Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Hydrolysis Conditions of Cassava on the Oligosaccharide Profile and Alcohol Fermentation

Various hydrolysis procedures for saccharification of cassava starch were tried to maximise glucose content in the hydrolysate. The malto-oligosaccharide profiles from HPLC analysis of hydrolysates prepared by acid, acid-enzyme and enzyme-enzyme showed that the hydrolysate prepared by acid contains malto-oligosaccharides up to DP10, whereas with acid-enzyme and enzyme-enzyme process their presence is negligible. A commercial hydrolysate showed less amount of glucose and various sugars up to DP10. The fermentability of hydrolysates were compared and enzyme-enzyme hydrolysate is found to be best. Der Einflus der Hydrolysebedingungen bei Cassava auf das Oligosaccharidprofil und die alkoholische Garung. Zur Maximierung des Glucosegehaltes im Hydrolysat wurden verschiedene Hydrolyseverfahren fur die Verzuckerung von Cassavastarke untersucht. Die aus den mit Saure, Saure-Enzym und Enzym-Enzym gewonnenen Hydrolysaten durch HPLC erhaltene Maltooligosaccharid-Profile zeigten, das das mittels Saure gewonnene Hydrolysat Maltooligosaccharide bis zu DP10 enthalt, deren Anwesenheit beim Saure-Enzym- und Enzym-Enzym-Verfahren vernachlassigbar gering ist. Ein handelsubliches Hydrolysat wies eine geringere Menge an Glucose und verschiedene Zucker bis DP10 auf. Die Vergarbarkeit der Hydrolysate wurde verglichen, wobei sich das Enzym-Enzym-Hydrolysat als das beste erwies.
Marine Biocompounds for Neuroprotection—A Review

While terrestrial organisms are the primary source of natural products, recent years have witnessed a considerable shift towards marine-sourced biocompounds. They have achieved a great scientific interest due to the plethora of compounds with structural and chemical properties generally not found in terrestrial products, exhibiting significant bioactivity ten times higher than terrestrial-sourced molecules. In addition to the antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-coagulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, and cardio-protection properties, marine-sourced biocompounds have been investigated for their neuroprotective potential. Thus, this review aims to describe the recent findings regarding the neuroprotective effects of the significant marine-sourced biocompounds.
Effect of root anaerobiosis on the water relations of several Pyrus species

Solution culture experiments were designed to investigate the plant water relations of 3 Pyrus species subjected to root anaerobiosis. Root anaerobiosis induced partial stomatal closure prior to alterations in leaf water potential (ΨLW) or root osmotic potential (ΨRπ). In contrast, stomatal closure was accompanied by a decline in root hydraulic conductivity (Lp). Anoxia markedly reduced ΨLW for Pyrus communis L. and eventually led to wilting and defoliation. Pyrus betulaefolia Bunge and Pyrus calleryana Decne, however, were less affected by root anaerobiosis. To delineate if the increased root resistance was in the radial or longitudinal direction, 10−4M cistrans abscisic acid (ABA) was added to detopped root systems of P. communis in solution culture after steady-state rates of Lp were established. A consistent 25 to 30% promotion of Lp was observed 1.5 h after the addition of ABA for aerobically treated plants. ABA did not influence Lp when applied to roots previously deprived of O2 for 4 days. Additional evidence against the limiting resistance being in the radial direction was obtained when water fluxes were compared through intact P. communis roots, roots with all feeder roots detached, and stems without root systems. Severing feeder roots from anaerobically treated plants did not increase water flux to rates observed for aerobically treated plants. Resistance progressed basipetally to eventually encompass the stem itself. These results can only be explained by occlusion of the xylem vessels.
Using Reactome to build an autophagy mechanism knowledgebase

