Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glutathione peroxidase 7 utilizes hydrogen peroxide generated by Ero1α to promote oxidative protein folding.

AIMS Ero1 flavoproteins catalyze oxidative folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), consuming oxygen and generating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The ER-localized glutathione peroxidase 7 (GPx7) shows protein disulfide isomerase (PDI)-dependent peroxidase activity in vitro. Our work aims at identifying the physiological role of GPx7 in the Ero1α/PDI oxidative folding pathway and at dissecting the reaction mechanisms of GPx7. RESULTS Our data show that GPx7 can utilize Ero1α-produced H2O2 to accelerate oxidative folding of substrates both in vitro and in vivo. H2O2 oxidizes Cys57 of GPx7 to sulfenic acid, which can be resolved by Cys86 to form an intramolecular disulfide bond. Both the disulfide form and sulfenic acid form of GPx7 can oxidize PDI for catalyzing oxidative folding. GPx7 prefers to interact with the a domain of PDI, and intramolecular cooperation between the two redox-active sites of PDI increases the activity of the Ero1α/GPx7/PDI triad. INNOVATION Our in vitro and in vivo evidence provides mechanistic insights into how cells consume potentially harmful H2O2 while optimizing oxidative protein folding via the Ero1α/GPx7/PDI triad. Cys57 can promote PDI oxidation in two ways, and Cys86 emerges as a novel noncanonical resolving cysteine. CONCLUSION GPx7 promotes oxidative protein folding, directly utilizing Ero1α-generated H2O2 in the early secretory compartment. Thus, the Ero1α/GPx7/PDI triad generates two disulfide bonds and two H2O molecules at the expense of a single O2 molecule.
Role of unfolded protein response dysregulation in oxidative injury of retinal pigment epithelial cells.

AIMS Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of legal blindness in the elderly, is associated with genetic and environmental risk factors, such as cigarette smoking. Recent evidence shows that cigarette smoke (CS) that contains high levels of potent oxidants preferably targets retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) leading to oxidative damage and apoptosis; however, the mechanisms are poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in CS-related RPE apoptosis. RESULTS ER stress and proapoptotic gene C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were induced in the RPE/choroid complex from mice exposed to CS for 2 weeks and in human RPE cells treated with hydroquinone, a potent oxidant found at high concentrations in CS. Suppressing ER stress or inhibiting CHOP activation by pharmacological chaperones or genetic approaches attenuated hydroquinone-induced RPE cell apoptosis. In contrast to enhanced CHOP activation, protein level of active X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), a major regulator of the adaptive UPR, was reduced in hydroquinone-treated cells. Conditional knockout of XBP1 gene in the RPE resulted in caspase-12 activation, increased CHOP expression, and decreased antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2. Furthermore, XBP1-deficient RPE cells are more sensitive to oxidative damage induced by hydroquinone or NaIO3, a CS-unrelated chemical oxidant. Conversely, overexpressing XBP1 protected RPE cells and attenuated oxidative stress-induced RPE apoptosis. INNOVATION AND CONCLUSION These findings provide strong evidence suggesting an important role of ER stress and the UPR in CS-related oxidative injury of RPE cells. Thus, the modulation of the UPR signaling may provide a promising target for the treatment of AMD.
Cell division in magnetotactic bacteria splits magnetosome chain in half

Cell division in magnetotactic bacteria has attracted much interest, speculation and hypothesis with respect to the biomineralised chains of magnetic iron‐oxide particles known as magnetosomes. Here we report direct Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) evidence that division occurs at a central point of the cell and the chain, cleaving the magnetosome chain in two. Additionally, the new magnetosome chain relocates rapidly to the centre of the daughter cell and the number of magnetosomes is directly proportional to the cell length, even during the division part of the cell cycle. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High flow nasal cannula for continuous positive airway pressure weaning in preterm neonates: A single‐centre experience

High flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) is an emerging method of non‐invasive respiratory support therapy for premature infants. Recent evidence around its safety and efficacy for post‐extubation respiratory support is encouraging. However, its effect on long‐term respiratory outcomes is not known. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of HFNC on respiratory outcomes (chronic lung disease (CLD), need for home oxygen) when used to wean babies from continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Microbial diversity during Rotary Drum and Windrow Pile composting

