Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Partial purification and cytotoxic activity of L-asparaginase from Streptomyces acrimycini NGP

Partial purification and cytotoxic activity of L-asparaginase from the marine actinomycete Streptomyces acrimycini NGP (Accession no: JX843532) were carried out. The optimum incubation period, pH, temperature and agitation speed for enzyme production were seventh day (3.97 U/ml), 7.5 (3.06 U/ml), 30oC (3.96 U/ml) and 110 rpm (2.26 U/ml) respectively. Sucrose (2.0 g/l) and potassium nitrate (0.6 g/l) proved to the best carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. The partially purified L-asparaginase showed a specific activity of 130 U/mg protein, 12.05 fold pure and yielded 6.03 per cent of protein. The enzyme activity was maximum at the pH and temperature were 7.0 and 35oC respectively. The molecular weight of the first, second and third isoenzymes were found to be 53, 51 and 50 KDa respectively. The enzyme showed a good anti-oxidant activity against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 2, 2 - diphenyl - 1 - picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with an IC50 value of 78.8 and 63.3 µg/ml respectively. In vitro anti-cancer activity was performed using 3- (4, 5 - dimethyl - 2 - thiazolyl) - 2, 5 -diphenylteterazolium bromide (MTT) assay against Gastric stomach cancer (AGS) cell line. L-asparaginase inhibits the AGS cells with an IC50 of 49.11 µg/ml.
EVOLUTION OF ANIMAL MITOCHONDRIAL DNA: RELEVANCE FOR POPULATION BIOLOGY AND SYSTEMATICS

In the past decade, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis has become established as a powerful tool for evolutionary studies of animals. These studies, recently reviewed by Avise (8) and Wilson et al (149), have used mtDNA analyses to provide insights into population structure and gene flow, hybridization, biogeography, and phylogenetic relationships. Major advances have been made in our understanding of the molecular biology of animal mtDNA (reviewed in 7, 28). A powerful synergism exists between the two fields of research: Evolutionary studies provide comparative data on mtDNA organization and function, and molecular investigations can, and should, improve the level of sophistication of evolutionary studies that use mtDNA. Here we focus on molecular aspects of animal mtDNA that are especially relevant to its use in evolutionary studies. Thus, we consider the form and frequency of three types of change in mtDNA: base substitution, length variation, and sequence rearrangement. Attention is also given to the nature and possible consequences of interactions between nuclear and mitochondrial (mt) genes. In the concluding sections, we discuss the way in which the knowledge of molecular processes allows informed use of mtDNA variation in evolutionary studies. Only animal mtDNAs are considered. The molecular biology and evolution of chloroplast DNA and nonmetazoan mtDNAs have been reviewed elsewhere (41, 66, 111, 121, 123).
Is a "Cytokine Storm" Relevant to COVID-19?

