Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Enzymes Activities on Domestic Waste Dump Sites

Introduction: Effects of physico-chemical parameters on microbial dehydrogenases from domestic waste dumpsites were studied. Methodology: The microorganisms (S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, T. Mentagrophytes and F. oxysoprium) were isolated from three domestic waste dumps in Owerri metropolis and subculture. Microbial dehydrogenases were extracted with acetone, partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis, DEAEcellulose column chromatography and Sephadex G200 gel filtration chromatography. Dehydrogenase activity at each stage of purification was assayed with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) and the absorbance of the formazan formed was measured and used to ascertain the total dehydrogenase activity. The impacts of effectors (Ca2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and EDTA, ethanol and butanol) on the microbial dehydrogenase were determined by incubating the partially purified enzyme with the effectors for 30 min at 4°C. Also, the effects of temperature and pH were assessed by varying the temperature and pH ranges from 10°C to 60°C and 2.0 to 8.0, respectively. Results: The specific activities of the enzyme from the microorganisms were 7.10, 7.73, 6.47, 6.26, 9.66 and 10.58 mg Formazan/mg cell dry wt/h, respectively. Calcium ion, Mg2+, ethanol and butanol significantly increased (p<0.05) dehydrogenase activities in all the microorganisms studied while Zn2+, Fe2+ and EDTA decreased the activities. Conclusion: These activators can be harnessed within the recorded optimum temperature and pH ranges to enhance microbial growth; which is essential for the degradation of domestic waste thereby promoting cleaner environment.
Examination of Glycoside Hydrolysis Methods for the Determination of Terpenyl Glycoside Contents of Different Hop Cultivars

The essential oil fraction of hops clearly plays a significant and important role in their contribution to the aroma of beer, yet the potential role of water-soluble flavor precursors in hops is much less certain. The study presented herein investigated a range of glycoside hydrolysis techniques on the aqueous extracts of “spent” hops obtained after supercritical CO2 extraction of hop pellets. A range of enzyme treatments, acid hydrolysis, and yeast fermentations were compared with each other and against an untreated control by measuring the volatile aroma composition of the spent hop treatments using stir-bar sorptive extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. In general, the enzyme systems show promise for investigating the broad range of glycosides in hops and offer a similar scale of aglycone delivery as yeast fermentations, whereas acid hydrolysis may offer a relatively quick gauge of total content of glycosidically bound terpene alcohols. Eighteen different hop varieties were examined for glycoside composition using one of the enzyme techniques. Selection was based on their genetic similarity or dissimilarity (pedigree), importance to the brewing community, and input from brewers, hop researchers, and hop breeders. Clear differences were apparent in the terpene alcohols following glycoside hydrolysis across these hop varieties, most notably with Columbus and Centennial hops. However, because of the high usage levels used in this study (50 g of spent hops/L of buffer), brewers are cautioned against overstating the importance of the glycoside fraction to the overall aroma of hops in beer.
Investigation of the Role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Premature Coronary Artery Disease

Premature coronary artery disease is a concerning epidemic around the world. Therefore, there is a need to find useful biomarkers for a diagnostic tool to screen for the disease. This review aims to explore studies utilizing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) to explain the heritable variation of bases in certain population that contribute to premature coronary artery disease. The studies have concluded the changes involved in lipid metabolism, oxidation of lipid and the significance of 9p locus. In recent years, many studies have done to reveal the gene-associated disease. The most robust genetic risk variant for CAD was identified on chromosome 9p21.3. This leads to the tremendous studies to explore the genetic variants underlie in the development of atherogenesis in early-onset CAD. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have enabled the discovery of 33 genetic risk variants for CAD by microarrays of SNPs. This includes 23 risk variants with unknown mechanism and only 10 associating with hypertension or lipids. This review will discuss on the association of SNPs studies with lipid metabolism, inflammation and oxidation.
Characterization and Sensory Evaluation of Pomegranate Molasses Fortified with Wheat Germ

