Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gonadal and steroid feedback regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis in striped bass (Morone saxatilis)

Title of Dissertation: GONADAL AND STEROID FEEDBACK REGULATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMUS-PITUITARY AXIS IN STRIPED BASS (Morone saxatilis) Ulrike Klenke, Doctor of Philosophy, 2006 Dissertation directed by: Professor Yonathan Zohar Center of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute The objective of the present study was to expand our understanding of the mechanisms of gonadal steroid feedback regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary (HP) axis during several reproductive stages (juvenile, pubertal, adult) throughout the life cycle of the striped bass. Towards this end, we investigated effects of bilateral gonadectomy and steroid replacement on the endocrine correlates of the HP axis in vivo. We also developed a brain-slice culture method and utilized pituitary cell cultures to investigate direct effects of estrogen on these correlates at the level of the brain and the pituitary in vitro. Our findings indicate that: 1) During their development, the gonads play an important role in providing feedback to the HP axis. These feedback patterns change during the transformation from the juvenile to the adult and throughout the adult reproductive cycle. The pathways involved use both non-steroidal and steroidal pathways as regulatory mechanisms. 2) Gonads, through their steroids, become more involved in regulating the HP axis during reproductive development and their main feedback target appears to be gene transcription in the pituitary. 3) The observed changes in gonadal feedback throughout the adult reproductive cycle probably reflect the physiological requirements of gametogenesis. 4) The responsiveness of the HP axis towards steroids initially appears during puberty and further increases in adult females. In adults, steroids solely affect the pituitary in early stages of gametogenesis, while in later stages GnRH expression in the brain is also regulated by steroids. However, the nature of the feedback is dependent on estrogenic and/or androgenic pathways. 5) Our in vitro studies showed that estrogens act directly at the levels of the brain and the pituitary in female adult fish. Based on these findings, it appears that the activity along the endocrine reproductive web of striped bass intensifies with age and that prior cycles of oocyte development may prime the HP axis to respond faster and more vigorously in subsequent years. This study has provided an improved resolution and a broader perspective on mechanisms involved in gonadal steroid feedback regulation of GnRH neural activity and its targets at the level of the pituitary in striped bass. GONADAL AND STEROID FEEDBACK REGULATION OF THE HYPOTHALAMUS-PITUITARY AXIS IN STRIPED BASS (MORONE SAXATILIS)
Revision of the PMOD Composite during Solar Cycle 21

Since November 1978 a set of total solar irradiance (TSI) measurements from space is available, yielding a time series of more than 25 years. Presently, there are three TSI composites available, called PMOD, ACRIM and IRMB, which are all constructed from the same original data, but use different procedures to correct for sensitivity changes. The PMOD composite is the only one which also corrects the early HF data for degradation. The results from the detailed analysis of the VIRGO radiometry allow a good understanding of the effects influencing the long-term behaviour of classical radiometers in space. Thus, a re-analysis of the behaviour of HF/NIMBUS-7 and ACRIMI/SMM was indicated. For the former the situation is complicated by the fact that there are no in-flight means to determine changes due to exposure to solar radiation by comparison with a less exposed radiometer on the same spacecraft. The geometry and optical property of the cavity of HF is, however, very similar to the PMO6-type radiometers, so the behaviour of the PMO6V radiometers on VIRGO can be used as a model. ACRIM-I had to be revised mainly due to a henceforth undetected early increase and a more detailed analysis of its degradation. The results are not only important for solar radiometry from space, but they also provide a more reliable TSI during cycle 21. The differences between the revised PMOD composite and the ACRIM and IRMB are discussed by comparison with a TSI reconstruction from Kitt-Peak magnetograms. As the PMOD composite is the only one which has reliable data for cycle 21, the behaviour of the three solar cycles can now be compared and the similarities and differences discussed.
Towards the origin of Lyme Borreliosis

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most frequent vectorborne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a complex bacterial zoonosis involving vertebrate hosts and hard ticks of the genus Ixodes. The causative agents, bacteria of the LB group of spirochaetes, form a species complex comprising 17 named species. As is the case for most microbial pathogens, epidemiological and ecological studies require appropriate genotyping. Although the use of single loci may provide rapid results, there are serious disadvantages, in particular when inferring evolutionary relationships or geographic population structure. A novel multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) system of the LB group spirochaetes has been developed based on housekeeping genes to overcome these problems. Here, the system is optimized and tested using extracted spirochaetal DNA directly from ticks and then utilized to obtain insights into the migration and spread of individual species as well as to investigate the evolutionary origins of the species complex. Species belonging to the LB group of spirochetes display different patterns and levels of host specialisation which makes this an ideal system to study the impact of host associations on spread of zoonotic tickborne diseases. For example, Borrelia valaisiana and B. garinii are transmitted exclusively by birds while B. afzelii is transmitted by rodents. I demonstrate that the migration of the LB species is dependent on, and limited by, the migration of their respective hosts. I also show the presence of B. afzelii strains in England and, through the use of the MLSA scheme, demonstrate that the strains are highly structured. A close evolutionary relationship between B. afzelii and its rodent host species is shown. Furthermore, through phylogenetic analyses, some evidence of a coevolutionary relationship between the LB group species and their major group of vector species, the Ixodes persulcatus species complex, is presented and a Eurasian origin for the species group is suggested.
Resistance du carpocapse Cydia pomonella aux insecticides

