Biology Commons^™

Neurotensin And Cholecystokinin Contract Gallbladder Circular Muscle In Chickens, Teresa F. Degolier, D. R. Brown, Gary E. Duke, M. M. Palmer, J. R. Swenson, Robert E. Carraway

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The contractile effects of neurotensin (NT) and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) on isolated circular smooth muscle strips of chicken gallbladder were investigated. The NT (0.25-300 nM) produced concentration-dependent contractions on smooth muscle with an EC50 of 8.5 nM (95% confidence limits = 5.3-13.6 nM). In comparison, CCK-8 produced concentration-dependent contractions with an EC50 of 13 nM (95% confidence limits of 9-20 nM). There were no statistical differences in contractile responses when comparing NT and CCK-8 at equimolar concentrations. The NT appears to act directly on smooth muscle tissue in the chicken; the contractile responses were not blocked by 10 μM atropine …

Identification Of A New Class Of Lipid Droplet-Associated Proteins In Plants, Patrick J. Horn, Christopher N. James, Satinder K. Gidda, Aruna Kilaru, John M. Dyer, Robert T. Mullen, John B. Ohlrogge, Kent D. Chapman

ETSU Faculty Works

Lipid droplets in plants (also known as oil bodies, lipid bodies, or oleosomes) are well characterized in seeds, and oleosins, the major proteins associated with their surface, were shown to be important for stabilizing lipid droplets during seed desiccation and rehydration. However, lipid droplets occur in essentially all plant cell types, many of which may not require oleosin-mediated stabilization. The proteins associated with the surface of nonseed lipid droplets, which are likely to influence the formation, stability, and turnover of this compartment, remain to be elucidated. Here, we have combined lipidomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic studies of avocado (Persea americana) mesocarp …

Antimycobacterial And Cytotoxicity Evaluation Of The Constituents Of Monodora Carolinae, Nyangi Magori, Stephen S Nyandoro, Joan Je Munissi, Matthias Heydenreich

Tanzania Journal of Science

Phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of the recently described species Monodora carolinae (Annonaceae) afforded prenylindole derivatives (E)-4-(1H-indol-6-yl)-but-3-en-2-one (1), 5-formylindole (2), fatty acid (Z)-hexade-7-enoic acid (3) and the lignanamide cannabisin B (4). The structures of the isolated compounds were established using NMR and MS analyses. The antimycobacterial activities of the extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated against Mycobacterium madagascariense (MM) and M. indicus pranii (MIP) using the two-fold microtitre dilution method. While the extracts exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 500 – 1000 µg/mL, the isolated compounds were 125 – 250 µg/mL, indicating very low activity. Cytotoxic effects were …

Current Status And Future Perspectives Of Bioinformatics In Tanzania, Sylvester L. Lyantagaye

Tanzania Journal of Science

The main bottleneck in advancing genomics in present times is the lack of expertise in using bioinformatics tools and approaches for data mining in raw DNA sequences generated by modern high throughput technologies such as next generation sequencing. Although bioinformatics has been making major progress and contributing to the development in the rest of the world, it has still not yet fully integrated the tertiary education and research sector in Tanzania. This review aims to introduce a summary of recent achievements, trends and success stories of application of bioinformatics in biotechnology. The applications of bioinformatics in the fields such as …

Wrinkled1, A Ubiquitous Regulator In Oil Accumulating Tissues From Arabidopsis Embryos To Oil Palm Mesocarp, Wei Ma, Que Kong, Vincent Arondel, Aruna Kilaru, Philip D. Bates, Nicholas A. Thrower, Christoph Benning, John B. Ohlrogge

ETSU Faculty Works

WRINKLED1 (AtWRI1) is a key transcription factor in the regulation of plant oil synthesis in seed and non-seed tissues. The structural features of WRI1 important for its function are not well understood. Comparison of WRI1 orthologs across many diverse plant species revealed a conserved 9 bp exon encoding the amino acids “VYL”. Site-directed mutagenesis of amino acids within the ‘VYL’ exon of AtWRI1 failed to restore the full oil content of wri1-1 seeds, providing direct evidence for an essential role of this small exon in AtWRI1 function. Arabidopsis WRI1 is predicted to have three alternative splice …

Release Of Avian Neurotensin In Response To Intraluminal Contents In The Duodenum Of Chickens, Teresa F. Degolier, Robert E. Carraway

