bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear receptors from the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi lack a zinc-finger DNA-binding domain: lineage-specific loss or ancestral condition in the emergence of the nuclear receptor superfamily?
Authors: Reitzel Adam M , Pang Kevin , Ryan Joseph F , Mullikin James C , Martindale Mark Q , Baxevanis Andreas D , Tarrant Ann M
Published: February 2011

Background

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are an ancient superfamily of metazoan transcription factors that play critical roles in regulation of reproduction, development, and energetic homeostasis. Although the evolutionary relationships among NRs are well-described in two prominent clades of animals (deuterostomes and protostomes), comparatively little information has been reported on the diversity of NRs in early diverging metazoans. Here, we identified NRs from the phylum Ctenophora and used a phylogenomic approach to explore the emergence of the NR superfamily in the animal kingdom. In addition, to gain insight into conserved or novel functions, we examined NR expression during ctenophore development.

Results

We report the first described NRs from the phylum Ctenophora: two fromMnemiopsis leidyiand one fromPleurobrachia pileus. All ctenophore NRs contained a ligand-binding domain and grouped with NRs from the subfamily NR2A (HNF4). Surprisingly, all the ctenophore NRs lacked the highly conserved DNA-binding domain (DBD). NRs fromMnemiopsiswere expressed in different regions of developing ctenophores. One was broadly expressed in the endoderm during gastrulation. The second was initially expressed in the ectoderm during gastrulation, in regions corresponding to the future tentacles; subsequent expression was restricted to the apical organ. Phylogenetic analyses of NRs from ctenophores, sponges, cnidarians, and a placozoan support the hypothesis that expansion of the superfamily occurred in a step-wise fashion, with initial radiations in NR family 2, followed by representatives of NR families 3, 6, and 1/4 originating prior to the appearance of the bilaterian ancestor.

Conclusions

Our study provides the first description of NRs from ctenophores, including the full complement fromMnemiopsis. Ctenophores have the least diverse NR complement of any animal phylum with representatives that cluster with only one subfamily (NR2A). Ctenophores and sponges have a similarly restricted NR complement supporting the hypothesis that the original NR wasHNF4-like and that these lineages are the first two branches from the animal tree. The absence of a zinc-finger DNA-binding domain in the two ctenophore species suggests two hypotheses: this domain may have been secondarily lost within the ctenophore lineage or, if ctenophores are the first branch off the animal tree, the original NR may have lacked the canonical DBD. Phylogenomic analyses and categorization of NRs from all four early diverging animal phyla compared with the complement from bilaterians suggest the rate of NR diversification prior to the cnidarian-bilaterian split was relatively modest, with independent radiations of several NR subfamilies within the cnidarian lineage.
Propranolol as a modulator of M2b monocytes in severely burned patients
Authors: Kobayashi Makiko , Jeschke Marc G , Asai Akira , Kogiso Mari , Yoshida Shohei , Herndon David N , Suzuki Fujio
Published: February 2011

A role of immunosuppressive M2 monocytes (IL-12–IL-10+) on the increased susceptibility of severely burned patients to various opportunistic pathogens has been described. Among M2 monocyte subpopulations, M2b monocytes (IL-17–CCL1+CXCL13–) are predominantly present in the peripheral blood of severely burned patients. In the present study, the rise and fall of M2b monocytes were examined in severely burned patients treated with propranolol. Catecholamine is known as an inducer of M2 monocytes, and propranolol is a competitive blocker of catecholamine binding to β-adrenergic receptors. Twenty-two children with 30% or more TBSA burn were enrolled in the study. Propranolol at a dose of 4 mg/kg/day was administered to these patients by feeding-tube or mouth. Burn patient monocytes exhibited weak bactericidal activity. IL-12 was produced by propranolol-treated patient monocytes after stimulation with Staphylococcus aureus antigen, and the production of IL-10, CCL1, CCL17, or CXCL13 by these monocytes was not demonstrated. These results indicate that a predominance of M2b monocytes in severely burned patients is intervened by the propranolol treatment. The increased susceptibility, to be associated with the appearance of M2b monocytes, of severely burned patients to opportunistic pathogens might be controlled by propranolol.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Play a Critical Role in the cAMP-Induced Activation of Ras and the Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in Leydig Cells
Authors: Tai Ping , Ascoli Mario
Published: February 2011

Activation of the LH receptor (LHR) in Leydig cells results in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 by cAMP-dependent and cAMP-independent pathways. Here we examine the mechanisms by which cAMP stimulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation. We show that the stimulation of steroidogenesis is not necessary or sufficient to stimulate the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 but that other cAMP-dependent mitochondrial functions are involved. Using MA-10 cells as a model, we showed that cAMP analogs increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and that an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation and a ROS scavenger prevent this increase. These two compounds also inhibit the increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation provoked by cAMP analogs, thus suggesting that the cAMP-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 is mediated by mitochondrial ROS. In agreement with this hypothesis we also show that a reduction in glutathione levels, which alters the redox state of MA-10 cells, potentiates the effect of cAMP on ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Measurements of the dephosphorylation of ERK and the activation of Ras showed that the ROS scavenger prevents the cAMP-provoked activation of Ras and that cAMP, with or without a ROS scavenger, has little or no effect on the dephosphorylation of ERK. Lastly, we show that the uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation and the ROS scavenger also prevent the ability of cAMP analogs to increase ERK1/2 phosphorylation in primary cultures of mouse Leydig cells. We conclude that, in Leydig cells, cAMP enhances the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 via a mitochondria-derived, ROS-dependent activation of Ras.
The use of dispersion-corrected DFT calculations to prevent an incorrect structure determination from powder data: the case of acetolone, C11H11N3O3
Authors: Brüning Jürgen , Alig Edith , van de Streek Jacco , Schmidt Martin U.
Published: February 2011

