Male-mediated introgression of Bos indicus genes into Argentine and Bolivian Creole cattle breeds

The geographic distribution and frequency of Bos taurus and Bos indicus Y chromosome haplotypes amongst Argentine and Bolivian Creole cattle breeds were studied, using cytogenetic and molecular genetic techniques. A complete correspondence between Y chromosome morphology and the haplotype of the Y-linked microsatellite marker INRA 124 was found in all males examined. The taurine and indicine haplotypes were detected in 85.7 and 14.3% of the males studied, respectively, although these frequencies varied amongst the different breeds examined. The geographic distribution of this polymorphism suggests a pattern of zebu introgression in South America. The highest frequencies of the Zebu Y-chromosome are found in Brazilian populations (43-90%), in the eastern part of the continent, while it is absent in the southernmost breeds from Uruguay and Argentina. Bolivian breeds, at the centre of the continent, exhibit intermediate values (17-41%). This east/west and north/south gradient of male Zebu introgression could be explained by historical events and environmental factors.     

Gene frequencies of DRB3.2 locus of Argentine Creole cattle

Gene and genotype frequencies of BoLA-DRB3 were studied in seven herds of Argentine Creole cattle. Twenty-one out of thirty previously identified alleles were detected in this breed. The F statistics showed high degree of variability among the studied subpopulations suggesting that subdivision and genetic drift, rather than inbreeding, have been the major factors acting on the observed interpopulation variability. The observed high degree of genetic variation in Argentine Creole cattle could be crucial for the long-term survival of this population. Maintenance of such polymorphism, as a genetic resource, could be an important issue that will demand attention in future breeding programmes in species under high selective pressures.     

Jamaican Creole: In the process of becoming

Questions of attitudes and identity are foregrounded in this discussion of Jamaican Creole [JC] as a language of the diaspora. It is presented as a language that challenges the standardizing impulses of modernity, resisting homogeneity in a variable and multi-layered process of change. The article follows the evolutionary path of the language through Africa and the Caribbean to London and America and shows how its speakers see, use and connect through a vernacular that mirrors and embodies the social forces, experienced. The key sites are Jamaica, largely, and urban London. Through a review of the literature, documentary analysis, interviews and classroom observations this essay examines the ways in which Jamaican Creole could be said to exemplify the diasporic predicament and the ways in which it has managed to gain dominance in a) Caribbean society, b) the wider movement of the Caribbean diaspora.     

Genetic diversity of Cheju horses (Equus caballus) determined by using mitochondrial DNA D-loop polymorphism

We used sequence polymorphism of the mitochondrial DNA D-loop (968 bp excluding the tandem repeat region) to determine genetic diversity of horses inhabiting Cheju (a southern island of Korea). Seventeen haplotypes with frequencies from 1.5 to 21.5% were found among 65 Cheju horse samples. Genetic diversity (h) of the 17 haplotypes was calculated to be 0.91, indicating that the extant Cheju horse population consists of diverse genetic groups in their maternal lineage. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 17 types of Cheju (D-loop sequences determined), 5 Mongolian, 6 Arabian, 3 Belgian, 2 Tsushima, 2 Yunnan, 1 Przewalskii, and 3 Thoroughbred horses (published sequences for the latter seven breeds) showed that Cheju horses were distributed into many different clusters in the tree. Four Mongolian horses clustered with separate Cheju horse groups, showing that some Cheju horses are clearly of Mongolian origin. The analysis of partial sequences (284 bp) of the D-loop of 109 horses showed that Thoroughbred, Mongolian, Lipizzan, and Arabian breeds are as diverse as Cheju horses. Our data together with others' suggest that most horse breeds tested with reasonably sufficient numbers of samples are diverse in their maternal lineages and also are not uniquely different from each other.     

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms of horse class II MHC genes observed using various human alpha-and beta-chain cDNA probes

Genomic DNA isolated from 20 horses was digested with up to six restriction endonucleases and subjected to southern blot hybridization analysis using various human class II alpha- and beta-chain cDNA probes. A high degree of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was found for the DQ alpha, DP beta, DQ beta and DR beta probes, about 20 polymorphic bands being detected for each. DR alpha showed 2-4 polymorphic bands, whereas no evidence for DP alpha-like genes was found. A number of correlations of RFLPs with individual alloantisera were apparent.     

