Combined anticancer therapy with imidazoacridinone analogue C-1305 and paclitaxel in human lung and colon cancer xenografts : modulation of tumour angiogenesis

The acridanone derivative 5-dimethylaminopropylamino-8-hydroxytriazoloacridinone (C-1305) has been described as a potent inhibitor of cancer cell growth. Its mechanism of action in in vitro conditions was attributed, among others, to its ability to bind and stabilize the microtubule network and subsequently exhibit its tumour-suppressive effects in synergy with paclitaxel (PTX). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to analyse the effects of the combined treatment of C-1305 and PTX in vivo. In addition, considering the results of previous genomic analyses, particular attention was given to the effects of this treatment on tumour angiogenesis. Treatment with C-1305 revealed antitumor effect in A549 lung cancer cells, and combined treatment with PTX showed tendency to anticancer activity in HCT116 colon cancer xenografts. It also improved tumour blood perfusion in both tumour models. The plasma level of CCL2 was increased and that of PDGF was decreased after combined treatment with C-1305 and PTX. The experimental results showed that the levels of FGF1, TGF-beta and Ang-4 decreased, whereas the levels of ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation increased in HCT116 tumour tissue following combined treatment with both drugs. The results of in vitro capillary-like structure formation assay demonstrated the inhibiting effect of C-1305 on this process. Although previous in vitro and in vivo studies suggested a positive effect of C-1305 on cancer cells, combined treatment of HCT116 human colon and A549 lung cancer cells with both PTX and C-1305 in vivo showed that the antitumor activity was restricted and associated with the modulation of tumour angiogenesis

Abscisic Acid Insensitive 4 transcription factor is an important player in the response of Arabidopsis thaliana to two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) feeding.

Plants growing in constantly changeable environmental conditions are compelled to evolve regulatory mechanisms to cope with biotic and abiotic stresses. Effective defence to invaders is largely connected with phytohormone regulation, resulting in the production of numerous defensive proteins and specialized metabolites. In our work, we elucidated the role of the Abscisic Acid Insensitive 4 (ABI4) transcription factor in the plant response to the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM). This polyphagous mite is one of the most destructive herbivores, which sucks mesophyll cells of numerous crop and wild plants. Compared to the wild-type (Col-0) Arabidopsis thaliana plants, the abi4 mutant demonstrated increased susceptibility to TSSM, reflected as enhanced female fecundity and greater frequency of mite leaf damage after trypan blue staining. Because ABI4 is regarded as an important player in the plastid-to-nucleus retrograde signalling process, we investigated the plastid envelope membrane dynamics using stroma-associated fluorescent marker. Our results indicated a clear increase in the number of stroma-filled tubular structures deriving from the plastid membrane (stromules) in the close proximity of the site of mite leaf damage, highlighting the importance of chloroplast-derived signals in the response to TSSM feeding activity

Zastosowanie koncepcji „displaying families” do analizy wizualnych reprezentacji macierzyństwa na portalu Instagram

The aim of the article is to present the concept of displaying families by Janet Finch as not only theoretical framework for research on family life and family practices but also an useful methodological inspiration, especially for research on normative patterns, dominant discourses and visual representations of family life. Although researchers are keen to use Finch’s concept as theoretical background for their research, they rarely use it as methodological inspiration. However, when applied at the stage of analysis or even research design, it brings a new perspective on the collected data, as the article’s author shows on example of her research project. Using assumptions that underlie displaying families concept, one hundred of photographs published by popular Polish parenting influencers were collected and their qualitative and quantitative content analysis was performed. Assuming, as Finch stated, that family life and family practices are constantly being displayed, and in order for that process to be successful, those practices must be socially recognized as family practices, article’s author sees photographs published in social media as as an example of displaying maternal practices. Analyzing photographs that are most popular among Instagram users, the aim of the research was not to find what the daily practices of their authors are, but what normative patterns of motherhood are dominant among their audience. The results of the analyses show strong, normative character of traditional family model and the reproduction of traditional division of roles in family.Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie koncepcji displaying families autorstwa Janet Finch nie tylko jako ramy teoretycznej dla badań nad praktykami życia rodzinnego, ale również użytecznej inspiracji metodologicznej, przydatnej w szczególności do dociekań poświęconych normatywnym wzorcom i dominującym dyskursom życia rodzinnego, a także jego wizualnym reprezentacjom. Choć badacze i badaczki życia rodzinnego chętnie sięgają do koncepcji Finch jako tła teoretycznego, rzadko staje się ona dla nich inspiracją metodologiczną. Tymczasem wykorzystanie jej na etapie analiz, a nawet projektowania badania umożliwia – jak pokazuje autorka na przykładzie prowadzonych badań własnych – nowe spojrzenie na zebrany materiał. Korzystając z założeń tej koncepcji, autorka zebrała i poddała jakościowej analizie treści sto fotografii pochodzących z dziesięciu popularnych profili polskich influencerek parentingowych. Przyjmując, za Finch, że życie rodzinne i jego praktyki podlegają nieustannemu demonstrowaniu (ang. displaying), którego skuteczność zależna jest od tego, czy są one społecznie rozpoznawane jako praktyki rodzinne, potraktowano publikowane w przestrzeni mediów społecznościowych zdjęcia jako przykład demonstrowania praktyk macierzyńskich. Autorka artykułu, wybierając do analizy najpopularniejsze wśród użytkowników portalu Instagram fotografie, poszukiwała w nich nie tyle odpowiedzi na pytanie o codzienne praktyki instamatek, co o dominujące wśród nich normatywne wzorce macierzyństwa. Przeprowadzone analizy wykazały silny, normatywny charakter tradycyjnego modelu rodziny oraz reprodukcję tradycyjnego podziału ról płciowych w rodzinie

