Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular mechanism of gossypol mediating CCL2 and IL-8 attenuation in triple-negative breast cancer cells

Chronic inflammation associated with cancer is characterized by the production of different types of chemokines and cytokines. In cancer, numerous signaling pathways upregulate the expression levels of several cytokines and evolve cells to the neoplastic state. Therefore, targeting these signaling pathways through the inhibition of distinctive gene expression is a primary target for cancer therapy. The present study investigated the anticancer effects of the natural polyphenol gossypol (GOSS) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, the most aggressive breast cancer type with poor prognosis. GOSS effects were examined in two TNBC cell lines: MDA-MB-231 (MM-231) and MDA-MB-468 (MM-468), representing Caucasian Americans (CA) and African Americans (AA), respectively. The obtained IC50s revealed no significant difference between the two cell lines' response to the compound. However, the use of microarray assays for cytokine determination indicated the ability of GOSS to attenuate the expression levels of cancer-related cytokines in the two cell lines. Although GOSS did not alter CCL2 expression in MM-468 cells, it was able to cause 30% inhibition in TNF-α-stimulated MM-231 cells. Additionally, IL-8 was not altered by GOSS treatment in MM-231 cells, while its expression was inhibited by 60% in TNF-α-activated MM-468 cells. ELISA assays supported the microarray data and indicated that CCL2 expression was inhibited by 40% in MM-231 cells, and IL-8 expression was inhibited by 50% in MM-468 cells. Furthermore, in MM-231 cells, GOSS inhibited CCL2 release via the repression of IKBKE, CCL2 and MAPK1 gene expression. Additionally, in MM-468 cells, the compound downregulated the release of IL-8 through repressing IL-8, MAPK1, MAPK3, CCDC88A, STAT3 and PIK3CD gene expression. In conclusion, the data obtained in the present study indicate that the polyphenol compound GOSS may provide a valuable tool in TNBC therapy.
Immunostimulant activity of the extracts and bioactives of the fruits of Morinda citrifolia

The present investigation evaluates the immunostimulant effects of the extracts and the bioactive fractions, namely, polysaccharides, anthraquinones, and alkaloids, of the fruits of Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Rubiaceae). The extracts and the fractions were evaluated for their effect on in vitro phagocytosis of Candida albicans spores by neutrophils obtained from pooled human blood. The maximum activity was demonstrated by the hydroalcoholic extract (79.25% at 1.0 mg mL−1, p < 0.05) and the polysaccharide fraction (60.0% at 0.2 mg mL−1, p < 0.05) obtained from the fruits of the plant. The hydroalcoholic extract and the polysaccharide fraction were evaluated for their effect on serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in rats sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine I.P. The hydroalcoholic extract (910.82 pg mL−1 at 200 mg kg−1, p < 0.05) and the polysaccharide fraction (556.82 pg mL−1 at 40 mg kg−1, p < 0.05) significantly increased serum IL-6 levels in the antigenically challenged rats as compared to the vehicle control group (75.04 pg mL−1) and standard reference herbal drug, Withania somnifera (L. Dunal) (Solanaceae) (396.38 pg mL−1). The studies indicated the potential of Morinda citrifolia as an immunostimulant herbal drug.
Geographic Variation in Eucalyptus diversifolia (Myrtaceae) and the Recognition of New Subspecies E. diversifolia subsp. hesperia and E. diversifolia subsp. megacarpa