The aim of this study is to characterize Pomegranate Molasses (PM) fortified with the WG and to study the effect of standard storage conditions on sensorial and selected physiochemical properties. Preliminary studies showed that the best combination of WG is 6%. Proximate analysis, pH, total soluble solids and sensory evaluation were conducted for pomegranate fortified with WG. Theses parameters were measured after two months storage. The protein, ash and fat contents were significantly high (p<0.05) in PM fortified with WG compared with those of PM. The overall acceptability of the fortified PM with 6% WG (GPM) indicated that the panelists scored the fortified PM significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of PM. It can be concluded that 6% GPM can involve as nourished source to replace the PM as evidenced by their higher amounts in protein, fat and ash and it is significantly accepted by the taste panel.
Molecular and functional analysis of the ERAD effector VCP in cellular and Drosophila models for retinitis pigmentosa

A single amino acid substitution (Pro23His) in the visual pigment Rhodopsin (Rh) is sufficient to cause massive retinal degeneration and blindness in retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The mechanisms linking the misfolded RhP23H to retinal degeneration remain obscure. Using cellular and Drosophila models of RP, I found that the ATP-dependent chaperone VCP is required to mediate ER extraction (retrotranslocation) and proteasomal delivery of misfolded RhP23H. Genetic and pharmacologic inactivation of VCP completely suppressed retinal degeneration and blindness caused by misfolded Rh in Drosophila. Therefore, excessive retrotranslocation and degradation of Rh might cause RP. Selective inhibition of VCP might prevent vision loss in RP patients carrying RhP23H mutations.
The comparison of light responses among four species of Calligonum L. in early autumn

The photosynthetic characteristics of 4 species from different Calligonum sections were examined in autumn. Light response curves were measured in the field and fitted by the nonrectangular hyperbola model and modified rectangular hyperbola model. Modified rectangular hyperbola model was found greater when the fitting effects of two models were analyzed by relative errors. The comparison of the photosynthesis among four species revealed that C. pumilum had the maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pmax) with high utilization of light. The lowest light saturation point (LSP) and apparent quantum yield (AQY) were observed in C. Calliphysa which seemed to be the low utilization of light. C. densum had the highest photo inhibition coefficient and smallest photo saturation coefficient; in contrast, C. leucocladum had the smallest photo inhibition coefficient and highest photo saturation coefficient. Present study revealed that there were differences of photosynthetic characteristics between four species in the genus Calligonum. Further studies are needed to elucidate this conclusion with more species and data collected in other season.
Interactive effect of ammonia and crowding stress on ion-regulation and expression of immune-related genes in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

Abstract The present study was to investigate the interactive effect of ammonia and crowding stress on ion-regulation and expression of immune-related genes in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). The fish were exposed to four total ammonia nitrogen (0, 5, 20, 40 mg/L TAN) and two stocking density. After 96 h of exposure, blood, gill, and liver samples were collected to measure biochemical parameters and mRNA levels of immune-related genes. The results showed that co-exposure to high TAN (20 and 40 mg/L) and high density significantly increased plasma sodium (Na+), gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity and mRNA levels. Following individual and combined exposure to high TAN and high density, the heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70), HSP 90, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) genes expression were obviously higher than their control. Conversely, the lysozyme (LZM) and hepcidin mRNA levels were down-regulated in liver of fish exposed to high TAN alone and combination of high TAN-density. Moreover, glutathione S-transferase (GST) mRNA levels significantly increased in treatments with individual high TAN and high density, but decreased in high TAN-density co-exposed fish. Overall, ion homeostasis and immune status were adversely influenced in high exposed turbot under high density.
Declines in the mammal assemblage of a rugged sandstone environment in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