ABSTRACT The 21st century has revealed much about the fundamental cellular process of autophagy. Autophagy controls the catabolism and recycling of various cellular components both as a constitutive process and as a response to stress and foreign material invasion. There is considerable knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of autophagy, and this is still growing as new modalities emerge. There is a need to investigate autophagy mechanisms reliably, comprehensively and conveniently. Reactome is a freely available knowledgebase that consists of manually curated molecular events (reactions) organized into cellular pathways (https://reactome.org/). Pathways/reactions in Reactome are hierarchically structured, graphically presented and extensively annotated. Data analysis tools, such as pathway enrichment, expression data overlay and species comparison, are also available. For customized analysis, information can also be programmatically queried. Here, we discuss the curation and annotation of the molecular mechanisms of autophagy in Reactome. We also demonstrate the value that Reactome adds to research by reanalyzing a previously published work on genome-wide CRISPR screening of autophagy components. Abbreviations: CMA: chaperone-mediated autophagy; GO: Gene Ontology; MA: macroautophagy; MI: microautophagy; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1
Nucleotide sequence and mutational analysis of an immunity repressor gene from Bacillus subtilis temperate phage ø105

We have identified and sequenced a bacteriophage phi 105 gene encoding an immunity repressor, the first to be characterized from a temperate phage infecting a Gram-positive host. Using superinfection immunity as an assay for repressor function, the phi 105 repressor gene was located within a 740-bp PvuII-HindIII subfragment near the left end of the phi 105 EcoRI-F fragment. We show that the repressor is specified by the 5'-proximal coding sequence of a translationally overlapping gene pair, transcribed from right to left on the conventional phi 105 map. Comparison of its amino acid sequence (146 residues) with that of a large number of Gram-negative bacterial and phage repressors revealed a putative DNA-binding region between positions 20 and 39. The coding region is preceded by a strong Shine-Dalgarno sequence 5' AAAGGAG 3'. Deletion analysis of the 5'-flanking DNA allowed to identify transcriptional control elements. Their structure, 5' TTGTAT 3' at -35 and 5' TATAAT 3' at -10, strongly suggests that the phi 105 repressor gene is transcribed by the major vegetative form of B. subtilis RNA polymerase, as would be expected for an early phage gene.
Predation on Juvenile Salmonids by Smallmouth Bass and Northern Squawfish in the Columbia River near Richland, Washington

Abstract The importance of juvenile salmonids in the diet of smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu and northern squawfish Ptychocheilus oregonensis was examined at a 6-km stretch of the Columbia River. Piscivorous fish were sampled with electrofishing gear on 4 d (May 2–3 and June 20–21, 1990) during emigration of juvenile anadromous salmonids. Sixty-two smallmouth bass and 69 northern squawfish were collected for diet analysis. Juvenile salmonids made up 59% of smallmouth bass diet by weight and were present in 65% of the stomachs of smallmouth bass. By a meal turnover method, smallmouth bass were estimated to consume from 1.4 (May 2–3) to 1.0 (June 20–21) salmonids per predator daily. Crayfish were the dominant prey item (41.4% by weight) of northern squawfish, but juvenile salmonids (28.8%) were also important. Northern squawfish consumed from 0.55 (May 2–3) to 0.34 (June 20–21) salmonids per predator daily. Smallmouth bass and northern squawfish consumed mostly subyearling Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus t.
Continuous versus intermittent feeding of the critically ill: have we made progress?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite the lack of high-quality data for many years, the discussion on the best modality for enteral nutrition has been going on with little changes pertaining in recent guidelines. The present work aims to provide an overview on the different arguments in favour of either continuous or noncontinuous modes of enteral feed administration, emphasizing both clinical and pathophysiological aspects and comparing their relevance. RECENT FINDINGS Different physiological effects deriving from enteral nutrition modes and that could impact on outcomes of care under critical illness settings are examined, such as glycaemic control and gastrointestinal motility. A further area of attention where recent efforts have been focusing is the issue of muscle and weakness under conditions of critical care. SUMMARY A clinical equipoise continues to characterize the analysis that can be drawn from examining the most recent research work on the subject, allowing to infer that the most practical mode in terms of the interest of patient safety and comfort has to be privileged in day-to-day clinical care.
Multiscale Determinants Drive Parasitization of Drosophilidae by Hymenopteran Parasitoids in Agricultural Landscapes

