Synthesis, structural characterization and biological studies of novel mixed ligand Ag(I) complexes with tri-phenylphosphine and aspirin or salicylic acid

Two new mixed ligand silver(I) complexes of formulae {[Ag(tpp)3(asp)](dmf)} (1) (aspH = o-acetylsalicylic acid and tpp = triphenylphosphine) and [Ag(tpp)2(o-Hbza)] (2) (o-HbzaH = o-hydroxy-benzoic acid) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography at ambient conditions. Three phosphorus and one carboxylic oxygen atoms from a de-protonated aspirin ligand in complex 1 and two phosphorus and two carboxylic oxygen atoms from a chelating o-Hbza anion in complex 2 form a tetrahedral geometry around Ag(I) ions in both complexes. Complexes 1 and 2 and the silver(I) nitrate, tpp, aspNa and o-HbzaH were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against leiomyosarcoma cells (LMS), human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) and normal human fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) cells with Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. For both cell lines 1 and 2 were found to be more active than cisplatin. Additionally, 1 and 2 exhibit lower activity on cell growth proliferation of MRC-5 cells. The type of LMS cell death caused by 1 and 2 were evaluated in vitro by use of flow cytometry assay. The results show that at concentrations of 1.5 and 1.9 lV of complex 1, 44.1% and 69.4%, respectively of LMS cells undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). When LMS cells were treated with 1.6 and 2.3 lM of 2, LMS cells death was by 29.6% and 81.3%, respectively apoptotic. Finally, the influence of the complexes 1 and 2, upon the catalytic peroxidation of linoleic acid to hydroperoxylinoleic acid by the enzyme lipoxygenase (LOX) was kinetically and theoretically studied. The binding of 1 and 2 towards LOX was also investigated by Saturation Transfer Difference (STD) 1 H NMR experiment

Whole-genome analysis of introgressive hybridization and characterization of the bovine legacy of Mongolian yaks

The yak is remarkable for its adaptation to high altitude and occupies a central place in the economies of the mountainous regions of Asia. At lower elevations, it is common to hybridize yaks with cattle to combine the yak’s hardiness with the productivity of cattle. Hybrid males are sterile, however, preventing the establishment of stable hybrid populations, but not a limited introgression after backcrossing several generations of female hybrids to male yaks. Here we inferred bovine haplotypes in the genomes of 76 Mongolian yaks using high-density SNP genotyping and whole-genome sequencing. These yaks inherited ~1.3% of their genome from bovine ancestors after nearly continuous admixture over at least the last 1,500 years. The introgressed regions are enriched in genes involved in nervous system development and function, and particularly in glutamate metabolism and neurotransmission. We also identified a novel mutation associated with a polled (hornless) phenotype originating from Mongolian Turano cattle. Our results suggest that introgressive hybridization contributed to the improvement of yak management and breeding

The longitudinal pattern of crustacean (Peracarida, Malacostraca) assemblages in a large south European river: Bank reinforcement structures as stepping stones of invasion

© 2018 EDP Sciences. The spread of alien crustaceans has significantly contributed to the homogenization of macroinvertebrate fauna of European freshwaters. However, little is known about alien Peracarida crustaceans of the Sava River, which represents the most important corridor for the spread of invasive species into Dinaric rivers with highly endemic fauna. In this study, we investigated Peracarida (Amphipoda, Isopoda and Mysida) collected during three years (2011, 2012 and 2015) from a total of 61 sites along the entire course of the Sava River. Besides describing the longitudinal pattern of Peracarida assemblages, we tested the hypothesis that bank reinforcement structures facilitate peracarid invasions by comparing densities and assemblages on natural and artificial substrate at 15 sites. In a total, 14 peracarid crustacean species (5 native and 9 alien) were recorded. The Upper third of Sava was inhabited by native peracarids only, while the Middle and Lower Sava were dominated by alien species. The invasive amphipods Dikerogammarus haemobaphes, Chelicorophium sowinskyi and Chelicorophium curvispinum, and invasive isopod, Jaera istri, were the most abundant species along the middle course. Densities of alien peracarids in the Middle Sava were the highest and their share in macroinvertebrate assemblages was very variable, while the Lower Sava had the highest number of alien species in low densities. The densities of alien amphipods and isopods were in most cases significantly higher on bank reinforcement structures than on natural substrate. Therefore, artificial stony substrates act as stepping stones of invasion for alien peracarids and largely contribute to their success in large lowland rivers