Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia causes perinuclear mitochondrial clustering and nuclear oxidant stress in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECS) via a dynein‐dependent molecular motor

Accumulating evidence suggests that mitochondria are motile, and may be recruited to subcellular domains where they participate in signal transduction. Mitochondria respond to hypoxia in PAECs by increasing oxygen radical generation, but whether hypoxia alters the disposition of mitochondria in PAECs is unknown, and if so, the molecular mechanism remains to be clarified. Accordingly, we mapped the disposition of Mitotracker‐stained mitochondria in cultured PAECs, and found that hypoxia caused a time‐dependent decrease in mitochondrial density near the plasma membrane and an increase in the perinuclear region. Interruption of the dynein‐dependent molecular motor using a specific siRNA prevented both the perinuclear mitochondrial clustering and, importantly, a hypoxia‐induced nuclear oxidant stress as detected by nuclear DCF fluorescence and by the level of oxidative base modifications in the VEGF promoter. Mitochondria were the source of the DNA‐modifying oxidants as evidenced by the finding that the respiratory chain inhibitor, myxothiazol, prevented the hypoxia‐induced nuclear DCF fluorescence without altering mitochondrial perinuclear clustering. These data suggest that hypoxia causes dynein‐dependent mitochondrial translocation to the perinuclear domain in PAECs that serves to create a nuclear oxidant stress important for hypoxic signaling.
Alleviation of the adverse effects of salt stress by foliar application of sodium antagonistic essential minerals on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).

Experiments were carried out in drum pot culture to investigate the response of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cv. “CIM 496” grown at high salinity supplemented with foliar application of KCl (500 ppm= 500 mg/L) and NH4NO3 (500 ppm= 500 mg/L) alone and in mixture. Soil salinity was maintained through irrigation water of sea salt concentrations i.e., 0.4% (EC: 6.2 dS/m) and 0.8% (EC: 10.8 dS/m). Plants were tested during a period from germination to vegetative growth as well as reproductive stages. To determine effects on vegetative growth plants were harvested at grand period of growth. Reproductive parameters were mentioned in terms number of squares, flower and balls, seed and lint weight; seed number and seed cotton yield per plant. Values on above-mentioned parameters were reduced significantly at high salinity. Foliar spray of NH4NO3 and KCl in combination showed better result as compare to that of their individual spray. Pattern of the comparative performances at various vegetative and reproductive growth parameters under nonsaline as well as saline conditions remained same, which is produced as follows: Nonspray< water spray< KCl< NH4NO3< NH4NO3+ KCl. Foliar nutrient spray of above mentioned spray material showed beneficial effect both on vegetative and reproductive parameters in Cotton, under saline environment.
Salmonella spp. em carcaças, carne mecanicamente separada, lingüiças e cortes comerciais de frango

Food of animal origin represents an important role in the epidemiology of human salmonellosis. In spite of the technological improvement, the chicken meat is subjected to bacterial contamination, mainly by microorganisms of the genus Salmonella that can be found in the intestinal tract or elsewhere on the chicken body. The aim of this study was to - NOTA
Small angle neutron scattering studies of clathrin triskelia in solution show evidence of molecular flexibility

Clathrin is a major component in the protein coats of certain post‐golgi and endocytic vesicles. At low pH, or in the presence of assembly proteins, clathrin triskelia will self assemble to form a complete clathrin lattice or “basket”. Recently static light scattering (SLS) and dynamic light scattering studies (DLS) of clathrin triskelia in solution showed that triskelia have an intrinsic pucker similar to that shown in a recent high resolution cryoEM structure of a clathrin “basket”. We extend this study by performing small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments on isolated triskelia in solution under conditions where baskets do not assemble. Unlike the static light scattering experiments, SANS probes a q‐range beyond the Guinier regime probed by SLS. Results of SANS measurements are consistent with light scattering experiments but show a shoulder in the scattering function at intermediate q‐values (~0.016 1/A). This feature cannot be fully accounted for by theoretical calculations based on rigid bead models of the triskelia. A dynamic bead‐spring model of a triskelion is used to generate a time averaged scattering function. This model adequately describes the experimental data for flexibilities close to previous estimates.
Development of the pupal parasitoid Xanthopimpla stemmator (Thunberg)(Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in various cereal stem borers (Lepidoptera)

