Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genomic regulatory sequences in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder

The lifetime prevalence of bipolar disorder is estimated to be about 2%. Epigenetics defines regulatory mechanisms that determine relatively stable patterns of gene expression by controlling all key steps, from DNA to messenger RNA to protein. This Mini Review highlights recent discoveries of modified epigenetic control resulting from genetic variants associated with bipolar disorder in genome-wide association studies. The revealed epigenetic abnormalities implicate gene transcription and post-transcriptional regulation. In the light of these discoveries, the Mini Review focuses on the genes PACS1, MCHR1, DCLK3, HAPLN4, LMAN2L, TMEM258, GNL3, LRRC57, CACNA1C, CACNA1D, and NOVA2 and their potential biological role in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder. Molecular mechanisms under control of these genes do not translate into a unified picture and substantially more research is needed to fill the gaps in knowledge and to solve current limitations in prognosis and treatment of bipolar disorder. In conclusion, the genetic and functional studies confirm the complex nature of bipolar disorder and indicate future research directions to explore possible targeted treatment options, eventually working toward a personalized approach.
Divergence in metabolomic profile in clownfish and damselfish skin mucus

Introduction The clownfish - sea anemone mutualism was suggested to have triggered the adaptive radiation of clownfishes, but the origin of clownfish resistance to stinging tentacles of host anemones remains unclear. The presence of specific compounds in the mucus of clownfishes conferring them the unique ability to prevent nematocyst discharge from their hosts has been the most supported hypothesis. Yet the mystery regarding the types of compounds found in clownfish skin mucus remains unsolved. Methods We analyzed the chemical composition of clownfish and damselfish mucus using an untargeted metabolomics (HILIC-HRMS) and lipidomics (RPLC-HRMS) approach. Results and Discussion The polar and lipid metabolome signatures were highly specific and allowed to discriminate between the clownfish and damselfish clades. The most discriminative part of the signature was the sphingolipid profile, displaying a broader diversity of ceramides present in significantly higher levels in clownfish mucus. Importantly, the inter-specific variability of metabolic signature was significantly higher in clownfishes, although their diversification is evolutionarily more recent, thus implying the impact of symbiosis on metabolic variability and adaptation. Furthermore, specialists and generalists clownfish species displayed distinctive metabolite signature. Two strict clownfish specialists, which are phylogenetically distant but share the same host species, clustered together based on their molecular signature, suggesting a link with their mutualistic nature. Overall, comparative analyses of metabolic signatures highlight differences in chemical composition of clownfish mucus and provide insight into biochemical pathways potentially implicated in clownfish adaptation to inhabit sea anemones and consequently diversify.
Listening to Fish

Abstract Passive acoustics is a rapidly emerging field of marine biology that until recently has received little attention from fisheries scientists and managers. In its simplest form, it is the act of listening to the sounds made by fishes and using that information as an aid in locating fish so that their habitat requirements and behaviors can be studied. We believe that with the advent of new acoustic technologies, passive acoustics will become one of the most important and exciting areas of fisheries research in the next decade. However, a widespread lack of familiarity with the technology, methodologies, and potential of passive acoustics has hampered the growth of the field and limited funding opportunities. Herein, we provide an overview of important new developments in passive acoustics together with a summary of research, hardware, and software needs to advance the field.
Genetic mapping of a single nuclear locus determines the white flesh color in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.)

Introduction Flesh color is an important trait in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.). Several flesh color genes have been identified in watermelon; however, the inheritance of and the molecular basis underlying the white flesh trait remain largely unknown. Methods In this study, segregation populations were constructed by crossing the canary yellow flesh line HSH-F with the white flesh line Sanbai to fine-map the white flesh gene in watermelon. Results Genetic analysis indicated that the white flesh trait is controlled by a single recessive locus, termed Clwf2. Map-based cloning delimited the Clwf2 locus to a 132.3-kb region on chromosome 6. The candidate region contains 13 putative genes, and four of them—Cla97C06G121860, Cla97C06G121880, Cla97C06G121890, and Cla97C06G121900—were significantly downregulated in the white flesh compared to the canary yellow flesh watermelon fruits. The Cla97C06G121890 gene, which encodes a tetratricopeptide repeat protein, showed almost no expression in the white flesh fruit before maturity, whereas it had a very high expression in the canary yellow flesh fruit at 18 days after pollination. Transmission electron microscopy revealed rounded and regularly shaped chromoplasts in both the canary yellow and white flesh fruits. Further quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of several key plastid division genes and almost the entire carotenoid biosynthesis pathway genes were downregulated in the white flesh compared to the canary yellow flesh fruits. Discussion This study suggests that the proliferation inhibition of chromoplasts and downregulation of the CBP genes block the accumulation of carotenoids in watermelon and lead to white flesh. These findings advance and extend the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying white flesh trait formation and carotenoid biosynthesis in watermelon.
EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT COMPOUNDS AND FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ABILITY OF POMEGRANATE FRUIT PEELS