In its most severe form, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leads to a life-threatening pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The mortality rate from COVID-19 ARDS can approach 40% to 50%. 1,2 Although the mechanisms of COVID-19–induced lung injury are still being elucidated, the term cytokine storm has become synonymous with its pathophysiology, both in scientific publications and the media. Absent convincing data of their effectiveness in COVID-19, drugs such as tocilizumab and sarilumab, which are monoclonal antibodies targeting interleukin (IL)-6 activity, are being used to treat patients; trials of these agents typically cite the cytokine storm as their rationale (NCT04306705, NCT04322773). A critical evaluation of the term cytokine storm and its relevance to COVID-19 is warranted. Cytokine storm has no definition. Broadly speaking, it denotes a hyperactive immune response characterized by the release of interferons, interleukins, tumor-necrosis factors, chemokines, and several other mediators. These mediators are part of a well-conserved innate immune response necessary for efficient clearance of infectious agents. Cytokine storm implies that the levels of released cytokines are injurious to host cells. Distinguishing an appropriate from a dysregulated inflammatory response in the pathophysiology of critical illness, however, has been a major challenge. To add further complexity, most mediators implicated in cytokine storm demonstrate pleotropic downstream effects and are frequently interdependent in their biological activity. The interactions of these mediators and the pathways they inform are neither linear nor uniform. Further, although their quantified levels may suggest severity of responses, they do not necessarily imply pathogenesis. This complex interplay illustrates the limitations of interfering in the acute inflammatory response based on single mediators and at indiscriminate time points. Whyhasthe“cytokinestorm”beensocloselyassociatedwith COVID-19? During the SARS epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-1, the termcytokinestormwasdescribedasafeatureandassociatedwith adverseoutcomes.3 SeveralearlycaseseriesinCOVID-19reported levelsofsomeplasmacytokineselevatedabovethenormalrange. In most cases, however, they are lower than plasma levels in previous cohorts of patients with ARDS. Interleukin-6, a proinflammatory cytokine, is a key mediator in the acute inflammatory response and the purported cytokine storm. The Table summarizes reported IL-6 levels in 5 cohorts of patients with COVID-19,1,2,4-6 each with more than 100 patients, and 3 cohorts of patients with ARDS.7-9 Although the median values are above the normal range in many (but not all) cases, they are lower than the median values typically reported in ARDS. The median values in random-
A systematic review of gene-by-intervention studies of alcohol and other substance use

Abstract Alcohol and other substance use problems are common, and the efficacy of current prevention and intervention programs is limited. Genetics may contribute to differential effectiveness of psychosocial prevention and intervention programs. This paper reviews gene-by-intervention (G×I) studies of alcohol and other substance use, and implications for integrating genetics into prevention science. Systematic review yielded 17 studies for inclusion. Most studies focused on youth substance prevention, alcohol was the most common outcome, and measures of genotype were heterogeneous. All studies reported at least one significant G×I interaction. We discuss these findings in the context of the history and current state of genetics, and provide recommendations for future G×I research. These include the integration of genome-wide polygenic scores into prevention studies, broad outcome measurement, recruitment of underrepresented populations, testing mediators of G×I effects, and addressing ethical implications. Integrating genetic research into prevention science, and training researchers to work fluidly across these fields, will enhance our ability to determine the best intervention for each individual across development. With growing public interest in obtaining personalized genetic information, we anticipate that the integration of genetics and prevention science will become increasingly important as we move into the era of precision medicine.
Ecological Modelling of the Distribution of the Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus feldeggii in Sicily at Two Spatial Scales

Summary. The presence of the lanner falcon Falco biarmicus feldeggi in Sicily was modelled by generalized linear models using climatic, topographic, ecological and land-use variables at both the landscape (UTM cells of 10 × 10 km) and the home range (12.56 km2) spatial scales. At the landscape scale, a significant spatial autocorrelation of the lanner population, corresponding to the longitudinal distribution of sites, was found, with the species occurring within the most xeric UTM cells. There was also a negative relationship between falcon presence and potential evapo-transpiration values, either in the coldest months or throughout the year. The same negative relationship was also seen with the surfaces of CORINE artificial areas, thus showing that the species has a low tolerance to any anthropogenic landscape. At home range scale, our predictive models revealed a preference for territories with steep slopes surrounded by natural grassland, sclerophyll vegetation, arable land and agricultural land. The lack of spatial correlation and the identification of specific preferred land use classes, suggests that the home range scale is more appropriate than the landscape scale for predicting the occurrence of lanner falcons. The maintenance of a stable lanner falcon population in Sicily should be addressed at both small and large scales.
Efficacy and safety of omalizumab in children with moderate-to-severe asthma: a meta-analysis