Families in the Spotlight – “Displaying Families” Concept as a Tool for the Analyses of Family Life

Koncepcja demonstrowania rodzinności (displaying families) – autorstwa Janet Finch – wpisuje się w paradygmat definiowania rodzin w odniesieniu do praktyk oraz w sposób analizowania sfery życia rodzinnego skupiony na badaniu codziennych interakcji i działań. Zgodnie z podejściem Finch, zarówno przy definiowaniu, jak i przy badaniu życia rodzinnego trzeba uwzględnić założenie, że rodziny są nie tylko praktykowane (robione, wytwarzane) w codziennych, rodzinnych praktykach, ale także są demonstrowane/ukazywane/manifestowane jako rodziny. Podejście to wykorzystywane jest najczęściej w badaniach koncentrujących się na „nietypowych” formach życia rodzinnego z różnych powodów odbiegających od normatywnych wzorców. Artykuł ma trzy cele: po pierwsze – dyskusję głównych założeń koncepcji displaying families; po drugie – przedstawienie tego podejścia jako narzędzia badawczego użytecznego w analizach zróżnicowanych zagadnień z zakresu socjologii życia rodzinnego oraz po trzecie – opis wykorzystania displaying families przy analizie materiałów wizualnych publikowanych w mediach społecznościowych.The concept of displaying families proposed by Janet Finch is embedded in the paradigm of defining families in relation to practices and in a methodology of analyzing the sphere of family life focused on the study of everyday interactions. According to Finch’s approach, both defining and researching family life must take into account the assumption that families are not only “done” in everyday family practices, but also “displayed” as families. This approach is most widely used for the analyses focused on “atypical” forms of family life which for many reasons do not fit the normative patterns. The article aims to achieve three objectives: (1) to discuss the main assumptions of the “displaying families” concept; (2) to present this approach as a research tool for the analysis of family life; (3) to demonstrate the heuristic potential of “displaying families” concept by applying it to the analysis of visual content published in social media

Protecting Breastfeeding during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review of Perinatal Care Recommendations in the Context of Maternal and Child Well-Being

The objective of this scoping review is to determine to what extent the recommendations on perinatal care protect breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review follows the PRISMA ScR Extension guidelines. The research was conducted in Scopus, Medline via Pubmed, and Web of Science databases from 1 March 2020 to 31 May 2021, using 392 combinations of keywords. We searched for reviews and original papers published in English providing recommendations on delivery mode, companion during labor, the possibility of skin-to-skin contact (SSC), breastfeeding, and visitors policy. After screening, 86 out of 8416 publications qualified for data extraction. The majority of them indicated that COVID-19 infection is not a sufficient reason for a cesarean section; however, on a national level, cesarean births in severely ill patients were overrepresented. A significant number of recommendations deprived mothers of the necessary support during their labor and stay in the maternity ward. A shared decision-making model was hardly visible. Only the earliest COVID-19 recommendations suspended direct breastfeeding; in later publications, decisions were related to the mother’s health, but other options of natural feeding were rarely discussed

Dictionary of knowledge about the theater

Znakomity przewodnik dla początkujących miłośników sztuki teatralnej i koneserów. Ukazuje dzieje teatru: od najwcześniejszych form rytualnych poprzez ukształtowane gatunki teatralne aż po scenę współczesną. Przybliża nie tylko teatr dramatyczny Zachodu, w tym najwybitniejszych dramatopisarzy, reżyserów, sztukę aktorską i jej koncepcje, ale także niedramatyczne gatunki teatralne Zachodu, jak: pantomima, komedia dell'arte, kabaret czy cafe-theatre. Omawia teatr muzyczny: operę, operetkę, musical, a także teatr tańca oraz teatr lalek. Na szczególną uwagę zasługuje spojrzenie na teatr pozaeuropejski, m. in.: indyjski ludowy, japoński - no i kabuki, chiński - jingxi czy muzułmańskie misteria - ta'zije, a także na współczesne poszukiwania teatralne, takie jak performance art czy happening

