Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal variation in the fatty acid composition of ovigerous females and embryos of the squat lobster Pleuroncodes monodon (Decapoda, Munididae)

Pleuroncodes monodon, an important fishery resource and key species in the Humboldt Current Large Marine ecosystem, has a prolonged reproductive period from winter until end of summer, and during this time females incubating their embryos are exposed to seasonal variation in food availability and in temperature. Additionally, in order to ensure successful reproduction and survival of embryos, changes occur in the main internal reserves and/or sources of energy of P. monodon. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of seasonal variation (winter vs summer) in the lipid content and fatty acid composition of ovigerous females and their embryos. The results show that a higher percentage of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids are found in females in winter. Similarly, the composition of fatty acids in embryos found here indicates that winter embryos have more saturated fatty acids and essential fatty acids (C18:2n6cis, C18:3n6 and C22:6n3) than do summer embryos. According to PCA analysis of fatty acid profile, samples from summer may be distinguished into two isolated groups with conspicuous variations in fatty acids profile of embryo and hepatopancreas. While in winter, the opposite pattern occurs in the fatty acid profile of embryo and hepatopancreas. These variations may be related to relevant physiological processes (reproduction and growth) and of their ontogeny (development and survival of offspring). Seasonal variation in the lipid content and composition of fatty acids of P. monodon could directly impact this species’ reproduction and survival and subsequently could have consequences on the food web and fishery exploitation.
Expression of alpha 7 integrin mediates the effects of laminin on Olfactory Ensheathing Cells - eScholarship

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are unique glia found only in the olfactory system. OECs support neuronal turnover and axon outgrowth in adults and represent a promising cell-transplantation candidate for spinal cord injury repair. Current mechanistic hypotheses are based on the ability of OECs to stimulate neuronal outgrowth via both secreted and cell-contact mediated effects. Laminin is reported to stimulate the growth promoting abilities of OECs, and this study askes if OECs react to laminin using integrin receptors to enhance their function. We focus on the alpha 7 integrin that is expressed by Schwann cells and implicated in peripheral nerve regeneration. Here we ask if adult OECs express alpha 7 integrin and if the presence of alpha 7 integrin mediates the OEC response on laminin by increasing their motility. We found that alpha 7 integrin colocalized with established OEC markers, SOX10, S100, and Aquaporin1. When adult OEC motility on laminin was tested, twice as many wildtype OECs migrated on laminin compared to alpha 7 mutant OECs. These results show that alpha 7 integrin mediates the OEC substrate preference for laminin, the first demonstration of a functional role for alpha 7 integrin in OECs.
Effects of Phoenix dactylifera pollen grains extract supplementation on post-thaw quality of Arabian stallion semen

This study explored the effect of extender supplementation with different concentrations of date palm pollen grain (DPPG) on post-thawed sperm motility, viability index, membrane and acrosome integrities in Arabian stallions. Five ejaculates from each of four Arabian stallions were subjected to cryopreservation with a modified INRA-82, without any supplementation (control) or supplemented with 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg DPPG. After thawing, all samples were maintained at 37 C, while analyses were performed at 0, 1, and 2 and 3 hours. Sperm motility percentage, viability index, membrane integrity percentage and acrosome integrity of each sample were determined by conventional laboratory methods. The addition of 100 mg DPPG resulted in improved maintenance of sperm motility after 0 and 60 min post-thawing, as compared to the control and other treatment groups. Nonsignificant effects on viability index were observed after enrichment of extender with 100 and 150 mg DPPG. The addition of 100 and 150 mg DPPG resulted in significant (P<0.0010) improvement in post-thawing membrane integrity (41.33±0.83%; 41.33±2.33%) compared to the controls (34.33±1.55%). These concentrations exerted also a beneficial effect in preserving sperm acrosome integrity (38.33±1.01%; 38.67±1.64%) as compared with the control one (33.33±1.12%). Supplementation of modified INRA-82 with 200 mg DPPG failed to maintain sperm motiliy while 250 mg PG has a negative impact on all studied post-thawing semen parameters. In conclusion, adding 100 and 150 mg date palm pollen grain extract to modified INRA-82 seemed useful in the chilling and freezing process of Arabian stallion sperm.
Current Overview of Mushroom Production in the World

Edible, medicinal, and wild mushrooms are the three major components of the global mushroom industry. World production of cultivated, edible mushrooms has increased more than 30‐fold since 1978. China is the main producer of cultivated, edible mushrooms. Lentinus edodes is now the world's leading cultivated edible mushroom with about 22% of the world's supply. Lentinula and four other genera (Pleurotus, Auricularia, Agaricus, and Flammulina) account for 85% of the world's total supply of cultivated edible mushrooms. Beginning in about 1997, China became the world's largest producer of Flammulina velutipes. On average, consumers now enjoy about 5 kg of mushrooms per person per year. Per capita consumption is expected to continue to increase as consumers become more aware of the healthful benefits of incorporating mushrooms in their diet. Much more research is needed on the bioactive components in mushrooms to determine their biological responses in humans.
Male harassment, female movements, and genetic diversity in a fragmented metapopulation