Patterns of geographic variation in morphological and chemical characters are documented in Eucalyptus diversifolia Bonpl. (soap mallee, white coastal mallee). This species is found in coastal and subcoastal Australia from southern Western Australia to Cape Nelson (western Victoria), with a number of disjunctions in the intervening region. Morphological data from adult plants collected at field localities and seedlings grown under uniform conditions were analysed using univariate and multivariate methods, including oneway ANOVA, multiple comparison tests, non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), nearest neighbour networks, and minimum spanning trees. Seedling material was tested for isozyme polymorphism, and adult leaf flavonoids were analysed using liquid chromatography. Morphological and chemical characters are also documented in E. aff. diversifolia, a closely related but unnamed taxon restricted to ironstone outcrops near Norseman (WA), and putative E. diversifolia‐ E. baxteri hybrids from Cape Nelson. Congruent patterns in data sets distinguish three groups of E. diversifolia adults and progeny: (1) those to the west of the Nullarbor disjunction; (2) South Australian populations to the east of this disjunction; and (3) those from Cape Nelson. Formal taxonomic recognition of the three forms at subspecific level is established, namely E. diversifolia subsp. diversifolia, E. diversifolia subsp. hesperia, and E. diversifolia subsp. megacarpa. Patterns of geographic affinity between populations are consistent with a hypothesis of genetic exchange between normally disjunct regional populations of E. diversifolia via coastal land-bridges exposed during periodic times of low sea level since the mid Tertiary.
Technology Acceptance in Mobile Health: Scoping Review of Definitions, Models, and Measurement

Background Designing technologies that users will be interested in, start using, and keep using has long been a challenge. In the health domain, the question of technology acceptance is even more important, as the possible intrusiveness of technologies could lead to patients refusing to even try them. Developers and researchers must address this question not only in the design and evaluation of new health care technologies but also across the different stages of the user’s journey. Although a range of definitions for these stages exists, many researchers conflate related terms, and the field would benefit from a coherent set of definitions and associated measurement approaches. Objective This review aims to explore how technology acceptance is interpreted and measured in mobile health (mHealth) literature. We seek to compare the treatment of acceptance in mHealth research with existing definitions and models, identify potential gaps, and contribute to the clarification of the process of technology acceptance. Methods We searched the PubMed database for publications indexed under the Medical Subject Headings terms “Patient Acceptance of Health Care” and “Mobile Applications. ” We included publications that (1) contained at least one of the terms “acceptability,” “acceptance,” “adoption,” “accept,” or “adopt”; and (2) defined the term. The final corpus included 68 relevant studies. Results Several interpretations are associated with technology acceptance, few consistent with existing definitions. Although the literature has influenced the interpretation of the concept, usage is not homogeneous, and models are not adapted to populations with particular needs. The prevalence of measurement by custom surveys suggests a lack of standardized measurement tools. Conclusions Definitions from the literature were published separately, which may contribute to inconsistent usage. A definition framework would bring coherence to the reporting of results, facilitating the replication and comparison of studies. We propose the Technology Acceptance Lifecycle, consolidating existing definitions, articulating the different stages of technology acceptance, and providing an explicit terminology. Our findings illustrate the need for a common definition and measurement framework and the importance of viewing technology acceptance as a staged process, with adapted measurement methods for each stage.
The genus Myrsidea Waterston (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) from bulbuls (Passeriformes: Pycnonotidae), with descriptions of 16 new species

We redescribe the only previously known species of Myrsidea from bulbuls, M. pycnonoti Eichler. Sixteen new species are described; they and their type hosts are: M. phillipsi ex Pycnonotus goiavier goiavier (Scopoli), M. gieferi ex P. goiavier suluensis Mearns, M. kulpai ex P. flavescens Blyth, M. finlaysoni ex P. finlaysoni Strickland, M. kathleenae ex P. cafer (L.), M. warwicki ex Ixos philippinus (J. R. Forster), M. mcclurei ex Microscelis amaurotis (Temminck), M. zeylanici ex P. zeylanicus (Gmelin), M. plumosi ex P. plumosus Blyth, M. eutiloti ex P. eutilotus (Jardine and Selby), M. adamsae ex P. urostictus (Salvadori), M. ochracei ex Criniger ochraceus F. Moore, M. borbonici ex Hypsipetes borbonicus (J. R. Forster), M. johnsoni ex P. atriceps (Temminck), M. palmai ex C. ochraceus, and M. claytoni ex P. eutilotus. A key is provided for the identification of these 17 species.
Diversity and Abundance of Hymenopterous Parasitoids Associated with Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Native and Exotic Host Plants in Misiones, Northeastern Argentina