Genetic variability of myostatin and prolactin genes in popular goat breeds in Egypt

The genetic polymorphisms of two functional genes named: myostatin (MSTN) and prolactin (PRL) were investigated in three goat breeds (Barki, Damascus and Zaraibi) using Sanger nucleotide sequence and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods, in order to differentiate between these breeds. Nucleotide sequencing of 337 bp MSTN gene detected five SNPs in Barki breed, two SNPs in Damascus breed, while the Zaraibi breed did not show any SNPs. Moreover, MSTN-HaeIII/PCR-RFLP gave a single Genotype BB was found in all the studied breeds. Meanwhile, Nucleotide sequencing of 196 bp PRL gene showed two SNPs in Damascus breed, one SNPs in Zaraibi breed, while the Barki breed did not show any SNPs. Moreover, PRL-Eco24I/PCR-RFLP showed three genotypes (AA, AB and BB). The genotype AB showed the maximum frequency in all the studied breeds (0.75, 0.85, and 0.90 for Damascus, Barki and Zaraibi breeds, respectively). Observed heterozygosity (Ho) value was higher than expected heterozygosity (He) value all studied breeds. In addition, the values of both Ho and He were the highest in Zaraibi breed (0.90 and 0.51 respectively). Chi-square (χ²) value revealed a significant variation Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P < .05) in the three studied breeds. It is the highest in Zaraibi goats and lowest in Damascus breed. The results demonstrated that the PRL-Eco24I/PCR-RFLP polymorphism may be utilized as effective marker for genetic differentiation between goat breeds, but MSTN-HaeIII/PCR-RFLP revealed no polymorphism or variation, thus it is not recommended in the selection program. Moreover, these results open up interesting prospects for future selection programs, especially marker assisted selection. In addition, the results established that PCR-RFLP method is a suitable tool for calculating genetic variability.     

Footprints of selection in the ancestral admixture of a New World Creole cattle breed

Admixed populations represent attractive biological models to study adaptive selection. Originating from several waves of recent introduction from European (EUT), African (AFT) and zebus (ZEB) cattle, New World Creole cattle allow investigating the response to tropical environmental challenges of these three ancestries. We here provide a detailed assessment of their genetic contributions to the Creole breed from Guadeloupe (CGU). We subsequently look for footprints of selection by combining results from tests based on the extent of haplotype homozygosity and the identification of excess/deficiency of local ancestry. To tackle these issues, 140 CGU individuals and 25 Brahman zebus from Martinique were genotyped at 44 057 SNPs. These data were combined to those available on 23 populations representative of EUT, AFT or ZEB. We found average proportions of 26.1%, 36.0% and 37.9% of EUT, AFT and ZEB ancestries in the CGU genome indicating a higher level of African and zebu ancestries than suggested by historical records. We further identified 23 genomic regions displaying strong signal of selection, most of them being characterized by an excess of ZEB local ancestry. Among the candidate gene underlying these regions, several are associated with reproductive functions (RXFP2, PMEPA1, IGFBP3, KDR, PPP1R8, TBXA2R and SLC7A5) and metabolism (PDE1B and CYP46A1). Finally, two genes (CENTD3 and SAMD12) are involved in cellular signalization of immune response. This study illustrates the relevance of admixed populations to identify footprints of selection by combining several tests straightforward to implement on large data sets.     

Spatial variation in abundance of the junin virus hosts in endemic and nonendemic Argentine haemorrhagic fever zones

Abstract Argentine haemorrhagic fever (AHF) is caused by Junin (JUN) virus, which is hosted by the drylands vesper mouse (Calomys musculinus). In this work we monitored population abundance of C. musculinus and rodent assemblages for 3 years in and outside the AHF endemic zones (northern Buenos Aires, southern Córdoba and Santa Fe Provinces, Argentina). The study area was divided into endemic and nonendemic zones. In the endemic zone epidemic sites were recognized, characterized by recent emergence and maintenance of AHF cases, and also historical sites, characterized by decreased incidence or disappearance of AHF human cases. In the nonendemic zone AHF has never been recognized. Although differences were statistically significant only during some periods, population abundance of C. musculinus was usually lower in the nonendemic sites. The pattern and magnitude of seasonal fluctuations in C. musculinus populations were also distinct in the nonendemic sites as compared to endemic sites. The relative abundance of C. musculinus in rodent assemblage was lower in nonendemic sites than in the endemic sites. The lower population densities and dampened seasonal dynamics may be at least partly responsible for the absence of AHF cases in the nonendemic zone. It is suggested that the balance between intra and interspecific interactions might be the cause of the pattern of incidence and prevalence of pathogens in the host species.     