(1) The management of agricultural landscapes for pest suppression requires a thorough understanding of multiple determinants controlling their presence. We investigated the ecological preferences of indigenous parasitoids and their drosophilid hosts to understand the role of native parasitoids as biological control agents of the invasive frugivorous Drosophila suzukii. (2) Using data from an extensive field survey across different habitat types we analyzed the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on parasitoid and drosophilid communities at multiscale levels. (3) Eight parasitoid and 27 drosophilid species were identified. Thirty-four percent variation in drosophilid communities was explained by factors at the landscape scale, and 52% of significant variation of parasitoids by local distribution of three drosophilid species, mainly collected in woodland. Parasitoid communities were significantly influenced by microhabitat type (ground versus canopy) rather than habitat type. All parasitoids except Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae preferred the ground microhabitat. All parasitoids, with the exception of Trichopria drosophilae and Spalangia erythromera, displayed significant preferences among the drosophilid species used in the baited traps. (4) Since they can tolerate a broad range of habitat factors, altogether pupal parasitoids investigated in this study could play a role in biological control programs to suppress D. suzukii, but non-target effects have to be regarded.
Biological Responses of Ceramic Bone Spacers Produced by Green Processing of Additively Manufactured Thin Meshes

Bone spacers are exclusively used for replacing the tissue after trauma and/or diseases. Ceramic materials bring positive opportunities to enhance greater osteointegration and performance of implants, yet processing of porous geometries can be challenging. Additive Manufacturing (AM) opens opportunities to grade porosity levels in a part; however, its productivity may be low due to its batch processing approach. The paper studies the biological responses yielded by hydroxyapatite with β-TCP (tricalcium phosphate) ceramic porous bone spacers manufactured by robocasting 2-layer meshes that are rolled in green and sintered. The implants are assessed in vitro and in vivo for their compatibility. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells attached, proliferated and differentiated on the bone spacers produced. Cells on the spacers presented alkaline phosphatase staining, confirming osteogenic differentiation. They also expressed bone-specific COL1A1, BGAP, BSP, and SPP1 genes. The fold change of these genes ranged between 8 to 16 folds compared to controls. When implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of rabbits, they triggered collagen fibre formation and mild fibroblastic proliferation. In conclusion, rolled AM-meshes bone spacers stimulated bone formation in vitro and were biocompatible in vivo. This technology may give the advantage to custom produce spacers at high production rates if industrially upscaled.
A Novel Mechanism of bta-miR-210 in Bovine Early Intramuscular Adipogenesis

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is one of the major factors determining beef quality. IMF formation is influenced by multiple conditions including genetic background, age and nutrition. In our previous investigation, bta-miR-210 was found to be increased during adipogenesis using miRNA-seq. In this study, we validated the upregulation of bta-miR-210 in platelet-derived growth factor receptor α positive (PDGFRα+) progenitor cells during adipogenic differentiation in vitro. To investigate its role in adipogenesis, bta-miR-210 mimics were introduced into progenitor cells, which resulted in enhanced intracellular lipid accumulation. Accordingly, the expression of adipocyte-specific genes significantly increased in the bta-miR-210 mimic group compared to that in the negative control group (p < 0.01). Dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that WISP2 is a target of bta-miR-210. WISP2 knockdown enhanced adipogenesis. In conclusion, bta-miR-210 positively regulates the adipogenesis of PDGFRα+ cells derived from bovine fetal muscle by targeting WISP2.
Lack of Porcine circovirus 4 Genome Detection in Pig Samples from Italy and Spain