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

Peripheral and hepatic-portal plasma levels of neurotensin (NT) in fed and fasted chickens were determined using RIA. Portal levels of NT1-13 (fed = 61.3 ± 3.9 fmol/mL; fasted = 44.5 ± 3.9 fmol/mL) were significantly higher than peripheral levels (fed = 8.2 ± 3.3 fmol/mL; fasted = 7.8 ± 3.0 fmol/mL) collected from the wing vein, indicating that some NT is metabolized in the liver. Portal plasma levels of NT collected from fed birds were also significantly higher than portal plasma levels of NT collected from fasted birds. Neurotensin, as identified by HPLC, exhibited a 2-fold increase in plasma extracts …

Evolution Of Melanocortin-2 Receptor Activations: Studies On A Mammal And A Fish, Liang Liang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The structure and function relationship between melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) and ACTH are the most complicated in melanocortin receptor gene family. A comparative study on the activation of human and rainbow trout MC2R will provide a useful model system for understanding how ACTH emerged as the sole ligand for the MC2R of bony vertebrates. This dissertation will discuss how studies utilizing analogs of hACTH(1-24) have revealed two critical amino acid motifs in this ligand (HFRW and KKRRP) which are required for the activation of MC2R. In addition, the KKRRP motif functioned as the unique binding site for MC2R that directly contributes …

A Role For Dynamin-Dependent Endocytosis During Drosophila Gastrulation, Marissa Kay Kuhl

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Gastrulation, a process conserved among many higher organisms, is the directed migration of cells into layers that will establish various tissues targeted to become anatomical structures. This process is accomplished through another conserved morphogenetic event, known as cell intercalation. Early in development, this movement of cells within an organized tissue leads to unique cellular arrangements where neighboring cells contract their shared interfaces in order to meet at a shared vertex. In this thesis, I present work that demonstrates a requirement for Dynamin-dependent endocytosis during these contraction events. Using quantitative analysis, I have identified varied cell behaviors during experiments which knockdown …

New Glucopyranosylglyceryl-N-Octenyl Adipate And Bioactivity Of Retro And Condensed Chalcones From Toussaintia Orientalis, Ss Nyandoro, Mhh , Nkunya, Cc Josepha, Jo Odalo, I Sattler

Tanzania Journal of Science

1-(3-β-D-Glucopyranosylglycer-2-yl)-6-N-(oct-2-enyl)-adipate, [orientalin, 1] was isolated as a new metabolite from the polar leaf extracts of Toussaintia orientalis Verdc (Annonaceae), together with the glycoflavonoids afzelin and quercitrin, and the indolidinoids toussaintines A-C. The reversed chalcones 2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxychalcone (2) and 2-hydroxy-3,4,6- trimethoxydihydrochalcone (3), the condensed chalcone (+)-6a,12a-dihydro-6-phenyl-7-styryl- 6H,7H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-][l]benzopyran (4), and mixtures of known triterpenoids and steroids were isolated from the less polar extracts of the root and stem bark of the same plant. The structures were established upon detailed analysis of spectroscopic data and other physical parameters. The chalcones exhibited antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity at varying efficacy levels, the reversed chalcone …

Composition Of Non Volatile Oils And Antimicrobial Activities Of Extracts From Monanthotaxis Discolor, And An Undescribed Uvariondedron Species, Ds Parmena, Ca Mgina, Cc Joseph

Tanzania Journal of Science

The chemical compositions of non volatile oil extracts from two Annoneceous plant species Monanthotaxis discolor and an undescribed Uvariodendron species which are endemic to Eastern Arc Mountains, Tanzania were determined by GC-MS. The biological activities of extracts and fractionated samples were also determined. Both methanol and dichloromethane extracts of the root bark of M. discolor showed mild antimicrobial activity and had positive brine shrimp test (BST). The BST test for dichloromethane extract of M. discolor root bark were LC50 41.794 μg/ml and that of methanol extract showed LC50 13.560 μg/ml. The petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts of root bark of …

Activity Of Enzyme Trypsin Immobilized Onto Macroporous Poly(Epoxy-Acrylamide) Cryogel, W Johnson, Ymm Makame

Tanzania Journal of Science

Bovine pancreatic trypsin has been covalently immobilized onto monolithic polyacrylamide cryogels with epoxy functionality (Epoxy-MPAAGs). The covalent immobilization of trypsin onto Epoxy-MPAAGs was achieved through incorporation of ethylenediamine-glutaraldehyde spacers on the cryogels’ surfaces. The immobilization yield and the influence of pH and temperature conditions on the activity of the immobilized trypsin were assessed by using the hydrolysis of a low molecular weight substrate, N-α-benzoyl-D, L-arginine-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA). Optimal pH and temperature values of 9 and 50 °C, respectively, were established for both the immobilized trypsin and the free trypsin. Activity measurements from the native trypsin before immobilization and the residual free …

