Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bis-indole alkaloid caulerpin from a new source Sargassum platycarpum: isolation, characterization, in vitro anticancer activity, binding with nucleobases by DFT calculations and MD simulation

Abstract Caulerpin, a bis-indole alkaloid is isolated from a new source Sargassum platycarpum, brown alga (family Sargassaceae) for the first time. The structure of caulerpin was characterized by IR, H1NMR, C13 NMR, HSQC, HMBC, EI-MS spectroscopy. Antifungal results suggest that caulerpin has been inhibited Cryptococcus neoformas (12 mm) and Candida albicans (7 mm) than other microbes. In vitro anticancer activity of caulerpin has been explored by cell viability assay against new human cancer cell line (liver-HepG2). The results show that caulerpin has low IC50 value (24.6 ± 2.1 µg/mL) against HepG-2. Based on the least toxic activity of caulerpin, these results encourage for future in vivo anticancer study. The binding of caulerpin molecule with the two nucleobases (T/U) bases has been studied by DFT methods. According to the AIM analysis, there are two types of interactions between caulerpin and T/U bases partially covalent partially electrostatic and electrostatic in gas and water phases. Based on NBO analysis, the charges were transferred from the lone-pair (n) in orbitals of O atoms of caulerpin to the σ* orbitals of T/U bases atoms. ΔEbin in the state of caulerpin-T bases complexes are lower than those in the caulerpin-U bases complexes in both gas and water phase. MD simulation supported that caulerpin-T/U bases complexes are stable in presence of explicit water phase. Thus, the findings of our study will be useful for giving an insight into the caulerpin/bases complexes that could be helpful in future experimental studies to develop the performance of caulerpin molecules as natural candidate drug. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Top-Down Proteomics of Human Saliva Discloses Significant Variations of the Protein Profile in Patients with Mastocytosis

Mastocytosis is a myeloproliferative neoplasm causing abnormal clonal mast cell accumulation in different tissues, such as skin and bone marrow. A cutaneous subtype (CM) is distinguished from a systemic one (SM); SM patients can be grouped into SM with (SM+C) or without (SM-C) additional cutaneous lesions, and their classification is often challenging. This study was purposed to highlight variations in the salivary proteome of patients with different mastocytosis subtypes and compared to healthy controls. A top-down proteomics approach coupled to a label-free quantitation revealed salivary profiles in patients different from those of controls and a down-regulation of peptides/proteins involved in the mouth homeostasis and defense, such as statherin, histatins, and acidic proline-rich proteins (aPRPs), and in innate immunity and inflammation, such as the cathepsin inhibitors, suggesting a systemic condition associated with an exacerbated inflammatory state. The up-regulation of antileukoproteinase and S100A8 suggested a protective role against the disease status. The two SM forms were distinguished by the lower levels of truncated forms of aPRPs, statherin, P-B peptide, and cystatin D and the higher levels of thymosin β4 and α-defensins 1 and 4 in SM-C patients with respect to SM+C. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD017759.
Palatable Noodles as a Functional Staple Food Made Exclusively from Yellow Peas Suppressed Rapid Postprandial Glucose Increase

Legumes are low-carbohydrate food and are abundant in dietary fiber. In order to provide a functional staple food that does not cause a rapid increase in postprandial blood glucose levels, four kinds of legumes were focused on as ingredients. Noodles made from dehulled yellow pea, unshelled yellow pea, chickpea, and lentil were prepared and evaluated as functional staple foods for controlling blood glucose via an in vitro digestion method. We also measured breaking stress and breaking strain using a creep meter, as well as sensory tests on a 9-point hedonic scale. The noodles made from yellow pea had high values for both breaking stress and breaking strain, and was highly regarded in the sensory tests. Therefore, the noodles made from yellow pea on postprandial glucose and insulin response were measured in a randomized double-blind study (n = 12). The results show that noodles made from yellow pea have a low glycemic index (50.4), and have potential as a functional staple food.
The effect of Saccharomyces boulardii primary prevention on risk of Hospital Onset Clostridioides difficile infection in hospitalized patients administered antibiotics frequently associated with Clostridioides difficile infection.