This study investigates the prevailing microbial communities during the composting of vegetable waste, cattle manure and saw dust, in a household (250 l) batch scale Rotary Drum composter and Windrow Pile. Physico‐chemical parameters were analyzed to study the organic matter transformations. Total organic matter reduced from 63.8% to 36.2% in rotary drum and 39.6% in windrow pile composting. The C/N ratio decreased from 26.52 to 8.89 and 14.33 in rotary drum and windrow pile composting. The indigenous population of total heterotrophic bacteria decreased in rotary drum and windrow pile composting after 20 days. However, total fungal load initially increased within initial 4 days, then subsequently reduced in final composts. The average number of fecal coliforms and fecal Streptococci showed decrement with time, in both composting systems. Escherichia coli and Salmonella species number deduced during the study. Composting cycle started with Gram positive rods but ended up with the dominance of Gram negative bacilli shaped bacteria. Transformation of organic compounds during the biodegradation of organic waste, difference in the utilization of nutrients (organic matter) by the different group of microbes and high temperature could be cited as a possible reason of the above changes. Scanning electron microscopy has been used to obtain the surface structures of the cultured mycoflora. Results of the study revealed that higher diversity of microbes prevailed in rotary drum as compared to windrow pile, yielding more stable and pathogenic free compost in lesser period of composting. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Isolation and characterization of an acrylamide‐degrading yeast Rhodotorula sp. strain MBH23 KCTC 11960BP

As well as for chemical and environmental reasons, acrylamide is widely used in many industrial applications. Due to its carcinogenicity and toxicity, its discharge into the environment causes adverse effects on humans and ecology alike. In this study, a novel acrylamide‐degrading yeast has been isolated. The isolate was identified as Rhodotorula sp. strain MBH23 using ITS rRNA analysis. The results showed that the best carbon source for growth was glucose at 1.0% (w/v). The optimum acrylamide concentration, being a nitrogen source for cellular growth, was at 500 mg l–1. The highest tolerable concentration of acrylamide was 1500 mg l–1 whereas growth was completely inhibited at 2000 mg l–1. At 500 mg l–1, the strain MBH completely degraded acrylamide on day 5. Acrylic acid as a metabolite was detected in the media. Strain MBH23 grew well between pH 6.0 and 8.0 and between 27 and 30 °C. Amides such as 2‐chloroacetamide, methacrylamide, nicotinamide, acrylamide, acetamide, and propionamide supported growth. Toxic heavy metals such as mercury, chromium, and cadmium inhibited growth on acrylamide. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimization of different process variables for the production of an indolizidine alkaloid, swainsonine from Metarhizium anisopliae

Swainsonine is a polyhydroxylated indolizidine alkaloid having anticancer, antimetastatic, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activities and also potential therapeutic applications against AIDS. In the present study, ten isolates of M. anisopliae were screened and enzyme assayed for the production of swainsonine in different media (Complex oatmeal, Czapekdox media with and without lysine (8% w/v) and Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB)). Among these strains, ARSEF 1724 (UM8) was found to produce highest amount of swainsonine (1.34 μg/l) after 72 h of incubation under shake flask conditions at 180 rpm and 28 °C in complex oatmeal media. In order to maximize the yield of swainsonine the media composition including macro and micronutrients were optimized. The process variables including the chemical factors like carbon sources, nitrogen sources of both organic and inorganic nature and pH with constant inoculum size (1 × 108 spores/ml) were screened using classical one‐factor‐at‐a‐time (OFAT) approach to find their optimum levels. The present study shows that the nutrient requirement is specific for each strain of Metarhizium. Oatmeal extract (6%) was found to be the best supporting media along with nitrogen source, glucose (2%) as best carbon source and pH (∼5) as the best for swainsonine production. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Osmotic stress adaptations in rhizobacteria