The crystal structure of acetolone (5-(acetoacetylamino)benzimidazolone, C11H11N3O3), was determined from X-ray powder data. Despite strong preferred orientation effects, the structure could be solved with real-space methods and refined by the Rietveld method using restraints. The resulting structure gave a good Rietveld fit with reasonable confidence values; the structure looked chemically sensible and passed all tests including a CSD check and thecheckCIFprocedure. But dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that this structure was actually wrong, and further work showed that the terminal acetyl group had to be rotated by 180°. The correct crystal structure led to a better Rietveld refinement with improvedR-values. This structure was confirmed by dispersion-corrected DFT calculations. The compound crystallises inP-1 with two molecules per unit cell. The molecules are connected by a 2-dimensional hydrogen bond network.
A műtőtől a mikroszkópig. A rendszerezett nyirokcsomóminták azonosításának új eszköze a ráksebészetben
Authors: Molnár F. Tamás , Horváth Örs Péter , Farkas László , Gerlinger Imre , Pajor László , Kelemen Dezső , Kalmár Nagy Károly , Tizedes György , Pavlovics Gábor , Bódis József , Gőcze Péter , Szekeres György
Published: February 2011

Absztrakt

A modern onkológiai sebészetben elengedhetetlen a lokoregionális nyirokcsomók műtéti eltávolítása szövettani vizsgálatra stádiummeghatározás végett, mely a pTNM besorolás egyik feltétele is. Az egyes nyirokcsomók eltávolításának terápiás és/vagy prognosztikus értéke ellentmondásokkal teli, a protokollok pedig szervenként, szubspecialitásonként különböznek. Nemzetközi jelenség, hogy a műtéti területről a mikroszkópig vezető út számos csapdával terhes, az információvesztés veszélye nagy, melynek kiküszöbölése közös érdek. A felhasi, retroperitonealis (urológiai, nőgyógyászati), emlő- és nyaki dissectio során eltávolítandó nyirokcsomók azonosítására dolgoztunk ki egy közös elvű integrált rendszert, az adott régiók anatómiai jellegzetességeinek figyelembevételével.
Laparoscopos Roux Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) műtéttel szerzett tapasztalataink és az alkalmazott műtéti módszer leírása
Authors: Mohos Elemér , Nagy Attila , Schmaldienst Elizabeth , Prager Manfred
Published: February 2011

Absztrakt

Bevezetés: A kóros elhízás és a következtében kialakuló morbiditás világszerte egyre nagyobb méreteket ölt. A konzervatív terápia csak az esetek mintegy 5%-ában vezet eredményre, emiatt egyre gyakrabban kerül sor a kóros kövérség megoldására kidolgozott bariatriai sebészeti beavatkozásokra. A leggyakrabban végzett ilyen típusú műtéti beavatkozás a laparoscopos Roux Y gastric bypass, mely az effektív testsúlycsökkentésen túl kedvezően hat a kórosan kövér betegeknél gyakran tapasztalható II-es típusú diabetesre, hypertoniára, gastrooesophagealis refluxra és mozgásszervi betegségekre. Beteganyag és módszer: A szerzők 47 laparoscopos Roux Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) műtéten átesett betegük eredményeit, valamint az alkalmazott műtét technikai részleteit ismertetik. Műtéti indikációt jelentett a 40 feletti (II-es típusú diabetes, illetve súlyos fokú gastrooesophagealis reflux mellett 35 feletti) testtömegindex (BMI). A műtét során 50 ml-es gyomorpouch, 1,5 m hosszú Roux- és 1 m hosszú biliaris kacs került kialakításra. Az adatokat retrospektíve kórházunk adatbázisából, valamint a betegek által kitöltött kérdőívekből gyűjtöttük össze átlagosan 15,7 hónap követési idő után. Eredmények: Az átlagos testsúlycsökkenés 51,9 kg volt, a betegek súlyfeleslegük 88%-át adták le. 10 beteg szenvedett II-es típusú diabetesben, a műtét után közülük 9 lett diéta és gyógyszeres kezelés nélkül normoglycaemiás. Jelentős mértékben javult a hypertonia, a gastrooesophagealis reflux (GER), valamint a mozgásszervi megbetegedések aránya. Mortalitás és anastomosiselégtelenség nem volt. A betegek 94%-a volt elégedett a beavatkozás eredményével. Megbeszélés: A LRYGB hatékony bariatriai beavatkozás, mely a testsúly csökkentésén túl kedvezően hat a II-es típusú diabetesre, a hypertoniára, a GER-re és a mozgásszervi megbetegedésekre. A műtét diabetesre kifejtett pozitív hatásának biokémiai hátterét illetően további vizsgálatok szükségesek.
Vékonybéltumor miatt végzett műtéteink osztályunk 3 éves anyagában
Authors: Varga Zsombor , Bálint András , Vitályos Tibor
Published: February 2011