BACKGROUND Hospital Onset Clostridioides difficile infection (HO-CDI) is a costly problem leading to readmissions, morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the effect of a single probiotic strain, Saccharomyces boulardii, at a standardized dose on the risk of HO-CDI within hospitalized patients administered antibiotics frequently associated with HO-CDI. METHODS This retrospective cohort study merged hospital prescribing data with HO-CDI case data. The study assessed patients hospitalized from January 2016 through March 2017 that were administered at least one dose of an antibiotic frequently associated with HO-CDI during hospitalization. Associations between S. boulardii administration, including timing, and HO-CDI incidence were evaluated by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS The study included 8,763 patients. HO-CDI incidence was 0.66% in the overall cohort. HO-CDI incidence was 0.56% and 0.82% among patients co-administered S. boulardii with antibiotics and not co-administered S. boulardii, respectively. In adjusted analysis, patients co-administered S. boulardii had a reduced risk of HO-CDI (OR=0.57, 95% CI 0.33-0.96, p=0.04) compared to patients not co-administered S. boulardii. Patients co-administered S. boulardii within 24-hours of antibiotic start demonstrated a reduced risk of HO-CDI (OR=0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.97, p=0.04) compared to those co-administered S. boulardii after 24-hours of antibiotic start. CONCLUSIONS S. boulardii administered to hospitalized patients prescribed antibiotics frequently linked with HO-CDI was associated with a reduced risk of HO-CDI.
Degree of Undercooling and Injury of Whole Potato Plants following Exposure to -4C for 6 or 12 Hours

Hardened and nonhardened whole plants of three potato species, Solanum tuberosum L. , S. acaule Bitt. , and S. commersonii Dun. , and one interspecific cross, Alaska Frostless' (S. tuberosum × S. acaule) were placed in a low-temperature chamber capable of maintaining -4±0.5C for 6 or 12 hours. The chamber was designed to control the root temperature independently from the rest of the plant. Cold acclimation did not affect the ability of any of the potatoes tested to undercool (supercool) (.)
Dispersal of Aglaia spectabilis, a large-seeded tree species in a moist evergreen forest in Thailand

We investigated the seed dispersal of Aglaia spectabilis, a large-seeded tree species in a moist evergreen forest of Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. Although one-to-one relationships between frugivores and plants are very unlikely, large-seeded plants having to rely on few large frugivores and therefore on limited disperser assemblages, might be vulnerable to extinction. We assessed both the frugivore assemblages foraging on arillate seeds of Aglaia spectabilis and dispersing them and the seed predator assemblages, thereby covering dispersal as well as the post-dispersal aspects such as seed predation. Our results showed that frugivores dispersing seeds were a rather limited set of four hornbill and one pigeon species, whereas two squirrel species were not dispersers, but dropped the seeds on the ground. Three mammal species were identified as seed predators on the forest floor. Heavy seed predation by mammals together with high seed removal rates, short visiting times and regurgitation of intact seeds by mainly hornbills lead us to the conclusion that hornbills show high effectiveness in dispersal of this tree species.
PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF LIGHT HARVESTING PIGMENTS AND SOME BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES UNDER ALUMINIUM STRESS

Aluminium (Al) bioavailability has raised much interest in the last two decades because of its acute toxicity, particularly at high dose, which results in the morphological and physiological disorder. Lens culinaris was selected to study the effects of Al on photosynthetic pigments and synthesis of carbohydrate contents in acidic soil. Growth inhibition like leaf mass ratio (LMR), stem mass ratio (SMR), root mass ratio (RMR) and ratio of dry and fresh weight of total plant DW/FW and reduced biomass production were general response of Al on seedlings. Results showed that Al altered the photochemistry of light-harvesting pigments that were decreased at all applied concentration of Al. This may be attributed, with breakdown of photosynthetic apparatus. Absorption spectrum of pigments showed that concentrations of chlorophyll a and b were decreased without shift in wavelength of pigments, which may be due to the decrease in absorption of photon of light that ultimately alter the synthesis of starch contents. Aluminum enters the cells, it reacts with phosphorus compounds, and upsets the plant phosphorus metabolism, and consequently the reduction in plant phosphorus was observed.
DIEL BEHAVIOR OF THE BLUE SHARK, PRIONACE GLAUCA, NEAR SANTA CATALINA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA 1