Rhizobacteria have been reported to be beneficial to the plants in many different ways. Increasing salinity in the coastal agricultural zones has been shown to be a threat to the plant and microbial life in the area. Exposure of microorganisms to high‐osmolality environments triggers rapid fluxes of cell water along the osmotic gradient out of the cell, thus causing a reduction in turgor and dehydration of the cytoplasm. The microorganisms have developed various adaptations to counteract the outflow of water. The first response to osmotic up shifts and the resulting efflux of cellular water is uptake of K+ and cells start to accumulate compatible solutes. Yet another mechanism is by altering the cell envelope composition resulting in changes in proteins, periplasmic glucans, and capsular, exo and lipopolysaccharides. Bacteria also initiate a program of gene expression in response to osmotic stress by high NaCl concentrations, which are manifested as a set of proteins produced in increased amounts in response to the stress. Genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics approaches have revealed the key components in molecular basis of bacteria salt adaptation. Understanding the mechanisms of osmo‐adaptation in rhizobacteria would also be relevant from an ecological and an applicative point of view.
Heme oxygenase-1 as a target for drug discovery.

SIGNIFICANCE Heme oxygenase enzymes, which exist as constitutive (HO-2) and inducible (HO-1) isoforms, degrade heme to carbon monoxide (CO) and the bile pigment biliverdin. In the last two decades, substantial scientific evidence has been collected on the function of HO-1 in cell homeostasis, emphasizing these two important features: (i) HO-1 is a fundamental "sensor" of cellular stress and directly contributes toward limiting or preventing tissue damage; (ii) the products of HO-1 activity dynamically participate in cellular adaptation to stress and are inherently involved in the mechanisms of defence. RECENT ADVANCES On the basis of its promising cytoprotective features, scientists have pursued the targeting of HO-1 as an attractive cellular pathway for drug discovery. Three different pharmacological approaches are currently being investigated in relation to HO-1, namely the use of CO gas, the development of CO-releasing molecules (CO-RMs), and small molecules possessing the ability to up-regulate HO-1 in cells and tissues. CRITICAL ISSUE: Studies on the regulation and amplification of the HO-1/CO pathway by selective pharmacological approaches may lead to the discovery of novel drugs for the treatment of a variety of diseases. FUTURE DIRECTIONS In this review, we will discuss in detail the importance of pharmacologically manipulating the HO-1 pathway and its products for conferring protection against a variety of conditions that are characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation. We will also evaluate each of the strategic approaches being developed by considering their intrinsic advantages and disadvantages, which may have implications for their use as therapeutics in specific pathological conditions.
Compensatory larger cortical thickness in healthy elderly individuals with electroencephalographic risk for cognitive decline

Excess theta electroencephalographic (EEG) activity has been described as an accurate predictor for cognitive decline at least 7 years before symptom presentation. To test whether this predictor for cognitive decline correlates with structural changes in the brains of healthy elderly individuals, we compared the magnetic resonance structural images of healthy individuals with excess of theta activity [group with a risk for cognitive decline, risk group (RG); n=14] with healthy controls with normal EEG activity (control group; n=14). Neuropsychological and epidemiological analyses showed significant differences in only two features: more years of education and better performance in the visuospatial process task in the control group. Voxel-based morphometry results were not conclusive, but showed tendencies toward larger volumes in the prefrontal and parietal lobes, and smaller volumes in the right temporal lobe, right occipital lobe, and left cerebellum for the RG; these tendencies are in agreement with those proposed by the posterior–anterior shift in an aging model. Cortical-thickness analyses yielded a significant correlation between cortical thickness and years of education in the prefrontal and inferior-temporal regions, and larger cortical thickness in the RG, independent of age and years of education, in the right superior temporal region. These results suggest changes in the cortical thickness of structures related to memory and visuospatial functions in healthy, cognitively normal individuals before the appearance of cognitive decline. Thus, the performance of healthy elderly individuals with EEG risk may only be slightly different from normal because of compensation mechanisms allowing them to fulfill daily-life tasks, masking structural changes during preclinical neurocognitive disorders.
An epidemiological study to assess the true incidence and prevalence of rheumatic heart disease and acute rheumatic fever in New Caledonian school children