Absztrakt

A vékonybélből kiinduló rosszindulatú daganatok igen ritkák, az összes rosszindulatú emésztőszervi daganat kevesebb, mint két százalékát teszik ki. Előfordulásuk gyakoribb coeliakiában (lymphoma), illetve egyes örökletes bélbetegségekben, mint Peutz–Jegher-szindróma, familiáris adenomatosus polyposis. A betegség legtöbbször tünetmentes, illetve az első panaszok megjelenésétől a diagnózis felállításáig rendszerint több hónap telik el. A rendelkezésre álló noninvazív, részlegesen invazív vizsgáló módszerek gyakran nem vezetnek megoldáshoz és műtéti exploratio során derül fény a betegségre. Cikkünkben az osztályunkon előforduló vékonybéltumorok előfordulásáról, kivizsgálásáról, műtéti ellátásáról írunk feldolgozva az elmúlt 3 év beteganyagát. Megjegyzendő, hogy mindegyik beteg intézetünk Sürgősségi Osztályán keresztül érkezett, tehát nem tervezett módon. A műtétet megelőző vizsgálatok csak a műtéti indikáció felállításában segítettek, pontos diagnózishoz egy esetben sem vezettek. A műtéteket sürgősséggel vagy halasztott sürgősséggel végeztük. Mindegyik esetben vékonybélresectio történt. Anyagunkban adenocarcinoma, non-Hodgkin-lymphoma, GIST fordult elő.
Malignus eredetű pericardialis folyadékgyülemek ellátása parasternalis fenestratióval
Authors: Tóth Imre , Hanyik János , Almássy Sándor , Gyáni Károly , Mezei Péter , Szűcs Géza
Published: February 2011

Absztrakt

A pericardialis folyadékgyülem okozta szívtamponád megszüntetésére számos módszer áll rendelkezésünkre. A malignus eredetű pericardialis folyadékgyülemek hosszú távú megoldására ezek csak korlátozottan alkalmasak. Újabb módszerek bevezetésére, minimálisan invazív beavatkozások elvégzésére vonatkozóan vannak útkeresések, ezek közül jelenleg a VATS technika terjedt el. Ez speciális eszközöket igényel és a műtét során egytüdős lélegeztetést, amire a tumoros beteg nem mindig alkalmas. Gyakorlatunkban a Stemmer-féle parasternalis mediastinoscopia behatolási módjának felhasználásával egy új, egyszerű, minimálisan invazív és tartós recidívamentességet biztosító fenestratiós módszert alkalmazunk. Osztályunkon 10 év alatt 73 beteget láttunk el pericardialis folyadékgyülem miatt, és eddig 22 esetben végeztünk parasternalis pericardium-fenestratiót. A módszert malignus eredetű pericardialis folyadékgyülemek definitív ellátásához ajánljuk.
Többszörösen kiújult sacralis dermoid definitív megoldása az arteria glutealis inferior direct fasciocutan ágára nyelezett transzpozíciós lebeny alkalmazásával
Authors: Bognár Gábor , Barabás Loránd , Ledniczky György , Tamás Róbert , Lóderer Zoltán , Kovács István , Ondrejka Pál
Published: February 2011

Absztrakt

Célkitűzés: A sacralis dermoid cysta (SDC) kezelése sebészi kihívás. Etiológiája és megfelelő műtéttechnikai megoldása a mai napig vitatott. Többféle műtéti megoldás mellett is magas a recidívaarány. A már többször sikertelenül operált, sokadjára is kiújuló SDC definitív ellátására biztos megoldás az arteria glutealis inferior (AGI) első perforátorerére nyelezett transzpozíciós lebeny alkalmazása. Anyag és módszer: Cadaverek AGI ágrendszerének preparálása után többszörösen recidivált sacralis dermoid műtéti ellátását végeztük. Eredmény: Az AGI első superficialis ágára nyelezett, annak perforátorát/perforátorait felhasználó transzpozíciós lebeny biztos megoldást kínál a többszörösen recidiváló SDC definitív ellátására.
Rehabilitation of Atrophic Posterior Maxilla With Zygomatic Implants: Review
Authors: Candel-Martí Eugenia , Carrillo-García Celia , Peñarrocha-Oltra David , Peñarrocha-Diago Maria
Published: February 2011

The objective of this study was to review the published literature to evaluate treatment success with zygomatic implants in patients with atrophic posterior maxilla. Studies from 1987 to 2010 were reviewed. In each study, the following were assessed: indications for treatment, number of patients, number of implants, length and diameter of the implants, surgical technique, prosthetic rehabilitation, success rate, complications, and patient satisfaction. Sixteen studies were included, with a total of 941 zygomatic implants placed in 486 patients. The follow-up periods ranged from 12 to 120 months. Three different surgical techniques were used to place zygomatic implants: intrasinus implants with the classic sinus window technique, the sinus slot technique, and extrasinus zygomatic implants. The most common restoration used was fixed prosthesis, with either delayed loading after 3–6 months (89%–100% success) or immediate loading (96.37%–100% success). The weighted average success rate was 97.05%, and the most frequent complication was maxillary sinusitis. The general level of patient satisfaction was high. Zygomatic implants have a high success rate and constitute a suitable alternative to treat severe posterior maxillary atrophy.
Selection for Dry Bean Yield On‐Station Versus On‐Farm Conventional and Organic Production Systems
Authors: Singh Shree P. , Terán Henry , Lema Margarita , Hayes Richard
Published: February 2011