Classical biological control (CBC) is a management strategy that employs natural enemies against exotic pests. The method has been used against Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), an introduced pest of maize in Africa, using the introduced larval parasitoid Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). However, C. flavipes is not able to attack all stem borer species in the targeted areas. To complement its work, Xanthopimpla stemmator (Thunberg) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) a solitary pupal endoparasitoid, which attacks pupae of Lepidoptera stem borers was imported from Sri-Lanka via Mauritius and South Africa to Kenya for laboratory trials. Xanthopimp/a stemmator has successfully been established in Mauritius on Chilo sacchariphagus (Bojer) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). The objectives of this study were to, examine preference of X stemmator for C. partellus, Eldana saccharina Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), Busseo/afosca Fuller and Sesamia calamistis Hampson (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), to assess suitability of the four stem borers for the development ofX stemmator, to compare life tables and intrinsic rates of natural increase of X stemmator females reared on B. fusca and C. partellus, to determine whether X stemmator females mate more than once and whether multiple mating has an effect on longevity and sex ratio of progeny produced. Xanthopimpla stemmator females emerging from the pupae of the four stem borer species did not discriminate between the four stem borer pupae in dual and four ~ ENY~TT~U~JVERSITY~IBRARl
A new C30 sterol glycoside from the fresh fruits of Momordica charantia

AIM: To investigate the chemical constituents from the fresh fruits of Momordica charantia L. METHODS: Chemical constituents were isolated and purified by chromatography on silica gel and octadecylsilanized (ODS) silica gel, and the structures were determined by spectral data and chemical evidence. RESULTS: A new C30 sterol glycoside, named 25-isopropenylchole-5, (6)-ene-3-O--D-glucopyranoside (1), was isolated from the fresh fruits of M. charantia L. CONCLUSION: Compound 1 is a new C30 sterol glycoside.
Polyphenols, ascorbate and antioxidant capacity of the Kei-apple (Dovyalis caffra)

Polyphenol and ascorbate characterisation of the Kei-apple (Dovyalis cafia) and its various fruit components (peels, flesh and seeds) were investigated and compared. Both the total ascorbate and polyphenol content of the fruit were high (517 mgI100g and 943 mg GAE1100g dry weight respectively) in comparison to other fruits previously reported. The majority of the polyphenols were identified as phenolic acids. The seeds of the fruit had the highest polyphenol content (1990 mg GAE1100g dry weight) followed by the peel and flesh components. Antioxidant capacity analyses using ORAC and FRAP showed these to correlate significantly to the polyphenol concentrations (r=0.76 and r=0.95 respectively). GCMS analyses indicated caffeic acid to be the major component of the entire fruit and flesh, ferulic acid the major component in the peels, and syringic acid the major component in the seeds. Other notable polyphenols identified in high concentrations included 3-methoxy-4hydroxyphenylpropionic, p-coumaric acid, m-hydroxybenzoic, p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, vannilic acid and hydro p-coumaric acid. These results not only support the putative high antioxidant value linked to this fruit, but also better define this potential in terms of the major antioxidants that exist in the Kei-apple fruit and its various fruit components.
Dose response of zebrafish exposed to gamma radiation

Space radiation biology is an emerging field of research with a focus on improving the health and safety of astronauts in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and deep-space missions. Eye health is especially important to astronaut functionality. Recent studies have found an increased risk of cataract formation in astronauts with higher lens doses (> 8 mSv) of space radiation relative to astronauts with lower lens doses (< 8 mSv). In order to better understand cataract formation from ionizing radiation zebrafish embryos were exposed to various levels of γ-rays. Zebrafish embryos were exposed at 24 hour post fertilization (hpf) and examined shortly after irradiation and 120 hpf. At 120 hpf, mortality increased to over 80% at doses ≥ 30 Gy. Morbidity increased to over 75% at ≥ 15 Gy. New zebrafish embryos were then exposed to various levels of ionizing radiation at 4 days post fertilization (dpf) and showed no discernable differences in morbidity and mortality one day after irradiation. The next phase of research will expose adult zebrafish to Iodine- 128 to examine the differences in damage from γ-ray exposure and β-particle exposure.
Frequent melanism in Geoffroy’s bat (Myotis emarginatus, Geoffroy 1806)

Melanistic, or otherwise atypically coloured bats, are rarely observed. Here we report on a survey of melanistic individuals of Myotis emarginatus (Geoffroy’s bat) in the Northwestern edge of its distribution. Across the sampled region, 31 sites and over 3000 individuals of M. emarginatus were observed. Overall, melanism was found in approximately 2-4% of the populations. To our knowledge this is the highest proportion of melanistic individuals recorded in any bat species thus far. Such large levels of melanism may indicate a recent bottleneck in the population. Further research on the genetic structure and behaviour of this population may help identify the possible causes and consequences of this peculiarity. Download the complete issue.
Hypoxanthine transport and transient expression of possible regulatory proteins in COS-1 cells