Interactions with males often alter the short-term behaviors of reproductive females. Yet, the influence of different internal and external factors, such as sexual conflict, on animal movement and patch dynamics is not well understood. We studied associations between courtship, movements of reproductive females, and genetic diversity in a small, fragmented network of Euphydras editha taylori (Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly). In the absence of courtship, female movements (step lengths) were restricted (< 2 m) and tortuous, and females never departed reproductive habitat. However, when courted by males, step lengths increased markedly and movements were straighter (less tortuous). Female habitat departures were associated with interactions between patch identity and courtship. All tracked females remained in reproductive habitat in the smallest patch, whereas 32% of females departed the larger patch (over forest) while eluding courting males. Genotyping (simple sequence repeats – SSRs) suggested low levels of genetic differentiation (Fst ~ 0.02; Analysis of molecular variance p = 0.02) with inter-patch distances of ≤ 0.3 km. Tests for a recent genetic bottleneck were negative, but heterozygous deficient deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations may indicate a developing bottleneck. Patch-specific female movement behaviors and the distribution of SSR alleles across the network suggest the possibility of a predominantly unidirectional transfer of reproducing females from the largest to smaller patches, with the smaller patches mostly closed to emigration. Our study suggests short-lived intraspecific interactions may influence dispersal in unanticipated ways and that understanding these interactions will provide a more holistic view of habitat fragmentation and network functioning.
Resurrection of the East Asian genus Eremotropa (Monotropoideae, Ericaceae), based on molecular and morphological data

The monotypic genus Eremotropa Andres (Monotropoideae, Ericaceae) is endemic to central Yunnan. It was first described by Andres in 1953, and was subsequently treated as a synonym of Monotropastrum Andres (1987); however, the phylogenetic placement of this genus has not, to date, been investigated. In this study, phylogenetic analyses were undertaken using DNA sequences from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer from all species of Monotropoideae available in GenBank. Comparative morphological studies on Eremotropa, Monotropastrum, and Monotropa L. were also carried out. The molecular phylogenetic evidence suggests that Eremotropa is sister to a clade formed by Monotropa and the remaining species of Monotropastrum, thus rendering Monotropastrum not monophyletic. Morphologically, Eremotropa differs from Monotropastrum in plant color, inflorescence type, length of the style, and size of the baccate fruit. Consequently, molecular and morphological evidence supports the resurrection of Eremotropa, which contains only one species, E. sciaphila Andres, as distinct from Monotropastrum.
Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics of Pseudomonas syringae

The Pseudomonas syringae species complex comprises many genetically diverse strains ubiquitously found in both agricultural and non-agricultural environments. More popularly known as a plant pathogenic bacteria, P. syringae has a very broad host range. However, distinct strains show strong host specificity and are able to cause disease on limited crops. Multi-locus sequence typing studies have subdivided the P. syringae complex into at least 13 different subgroups referred as phylogroups. Given such extensive genetic and ecological diversity within the species complex, there is an ongoing debate over the species definition of P. syringae strains. My research work investigated strains within the P. syringae species complex to determine if they belong to a single species population or if distinct phylogroups are in fact different species by performing whole-genome analysis of approximately 400 P. syringae strains using various comparative and evolutionary approaches. To overcome the computational challenges of large-scale comparative genome analysis, we designed a novel comparative genomic pipeline named DeNoGAP. The DeNoGAP pipeline provides a robust computational pipeline for performing various comparative genomics tasks, such as gene prediction, ortholog prediction, functional annotation,
Effect of Levisticum officinale Hydroalcoholic Extract on DU-145 and PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

Levisticumoﬃcinale containsavarietyof componentsusedforitsmedicinalpropertiesintraditionalmedicine. Thepreviousstudies showed that it had an anti-cancer eﬀect on cell lines. The current study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of Levisticum oﬃcinale hydroalcoholic extract ( LOHE ) on DU-145 and PC-3 human advanced prostate cancer cell lines. The anti-proliferative activity of LOHE wasevaluatedusingtheMTTassay. Theresultsof MTTshowedthattheIC50of DU-145andPC-3were500 µ g/mLand400 µ g/mL of LOHE , respectively, following 24 hours treatment. This study found that the hydroalcoholic extract of Levisticum oﬃcinale had beneﬁcial cell death inducing eﬀects on both the PC3 and DU145 human prostate carcinoma cell lines in time- and concentration-dependent fashion. Hence, LOHE may have remarkable potential for uses as new natural anticancer agent.
The DLK1-MEG3 locus in malignant cells of proposed primordial germ cell origins.

