Dynamics of genomic architecture during composite breed development in cattle

Some livestock breeds face the challenge of reduced genetic variation, increased inbreeding depression owing to genetic drift and selection. Hybridization can reverse these processes and increase levels of productivity and adaptation to various environmental stressors. Samples from American Brangus were used to evaluate the indicine/taurine composition through nine generations (~45 years) after the hybridization process was completed. The purpose was to determine how hybridization alters allelic combinations of a breed over time when genetic factors such as selection and drift are operating. Furthermore, we explored genomic regions with deviations from the expected composition from the progenitor breeds and related these regions to traits under selection. The Brangus composition deviated from the theoretical expectation, defined by the breed association, of 62.5% taurine, showing taurine composition to be 70.4 ± 0.6%. Taurine and indicine proportion were not consistent across chromosomes. Furthermore, these non-uniform areas were found to be associated with traits that were probably under selection such as intermuscular fat and average daily gain. Interestingly, the sex chromosomes were predominantly taurine, which could be due to the composite being formed particularly in the final cross that resulted in progeny designated as purebred Brangus. This work demonstrated the process of new breed formation on a genomic level. It suggests that factors like genetic drift, selection and complementarity shift the genetic architecture into a uniquely different population. These findings are important to better understand how hybridization and crossbreeding systems shape the genetic architecture of composite populations.     

Three different coupled enzymatic systems for in situ regeneration of NADPH

Three different coupled enzymatic systems used in the reduction of sulcatone by alcohol dehydrogenase from Thermoanaerobium brockii (TBADH), were kinetically compared. The first one involved the use of TBADH for both the principal and recycling reactions and 2-propanol 20%, v/v as the recycling substrate. The other two were based on the use of a different enzyme, glucose- or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases, for in situ regeneration of NADPH. The coupled-substrate approach achieved 100% of conversion against 84% of the other two systems.     

Differential DNA methylation and gene expression during development of reproductive and vegetative organs in Ilex species

Journal of Plant Research - Differential epigenetic (DNA cytosine methylation) and gene expression patterns were investigated in reproductive and vegetative organs from Ilex paraguariensis and I....     

Involvement of ethylene in the rooting of seedling shoot cultures of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bixa orellana</Emphasis> L.

Using seedlings derived from the shoot apex of annatto (Bixa orellana L. cv. Bico-de-Pato) we observed the rooting frequency of B. orellana, the number and length of roots and the rate of ethylene production during 30 d in culture. The rhizogenesis response was affected by auxins (NAA or IBA) and by both the ethylene biosynthesis precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and the inhibitor 2-aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG). Auxin supplementation to the medium resulted in root induction, ethylene production, and an undesirable callusing in the epidermal and cortical tissues. Irrespective of the presence of auxins, supplementing the medium with ACC promoted ethylene biosynthesis and callusing, which resulted in increased cell proliferation mainly in the cortical and vascular tissues, while the epidermis was mostly unaltered. In both ACC and auxin-supplemented medium, increased ethylene production and callusing occurred, suggesting a synergistic effect between these two responses. ACC was capable of inducing adventitious root formation, but the roots produced had a wrinkled appearance when compared to normal roots. Conversely, AVG reduced ethylene production and callusing, while the epidermis, cortex, and inner tissues remained unaltered, regardless of the presence of auxins. AVG was beneficial in these aspects, although its application led to a reduction in the number of roots and in the average root length. In conclusion, it was not possible to establish a direct relation between ethylene and rooting, but we hypothesize that, under the experimental conditions described, ethylene may enhance tissue sensitivity to auxin. However, ethylene did not seem essential to the rhizogenesis process in annatto.     

Mating Behavior of Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

The mating behavior of Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) was studied under laboratory conditions. Virgin adults were individually maintained in transparent cages for observation of the mating sequence. Mating behavior of 23 couples was monitored during the photophase portion of the day. Copulation was observed in 17 of the 23 pairs. The mating sequence includes male approaching the female, mounting of the female, and copulation. Of the 17 mating pairs, 70.6 % mated on the second day after emergence. Most of the copulations began between 8 and 9 h after the onset of photophase. The average duration of copulation was 268?±?24.9 min, and most pairs mated once or twice during their lifetimes. The mating behavior of M. spectabilis is important to understand because it determines the age and ideal time for further behavioral testing, which is essential for determining the cues involved in the communication system of the species.     

The pollen of Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul. is toxic to honeybees (Apis mellifera)

Caesalpinia pyramidalis Tul. (syn. Caesalpinia gardneriana Benth.) is an endemic tree from northeastern Brazil whose flowers are visited by a number of bee species, including the honeybee (Apis mellifera). The present study aimed to determine whether the pollen of C. pyramidalis is toxic to honeybees. Pollen samples were collected, dried, and added to food at doses of 0 (control), 2.5, 5.0, and 10 %. Each dose of food was fed to 60 honeybees, which were observed daily until the last one died. Statistical comparison of the survival curves was performed using the log-rank test. The mean survival times of the bees fed with C. pyramidalis pollen were 6.40 ± 0.28 days for the 2.5 % group, 5.70 ± 0.18 days for the 5.0 % group, 5.72 ± 0.23 days for the 10.0 % group, and 13.7 ± 0.61 days for the control group. All the pollen concentrations of C. pyramidalis significantly (P < 0.0001) reduced the survival of honeybees in comparison with control group. In conclusion, the results of our study show that the pollen produced by C. pyramidalis is toxic to A. mellifera under laboratory conditions.     

Feeding habits of the cuttlefish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sepia</Emphasis> <Emphasis Type="Italic">officinalis</Emphasis> during its life cycle in the Sado estuary (Portugal)

The importance of cephalopods in marine ecosystems is well recognized as they serve as important predators and prey in many food chains. During a 1-year period, cuttlefish were monthly sampled in five areas throughout the Sado estuary, and the stomachs of 445 individuals were examined. Significant changes in the diet according to their life stage were revealed, but similar food habits were presented by males and females. Juvenile individuals (the smaller ones with no visible distinct gonads) preyed mainly upon small crustaceans, while the immature ones (maturity stages I and II) had the most diverse diet with brachyurans as the major prey group. The mature individuals (maturity stages III and IV) showed a clear preference for larger crabs and fishes. Although the cuttlefish are known for their opportunistic feeding behaviour, a preference for some prey according to length and behaviour could be perceived during this study. Seasonal differences in the diet were mostly due to the variation of individuals according to their maturity stage during the year.