High yielding cultivars adapted to conventional and organic production system would maximize efficiency of nutrient usage and reduce dependence on pesticides. The objective of this study was to determine if separate breeding efforts are needed to obtain high yielding dry bean breeding lines for on‐farm organic (FO) and on‐farm conventional (FC) production systems. The six highest yielding breeding lines selected from each of FO, FC, and on‐station conventional (SC) production systems in two populations (1WS, 2WS) and their parents were evaluated for days to maturity, 100‐seed weight, and seed yield in 2007 and 2008. The production system and genotype effects were significant (P ≤ 0.01) for all three traits. Seed yield gains were between 10.5% in FC and 15.0% in SC in 1WS and between 6.2% in FO and 21.0% in SC in 2WS. Seed yield of breeding lines selected in SC was higher than those selected in FC and FO when tested across the three production systems. The SC seed yield was positively associated with seed yield in FC and FO in 2WS and with seed yield in FC in 1WS. The FC and FO seed yields were positively associated only in 2WS. The highest yielding breeding lines within and across the three PS varied by the production system in which they were selected. Thus, breeding high yielding cultivars in SC or FC may serve FO in some populations, whereas a separate breeding for FO and FC may be justified in other populations if the accompanying seed yield gains would off‐set the added costs involved in the production system specific breeding.
Mapping QTL Associated with Traits Affecting Grain Yield in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Terminal Drought Stress
Authors: Rehman A. U. , Malhotra R. S. , Bett K. , Tar'an B. , Bueckert R. , Warkentin T. D.
Published: February 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate a set of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) for agronomic and physiological traits under drought conditions and to locate quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with them. This study used a RIL population derived from a cross between drought tolerant (ILC 588) and susceptible (ILC 3279) genotypes. The population consisting of 155 RILs was grown under drought conditions in the field at Tel Hadya, Syria, in 2006 and 2007 and at Breda, Syria, in 2007. A genetic map consisting of eight linkage groups was developed using 97 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The results revealed that high harvest index (HI), early flowering, and early maturity were the important attributes contributing to higher grain yield under drought. Higher stomatal conductance (gs) and cooler canopies (canopy temperature minus air temperature [Tc–Ta]) can also lead to better performance under drought conditions. Quantitative trait locus analysis identified 15 genomic regions significantly associated with various traits affecting drought tolerance in chickpea. Important QTL detected in this study included two QTL for HI explaining 38% of the total phenotypic variability of the trait, four QTL for flowering explaining 45%, and three QTL for maturity explaining 52% on a cumulative basis. Three QTL for gs and six QTL for Tc–Ta also detected explained 7 to 15% phenotypic variability individually. Two QTL (Q3‐1 and Q1‐1) on linkage group 3 (LG3) and LG1 showed effects on many traits related to drought. Hence, these regions can be further explored in future drought studies.
Direct Validation of AMMI Predictions in Turfgrass Trials
Authors: Ebdon J. S. , Gauch H. G.
Published: February 2011

Previous studies using turfgrass quality (TQ) data from the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) used cross validation with additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) models to demonstrate accuracy gain within a single trial. The objective of this study is to test AMMI predictive accuracy for new years or new years × locations. Five winners recommended by the raw data AMMIF and five winners recommended by the more accurate AMMI5 model were selected, resulting in a 10‐entry roster at six validation sites for evaluation over 5 yr. Average TQ for AMMI5 selections was 5.57 and was significantly greater than AMMIF selections averaging only 5.31. In five of six validation locations, higher TQ was observed by planting AMMI5 selections over AMMIF. The correlation between the 60 validation observations and AMMI5 predictions was 0.628 but for AMMIF was 0.479. Better predictive success indicated by a significantly lower mean squared deviation (MSD) was observed with AMMI5 (0.453) than AMMIF (0.608). The AMMI5 model predicted winners were five times as effective as AMMIF in predicting observed winners from the top group (rank one and two). There was decisive evidence of a parsimonious AMMI model increasing predictive success across years despite a meager 1.24 statistical efficiency with AMMI5.
Marker Development and Quantitative Trait Loci in a Fall‐Sown Oat Recombinant Inbred Population
Authors: Maloney P. V. , Lyerly J. H. , Wooten D. R. , Anderson J. M. , Livingston D. P. , Brown‐Guedira G. , Marshall D. , Murphy J. P.
Published: February 2011

Marker‐assisted selection for improved winter survival in oat (Avena sativa L.) is difficult because the number of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers available in this species is limited. The objectives of this research were to increase the number of SSR markers on the ‘Fulghum’ × ‘Norline’ recombinant inbred population genetic map and to scan for quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with winter field survival, crown freezing tolerance, vernalization response, and heading date. New SSR markers were developed from ‘Kanota’ and ‘Ogle’ genomic DNA libraries enriched for eight microsatellite motifs. New primers were evaluated for amplification, reproducibility, and polymorphism in 11 oat lines. Simple sequence repeat markers showing high‐quality polymorphism between Fulghum and Norline were subsequently examined in 128 recombinant inbred lines. Sixty‐five new SSR, four single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and one cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers were added to the Fulghum × Norline linkage map. This brought the total number of markers mapped on the population to 101. Phenotypic data for winter hardiness component traits in the population were obtained in previous field and controlled chamber experiments. All previously mapped markers and new SSR markers were evaluated and QTL identified. Marker loci on linkage group FN1_3_38 accounted for multiple QTL associated with winter hardiness component traits. The addition of new SSR markers to the Fulghum × Norline map in regions with winter hardiness component trait QTL will enhance marker assisted selection for these important traits.
Agronomic and Seed Traits of Soybean Lines with High Oleate Concentration
Authors: Brace Ryan C. , Fehr Walter R. , Schnebly Steve R.
Published: February 2011

