Spatial distribution of ichthyofauna in the northern Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean)

This study describes the four main demersal fish assemblages identified along the continental shelf and slope (30–800 m depth) of the northern Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean), based on the analysis of the MEDITS (International bottom trawl survey in the Mediterranean) 12-year data series. We collected 186 fish species belonging to three classes, 24 orders and 69 families. Taxonomically, the order Perciformes was the most diverse, represented by 18 families and 58 species. Each assemblage had particular characteristics of abundance, biomass, mean fish weight and species richness. The geographical differences associated with the distribution of some species occurred within shelf assemblages. The middle slope was characterised by the highest similarity between samples, probably due to its lower environmental variability compared to that of the other assemblages.     

Translocation of lipid-linked oligosaccharides across the ER membrane requires Rft1 protein.

N-linked glycosylation of proteins in eukaryotic cells follows a highly conserved pathway. The tetradecasaccharide substrate (Glc3Man9GlcNAc2) is first assembled at the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a dolichylpyrophosphate (Dol-PP)-linked intermediate, and then transferred to nascent polypeptide chains in the lumen of the ER. The assembly of the oligosaccharide starts on the cytoplasmic side of the ER membrane with the synthesis of a Man5GlcNAc2-PP-Dol intermediate. This lipid-linked intermediate is then translocated across the membrane so that the oligosaccharides face the lumen of the ER, where the biosynthesis of Glc3Man9GlcNAc2-PP-Dol continues to completion. The fully assembled oligosaccharide is transferred to selected asparagine residues of target proteins. The transmembrane movement of lipid-linked Man5GlcNAc2 oligosaccharide is of fundamental importance in this biosynthetic pathway, and similar processes involving phospholipids and glycolipids are essential in all types of cells. The process is predicted to be catalysed by proteins, termed flippases, which to date have remained elusive. Here we provide evidence that yeast RFT1 encodes an evolutionarily conserved protein required for the translocation of Man5GlcNAc2-PP-Dol from the cytoplasmic to the lumenal leaflet of the ER membrane.     

Mediators of vascular remodelling co-opted for sequential steps in lung metastasis

Metastasis entails numerous biological functions that collectively enable cancerous cells from a primary site to disseminate and overtake distant organs. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we show that the epidermal growth factor receptor ligand epiregulin, the cyclooxygenase COX2, and the matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2, when expressed in human breast cancer cells, collectively facilitate the assembly of new tumour blood vessels, the release of tumour cells into the circulation, and the breaching of lung capillaries by circulating tumour cells to seed pulmonary metastasis. These findings reveal how aggressive primary tumorigenic functions can be mechanistically coupled to greater lung metastatic potential, and how such biological activities may be therapeutically targeted with specific drug combinations.     

Structural effects on the magnetic hyperthermia properties of iron oxide nanoparticles

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles(IONPs) are heavily explored as diagnostic and therapeutic agents due to their low cost, tunable properties, and biocompatibility. In particular, upon excitation with an alternating current(AC) magnetic field, the NPs generate localized heat that can be exploited for therapeutic hyperthermia treatment of diseased cells or pathogenic microbes. In this review, we focus on how structural changes and inter-particle interactions affect the heating efficiency of iron oxide-based magnetic NPs. Moreover, we present an overview of the different approaches to evaluate the heating performance of IONPs and introduce a new theranostic modality based on magnetic imaging guided–hyperthermia.     

Action Research as a Method to Find Solutions for the Burden of Caregiving at Hospital Discharge

Systemic Practice and Action Research - The role played by family caregivers in delivering long-term care is crucial: they enhance the quality of care perceived by the patients and support the...     

The Socio-Environmental Function of Rural Property in Brazil: Permanent Preservation Areas and Legal Reserves

This paper deals with the function of farm land. The objective is to demonstrate that the socio-environmental function of land ownership has a different and broader role than mere administration. According to the current Brazilian Constitution, owning land gives a right to property that is bound by the social and environmental requirements prescribed by the law. Therefore, the nature of rights over land property has changed. The traditional capitalist ownership has been socialised, having as its organising and limiting principle the well-being of present and future generations. The new juridical structure is based on this foundation.