Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Développement d'outils analytiques basés sur la spectrométrie de masse pour le suivi d'interactions enzyme-ligand dans le domaine de la santé

Les enzymes et leur diversite d’actions sont appreciees dans des domaines d’applications varies allant del’agroalimentaire a la therapeutique. Ainsi, une attention toute particuliere est portee a leur etude afin d’ameliorer uneaction (contre le vieillissement de la peau, antivirale, anticancereuse…) ou un procede de synthese. Ce projet derecherche s’inscrit dans une demarche de developpement d’outils analytiques bases sur la spectrometrie de masse,permettant le suivi rapide et sensible d’interactions enzyme-ligand.Dans une premiere etude, l’approche TLC couplee a une detection par UV a ete evaluee pour la determinationde constantes enzymatiques de l’enzyme invertase. Cette approche couplee a un MALDI/TOF MS a permis d’identifierdes substrats specifiques de l’invertase au sein d’extraits de plantes. Pour preuve de concept, l’interactioncellobiohydrolase II–ligand est presentee dans le cadre de l’identification d’inhibiteur par TLC-MALDI/TOF et TLCENALDIMS.En seconde etude, nos travaux ont porte sur la caracterisation directe de differentes enzymes kinases, puis auxsuivis des reactions de phosphorylation de nucleosides /tides endogenes. Ces etudes, basees sur des approches « offline» (Flow Injection Analysis, FIA) et « on-line » (Frontal Affinity Chromatography, FAC) couplees a unspectrometre de masse haute resolution, ont ete realisees au moyen de ces kinases libres et immobilisees. Dans le cadrede la recherche de nouveaux candidats medicamenteux antiviraux, le suivi d’une phosphorylation specifique desmolecules de synthese, au regard de souches humaine ou virale de kinase, a egalement ete evalue par ces deuxmethodologies.
A Rapid and Inexpensive Method of DNA Extraction from Palmyra Palm (Borassus flabellifer)

Aims: The study aims to highlight the simple optimisation, inexpensive and rapid procedure for DNA isolation from tough leaves (Palmyra palm) without compromising the yield and purity of DNA. Study Design: Leaf of palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer) was used to conduct the experiment followed by laboratory analysis, DNA extraction and PCR amplification. Results and Discussion: The results showed that different buffers examined for the extraction of DNA provided significantly different levels of yield and purity. DNA isolated by lysis buffers C showed satisfactory amplifications in PCR. The fingerprint we obtained by using the DNA extracted by these buffers provided higher resolution than those using buffers. Conclusion: This study suggests that grinding of Palmyra palm leaves with sterile sand or cover slips and inclusion of SDS, Tween 20, and NaCl (1.4 M) in the lysis buffer without the costly use of liquid nitrogen, PVP and β mercaptoethanol, provides a DNA yield of sufficient purity, suitable for PCR amplification and subsequent use.
The Exploration of Adjustment during the Retirement Transition from Collegiate Athletics: A Qualitative Study

The challenges that face student-athletes when they retire from formal sport participation coincides with their loss of their athletic identity (how much they identify with their athlete role), often geographic upheaval, uncertainty of the future regarding alternate roles, and change in social support systems, which make this period more difficult to adjust to. This study explored the experiences of the retirement transition of graduating student-athletes. The current study aims to examine this unique experience through qualitative investigation into the collective experiences of student-athletes to identify overarching relevant themes common throughout this experience. The participants were 13 student-athletes who graduated in the Spring Semester of 2017 (May- June 2017), played their sport at a National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Institution at the Varsity level, and were not continuing to play their sport at the elite level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants between five and eight months post-graduation. Thematic analysis was used to categorize participants’ responses and allow for an in-depth investigation of different factors affecting personal adjustment throughout this period. The five overarching themes identified were: the need for social connection, the impact of a goal-oriented mindset, preparedness for the transition, translatable skills from being a student-athlete, and the perspective of their own identity and purpose. The ability to shift perspective to retrospectively appreciate the student-athlete experience, while incorporating it as one part of their overall life journey, is discussed as a protective factor for positive transition outcomes. As the large majority of collegiate athletes do not continue to play their sport professionally, this population is in high need of continued guidance. The present work can inform interventions to aid student-athletes in this difficult transitional period. Mentorship from previously graduated student-athletes, coaches, or administrative programs are suggested as a tangible positive intervention strategy based off of the results.
Effects of trivalent and hexavalent dietary chromium on blood biochemical profile in Japanese quails