Human-Wildlife Interaction In Serengeti And Ngorongoro Districts Of Tanzania: A Case Study On Small Mammals, Fj Magige

Tanzania Journal of Science

In the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Districts, small mammals are said to provide protein and income to the local people. However, they are simultaneously reported to conflict with farming activities. These conflicting aspects have not been investigated there. The present article considers humansmall mammal interactions in six villages adjacent to the protected areas. Data were obtained through questionnaire administration to the local people in the districts. Small mammals were hunted in the two districts for food purposes and some villagers declared that they were earning income from selling small mammals products. Seventy percent of the respondents in Serengeti District claimed that …

Overexpression Of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Induces Early Flowering In Arabidopsis Thaliana, Neal D. Teaster, Jantana Keereetaweep, Aruna Kilaru, Yuh-Shuh Wang, Yuhong Tang, Christopher N.-Q. Tran, Brian G. Ayre, Kent D. Chapman, Elison B. Blancaflor

ETSU Faculty Works

N-Acylethanolamines (NAEs) are bioactive lipids derived from the hydrolysis of the membrane phospholipid N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE). In animal systems this reaction is part of the “endocannabinoid” signaling pathway, which regulates a variety of physiological processes. The signaling function of NAE is terminated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which hydrolyzes NAE to ethanolamine and free fatty acid. Our previous work in Arabidopsis thaliana showed that overexpression of AtFAAH (At5g64440) lowered endogenous levels of NAEs in seeds, consistent with its role in NAE signal termination. Reduced NAE levels were accompanied by an accelerated growth phenotype, increased sensitivity to abscisic acid (ABA), enhanced …

Growth Performance, Yields And Economic Benefits Of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis Niloticus And Kales Brassica Oleracea Cultured Under Vegetable-Fish Culture Integration, A. P. Shoko, A. Getabu, G. Mwayuli, Y. D. Mgaya

Tanzania Journal of Science

An experiment was conducted for 210 days to demonstrate the role of vegetable-fish culture integration in the growth, yields and economic benefits of fish and vegetables. Two 200 m2 earthen fishponds were stocked with Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus at 20,000 fish fingerlings per hectare. Pond A was fertilized with chicken manure and stocked fish fed on 35% crude protein supplementary diet referred to here as treated fish pond (TFP). Another fish pond was not fertilized and the fish stocked in it did not receive any supplementary diet referred to here as non treated fish pond (NTFP). Twelve vegetable plots of …

Host-Parasites Relationship For Lake Victoria Clariid Fishes And Their Parasite Fauna, C. J. Mwita

Tanzania Journal of Science

Host-parasite co-evolutionary relationships for the clariid fish species of the Lake Victoria basin and their parasite fauna was inferred by cytochrome b gene and the 18S rDNA using ‘a strict coevolutionary’ constrained tree method, the results of which revealed a phylogenetic incongruence between the fish hosts and their parasite fauna. The present study further indicated that the sympatric association between the clariid hosts and non-clariid fishes in Lake Victoria makes it possible for the parasites to switch from one host to another and hence the large number of shared parasites observed. The specificity of some of the parasites, e.g. Diplostomum …

Electrosensory Ampullary Organs Are Derived From Lateral Line Placodes In Bony Fishes, Melissa S. Modrell, William E. Benis, R. Glenn Northcutt, Marcus C. Davis, Clare V.H. Baker

Faculty Articles

Electroreception is an ancient subdivision of the lateral line sensory system, found in all major vertebrate groups (though lost in frogs, amniotes and most ray-finned fishes). Electroreception is mediated by 'hair cells' in ampullary organs, distributed in fields flanking lines of mechanosensory hair cell-containing neuromasts that detect local water movement. Neuromasts, and afferent neurons for both neuromasts and ampullary organs, develop from lateral line placodes. Although ampullary organs in the axolotl (a representative of the lobe-finned clade of bony fishes) are lateral line placode-derived, non-placodal origins have been proposed for electroreceptors in other taxa. Here we show morphological and molecular …

Aintegumenta And Aintegumenta-Like6 Regulate Auxin-Mediated Flower Development In Arabidopsis, Beth A. Krizek

Faculty Publications

Background: Two related genes encoding AP2/ERF-type transcription factors, AINTEGUMENTA (ANT) and AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE6 (AIL6), are important regulators of floral growth and patterning in Arabidopsis. Evidence suggests that these genes promote several aspects of flower development in response to auxin. To investigate the interplay of ANT, AIL6 and auxin during floral development, I have examined the phenotypic consequences of disrupting polar auxin transport in ant, ail6 and ant ail6 mutants by either genetic or chemical means.