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] lines with the transgenic event DP‐305423‐1 produce a high‐oleate oil and those with the fan1(C1640) and fan3(RG10) alleles produce a low‐linolenate oil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic and seed traits of high‐oleate and low‐linolenate (HOLL) lines, high‐oleate and normal‐linolenate (HONL) lines, and normal‐oleate and normal‐linolenate (NONL) lines selected from four single‐cross populations segregating for the three genes. A minimum of 14 F3:5 lines of each class in the four populations were evaluated in five environments during 2009. The mean fatty ester concentrations averaged across populations were 786 g kg−1 oleate and 24 g kg−1 linolenate for the HOLL lines, 784 g kg−1 oleate and 56 g kg−1 linolenate for the HONL lines, and 226 g kg−1 oleate and 75 g kg−1 linolenate for the NONL lines. The mean yield of the NONL lines was significantly greater than the HOLL lines by 4.5% and the HONL lines by 3.0%. Of the 10 highest yielding lines in each population, 60% were NONL, 25% HOLL, and 15% HONL, which indicated that it would be possible to select cultivars of both classes that yield as well as NONL cultivars. The overlap among the three classes in the distributions of lines for protein, oil, seed weight, maturity, height, and lodging indicated that it would be possible to develop HOLL and HONL cultivars comparable to NONL cultivars for those traits.
REML‐Based Diallel Analysis
Authors: Möhring J. , Melchinger A. E. , Piepho H. P.
Published: February 2011

Diallel analyses can give different results depending on the model and the experimental design. A unified framework to fit and compare different models by mixed‐model packages is lacking. We, therefore, present a general diallel model and the required additional restrictions for the genetic variance–covariance structure to become equivalent to other commonly used diallel models. We discuss the definitions and requirements of the commonly used models compared with the general model and provide an analysis for three real datasets. If the assumptions regarding the genetic variance–covariance structure are not fulfilled, biased variance‐component estimates for general and specific combining ability effects are obtained when using random genetic effects. We implemented a general diallel model in the statistical software packages SAS and ASReml and give detailed program codes. If no a priori information about the genetic model for genotypes is available, the general model can be used to analyze all diallel designs easily with standard statistical software.
Field Simulation of Transgenic Seed Admixture Dispersion in Maize with a Blue Kernel Color Marker
Authors: Dietiker Dominique , Oehen Bernadette , Ochsenbein Christian , Westgate Mark E. , Stamp Peter
Published: February 2011

Seed purity in maize (Zea mays L.) has been almost neglected in coexistence studies. In this study, the impact of initial seed admixture was assessed in 20 fields (17 integrated pest management [IPM] and three organics) in the Swiss Midlands in 2007 and 2008 and a seed admixture threshold was proposed. The blue‐kernelled French hybrid Adonis was used as a color‐marker admixture. In 2009, its pollen production was assessed relative to those of two commercial hybrids (LG 32.12 and DKC 2960) that released 41 and 62%, respectively, less pollen than Adonis. Adonis was added to commercial yellow hybrid seeds at a proportion of 1:99. On average, the seed admixture at harvest was 2.8 times greater than the seed admixture at sowing. The greater pollen production of Adonis relative to yellow hybrids explained the increase in the harvest seed admixture via pollen flow. The lesser average kernel number per plant of Adonis (316 kernels plant−1; 451 kernels plant−1 for commercial hybrids) buffered the effect of pollen flow. Correcting for these differences provided simulation results compatible with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for a trait with 1% frequency. When compared among the 20 field situations, (i) flower synchrony between admixture and commercial subpopulation and (ii) vertical distance between tassels of Adonis and ears of the commercial hybrid contributed most to field differences. To guarantee the 0.9% threshold imposed by the European Union for non‐genetically‐modified product, the seed admixture threshold should range between 0.2 and 0.5%.
Variation in Crude Protein and In Vitro Dry Matter Digestion of Wheat Forage
Authors: MacKown Charles T. , Carver Brett F. , Edwards Jeffrey T.
Published: February 2011

Pasture bloat can be a serious problem for ruminant livestock grazing winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.). Decreased gains with nonlethal bloat episodes, yearly herd deaths up to 2%, and the cost and risk of active intervention reduce profits. Wheat has high digestibility, crude protein (CP), and soluble N fractions, traits associated with bloat‐provoking forages. We characterized variation in CP and initial in vitro dry matter digestion (IVDMD) of wheat varieties and experimental lines to gain knowledge needed to develop genotypes that might decrease frequency and severity of bloat. Late fall forage from seven trials (34 different varieties) and late fall and late winter forage from 221 experimental breeding lines were analyzed. Significant (p< 0.05) differences among varieties and breeding lines were found for CP and IVDMD; trait variation among breeding lines was often greater than among the check varieties Duster, Endurance, Jagger, and Overley. Differences in CP among breeding lines were as great as 47% and averaged 15% for the variety trials. After an 8 h incubation differences in the percent IVDMD among breeding lines were as great as 97% and averaged 24% for the variety trials. Correlations of CP with initial IVDMD traits were not significant or only weakly correlated (variety trials,r= 0.11,p= 0.01, andn= 484), thus development of wheat varieties with reduced CP and low initial rates of IVDMD will require simultaneous selection for both traits.
Genetic Composition of Contemporary U.S. Commercial Dent Corn Germplasm
Authors: Mikel Mark A.
Published: February 2011