Abstract Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in children with moderate-to-severe asthma. Data sources We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane for randomized controlled trials (RCTs ) (inception to January 2020). Study selections All RCTs which were conducted in childhood and adolescence with asthma and compared the efficacy or safety of omalizumab were adopted. Results Three studies with four publications including 1380 pediatric patients met our criteria. For children with moderate-to-severe asthma, omalizumab decreased asthma exacerbations rate (OR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.44–0.58, p < 0.001) compared with placebo with no evidence of heterogeneity. Omalizumab reduced the rate of asthma exacerbations 0.58) with treatment period ≥30 weeks (p for heterogeneity = 0.03). Omalizumab treated patients had an excellent or good response rate of treatment effectiveness assessed by physicians (2.75, 2.45–3.09) and a bigger reduction in the dosage of inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) at the end of follow-up. For children with severe asthma, omalizumab also reduced the likelihood of asthma exacerbations and increased the odd of treatment effectiveness rated as excellent or good. Patients receiving omalizumab had a lower incidence of severe adverse events (0.36, 0.22–0.57). Conclusions These findings suggested that omalizumab had beneficial effects on moderate-to-severe asthma in children. Patients may benefit more from long-term use of omalizumab. In addition, omalizumab reduces the rate of serious adverse events requiring hospitalizations.
HIV risk, risk perception, and PrEP interest among adolescent girls and young women in Lilongwe, Malawi: operationalizing the PrEP cascade

As a user‐controlled HIV prevention method, oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) holds particular promise for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). HIV prevention cascades, critical frameworks for the design and evaluation of PrEP programmes, outline the priorities of identifying individuals at greatest HIV risk and motivating them to initiate PrEP through perceived HIV risk. To inform future iterations of these cascades and PrEP delivery for AGYW, the objective of this study was to understand the level of interest in PrEP among AGYW at highest HIV risk, and the potential role of perceived risk in motivating PrEP interest.
Secoiridoid Glycosides from Gentiana olivieri.

From the whole plants of Gentiana Olivieri, three new bitter secoiridoid glycosides, olivierosides A (1), B (2) and C (3) were isolated together with the known compounds, gentiopicroside, sweroside, 6'-O-β-D-glucosylgen-tiopicroside, swertiapunimarin, eustomoside, eustomorusside and septemfidoside, and the structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic and chemical evidence.
Within- and between-family variability for important bulb and plant traits among sexually derived progenies of garlic

Until recently, there has been no large-scale production of true seeds in garlic (A. sativum L. and A. longicuspis L.). The recent discovery of male fertile garlic accessions stimulated research on the genetics and breeding of garlic. However, there is no informa- tion regarding the phenotypic characteristics of garlic populations generated from true seeds. We evaluated the fi rst generation of sexually derived families of garlic for bulb and clove weight, number of cloves per bulb, fl ower stalk height, number of leaves, plant height, and days required to achieve bulb maturity. Signifi cant variations were observed within and among families for these important traits.
The past, present and future of ancient bacterial DNA

Groundbreaking studies conducted in the mid-1980s demonstrated the possibility of sequencing ancient DNA (aDNA), which has allowed us to answer fundamental questions about the human past. Microbiologists were thus given a powerful tool to glimpse directly into inscrutable bacterial history, hitherto inaccessible due to a poor fossil record. Initially plagued by concerns regarding contamination, the field has grown alongside technical progress, with the advent of high-throughput sequencing being a breakthrough in sequence output and authentication. Albeit burdened with challenges unique to the analysis of bacteria, a growing number of viable sources for aDNA has opened multiple avenues of microbial research. Ancient pathogens have been extracted from bones, dental pulp, mummies and historical medical specimens and have answered focal historical questions such as identifying the aetiological agent of the black death as Yersinia pestis . Furthermore, ancient human microbiomes from fossilized faeces, mummies and dental plaque have shown shifts in human commensals through the Neolithic demographic transition and industrial revolution, whereas environmental isolates stemming from permafrost samples have revealed signs of ancient antimicrobial resistance. Culminating in an ever-growing repertoire of ancient genomes, the quickly expanding body of bacterial aDNA studies has also enabled comparisons of ancient genomes to their extant counterparts, illuminating the evolutionary history of bacteria. In this review we summarize the present avenues of research and contextualize them in the past of the field whilst also pointing towards questions still to be answered.
Reply to Aron P. Kater et al.