The genus Circovirus includes several species and mostly causes asymptomatic infections. Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) and, with increasing evidence, Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3), have been associated with different clinical conditions all over the world. In 2019, a new porcine circovirus (PCV-4) was identified from diseased animals in China. Because of the lessons learned from PCV-2 and PCV-3, it appears mandatory to investigate the actual distribution of this new virus and its potential association with clinical outcomes. To this purpose, an exploratory study to detect PCV-4 by molecular methods was performed in Italy and Spain by testing more than 300 samples of different types (serum and tissues), collected from both healthy and diseased pigs and wild boar as well. All samples, independently from the country, type, health status and host, tested PCV-4 negative. Therefore, no evidence of PCV-4 presence was found in Italy and Spain through this exploratory study. Considering the dense pig trade among European countries, its presence in the continent can similarly be considered unlikely. The reasons behind the restricted PCV-4 distribution compared to other porcine circoviruses will require further investigations. Careful surveillance might nevertheless be important since prompt recognition of PCV-4 would allow the implementation of effective countermeasures to prevent its spreading and potential economic losses.
Thromboinflammatory response in SARS-CoV-2 sepsis

Viral sepsis is rare, and its real incidence is not known. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes the release of a significant amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines that aggravates interstitial pneumonia and evolves in viral sepsis with prominent hypercoagulability. We believe it is useful and advisable to establish early immunomodulator therapy and the prophylaxis anticoagulant therapy should be rethought.
Depletion of Pre-β-high Density Lipoprotein by Human Chymase Impairs ATP-binding Cassette Transporter A1- but Not Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I-mediated Lipid Efflux to High Density Lipoprotein*

The ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) mediates the efflux of cellular unesterified cholesterol and phospholipid to lipid-poor apolipoprotein A-I. Chymase, a protease secreted by mast cells, selectively cleaves pre-β-migrating particles from high density lipoprotein (HDL)3 and reduces the efflux of cholesterol from macrophages. To evaluate whether this effect is the result of reduction of ABCA1-dependent or -independent pathways of cholesterol efflux, in this study we examined the efflux of cholesterol to preparations of chymase-treated HDL3 in two types of cell: 1) in J774 murine macrophages endogenously expressing low levels of scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI), and high levels of ABCA1 upon treatment with cAMP; and 2) in Fu5AH rat hepatoma cells endogenously expressing high levels of the SR-BI and low levels of ABCA1. Treatment of HDL3 with the human chymase resulted in rapid depletion of pre-β-HDL and a concomitant decrease in the efflux of cholesterol and phospholipid (2-fold and 3-fold, respectively) from the ABCA1-expressing J774 cells. In contrast, efflux of free cholesterol from Fu5AH to chymase-treated and to untreated HDL3 was similar. Incubation of HDL3 with phospholipid transfer protein led to an increase in pre-β-HDL contents as well as in ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux. A decreased cholesterol efflux to untreated HDL3 but not to chymase-treated HDL3 was observed in ABCA1-expressing J774 with probucol, an inhibitor of cholesterol efflux to lipid-poor apoA-I. Similar results were obtained using brefeldin and gliburide, two inhibitors of ABCA1-mediated efflux. These results indicate that chymase treatment of HDL3 specifically impairs the ABCA1-dependent pathway without influencing either aqueous or SR-BI-facilitated diffusion and that this effect is caused by depletion of lipid-poor pre-β-migrating particles in HDL3. Our results are compatible with the view that HDL3 promotes ABCA1-mediated lipid efflux entirely through its lipid-poor fraction with pre-β mobility.
Lipid Metabolism in Development and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Metabolic reprogramming is critically involved in the development and progression of cancer. In particular, lipid metabolism has been investigated as a source of energy, micro-environmental adaptation, and cell signalling in neoplastic cells. However, the specific role of lipid metabolism dysregulation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been widely described yet. Alterations in fatty acid synthesis, β-oxidation, and cellular lipidic composition contribute to initiation and progression of HCC. The aim of this review is to elucidate the mechanisms by which lipid metabolism is involved in hepatocarcinogenesis and tumour adaptation to different conditions, focusing on the transcriptional aberrations with new insights in lipidomics and lipid zonation. This will help detect new putative therapeutic approaches in the second most frequent cause of cancer-related death.
Distribution, status and conservation measures for lizards in limestone areas of South Canterbury, New Zealand