Effect of Drugs Used in Pharmacotherapy of Type 2 Diabetes on Bone Density and Risk of Bone Fractures

This review summarizes the complex relationship between medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and bone health. T2DM patients face an increased fracture risk despite higher bone mineral density; thus, we analyzed the impact of key drug classes, including Metformin, Sulphonylureas, SGLT-2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and Thiazolidinediones. Metformin, despite promising preclinical results, lacks a clear consensus on its role in reducing fracture risk. Sulphonylureas present conflicting data, with potential neutral effects on bone. SGLT-2 inhibitors seem to have a transient impact on serum calcium and phosphorus, but evidence on their fracture association is inconclusive. DPP-4 inhibitors emerge as promising contributors to bone health, and GLP-1 agonists exhibit positive effects on bone metabolism, reducing fracture risk. Thiazolidinediones, however, demonstrate adverse impacts on bone, inducing loss through mesenchymal stem cell effects. Insulin presents a complex relationship with bone health. While it has an anabolic effect on bone mineral density, its role in fracture risk remains inconsistent. In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of diabetes medications’ impact on bone health is crucial. Further research is needed to formulate clear guidelines for managing bone health in diabetic patients, considering individual profiles, glycemic control, and potential medication-related effects on bone

No wonder, it is a hybrid. Natural hybridization between Jacobaea vulgaris and J. erucifolia revealed by molecular marker systems and its potential ecological impact

Abstract Progressive changes in the environment are related to modifications of the habitat. Introducing exotic species, and interbreeding between species can lead to processes that in the case of rare species or small populations threatens their integrity. Given the declining trends of many populations due to increased hybridization, early recognition of hybrids becomes important in conservation management. Natural hybridization is prevalent in Jacobaea. There are many naturally occurring interspecific hybrids in this genus, including those between Jacobaea vulgaris and its relatives. Although Jacobaea erucifolia and J. vulgaris often co‐occur and are considered closely related, apart from the few reports of German botanists on the existence of such hybrids, there is no information on research confirming hybridization between them. Morphologically intermediate individuals, found in the sympatric distributions of J. vulgaris and J. erucifolia, were hypothesized to be their hybrids. Two molecular marker systems (nuclear and chloroplast DNA markers) were employed to test this hypothesis and characterize putative hybrids. Nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequencing results and taxon‐specific amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fragment distribution analysis confirmed the hybrid nature of all 25 putative hybrids. The AFLP patterns of most hybrids demonstrated a closer relationship to J. erucifolia, suggesting frequent backcrossing. Moreover, they showed that several individuals previously described as pure were probably also of hybrid origin, backcrosses to J. erucifolia and J. vulgaris. This study provides the first molecular confirmation that natural hybrids between J. vulgaris and J. erucifolia occur in Poland. Hybridization appeared to be bidirectional but asymmetrical with J. vulgaris as the usual maternal parent

Juglone in Combination with Temozolomide Shows a Promising Epigenetic Therapeutic Effect on the Glioblastoma Cell Line

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor and one of the human malignancies with the highest mortality. Standard approaches for GBM, including gross total resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, cannot destroy all the cancer cells, and despite advances in its treatment, the prognosis for GBM remains poor. The problem is that we still do not understand what triggers GBM. Until now, the most successful chemotherapy with temozolomide for brain gliomas is not effective, and therefore new therapeutic strategies for GBM are needed. We found that juglone (J), which exhibits cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and anti-invasive effects on various cells, could be a promising agent for GBM therapy. In this paper, we present the effects of juglone alone and in combination with temozolomide on glioblastoma cells. In addition to the analysis of cell viability and the cell cycle, we looked at the epigenetics effects of these compounds on cancer cells. We showed that juglone induces strong oxidative stress, as identified by a high increase in the amount of 8-oxo-dG, and decreases m5C in the DNA of cancer cells. In combination with TMZ, juglone modulates the level of both marker compounds. Our results strongly suggest that a combination of juglone and temozolomide can be applied for better GBM treatment

Physicochemical Properties and Digestion Resistance of Acetylated Starch Obtained from Annealed Starch

One of the examples of physical starch modifications is the retention of a starch suspension in water having a temperature slightly lower than the pasting temperature (annealing). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the annealing process performed at various temperatures as the first stage of starch modification. The annealed starch preparations were then esterified using acetic acid anhydride. Finally, the annealed and acetylated starch preparations were determined for their properties. The annealing of starch before acetylation triggered changes in the properties of the modified preparations. It contributed to a higher degree of starch substitution with acetic acid residues and to the increased swelling power of starch. Both these properties were also affected by the annealing temperature. The highest resistance to amylolysis was found in the case of the starch preparation annealed at 53.5 °C and acetylated. The double modification involving annealing and acetylation processes increased the onset and end pasting temperatures compared to the acetylation alone. Similar observations were made for the consistency coefficient and yield point