Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serpins for Diagnosis and Therapy in Cancer Therapy

Serine protease inhibitors (Serpins) play an important role in regulating a wide array of diverse biological activities, representing up to 2-10% of circulating plasma proteins. The serpin suicide inhibitors regulate coagulation (thrombosis and thrombolysis), neurotrophic factors, hormone transport, complement and inflammation, angiogenesis, hormone transport, and blood pressure among many other biological reactions. Select serpins have been associated with progression or remission of selected cancers, making them valuable for therapeutic or diagnostic use. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the main regulator of thrombolysis, has the potential to either reduce or accelerate tumor growth but blockade of PAI-1 has recently been reported to reduce cancer cell migration, proliferation and survival through modulating the function of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor. Maspin is a non-inhibitory serpin, that increases cancer cell sensitivity to apoptosis and inhibits cancer cell migration thus providing a serpin that blocks tumor gorwth. Pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) has potent anti-angiogenesis activity and also promotes cancer cell apoptosis. Among other serpins, the mammalian serpin, neuroserpin, and the myxomavirus derived serpin, Serp-1 are under investigation in our lab for their potential tumor-suppressive functions. Further study on the efficacy and mechanisms of serpin mediated anti-cancer activity is warranted in order to develop new serpin-based approaches in cancer therapy.
Anti-Alzheimer Activity and Structure Activity Relationship of Some Synthesized Terpinoidal Oxaliplatin Analogs

hatemali888@hotmail.com Abstract: The terpenoidal oxaliplatin derivatives 6 and 12 were synthesized previously using 2β,3α-di- hydroxy-11-oxo-18β-olean-12-ene-30-oic acid (1) and 2α,2β-dihydroxy-18β-ursan-12-ene-28-oic acid (7) as starting materials. Also, some of the previously synthesized compounds exhibited better cytotoxicity and antioxidant activities than Oxaliplatin® and vitamin C as positive controls. Herein, these compounds were evaluated for their anti-alzheimer activities and were compared to Fluriprofen® as positive control. The detailed pharmacological screening and acute toxicity (LD
Scientific data and theories for salmonellosis dose–response assessment

ABSTRACT An “expansive” risk assessment approach is illustrated, characterizing dose–response relationships for salmonellosis in light of the full body of evidence for human and murine superorganisms. Risk assessments often require analysis of costs and benefits for supporting public health decisions. Decision-makers and the public need to understand uncertainty in such analyses for two reasons. Uncertainty analyses provide a range of possibilities within a framework of present scientific knowledge, thus helping to avoid undesirable consequences associated with the selected policies. And, it encourages the risk assessors to scrutinize all available data and models, thus helping avoid subjective or systematic errors. Without the full analysis of uncertainty, decisions could be biased by judgments based solely on default assumptions, beliefs, and statistical analyses of selected correlative data. Alternative data and theories that incorporate variability and heterogeneity for the human and murine superorganisms, particularly colonization resistance, are emerging as major influences for microbial risk assessment. Salmonellosis risk assessments are often based on conservative default models derived from selected sets of outbreak data that overestimate illness. Consequently, the full extent of uncertainty of estimates of annual number of illnesses is not incorporated in risk assessments and the presently used models may be incorrect.
Thalamocortical transmission of visual information in awake mice involves phase synchronization and spike synchrony at high gamma frequencies

