Zinc supplementation induces apoptosis and enhances antitumor efficacy of docetaxel in non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: Exposure to exogenous zinc results in increased apoptosis, growth inhibition, and altered oxidative stress in cancer cells. Previous studies also suggested that zinc sensitizes some cancer cells to cytotoxic agents depending on the p53 status. Therefore, zinc supplementation may show anticancer efficacy solely and may increase docetaxel-induced cytotoxicity in non-small-cell lung cancer cells. METHODS: Here, we report the effects of several concentrations of zinc combined with docetaxel on p53-wild-type (A549) and p53-null (H1299) cells. We evaluated cellular viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression as well as oxidative stress parameters, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde levels. RESULTS: Zinc reduced the viability of A549 cells and increased the apoptotic response in both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Zinc also amplified the docetaxel effects and reduced its inhibitory concentration 50 (IC(50)) values. The superoxide dismutase levels increased in all treatment groups; however, glutathione peroxidase was slightly increased in the combination treatments. Zinc also caused malondialdehyde elevations at 50 μM and 100 μM. CONCLUSION: Zinc has anticancer efficacy against non-small-cell lung cancer cells in the presence of functionally active p53 and enhances docetaxel efficacy in both p53-wild-type and p53-deficient cancer cells

Influence de l'hétérogénéité environnementale passée et présente sur l'écologie et la biogéographie des espèces d'arbres dans le hotspot de biodiversité des Ghâts occidentaux

Multiple and entangled ecological and evolutionary processes determine the architecture of biodiversity in space and time. Deciphering these influences is key to understanding fundamental questions relating to the current distribution and assemblage of species, the susceptibility of species to environmental change, and the influence of the biogeographic context on diversification. In the face of ongoing and large-scale habitat alterations of climatic and anthropogenic origin in species-rich tropics, this understanding is all the more important to inform conservation strategies. This is particularly the case in the Western Ghats of India which, along with Sri Lanka, is one of the eight hottest global biodiversity hotspots and one of the most densely populated. Little is known about the ecological and biogeographical drivers of Western Ghats biodiversity, and the basic objective of the thesis is to characterize the role of past and present environmental conditions on the distribution and diversification of Western Ghats tree species. We did this by integrating species distribution models and the analysis of phylogenetic and reproductive trait variation across broad-scale gradients in this region spanning 8 degrees of latitude.First, we examined how past environmental fluctuations could have influenced endemic species distributions over time. We modelled the potential distribution of tree species over the last glacial cycle, and identified basic scenarios of species stability/expansion, contraction, and migration (article 1). Second, we investigated the phylogenetic structure of tree communities to characterize the legacy of past adaptations and the signatures of current environmental filters along gradients (article 2). We found lower phylogenetic diversity under hydric stress or historical instability, suggesting filtering of lineages with specific adaptations. Overdispersion occurs either in least seasonal and more stable forests or in high elevation ecosystems; in the former case, this could be ascribed to ecological diversification over the long term and conservation of old lineages in refugia, and in the latter, to the assemblage of species pools of distinct biogeographic and evolutionary backgrounds (temperate and tropical). Lastly, we addressed in what conditions separation of sexes (dioecy) has been selected for in the course of evolution and in extant