La résistance du carpocapse Cydia pomonella à certains insecticides est un phénomène connu depuis plus de soixante ans en Amérique, en Afrique du Sud et en Océanie. En Europe, les premiers cas de résistance ont été signalés en Italie et en France il y a environ dix ans mais, par la suite, la présence de souches résistantes a été confirmée dans plusieurs pays européens. En Suisse, les premiers problèmes sont apparus dans le bassin lémanique, puis en Valais, dès 1996. De nombreux tests ont d’ores et déjà démontré que certaines souches du carpocapse sont résistantes à plusieurs insecticides. Cet article présente les résultats des derniers tests de dépistage de la résistance, effectués par application topique de diverses matières actives sur des chenilles diapausantes prélevées en 2003 dans différents vergers suisses. Matériel et méthodes
06. The role of colour polymorphism in social encounters among female common lizards

Colour variation in females is expected to play a role in intra-specific communication by signalling for traits that are socially relevant. However, in some cases, the information carried by colour signals is not sufficient and other cues may be used by conspecifics, such as chemosensory cues. In the common lizard, ventral coloration of females can be classified as yellow, orange or mixed. These ventral colours have been shown to predict the outcome of dyad encounters in an experimental context. However, there was no evidence that females really used the colour signal to assess the competitive ability and the social strategy of their opponent. In lacertids, chemical signals are often implicated in intraspecific communication, and could be used by females to acquire information useful for social interactions. We performed dyad encounters in which the ventral colour of the opponent was either visible or not, and studied the response of the focal female. We found that females used the colour of their opponent as a signal to adjust their own behaviour, but they also seem to be able to use other complementary cues, most probably behavioural cues. Females of different colours also differed in their ability to respondto a novel situation, which suggests colour-based differences in the plasticity of social behaviour.
Pathogenicity of water and oil based suspensions of Metarhizium Anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin and Beauveria Bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin to citrus mealybug, Planococcus Citri (Risso) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Laboratory bioassays compared the pathogenicity of six isolates of 'Metarhizium anisopliae' and 'Beauveria bassiana' against second instar citrus mealybugs, 'Planococcus citri' under conditions of 26 +/- 1 degreesC, and 85 +/- 1% RH in 24 hour darkness. All isolates exhibited pathogenicity. 'M. anisopliae' isolate FI-1248 was the most virulent isolate in both water and oil suspensions with LC50 values of 6.4 x 105 conidia/mL and 3.4 x 104 conidia/mL respectively. 'M. anisopliae' isolate FI-0985 was found to be the least virulent.
Effect of complete feeds based on wheat straw and Prosopis juliflora pods on growth and reproductive performance of growing crossbred heifers

A growth trial was carried out on 16 crossbred heifers from the age of 9 months to the first conception. Treatments T1, T2 and T3 were the complete feeds with 30% wheat straw. Rice polish was replaced by Prosopis juloflora pods (mesquite pods) at 0, 10 and 20% level, respectively, in T1, T2 and T3. Treatment T4 represented the conventional system of feeding. Average daily gain was 430,416,433 and 383 g, in T1, T2, T3, and T3, respectively, with nonsignificant treatment differences. The average daily intake of DM, CP, DCP and TDN were similar in all the groups which resulted in similar feed efficiency and nutrient utilization. The digestibility coefficients of nutrients were similarly in all the groups except higher digestibility in T4, than T1, T2 and T3. The cost of feed was observed more or less similar in all the groups. The age at first conception was least in T3 followed by T1, T4 and T2. It was concluded that heifers can be reared on complete feed with 30% wheat straw and 20% Prosopis juliflora pods replacing rice polish without any adverse effect on growth and reproduction.
Benthic recovery four years after an El Niño-induced coral mass mortality in the Lakshadweep atolls

The reefs of the Lakshadweep suffered a mass mortality of coral in 1998, in the wake of an El Nino event of unprecedented severity. In 2002, we conducted a broad-scale benthic survey of six atolls in this group to checkif there were geographic trends in recovery patterns across the archipelago. Four years after the mass mortality, live coral cover was relatively low on most atolls, and thin algal turfs dominated the benthos. Clear benthic differences were apparent between eastern and western aspects of reefs, pointing to the importance of local hydrodynamic conditions in determining recovery rates. Where recovery was the most apparent, it was dominated by fast-growing and bleaching-resistant coral genera. Despite the apparent lack of recovery at many sites, the reef system did not show signs of having suffered a 'phase shift' to a macroalgal state. High herbivorous fish abundance was likely responsible in controlling macrophyte levels, and may be crucial for further benthic recovery in these reefs.
Effect of low temperature on metabolic enzymes and HSP-70 expression of coldwater fish Barilius bendelisis.

