Genetic diversity among horse populations with a special focus on the Franches-Montagnes breed

Genetic characterization helps to assure breed integrity and to assign individuals to defined populations. The objective of this study was to characterize genetic diversity in six horse breeds and to analyse the population structure of the Franches-Montagnes breed, especially with regard to the degree of introgression with Warmblood. A total of 402 alleles from 50 microsatellite loci were used. The average number of alleles per locus was significantly lower in Thoroughbreds and Arabians. Average heterozygosities between breeds ranged from 0.61 to 0.72. The overall average of the coefficient of gene differentiation because of breed differences was 0.100, with a range of 0.036-0.263. No significant correlation was found between this parameter and the number of alleles per locus. An increase in the number of homozygous loci with increasing inbreeding could not be shown for the Franches-Montagnes horses. The proportion of shared alleles, combined with the neighbour-joining method, defined clusters for Icelandic Horse, Comtois, Arabians and Franches-Montagnes. A more disparate clustering could be seen for European Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds, presumably from frequent grading-up of Warmbloods with Thoroughbreds. Grading-up effects were also observed when Bayesian and Monte Carlo resampling approaches were used for individual assignment to a given population. Individual breed assignments to defined reference populations will be very difficult when introgression has occurred. The Bayesian approach within the Franches-Montagnes breed differentiated individuals with varied proportions of Warmblood.     

放归普氏野马核心区黑腹胃蝇疫源分布特点

黑腹胃蝇是新疆荒漠草原优势种马胃蝇,对放归至当地普氏野马构成了严重威胁。该蝇将卵产在牧草上并以此感染采食者——马科动物,其幼虫于宿主消化道营寄生生活,至三龄老熟幼虫随宿主粪便进入环境化蛹,成为当年新的疫源。于黑腹胃蝇幼虫两个发生峰期(4—5月和8月)对普氏野马核心区新鲜粪便和黑腹胃蝇幼虫点位进行了调查,采用最小凸多边形法(MCP)和固定核域法(FKE)计算粪便分布范围,并通过核密度分析(KDE)辨识幼虫聚集区域和特征。结果表明：(1)在黑腹胃蝇种群第一、第二峰期,野马采食草场拥有最多的胃蝇幼虫采集占比(57.25%、41.94%),其次是驴道、山坡、水源地区域;(2)最小凸多边形法(95%利用率)和固定核域法(95%利用率、0.006带宽值)均能较好估算野马粪便分布范围,第一峰期普氏野马粪便范围(60—70 km²)稍大于第二峰期(50—60 km²)。在所调查的八个水源地,两个发生高峰期均包含红柳、5号、6号3个水源地,并形成了以水源地为重要支撑点、依托毗邻草场交叉传播的连续、非均匀疫源地分布特点;(3)水源地附近草场具有更高的黑腹胃蝇幼虫...     

Genetic variation in a population of the wild quail Coturnix coturnix japonica

To investigate genetic variation and to compare it with those of domestic quail populations, enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins in a wild quail population were examined electrophoretically.
The wild quail population had a genetic variability considerably lower than those of domestic populations. The average heterozygosity estimated for 22 loci was 0.090 in the wild quail population.     

Living with disabilities in Austria--with a special focus on the capital

Life expectancy, especially in the older age groups, is growing enormously due to better social and medical care. According to published data on disabled people (1997), about 30 % of the total population (7,119,000) in Austria suffer from at least one physical disability. In this study, data from a micro census as well as a report from the Federal Ministry for Social Security and Generations is analyzed to illuminate the situation of impaired people with a focus on the capital Vienna. Among other results, it is anticipated that a large number of disabled people receive no help at all. About every 7th person regularly receives care, every 10th receives daily support. Care intensity increases with age showing a clear progression from the age of 60 onwards. 88% of the main supporting individuals are related to the handicapped person being supported. Women generally exhibit a much higher participation in nursing. The socio-political developments are discussed.     