Abstract The limestone outcrops of South Canterbury are outstanding landscape features, and many contain remnant native flora and fauna. Three skink species and four gecko species have been found there in subfossil remains. In 2008 the limestone habitats were surveyed to find which lizard species were present and to index their abundance, based on visual observation, artificial cover objects, pitfall traps, and searches of retreat sites. Common skinks (Oligosoma polychroma), McCann's skinks (O. maccanni) and Southern Alps geckos (Hoplodactylus ‘Southern Alps’) were found. Though the jewelled gecko (Naultinus gemmeus) was not found in limestone areas, three small populations were located elsewhere in South Canterbury. The species with the widest distribution and the highest number of sightings was the Southern Alps gecko. The two skink species were not observed living sympatrically. Both were found in low numbers in isolated pockets of suitable habitat. Conservation measures that might benefit these native lizards include reduced grazing as well as retention or addition of rock piles.
Periodontitis, Low-Grade Inflammation and Systemic Health: A Scoping Review

Background and objectives: Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory infectious disease in which an infection is necessary, but not sufficient, for development of the condition. Individual susceptibility strictly linked to the immune and inflammatory response of the organism must also be present. Low-grade inflammation (LGI) is a systemic status of chronic sub-clinical production of inflammatory factors. This condition represents a risk factor for many chronic diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease and cancer. This scoping review aims to clarify, summarize and disseminate current knowledge on the possible link between periodontitis, LGI and systemic health. Materials and Methods: PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines were followed. An ad-hoc created keyword string was used to search the electronic databases of PubMed/Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov. A hand search of specialized journals and their reference lists was also performed. Results: 14 studies that respected eligibility criteria were selected and analyzed. There is emerging evidence of strong links between periodontitis, LGI and systemic health. On the one hand, periodontitis influences the systemic status of LGI and on the other hand, the systemic production of inflammatory factors affects periodontitis with a bidirectional connection. Conclusions: LGI and the subsequent onset of a systemic inflammatory phenotype can be considered the common substrate of many chronic inflammatory diseases including periodontitis, with multiple mutual connections between them. Understanding of the biological principles and mechanisms underlying such a complex interrelationship could lead to significant improvements in the field of personalized diagnostics and therapeutic protocols.
Two New Genera and Four New Species of Ampithoids (Amphipoda: Ampithoidae) from Southern Australian Waters

This paper reports for the first time two new genera (Austrothoe and Paranexes) and four new species (Austrothoe jimlowryi-type species, A. ochos, Paranexes gallaharae, and P. yallingup-type species) of Ampithoidae (Amphipoda). The two new genera (and all four species) have only been recorded from southern Australian waters, in particular, off the coasts of southern WA, VIC, and NSW. Austrothoe can be distinguished from other ampithoid genera by having a denticulated, subrectangular telson and strongly prehensile, almost subchelate pereiopods 6 and 7. Paranexes is distinguished from other ampithoid genera by having the epistome and upper lip directed backwards, and no lateral, distal peduncular projection on the male first uropod. An updated key to the genera of Ampithoidae is also provided, as well as keys to the species within each of the new genera.
DEVELOPMENT OF OVULE AND TESTA OF GERANIUM PRATENSE L. AND SOME OTHER REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GERANIACEAE

SUMMARY The ovules and seeds of the genera Geranium, Pelargonium, Erodium, Monsonia, and Sarcocaulon are very similar. The ovule primordium of Geranium is trizonate. The outer and inner integuments are both of dermal derivation and initially only 2 cells thick, to become multilayered owing to mitotic activity in the inner cell layer. Shortly before fertilisation a development begins which ultimately results in a marked degree of campylotropy of the seeds. The mechanical layers consist of the sclerotised and crystal-containing cells of the inner epidermis of the outer integument, and sclerotised cells of the outer layer of the inner integument which are star-shaped in surface view. Nucellus and endosperm have disappeared almost completely in the mature seed. In several representatives of the family the seed-coat contains stomata.