Jamuna, S*. , S. Sathiskumar and M. Swamynathan Department of Botany, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641029. *E.mail: sjamunaphd@gmail.com The present study was undertaken to investigate the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of pomegranate fruit peels. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were made for various solvent extracts of fruit peel of pomegranate and for antioxidant activity, ethanolic extract alone was used. The preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed that higher number of secondary metabolites was found in ethanolic extract of fruit peel than the other solvent extracts. The total phenolics and flavonoids contents of ethanolic fruit peel extract was found to be 246.5 mg GAE/100g extract and 83.95 mg QE/100g extract respectively. The ethanolic fruit peel extracts unveiled highest scavenging ability by quenching the DPPH free radicals with the IC50 value, 142. 90μg/mL. The present study showed that the tested pomegranate peels exhibited strong antioxidant activity. These results suggest that pomegranate fruit peel could be exploited as a potential source of natural antioxidant agent.
Effects of psychosocial function in pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Background and Aims Research on the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on psychosocial function in patients with pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological status of patients with PIBD before and during the pandemic, and the relationship between mental health and disease activity. Methods This study was a retrospective cohort study. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the relationship between demographic, clinical data and psychological data (questionnaires) of PIBD patients before and during the epidemic. The anxiety and depression emotional status of the guardians during the pandemic were evaluated. Results In the PIBD follow-up cohort, 42 patients(male 61.9%) were included. Female with PIBD had lower pediatric quality of life inventory(PedsQL) scores (P = 0.007) and higher spence children's anxiety scale(SCAS) scores (P = 0.038) than male. The pandemic did not have a substantial impact on PedsQL, pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI), SCAS, or children's depression inventory(CDI) in patients with PIBD. The self-rating anxiety scale(SAS) score, anxiety rate, self-rating depression scale(SDS) score, and depression rate of PIBD guardians were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (SAS, P = 0.008; SDS, P = 0.001). Conclusions Female children with PIBD were more vulnerable to decreased QOL and increased anxiety than male children. The anxiety and depression status of PIBD guardians were significantly higher than those of healthy controls during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect quality of life(QOL), sleep, anxiety, or depressive mood of patients with PIBD in our study.
The role of pragmatics in cross-cultural

We here try to find out the role of pragmatics in the cross-cultural contexts. Pragmatics is the way we convey meaning through communication (Deda, 2013). Other factors beyond competence are the adjustments between contexts and situations that can change the ordinary meaning of elements/sentences according to the language situation. The culture of an organization decides the way employees behave amongst themselves as well as the people outside the organization. Pragmatic culture more emphasis is placed on the clients and the external parties. Customer satisfaction is the main motive of the employees in a pragmatic culture. In linguistics, pragmatic competence is the ability to use language effectively in a contextually appropriate fashion. Pragmatic competence is a fundamental aspect of a more general communicative competence.
Varietal characterization of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) based on morphological descriptions

A total of 36 cultivars of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] were grouped for 31 morphological characters (17 visual and 14 quantitative) adopted as per DUS guidelines. All the cultivars showed similar expression for each characters over the four consecutive year (kharif, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013) depicting the stability of cultivars. None of the attributes showed intra-varietal variations. Three cultivars, i.e. Azad Bhindi 3, Kashi Lalima and VROR 159 showed red stem colour while others have green stem colour. No. 315 showed first flower at less than 5 nodes while SB 2, Arka Abhay, Kashi Vibhuti, Kashi Pragati, Kashi Lila and Perkins Long Green exhibited first flower at 5-8 nodes, whereas other cultivars expressed first flower appeared at more than 8 nodes. Cultivars Pusa A-4, Kashi Leela and Punjab Padmini were early in flowering (<35 days) while SB 2, Arka Anamika, Punjab 8, Kashi Pragati, HRB 55, Varsha Uphar, Hisar Naveen and Arka Abhay were medium (35-45 days), whereas other cultivars were late (>45 days) in flowering. Purple leaf vein colour was observed in 7 cultivars, viz. Susthira, Arka Anamika, Azad Bhindi 3, Kashi Lalima, Punjab Padmini, No. 315 and Perkins Long Green and the other cultivars depicted green leaf vein colour. Inside purple base colour of petal was exhibited in eight cultivars, viz. SB 2, No. 136, Susthira, Arka Anamika, Azad Bhindi 2, HRB 55, Azad Bhindi 1 and Punjab 7 while the other cultivars showed both side purple base colour on both side of petal. Light green fruit colour was observed in 8 cultivars, viz. GO 2, GJO 3, Azad Bhindi 2, Dl-87-5, Arka Abhay, VRO-3, Pusa Sawani and BO 2, whereas Azad Bhindi 3 and Kashi Lalima had light red fruit colour and rest of cultivars showed green fruit colour. Length of fruit (cm) at marketable stage (four days after anthesis) varied from small to long in the cultivars studied. Only one cultivar SB-2 have small fruit length while Susthira, Varsha Uphar, Kashi Vibhuti, Dl-87-5 and No.136 showed long fruit length. Rest cultivars showed medium fruit length. Only three cultivars, viz. Susthira, No. 315, and Kashi Vibhuti exhibited short plant height (<90cm). Majority of the cultivars were classified under medium (90-120cm) and tall (>120cm) plant height group.
Comparison of fitting performance of random regression models to test day milk yields in Holstein Friesians.