The diel activity levels and movements of the blue shark, Prionaceglauca, were studied in the natural environment using ultrasonic telemetry. Two initial sharks were tagged with single-channel trans­ mitters equipped with depth sensors. Twelve sharks were tagged with multichannel transmitters with various combinations ofsensors to measure depth, swimming speed, swimming direction, and temper­ ature. From March to early June, the sharks made an evening-twilight migration from their epipelagic daytime habitat to the shallower waters bordering the island. Fromlate June to October, the sharks remainedoffshore throughout the day and night. This change in movementpattern is suggested to be in response to a seasonal shift in location ofprey. The telemetry data indicated that the blue shark is basically nocturnal, showing highest activity in the early evening and lowest activity in the early daylight morning. Measured parameters increasing at night included 1) rate ofhorizontal movement, 2) swimming speed, 3) variability in depth, and 4) variability in swimming direction. The sharks usually remained within a relatively narrow range of water temperatures. This paper describes a study in which the dieI activities of an epipelagic shark were monitored remotely in the natural environment. Multichan­ nel ultrasonic transmitters were used to telemeter certain behavioral and environmental parameters offree-ranging blue sharks, Prionaceglauca (Lin­ naeus). The primary objective was to track the sharks continuously throughout the day-night cycle to determine diel patterns of activity and movement. Prior to the initiation ofthis study, surprisingly little had been published on the behavior of the blue shark, one of the most abundant large pred­ ators in warm temperate seas. Bigelow and Schroeder (1948) summarized what was then known about the biology of the species. Suda (1953) studied embryonic development, size re­ lationsips, and sex ratios as related to distribution in the north tropical and subtropical Pacific. Strasburg (1958) investigated the distribution, abundance, capture depths, reproduction, and food habits ofpelagic sharks, including the blue shark, in the central Pacific. Miscellaneous data on blue
Bacterial symbiosis in the Nucinellidae (Bivalvia: Solemyida) with descriptions of two new species

Nucinellidae are a family of small, monomyarian, nuculoid marine bivalves that live at depths from 6–3,500 m. Related to the Solemyidae, they are suspected of chemosymbiosis with sulphur-oxidizing bacteria, but hitherto without morphological or molecular confirmation. Two new species, Nucinella owenensis and Huxleyia habooba, were collected at depths of 3,400 and 84 m, respectively, during a survey of the oxygen-minimum zone associated with the seasonal upwelling area in the Arabian Sea, off southern Oman. Sections of the relatively large ctenidia revealed large thickened leaflets with abundant rod-shaped bacteria housed in bacteriocytes. This is the first morphological confirmation of likely chemosymbiosis in the family. Both species have a complete alimentary system and in N. owenensis the hindgut contained sediment, suggesting particulate feeding. Relationships of Nucinellidae and Solemyidae and the timing of acquisition of the chemosymbiosis are briefly discussed. Descriptions of the two new species are accompanied by a critical review of familial and generic characters, with rejection of previous reports of posterior adductor muscle scars in Huxleyia.
Segmenting the public: an application of value orientations to wildlife planning in Colorado