Trivalent chromium is an essential trace element for humans and animals and it is the final product of hexavalent chromium reduction in the cell. It is an integral part of the glucose-tolerance factor, which increases the systemic impact of insulin. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of trivalent and hexavalent chromium on selected biochemical parameters in Japanese quails. Birds were divided into three groups: group I (control group, n=12), group II (treated with trivalent chromium, n=12) and group III (treated with hexavalent chromium, n=12). During 20 days of follow-up, control and experimental groups of quails had identical diet; chromium was added daily into the food (5 mg/kg) and water (5 mg/L) of the experimental groups. Glucose concentrations were the highest in Group III, while lowest glucose concentrations were obtained in Group I. There were higher differencies regarding blood biochemical parameters between control group and quails treated with Cr(VI). Our results showed that hexavalent chromium had negative effects on biochemical parameters in quails, while treatment with Cr(III) showed minor fluctuations in concentrations or activities of blood biochemical parameters.
Frogspawn‐Coral‐Like Hollow Sodium Sulfide Nanostructured Cathode for High‐Rate Performance Sodium–Sulfur Batteries

Room‐temperature (RT) sodium–sulfur (Na–S) batteries are attractive cost‐effective platforms as the next‐generation energy storage systems by using all earth‐abundant resources as electrode materials. However, the slow kinetics of Na–S chemistry makes it hard to achieve high‐rate performance. Herein, a facile and scalable approach has been developed to synthesize hollow sodium sulfide (Na2S) nanospheres embedded in a highly hierarchical and spongy conductive carbon matrix, forming an intriguing architecture similar to the morphology of frogspawn coral, which has shown great potential as a cathode for high‐rate performance RT Na–S batteries. The shortened Na‐ion diffusion pathway benefits from the hollow structures together with the fast electron transfer from the carbon matrix contributes to high electrochemical reactivity, leading to superior electrochemical performance at various current rates. At high current densities of 1.4 and 2.1 A g−1, high initial discharge capacities of 980 and 790 mAh g−1sulfur can be achieved, respectively, with reversible capacities stabilized at 600 and 400 mAh g−1sulfur after 100 cycles. As a proof of concept, a Na‐metal‐free Na–S battery is demonstrated by pairing the hollow Na2S cathode with tin‐based anode. This work provides guidance on rational materials design towards the success of RT high‐rate Na–S batteries.
More Ulam for Your Brain: A Review on the Potential Role of Ulam in Protecting Against Cognitive Decline

Ulam is the South East Asian traditional vegetables which contains high total phenolic content and exhibits antioxidant activity. Several studies have reported the potential of neuroprotective effect of ulam. The objective of this review article was to highlight the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of ulam and the roles of phenolic content that can contribute to attenuation of cognitive decline. The review includes randomized controlled trial and experimental studies from year 2007 to 2017. In this review, PRISMA method was used to report the results (n=15). Phenolic compounds, ie plants’ second metabolites of selected ulam in South East Asia were also discussed in this review, with respect to its potential for health promotion which and reducing the risk of cognitive disease. Oenanthe javanica (selom), Ocimum basilicum (daun selasih) and Anacardium occidentale L. (pucuk gajus) were ranked in the top three highest TPC among all the selected ulam. In general, Polygonum minus (kesum), Anacardium occidentale L. (pucuk gajus) and Cosmos caudatus (ulam raja) exhibited high DPPH radical scavenging activity whereas Anacardium occidentale L. (pucuk gajus) exhibited highest ferric ion reducing potential (FRAP) among all the selected ulam in South East Asia countries. Overall, some studies had shown Centella asiatica (pegaga), Oenanthe javanica (selom), Polygonum minus (kesum), Ocimum basilicum (daun selasih) and Murraya koenigii (daun kari) are beneficial in improving cognitive status and mood. The bioactive compounds in ulam may exhibit neuroprotective effects but human studies are still lacking in exploring the relationship between ulam consumption and cognitive status.
PENAMBAHAN DAGING IKAN GABUS (Ophicepallus strianus BLKR) DAN APLIKASI PEMBEKUAN PADA PEMBUATAN PEMPEK GLUTEN