ABSTRACT Some Major host species used by the tephritid fruit flies Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), including Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) Burret, Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg, Psidium guajava L. , Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. , Citrus reticulata Blanco var. Murcott, C. aurantium L. , C. paradisi Macfadyen var. Dalan Dan, and C. paradisi var. Sudashi, were sampled for fruit fly larvae between Feb and Dec 2000 in the northernmost section of the Paranaense forest, in the Province of Misiones, NE Argentina. Both A. fraterculus and C. capitata were obtained from these host plant species, with A. fraterculus accounting for 93% of all tephritid puparia identified. Ten species of larval-pupal parasitoids were recovered from A. fraterculus: Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti), D. brasiliensis (Szépligeti), Utetes anastrephae (Viereck), Opius bellus (Gahan), Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Opiinae, Braconidae), Odontosema anastrephae Borgmeier, Lopheucoila anastrephae (Rohwer), Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes) (Eucoilinae, Figitidae), Asobara anastrephae (Muessebeck) (Alyssinae, Braconidae), and Aceratoneuromyia indica (Silvestri) (Tetrastichinae, Eulophidae). All these parasitoids, with the exception of D. longicaudata and A. indica, are native to the Neotropical region. No parasitoids were recovered from C. capitata puparia. Asobara anastrephae and O. anastrephae are newly recorded in Argentina, whereas D. brasiliensis, U. anastrephae, and L. anastrephae are newly reported in Misiones. The eucoiline A. pelleranoi was the most abundant parasitoid species. Acca sellowiana and P. guajava harbored the highest parasitoid abundance and diversity.
Influence of different sowing times on mineral composition and vitamin C of some broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) cultivars

Broccoli has a significant position in Cruciferea family through the vitamin C and mineral nutrients it contains. Vitamin C and mineral content in vegetables vary depending upon different sowing times. In this study, the change of vitamin C and minerals was examined in 3 different sowing times “July the 1st (ST1), August the 1st (ST2) and September the 1st (ST3)” for 4 broccoli cultivars “CV1 (cv Shogun F1), CV2 (cv Pirate F1), CV3 (cv Marathon F1) and CV4 (cv Sultan F1)”. The vitamin C content ranged in between 52.6 g 100 g – 1 and 32.4 g 100 g – 1 for broccoli cultivars grown in different sowing times. CV3 (cv Marathon F1) had the highest vitamin C content and the late season (ST3) had higher vitamin C content than the early seasons (ST1, ST2). It was observed that different sowing times for broccoli cultivars did not affect P, Mn, Cu, and Zn contents significantly, however, the heads of the broccoli cultivars had been affected significantly for different sowing times in N, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe. In broccoli heads, N mineral content varied between 4.01 to 2.60% and attained its highest values in sowing times of ST2 (August) and ST3(September). K content in broccoli heads was highest in ST3 (September) sowing time and varied from 3.96 and 2.21%. Ca content was highest in ST1 (July) and value varied from 1.58 to 0.80%. The highest Mg content was for ST3 (September) sowing time and its value altered from 0.18 to 0.46%. Fe content was highest in ST1 (July) sowing time and its content varied between 100.23 and 96.14 ppm. Key words: Broccoli, different sowing times, mineral composition, vitamin C.
Control of Feral Cats for Nature Conservation. I. Field Tests of Four Baiting Methods

Four methods of baiting were evaluated on a radio-collared population of feral cats on Heirisson Prong, Shark Bay, Western Australia. Dried-meat baits, baiting rabbits to kill cats through secondary poisoning, a fishmeal-based bait and a bait coated in the flavour enhancer Digest were tested. All proved to be ineffective for controlling feral cats. Future research should explore baits more ‘natural’ in appearance and the effect of visual lures, and possibly bait over a larger area to increase the number of cats exposed to baits.
Effect of Andrographolide and Ethanol Extract of Andrographis paniculata on Liver Glycolytic, Gluconeogenic, and Lipogenic Enzymes in a Type 2 Diabetic Rat Model

