Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of ghrelin on rat pituitary GH3 cell line proliferation

Introduction. Human ghrelin is the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHSR1a). It is suggested that ghrelin is involved in pituitary adenomas pathogenesis. There are inconsistent data regarding the effect of ghrelin on cell proliferation. In this study the outcome of ghrelin in the rat pituitary adenoma GH3 cell line on morphology and proliferation ratio was evaluated. The ghrelin receptor (Ghsr) mRNA expression in GH3 cell line was established as well, because it was found that heterogeneous expression pattern characterized physiological and pathological conditions of tissues of different origin. Material and Methods. Suitable experimental model pituitary tumor (rat GH3 cell line) was stimulated with ghrelin in the final concentrations 10–12 M, 10–9 M and 10–6 M. Reverse transcription followed by real time polymerase chain reaction was used for ghrelin receptor gene transcript detection. The morphology as well as cell cycle of those cells were analyzed using Axio Vert.A1 Microscope (Zeiss) and BD FACSCalibur™ flow cytometer (Beckton Dickinson), respectively. The percentages of cells in the G0/G1, S, G2/M cycle phases were evaluated using the ModFit™ software (Verity Software, Inc., USA). Results. Ghsr mRNA presence was confirmed in GH3 cells. Ghrelin did not affect conspicuously GH3 cells morphology, however the ghrelin‑induced proliferation index increase was caused by both decline of G0/G1 phases cells count and increase those being in S+G2/M (p < 0.05). Conclusions. In conclusion, this study indicates that ghrelin stimulates GH3 cells proliferation and may play role in pituitary tumorigenesis via an autocrine/paracrine pathway.
Sex-Related Differences in the Foraging Movement of Streaked Shearwaters Calonectris leucomelas Breeding on Awashima Island in the Sea of Japan

Abstract Sex-related differences in foraging habitat are common among seabirds. Streaked Shearwaters Calonectris leucomelas breeding on Awashima Island in the Sea of Japan are considered to exhibit gender differences in foraging habitat: only males cross the windy Tsugaru Strait into the Pacific Ocean. Since males are larger, with greater wing loading than females, winds are expected to increase the effect of sexual size dimorphism on their flight performance, which may determine accessibility to foraging habitats. To assess the sex-related differences in foraging movements among years in which environmental and wind conditions differed, we analyzed foraging trips of male (N=243) and female (N=241) Streaked Shearwaters during the chick-rearing period by using GPS loggers in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Both males and females were found to travel through the Tsugaru Strait into the Pacific Ocean, but the frequency was higher for males than for females. Nevertheless, we found that wind velocities had no effect on the probability of transiting the Tsugaru Strait. Greater wing loading requires higher energy demands for flight; therefore, males possibly needed to travel into the Pacific Ocean to feed on the energy-rich Pacific Saury Cololabis saira. In 2012, when the sea surface temperature (SST) in the Sea of Japan was the highest among the three study years, the frequency of foraging in the Pacific Ocean was similar for males and females. Shearwaters are considered to forage in association with predatory fish, the distribution of which is largely influenced by the Tsushima Warm Current migrating partially into the Tsugaru Strait. Hence, both males and females were more likely to travel into the Pacific Ocean when the Sea of Japan SST was high, generating conditional sex-related differences in foraging habitat.
Modulation of Dopamine Transporter Function by Tamoxifen

The dopaminergic systems of the brain are important in the regulation of a number of processes, including motor control and reward processing. Psychostimulants such as amphetamine and cocaine take advantage of these systems to exert their stimulant and reinforcing effects. The selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen has been demonstrated to increase extracellular dopamine in vivo and act as a neuroprotectant in models of dopamine neurotoxicity. However, the nature and mechanism of these effects remains to be clarified. We investigated the effect of tamoxifen on dopamine transportermediated dopamine uptake, dopamine efflux, and [3H]WIN 35,428 binding in rat striatal tissue. We found that tamoxifen dose dependently blocks [3H]dopamine uptake (38% reduction at 10 μM) and efflux (63% reduction at 10 μM) in synaptosomes. It also effects a small but significant reduction in [3H]WIN 35,428 binding in striatal membranes, indicating a weak interaction with the WIN 35,428 binding site. Biotinylation and cysteine accessibility studies indicate that tamoxifen stabilizes the outward-facing conformation of the dopamine transporter in a cocaine-like manner and does not affect surface expression of the dopamine transporter. Additional studies with S2-site dopamine transporter mutants indicate a direct interaction between tamoxifen and the secondary substrate binding site of the transporter. Locomotor studies indicate that tamoxifen attenuates amphetamine-stimulated hyperactivity in rats, but has no effect on locomotor activity in
Occurrence of pathotypes of Diplocarpon rosae on roses in Belgium