The objectives of this research were to study the effects of freezing period of gluten and levels of gabus fillet fish addition on the characteristics of gluten pempek. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Agricultural Product Chemistry, Department of Agricultural Technology, University of Sriwijaya, from July to October 2005. This research used completely randomized factorial design with two treatments and three replications. The treatments were freezing period (0, 6, and 12 hours) and levels of gabus fillet fish addition (0, 5, 10, and 15%). The observed parameters were content of water, ash, protein, carbohydrate and fat. The results showed that freezing time affected significantly on water content but not to the other parameters. Fillet fish addition level had significant effect on ash and fat, but had no significant effect on other parameters. The best treatment was gluten pempek using freezing time of 12 hours and 15% of fish addition level.
Preparation, characterization and optimization of cross-linked fructosyltransferase aggregates for the production of prebiotic fructooligosaccharides

In this study, the preparation, characterization, and evaluation of the cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEAs) of fructosyltransferase isolated from the mutant-type Aureobasidium pullulans NAC8 for the production of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) with prebiotic properties were investigated. The reaction conditions were optimized statistically by using response surface methodology. CLEAs were characterized by using both photo-microscopy and scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The secondary structure of the protein was predicted by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FOSs produced as a result of the biotransformation of sucrose was quantified by using a chemometric analysis of FTIR spectral data. The prepared FOSs were investigated for the prebiotic effects under anaerobic conditions using a standard strain of Lactobacillus sp. Following were the statistically determined, optimum conditions for the production of FOSs: 5% (v/v) glutaraldehyde, pH 5.5, and a temperature of 32EC. The values of R , F value, adjusted precision, and coefficient of variation were found to be 0.94, 11.50, 9.34, and 35.34%, respectively. Validation of the model resulted in the reusability of the CLEAs in six reaction cycles as it retained 70% of the residual activity. The SEM-EDX and photomicrographic analysis showed that the sizes of CLEAs varied, which ranged between 10 and 40 μm. Aggregation leads to the formation of a higher number of beta sheets in the CLEAs than that in the free enzyme. The total FOSs produced by the CLEAs was around 57% (w/v). A. pullulans FOS supplemented to the medium had a stimulatory effect on the growth of bi dobacteria compared with the control medium. The growth curves of Lactobacillus sp. reached the plateau phase after 24 h of cultivation with FOS. The CLEA of fructosyltransferase catalyzed the biocatalysis of sucrose to FOSs, a process with a biotechnological importance as prebiotics.
A Middle-Aged Enzyme Still in Its Prime: Recent Advances in the Field of Cutinases

Cutinases are α/β hydrolases, and their role in nature is the degradation of cutin. Such enzymes are usually produced by phytopathogenic microorganisms in order to penetrate their hosts. The first focused studies on cutinases started around 50 years ago. Since then, numerous cutinases have been isolated and characterized, aiming at the elucidation of their structure–function relations. Our deeper understanding of cutinases determines the applications by which they could be utilized; from food processing and detergents, to ester synthesis and polymerizations. However, cutinases are mainly efficient in the degradation of polyesters, a natural function. Therefore, these enzymes have been successfully applied for the biodegradation of plastics, as well as for the delicate superficial hydrolysis of polymeric materials prior to their functionalization. Even though research on this family of enzymes essentially began five decades ago, they are still involved in many reports; novel enzymes are being discovered, and new fields of applications arise, leading to numerous related publications per year. Perhaps the future of cutinases lies in their evolved descendants, such as polyesterases, and particularly PETases. The present article reviews the biochemical and structural characteristics of cutinases and cutinase-like hydrolases, and their applications in the field of bioremediation and biocatalysis.
The Beneficial Effect Of Trifolium Flower Extracts On Paracetamol- Intoxicated Male Rats