ecosystems. We found reverse spatial patterns of dioecious species frequency for endemics and non-endemics, pointing to different mechanisms selecting for dioecy: conservation of non-endemic dioecious lineages in least seasonal southern WG forests, vs. diversification of dioecious endemics in more seasonal and unstable environments northward (article 3).The results concur to highlight the key role of environmental gradients and biological adaptations in the biogeography and ecology of Western Ghats trees. They stress the importance of long-term evolutionary processes and climatic variations in shaping current species pools and patterns of tree species diversity in a highly diverse yet little studied region.Des multiples processus écologiques et évolutif interdépendants déterminent l'organisation de la biodiversité dans le temps et l'espace. Déchiffrer ces influences est indispensable pour comprendre les mécanismes régissant la distribution et les assemblages actuels d'espèces, la sensibilité des espèces aux changements environnementaux, et l'influence du contexte géographique sur la diversification. Face aux modifications climatiques et anthropiques à large échelle des habitats dans les tropiques, cette compréhension est devenue un enjeu pressant pour informer les politiques de conservation. Cet enjeu est particulièrement criant dans les Western Ghats d'Inde et au Sri Lanka, un des huit hottest hotspots de biodiversité et l'un des plus densément peuplé. Les processus écologiques et biogéographiques responsables de la biodiversité élevée des Western Ghats restent mal connus. L'objectif de cette thèse est de caractériser le rôle des conditions environnementales passées et présentes dans la distribution et la diversification des espèces d'arbres des Western Ghats. Nous présentons ici une étude intégrant des modèles de distributions d'espèces et l'analyse des traits phylogénétiques et reproductifs le long de gradients environnementaux de cette région couvrant 8 degrés de latitude.Dans une première partie nous avons cherché à comprendre comment les fluctuations environnementales passées ont pu influencer la distribution des espèces endémiques. Nous avons modélisé la distribution potentielle des espèces d'arbres durant le dernier cycle glaciaire et identifié quatre scénarios : stabilité, expansion, contraction et migration (article 1). Dans une deuxième partie, nous avons analysé la structure phylogénétique des communautés d'arbres afin de caractériser l'héritage des adaptations passées et la signature du filtrage environnemental contemporain (article 2). Nous avons observé une faible diversité phylogénétique dans les zones les plus arides ou historiquement moins stables, ce qui suggère la sélection de lignées adaptées. Au contraire, une surdispersion phylogénétique a été observée dans les régions à faible saisonnalité ou à haute altitude. Le premier cas peut être attribué à une diversification sur le long terme et à une conservation des lignées dans des refuges ; le second correspond à l'assemblage de pool d'espèces provenant de contextes biogéographiques et évolutifs distincts (i.e. tempéré et tropical). Enfin, nous avons investigués les conditions dans lesquelles la séparation des sexes (dioécie) à été sélectionnée au cours de l'évolution et dans les écosystèmes actuels. Nous avons observés des patrons spatiaux opposés entre espèces endémiques et non-endémiques. Cela suggère des mécanismes différents à l'origine de la sélection des espèces dioïques : conservation des lignées non-endémiques dioïques dans les zones à faibles saisonnalités dans le sud des WG, et diversification des endémiques dioïques dans les zones instables à fortes saisonnalité plus au nord (article 3).Les résultats soulignent le rôle clé des gradients environnementaux et des adaptations biologiques dans la biogéographie et l'écologie des arbres des Western Ghats. Ils soulignent l'importance des processus évolutifs et des fluctuations climatiques dans la constitution des pools d'espèces et les patrons de diversité géographiques d'aujourd'hui dans une région diverse et pourtant mal connue