Indigenous domestic breeds as reservoirs of genetic diversity: the Argentinean Creole cattle

Contrary to highly selected commercial breeds, indigenous domestic breeds are composed of semi-wild or feral populations subjected to reduced levels of artificial selection. As a consequence, many of these breeds have become locally adapted to a wide range of environments, showing high levels of phenotypic variability and increased fitness under natural conditions. Genetic analyses of three loci associated with milk production (alpha(S1)-casein, kappa-casein and prolactin) and the locus BoLA-DRB3 of the major histocompatibility complex indicated that the Argentinean Creole cattle (ACC), an indigenous breed from South America, maintains high levels of genetic diversity and population structure. In contrast to the commercial Holstein breed, the ACC showed considerable variation in heterozygosity (H(e)) and allelic diversity (A) across populations. As expected, bi-allelic markers showed extensive variation in He whereas the highly polymorphic BoLA-DRB3 showed substantial variation in A, with individual populations having 39-74% of the total number of alleles characterized for the breed. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) of nine populations throughout the distribution range of the ACC revealed that 91.9-94.7% of the total observed variance was explained by differences within populations whereas 5.3-8.1% was the result of differences among populations. In addition, the ACC breed consistently showed higher levels of genetic differentiation among populations than Holstein. Results from this study emphasize the importance of population genetic structure within domestic breeds as an essential component of genetic diversity and suggest that indigenous breeds may be considered important reservoirs of genetic diversity for commercial domestic species.     

Allelic variation of ovine MHC class II DQA1 and DQA2 genes

In the present study we characterize allelic variation of polymorphic OLA-DQA1 and OLA-DQA2 genes in sheep. To achieve this, PCR primers were designed to independently amplify the second exons of OLA-DQA1 and OLA-DQA2 genes. Single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) gel analyses reveals that there are at least 12 distinct OLA-DQA2 sequences, 10 of which have been characterized by sequencing. Six distinct OLA-DQA1 alleles have been sequenced in sheep and we can detect at least seven DQA1 alleles, including a null allele, by SSCP analysis. The second exon of the OLA-DQA2 gene is more polymorphic than the equivalent region of the OLA-DQA1 gene. Thirty-two per cent of nucleotide and 49% of amino acid sites showed variation at the DQA2 locus, compared to 20% of nucleotide and 33% of amino acid sites for DQA1 . Phylogenetic analysis of DQA sequences from a number of species show that sheep DQA1 sequences group together and are more similar to bovine DQA1 sequences than to sheep DQA2 alleles. The majority of OLA-DQA2 sequences are on the same main branch of the phylogenetic tree as bovine DQA2 sequences. However, three sheep DQA2 sequences have a tendency to group with putative bovine DQA3 sequences rather than to other ovine DQA2 alleles. A variety of SSCP gel conditions were tried in order to develop a typing system for the OLA-DQA2 gene. We describe a set of PCR and SSCP conditions which distinguish between all known OLA-DQA2 alleles.     

Genetic relationships among populations of the Argentine ant Linepithema humile introduced into Japan

Since some colonies of Argentine ant Linepithema humile were discovered in Japan in 1993, populations of this invasive alien ant species have been expanding their distribution. To resolve the number of invasions and the genetic structure in the early stages of introduction, we inferred the genetic structure and relationships among colonies from eight localities, from analyses of eight nuclear microsatellite DNA markers. F _ST analysis, principal component analysis and assignment test showed that at least three highly genetically differentiated groups of Argentine ants are present in Japan. Populations from Hiroshima Bay were grouped together (Hiroshima, Hatsukaichi, Otake, Iwakuni Central and Iwakuni Kuroiso), while those from Kobe and Yanai were both genetically distant from each other and from the Hiroshima Bay group. Hatsukaichi and Kobe are international seaports, suggesting that the by-ship invasion occurred at least twice. The invasion route of the Yanai population is unknown at this moment. The Aichi population was genetically distant from that of the Hiroshima Bay group by the difference in allele frequencies, and it was plausible that the Aichi population was introduced from the Hiroshima Bay group by human-mediated jump dispersal.     