The values of stakeholders and other publics represent important information for an inte- grative approach to wildlife planning. However, because fundamental values held by the public tend to be similar, integrating them into wildlife planning is problematic. This study describes how information about public values can benefit wildlife planning by the identification of specific value-based cognitions that relate more directly to wildlife than do fundamental values and differ among sectors of the population. Using information from a statewide telephone survey, we identified 4 distinct groups in Colorado based on their wildlife value orientations. These groups differed in their participation in wildlife- related activities, sociodemographics, and political involvement-ideology. Knowledge about wildlife value orientations can help managers 1) understand the diversity of value orientations that exist, 2) gauge support for or opposition to management policies, 3) esti- mate demand for wildlife-related activities, and 4) reach sectors of the population with information about wildlife policy and recreation opportunities. Ultimately, this informa- tion can help wildlife agencies identify, select, and evaluate policy alternatives designed to help them achieve their desired wildlife management goals.
Legislation to Practice: An Analysis of Domestic Violence Cases from Kerala’s Lower Courts

The regulation of an intimate family relationship to control and prevent violence against women in the domestic space is analysed as an instance of interference by the state to regulate and monitor a hitherto ‘private’ space. This article explores to what extent can the interference of law help suppressed women to use law as a tool to change situations of familial violence and thereby enhance their capacity to engage with the ‘male space’ of courtrooms? The ‘result’ from the whole legal and judicial process may not give a solution to the ‘violence’ they have undergone but the courtroom and client counselling experience reveals that it does provoke the woman to think in terms of emancipation. The everyday practice of domestic violence law in the lower courts of Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala has been analysed in this article.
Heat Tolerance and Flowering-heat-delay Sensitivity in Relation to Cell Membrane Thermostability in Chrysanthemum

Flowering of many chrysanthemum (Dendranthema ·grandiflora (Ramat.) Kitam. ) cultivars is reduced or delayed under high temperatures. Identification and rapid selection of heat-tolerant and flowering-heat-delay- insensitive chrysanthemum genotypes for commercial production is desirable. An electrolyte leakage technique was used to measure cell membrane thermostability of chrysanthemum cultivars. The relationship between the relative injury (RI) value occurring in leaf tissue discs and the treatment temperature was sigmoidal. The RI values at the approximate midpoint of the sigmoid response curve occurred at 47 to 53 8C for summer- and fall-flowering cultivars and at 45 to 46 8C treatments for winter- and spring-flowering cultivars. Regressing the delay in days to flowering for the cultivars grown at day/night temperature of 30/25 8C compared with those grown at 20/15 8C versus their associated RI values at 50 8C treatment showed a linear relationship. Reduced RI was more apparent in the heat- tolerant 'Kaa Luoh-Lii' than the heat-intolerant 'Repulse' after 30/25 8C treatment for 24 to 27 days. When 30/25 and 20/15 8C treatments were compared, the former did not alter leaf malondialdehyde (MDA) content in 'Kaa Luoh-Lii' but increased MDA content in 'Repulse'.
PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS OF SEED YIELD COMPONENTS IN LENTIL (LENS CULINARIS MEDIK.)

Path-coefficient analysis of seed yield arid its attributes in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) from the data on 44 genotypes representing wide agroclimatic regions of India revealed that in S61ectlon programmes, maximum weightage should be given to harvest index, biological yield and days to 5096 flowering since their direct influence on seed yield was maximum, while their indirect influence via most of the other component characters was negligible.
Quantification of Triple Single-Leg Hop Test Temporospatial Parameters: A Validated Method Using Body-Worn Sensors for Functional Evaluation after Knee Injury

Lower extremity kinematic alterations associated with sport-related knee injuries may contribute to an unsuccessful return to sport or early-onset post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Also, without access to sophisticated motion-capture systems, temporospatial monitoring of horizontal hop tests during clinical assessments is limited. By applying an alternative measurement system of two inertial measurement units (IMUs) per limb, we obtained and validated flying/landing times and hop distances of triple single-leg hop (TSLH) test against motion-capture cameras, assessed these temporospatial parameters amongst injured and uninjured groups, and investigated their association with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Using kinematic features of IMU recordings, strap-down integration, and velocity correction techniques, temporospatial parameters were validated for 10 able-bodied participants and compared between 22 youth with sport-related knee injuries and 10 uninjured youth. With median (interquartile range) errors less than 10(16) ms for flying/landing times, and less than 4.4(5.6)% and 2.4(3.0)% of reference values for individual hops and total TSLH progression, differences between hopping biomechanics of study groups were highlighted. For injured participants, second flying time and all hop distances demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with KOOS Symptom and Function in Daily Living scores. Detailed temporospatial monitoring of hop tests is feasible using the proposed IMUs system.
Immunogenicity Measures of Influenza Vaccines: A Study of 1164 Registered Clinical Trials