Genetic polymorphism of antithrombin III,haptoglobin, and haemopexin in wild and domestic European rabbits

Genetic polymorphism of European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) plasma proteins antithrombin III, haptoglobin, and haemopexin was investigated by means of isoelectric focusing in free and immobilized pH gradients followed by immunoblotting. The study of two wild and one domestic populations led to the recognition of six alleles of antithrombin III and haptoglobin, and five alleles of haemopexin.     

Genetic variation of the second exon of ELA-DRB genes in Argentine Creole horses.

Genetic variation in the equine leucocyte antigen-DRB (ELA-DRB) second exon was investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of PCR products (PCR-RFLP) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing. Eight distinct PCR-RFLP patterns could be identified in the studied Argentine Creole (AC) horses. The number of observed patterns per individual ranged from four to six, thus confirming the presence of multiple DRB copies in AC horses. Three PCR-RFLP alleles and three new sequences were identified. The estimated rates of synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions among ELA-DRB exon 2 sequences were higher within the antigen recognition site (ABS) than on the non-ABS. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the nucleotide sequences clustered in two main groups, while some sequences were not included in either group. Finally, the identification of the number of alleles per animal, the phylogenetic and segregation analyses allowed us to explain the number of ELA-DRB loci. However, it was not possible to identify specific alleles with specific loci.     

Major trends in stem anatomy and growth forms in the perianth-bearing Piperales,with special focus on Aristolochia

Background and Aims

The order Piperales has the highest diversity of growth forms among the earliest angiosperm lineages, including trees, shrubs, climbers and herbs. However, within the perianth-bearing Piperales (Asarum, Saruma, Lactoris, Hydnora, Prosopanche, Thottea and Aristolochia), climbing species only occur in the most species-rich genus Aristolochia. This study traces anatomical and morphological traits among these lineages, to detect trends in growth form evolution and developmental processes.

Methods

Transverse stem sections of different developmental stages of representatives of Asarum, Saruma, Lactoris, Hydnora, Thottea and Aristolochia were compared and anatomical traits were linked to growth form evolution. Biomechanical properties of representative climbers were determined in three-point bending tests and are discussed based on the anatomical observations. Growth form evolution of the perianth-bearing Piperales was reconstructed by ancestral character state reconstruction using Mesquite.

Key Results

While species of Asarum and Saruma are exclusively herbaceous, species of the remaining genera show a higher diversity of growth habit and anatomy. This growth form diversity is accompanied by a more complex stem anatomy and appropriate biomechanical properties. The ancestral growth form of the perianth-bearing Piperales is reconstructed with either a shrub-like or herbaceous character state, while the following three backbone nodes in the reconstruction show a shrub-like character state. Accordingly, the climbing habit most probably evolved in the ancestor of Aristolochia.

Conclusions

Since the ancestor of the perianth-bearing Piperales has been reconstructed with a herb- or shrub-like habit, it is proposed that the climbing habit is a derived growth form, which evolved with the diversification of Aristolochia, and might have been a key feature for its diversification. Observed anatomical synapomorphies, such as the perivascular fibres in Lactoris, Thottea and Aristolochia, support the phylogenetic relationship of several lineages within the perianth-bearing Piperales. In addition, the hypothesis that the vegetative organs of the holoparasitic Hydnoraceae are most probably rhizomes is confirmed.     

An updated description of the osteology of the pancake tortoise Malacochersus tornieri (Testudines: Testudinidae) with special focus on intraspecific variation

Exceptional variability in the shell of the pancake tortoise Malacochersus tornieri , both in the keratinous surficial scutes and the underlying bones, in addition to its remarkably fenestrated bony shell are unique among tortoises. Based on 14 individuals of different sizes and ages, the observed variation in M. tornieri was described in detail, with additional notes on the typically testudinid skull, inner ear and brain endocast using microCT‐scan data, as well as the limbs. Similar degrees of variation have not yet been described in any other extant turtle species and therefore seem notable in M. tornieri , and might be related to the species' unique lifestyle. Within the carapace, the peripherals and suprapygals are most variable in number. Furthermore, different combinations of peripherals are participating in the central plastral fontanelle and in some individuals additional bones take part in the formation of the plastron. J. Morphol. 278:321–333, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Genetic diversity in German draught horse breeds compared with a group of primitive, riding and wild horses by means of microsatellite DNA markers