We have demonstrated that monkey kidney (COS-1) cells have a single type of nucleobase transport process. The system is sodium-independent, and transport of hypoxanthine was insensitive to inhibition by nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBMPR), but was inhibited by nucleosides. These properties are consistent with hypoxanthine transport occurring via the NBMPR-insensitive nucleoside carrier (ei). Transfecting COS-1 cells with opossum kidney cDNA fractions resulted in similar to 70% inhibition of hypoxanthine influx suggesting the possible presence of genes within the library that act as apparent inhibitors of hypoxanthine transport. Further studies are required to clarify the nature of this inhibition, but the COS-1 expression system appears to be a useful tool for the possible identification of important regulatory proteins.
ERCC1-XPF nuclease: Roles in the repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks and chemotherapy resistance

ERCC1-XPF is a mammalian structure specific endonuclease that incises at the junction of double and 3' single-stranded DNA. ERCC1-XPF and its homologs are implicated in multiple DNA repair pathways including, nucleotide excision repair, interstrand crosslink repair, double strand break repair, repair of AP sites, and telomere maintenance, making it essential for viability. The pleiotropic phenotypes of ERCC1-XPF deficiency in humans, range from the cancer-predisposition syndrome xeroderma pigmentosum to the XPF-ERCC1 progeroid syndrome, a disease of accelerated aging.This document concentrates on dissecting the role of ERCC1-XPF in crosslink repair, elucidating the mechanisms underlying the dramatic phenotypic differences in patients with inherited XPF mutations, and exploring the utility of ERCC1 and XPF as biomarkers of tumor prognosis.Ercc1 and Xpf knockout mice are phenocopies, illustrating that the two proteins function exclusively as a heterodimer. These models present a progeroid phenotype, reflected in some patients with XPF or ERCC1 mutations. We hypothesize that this accelerated aging is consequent on a failure to repair crosslinks, which are highly cytotoxic DNA lesions. The crosslink repair mechanism in animals remains poorly elucidated and the exact relationship of ERCC1-XPF to other players in this pathway, largely unexplored. Herein we show that ERCC1-XPF functions in the same pathway of crosslink repair as the Fanconi anemia proteins and that crosslink unhooking by ERCC1-XPF is required for the efficient binding of FANCD2 to the chromatin.The pleiotropy of phenotypes associated with human ERCC1-XPF deficiency is puzzling. Often, the severity of phenotype does not correlate with the DNA incising ability of the mutant proteins. We show here that the phenotypic heterogeneity is at least partially explained by the mislocalization of mutant proteins to the cytoplasm. The public health importance of this work comes from the increasing interest in the regulation of ERCC1-XPF expression and activity, due to its involvement in DNA repair pathways implicated in the resistance of tumors to platinum-based chemotherapy. A panel of antibodies was tested extensively and optimized for use in clinical measurement of ERCC1-XPF. This will facilitate improved measurement of DNA repair proteins in clinical specimens and greater understanding of the mechanisms of tumor resistance to genotoxic therapy.
Separation, polymer formation and antibacterial activity of lysozyme

Lysozyme (E.C.3.2.17) is widespread in nature and hen egg white is a rich source of the enzyme. Membrane isolation technique of lysozyme has a limited application because of poor yield and insufficient purity of product. The classic method based on the enzyme precipitation and crystallisation is still being used. The method is often replaced by ion exchange method that is also recommended for large-scale industrial purposes as efficient and not very expensive. The application of gel filtration gives highly homogenous lysozyme with the presence of certain amount of multimeric forms of enzyme. The amount of dimeric and other polymeric forms can be increased by thermal denaturation of the monomeric form. Irreversible formation of the lysozyme dimer makes the enzyme to be quite a novel antimicrobial agent against Gram-negative bacteria. A different mechanism of the action has been suggested for the dimeric form. Lysozyme monomeric form is known as a natural preservative with strong antimicrobial activity, especially against the Gram-positive bacteria. The enzyme extends the shelf-life of certain food products e.g. a row-chilled poultry by reducing the total count of bacteria as well as E.coli and enterococci. Lysozyme greatly affects Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium botulinum but salmonellas demonstrate some resistance to the enzyme action.
Possible roles of β-elimination and δ-elimination reactions in the repair of DNA containing AP (apurinic/apyrimidinic) sites in mammalian cells