Influence de l'hétérogénéité environnementale passée et présente sur l'écologie et la biogéographie des espèces d'arbres dans le hotspot de biodiversité des Ghâts occidentaux

Multiple and entangled ecological and evolutionary processes determine the architecture of biodiversity in space and time. Deciphering these influences is key to understanding fundamental questions relating to the current distribution and assemblage of species, the susceptibility of species to environmental change, and the influence of the biogeographic context on diversification. In the face of ongoing and large-scale habitat alterations of climatic and anthropogenic origin in species-rich tropics, this understanding is all the more important to inform conservation strategies. This is particularly the case in the Western Ghats of India which, along with Sri Lanka, is one of the eight hottest global biodiversity hotspots and one of the most densely populated. Little is known about the ecological and biogeographical drivers of Western Ghats biodiversity, and the basic objective of the thesis is to characterize the role of past and present environmental conditions on the distribution and diversification of Western Ghats tree species. We did this by integrating species distribution models and the analysis of phylogenetic and reproductive trait variation across broad-scale gradients in this region spanning 8 degrees of latitude.First, we examined how past environmental fluctuations could have influenced endemic species distributions over time. We modelled the potential distribution of tree species over the last glacial cycle, and identified basic scenarios of species stability/expansion, contraction, and migration (article 1). Second, we investigated the phylogenetic structure of tree communities to characterize the legacy of past adaptations and the signatures of current environmental filters along gradients (article 2). We found lower phylogenetic diversity under hydric stress or historical instability, suggesting filtering of lineages with specific adaptations. Overdispersion occurs either in least seasonal and more stable forests or in high elevation ecosystems; in the former case, this could be ascribed to ecological diversification over the long term and conservation of old lineages in refugia, and in the latter, to the assemblage of species pools of distinct biogeographic and evolutionary backgrounds (temperate and tropical). Lastly, we addressed in what conditions separation of sexes (dioecy) has been selected for in the course of evolution and in extant ecosystems. We found reverse spatial patterns of dioecious species frequency for endemics and non-endemics, pointing to different mechanisms selecting for dioecy: conservation of non-endemic dioecious lineages in least seasonal southern WG forests, vs. diversification of dioecious endemics in more seasonal and unstable environments northward (article 3).The results concur to highlight the key role of environmental gradients and biological adaptations in the biogeography and ecology of Western Ghats trees. They stress the importance of long-term evolutionary processes and climatic variations in shaping current species pools and patterns of tree species diversity in a highly diverse yet little studied region.Des multiples processus écologiques et évolutif interdépendants déterminent l'organisation de la biodiversité dans le temps et l'espace. Déchiffrer ces influences est indispensable pour comprendre les mécanismes régissant la distribution et les assemblages actuels d'espèces, la sensibilité des espèces aux changements environnementaux, et l'influence du contexte géographique sur la diversification. Face aux modifications climatiques et anthropiques à large échelle des habitats dans les tropiques, cette compréhension est devenue un enjeu pressant pour informer les politiques de conservation. Cet enjeu est particulièrement criant dans les Western Ghats d'Inde et au Sri Lanka, un des huit hottest hotspots de biodiversité et l'un des plus densément peuplé. Les processus écologiques et biogéographiques responsables de la biodiversité élevée des Western Ghats restent mal connus. L'objectif de cette thèse est de caractériser le rôle des conditions environnementales passées et présentes dans la distribution et la diversification des espèces d'arbres des Western Ghats. Nous présentons ici une étude intégrant des modèles de distributions d'espèces et l'analyse des traits phylogénétiques et reproductifs le long de gradients environnementaux de cette région couvrant 8 degrés de latitude.Dans une première partie nous avons cherché à comprendre comment les fluctuations environnementales passées ont pu influencer la distribution des espèces endémiques. Nous avons modélisé la distribution potentielle des espèces d'arbres durant le dernier cycle glaciaire et identifié quatre scénarios : stabilité, expansion, contraction et migration (article 1). Dans une deuxième partie, nous avons analysé la structure phylogénétique des communautés d'arbres afin de caractériser l'héritage des adaptations passées et la signature du filtrage environnemental contemporain (article 2). Nous avons observé une faible diversité phylogénétique dans les zones les plus arides ou historiquement moins stables, ce qui suggère la sélection de lignées adaptées. Au contraire, une surdispersion phylogénétique a été observée dans les régions à faible saisonnalité ou à haute altitude. Le premier cas peut être attribué à une diversification sur le long terme et à une conservation des lignées dans des refuges ; le second correspond à l'assemblage de pool d'espèces provenant de contextes biogéographiques et évolutifs distincts (i.e. tempéré et tropical). Enfin, nous avons investigués les conditions dans lesquelles la séparation des sexes (dioécie) à été sélectionnée au cours de l'évolution et dans les écosystèmes actuels. Nous avons observés des patrons spatiaux opposés entre espèces endémiques et non-endémiques. Cela suggère des mécanismes différents à l'origine de la sélection des espèces dioïques : conservation des lignées non-endémiques dioïques dans les zones à faibles saisonnalités dans le sud des WG, et diversification des endémiques dioïques dans les zones instables à fortes saisonnalité plus au nord (article 3).Les résultats soulignent le rôle clé des gradients environnementaux et des adaptations biologiques dans la biogéographie et l'écologie des arbres des Western Ghats. Ils soulignent l'importance des processus évolutifs et des fluctuations climatiques dans la constitution des pools d'espèces et les patrons de diversité géographiques d'aujourd'hui dans une région diverse et pourtant mal connue

Determination of Knowledge and Behavior of Women Working at a Hospital on Breast Cancer Early Detection Methods, and Investigation of Efficiency of Planned Education

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitude of women working in the hospital on breast cancer, their behaviors related to early diagnostic methods, and to determine the effectiveness of training in order to increase awareness on breast cancer

Influence of past and present environmental heterogeneity on the ecology and biogeography of Western Ghats endemic tree species