To provide in New Caledonian school children (i) the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) detected by annual screening program using new World Heart Federation diagnostic criteria; (ii) the point prevalence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF); and (iii) to investigate socio‐demographic risk factors associated with RHD.
Pulsed focused ultrasound changes nerve conduction of earthworm giant axonal fibers

This study examined the effects of pulsed focused ultrasound (FUS) in disrupting nerve conduction. FUS operating at a 210 kHz fundamental frequency was administered to the medial and lateral giant axonal nerve fibers of earthworms in a burst of pulses (1 ms tone burst duration, 20 Hz pulse repetition frequency). The magnitude and latencies of the nerve potentials induced by electrical stimulation were measured under three experimental conditions – (I) no sonication, (II) sonication at 600 mW/cm2 spatial-peak temporal-average intensity (Ispta), and (III) sonication at 200 mW/cm2 Ispta. The sonication at 600 mW/cm2 temporarily decreased the magnitude of the action potential peak (~16%), whereas the baseline peak level was quickly restored in postsonication sessions. Sonication administered at a lower intensity (i.e. 200 mW/cm2) did not alter the peak magnitude. The sonication did not alter the nerve conduction velocity. The acoustic intensities used in the experiment did not increase the temperature of the sonicated tissue. The results indicate that axonal neurotransmission can be disrupted temporarily by the application of pulsed FUS, suggesting its potential utility in modulating the functional connectivity established by white matter tracts in the brain.
NEURITIC MANIFESTATIONS IN DIABETES MELLITUS

A man (case 9,009) of quiet and controlled temperament was brought in an ambulance to the hospital. He was moaning and writhing in pain, although his pupils were already contracted by morphine administered for an attack of suspected ureteral colic. A second patient (case 10,349), a former football player and coach, was admitted to the hospital because of such unaccountable depression, restlessness and severe burning sensations in his feet that he could not sleep. A third patient (case 10,405) was admitted because paralysis of the muscles of the foot had prevented his working for the preceding two months. A fourth patient (case 8,428), a man 30 years of age, was admitted to the hospital because of gangrene following a burn from an electric pad applied to a painful foot and lower part of the leg. All four suffered from diabetic neuritis. In 1864 Marchal de Calvi drew attention to the
Isolation, characterization, and evaluation of bacterial root and nodule endophytes from chickpea cultivated in Northern India

Endophytic bacteria from roots (12 isolates) and nodules (76 isolates) of chickpea legume grown under CCS Haryana Agricultural University farm were isolated. Among the endophytic bacteria, 50% from roots and 93.4% from nodules were Gram positive spore formers. Large number of endophytes from roots and nodules solubilized phosphate and produced ammonia. Isolate CRE3, and CNE215, were most efficient P solubilizers and. CRE12 and CNE76 being most efficient ammonia producer. Interestingly, few endophytic bacteria produced organic acid. Further selected 62 isolates were used to determine molecular diversity by RFLP of PCR amplified 16S rDNA. Endophytes from roots formed five separate clusters and nodule endophytes formed 13 clusters. Isolate CNE215 from nodules and CRE1 from roots possessed multiple beneficial traits and belonged two different clusters. These two isolates were identified after amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Isolate CNE215 showed more than 98% similarity with partial sequence of 16S rRNA gene of Bacillus subtilis, whereas CRE1 showed more than 98% similarity with Bacillus licheniformis. Efficacy of these two strains was evaluated under field conditions and an increase up to 22.5% in grain yield over uninoculated control was observed with B. subtilis strain CNE215, whereas all the recommended biofertilizers were able to record an increase upto 14.4%.
Biocontrol efficacy and plant growth promoting activity of Bacillus altitudinis isolated from Darjeeling hills, India