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) (AP), containing the major active principle, andrographolide,(AG) has been used ethnomedically in the treatment of diabetes and hypertension in Malaysia and India. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced by administering nicotinamide (NA) 180 mg/kg i.p., followed by streptozotocin (STZ) 45 mg/kg i.p., 15 min later and allowed for 15 days to develop. Diabetic rats treated with active principle andrographolide 10 mg/kg and ethanol extract of Andrographis paniculata at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o, for 21 days, caused a significant reduction in fasting serum glucose levels on all days analysed (P < 0.01). Treatment with andrographolide and extract showed an increase in glucokinase (GK; P < 0.05), hexokinase (HK; P < 0.05), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; P < 0.05) enzyme levels respectively. Significant reductions were observed in serum cholesterol (P < 0.05), triglycerides (P < 0.05), free fatty acids (P < 0.05), and liver glucose 6-phosphatase (G6P’Tase; P < 0.05) enzyme levels on treatment with andrographolide and extract. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH; P < 0.05) level also showed a significant increase on treatment with andrographolide and extract. Liver antioxidant status (P < 0.05) also improved significantly on treatment with andrographolide and extract. However, no significant increase in serum insulin was found on treatment with either andrographolide or extract, suggesting an effective extra pancreatic mechanism. Thus, the present study demonstrates that andrographolide at 10 mg/kg, and ethanol extract of Andrographis paniculata at 500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o. , on treatment for 21 days, exhibited antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activities in an adult streptozotocin-nicotinamide type 2 diabetes mellitus model. The results support the traditional use of Andrographis paniculata in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and its associated plethora of complications.
Reduced dispersal and opportunistic territory acquisition in male lions ( Panthera leo )

Life-history patterns in lions Panthera leo living in savanna woodlands of the Kruger National Park, South Africa, were investigated and compared with those of the Tanzanian ‘plains-like’ ecosystems (e.g. Serengeti Plains and Ngorongoro Crater). First, lower levels of mortality in the juvenile age classes were found in Kruger lions, which in turn, extend the inter-birth period. A further difference was a prolonged period of association of sub-adult males with their natal pride, either directly or in a land tenure system that has not been described previously. Most (80%) of young male coalitions rather than becoming nomadic, remained close to their natal territory after leaving the pride, either as non-territorial sub-adults or adults and even as territorial adults. Only 20% of coalitions did not stay close to their natal range, one of which acquired a territory 20 km away from its natal pride. The pattern of territory acquisition, in fact, was one in which the majority of holders acquired territories close to their natal ranges. These behaviour patterns contrast markedly with those from ‘plains-like’ ecosystems where dispersing males usually move far away from their natal pride's range (>200) km and often remain nomadic for extended periods of time. Dense bush and access to sufficient prey resources in the form of resident buffalo Syncerus caffer herds may be important factors allowing extended residence near the natal pride's territory. Buffalo were more available in our study area habitat than in neighbouring habitats, and comprised the majority of male lion kills. Extended male residence contrasts markedly with current theory on dispersal in polygynous mammals, which holds that only one sex (females for lions) gain an advantage by staying close to the territory of their natal pride. In Kruger it seems that both sexes gain an advantage by not dispersing far, and use currently undocumented mechanisms to avoid inbreeding.
Anthurium andraeanum Plantlets Produced from Callus Tissues Cultivated in vitro

During the last 3 years a method has been developed to reproduce Anthurium andraeanum Lind. through callus cultures. The procedural sequence is as follows: callus induction on excised leaf fragments, callus subculture on solid and in liquid media, adventitious sprout formation in callus on solid media, and rooting of excised sprouts. Recently 20 adult genotypes were propagated by this method.
Composition and seasonal flux of the soil seed bank of species‐rich Themeda triandra grasslands in relation to burning history