Germplasm of contemporary U.S. dent corn (Zea mays L.) is predominately from proprietary programs. Although publicly developed inbred lines contributed to the genetic foundation of these programs, their role is not known. The objective of this work is to identify and characterize major progenitors of contemporary proprietary germplasm through pedigree analysis of a set of 305 corn inbreds registered during the years 2004 through 2008 by U.S. Plant Variety Protection (PVP) and/or utility patent. Major progenitors found were the inbred lines Dekalb DK3IIH6 (12.2% genetic contribution), B73 (11.7%), and Pioneer Hi‐Bred International (PHI) PH207 (9.5%). Using commercial hybrids as breeding germplasm was common during the 1980s and facilitated the introgression of PHI Iodent germplasm into competitor breeding programs. Of these, the PHI commercial hybrid 3737 has the greatest impact to contemporary germplasm by contributing 15.6% of the genes. Pedigree analysis of 1132 U.S. PVP and/or utility patent registered corn inbreds from 1984 through 2008 indicates that the genetic contribution of the public line Mo17 has decreased (from 8.6 to 1.7%) and the contribution of the public line Oh43 increased (from 1.5 to 3.9%), whereas the contribution of B73 remained constant. The contribution of Iodent germplasm increased concomitantly with use across commercial breeding programs.
Advancement in Assessment and the Reassessment of the Nutritive Value of Forages
Authors: Burns J. C.
Published: February 2011

Forages, primary producers of carbon compounds, provide energy and nutrients when consumed by herbivores, resulting in “value‐added” animal products as meat, milk, and fiber and, in some cases, recreation. How a forage supports value‐added products of interest has been a concern since the mid 1800s. The characteristic of a forage that composes its nutritive value (NVAL) and its consumption and conversion by the animal determines the quality of the nutrient entity and provides an estimate of its forage quality. The first system to address forage NVAL emerged in the mid 1880s and was termed the Weende proximate analysis. Forages were separated into crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), nitrogen‐free extract (NFE), ash, and water. The concept of nutrient entity followed in the 1950s. By the mid 1960s, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) system partially replaced proximate analysis and the two, along with innovations in solubility, serve as methodologies for estimating NVAL. An assessment of NVAL from the microbial view point was introduced in the early 1960s by the two‐stage in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD) method, followed in the 1970s by continuous cultures. Innovation in spectral technology introduced near infrared spectrophotometry in the mid 1980s providing a rapid analysis of the NVAL fractions. A reassessment of the approach to estimating forage quality, based on the microflora's view of “particle value,” using near infrared spectral scans of the “as fed” forage has been proposed.
Predictive Ability Assessment of Linear Mixed Models in Multienvironment Trials in Corn
Authors: So Yoon‐Sup , Edwards Jode
Published: February 2011

Prediction of future performance of cultivars is an important objective of multienvironment trials (MET). A series of linear mixed models with varying degrees of heterogeneous genotypic variance, correlation, and error variance structure were compared for their ability to predict performance in an untested environment in 51 data sets from the Iowa Crop Performance Test for corn (Zea mays L.). In most cases there was no substantial improvement in predictions among models that included heterogeneity of genotypic variance–covariance components, but the best prediction model included heterogeneous environment‐specific error variances in 63% of data sets analyzed. The largest differences in predictive ability among models appeared to be due to poor estimation of genotypic covariance components in data sets with few common hybrids across 2 yr in a data set. Simulation confirmed the observation from cross validation. Our results suggested that predictions were not improved by modeling heterogeneous genotypic covariance components because of the small number of common hybrids across years. Inclusion of heterogeneous error variances did lead to slight improvements in predictions.
Marker‐Assisted Development of Bacterial Blight Resistant, Dwarf, and High Yielding Versions of Two Traditional Basmati Rice Cultivars
Authors: Bhatia Dharminder , Sharma Rajiv , Vikal Yogesh , Mangat G.S. , Mahajan Ritu , Sharma Neerja , Lore Jagjeet Singh , Singh Naveen , Bharaj Tajinder S. , Singh Kuldeep
Published: February 2011

Basmati rice, owing to its characteristic aroma and long, slender grains, is a specialized group of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and is high in demand. Traditional basmati cultivars are tall, low yielding, and susceptible to diseases, especially bacterial blight. Conventional plant breeding approaches could bring only marginal improvement in basmati yield. This study reports improvement of traditional basmati cultivars for bacterial blight resistance and plant height. Using marker‐assisted backcrossing we transferred two bacterial blight resistance genes, xa13 and Xa21, and semidwarfing gene, sd‐1, into two traditional basmati cultivars, Basmati 370 and Basmati 386. Markers were also used for selecting aroma and amylose content of basmati cultivars. Along with marker‐assisted selection (MAS), we practiced stringent phenotypic selection in the target environment in all the generations for faster recovery of the recurrent parent genotype. A set of BC2F6 progenies selected for semidwarf stature, bacterial blight resistance, aroma and nonsticky grains and having more than 90% of the recurrent‐parent genome were evaluated for yield and yield components. Lines that significantly outyielded the recurrent parent and the check cultivars in station trials are being evaluated in multiple locations in national‐level nurseries for identifying the lines that could be released as varieties. These lines, in addition to being released as cultivars, can also be used as immediate donors for further basmati improvement.
Forage Legumes: Forage Quality, Fixed Nitrogen, or Both
Authors: Evers Gerald W.
Published: February 2011