There has been marked recent decline in the terrestrial mammal fauna across much of northern Australia, with most documentation of such decline for lowland areas. Here we report changes in the assemblage of small mammals in a rugged sandstone environment (Nawurlandja, in Kakadu National Park) over intermittent sampling between 1977 and 2002. Four native mammal species were commonly recorded in the original sampling: sandstone antechinus (Pseudantechinus bilarni), northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), Arnhem rock-rat (Zyzomys maini) and common rock-rat (Z. argurus). Trap success rates declined significantly for the northern quoll, Arnhem rock-rat and all species combined, but increased for the common rock-rat. Despite being recorded commonly in the initial (1977–79) study, no Arnhem rock-rats were recorded in the most recent (2002) sampling. Trap success rates for northern quoll declined by ~90% from 1977–79 to 2002. The reasons for change are not clear-cut. Notably, all sampling occurred before the arrival of cane toads (Rhinella marina), a factor that has caused severe decline in northern quoll numbers elsewhere. Fire was more frequent in the sampling area in the period preceding the 2002 sampling than it was in the period preceding the initial (1977–79) sampling, and this may have contributed to change in mammal abundance.
Moving Towards Answers for DYT1 Dystonia: Development and Application of In Vivo and In Vitro Approaches to Elucidate Disease Pathogenesis.

Isolated primary dystonia describes a group of inherited movement disorders characterized by sustained muscle contractions traditionally thought to manifest in the absence of neurodegeneration. The most common form, DYT1 Dystonia, is caused by a dominant mutation in the gene TOR1A. This mutation is a 3 base pair in-frame deletion that results in the loss of a single glutamic acid “∆E” from the encoded protein, torsinA. Understanding loss-of-function (LOF) and gain-of-function (GOF) properties of the ∆E mutation is critical for defining disease mechanisms and developing future therapeutics. To evaluate the pathogenesis of ∆E-torsinA in vivo I generated a novel conditional knockin mouse model that allows for anatomicaland temporal-specific expression of ∆ETor1a via Cre recombination. I evaluated viability, neuropathology, and motor phenotypes of CNS-specific Tor1ai-∆E/and Tor1ai-∆E/i-∆E littermates and found no evidence for ∆E GOF toxicity. Additionally, I demonstrated the power of this model by addressing a popular circuit level hypothesis in our field: cerebellar dysfunction explains reduced penetrance of DYT1 dystonia. I found that hindbrain specific induction of the DYT1 genotype is not sufficient to produce a mouse with an abnormal motor behavior. These in vivo findings support strictly LOF effects for the ∆E mutation at the molecular and circuit level.
Detection of cell metabolism via wavelength- and time-resolved intracellular autofluorescence

A time-resolved confocal fluorescence spectroscopy system was instrumented utilizing the multi-channel time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) technique. The system provided a unique approach to investigate the relationship between wavelength- and time-resolved cell autofluorescence and cellular metabolic status. The experiments were carried out on monolayered cell cultures including normal and cancer ectocervical cells. With UV excitation at 365 nm, the decay of cellular fluorescence can be well described by a dual-exponential function, consisting of a short lifetime component ((tau)1~ 0.40 - 0.47 ns) and a long lifetime component (((tau)2 ~ 3.3 - 4.0 ns). By analyzing the decay-associated spectra of the short and long lifetime components, we found that the long lifetime component carried the information of protein-bound NADH and short lifetime component was mainly determined by free NADH with certain interference from bound NADH. Moreover, it was found that the ratio of the amplitudes of two lifetime components, dominated by free/bound NADH, was sensitive to cell metabolism. Overall, this study demonstrated that wavelength- and timeresolved autofluorescence can be potentially used as an important contrast mechanism to detect epithelial pre-cancer.
Best practices for genome-wide RNA structure analysis: combination of mutational profiles and drop-off information