African matrilineages in American Creole cattle: evidence of two independent continental sources

In order to clarify the historical origin and phylogeographic affinities of Creole cattle matrilineages throughout the American continent, we analysed published D-loop mtDNA sequences (n = 454) from Creole, Iberian and African cattle breeds. The Western European T3 haplogroup was the most common in American Creole cattle (63.6%), followed by the African T1 (32.4%) and the Near Eastern T2 haplogroups (4%). None of the sequences were found in Bos indicus types. Within the African T1 haplogroup there were two subclades, T1a and T1*, whose geographic distribution in America was clearly disjointed. T1a is a highly divergent clade originally reported for Creole cattle from Brazil and the Lesser Antilles, but whose geographic distribution in Africa remains unknown. In contrast, lineages attributable to T1* are restricted in America to the region colonized by the Spaniards. We propose a new hypothesis for the origins of Creole cattle that summarizes all previously published historical and genetic data. While the African T1* fraction in Creole cattle may have arrived in America through the Iberian breeds, the divergent T1a lineages may have been introduced by Portuguese and other European crowns from some unknown, not-yet-sampled African location. Additional molecular studies will be required for pinpointing the specific African regional source.     

Genetic structure and contrasting selection pattern at two major histocompatibility complex genes in wild house mouse populations

The mammalian major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a tightly linked cluster of immune genes, and is often thought of as inherited as a unit. This has led to the hope that studying a single MHC gene will reveal patterns of evolution representative of the MHC as a whole. In this study we analyse a 1000-km transect of MHC variation traversing the European house mouse hybrid zone to compare signals of selection and patterns of diversification at two closely linked MHC class II genes, H-2Aa and H-2Eb. We show that although they are 0.01 cM apart (that is, recombination is expected only once in 10 000 meioses), disparate evolutionary patterns were detected. H-2Aa shows higher allelic polymorphism, faster allelic turnover due to higher mutation rates, stronger positive selection at antigen-binding sites and higher population structuring than H-2Eb. H-2Eb alleles are maintained in the gene pool for longer, including over separation of the subspecies, some H-2Eb alleles are positively and others negatively selected and some of the alleles are not expressed. We conclude that studies on MHC genes in wild-living vertebrates can give substantially different results depending on the MHC gene examined and that the level of polymorphism in a related species is a poor criterion for gene choice.     

Genetic blood markers in Arabian, Barb and Arab-Barb horses in Morocco

Gene frequencies at 16 blood group and protein polymorphism loci (A, C, D, K, P, Q, U, Al, Gc, Es, A1B, Tf, PGD, PGM, GPI and Pi) are given for three horse breeds in Morocco (Arabian, Arab-Barb and Barb). These data are used to calculate average heterozygosity (h), Nei's standard genetic distance (D_N) and probability of exclusion (PE). Variability expressed as the average heterozygosity was lower in the Arabian (0.330 ± 0.066), while it was higher and almost the same in the Arab-Barb (0.413 ± 0.071) and the Barb (0.414 A ± 0–070). The shortest genetic distance was found between Barb and Arab-Barb. The 16 loci used are at least 95% effective for recognizing incorrect paternity in these breeds. The Barb and Arab-Barb genetic profiles obtained showed the rare variants interesting perhaps in the context of European and American breeds: notably D^cfgkm, D^dekl, Es-N, Tf-A and Pi-W.     

Behavioral and Genetic Differentiation Between Native and Introduced Populations of the Argentine Ant

In this paper, we examine the hypothesis that reduced intraspecific aggression underlies the competitive prowess of Argentine ants in their introduced range. Specifically, we test three predictions of this hypothesis by comparing the genetic diversity, behavior, and ecology of Argentine ants in their native range to introduced populations. Differences between native and introduced populations of Argentine ants were consistent with our predictions. Introduced populations of the Argentine ant appear to have experienced a population bottleneck at the time of introduction, as evidenced by much reduced variation in polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers. Intraspecific aggression was rare in introduced populations but was common in native populations. Finally, in contrast to the Argentine ant's ecological dominance throughout its introduced range, it did not appear dominant in the native ant assemblages studied in Argentina. Together these results identify a possible mechanism for the widespread success of the Argentine ant in its introduced range.     

Hemotypes and genetic structure of Camargue horses

The nature and distribution of hemotypes constituted by electrophoretic phenotypes in six loci, in a group of 183 Camargue horses, have been compared with those of five breeds of horses and ponies. The genetic similarities have been observed mainly with New Forest and Haflinger ponies, less with Barbs and Thoroughbreds, and the least with Arab horses.     