The levels of key metabolic enzymes viz. Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase, Lactate dehydrogenase, Pyruvate kinase, Acetylcholine esterase and ATPase were monitored at varying time intervals in coldwater fish Barilius bendelisis exposed to 5 ° C. The levels of these enzymes increased to 236.23, 28.22, 68.66, 83.59 and 143.55% respectively as compared to control group of fishes during 96hrs of rearing in cold. The enzymatic values of pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and ATPase levels increased considerably (P<0.01) just after 24 hrs of treatment while glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase and esterase increased significantly (P<0.01) after 48 hrs of cold treatment. Isozyme profiling of above enzymes also supports the data visually. Moreover, two more isoforms of Pyruvate kinase were also observed in cold adapted fish specimens than in control group. Twelve protein bands were also visualized when the samples from test fishes were run on the SDS-PAGE, one band of 29kD at Rf of 0.63 exhibited relatively high intensity in the fish reared at cold temperature as compared to control group. Similarly, elevated levels of Hsp-70 were also detected (p<0.05) due to the cold stress given to the fishes for a period of 24-96 hrs that also served as an early indicator of temperature stress in fish and played an important role in cold adaptation.
Treatment of a cutaneous odontogenic sinus tract of endodontic origin: A case report

A sinus tract is a condition in which a particular area of infection spreads along the epithelial surface leading to the skin surface or body cavity. The most common reason of a cutaneous sinus tract in the head and neck regions is chronic dental infections. [1] These lesions may occur away from the odontogenic source or anywhere on the skin. Therefore, they are often misdiagnosed with localized skin infections, ingrown hair, osteomyelitis, tuberculosis, neoplasms, and actinomycosis. [2,3] Common areas where these occurrences are most frequently seen are the mandibular angle, submental area, chin, and cheeks. Approximately 80%–87% of the cases originate from the mandibular teeth. Usually, there is no symptom in the related tooth. [4] Odontogenic extraoral sinus tracts are often misdiagnosed. Most of these patients are examined by other doctors until they are referred to a dentist. The condition is often tried to be treated with surgical operations, long-term antibiotic treatment, and radiotherapy. However a large portion of these occurrences can be treated with endodontic treatment only, without a need for a surgical intervention. [4] The following case presents the management of a cutaneous sinus tract originating from a mandibular central incisor by conventional endodontic treatment.
Influence of Type of Traffic Control on Injury Severity in Bicycle–Motor Vehicle Crashes at Intersections

Many studies have identified factors that contribute to bicycle–motor vehicle (BMV) crashes, but little is known about determinants of cyclist injury severity under different traffic control measures at intersections. Preliminary analyses of 5,388 police-reported BMV crashes from 2002 to 2014 from Queensland, Australia revealed that cyclist injury severity differed according to whether the intersection had a Stop/Give-way sign, traffic signals or no traffic control. Therefore, separate mixed logit models of cyclist injury severity (fatal/hospitalized, medically treated, and minor injury) were estimated. Despite similar distributions of injury severity across the three types of traffic control, more factors were identified as influencing cyclist injury severity at Stop/Give-way controlled intersections than at signalized intersections or intersections with no traffic control. Increased injury severity for riders aged 40–49 and 60+ and those not wearing helmets were the only consistent findings across all traffic control types, although the effect of not wearing helmets was smaller at uncontrolled intersections. Cyclists who were judged to be at fault were more severely injured at Stop/Give-way and signalized intersections. Speed zone influenced injury severity only at Stop/Give-way signs and appears to reflect differences in intersection design, rather than speed limits per se. While most BMV crashes occurred on dry road surfaces, wet road surfaces were associated with an increased cyclist injury severity at Stop/Give-way intersections. The results of this study will assist transport and enforcement agencies in developing appropriate mitigation strategies to improve the safety of cyclists at intersections.
Establishing norms for nasal spirometry