Genome-wide RNA structure maps have recently become available through the coupling of in vivo chemical probing reagents with next-generation sequencing. Initial analyses relied on the identification of truncated reverse transcription reads to identify the chemically modified nucleotides, but recent studies have shown that mutational signatures can also be used. While these two methods have been employed interchangeably, here we show that they actually provide complementary information. Consequently, analyses using exclusively one of the two methodologies may disregard a significant portion of the structural information. We find that the identity and sequence environment of the modified nucleotide greatly affects the odds of introducing a mismatch or causing reverse transcriptase drop-off. Finally, we identify specific mismatch signatures generated by dimethyl sulfate probing that can be used to remove false positives typically produced in RNA structurome analyses, and how these signatures vary depending on the reverse transcription enzyme used.
DETERMINATION OF SELF-ESTEEM IN DECISION MAKING AND DECISION MAKING STYLES OF THE STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN SPORTIVE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Bu arastirma; Karamanoglu Mehmetbey Universitesi spor senlikleri icerisinde yer alan sportif rekreasyon aktivitelerine katilan ogrencilerin karar verme duzeylerini belirmek amaciyla yapilmistir. Arastirma modeli olarak nicel arastirma yontemlerinden betimsel yontem benimsenmistir. Arastirma grubunu sportif rekreasyon aktivitelerine katilan 258 ogrenci olusturmaktadir. Mann ve arkadaslari tarafindan gelistirilen 2004 yilinda Deniz tarafindan Turkceye uyarlanan “Melbourne Karar Verme Olcegi” ve beden egitimi ogretmenlerinin kisisel ozelliklerini belirlemek icin arastirmaci tarafindan gelistirilen “Kisisel Bilgi Formu” kullanilmistir. Olcumlerin, normal dagilima uygun olup olamadigini belirlemek icin tek orneklem Kolmogorov Smirnov Testi uygulanmistir. Olcumler normal dagilim gostermedigi icin verilerin cozum ve yorumlanmasinda non-parametrik testlerden Kruskal-Wallis Testi ve Mann Whitney U testleri kullanilarak anlamlilik P<0,05 alinmistir. Verilerin degerlendirilmesinde ve hesaplanmis degerlerin bulunmasinda SPSS 21 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) paket programi kullanilmistir. Arastirmaya katilan ogrencilerin karar vermede oz saygi puan ortalamasi (Ort.=5.23) orta seviyenin altinda oldugu, karar verme stilleri alt boyutlarindan dikkatli karar verme puan ortalamasinin (Ort.=5.01) dusuk seviyede oldugu, kacingan karar verme puan ortalamasinin (Ort.=5.65) orta seviyeye yakin oranda oldugu, erteleyici karar verme puan ortalamasinin (Ort.=4.58) orta seviyenin altinda ve panik karar verme puan ortalamasinin (Ort.=4.17) yine orta seviyenin altinda oldugu soylenebilir. Kisisel ozelliklere gore ise karar vermede ozsaygi ve karar verme stilleri acisindan sporcularin yas, sinif, baba meslegi, baba ogrenim durumu, aktif spor yapma ve spor turu degiskenlerine gore anlamli bir farklilik bulunurken, yasadigi yer, anne is durumu, anne ogrenim durumu, bos zaman yeterli mi? ve bos zamanlariniz nasil degerlendirirsiniz? degiskenlerine gore ise anlamli bir fark bulunamamistir.
Identification and characterisation of inner membrane components of TolC-dependent secretion mechanisms in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803

Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is one of the most widely studied cyanobacteria, presenting minimal growth requirements, a relatively simple genetic background and a fairly complete toolbox for genetic manipulation. This unicellular cyanobacterium has a multi-layered cell envelope consisting of an inner membrane (IM), a peptidoglycan layer, and an outer membrane, which defines the cell boundaries and controls the entry and exit of numerous compounds. Consequently, Synechocystis has evolved multiprotein complexes capable of crossing this physical barrier. Multiprotein transport systems have been thoroughly studied in proteobacteria. However, knowledge about these assemblies in cyanobacteria remains scarce, even regarding the identity of the molecular components of IM translocase complexes. In the present work, a bioinformatics analysis was carried out aiming at identifying IM translocase partners of TolC-dependent export mechanisms. The 11 candidate genes identified were inactivated by double homologousrecombination, and their function was studied by phenotypic analysis. To investigate the role of the proteins encoded by the candidate genes in multidrug efflux mechanisms, Synechocystis mutants were exposed to compounds with antimicrobial activity – chloramphenicol, sodium dodecyl sulphate and Triton X-100. Moreover, the efflux activity of the wild-type and mutant strains was also evaluated upon exposure to the fluorophore ethidium bromide. Finally, the involvement of the candidate proteins in protein secretion was studied by analysing the extracellular protein content present in the growth media, which was further complemented by observing negatively stained cells by transmission electron microscopy. The combination of computational screening with the experimental work described, provided sufficient evidence to identify components involved in multidrug efflux and protein secretion. Remarkably, the results obtained suggest the participation of five proteins in a TolC-dependent protein secretion system, which had not yet been reported in any other Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, knockout mutants lacking functional subunits of TolC-dependent multidrug efflux pumps showed significant modifications in the post-translational processing of pilins. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such IM translocase complexes are implicated with pili maturation and structure. In conclusion, this work represents the first approach to the study of TolC-dependent export mechanisms in Synechocystis, and highlights the intricate mechanisms of function overlap between IM components, and a TolC-independent functional role among them.
Taxonomy and biodiversity of the genus Oscillatoria Vauch. ex Gom. (Cyanoprokaryota: Oscillatoriales) with ecological notes from Hooghly in West Bengal, India

