mirifica Balthasar, 1953 = Chrysis dawahi Strumia, 2012 syn. nov.; Chrysis viridissima Klug, 1845 = Chrysis decolorata Strumia Dawah, 2019 syn. nov.; Trichrysis longispina (Mocsáry, 1912) = Trichrysis flavicornis Strumia Dawah, 2019 syn. nov.. Consequently, the list includes 124 identified species in 22 genera and three tribes, all in the subfamily Chrysidinae: Elampini (11 genera, 48 species), Chrysidini (9 genera, 73 species), and Parnopini (2 genera, 3 species). In addition, there is a single record of an unidentified species of the subfamily Cleptinae. Distributions, both on the Peninsula and extra-limital, are provided for each species and subspecies; 41 species (33%) are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, as are five subspecies.

Dexamethasone in Glioblastoma Multiforme Therapy: Mechanisms and Controversies

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant of the glial tumors. The world-wide estimates of new cases and deaths annually are remarkable, making GBM a crucial public health issue. Despite the combination of radical surgery, radio and chemotherapy prognosis is extremely poor (median survival is approximately 1 year). Thus, current therapeutic interventions are highly unsatisfactory. For many years, GBM-induced brain oedema and inflammation have been widely treated with dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid (GC). A number of studies have reported that DEX also inhibits GBM cell proliferation and migration. Nevertheless, recent controversial results provided by different laboratories have challenged the widely accepted dogma concerning DEX therapy for GBM. Here, we have reviewed the main clinical features and genetic and epigenetic abnormalities underlying GBM. Finally, we analyzed current notions and concerns related to DEX effects on cerebral oedema, cancer cell proliferation and migration and clinical outcome.

Heme Oxygenase-1 and Brain Oxysterols Metabolism Are Linked to Egr-1 Expression in Aged Mice Cortex, but Not in Hippocampus

Throughout life, stress stimuli act upon the brain leading to morphological and functional changes in advanced age, when it is likely to develop neurodegenerative disorders. There is an increasing need to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying aging, in a world where populations are getting older. Egr-1 (early growth response 1), a transcriptional factor involved in cell survival, proliferation and differentiation – with a role also in memory, cognition and synaptic plasticity, can be implicated in the molecular mechanism of the aging process. Moreover, Heme Oxygenase-1a (HO), a 32 kDa heat-shock protein that converts heme to iron, carbon monoxide and biliverdin, is a key enzyme with neuroprotective properties. Several in vitro and in vivo studies reported that HO-1 could regulate the metabolism of oxysterols, oxidation products of cholesterol that include markers of oxidative stress. Recently, a link between Egr-1 and HO-1 has been demonstrated in mouse lung cells exposed to cigarette smoke. In view of these data, we wanted to investigate whether Egr-1 can be implicated also in the oxysterol metabolism during brain aging. Our results show that Egr-1 expression is differently expressed in the cortex and hippocampus of old mice, as well as the oxysterol profile between these two brain areas. In particular, we show that the cortex experiences in an age-dependent fashion increasing levels of the Egr-1 protein, and that these correlate with the level of HO-1 expression and oxysterol abundance. Such a situation was not observed in the hippocampus. These results are further strenghtened by our observations made with Egr-1 KO mice, confirming our hypothesis concerning the influence of Egr-1 on oxysterol production and accumulation via regulation of the expression of HO-1 in the cortex, but not the hippocampus, of old mice. It is important to notice that most of the oxysterols involved in this process are those usually stimulated by oxidative stress, which would then represent the triggering factor for this mechanism.

BK channels blockage inhibits hypoxia-induced migration and chemoresistance to cisplatin in human glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) cells express large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels, whose activity is important for several critical aspects of the tumor, such as migration/invasion and cell death. GBMs are also characterized by a heavy hypoxic microenvironment that exacerbates tumor aggressiveness. Since hypoxia modulates the activity of BK channels in many tissues, we hypothesized that a hypoxia-induced modulation of these channels may contribute to the hypoxia-induced GBM aggressiveness. In U87-MG cells, hypoxia induced a functional upregulation of BK channel activity, without interfering with their plasma membrane expression. Wound healing and transwell migration assays showed that hypoxia increased the migratory ability of U87-MG cells, an effect that could be prevented by BK channel inhibition. Toxicological experiments showed that hypoxia was able to induce chemoresistance to cisplatin in U87-MG cells and that the inhibition of BK channels prevented the hypoxia-induced chemoresistance. Clonogenic assays showed that BK channels are also used to increase the clonogenic ability of U87-MG GBM cells in presence, but not in absence, of cisplatin. BK channels were also found to be essential for the hypoxia-induced de-differentiation of GBM cells. Finally, using immunohistochemical analysis, we highlighted the presence of BK channels in hypoxic areas of human GBM tissues, suggesting that our findings may have physiopathological relevance in vivo. In conclusion, our data show that BK channels promote several aspects of the aggressive potential of GBM cells induced by hypoxia, such as migration and chemoresistance to cisplatin, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of GBM.