We do wish to thank Kater et al . for their interest in our article about BIRC3 mutations in fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and for expanding the knowledge on the clinical implications of BIRC3 mutations in the context of novel
From Genes to -Omics: The Evolving Molecular Landscape of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare, aggressive soft tissue sarcomas that occur with significantly increased incidence in people with the neuro-genetic syndrome neurofibromatosis type I (NF1). These complex karyotype sarcomas are often difficult to resect completely due to the involvement of neurovascular bundles, and are relatively chemotherapy- and radiation-insensitive. The lifetime risk of developing MPNST in the NF1 population has led to great efforts to characterize the genetic changes that drive the development of these tumors and identify mutations that may be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Advancements in genetic sequencing and genomic technologies have greatly enhanced researchers’ abilities to broadly and deeply investigate aberrations in human MPNST genomes. Here, we review genetic sequencing efforts in human MPNST samples over the past three decades. Particularly for NF1-associated MPNST, these overall sequencing efforts have converged on a set of four common genetic changes that occur in most MPNST, including mutations in neurofibromin 1 (NF1), CDKN2A, TP53, and members of the polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2). However, broader genomic studies have also identified recurrent but less prevalent genetic variants in human MPNST that also contribute to the molecular landscape of MPNST and may inform further research. Future studies to further define the molecular landscape of human MPNST should focus on collaborative efforts across multiple institutions in order to maximize information gathered from large numbers of well-annotated MPNST patient samples, both in the NF1 and the sporadic MPNST populations.
Generation of inner ear hair cells by direct lineage conversion of primary somatic cells

The mechanoreceptive sensory hair cells in the inner ear are selectively vulnerable to numerous genetic and environmental insults. In mammals, hair cells lack regenerative capacity, and their death leads to permanent hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Their paucity and inaccessibility has limited the search for otoprotective and regenerative strategies. Growing hair cells in vitro would provide a route to overcome this experimental bottleneck. We report a combination of four transcription factors (Six1, Atoh1, Pou4f3, and Gfi1) that can convert mouse embryonic fibroblasts, adult tail-tip fibroblasts and postnatal supporting cells into induced hair cell-like cells (iHCs). iHCs exhibit hair cell-like morphology, transcriptomic and epigenetic profiles, electrophysiological properties, mechanosensory channel expression, and vulnerability to ototoxin in a high-content phenotypic screening system. Thus, direct reprogramming provides a platform to identify causes and treatments for hair cell loss, and may help identify future gene therapy approaches for restoring hearing.
A Study of Perinatal Outcome in Women with Preterm Labour at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Preterm labor is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity all over the world. Over the past two decades despite major preventive efforts, the incidence of preterm birth has remained constant at about 5-10% of live births. The etiology is often multifactorial and poorly understood. Neonatal complications which arise from preterm births are birth asphyxia, respiratory distress, low birth weight, infective neonatal hypoglycemia and neonatal death. With this background the present study was done to find out perinatal outcome in women presenting with preterm labour. Material and methods: The present study was a descriptive study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 100 consecutive women presented with preterm labour between 28 to <37 weeks were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. Mode of delivery and neonatal outcome were noted. Data were compiled and analyzed. Results: Majority of the women were between 20 to 35 years of age, Hindu, Literate, belonging to rural area, low socio-economic status, and had normal BMI. 60% women were primigravida. 65% women had gestational age ≥34 weeks. Mean weight of the babies in our study was 1.7 ± 0.4 Kg and mean APGAR score at 5 min was 7.02 ±1.03. 46% babies were admitted in NICU for various reasons and 12% babies had perinatal death. Most common reason for NICU admission was birth asphyxia (42%) followed by extreme prematurity (16%), septicemia (12%) and jaundice (11%). Conclusion: Appropriate and innovative preventive intervention, customized individuals need may prevent preterm births and improve neonatal outcomes.
Endo-β-mannanase activity and seed germination of thermosensitive and thermotolerant lettuce genotypes in response to seed priming