International audienceEnvironmental heterogeneity in the Western Ghats (WG) is expected to drive both the assembly of endemic trees in extant assemblages and their long-term evolutionary dynamics. We addressed how (i) ecological strategies of endemic trees vary along current environmental gradients, (ii) environmental variations have shaped species’ distributions during the last glacial cycle, and (iii) their phylogenetic diversity varies across geographical and ecological space, under the influence of evolutionary processes.Methods: We assessed species’ traits related to reproduction, dispersal, and competitive ability, and characterized species potential distributions in present and past (Last Interglacial, LIG, Last Glacial Maximum, LGM) climatic conditions. We evaluated the extent of potential distribution changes through time, as a testimony of past pressures for migration, niche change or ecological plasticity. We quantified the phylogenetic diversity of endemic trees in mesoscale assemblages, which was expected to be lower in more stressful environments. We also tested the phylogenetic turnover of these assemblages with regard to geographic and environmental distances.Results: We identified three distinct scenarios of species’ responses to Quaternary climate changes– stability, contraction and shift. For high-elevation species, the cool, dry LGM was less restrictive than for medium-elevation and northern lowland species. Higher LIG seasonality restricted species requiring minimal seasonality. Phylogenetic diversity varied according to seasonality and historical climate stability, and was lower under longer dry seasons. The overall positive phylogenetic turnover was driven by annual rainfall and elevation gradients, but not space. High-elevation endemics were phylogenetically distinctive along the elevation gradient.Conclusions: The results concur to highlight the key role of environmental gradients in the biogeography and ecology of WG endemic trees. Palaeoclimate modelling reveals the likely local persistence of most endemics over the last 120 kyr, and their large spectrum of bioclimatic preferences reflect pre-Quaternary evolutionary events. Analyses of phylogenetic diversity further points to lower diversity in stressful conditions, which may reflect functional convergence. An abrupt change in phylogenetic turnover along the elevation gradient underlines the distinct biogeographic and evolutionary backgrounds of low- and high-elevation species pools

Past potential habitats shed light on the biogeography of endemic tree species of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, South India

International audienc

Effects of Glutamine and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Erythrocyte Deformability and Oxidative Damage in Rat Model of Enterocolitis

Background: The aim of the study was to investigate preventive effects of glutamine (Gln), omega-3 fatty acids (FA) on erythrocyte deformability (EDEF) in rat model of indomethacin-induced enterocolitis

Phylogenetic diversity in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot reflects environmental filtering and past niche diversification of trees

International audienceAim: We examined how contrasted climatic conditions influenced the ecological and phylogenetic diversity of tropical trees at the regional scale. Beyond the basic expectation of greater environmental filtering in currently stressful contexts, we addressed how biogeographic history and past climates contributed to shaping the distribution and diversity of extant taxa. Location Evergreen forests of Western Ghats, India. Methods: We evaluated the relative importance of niche-based, historical, and spatial processes on community phylogenetic structure and turnover in 297 plots including 459 species. If niche conservatism prevails, we expected greater phylogenetic clustering under harsher or historically less stable climates, and overdispersion in opposite conditions. To test the role of environmental filtering in shaping local communities, we assessed species’ climatic niches and congruence between niche and phylogenetic diversity. To assess the imprint of ancient versus recent evolutionary constraints, we calculated mean pair-wise (MPD) and nearest-taxon (MNTD) phylogenetic distances, respectively. Results We found non-random phylogenetic structure depending on both current and past climatic variation. Basal community phylogenetic structure (MPD) was related to niche diversity and varied according to hydric stress: (a) northern environments filtered more closely related species, while (b) phylogenetic overdispersion suggested greater niche differentiation in stable, least-seasonal southern habitats and at high elevations. Terminal phylogenetic structure (MNTD) did not show overdispersion. Phylogenetic turnover was driven by current abiotic factors, not space. Main conclusions: The patterns of ecological and phylogenetic diversity likely reflect the Miocene climate shift to increasing seasonality northwards. Phylogenetic clustering under hydric stress or historical instability suggests the influence of functional conservatism, whereas overdispersion in southern forests supports the persistence of old lineages in an ancient rain forest refugium as an evolutionary museum. Overdispersion in fragmented montane forests reflects a mixture of biogeographically distinct species pools, both tropical and temperate, that characterise environmentally contrasted cores and fringes. Low phylogenetic turnover along the seasonality gradient suggests recent ecological diversification across forests with contrasted rainfall seasonality