Research articles in the reference list regarding investigation or exploration of Oscillatoriales exhibited that taxonomic study of freshwater blue-green algae has been a subject of interest of research workers and professional scientists for more than one century in India. Oscillatoria Vauch. ex Gom. (Cyanoprokaryota: Oscillatoriales) is a dominant and ubiquitous blue-green alga in Hooghly District of West Bengal, India. Its thallus is consists of unsheathed trichome and contains more than 20 cells in a trichome. The recent study was dealt with the taxonomic enumeration of five species of the genus (O. princeps, O. curviceps, O. sancta, O. limosa, and O. jenensis) which were collected from different freshwater aquatic ecosystems of this district and they were described with ecological data, geographical distributions and colored microphotographs. Here, the relationships between the water chemistry and their occurrences had been also discussed. The analysis of important physico-chemical properties of water revealed that species of Oscillatoria prefer to grow in those water bodies prevailing alkaline pH, sufficient to meet the essential nutrients and contain hard and polluted water.
Spatial dynamics: a new “milk corridor” in Paraná state, Brazil

Brazil is the fourth largest milk producer in the world, and Parana state is the third largest producer in the country. Milk production plays an important socioeconomic role in Parana state, and since the 1990s, institutional and market changes have influenced Parana’s milk production. Given this context, this study searches to analyze the spatial dynamics of dairy activity in Parana state. Specifically, it seeks to identify areas of greater expansion and contraction in dairy activities, and discuss possible structural and socioeconomic consequences in those regions. Data concerning productive and economic variables of the 399 municipalities in Parana state were used to generate an indicator of dairy activity through Common Factor Analysis. Cluster analysis allowed the formation of groups, according to municipalities’ importance in Parana’s dairy activity. We conclude that since the 1990s, there has been displacement of dairy activity from the northern regions and toward the south. Dairy activity has started to occupy areas otherwise considered "agriculturally empty" and socioeconomically vulnerable. Those areas, along with traditional production regions, comprise a new "milk corridor" in Parana. This may generate a set of socioeconomic benefits in the region. Important structural changes may occur along the dairy chain, and both public and private policies should be set to assure dairy chain competitiveness in Parana state.
The effect of zeolite, selenium and silicon on qualitative and quantitative traits of onion grown under salinity conditions

ABSTRACT Considering the importance of onion and its cultivation in saline soils, a two-year experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of soil applied zeolite and foliar application of selenium (Se) and silicon (Si) on onion yield, qualitative traits and physiological attributes, under salinity stress. An experiment was performed at three-way factorial design with three replications as follows: zeolite at three levels (0, 4 and 8 ton ha-1), Se at three levels (0, 0.5 and 1 kg ha-1) and Si at three levels (0, 200 and 400 kg ha-1). The results indicated that the effect of year was significant on all studied traits except for soluble solids, bulb nitrogen, leaf sodium and potassium, chlorophyll content and peroxidase activity. Number of small-sized bulbs decreased with increasing zeolite, Se and Si application. Dry matter, soluble solids, nitrogen content, nitrate concentration as well as protein content significantly increased due to zeolite, Se and Si application. Leaf sodium content and enzyme activity decreased due to zeolite, Se and Si application. Overall, 8 ton ha-1 zeolite along with 1 kg ha-1 Se and 400 kg ha-1 Si caused the maximum onion yield and qualitative and physiologic traits including soluble solids, potassium, protein, chlorophyll and photosynthesis .