Acetaminophen known as paracetamol (P) overdose can cause severe hepatotoxicity and even liver failure and hepatic centrilobular necrosis in experimental animals and humans. Material and methods: The male rats (n=36) were allocated into 6 groups (each group n=6 rats). Group I was kept as control. All animals in groups II-VI were given paracetamol at 2 g /kg bw by gastric gavage on days 3 post Trifolium alixanderanum(T alixanderanum) flower extracts (TEs) or N-acetylcystiene (NAC) treatments. Group III, IV and V were treated for three days by hexane extract (THE + P), ethanol extract (TEE + P) and water extract (TWE + P). Group VI received 100 mg/kg bw of antidote N-acetylcystiene (NAC + P). Results: Paracetamol induced a significant rise in Liver weight and hepatosomatic index, serum aspartate amino transferase (ASAT), alanine amino transferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (T bili), liver lipid peroxides (MDA+ 4-HDNE) with a reduction of liver glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSHpx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes activities. The plant extracts showed a remarkable hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity as judged from the serum marker enzymes and antioxidant levels in liver tissues. Conclusion: The present investigation indicated that paracetamol damaged liver cells and TEs prevented this damage when compared with control group.Trifolium flower hexane extract was the most effective superior to TEE, TWE and NAC.
A Concentrated Ternary‐Salts Electrolyte for High Reversible Li Metal Battery with Slight Excess Li

Li metal can potentially deliver much higher specific capacity than commercially used anodes. Nevertheless, because of its poor reversibility, abundant excess Li (usually more than three times) is required in Li metal batteries, leading to higher costs and decreased energy density. Here, a concentrated lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI)–lithium nitrate (LiNO3)–lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) ternary‐salts electrolyte is introduced to realize a high stable Li metal full‐cell with only a slight excess of Li. LiNO3 and LiFSI contribute to the formation of stable Li2O–LiF‐rich solid electrolyte interface layers, and LiTFSI helps to stabilize the electrolyte under high concentration. Li metal in the electrolyte remains stable over 450 cycles and the average Coulombic efficiency reaches 99.1%. Moreover, with 0.5 × excess Li metal, the Coulombic efficiency of Li metal in the LiTFSI–LiNO3–LiFSI reaches 99.4%. The electrolyte also presents high stability to the LiFePO4 cathode, the capacity retention after 500 cycles is 92.0% and the Coulombic efficiency is 99.8%. A Li metal full‐cell with only 0.44 × excess Li is also assembled, it remains stable over 70 cycles and 83% of the initial capacity is maintained after 100 cycles.
Soil tillage and cover crop on soil CO2 emissions from sugarcane fields

Soil tillage is an agricultural practice that directly affects the global carbon cycle. Our study sought to assess the implications of adopting sunn hemp cover crops with different tillage practices on CO2 emissions for two soil types (clayey and sandy soil) cultivated with sugarcane in Brazil. The experimental design was a split‐plot with randomized blocks, with the main plots being with cover crop or fallow and sub‐plots being under conventional or minimum tillage. Our results indicate that during the first 50 days after soil tillage, the variation in soil CO2 emissions was stimulated by cover crop and soil tillage, while after that, it became dominated by the root respiration of sugarcane plants. We also found that over the first 97 days after the tillage, the clayey soil showed differences between minimum tillage with cover crop and fallow. Conversely, for sandy soil over the first 50 days following, there were differences between the tillage systems under cover cropping. Emissions from sugarcane rows were found to be greater than those from inter‐row positions. We concluded that soils under different textural classes had distinct patterns in terms of soil CO2 emissions. The correct quantification of CO2 emissions during the sugarcane renovation period should prioritize having a short assessment period (~50 days after soil tillage) as well as including measurements at row and inter‐row positions.
Enhanced Quenching Effect of Neonicotinoid Pesticides on Time-Resolved Terbium Luminescence in Presence of Surfactants

