Talaromyces saxoxalicus sp. nov., isolated from the limestone walls of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, Portugal

Fungi are one of the main agents of stone biodeterioration worldwide, since they strongly interfere with its integrity, aesthetical and structural natural properties. During an experimental survey aimed to isolate fungal species contributing to the biodeterioration of the limestone walls of the Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Portuguese unesco World Heritage site), a Talaromyces species that could not be identified to any currently known species in this genus was isolated. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer, β-tubulin and RNA polymerase II subunit 2, placed this fungus in Talaromyces sect. Purpurei, while also pointing at its phylogenetic distinction from the remaining species in this section. Thus, a novel species, Talaromyces saxoxalicus sp. nov., is here proposed. Moreover, considering the isolation source of this fungus and in an attempt to understand its contribution to the overall stone monument biodeterioration, the species's in vitro biodeteriorative potential was also evaluated. The results highlighted that the species exhibited an in vitro biodeteriorative ability (calcium oxalate crystal formation), highlighting its potential deteriorative profile.

Correlation between Ion Composition of Oligomineral Water and Calcium Oxalate Crystal Formation

The ion content of drinking water might be associated with urinary stone formation, representing a keystone of conservative nephrolithiasis management. However, the effects of specific ions on calcium oxalate crystal formation and their mechanism of action are still highly controversial. We report an investigation of the effects of oligomineral waters with similar total salt amount but different ion composition on calcium oxalate (CaOx) precipitation in vitro, combining gravimetric and microscopic assays. The results suggest that the “collective” physicochemical properties of the aqueous medium, deriving from the ion combination rather than from a single ionic species, are of importance. Particularly, the ability of ions to strengthen/weaken the aqueous medium structure determines an increase/decrease in the interfacial energy, modulating the formation and growth of CaOx crystals.

LncRNA SPANXA2-OT1 Participates in the Occurrence and Development of EMT in Calcium Oxalate Crystal-Induced Kidney Injury by Adsorbing miR-204 and Up-Regulating Smad5

Objective: To explore the regulatory mechanism of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the occurrence and development of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in calcium oxalate crystal-induced kidney injury.Materials and Methods: Gene core technique was used to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs in HK-2 cells before and after calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stimulation; differentially expressed mRNAs were then analyzed using GO and pathway analysis. The role of target lncRNA in EMT in renal tubular epithelial cells induced by COM was further investigated by applying a series of in vitro experiments.Results: Four differentially expressed lncRNAs (ABCA9-AS1, SPANXA2-OT1, RP11-955H22.1, and RP11-748C4.1) were up-regulated after 48 h of COM stimulation compared to the control group, where up-regulated expression of lncRNA SPANXA2-OT1 was the most significant. Thus, lncRNA SPANXA2-OT1 was further examined. Interference lncRNA SPANXA2-OT1 reversed the down-regulation of E-cadherin and Pan-ck, and up-regulated Vimentin and α-SMA induced by COM stimulation. The application of miR204 inhibitor weakened the interference effect of interfering RNA on lncRNA SPANXA2-OT1 and promoted the occurrence of EMT. Moreover, the miR204 simulator alleviated the overexpression effect of lncRNA SPANXA2-OT1 on COM-stimulated renal tubular epithelial cells and inhibited the occurrence of EMT in renal tubular epithelial cells. Also, a dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-204 could bind to lncRNA SPANXA2-OT1 and Smad5, while lncRNA SPANXA2-OT1 could inhibit cell proliferation and promote cell apoptosis.Conclusion: The lncRNA SPANXA2-OT1 is involved in the occurrence and development of EMT in renal tubular epithelial cells induced by crystalline kidney injury by adsorbing miR-204 and up-regulating Smad5.

Phytopharmacognostical and Chromatographic Evaluation of Leaves of Launaea procumbens

Launaea procumbens leaves are galactagogue, diuretic, antifungal, anorexic, anti-arthritic and hepatoprotective according to Ayurvedic texts as well as modern research. Launaea species, particularly L. pinnatifida, is mentioned as one of the sources of Gojihva, regarding which there is controversy with respect to its true botanical identity. However, no detailed anatomical, phytochemical or chromatographic investigation is available for leaf of L. procumbens which can differentiate it from L. pinnatifida. The aim of this work is to develop standardization parameters of L. procumbens leaves by performing its pharmacognostical evaluation, preliminary phytochemical screening, HPTLC and GC-MS fingerprints. Pharmacognostic investigation of the leaves was performed by its morphological study, qualitative and quantitative microscopy as well as powder microscopy. Extraction of leaves was done by maceration using methanol. This extract was used for preliminary phytochemical screening and chemoprofiling by GC-MS, as well as for developing its HPTLC fingerprint. A mobile phase system was developed by pilot TLC, following which an HPTLC fingerprint was performed using the solvent system chloroform: methanol: ethyl acetate (3:7:6). Diagnostic microscopic characters identified in powder include unicellular covering trichome, xylem vessels, anomocytic stomata, and prisms of calcium oxalate crystal. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phytoconstituents classes like phenolics, anthraquinones, saponin glycosides, carbohydrates, sterols, triterpenoids and flavonoids. HPTLC fingerprinting detected 6 peaks with Rf 0.25, 0.37, 0.41, 0.50, 0.65, 0.78 at 254nm and 4 peaks with Rf 0.32, 0.37, 0.50, 0.66 at 366nm. GC-MS fingerprint revealed presence of propanoic acid anhydride, valeric anhydride, 2- Pyrrolidine acetic acid, phthalan, 5- (Hydroxy methyl)-2-(dimethoxy methyl) furan, vanillin, methyl β-l-Arabino pyranoside, 1,6-anhydro-β-D-Gluco pyranose and 6-Methyl-2-Heptanone, 6-(3,5-dimethyl-2-furanyl). Present study will be very useful for herbal industry in differentiating Launaea procumbens from other species of the genus Launaea, particularly L. pinnatifida (Gojihva) as well as for authentication, standardization and detection of adulteration in the leaf formulations of Launaea procumbens.