Recently, test day models have been suggested for genetic evaluation of test day milk yields, instead of using 305 day milk yields . Since the correct description of factors for each individual test day milk yield is possible, a higher genetic progress should be expected . Accuracy of genetic evaluations depends on the amounts of information used and methods. For analysis of test day milk yields, several types of models are applied such as Kafkas Univ Vet Fak Derg 15 (2): 261-266, 2009 DOI:10.9775/kvfd.2008. 138-A RESEARCH ARTICLE
Historical biogeography of Fungia (Pleuractis) spp. (Scleractinia: Fungiidae), including a new species from the Seychelles

An update of the phylogeny and biogeography of mushroom coral species belonging to Fungia (Pleuractis) is presented. Among the five species of this monophyletic group, one is described as new to science. This species, Fungia seychellensis spec, nov., was discovered during the Netherlands Seychelles Expedition (1992-1993) in the framework of the Netherlands Indian Ocean Programme 1990/1995.
STUDIES ON REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY IN A PRIMITIVE TELEOSTEI, THE AMERICAN SHAD (Alosa sapidissima)

American shad is an anadromous fish that displays asynchronous ovarian development. In an effort to enhance our understanding of the reproductive cycle of this primitive Teleostei species, and provide better management tools for the Chesapeake fishery, we have conducted studies of its gonadal and hormonal cycles. We developed various assays to measure reproductive endocrine factors including: 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and GnRH. Fish were collected from the Susquehanna River during their spawning migration. One group of fish was sacrificed on site to assess reproductive parameters of wild shad. A second group was transported to a Maryland State hatchery and treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) using several delivery systems. These treatments were followed during a two-week period by measurement of various hormonal levels. In addition, fecundity and fertilization of the hatchery groups were measured daily. Our results shed light on the reproductive physiology and endocrinology of the American shad and lay the foundation for usage of GnRHa to induce shad spawning in captivity.
Growth factor-mediated telomerase activity in ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological cancer death in the United States. Even though no single genetic alteration can be attributed to all ovarian cancers, 90% of ovarian tumors express telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein that elongates telomeric (TTAGGG)n repeats de novo. In normal somatic cells, telomerase is absent. In cancer cells, the re-expression of telomerase allows senescence to be bypassed contributing to cellular immortalization, a key step for cellular transformation, making telomerase a potentially important target for therapeutic intervention. Ovarian cancer cells secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) that feedback through their receptors present on ovarian cancer cells to promote cell growth. Since telomerase can be regulated by growth factors, I examined VEGF regulation of telomerase activity and the possible contribution of LPA as an upstream regulator of VEGF-mediated telomerase activity in ovarian cancer. My data reveal that both VEGF and LPA upregulate telomerase activity by ERK 1/2dependent transcriptional activation within the -976 to the -378 bp hTERT promoter regions where Sp1 is one of the major mediators of VEGFand LPA-induced transactivation of hTERT. It also identifies telomerase as a novel molecular target of
Manipulating the Mouse Embryo: A Laboratory Manual

Chapter 1. Developmental Genetics and Embryology of the Mouse: Past, Present, and Future Chapter 2. Summary of Mouse Development Chapter 3. Production of Transgenic and Chimeric Mice: General Issues Chapter 4. Recovery and In Vitro Culture of Pre-implantation-Stage Embryos Chapter 5. Isolation, Culture, and Manipulation of Post-implantation Embryos Chapter 6. Surgical Procedures Chapter 7. Production of Transgenic Mice Chapter 8. Isolation, Culture, and Manipulation of Blastocyst-derived Stem Cells Chapter 9. Vector Designs for Embryonic Stem Cell-based Transgenesis and Genome Alterations Chapter 10. Introduction of Foreign DNA into Embryonic Stem Cells Chapter 11. Production of Chimeras Chapter 12. Detection and Analysis of Mouse Genome Alterations and Specific Sequences Chapter 13. Parthenogenesis, Pronuclear Transfer, and Mouse Cloning Chapter 14. Assisted Reproduction: Ovary Transplantation, In Vitro Fertilization, Artificial Insemination, and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Chapter 15. Cryopreservation, Rederivation, and Transport of Mice Chapter 16. Techniques for Visualizing Gene Products, Cells, Tissues, and Organ Systems Chapter 17. Setting up and Equipping a Micromanipulation Lab Appendices
A monograph of bionectria (Ascomycota, Hypocreales, Bionectriaceae) and its Clonostachys anamorphs