Synchronization of neuronal spike activity is thought to play a key role in the transmission of information for sensory processing in the brain, and this synchronization is influenced by oscillatory population activity occurring in multiple frequency ranges at multiple stages of sensory pathways. In the neocortex, gamma frequency oscillations appear to play an important role in synchronizing neuronal ensembles and allowing for selective communication between regions, yet relatively little is known about whether gamma oscillations facilitate transmission of sensory information from thalamus to cortex. Here, we investigate the role of gamma oscillations in promoting synchronous spike activity between the visual thalamus (dLGN) and primary visual cortex (V1) in awake mice, a model sensory system with prominent gamma oscillations that are modulated by visual input. We demonstrate that transmission of visual information to cortex involves phase-synchronized oscillations in the high gamma range (50-90Hz), with concomitant millisecond-scale synchronization of thalamic and cortical spike activity. Transition from a full-field gray image to a high-contrast checkerboard image caused gamma activity to rapidly increase in amplitude, frequency, and bandwidth, yet the gamma oscillations in dLGN and V1 maintained a consistent phase relationship. High contrast stimulation also caused an increase in amplitude of oscillations in the beta and low gamma range, but those were not associated with synchronous thalamic activity. These results indicate a role for high gamma oscillations in mediating the functional connectivity between thalamic and cortical neurons in the visual pathway, a similar role to beta oscillations in primates. Significance statement: The mechanisms by which neurons selectively communicate are essential to our understanding of how the brain processes information. Abundant evidence suggests that cortical sensory processing involves the synchronization of high frequency electric field oscillations known as gamma oscillations, which allow groups of neurons to synchronize their spike activity in order to collaboratively process sensory input. Here, we show that oscillations and spikes in the visual thalamocortical pathway of the mouse exhibit synchrony across a broad high gamma frequency range (50-90Hz), suggesting these oscillations play an important role in the relay of visual information to the cortex. This is substantially different from oscillations observed in monkeys, in which gamma is absent in thalamus and beta oscillations support thalamocortical relay.
Population Genetics Between an Insular and Coastal Population of Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in Southwest Florida

Abstract Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher Tortoise) is a prominent species found in pine flatwoods, upland scrub, and coastal dunes of the southeast United States. Geoclimatic and anthropogenic sources of habitat changes have fragmented Gopher Tortoises into isolated populations that may reduce gene flow, promote inbreeding, and ultimately impact population viability. Rapid urbanization along the southwest Gulf Coast of Florida has degraded habitat, and fragmented insular and coastal populations. To assess the diversity in these vestige populations, we assessed the genetic structure of Gopher Tortoises on heavily developed Marco Island (n = 61) and the adjacent mainland within Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR) (n = 23) in Collier County, FL. Using microsatellite markers, we determined that the Marco Island tortoises are genetically distinct from the RBNERR tortoises. We identified unique alleles and reduced allelic richness in both populations, suggesting isolation has reduced gene flow. We therefore encourage careful management of the Marco Island Gopher Tortoises to maintain the uniqueness of the population while preventing further loss of diversity.
Mode of action of lymphostatin, a key virulence factor of attaching & effacing Escherichia coli

x Chapter 1: Introduction 1 1.1 Escherichia coli 1 1.2 E. coli pathotypes 2 1.3 Attaching and effacing E. coli 3 1.4 Major virulence factors in A/E E. coli 5 1.4. 1 The locus of enterocyte effacement 6 1.4. 2 The Type III secretion system 8 1.4. 3 E. coli secretion/secretion of E. coli proteins 10 1.4. 4 E. coli secreted proteins 11 1.4. 5 Non-LEE-encoded (Nle) proteins 12 1.4. 6 Intimin 13 1.4. 7 Translocated intimin receptor 13 1.5 Differences in virulence factor expression by EPEC and EHEC 14 1.5. 1 Type IV bundle-forming pili 14 1.5. 2 Shiga toxin 15 1.6 The discovery of lymphostatin 17 1.7 Homologous proteins and sequences to lymphostatin 18 1.8 Secretion of lymphostatin 19 1.9 Importance of lymphostatin as a virulence factor 21 1.10 Structural motifs of lymphostatin 23 1.11 Recent advances in understanding the mode of action of 24 lymphostatin
Torula goaensis, a new asexual ascomycetous fungus in Torulaceae