Most species-rich grasslands dominated by Themeda triandra in southeastern Australia have been ungrazed and frequently burnt for decades. The seedling emergence technique was used to determine the size and taxonomic composition of the soil seed bank of five grasslands that had different fire histories (i.e. burnt at 1 yr, 3 yr and > 10 yr intervals) and this was compared to the standing vegetation at each site. A nested sampling design (subplot, plot, site) was used to determine the effect of spatial scale on the patterns observed in both the vegetation and the seed bank. Temporal variation in the seed bank was assessed by repeated soil sampling over a two year period. 61 native and 30 exotic species were recorded in the vegetation. Richness varied more between sites than within sites. Sites were therefore internally homogeneous for species richness. However, no correlation between burning frequency and richness was found. DCA ordination separated the sites into distinct groups, but sites with similar fire history did not necessarily group closely. 60 taxa germinated from the soil seed bank, comprising 32 native and 28 exotic species; 11 species, mostly therophytes, were restricted to the seed bank. The richness of the seed bank was significantly lower than the vegetation at all spatial scales. No correlation between seed bank richness and fire history was found. The seed bank of species-rich grasslands is dominated by a limited number of widespread, highly clumped, annual, native and exotic monocots. Most native hemicryptophytes, and perennials in general, were represented in the soil by a transient seed bank. Only 12 % of study species, all therophytes, were considered to form large, persistent seed banks, the size of which was greater in unburnt grasslands at all times of the year. The distinct floristic patterns observed in the vegetation are less clearly represented in the seed bank. The seed bank represents a floristically distinct (and less variable) component of the vegetation when compared to the standing flora. The size of the long-term soil seed bank suggests that it has little functional importance for many native species and probably contributes little to seedling regeneration processes following disturbance. Altering established fire regimes is likely to only change the composition and small-scale richness of the existing site vegetation and will not re-integrate species previously lost from the vegetation due to past management. It is suggested that the maintenance of vegetation remnants and processes that encompass a range of long-term burning histories will be necessary if the flora is to be conserved in situ. Restoration of degraded grasslands cannot rely on the soil seed bank but rather, will be dependent on the reintroduction of propagules.
A novel systems biology framework to contextualize metabolic processes using elementary flux modes and gene expression data.

Motivation:The reconstruction of metabolic networks at the genome scale has allowed the analysis of metabolic pathways at an unprecedented level of complexity. Elementary ux modes (EFMs) are an appropriate concept for such analysis. However, their number grows in a combinatorial fashion as the size of the metabolic network increases, which renders the application of EFMs approach to large metabolic networks di cult. Novel methods are expected to deal with such complexity. Results:Results: In this article, we present a novel optimization-based method for determining a minimal generating set of EFMs, i.e. a convex basis.We show that a subset of elements of this convex basis can be e ectively computed even in large metabolic networks. Our method was applied to examine the structure of pathways producing lysine in Escherichia coli. We obtained a more varied and informative set of pathways in comparison with existing methods. In addition, an alternative pathway to produce lysine was identi ed using a detour via propionyl-CoA, which shows the predictive power of our novel approach.
Determination of levels of Striga germination Stimulants for maize gene bank accessions and elite inbred lines

Parasitism by Striga hermonthica (Del) Benth is a severe constraint in maize production in sub-Saharan Africa. Varying levels of tolerance to Striga attack have been identified and exploited in breeding programs of several crops. However, the level and stability of the tolerance is generally unacceptable in field-practice. Only limited exploration has been undertaken among the farmers’ landraces to find the presence of viable sources of resistance to Striga. The objective of this study was to examine and document the presence of the Striga germination stimulants from a collection of some 420 maize landraces, populations and elite inbred lines. The genotypes were variously sourced from International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI). The ability to effect germination as a measure of the amount of germination stimulant produced was used to assess the materials, using the standard procedures. Data were recorded on Striga germination by counting Striga seeds with protruding radicle. Highly significant (P=0.001) differences were observed among the germplasm screened. Several landraces were found to stimulate low levels of Striga germination compared to the commercial checks. Landraces CRIC 51, CUBA T-31, BRAZ 1758, BRAZ 1279 and VERA 217 exhibited the lowest Striga germination, an indication of high level of resistance to Striga. The inbred lines were found to have a higher Striga germination percent compared to the landraces, a likelihood of a higher concentration of strigol, the stimulant causing chemical. CIMMYT lines CML 202 IR, CML 445 IR and CML 204 IR induced the least amount of Striga seeds to germinate. Higher levels of germination of Striga seeds were found in the IITA lines which are known to be