Species of the genus Bionectria (Hypocreales, Bionectriaceae) with anamorphs in Clonostachys are reviewed. Bionectria is distinct from other genera of the Bionectriaceae in overall shape and septation of the ascospores, ascus morphology, ecology, and, in particular, characters of the anamorph. Several other characters of the ascomata may differ from those seen in other genera of the Bionectriaceae as well but none of these is consistently formed in all Bionectria species. The understanding of this genus necessitates emphasis on character patterns rather than single features, because certain characters may overlap with those of other nectrioid taxa. Bionectria forms a monophyletic clade based on analyses of the partial large subunit of the ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA). The genus includes destructive mycoparasites, some of which are used as biocontrol agents of fungal plant pathogens, as well as species with other substrate asso-
PRO- AND ANTI-APOPTOTIC FUNCTIONS OF ETOPOSIDE AND THE MECHANISM OF CARDIOLIPIN OXIDATION BY CYTOCHROME C.

Cytochrome c (cyt c) binds with high affinity with anionic phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine (PS) and cardiolipin (CL) to form a complex with peroxidase activity capable of oxidizing polyunsaturated phospholipids, including CL. Release of cyt c from mitochondria plays a pivotal role in cytosolic triggering of apoptotic caspase cascades whereby CL oxidation is involved in mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. Thus control of CL oxidation is critical to regulation of early stages of apoptosis. Given the lipid antioxidant potency of etoposide as well as its ability to induce apoptosis, we hypothesized that cyt c catalyzed CL oxidation during apoptosis can be sensitive to etoposide, hence affect execution of the apoptotic program. We analyzed how the apparent inability of etoposide to prevent apoptosis is related to the mechanism of mitochondrial cardiolipin oxidation by hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by cyt c molecules which has public health relevance since etoposide is a commonly used anti-tumor drug. In a model biochemical system, we showed that 160 pmol lipid hydroperoxides / nmol CL were generated when 100µM liposomes containing a mixture tetralinoleoyl-CL (TLCL) with dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) [1:1] were incubated with 4µM cyt c and 100µM H2O2 or 250µM AMVN. Etoposide inhibited CL hydroperoxide production in a concentration dependent manner but with different sensitivity to the different oxidizing systems. Etoposide was more effective in AMVN system (I50=3µM) compared to cyt c/H2O2 system (I50=15µM), suggesting CL is not oxidized randomly but via a definite pathway. Next we tried to outline the pathway of cardiolipin oxidation using EPR techniques and PAGE studies. Characterizing the protein derived (tyrosyl) radical and etoposide-phenoxyl radical we noted that cardiolipin oxidation occurs via the heme of the cyt c peroxidase and also partly by the protein derived (tyrosyl) radical generated as result of cyt c peroxidase reaction. Etoposide, in the model system inhibits cardiolipin oxidation by preventing formation of protein derived (tyrosyl) radical. However, in HL-60 cells, etoposide enhanced CL oxidation while suppressing AMVN-induced oxidation of other phospholipids. Thus etoposide-dependent inhibition of CL oxidation is not likely to interfere with the execution of apoptotic program via prevention of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization.
Latitudinal population differentiation in phenology, life history and flower morphology in the perennial herb Lythrum salicaria

Abstract In plants with a wide distribution, phenological characters can be expected to vary clinally along climatic gradients, whereas other characters important for adaptation to local biotic and abiotic factors may vary in a more mosaic fashion. We used common‐garden experiments and controlled crosses to examine population differentiation in phenology, life history and morphology in the perennial herb Lythrum salicaria along a latitudinal transect through Sweden (57°N to 66°N). Northern populations initiated growth and flowering earlier, flowered for a shorter period, were shorter, produced more and larger winter buds, and were older at first reproduction than southern populations. Flower morphology varied significantly among populations, but was, with the exception of calyx length, not significantly related to latitude of origin. Survival in the common garden (at 63°49′N) was positively correlated with latitude of origin and the size and number of winter buds produced in the preceding year. The results suggest that the among‐population differences in phenology and life history have evolved in response to latitudinal variation in length of the growing season. Further studies are required to determine whether population differentiation in flower morphology is maintained by selection.