Monospore cultures of black spot (Diplocarpon rosae Wolf) were established from isolates collected on outdoor grown roses at different locations in Belgium. These monospore cultures were tested on rose cultivars and species with different levels of natural resistance to examine the possible existence of different pathotypes. For this purpose a screening protocol including scoring after artificial infection was developed on in vitro plantlets. Differences between the examined isolates proved that there exist different pathotypes of Diplocarpon rosae in Belgium.
Morphological and Physiological Responses of Morus alba Seedlings under Different Light Qualities

Light quality can influence the photosynthetic characteristics, morphology and physiological processes of plants. To investigate the effects of different light qualities (white light, W; red light, R; blue light, B; mixture of red and blue light, RB) of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and white cold fluorescent lamp on the growth and morphology of fruiting mulberry plants (Morus alba L. cv. â€˜Longsang No.1â€™), fruiting mulberry plants were grown under different light qualities: W, R, B and RB of the same photosynthetic photo flux density (PPFD; 100 I¼mol m-2 s-1) for 20 d. Our results showed that stem length and leaf area of plants grown under R were the highest. However, stem length and leaf area of plants grown under B were lowest. Dry weights (DW), leaf mass per area (LMA), chlorophyll a/b ratio, soluble protein content, sucrose and starch content, and total leaf nitrogen (N) content of plants grown under R were the lowest. Net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), and actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (I¦PSII) of plants grown under RB were similar to plants grown under W. Net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and I¦PSII of plants grown under R and B were lower than plants grown under W and RB. Antioxidant enzymes activity of plants grown under R, RB and B were higher than plants grown under W. The number of leaf stomata, leaf thickness, palisade tissue length and spongy tissue length were the lowest in plants grown under R. The number of leaf stomata, leaf thickness and palisade tissue length of plants grown under RB and B were higher than plants grown under R. The results of this study indicate that a certain ratio of mixed red and blue LEDs light can reduce adverse effects of monochromatic red and blue LEDs light on fruiting mulberry growth and development.
Genomic and Environmental Contributions to Chronic Diseases in Urban Populations

Uncovering the interaction between genomes and the environment is a principal challenge of modern genomics and preventive medicine. While theoretical models are well defined, little is known of the GxE interactions in humans. We used a system biology approach to comprehensively assess the interactions between 1.6 million environmental exposure data, health, and expression phenotypes, together with whole genome genetic variation, for ∼1000 individuals from a founder-population in Quebec. We reveal a substantial impact of the urbanization gradient on the transcriptome and clinical endophenotypes, overpowering that of genetic ancestry. In detail, air pollution impacts gene expression and pathways affecting cardio-metabolic and respiratory traits when controlling for genetic ancestry. Finally, we capture 34 clinically associated expression quantitative trait loci that interact with the environment (air pollution). Our findings demonstrate how the local environment directly affects chronic disease development, and that genetic variation, including rare variants, can modulate individual’s response to environmental challenges. Highlights Fine scale environmental effects overpower those of ancestry on gene expression Air pollution (geographic and temporal) is associated with transcriptional response Gene-by-environment interactions with air pollution include asthma associated loci Inflammatory pathways and cardio-respiratory clinical traits are among those affected
Cellular characterisation of small Open Reading Frame function in Drosophila melanogaster

As our knowledge of the genome expands, so does our understanding of the characteristics of what we define as genes. Small Open Reading Frame (smORF) genes have eluded gene annotation until very recently, and evidence is mounting that these very short nucleotide sequences encode functional peptides that are ≤100 amino acids in size. From work conducted in the fruit fly, our lab has successfully characterised three Drosophila smORFs, of which two have been shown to have a function in higher vertebrates, including humans. The functional characterisation of one of these conserved smORF encoded peptides (SEPs), Hemotin, is presented in this thesis. Though the overall number is still low compared to the abundance of potential smORF-encoding genes in Drosophila, the information gathered here allows us to speculate on the wider role of smORF peptides through cell-based imaging studies conducted on Drosophila cells. Here, I will discuss the various techniques that can and should be employed in order to study the functions of SEPs. Chapter III describes the various phenotypic studies conducted on the Hemotin smORF which is expressed in Drosophila haemocytes, and are integral to the fruit fly immune system. This study showed that connecting subcellular localisation of an SEP to a direct functional assay in cells can reveal functional characteristics of the peptide for further study. Chapter IV details the results from a tagging-transfection assay, which began initially as a way to independently corroborate the translation of smORF mRNAs that were assessed as such by Ribosome Profiling. This experiment resulted in the discovery of several mitochondrial-localised SEPs in Drosophila S2 cells, opening the door for the direct functional assay described in Chapter V. The results from a small-scale RNAi screen conducted on the mitochondria of S2 cells provided a reliable read-out for functionality of a large proportion of the smORFs that were screened. This assay can potentially be used as a phenotypic read-out of mitochondrial-SEP function in any cell or tissue type. Elucidation of smORFs and the functions of the peptides that they encode will help us to expand the Drosophila proteome, along with providing evidence of their functionality across every organism in which they are found. Considering that characterised SEPs play very important roles in physiology and health, it is time for smORFs to be acknowledged as the important genomic elements that they are.
Biogeographical region and environmental conditions drive functional traits of estuarine fish assemblages worldwide