Abstract A new species of asexual ascomycete, genus Torula, is described. Torula goaensis was found growing on decaying plant litter collected from Bondla, Goa, India and differs from previously known Torula species by having two unique types of conidia. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacers and large subunit regions shows its placement in the genus Torula, which is placed in the family Torulaceae in Pleosporales.
Movements of the white shark Carcharodon carcharias in the North Atlantic Ocean

In the western North Atlantic, much of what is known about the movement ecology of the white shark Carcharodon carcharias is based on historical fisheries-dependent catch records, which portray a shelf-oriented species that moves north and south seasonally. In this study, we tagged 32 white sharks (16 females, 7 males, 9 unknown), ranging from 2.4 to 5.2 m total length, with satellitebased tags to investigate broad-scale movements in the North Atlantic. Based on 10427 days of tracking data, we found that white sharks are more broadly distributed, both horizontally and vertically, throughout the North Atlantic than previously understood, exhibiting an ontogenetic shift from near-coastal, shelf-oriented habitat to pelagic habitat with frequent excursions to mesopelagic depths. During the coastal phase, white sharks migrated seasonally from the northeast shelf in the summer to overwintering habitat off the southeastern US and the Gulf of Mexico, spending 95% of their time at <50 m depth. During the pelagic phase, subadult and adult white sharks exhibited wide-ranging movements during the fall, winter, and spring into the broader Atlantic over a 30° latitudinal range and as far east as the Azores. These sharks moved daily to depths of up to 1128 m, spending significant time at specific mesopelagic depth zones through a temperature range of 1.6 to 30.4°C. We believe these movements are associated with offshore foraging facilitated by the thermal physiology of the species. Our findings extend the known essential habitat for the white shark in the North Atlantic beyond existing protection, with implications for future conservation.
Complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic position of Chaenodraco wilsoni

Abstract Chaenodraco wilsoni, a species of Channichthyidae, inhabits in southern ocean. The total length of complete mitochondrial genome of C. wilsoni is 17,432 bp, which encoded 37 genes. Similar to most Antarctic fishes, the ND6/tRNA (glu) translocation and an additional non-coding region linked with ND6 have also occurred in C. wilsoni. The ML tree supports that C. wilsoni has closer relationship with Chionodraco species. Our research will provide more molecular biology information about C. wilsoni and deepen the understanding of Antarctic fishes.
Overwintering effects on the spring bloom dynamics of phytoplankton

The influence of winter on the selection of dominant taxa for the phytoplankton spring bloom was studied in batch culture experiments. Different natural phytoplankton assemblages from different phases of the temperate zone winter were exposed to varying periods of darkness (0, 6/7, 13 and 19 weeks) followed by a re-exposure to saturating light intensity for 14 days to experimentally simulate the onset of spring. The results showed that dark incubation has a strong effect on shaping the phytoplankton community composition. Many taxa disappeared in the absolute darkness. Dark survival ability might be an important contributing factor for the success of diatoms in spring. Different phytoplankton starting assemblages were dominated by the same bloom-forming diatoms, Skeletonema marinoi and Thalassosira spp. , after dark incubation for only 6 weeks, irrespective of the high dissimilarities between phytoplankton communities. The growth capacity of surviving phytoplankton is almost unimpaired by darkness. Similar growth rates as that before darkness could be resumed for the surviving taxa with a potential lag time of 1–7 days dependent on taxon and the duration of darkness.
Twenty-seven continental ancestry-informative SNP analysis of bone remains to resolve a forensic case

ABSTRACT We employed our previously developed 27-plex ancestry-informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel to infer the ancestral components of bone remains of a possible foreign pilot found in south-western China. For ancestry assignment of this unknown individual, we first obtained the 27-SNP genotype of the individual. Then, based on a reference database of 3081 individuals from 33 populations, we calculated the match probability and likelihood ratio using the self-developed software program Forensic Intelligence. Inferred ancestral components of this individual were calculated by structure at K = 3. A complete profile was obtained for the individual using our multiplexed SNP assay. The European population was within one order of magnitude of the highest likelihood. The major ancestral component of this individual was 97.6% European.
The detection and comparison of antimicrobial resistance pattern of vancomycin-resistant enterococci and Salmonella isolated from eggs of commercial layers and free-range chickens

The prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and Salmonella in eggs produced by free-range chickens and commercial layers was compared to establish the microbial safety of the food and to determine if management, especially feeding management and the environment, playa role in the occurrence of the two organisms. The isolates were subjected to an antibiotic sensitivity test to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern. It was observed that there was a slight difference in the occurrence of the organisms and in the pattern of antibiotic resistance of isolates from free-range chickens' eggs and those from commercial layers. Enterococcus was detected in 10% and 7.7% of eggs from commercial layers and free-range chickens respectively. Salmonella spp occurred in 7.5% and 12.8% of commercial layers and free-range chicken eggs, respectively. The study suggests that free-range eggs may not be as wholesome as often believed and that the environment plays an important role in the development of antibiotic resistance.
Macroinvertebrate richness is lower in high-elevation lakes vs nearby streams: evidence from Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

ABSTRACT Mountain ecosystems will be strongly impacted by climate change, yet little is known of extant biodiversity in high-elevation lakes, particularly in North America. In this study, we sampled the littoral zone of six alpine and subalpine lakes in Grand Teton National Park (GRTE), Wyoming, to characterise invertebrate diversity and environmental variation in these climate change-threatened ecosystems. Overall, we collected 19 aquatic invertebrate taxa, and found that each lake harboured a unique assemblage of invertebrates despite close geographic proximity in some instances (e.g. less than 5 km). The results of this study complement previous efforts focused on macroinvertebrate diversity of streams in the Teton Range, highlighting much lower diversity in montane lakes vs nearby streams. Taken together, the two studies establish an important baseline understanding of mountain freshwater biodiversity in GRTE. With rapidly changing hydrologic inputs to mountain lakes driven primarily by the recession of alpine glaciers, these results may help target aquatic invertebrates to monitor as climate change affects the region. Moreover, these data clarify habitat factors, both biotic and abiotic, that influence high-elevation lake assemblages of the Teton Range.
In vitro Evaluation of the Interaction between Amoxicillin and Hydro Ethanolic Extracts of Annickia chlorantha

The discovery of antibiotics has contributed significantly to improving the life expectancy of the global population. Nowadays, the emergence of multi resistant strains of bacteria worldwide is a major concern as it dramatically reduces the choice of effective antibiotics for prevention and treatment of a very common infection in both hospitals and our local communities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro interaction of amoxicillin and Annickia chlorantha against some Multi resistant bacteria strains. The interaction between Amoxicillin and Annickia chlorantha was studied using the Checkerboard technique. Fractional Inhibitory Concentration (FIC) indices showed that Amoxicillin/Annickia chlorantha combination was synergistic against the clinical stock of Salmonella typhi at concentrations of 5: 15 and 25 mg/mL. The extracts of the stem barks of Annickia chlorantha decreased the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of amoxicillin against Salmonella typhi by 2: 4 and 66 folds respectively. At the same concentrations the combination showed no difference against the reference stocks of Staphylococcus aureus and a dose dependent antagonism against clinical stock of Escherichia coli. The results of this study revealed that the concomitant use of Annickia chlorantha and amoxicillin may potentiate and restore the antibacterial effect of amoxicillin against resistant strains of Salmonella typhi. This implies that the intake of Annickia chlorantha in traditional medicines may affect the effectiveness of a co-administered amoxicillin, which makes this plant a good, environmentally friendly and promising candidate for the development of an improved traditional medicine.
QUANTIFICATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY IN THE LEAVES OFCITRUS MEDICA

