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“This paper records the new occurrence of spaghetti bryozoan Zoobotryon verticillatum at the Port of Natal, Rio Grande FRAX597 do Norte, Brazil. The study, carried out between 2006 and 2007, also monitored its proliferation. Six observation stations were selected from the estuarine area, as well as samples of benthic invertebrates. The species was initially detected on the pilings of the port and on the hull of

a fishing boat. 9 months later it was also found in four stations and on another fishing boat. The luxuriant colonial growth in the lower intertidal zone by the end of the study indicates that this species is well established in the estuarine area. This observation is consistent with the species’ biological characteristics; thus, it can be defined as an invasive organism due to its aggressive behavior when occupying

the substrate. Its presence in port installations and vessels provide evidence that biofouling on ships’ hulls has been the most likely vector of introduction.”
“Background and aims: The nephrotoxic mechanisms of andrographolide sodium bisulfate (ASB) remain largely unknown. This study attempted to explore the mechanism of ASB-induced nephrotoxicity using human proximal tubular endothelial cells (HK-2). Methods: For this study HK-2 cells were treated with Selleck Bucladesine rising concentrations of ASB. Their survival rate was detected using MTT assay and ultrastructure was observed with electron microscopy. L-Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay was followed by examination of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected using different methods and apoptosis/autophage related proteins were detected using immunoblotting. TGF-beta inhibitor Results: We found that ASB 4 inhibited HK-2 cell proliferation and decreased cell survival rate in a time and dose-dependent manner (P smaller than 0.05, P smaller than 0.01, respectively). With increasing ASB concentration, cell structure

was variably damaged and evidence of apoptosis and autophagy were observed. MMP gradually decreased and ROS was induced. The expression of JNK and Beclin-1 increased and activation of the JNK signaling pathway were seen. Apoptosis was induced via the mitochondrial-dependent caspase-3 and caspase-9 pathway, and autophagy related protein Beclin-1 was enhanced by ASB. Conclusion: The data show that ASB induces high levels of ROS generation in HK-2 cells and activates JNK signaling. Furthermore, ASB induces cell apoptosis via the caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway, and induces cellular autophagy, in part by enhancing Beclin-1 protein expression. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“Lipids are unevenly distributed within eukaryotic cells, thus defining organelle identity. How non-vesicular transport mechanisms generate these lipid gradients between membranes remains a central question.