Background: Conventional spirometry in which air flows through the mouth is used to detect obstructive airways disease. If air is made to flow through the nose only, obstructive disorders of nose-nasopharynx region may be detected. In this study, this was carried out by a simple modification at the patient end of the spirometer tube that enabled the patient to breathe out through the nose only or through the nose and mouth. Aims and Objective: The main aim of the current study is to compare oronasal and nasal spirometry measurements in healthy individuals and establish normal values for nasal spirometry. Materials and Methods: A total of 600 healthy individuals were divided into three groups based on age: Group 1: 615 years, Group 2: 1635 years, and Group 3: 3650 years. Each group contained 200 subjects. All subjects underwent two sets of measurements: (1) Oronasal spirometry and (2) nasal spirometry. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC%, Forced expiratory time (FET), peak expiratory flow rate, forced inspiratory flow at 50% of inspired volume during FVC test, forced expiratory flow at 50% of expired volume during FVC test, and peak inspiratory flow rate were evaluated in all groups. Results: In the age group of 1635 years, all the parameters are significantly less in nasal spirometry when compared to oronasal spirometry. In the 3650 years group, the results were similar except for FET which did not differ significantly in females. In the age group of 615 years, differences in FET were not significant in both the sexes. In males, FVC, FEV1, and FEV1% were significantly less for nasal spirometry, but in females, there was no significant difference. Conclusion: Significant differences were observed between many oronasal and nasal parameters. This indicates that there is a difference between airflow through the mouth and airflow only through the nose in healthy individuals. These differences could be exaggerated in persons with obstruction in the nosenasopharynx region. Since the instrument is a portable one, many exciting possibilities are open to investigation.
Correlation of Glycated Albumin Levels with Serum Adenosine Deaminase in type 2 Diabetes Patients

Background: In recent times Glycated Albumin routinely using as glycemic parameter to asses the status of diabetes complications. Type 2 diabetes mainly due to shortage or scarcity of insulin secretion. This insulin secretion again influenced by many factors and enzymes in our body, one such enzyme is Adenosine Deaminase (ADA). So far there are very limited studies available to explore the clinical correlation between glycated products such as Glycated Albumin with ADA in type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM). Material and Methods: In this case control study, all the subjects included were divided into 3 groups. Group A consisted of 80 normal healthy individuals who served as controls with no history of DM. Group B consisted of 80 patients of Type 2 DM both males & females in the age group of 45-70 years on oral hypoglycaemic drugs with GA<18%. Group C consisted of 60 patients of Type 2 diabetes mellitus both males & females in the age group of 45-70 years on oral hypoglycaemic drugs with GA>18%. serum levels of fasting blood sugar, glycated albumin, HbA1c, ADA and uric acid were estimated in all the subjects. Results: All the three parameters, FBS, GA, HbA1cand ADA levels were found to be increased in the patients of Type 2 DM as compared to controls. Conclusion: From the Present Study, It Is Concluded That There Is an Increase In Serum ADA Levels With Increase In GA levels.
Chronic Kidney Disease and the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 30 million adults in the U.S. and is strongly associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the third leading vascular disease, affects up to 900,000 Americans each year and contributes to as many as 100,000 deaths annually. The relationship of CKD and VTE has been described in patients receiving dialysis, kidney transplants recipients and in nephrotic syndrome, however, data supporting the association of VTE in mild to moderate CKD is conflicted. The overall goal of this research was to study the association of CKD and VTE and to understand the mechanisms of this association. To accomplish this goal we studied participants of the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study, a nationally representative cohort of 30,239 blacks and whites in the U.S. The first chapter provides a review of the state-of-the science on CKD and VTE and potential mechanisms for this association. We focus on factor VIII as a potential mediator of VTE risk in CKD by reviewing the biochemistry and epidemiology linking factor VIII and CKD. In Chapter 2, we use a cohort study design and a competing risk analysis to determine the risk of VTE with albuminuria (ACR) and with various equations for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). There was no association of ACR and VTE and the risk of VTE was similar among eGFR equations. Compared to a normal eGFR (>90 ml/min/1.73m), eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.73m was associated with a two-fold risk of VTE. The association of eGFR and unprovoked VTE was similar to the association with provoked VTE. The population attributable fraction of CKD (eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73m) was modest at 5%. In Chapter 3, we utilize a case-cohort study to determine if biomarkers of inflammation (C-reactive protein) and procoagulation (Factor VIII and D-dimer) attenuate the risk of VTE in CKD. These biomarkers were higher in lower kidney function and were also strongly associated with VTE. Adjustment for factor VIII fully attenuated the risk of VTE in CKD, thus factor VIII is a potential mediator of the association of CKD and VTE. We assessed whether lifestyle factors and medications mitigate the risk of VTE in those with and without CKD. Exercise frequency and use of statins were associated with reduced risk of VTE in the presence and absence of CKD, but normal BMI was associated with reduced VTE risk only in those without CKD. We conclude that CKD is a risk factor for VTE, and findings shed light on the mechanisms of this association. Interventions that might lower VTE risk in CKD patients include exercise and statin therapy, but not weight loss. Factor VIII is a potential mediator of VTE in CKD and deserves further study. We suggest several avenues for future research to explore the relationship of Factor VIII and CKD.