vi LIST OF TABLES.xiii LIST OF FIGURES.xiv CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION.1 The maintenance of normal and malignant stem cells by paternally imprinted genes.1 The IGF2-H19 and DLK1-MEG3 loci in embryogenesis and malignancy.5 Tumor heterogeneity and fluctuating cancer stem cell phenotypes.17 CHAPTER 2: MATERIALS AND METHODS.20 Cell culture.20 Isolation of human mononuclear cells from umbilical cord blood.20 AML patient samples.20 Testicular germ cell tumor tissues.21 Combined bisulfite-restriction analysis and bisulfite sequencing of genomic DNA.21 Real-time quantitative PCR.23
Allelopathic potential of root exudates of lucerne on annual ryegrass

Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), also known as alfalfa in other countries, is a highly productive forage legume producing high quality feed for livestock. Yields deteriorate due to weed infestation. Herbicides are a key strategy for weed control, but the evolution of weeds resistant to herbicides requires consideration of alternative options such as allelopathic lucerne varieties for weed suppression. To evaluate the allelopathic prospects of lucerne, a laboratory based root exudates bioassay was conducted using the equal-compartment-agar method (ECAM). The allelopathic effects of different growth periods (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 15 days) and density (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 pre-germinated seeds per beaker) of lucerne (var. Genesis) against annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin) were investigated. The root and shoot lengths of annual ryegrass were measured. Results indicated that lucerne growth for 4–8 days had the most inhibitive effect on the root growth of annual ryegrass. The root inhibition of annual ryegrass was increased with increasing density of lucerne. Growth period and density of lucerne however did not affect the shoot growth of annual ryegrass.
Influence of milk, milk fractions and milk proteins on the growth and viability of mastitis-causing Staphylococcus aureus strain

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of milk and milk fractions (cell-reduced, skim and whey) obtained from different cows on the growth rate of mastitis-causing Staphylococcus aureus strain at low inoculum density, simulating the early phase of intramammary infection. The association of the selected milk proteins, including α-lactalbumin, β-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, bovine serum albumin, γ-globulin and casein with the bacterial growth was also analysed. Twelve Polish Holstein-Friesian cows having no history of mastitis during the previous and current lactation were selected for this study. The S. aureus strain used in this study was isolated from a cow with clinical mastitis and was characterised by confirmed ability to spread among cows within a herd. Linear regression coefficients were calculated for associations between milk constituents and bacterial counts in whole milk as dependent variables. The comparison of bacterial growth between whole milk, cell reduced, skim and whey fractions was determined by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results of the present study showed that the growth of mastitis-causing S. aureus was less stimulated by whole milk samples and their individual fractions in comparison to the nutrient microbiological medium. The strongest inhibition of bacterial growth was observed for whey fraction. Lactoferrin was the only protein causing a slight decrease in the growth of S. aureus. It was concluded that, depending on its growth medium and antimicrobial properties, milk may be among the factors of key importance for the incidence of this disease among individual cows.
Microbial metabolite effects on TLR to develop autoimmune diseases

Abstract The mammalians harbor and are exposed to various populations of microorganisms, that interact with the immune system and are able to affect the balance of immune responses. Modifications of commensal flora can result in dysregulation of immune responses. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are not only of importance in eliciting the immune responses against pathogens, but also show a significant role in the homeostasis of commensal microbiota and in the response to hazard signals and stress. Here, we review a summary of the TLRs function and the relationship between the immune system and the microbiome in autoimmune diseases' development.
Platelet Rich Fibrin “So Much in Store - Harvest Whatever You Can”: Case Series

Background: The ultimate goal of periodontal treatment is the regeneration of tissue that has been lost due to periodontal disease. Polypeptide growth factors (PGF’s) are biological mediators that have the ability to regulate cell multiplication, migration and differentiation; therefore PGF’s have potential application in periodontal regeneration. The objective of this study was to assess the effi cacy of “Platelet rich fi brin (PRF)”2nd generation platelet concentrate as sole fi lling material in treatment of intrabony defects. Materials and Methods: Three cases with intrabony defects and furcation involvement were treated with Platelet rich fi brin (PRF) as sole fi iling material. For each patient presurgical radiograph were taken. Surgery was performed by raising conventional fl ap. Intrabony defect and furcation defects were fi lled solely using platelet rich fi brin. Post surgical radiograph and clinical parameters were recorded at 3 months and 6 months. Results: There was Probing depth (PD) reduction of 4.5 mm. Mean percentage change in infrabony defect fi ll was 30% at end of 6 months in the PRF placed sites. Mobility of tooth in all cases was greatly reduced. No tooth was lost. Conclusion: Platelet rich fi brin is a simple and inexpensive technique and the systematic use of this biomaterial for treatment of intrabony defects. Showed signifi cant improvement in Probing depth, bone formation and there was no gingival recession observed.
Traits-related QTLs and genes and their potential applications in rice improvement under low phosphorus condition