Assessing trait–environment relationships is crucial for predicting effects of natural and human-induced environmental change on biota. We compiled a global database of fish assemblages in estuaries, functional traits of fishes and ecosystem features of estuaries. And we quantified the relative importance of ecosystem features as drivers of patterns of fish functional traits among estuaries worldwide (i.e. drivers of the proportions of fish traits). In addition to biogeographical context, two main environmental gradients regulate traits patterns: firstly temperature, and secondly estuary size and hydrological connectivity of the estuary with the marine ecosystem. Overall, estuaries in colder regions, with larger areas and with higher hydrological connectivity with the marine ecosystem, have higher proportions of marine fish (versus freshwater), macrocarnivores and planktivores (versus omnivores, herbivores and detritivores) and larger fish, with greater maximum depth of distribution and longer lifespan. The observed trait patterns and trait–environment relationships are likely generated by multiple causal processes linked to physiological constraints due to temperature and salinity, size-dependent biotic interactions, as well as habitat availability and connectivity. Biogeographical context and environmental conditions drive species richness and composition, and present results show that they also drive assemblage traits. The observed trait patterns and trait–environment relationships suggest that assemblage composition is determined by the functional role of species within ecosystems. Conservation strategies should be coordinated globally and ensure protection of an array of estuaries that differ in ecosystem features, even if some of those estuaries do not support high species richness.
Virulence and inoculum density‐dependent interactions between clubroot resistant canola (Brassica napus) and Plasmodiophora brassicae

To mitigate the impact and dissemination of clubroot in western Canada, canola (Brassica napus) producers have relied on clubroot resistance traits. However, in 2013 and 2014, new strains of the clubroot pathogen, Plasmodiophora brassicae, emerged that are virulent on most clubroot-resistant (CR) canola genotypes. Novel strains of the pathogen were inoculated onto two susceptible canola cultivars, one resistant line and six CR cultivars. Although all cultivars/lines showed a susceptible response to inoculation with the new strains of P. brassicae, the severity of disease reaction, root hair infection rates and the amount of P. brassicae DNA present in each canola genotype varied depending on the strain. In addition, the effect of inoculum density on disease severity and gall formation was recorded for one of these new strains on a universally susceptible Chinese cabbage cultivar and one susceptible and 10 resistant canola genotypes. Although root galls were observed at an inoculum density of 103 spores per mL of soil, clear differentiation of susceptible and resistant reactions among canola cultivars/lines was not observed until the inoculum density reached 105 spores mL−1. At a spore density of 106 spores mL−1 and above, all cultivars/lines developed susceptible reactions, although there was some differentiation in the degree of reaction. This study shows the potential to develop a unique disease profile for emergent clubroot pathotypes and shows a useful range of spore densities at which to study new P. brassicae strains.
Relationship between Ratio of Second and Fourth Digit and Obesity Traits among Different Ethnic Groups in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria

Digit ratio (2D:4D) denotes the relative length of the second and fourth digits. There are contradicting reports on its relationship with ethnicity/race, whereas convincing studies show it is related to obesity. This cross-sectional study was undertaken to demystify ethnic difference in 2D:4D ratio and to analyze its relationship with obesity among adults in Ilorin Nigeria. The cross-sectional study included 701 individuals. Finger lengths were measured with electronic calipers and other anthropometric traits were measured with standard procedure. Student t test and one-way ANOVA were used to detect differences among groups and relationship was computed with Pearson correlation. The receiver operator characteristic curves were used to detect the diagnostic effect of 2D:4D for obesity. The obtained results showed sexual dimorphism in 2D:4D ratio and other anthropometrics at p 0.05); this result proved that there was no ethnic specificity in 2D:4D ratio among study’ participants. Thus, it can be reported that the digit ratio was related to high 2D:4D, but this cannot be said for different ethnic groups. The results imply that 2D:4D might be a good surrogate indicator for obesity, but not ethnicity.
Studies on genomics and proteomics of a potyvirus infecting summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) in H.P

Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) is one of the important vegetable crops of family Cucurbitaceae. Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV; Family: Potyviridae, Genus: Potyvirus) causes great losses to both crop and ornamental cucurbit crop production. In the present study, after detection using ELISA, molecular characterization of ZYMV (at genomic and proteomic level) infecting summer squash was carried out. A cDNA of approximately 700bp was amplified from infected tissue with the help of primers specific for potyvirus group. The PCR amplified product was sequenced and analyzed. The sequence of partial coat protein of 154 nucleotides of Una (Indian) isolate of zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) was determined and translated to proteins. Later, the sequence was submitted to NCBI and has got accession no. GU144796 with protein id ACZ36948. In BLASTN analysis, nucleotide test sequence showed 91% homology with D13914 (sequence from USA), whereas, protein test sequence was 75.9% homologous in BLASTP analysis with a number of protein sequences present in the database. The alignment score of test sequence with 67 other isolates of ZYMV retrieved from NCBI database was highest for USA among varied countries and lowest for China in case of nucleotides and Korea in case of proteins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 91% similarity of the test virus sequence with a USA ZYMV CP (D13914) and 75.9% similarity of the partial polyprotein sequence with that of Japan (BAE75935). Conserved domain of the test virus was found to show homology with the potyvirus coat protein domain alignment collection (pfam00767). Computational restriction digestion revealed that 22 different restriction enzymes restrict present isolate of ZYMV. Secondary structures for polyprotein of the test virus was predicted which inferred dominance of alpha ( ) helix in the protein sequence. Signature of Major Advisor Signature of the student Countersigned Professor & Head Department of Biotechnology Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173230 (H.P.)
The Interfacial Chemistry of Isocyanate/Metal Systems.

Isocyanate based materials are widely used in many applications such as automotive, construction, thermal insulation, adhesive and coating. The aim of this PhD project is to understand and improve knowledge of the possible isocyanate-metal interaction in order to improve adhesives performance for the metal substrates and process performance by developing release options. A mechanical performance has been assessed by the single lap shear test and the locus of failure has been determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in order to establish the cause of failure. Subsequently, the nature of the interaction between polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (PMDI) and different metals (stainless steel, aluminium, iron and copper) by the deposition of a thin layer of adhesive on the substrate has been studied using XPS and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The interfacial chemistry of the multi-component of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) to metals then has been studied using the peel testing to examine the interfacial failure surfaces by XPS and ToF-SIMS, and also ultra low-angle microtomy (ULAM) technique for sample preparation in combination with ToF-SIMS. Adsorption behaviour of the RPUF on the metal surfaces also has been studied. Significant differences in the behaviour have been established. A fragment, indicative of covalent bond formation between PMDI and aluminium (AICHNO3-) was observed at the PMDI/aluminium interface. However, such specific interaction was not observed at the PMDI/iron and PMDI/stainless steel interfaces, and these interactions might b acid-base interaction. Copper was migrated into the PMDI and this might hinder formation of the strong bond. The catalyst used in the multi-component of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) formulation, pentamethylenetriamine (PMDETA), was concentrated at the PU/metal interface area.
Nutritive value of eggs.

The purpose of this paper was to establish the nutritive value of eggs sold on the market. Samples were taken both from stores and market from Timisoara town. For nutritive value appreciation was used the calculate methodology establish by the (Segal and col. 1983). This method consists in nutritive value appreciation according with the following component: protein, lipids, sugars, Ca, P, Fe and the vitamins – A, B1, B2 and C. The results of the laboratory determinations are presented in extension in this paper. For the integral egg (without the shell) the nutritive value (NV10) was 12,30, for the glair – 3.73 and for the yolk – 18.35. For comparison are presented some data from our previous researches: milk – NV10 = 3.53 for the milk with 1.8% fat and 5.27 for the milk with 4.03% fat; Telemea cheese NV10 = 9.31.
Strawberry Clonal Fruit Yield and Quality Responses to Hand Picking Prior to Once-over Machine Harvest1

Four of 7 strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch.) clones tested did not benefit in total yield from 1 or 2 hand pickings prior to once-over machine harvest. Four of the clones could be hand picked once without a significant reduction in machine harvested yields. Two clones were low yielding regardless of the harvest method. ‘Sunrise’, a high once-over yielding clone, increased in total yield with hand harvesting but fruit were soft and poorly colored and lacked good field holding and in-plant handling capabilities. ‘Cardinal’ represented a clone with fruit quality and a ripening pattern suitable to a combination of hand and machine harvesting. Fruit remaining on the plants after 1 or 2 hand harvests had a higher percentage of ripe fruit in the once-over harvest than machine harvested fruit not preceded by a hand harvest. The composite once-over machine harvested fruit after 1 or 2 hand pickings showed the same or higher soluble solids, shear press firmness, puree viscosity and color intensity as hand harvested fruit. In clones with high quality fruit, the presence of immature fruit in the onceover harvest did not detract from puree color or flavor acceptability. Selection A-5344 possessed both yield and quality characteristics desired for a completely mechanized harvest for processing.