Forage legumes have the unique attributes of producing a high‐quality forage to enhance animal performance and the ability to utilize atmospheric N that eliminates the legume plants dependence on soil N. Biological N2 fixation (BNF) rates are dependent on the infection by an effective rhizobia strain on the root hairs for each legume species. Producers planting forage legumes have the potential to utilize both benefits. However, both forage quality and BNF are influenced by numerous factors, including legume species, management practices, and climate, which determine their contribution to a forage‐livestock system. Because of soil and climatic differences, the region of the United States dictates which legume species are grown, how productive they are, and how they are utilized in a forage‐livestock system. Major factors influencing the contribution of legumes will be reviewed followed by a discussion of predominant legume species and their utilization in various regions of the United States.
Expression of a Thatcher Wheat Adult Plant Stem Rust Resistance QTL on Chromosome Arm 2BL is Enhanced by Lr34
Authors: Kolmer J. A. , Garvin D. F. , Jin Y.
Published: February 2011

An F6 recombinant inbred line (RIL) spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) population derived from RL6071, a stem rust susceptible line, and RL6058, a backcross line of Thatcher wheat with Lr34 that is highly resistant to stem rust, was evaluated for adult plant stem rust resistance in North Dakota in 1999, and in Kenya in 2007 and 2008. In all three tests, most RILs that exhibited low stem rust severity had Lr34 and most lines that had high disease severity lacked Lr34. Molecular mapping with DArT and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers detected a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for adult plant stem rust resistance on chromosome arm 2BL. The RILs with both Lr34 and DArT marker wPt5044 on 2BL had significantly lower stem rust severities compared with lines that only had Lr34 in North Dakota 1999 and Kenya 2008. Marker wPt5044 alone did not significantly increase stem rust resistance. The QTL region on 2BL was not associated with any previously mapped Thatcher seedling stem rust resistance genes. The stem rust resistance in Thatcher enhanced by the presence of Lr34 is effective to different races in North America and Kenya and mapped to the same QTL.
Environmental Effects on Soybean with Modified Phosphorus and Sugar Composition
Authors: Maupin Laura M. , Rosso M. Luciana , Rainey Katy M.
Published: February 2011

Development of soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] with modified phosphorus (P) and sugar composition adds value to soybean meal. The identification and release of the soybean line V99‐5089 with a mutation in the D‐myo‐inositol 3‐phosphate synthase 1 gene (MIPS1) provides a germplasm source that dually enhances both P and sugar composition of soybeans. An evaluation of the recombinant inbred line population from the cross of V99‐5089 × Essex was completed at three environments in 2 yr. Phenotypic selection for modified composition was slightly more effective than marker‐assisted selection with the Satt453 marker, which was 87% efficient. In the mutant lines, a significant genotype × environment interaction was shown for inorganic phosphorus (Pi) concentration but not sugar concentration. Correlations for improving P and sugar composition were favorable, and with the exception of emergence there were no strong correlations with agronomic traits. The correlation of emergence with Pi was significant (r = −0.59), indicating reduced emergence due to the mutation. Reduced emergence is a problem in low phytate germplasm generally and further research is necessary to genetically improve emergence of low phytate lines.
Interrelationships among Forage Nutritive Value and Quantity and Individual Animal Performance
Authors: Sollenberger Lynn E. , Vanzant Eric S.
Published: February 2011

Relationships of forage nutritive value (NVAL) and quantity with individual animal performance on pasture have long been evaluated, but there have been few attempts to describe the specific roles or relative importance of NVAL and quantity in determining animal response. The objective of this review was to more clearly define these roles based on a comprehensive assessment of pastureland literature and the application of a meta‐analysis. It is clear that quantity and NVAL interact. When pastures present a wide range in forage mass, 60 to 90% of variation in average daily gain (ADG) can be explained by quantity, but there may be no relationship of NVAL with ADG. If pastures present only high forage mass, there may be no relationship between quantity and ADG, but NVAL may explain more than 50% of variation in ADG. The meta‐analysis and a review of studies that evaluated forages of differing NVAL across a range of forage mass provided evidence that NVAL (i) sets the upper limit for ADG, (ii) determines the slope of the regression of ADG on stocking rate (SR), and (iii) establishes the forage mass at which ADG plateaus. In contrast, forage quantity determines the proportion of potential ADG that is achieved and is the primary driver for direction of the ADG response (negative) to increasing SR. Thus, the literature supports a conclusion of interaction among forage NVAL and quantity in affecting individual animal performance on pasture, but it suggests that the roles of each are quite well defined.
Isolation and Characterization of a Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Mutant Deficient in Seed Phospholipase D, an Enzyme Involved in the Degradation of Oil‐Body Membranes
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhiro
Published: February 2011