Influenza carries an enormous burden each year. Annual influenza vaccination is the best means of reducing this burden. To be clinically effective, influenza vaccines must be immunogenic, and several immunological assays to test their immunogenicity have been developed. This study aimed to describe the patterns of use of the various immunological assays available to measure the influenza vaccine-induced adaptive immune response and to determine its correlates of protection. A total of 76.5% of the studies included in our analysis measured only the humoral immune response. Among these, the hemagglutination-inhibition assay was by far the most widely used. Other, less common, humoral immune response assays were: virus neutralization (21.7%), enzyme-linked immunosorbent (10.1%), single radial hemolysis (4.6%), and assays able to quantify anti-neuraminidase antibodies (1.7%). By contrast, cell-mediated immunity was quantified in only 23.5% of studies. Several variables were significantly associated with the use of single assays. Specifically, some influenza vaccine types (e.g., adjuvanted, live attenuated and cell culture-derived or recombinant), study phase and study sponsorship pattern were usually found to be statistically significant predictors. We discuss the principal findings and make some suggestions from the point of view of the various stakeholders.
Suitability and Profitability of a Cereal Aphid for the Parasitoid Aphidius platensis in the Context of Conservation Biological Control of Myzus persicae in Orchards

The use of cover crops can promote the abundance and early arrival of populations of natural enemies. Cereal cover crops between orchards rows could encourage the early arrival of the parasitoid Aphidius platensis, as they offer alternative winter hosts (e.g., Rhopalosiphum padi), enhancing the control of Myzus persicae in spring. However, the preference for and suitability of the alternative host must be addressed beforehand. To evaluate the potential of this strategy, we assessed host preference using behavioural choice tests, as well as no-choice tests measuring fitness traits, when developing on both host species. One source field for each aphid population from the above hosts was chosen. There was a clear choice for R. padi compared to M persicae, independently of the source, probably due to more defensive behaviours of M. persicae (i.e., kicks and escapes). Nevertheless, both aphid species were suitable for parasitoids’ development. The female progeny developed on R. padi were larger in size, irrespective of their origin. According to our results, in peach orchards with cereals sown between peach trees during the autumn, where we expect when R. padi populations will no longer be available during spring, A. platensis should be able to switch to M. persicae.
Luminal STIM1 Mutants that Cause Tubular Aggregate Myopathy Promote Autophagic Processes

Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is a ubiquitously expressed Ca2+ sensor protein that induces permeation of Orai Ca2+ channels upon endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-store depletion. A drop in luminal Ca2+ causes partial unfolding of the N-terminal STIM1 domains and thus initial STIM1 activation. We compared the STIM1 structure upon Ca2+ depletion from our molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with a recent 2D NMR structure. Simulation- and structure-based results showed unfolding of two α-helices in the canonical and in the non-canonical EF-hand. Further, we structurally and functionally evaluated mutations in the non-canonical EF-hand that have been shown to cause tubular aggregate myopathy. We found these mutations to cause full constitutive activation of Ca2+-release-activated Ca2+ currents (ICRAC) and to promote autophagic processes. Specifically, heterologously expressed STIM1 mutations in the non-canonical EF-hand promoted translocation of the autophagy transcription factors microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and transcription factor EB (TFEB) into the nucleus. These STIM1 mutations additionally stimulated an enhanced production of autophagosomes. In summary, mutations in STIM1 that cause structural unfolding promoted Ca2+ down-stream activation of autophagic processes.