Modelling the correlations of e-waste quantity with economic increase

Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE or e-waste) is regarded as one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world and is becoming an emerging issue owing to adverse consequences on the natural environment and the human health. This research article reveals the presence of a strong linear correlation among global e-waste generation and Gross Domestic Product. The obtained results indicate that the best fit for data can be reached by comparing e-waste collected volumes and GDP PPS. More in detail, an increase of 1000 GDP PPS means an additional 0.27kg of e-waste collected and 0.22kg of e-waste reused/recycled. Furthermore, for each additional citizen, there will be an increase of 7.7kg of e-waste collected and 6.2kg of e-waste reused/recycled. The better collection of e-waste acts an important role concerning the circular economy, and it can be an advantageous approach. Therefore, e-waste could be considered as an opportunity for recycling or recovery of valuable metals (e.g., copper, gold, silver, and palladium), given their significant content in precious metals than in mineral ores.

One new species and three new records of Chrysis Linnaeus from China (Hymenoptera, Chrysididae)

Four Chinese Chrysis species-groups, the antennata, capitalis, elegans, and maculicornis species-groups, are discussed. Chrysis lapislazulina Rosa & Xu, sp. n. is described in the elegans species-group; and three species, C. brachyceras Bischoff, 1910, C. subdistincta Linsenmaier, 1968 and C. yoshikawai Tsuneki, 1961, are reported for the first time from China in other species-groups. A new synonymy is proposed for C. ignifascia Mocsáry, 1893 = C. taiwana Tsuneki, 1970, syn. n. A short historical review of the elegans species-group is provided. C. goetheana Semenov, 1967 is transferred from the elegans species-group to the maculicornis species-group. C. mesochlora Mocsáry, 1893 is considered a nomen dubium.

The Palaearctic types of Chrysididae (Insecta, Hymenoptera) deposited in the Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest

A critical and annotated catalogue of the Palaearctic types of chrysidid species, subspecies and varieties deposited in the Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum is given. The lectotype of Hedychrum luculentum Förster, 1853 and the neotype of Chrysis amasina Mocsáry, 1889 are designated. Six new synonyms are proposed: Chrysis varicornis Spinola, 1838 = Chrysis cyanocoelia Mocsáry, 1889, syn. nov.; Hedychridium adventicium Zimmermann, 1962 = Hedychridium jazygicum Móczár, 1964, syn. nov.; Hedychrum cribratum Mocsáry, 1909 = Hedychrum punctigerum Mocsáry, 1909, syn. nov.; Holopyga generosa (Förster, 1853) = Holopyga hortobagyensis Móczár, 1984, syn. nov.; Holopyga turkestanica Mocsáry, 1909 = Holopyga crassepuncta Semenov, 1954, syn. nov.; and Pseudomalus cupratus (Mocsáry, 1889) = Pseudomalus meridianus Strumia, 1996, syn. nov.. One species is revalidated: Holopyga turkestanica Mocsáry, 1909, stat. resurr.. New status is proposed for: Pseudomalus cupratus (Mocsáry, 1889), stat. nov.. New combination is proposed for: Hedychridium amoenum (Mocsáry, 1911), comb. nov.. The reversal of priority is proposed for: Ellampus biaccinctus du Buysson, 1893, nomen protectum, and E. auratus var. gasperinii Mocsáry, 1889, nomen oblitum. New name is proposed for: Chrysis fusca Rosa, nom. nov. pro Chrysis ignita var. infuscata Mocsáry, 1889 nec Brullé, 1846. Pictures of eighty-nine type specimens are also provided.