Effects of Aloe Vera on healing of colonic anastomoses: experimental rat study

Background: Although herbal medicinal products are being used widely throughout the World, beneficial and harmful effects have not been well documented. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of Aloe Vera (AV) on colonic anastomosis healing. Material and methods: 112 albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five main groups: preoperative Aloe Vera Group (P), pre- and postoperative Aloe Vera Group (PP), Control Group (C), sham Aloe Vera Group (SA) and Sham Control Group (SC). Groups P, PP, and SA received 1.6 mL/kg per day Aloe Vera by orogastric feeding catheter for 1 month prior to the experiment. Groups P, PP, and C underwent anastomosis of the distal colon, and subgroups (n = 4) of each were sacrificed on postoperative day 3, 7, 14 and 21. Anastomotic bursting pressure, perianastomotic collagen content and histopathological changes were studied. Results: The SC Group had significantly higher ABP when compared with the SA Group (p = 0.0002), although hydroxyproline content showed no difference. When ABP was compared between anastomosis groups, it was found significantly lower in Aloe Vera groups on Day 3 (P3 vs. C3, p = 0.003 and PP3 vs. C3, p = 0.007). Hydroxyproline content was significantly lower in Group PP than Group C, also on Day 3 (p = 0.05). Significant difference was not detected after Day 3 in any of the study parameters. Conclusion: Aloe Vera decreased tissue collagen content in the early postoperative period. It is advisable to call into question the concomitant usage of conventional medicine and the herbal supplements for the surgeons in their clinical practice. Resumo: Fundamentação: Embora os medicamentos à base de plantas sejam amplamente utilizados no mundo inteiro, seus efeitos (benéficos e prejudiciais) não estão bem documentados. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da Aloe vera (AV) na cicatrização de anastomoses colônicas. Material e métodos: 112 ratos Wistar albinos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em cinco grupos principais: AV pré-operatório (P), AV pré e pós-operatório (PP), controle (C), sham AV (SA) e sham controle (SC). Os grupos P, PP e SA receberam AV em uma dose de 1,6 mL/kg por dia por sonda de alimentação orogástrica por 1 mês antes do experimento. Os grupos P, PP e C foram submetidos a anastomose do cólon distal. Subgrupos (n = 4) de cada grupo foram sacrificados no terceiro, sétimo, 14° e 21° dias pós-operatórios. Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: pressão de ruptura anastomótica (PRA), conteúdo de colágeno perianastomótico e alterações histopatológicas. Resultados: O grupo SC apresentou PRA significativamente maior quando comparado ao grupo SA (p = 0,0002), embora o conteúdo de hidroxiprolina não tenha apresentado diferença. Ao comparar a PRA entre os grupos de anastomose, ela foi significativamente menor no terceiro dia nos grupos que usaram AV (P3 vs. C3, p = 0,003 e PP3 vs. C3, p = 0,007). No terceiro dia, o teor de hidroxiprolina foi significativamente menor no grupo PP do que no grupo C (p = 0,05). Após o terceiro dia, não se observou diferença significativa em nenhum dos parâmetros do estudo. Conclusão: O uso de AV diminuiu o conteúdo de colágeno tecidual no período pós-operatório imediato. É aconselhável questionar o uso concomitante da medicina convencional e suplementos fitoterápicos na prática clínica. Keywords: Bowel anastomosis, Colonic anastomosis, Anastomotic bursting pressures, Hydroxyproline level, Aloe Vera, Wound healing, Palavras-chave: Anastomose intestinal, Anastomose colônica, Pressão de ruptura anastomótica, Nível de hidroxiprolina, Aloe vera, Cicatrização de ferida

New paraneoplastic syndrome in chronic basophilic leukemia.

Chronic basophilic leukemia (CBL) is an extremely rare disorder. A female patient presented with recurrent attacks of chills, fever and abdominal pain was found to have simultaneous cyclic oscillation in leukocyte counts and C-reactive protein values. She was initially diagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever and treated with colchicine. Diagnosis of CBL was established by morphologic studies of peripheral blood and bone marrow. Her febrile attacks recurred with marked elevation in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) level when basophil counts climbed to peak levels during cyclic oscillation. Molecular studies by real-time PCR showed IL-6 gene expression in neoplastic basophils separated by magnetic-activated cell sorting infiltrating the bone marrow, suggesting that IL-6 is released by neoplastic basophils of an underlying CBL, resulting in a new paraneoplastic syndrome that mimics autoinflammatory disorders