Abstract The effects of seed priming on germination and endo-β-mannanase activity at inhibitory and non-inhibitory temperatures in thermosensitive ‘Dark Green Boston’ (DGB) and in thermotolerant ‘Everglades’ (EVE) lettuce were investigated. A single-seed endo-β-mannanase assay was used to follow the enzyme activity during priming. Seeds were primed at 15°C in aerated solutions of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with constant light, then redried. Primed and non-primed seeds germinated 100% at 20°C. At 35°C, non-primed and primed EVE seeds germinated 100%, whereas non-primed seeds of DGB germinated only 4%. During priming, endo-β-mannanase activity increased between 24 and 48 h in EVE and between 24 and 72 h in DGB after the beginning of osmotic imbibition. Endo-β-mannanase activity persisted in primed seeds following seed drying, was detected before radicle protrusion and was present in the micropylar region in front of the radicle tip. Higher enzyme activity was observed in primed seeds and EVE compared with non-primed and DGB seeds. The results suggest that priming may overcome the inhibitory effect of high temperature in thermosensitive lettuce seeds due to increased endo-β-mannanase activity, possibly leading to a weakening of endosperm, thus overcoming thermodormancy.
Ecological relationship between freshwater sculpins (genus Cottus) and beach-spawning sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in Iliamna Lake, Alaska

The interaction between two sculpin species, Cottus cognatus and Cottus aleuticus, and island beach spawning sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) was examined in Iliamna Lake, Alaska. We conclude that sculpins actively move to specific spawning beaches and that the initiation of their movements precedes the start of spawning. Sculpin predation on sockeye eggs is positively dependent on sculpin size and on the state of the eggs (fresh versus water hardened), with the largest sculpins able to consume nearly 50 fresh eggs at a single feeding and 130 over a 7-day period. The number of sculpins in sockeye nests is greatest at the beginning of the spawning run, lowest in the middle, and high again at the end, with peak numbers of over 100 sculpins per nest (1 m2). We discuss the results in terms of energy flow of marine-derived nutrients into an oligotrophic system and in terms of the coevolution of sockeye spawning behavior and the predatory behavior of sculpins.
Prospective Non-randomised comparison between Open and Robot Assisted Kidney Transplantation: Analysis of mid term functional outcomes.

Introduction To compare short and mid-term outcomes of first 55 patients undergoing Robot Assisted Kidney transplant (RAKT) with patients undergoing Open Kidney Transplant (OKT) during the same period in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods Data of all ESRD patients undergoing renal transplant was prospectively maintained. All graft kidneys were harvested laparoscopically. Both RAKT and OKT were performed using standardized techniques, all RAKT were performed by single experienced robotic surgeon. Chi square test/Fisher exact test was done for categorical data and Mann Whitney U test was done for continuous data. Discrete variables were expressed in absolute numbers and percentages. For all tests, p < 0.05 was considered significant. All results were expressed in mean + standard deviation (SD) or median with range. Results Between April 2016 and September 2018, 55 patients underwent RAKT. The same was compared with 152 patients who underwent OKT. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, gender and BMI. Duration on haemodialysis was significantly higher in RAKT group, haemoglobin and donor kidney GFR were significantly better in RAKT group. Requirement of peri-operative analgesia was significantly less in RAKT group. Re-warm ischemia time was significantly longer and the fall in serum creatinine was slower in RAKT group till 3 months. The serum creatinine levels were statistically similar in the two cohorts at 3 months (p = 0.082) which was maintained at median 29 months of follow up (p = 0.067). Tacrolimus levels on post-operative day 2 were found to be significantly higher in RAKT cohort (17.98 + 14.41) vs. OKT cohort (11.38 + 6.93). Surgical site infections were rare in RAKT group. Conclusions RAKT confers advantage of decreased wound morbidity with similar functional outcomes as compared to OKT in midterm. It looks promising; however, long term follow-up of larger number of patients in needed.