Histones and polyamines nick the phosphodiester bond 3' to AP (apurinic/apyrimidinic) sites in DNA by inducing a beta-elimination reaction, which can be followed by delta-elimination. These beta- and delta-elimination reactions might be important for the repair of AP sites in chromatin DNA in either of two ways. In one pathway, after the phosphodiester bond 5' to the AP site has been hydrolysed with an AP endonuclease, the 5'-terminal base-free sugar 5'-phosphate is released by beta-elimination. The one-nucleotide gap limited by 3'-OH and 5'-phosphate ends is then closed by DNA polymerase-beta and DNA ligase. We have shown in vitro that such a repair is possible. In the other pathway, the nicking 3' to the AP site by beta-elimination occurs first. We have shown that the 3'-terminal base-free sugar so produced cannot be released by the chromatin AP endonuclease from rat liver. But it can be released by delta-elimination, leaving a gap limited by 3'-phosphate and 5'-phosphate. After conversion of the 3'-phosphate into a 3'-OH group by the chromatin 3'-phosphatase, there will be the same one-nucleotide gap, limited by 3'-OH and 5'-phosphate, as that formed by the successive actions of the AP endonuclease and the beta-elimination catalyst in the first pathway.
Why are passerine eggshells spotted? Using calcium supplementation as a tool to explore eggshell pigmentation

The eggshells of many avian species are spotted in appearance but the functional significance of such maculation is poorly understood. Protoporphyrin, responsible for brownish-red colouring on eggshells, is postulated to reinforce the structural integrity of eggshells under conditions when dietary calcium (Ca) is scarce. Within the context of this hypothesis, this thesis documents the use of Ca supplementation of two common British passerine species, blue (Cyanistes caeruleus) and great tits (Parus major), to explore the relationships between eggshell Ca and protoporphyrin content and visible pigment spotting. It further assesses the diversity of avian eggshell coloration using museum eggshells of 73 British passerine species. Despite low soil Ca availability, females were not necessarily Ca-limited but Ca-supplements may still influence eggshell traits and breeding behaviour, possibly by providing females with more time to invest in other activities. The importance of quantifying eggshell pigment concentrations directly, rather than using a proxy, is highlighted. Finally, this thesis shows that passerine eggshell pigment concentrations are highly phylogenetically conserved, thereby encouraging future studies testing key hypotheses to compare eggshell pigmentation of closely related species. This phylogenetic association may be essential to explain the functional significance of eggshell coloration of avian species.
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Aspergillus oryzae (MTCC No. 1846) and Its Characterizations

Biosynthesis of silver nanopartcles by Aspergillus oryzae (MTCC No. 1846) was demonstrated using both the fungal cell filtrate and the fungal biomass. In the present study, the fungal cell filtrate was used for extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution. When the aqueous solution of 1mM AgNO3 was exposed to fungal cell filtrate, the aqueous silver (Ag + ) ions were reduced to form extremely stable AgNPs in the solution The fungal biomass accumulated AgNPs on its surface, inside the cytoplasmic membrane and as well as within the cytoplasm in 72 hours (h) when challenged with 1mM AgNO3 solution. The formation of silver nanoparticles was characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscope (TEM). X-ray diffractometer (XRD) spectrum of the nanoparticles confirmed the formation of metallic silver. The functional group of protein molecule surrounding the silver nanoparticles was identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles has zeta potential of -14.3 mV. The possible role of the enzyme nitrate reductase in the reducing process was also investigated. TEM studies showed the size of the silver nanoparticles to be in the range of 6nm to 26 nm.
Changes to the cytoskeleton and cell wall underlie invasive hyphal growth.

Tip growth is a form of cellular expansion characteristic of fungal hyphae and some types of plant cells. Currently there is no unified model that satisfactorily describes this in hyphal species. Traditionally turgor has been considered an essential driving force behind cell expansion. In recent years this hypothesis has been challenged by evidence that in some species tip growth can occur despite the absence of measurable hydrostatic pressure. There are currently two contentious theories of hyphal extension. These are the turgor-driven model and the amoeboid-movement theory. Though the essential mechanism underlying cell growth differs between these theories, the actin cytoskeleton is considered important in both. It has been suggested that both the turgor-driven and amoeboid-like modes of growth could occur depending on the whether the hyphae are growing invasively or non-invasively respectively (Money, 1990). It has also been proposed that both modes may occur within the same mycelium (Garrill, 2000). Two distinct patterns of actin have been identified in the hyphal tips of oomycetes. This has lead to the hypothesis that two different mechanisms of apical extension may be employed by some hyphal organisms. During the course of this thesis, actin deplete zones have been observed in a significantly higher number of invasive compared to non-invasive hyphae of the oomycete Achlya bisexualis. Furthermore the difference between burst pressures was found to be lower in invasive hyphae compared to non-invasive hyphae suggestive of a weaker cell wall. A lack of significant difference in turgor pressures between the invasive and non-invasive hyphae of this organism suggests that the deplete zone and weaker wall plays a functional role in enabling hyphae to penetrate substrate. Fractal analysis of mycelial colonies shows that the variation in agar concentration and therefore substrate solidity has a significant effect on mycelial morphology. This is most likely due to an effect at the cellular level. The results of the experiments carried out during the course of this thesis provide the basis for future work towards elucidating the mechanisms of hyphal extension.