Results: Plants containing mutations in ANT or AIL6 alone or in both genes together exhibit increased sensitivity to disruptions in polar auxin transport. …

Plasma Membrane Dynamics In The Drosophila Embryo, Amelia E. Zommer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Convergent extension is a highly conserved process among mammals, in which the tissue narrows in one axis, and extends across another. Tissue elongation is directed by the regulation of cell interface behaviors, which guides cell intercalation and rosette formation. Rosette formation occurs through the contraction of vertically oriented cell interfaces, and the subsequent elongation of new horizontal interfaces. It has been shown that actomyosin-generated tension functions to direct rosette formation. In this thesis, I have tested the function of regulators of F-actin networks, as well as endocytic and exocytic mechanisms, to identify new components that control interface behaviors and cell …

Micrornas 9a, 9b, 9c And 315 Regulate Expression Of A Reporter For The Neuronal Microtubule-Associated Protein Futsch/Map1b, Leslie M. Rozeboom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited mental retardation in humans. FXS is caused by loss of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), an important regulator of neuronal mRNA translation. Patients with FXS display cognitive deficits including memory problems. Protein synthesis-dependent long-term changes in synaptic plasticity are involved in the establishment and maintenance of long-term memory. One prevalent theory of FXS pathology predicts that FMRP is required to negatively regulate the translation of important mRNAs at the synapse. We are investigating microRNAs (miRNAs) as a potential regulator of synaptic FMRP-regulated mRNAs that have previously been …

Acute Synaptic Activity Causes Differential Mirna Expression In The Drosophila Melanogaster Larval Central Nervous System, Robert Ian Sand

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The primary goal of this thesis was to determine if spaced synaptic stimulation induced the differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the Drosophila melanogaster central nervous system (CNS). Prior to attaining this goal, we needed to identify and validate a spaced stimulation paradigm that could induce the formation of new synaptic growth at a model synapse, the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Both Channelrhodopsin- and high potassium-based stimulation paradigms adapted from (Ataman, et al. 2008) were tested. Once validation of these paradigms was complete, we sought to characterize the miRNA expression profile of the larval CNS by miRNA array. Following attainment …

Optimized Production Of Lignin Peroxidase, Manganese Peroxidase And Laccase In Submerged Cultures Of Trametes Trogii Using Various Growth Media Compositions, F. Patrick, G. Mtui, A. M. Mshandete, A. Kivaisi

Tanzania Journal of Science

A white-rot fungus, Trametes trogii, was isolated from coastal Tanzania and screened for crude lignolytic enzymes production using Rhemazol Brilliant blue R (RBBR) dye, 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline)-6-sulfonate (ABTS) and guaiacol in a semi-solid medium. Lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and Laccase (Lac) were detected by pyrogallol and !- napthol solutions, respectively on the guaiacol supplemented solid media. The effect of temperature, pH, carbon, nitrogen, Cu2+, 2,5-xylidine, ferulic acid, varatryl alcohol and Mn2+ in submerged culture fermentations were investigated for maximum enzymes production. After 7 days of incubation, 72-100% oxidation of RBBR, ABTS and guaiacol was observed. With optimized culture conditions, …

Phylogenetic Relationships Of The Metazoan Parasites Of The Clariid Fishes Of Lake Victoria Inferred From Partial 18s Rdna Sequences, C. J. Mwita, G. Nkwengulila

Tanzania Journal of Science

Phylogenetic relationships among twenty two metazoan parasites recovered from seven species of clariid fish from Lake Victoria were analysed using partial 18S rDNA sequences. The 18S rDNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, directly sequenced, aligned and phylogenies inferred using maximum parsimony. Heuristic bootstrap MP searches yielded one most parsimonious tree (CI = 61%, HI = 39%), which showed that clariid parasites are monophyletic at higher taxonomic levels (Cestodea, Nematodea, Digenea and Crustacea). However the position of two trematodes (Allocredium mazoensis and Clinostomum sp.) and a nematode (Contracaecum sp.) were not stable. Despite the present findings, the study utilised …

Urban Dietary Heavy Metal Intake From Protein Foods And Vegetables In Dar Es Salaam, F. N. Ngassapa, O. C. Othman, E. Elisante

Tanzania Journal of Science

Contamination of food and food products by heavy metals has made dietary intake as one of the major routes of these harmful elements to human beings. The human dietary intake of heavy metals cadmium, copper, lead and zinc from protein-foods (beans, meat, fish, milk) and green vegetables consumed daily from restaurants and street food-vendor kiosks in Dar es Salaam were determined using the Total Diet Study (TDS) method. The cooked food was bought from the restaurants and street food-vendors at several city locations (i.e. Buguruni, Manzese, Mwenge, Temeke and Ubungo) over several months and analyzed. Heavy metal concentrations were determined …

Using Critical-Thinking Skills To Substantiate Or Challenge Controversial Claims Endorsing A Myriad Of Weight-Loss Products, Teresa F. Degolier

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

This exercise engages students in critically evaluating weight-loss products and programs. Specific objectives are to investigate, analyze, and substantiate claims made by the weight-loss industry and interpret how these claims may be fraudulent, misleading, or perhaps even truthful.