A total of 18 bacterial isolates were obtained from the rhizosphere of Sechium edule growing in the lower foothills of Darjeeling, India. The bacterial isolates were tested for PGPR traits in vitro such as phosphate solubilization, HCN, siderophore, IAA, chitinase, protease production as well as inhibition of pthytopathogens. Of all the bacterial isolates, one bacterium designated as BRHS/S‐73 was found to possess all the tested characters which was identified on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis as Bacillus altitudinis and was selected for in vivo studies. A significant improvement in growth measured in terms of increase in root length, shoot length, and increase in root and shoot biomass was observed when seeds of Vigna radiata, Cicer arietinum, and Glycine max were bacterized prior to sowing in field condition. Besides, the bacterium could also solubilize soil phosphate. Apart form growth promotion, root rot disease of Vigna radiata caused by Thanatephorus cucumeris was also significantly reduced by 74% when the bacterium was applied to the rhizosphere prior to pathogen challenge. The biocontrol efficacy of the bacterium was found to be 66.6% even after 30 days of pathogen inoculation. Activities of key defense related enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, β‐1,3‐glucanase, and chitinase in both roots and leaves of treated plants were also enhanced. Results clearly suggest that B. altitudinis (BRHS/S‐73) is a potential PGPR which can be used as efficient microorganism for enhancement of plant growth and suppression of fungal disease.
SIRT3 Mediates the Antioxidant Effect of Hydrogen Sulfide in Endothelial Cells.

AIM Oxidative stress is a key contributor to endothelial dysfunction and associated cardiovascular pathogenesis. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an antioxidant gasotransmitter that protects endothelial cells against oxidative stress. Sirtuin3 (SIRT3), which belongs to the silent information regulator 2 (SIR2) family, is an important deacetylase under oxidative stress. H2S is able to regulate the activity of several sirtuins. The present study aims to investigate the role of SIRT3 in the antioxidant effect of H2S in endothelial cells. RESULTS Cultured EA.hy926 endothelial cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a model of oxidative stress-induced cell injury. GYY4137, a slow-releasing H2S donor, improved cell viability, reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis, and improved mitochondrial function following H2O2 treatment. H2S reversed the stimulation of MAPK phosphorylation, downregulation of SIRT3 mRNA and reduction of the superoxide dismutase 2 and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 expression which were induced by H2O2. H2S also increased activator protein 1 (AP-1) binding activity with SIRT3 promoter and this effect was absent in the presence of the specific AP-1 inhibitor, SR11302 or curcumin. Paraquat administration to mice induced a defected endothelium-dependent aortic vasodilatation and increased oxidative stress in both mouse aorta and small mesenteric artery, which were alleviated by GYY4137 treatment. This vasoprotective effect of H2S was absent in SIRT3 knockout mice. INNOVATION The present results highlight a novel role for SIRT3 in the protective effect of H2S against oxidant damage in the endothelium both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION H2S enhances AP-1 binding activity with the SIRT3 promoter, thereby upregulating SIRT3 expression and ultimately reducing oxidant-provoked vascular endothelial dysfunction. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 24, 329-343.
Effect of heavy metals on acdS gene expression in Herbaspirillium sp. GW103 isolated from rhizosphere soil

This study aimed to understand the influence of heavy metals on 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase activity (ACCD) and acdS gene expression in Herbaspirillium sp. GW103. The GW103 strain ACCD activity decreased in cells grown in a medium supplemented with Pb and As, whereas cells grown in medium supplemented with Cu showed increase in enzyme activity. The GW103 strain produced 262.2 ± 6.17 μmol of α‐ketobutyrate per milligram of protein per hour during ACC deamination at 25 °C after 24 h incubation. Using a PCR approach, an acdS coding‐gene of 1.06 kbp was amplified in isolate GW103, showing 92% identity with Herbaspirillum seropedicae SmR1 acdS gene. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results indicate that the acdS expression rate was increased (7.1‐fold) in the presence of Cu, whereas it decreased (0.2‐ and 0.1‐fold) in the presence of As and Pb.
Retraction: Characterization of cellulolytic activities of newly isolated Thelephora sowerbyi from North‐Western Himalayas on different lignocellulosic substrates

Characterization of cellulolytic activities of newly isolated Thelephora sowerbyi from North‐Western Himalayas on different lignocellulosic substrate J. Basic Microbiol. 2015, 55, 1–11 – DOI: 10.1002/jobm.201500107