Genetic variation in competition traits at different ages and time periods and correlations with traits at field tests of 4-year-old Swedish Warmblood horses

For many years, the breeding value estimation for Swedish riding horses has been based on results from Riding Horse Quality Tests (RHQTs) of 4-year-olds only. Traits tested are conformation, gaits and jumping ability. An integrated index including competition results is under development to both get as reliable proofs as possible and increases the credibility of the indexes among breeders, trainers and riders. The objectives of this study were to investigate the suitability of competition data for use in genetic evaluations of horses and to examine how well young horse performance agrees with performance later in life. Competition results in dressage and show jumping for almost 40 000 horses from the beginning of the 1960s until 2006 were available. For RHQT data of 14 000 horses judged between 1988 and 2007 were used. Genetic parameters were estimated for accumulated competition results defined for different age groups (4 to 6 years of age, 4 to 9 years of age and lifetime), and for different birth year groups. Genetic correlations were estimated between results at RHQT and competitions with a multi-trait animal model. Heritabilities were higher for show jumping than dressage and increased with increasing age of the horse and amount of information. For dressage, heritabilities increased from 0.11 for the youngest group to 0.16 for lifetime results. For show jumping corresponding values increased from 0.24 to 0.28. Genetic correlations between competition results for the different age groups were highly positive (0.84 to 1.00), as were those between jumping traits at RHQT and competition results in show jumping (0.87 to 0.89). For dressage-related traits as 4-year-old and dressage competition results the estimated genetic correlations were between 0.47 and 0.77. We suggest that lifetime results from competitions should be integrated into the genetic evaluation system. However, genetic parameters showed that traits had changed during the over 35-year period covered due to the development of the sport, which needs to be considered in future genetic evaluations.     

Cognitive differences in dream content between Argentine males and females using quantitative content analysis.

This study asked the question, "Are there significant content differences between male and female dream reports obtained in seminars conducted in Argentina?" Each of the 100 female and 100 male participants contributed one recent dream report during dream seminars held in Argentina between 1990 and 1998. Dream reports were scored using Hall and Van de Castle's System of Content Analysis. Major findings revealed that Argentine males reported significantly more aggressions per character and a higher percentage of dreamers as the aggressor than reported by females. They also reported more dreams with at least one success than reported by females. In contrast, females scored significantly higher on both the Self-Negativity index and the Negative Emotions index compared to males. Although some findings were similar to past studies using American participants, others were unique to this study and may be attributable to the particular sample used, or may suggest actual underlying cultural patterns of contemporary Argentine men and women. Results are discussed in terms of Hall's continuity hypothesis and Domhoff's cognitive model of dreaming. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

山羊GOLA-DQA2基因多态性与血液免疫性状的相关分析

文章采用PCR-RFLP技术对莱芜黑山羊、波尔山羊、鲁波山羊3个山羊种群的GOLA-DQA2基因外显子2进行遗传多态性研究, 并对其血液免疫指标的效应进行分析。结果表明, 3个山羊种群共检测到4种基因型, 由3个等位基因控制; GOLA-DQA2基因外显子2的第77、79、80和169位的碱基表现出多态性; 多数血液免疫指标品种效应是主要效应; 鲁波山羊中, AB基因型的红细胞计数、白细胞计数分别显著高于BB基因型、BC基因型(P<0.05); AB基因型的红细胞压积显著高于BB、BC 基因型(P<0.05); BC基因型的噬中性粒细胞比率显著高于BB基因型(P<0.05); 波尔山羊和莱芜黑山羊中, 基因型与血液免疫指标之间也有一定的相关性, 但没有达到显著水平。由上述结果初步推测, 在鲁波山羊中, AB、BC基因型是影响红细胞计数、白细胞总数、噬中性粒细胞比率等血液免疫指标的重要因素。研究结果揭示GOLA-DQA2基因与血液免疫指标之间有一定的相关性, 可为山羊的抗病育种提供一定的参考。     

A new heteronemertean from the Argentine coast of the Southern Atlantic

A new heteronemertean is described, Gastropionsanmatiensis n. gen. et n. sp. from Caleta de LosLoros, San Matías Gulf, Argentine Republic(41& deg;S; 64° 05 W). G. sanmatiensis is mainly defined by: (1) the structure ofits proboscis sheath; (2) enteronephridia and exonephridiasituated in the anterior part of the oesophagus; (3) a sphincterbetween the oesophagus and the intestine; (4) anintestinal sphincter. This lineid heteronemerteanseems to be very well adapted to oesophagealrespiration and excretion.