A luminescence analytical method for the quantification of neonicotinoid pesticides (acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in water samples is proposed. The method is based on the quenching effect that these analytes produce on the time-resolved luminescence signal of terbium ions (excitation/emission wavelengths of 256/545 nm/nm). An enhancement on the analytical signal is observed when surfactants are used in the system. The use of a 0.01 mol·L−1 sodium dodecyl sulfate produced approximately a 30% increase in the sensitivity of the method. Under the optimum conditions, the method presented detection limits between 0.03 and 0.23 µg·mL−1. Interference studies were performed for ions commonly present in waters, observing no interferences. In addition, recovery experiments were performed in different waters, well, spring, and swamp, observing recovery yields close to 100%, with relative standard deviations lower than 4% in all cases. No sample treatment except a filtration step was required. Hence, this method may represent an alternative to other existing methods for the quick and simple analysis of these ubiquitous insecticides in environmental waters.
A Low-Molecular Weight Maillard Pigment from Beer was Identified as Perlolyrine, a Maillard Reaction Product from Tryptophan

The color of beer, which is a typical example of the Maillard or browning reaction, is mainly attributed to melanoidins. However, as melanoidins are heterogeneous polymers formed by the Maillard reaction, there is little data on the chemical structure of the components responsible for the color of beer. To obtain chemical information on the color components of beer, we here isolated a low-molecular-weight yellow pigment from black beer and identified it using instrumental analyses and an authentic sample. As a result, the pigment was identified as perlolyrine, which is a Maillard reaction product from tryptophan; however, its contribution to the total color of beer was very low. This pigment was present in various kinds of beer at the level of 3.214. 0 μg/100 mL.
Modelado analítico del rendimiento de aplicaciones en sistemas paralelos

Las herramientas de analisis del rendimiento son un instrumento fundamental para comprender y evaluar el comportamiento de las aplicaciones en sistemas paralelos. En particular, los modelos analiticos permiten una rapida evaluacion del rendimiento de estas aplicaciones de forma independente al sistema y, por lo tanto, son una herramienta adecuada en situaciones en las que el tiempo de respuesta sea critico como, por ejemplo, en la planificacion de tareas. El objectivo de esta tesis es el desarrollo de un entorno de analisis que permita obtener, de un modo sencillo, modelos analiticos de aplicaciones en sistemas paralelos. Este entorno define una metodologia de modelado que consta de una fase de instrumentacion del codigo, para obtener informacion acerca del comportamento de la aplicacion en multiples situaciones experimentales, y una fase de analisis, en la cual se utilizan tecnicas estatisticas para construir un modelo analitico preciso del comportamiento de la aplicacion.
The release profiles of Baccaurea angulata extract from various gelling agents

This study investigates the release profiles of Baccaurea angulata extracts incorporated in carbopol, guar gum, and konjac gum. Franz cell diffusion was run for 24h for finite dosing, and 6h for infinite dosing. From finite dosing, carbopol had the highest cumulative amount permeated, (75.75±1.18% content release) compared to guar gum and konjac gum (p<0.05). Carbopol exhibited the fastest release profile with the highest mean flux (29.04±0.74μg/cm2/h) (p<0.05) permeated within the first 0.75h. Konjac gum had faster release behavior compared to guar gum. However, the amount of content release by guar gum was higher compared to konjac gum for the total of 24h (p<0.05). For infinite dosing, the cumulative amount of content released by carbopol was the highest (4095.97±38.70μg) compared to guar gum and konjac gum (p < 0.05). Steady state flux of carbopol was the highest (379.26±3.58 μg/cm2/h) compared to guar gum and konjac gum (p<0.05). Carbopol showed the highest permeability coefficient: 6.20×10-2cm/h compared to guar gum and konjac gum (p<0.05). Guar gum had higher values in all calculated elements compared to konjac gum, except that its content release was slower. Therefore, it is concluded that carbopol has the best release profile to be developed as Baccaurea angulata dental gel.