Objective: In the present investigation, phytochemical assay and in vitro antioxidant activity of ethanol (70%), methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extract of Citrus medica leaves were carried out. Methods: The quantification of total phenolic and alkaloid contents were estimated by taking gallic acid and atropine as standard. In–vitro antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated by using different free radicals (DPPH, superoxide and free radicals). Results: Ethanol extract of leaves have more phenolic and alkaloid contents than other extracts. The selected plant extract was produced concentration dependent percentage inhibition of different free radicals and produced maximum activity at a concentration of 1000µgm/ml, and there after percentage inhibition was raised gradually to its maximum level with higher concentrations. HPLC analysis revealed the presence of Gallic acid, Catechein, Rutin, Chlorgenic acid, Queracetine and some unknown components which need to be e identified. Conclusion: Among the four extracts, ethanol extract of C. medica showed good antioxidant activity.
Direct and indirect controls on organic matter decomposition in four coastal wetland communities along a landscape salinity gradient

Coastal wetlands store more carbon than most ecosystems globally. As sea level rises, changes in flooding and salinity will potentially impact ecological functions, such as organic matter decomposition, that influence carbon storage. However, little is known about the mechanisms that control organic matter loss in coastal wetlands at the landscape scale. As sea level rises, how will the shift from fresh to salt‐tolerant plant communities impact organic matter decomposition? Do long‐term, plant‐mediated, effects of sea‐level rise differ from direct effects of elevated salinity and flooding? We identified internal and external factors that regulated indirect and direct pathways of sea‐level rise impacts, respectively, along a landscape‐scale salinity gradient that incorporated changes in wetland type (fresh, oligohaline, mesohaline and polyhaline marshes). We found that indirect and direct impacts of sea‐level rise had opposing effects on organic matter decomposition. Salinity had an indirect effect on litter decomposition that was mediated through litter quality. Despite significant variation in environmental conditions along the landscape gradient, the best predictors of above‐ and below‐ground litter decomposition were internal drivers, initial litter nitrogen content and initial litter lignin content respectively. Litter decay constants were greatest in the oligohaline marsh and declined with increasing salinity, and the fraction of litter remaining (asymptote) was greatest in the mesohaline marsh. In contrast, direct effects of salinity and flooding were positive. External drivers, salinity and flooding, stimulated cellulytic activity, which was highest in the polyhaline marsh. Synthesis. Our results indicate that as sea level rises, initial direct effects of salinity will stimulate decay of labile carbon, but over time as plant communities shift from fresh to polyhaline marsh, litter decay will decline, yielding greater potential for long‐term carbon storage. These findings highlight the importance of quantifying carbon loss at multiple temporal scales, not only in coastal wetlands but also in other ecosystems where plant‐mediated responses to climate change will have significant impacts on carbon cycling.
Influence of nutrient management on growth and nutrient use efficiency of two plant species for mineland revegetation

Rehabilitation of degraded areas by mining activities is necessary to achieve sustainable mining. For an effective revegetation, the understanding of plant growth and the nutrient requirements of native plant species, especially those with the potential to be used in the rehabilitation of mined areas such as waste piles or mine pits, is indispensable. In this study, we evaluated the growth performance, nutrient levels, and nutrient use efficiency of an endemic plant (Mimosa acutistipula var. ferrea) and ruderal shrub (Solanum crinitum) that are both found in ferriferous savannas, locally called “canga” in Carajás Mineral Province, Brazil. An experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions using samples of three different soils (oxisol, canga soil, and iron mining waste) without and with nutrient application; additionally, an omission trial was carried out in canga soils. Fertilization increased the growth of both plant species in all substrates. Macronutrient omission reduced the growth of plants stronger than micronutrient omission, indicating that the lack of N, P, and K may especially impact the rehabilitation of areas. The growth of S. crinitum was higher than M. acutistipula var. ferrea, highlighting its preponderance in mineland rehabilitation, although concerns regarding its role as a ruderal species persist. Therefore, further research is necessary for a risk assessment of the propagation of S. crinitum within mineland restoration projects.