ABSTRACT The genetic improvement of rice over past decades has led to the loss of several genes which are responsible for nutrient acquisition and soil-related stresses. Phosphorus (P) is a non-renewable resource and inevitable element of metabolic functions in plants. By pedogenesis process, organic matter contributes to renewing soil P in lesser extent. Therefore, improvement of the P use efficiency is one of the most imperative traits in rice breeding program, which is governed by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). QTLs controlling low P associated morphological and physiological traits in rice were investigated mostly during last one and half decade by using diverse mapping populations. Comprehensive and meticulous survey from literature, we found that to date 133 P associated QTLs of morpho-physiological traits were reported to be distributed on twelve chromosomes and majority of these QTLs localized on chromosome 1, 2 and 12. For the first time, a complete figure is presented in this review on chromosome wise with respective QTLs associated with low P for easy understanding and selecting markers for future prospect. Further, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms and regulation of genes and traits associated with low P to develop tolerant rice cultivars using functional marker-assisted selection.
Feeding habits of Calma glaucoides (Alder & Hancock, 1854): its adaptive structures and behaviour.

EnglishCalma glaucoides (Alder & Hancock, 1854) is an aeolid nudibranch inhabiting European (Atlantic and Mediterranean) Western and Southern coasts. Adults feed on fish eggs, thus being found near spawning sites on the underside of boulders or in small crevices, where male fish nest. This aeolid has an atypical uniseriate radula. Little is known about formation or function of this radula, but it is believed that such a peculiar morphology is related to adult's feeding habits. The feeding behaviour of individuals could be observed in aquaria. It was also possible to study not only radulae from individuals of different sizes but also the damage caused by radula action upon fish egg membranes. These were visible under SEM after critical point drying of empty eggs. SEM images suggest that the radula is used as a saw. After the egg is "opened" the yolk and embryo are sucked out with the help of strong buccal musculature, leaving the external membrane of the egg almost intact. The way these animals puncture fish eggs, associated with the early development of their radula, lead us to conclude, that there seems to be no food size constraint, as previously had been thought. italianoCalma glaucoides (Alder & Hancock, 1854) e un eolidiaceo presente lungo le coste dell'Atlantico occidentale e del mediterraneo. L'adulto si nutre di uova di pesci e viene spesso ritrovato vicino alle ovature, sul lato inferiore dei massi o in piccole fessure della roccia. Questo eolidiaceo ha una radula uniseriata molto atipica. Poco conosciute sono la sua formazione e funzione, ma si pensa che la tipica morfologia debba essere correlata al comportamento trofico della specie. Grazie al mantenimento di alcuni esemplari in acquario, e stato possibile studiare il comportamento di questa specie, la morfologia radulare in individui di diversa taglia e i danni causati dalla radula stessa sulla membrana delle uova dei pesci. Immagini al SEM, dopo il critical point, delle uova indicano che la radula viene usata come una sega. Dopo che l'uovo e stato tagliato, il tuorlo e l'embrione vengono risucchiati grazie all'azione di una forte muscolatura, lasciando praticamente intatta la membrana esterna dell'uovo. Il modo con cui questi nudibranchi tagliano le uova, in rapporto anche al primo sviIuppo della radula, suggerisce che la taglia delle uova non sia un fattore limitante, come precedentemente supposto.
Total Synthesis of the Tumor-Associated Carbohydrate Antigen Lewis A Lewis X Hexasaccharide and Selected Fragments

Total Synthesis of the Tumor-Associated Carbohydrate Antigen Lewis A Lewis X Hexasaccharide and Selected Fragments Mickaël Guillemineau Advisor: University of Guelph, 2012 Dr France-Isabelle Auzanneau Carbohydrates constitute the most abundant class of natural products in the living world and they play various roles. They are notably involved in cell-cell interactions and immune reactions. It has been observed that tumor cells express, on their surface, unusual oligosaccharides named Tumor-Associated Carbohydrate Antigen (TACA). One TACA of interest to our research group is the LeLe hexasaccharide that is displayed on the surface of squamous lung carcinoma cells. Since carbohydrates are involved in immune reactions and can be recognized by antibodies, it becomes possible to design a carbohydrate-based vaccine against these tumor cells. This thesis describes the total synthesis of the TACA LeLe hexasaccharide and the preparation of two fragments: one tetraand one pentasaccharide. These molecules were prepared as hexyl and aminohexylglycosides. In addition, the hexasaccharide was synthesized as a disulfide. This diversity of these synthons will allow conjugation to a protein, analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance techniques, and immobilization on gold of the antigen. Without doubt, this work is a significant contribution to the development of an anti-cancer vaccine as it constitutes the first stage of the process.