We compared the genetic diversity and distance among six German draught horse breeds to wild (Przewalski's Horse), primitive (Icelandic Horse, Sorraia Horse, Exmoor Pony) or riding horse breeds (Hanoverian Warmblood, Arabian) by means of genotypic information from 30 microsatellite loci. The draught horse breeds included the South German Coldblood, Rhenish German Draught Horse, Mecklenburg Coldblood, Saxon Thuringa Coldblood, Black Forest Horse and Schleswig Draught Horse. Despite large differences in population sizes, the average observed heterozygosity (H(o)) differed little among the heavy horse breeds (0.64-0.71), but was considerably lower than in the Hanoverian Warmblood or Icelandic Horse population. The mean number of alleles (N(A)) decreased more markedly with declining population sizes of German draught horse breeds (5.2-6.3) but did not reach the values of Hanoverian Warmblood (N(A) = 6.7). The coefficient of differentiation among the heavy horse breeds showed 11.6% of the diversity between the heavy horse breeds, as opposed to 21.2% between the other horse populations. The differentiation test revealed highly significant genetic differences among all draught horse breeds except the Mecklenburg and Saxon Thuringa Coldbloods. The Schleswig Draught Horse was the most distinct draught horse breed. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a clear distinction among the German draught horse breeds and even among breeds with a very short history of divergence like Rhenish German Draught Horse and its East German subpopulations Mecklenburg and Saxon Thuringa Coldblood.     

Rates and relations of mitochondrial genome evolution across the Echinoidea,with special focus on the superfamily Odontophora

In order to better characterize the placement of genus Tripneustes, as a representative of the Toxopneustidae family within the broader sea urchin mitochondrial (MT) phylogeny, the complete MT genome of Tripneustes gratilla was generated and compared with all published echinoid MT genomes currently available on NCBI GenBank. The MT genome phylogeny supports the existence of the superfamily Odontophora (consisting of the families Strongylocentrotidae, Echinometridae, and Toxopneustidae). A relaxed molecular‐clock time calibration suggests a split between the three key Odontophore MT lineages occurred during the late Eocene/Oligocene. Major global oceanographic changes have been inferred during this time frame, potentially driving species diversification through environmental selection pressures. To test for signatures of selection acting on the mitochondria, the historical rate of gene evolution of individual MT genes was assessed through a branch‐site comparison of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution ratios (ω). Models of positive selection and neutral evolution, as compared via a likelihood ratio test, show no evidence of strong historical positive selection on mitochondrial genes at the genesis of the Odontophora. However, while pairwise ω comparison revealed signatures of strong negative selection, relatively elevated ω values were observed within the Strongylocentrotus genus.     

Genetic recombination variation in wild Robertsonian mice: on the role of chromosomal fusions and Prdm9 allelic background

Despite the existence of formal models to explain how chromosomal rearrangements can be fixed in a population in the presence of gene flow, few empirical data are available regarding the mechanisms by which genome shuffling contributes to speciation, especially in mammals. In order to shed light on this intriguing evolutionary process, here we present a detailed empirical study that shows how Robertsonian (Rb) fusions alter the chromosomal distribution of recombination events during the formation of the germline in a Rb system of the western house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus). Our results indicate that both the total number of meiotic crossovers and the chromosomal distribution of recombination events are reduced in mice with Rb fusions and that this can be related to alterations in epigenetic signatures for heterochromatinization. Furthermore, we detected novel house mouse Prdm9 allelic variants in the Rb system. Remarkably, mean recombination rates were positively correlated with a decrease in the number of ZnF domains in the Prdm9 gene. The suggestion that recombination can be modulated by both chromosomal reorganizations and genetic determinants that control the formation of double-stranded breaks during meiosis opens new avenues for understanding the role of recombination in chromosomal speciation.     