Morphological Features Of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Immunoreactive Cells In The Mouse Islets Of Langerhans, A P Gesase, Y -I Satoh

Tanzania Journal of Science

The current immunohistochemical study used the antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) to observe the immunoreactive elements in the mouse pancreas. The results indicated the presence of immunoreactive nerve fibers and endocrine cells. The immunopositive nerve fibers appeared as thick and thin bundles; thick bundles were seen to run along the blood vessels giving out fine fibers to the wall. Varicose nerve fibers were seen in the islets of Langerhans and also in close association with the exocrine endpieces. The TH immunoreactive cells were oval-round in shape and some showed the central non-staining area and the dense staining peripheral zone. More …

Aintegumenta And Aintegumenta-Like6 Act Redundantly To Regulate Arabidopsis Floral Growth And Patterning, Beth A. Krizek

Faculty Publications

An Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) flower consists of four types of organs arranged in a stereotypical pattern. This complex floral structure is elaborated from a small number of floral meristem cells partitioned from the shoot apical meristem during reproductive development. The positioning of floral primordia within the periphery of the shoot apical meristem depends on transport of the phytohormone auxin with floral anlagen arising at sites of auxin maxima. An early marker of lateral organ fate is the AP2/ERF-type transcription factor AINTEGUMENTA (ANT), which has been proposed to act downstream of auxin in organogenic growth. Here, I show that …

Botany At Eastern Illinois University, Marissa C. Jernegan, Nancy E. Coutant, Janice M. Coons

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Eastern Illinois University was established in 1899, and from its beginning the importance of the botanical sciences was recognized. Two terms of botany were required for the four year program. Dr. Otis W. Caldwell, a botanist, was one of the original faculty members. He taught all of the biology courses and initiated the acquisition of a greenhouse. Caldwell was the first in a series of talented and dedicated botany professors including Edgar N. Transeau, Ernest L. Stover, Hiram F. Thut and John E. Ebinger. These and many other professors incorporated a field component into almost all classes. This dedication to …

Botany At Eastern Illinois University, Marissa Jernegan, Nancy Coutant, Janice Coons

Faculty Research & Creative Activity

Eastern Illinois University was established in 1899, and from its beginning the importance of the botanical sciences was recognized. Two terms of botany were required for the four year program. Dr. Otis W. Caldwell, a botanist, was one of the original faculty members. He taught all of the biology courses and initiated the acquisition of a greenhouse. Caldwell was the first in a series of talented and dedicated botany professors including Edgar N. Transeau, Ernest L. Stover, Hiram F. Thut and John E. Ebinger. These and many other professors incorporated a field component into almost all classes. This dedication to …

Assessing Crosstalk Between Calcium And Camp In Pancreatic Alpha Cells, Julianne Michelle Imseis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Blood glucose levels are regulated by the interactions between insulin and glucagon. Pancreatic alpha cells release glucagon in response to a drop in blood sugar. Pancreatic alpha cells appear to be regulated through multiple signaling pathways. One potential method of regulation occurs from α-MSH or epinephrine stimulated production of the intracellular messenger cyclic AMP. Exocytosis of dense core vesicles containing glucagon ultimately requires an increase in cytosolic calcium. This study focused on the link between cyclic AMP and calcium in pancreatic alpha cells which allows alpha cell regulation. Interactions between calcium and cyclic AMP in pancreatic alpha cells consists of …

Amino Acid Residues Implicated In The Interaction Of Melanocortin Ligands And Their Receptors: A Study Of Mc2r Selectivity, Kristopher D. Veo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Melanocortin receptor ligand selectivity has been a question not easily answered. The inability to functionally express melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) has inhibited the study of why MC2R is only stimulated by ACTH, a melanocortin hormone. With the recent discovery of the MC2R accessory protein (MRAP), creating a heterologous system is now feasible. Using a general cell line like CHO-K1 cells, which do not express endogenous MCRs, we were able to create a heterologous expression system and test the selectivity of MC2R using analog variants of ACTH(1-24). Our results indicate an amino acid requirement in the C-terminal portion of ACTH(1-24) for …