Genetic variation in a wild population of the 'sleep' passion fruit (Passiflora setacea) based on molecular markers

Little is known about the molecular genetic diversity of most Passiflora species. We used RAPD markers to evaluate the genetic diversity of 24 genotypes of the 'sleep' passion fruit (Passiflora setacea). Twelve primers generated 95 markers, 88% of which were polymorphic. The genetic distance estimated by the complement of the Dice index ranged from 0.29 (among accessions Ps-G1 and Ps-G13) to 0.69 (among accessions Ps-G21 and Ps-G23). Genotype grouping based on the UPGMA algorithm showed considerable variability among genotypes. We conclude that P. setacea has a broad genetic base that could be exploited in breeding programs.     

Protein variation in wild Atlantic salmon, with particular reference to southern Ireland

The extent of genetic variation in wild Atlantic salmon parr, Sulmo salur L., from river systems in Ireland, Iceland and eastern Canada, was investigated using starch gel electrophoresis. Within Ireland, seven polymorphic enzyme loci ( sAAT-4 *, GPI-1 *, IDDH-1 *, IDDH-2 *, IDHP-3 *, MDH-3 * and mMEP-2 *) were screened in nine different rivers and nine tributaries from the River Blackwater. Significant heterogeneity in gene frequencies occurred between riverine samples and between samples from tributaries of the River Blackwater. Variation between tributaries was as great as between rivers elsewhere in the country. Levels of population differentiation were comparable to those found in other regions throughout the range of the species, and temporal stability in gene frequencies was apparent when the results were compared with previously published data. Screening of riverine samples from Iceland and eastern Canada (Newfoundland and New Brunswick) allowed the Irish results to be considered in a broader context. Irish salmon cluster in the western European group, to which may be added Icelandic populations. Salmon from eastern Canada show a high level of genetic distinctiveness from the European group.     

Digital technology adoption in livestock production with a special focus on ruminant farming

Digitalisation is an integral part of modern agriculture. Several digital technologies are available for different animal species and form the basis for precision livestock farming. However, there is a lack of clarity as to which digital technologies are currently used in agricultural practice. Thus, this work aims to present for the first time the status quo in Swiss livestock farming as an example of a highly developed, small-scale and diverse structured agriculture. In this context, the article focuses on the adoption of electronic sensors and measuring devices, electronic controls and electronic data-processing options and the usage of robotics in ruminant farming, namely, for dairy cattle, dairy goats, suckler cows, beef cattle and meat-sheep. Furthermore, the use of electronic ear tags for pigs and the smartphone usage for barn monitoring on poultry farms was assessed. To better understand the adoption process, farm and farmer’s characteristics associated with the adoption of (1) implemented and (2) new digital technologies in ruminant farming were assessed using regression analyses, which is classified at a 10% adoption hurdle. The results showed clear differences in the adoption rates between different agricultural enterprises, with both types of digital technologies tending to be used the most in dairy farming. Easy-to-use sensors and measuring devices such as those integrated in the milking parlour were more widespread than data processing technologies such as those used for disease detection. The husbandry system further determined the use of digital technologies, with the result that farmers with tie stall barns were less likely to use digital technologies than farmers with loose housing systems. Additional studies of farmers’ determinants and prospects of implementation can help identify barriers in the adoption of digital technologies.     

The Millennium in infectious diseases: focus on the last Century 1900-2000

Among the myriad remarkable changes in the last thousand years has been the evolution of our understanding and management of infectious diseases. To encapsulate a millennium of change is a daunting task, because the progress that has been made has been monumental in scope and breadth, with individual achievments of immense proportions. Hence, I have chosen to look at a snapshot of the last century with a focus on the years 1900 and 2000, with a brief analysis of the changes that have accounted for the obvious differences in the two eras. I have chosen this period because of the remarkable changes that have occurred and because that period provided both greater and more significant advances than in the preceding 900 years.