The use of rice bran for human consumption is severely limited because rice bran oil is rapidly degraded. Triacylglycerols (TAGs) occur in oil bodies, which are bounded by phospholipid membranes. Phospholipase D (PLD) degrades the membranes, releasing TAGs, which are then degraded by lipase to free fatty acids, causing poor bran quality. Since PLD serves as a trigger to initiate lipid degradation and the consequent deterioration of bran quality, I screened mutagenized seed by using anti‐PLD polyclonal antibodies and identified a PLD‐null rice mutant candidate, ‘03‐s108’. PLD enzymatic activity of the 03‐s108 bran fraction was less than 1/100 that of ‘Nipponbare’, indicating that 03‐s108 is a seed‐PLD‐null mutant. Genetic analysis of a cross between 03‐s108 and a rice cultivar having normal PLD activity revealed that the PLD‐null characteristic is controlled by a recessive gene. In addition, I studied the PLD content in maturing and germinating rice seeds of 03‐s108 and Nipponbare. In Nipponbare seeds, the PLD protein level detected on western blots increased from 7 to 21 d after flowering then leveled off. In contrast, no PLD was detected throughout the maturation process of 03‐s108 seed. During germination, PLD was detected in Nipponbare seedlings but not in those of 03‐s108. From these results, I suggest that PLD‐null seeds will have improved grain and bran stability. In addition, it appears that PLD may not be necessary for seed maturation or germination.
Authenticity of Old Cultivars in Genebank Collections: A Case Study on Lettuce
Authors: van de Wouw Mark , van Treuren Rob , van Hintum Theo
Published: February 2011

Ex situ collections in genebanks conserve many old cultivars that had disappeared from mainstream agriculture before modern genebanks were established. The collections incorporated cultivars from many sources, such as botanical gardens and working collections, sometimes with little further information on their origin. Many old cultivars with identical or synonymous names are maintained in multiple collections and often more than once within collections. This research investigates the authenticity of old cultivars in genebanks using a large lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) collection as a case study. Accessions presumed to be identical, based on the cultivar names accompanying the accessions, were compared for their DNA marker profiles, based on amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). Using the genetic similarity of these accessions, the probability of authenticity of the old cultivars maintained in the collection was estimated. Separate analyses were done for different classes of cultivars, on the basis of the year of release or the donor history of the cultivar. The two largest cultivar groups within the collection, Sans Rivale à Graine Blanche and Maikönig, were analyzed in detail. Nonauthenticity of the investigated cultivars appeared to be high. This was especially true for the oldest cultivars, but even for the cultivars released from the 1960s to 1990 it was estimated that approximately 10% was not authentic. Recommendations to improve authenticity of cultivars in ex situ collections were presented.
High Pancreatic n-3 Fatty Acids Prevent STZ-Induced Diabetes in Fat-1 Mice: Inflammatory Pathway Inhibition
Authors: Bellenger Jérôme , Bellenger Sandrine , Bataille Amandine , Massey Karen A. , Nicolaou Anna , Rialland Mickaël , Tessier Christian , Kang Jing X. , Narce Michel
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

Because of confounding factors, the effects of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on type 1 diabetes remain to be clarified. We therefore evaluated whether fat-1 transgenic mice, a well-controlled experimental model endogenously synthesizing n-3 PUFA, were protected against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. We then aimed to elucidate the in vivo response at the pancreatic level.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

β-Cell destruction was produced by multiple low-doses STZ (MLD-STZ). Blood glucose level, plasma insulin level, and plasma lipid analysis were then performed. Pancreatic mRNA expression of cytokines, the monocyte chemoattractant protein, and GLUT2 were evaluated as well as pancreas nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and inhibitor of κB (IκB) protein expression. Insulin and cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining and lipidomic analysis were performed in the pancreas.

RESULTS

STZ-induced fat-1 mice did not develop hyperglycemia compared with wild-type mice, and β-cell destruction was prevented as evidenced by lack of histological pancreatic damage or reduced insulin level. The prevention of β-cell destruction was associated with no proinflammatory cytokine induction (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase) in the pancreas, a decreased NF-κB, and increased IκB pancreatic protein expression. In the fat-1–treated mice, proinflammatory arachidonic-derived mediators as prostaglandin E2 and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid were decreased and the anti-inflammatory lipoxin A4 was detected. Moreover, the 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid, precursor of the anti-inflammatory resolvin E1, was highly increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these findings indicate that fat-1 mice were protected against MLD-STZ–induced diabetes and pointed out for the first time in vivo the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA at the pancreatic level, on each step of the development of the pathology—inflammation, β-cell damage—through cytokine response and lipid mediator production.
Valsartan Improves β-Cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity in Subjects With Impaired Glucose Metabolism
Authors: van der Zijl Nynke J. , Moors Chantalle C.M. , Goossens Gijs H. , Hermans Marc M.H. , Blaak Ellen E. , Diamant Michaela
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

Recently, the Nateglinide and Valsartan in Impaired Glucose Tolerance Outcomes Research Trial demonstrated that treatment with the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan for 5 years resulted in a relative reduction of 14% in the incidence of type 2 diabetes in subjects with impaired glucose metabolism (IGM). We investigated whether improvements in β-cell function and/or insulin sensitivity underlie these preventive effects of the ARB valsartan in the onset of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this randomized controlled, double-blind, two-center study, the effects of 26 weeks of valsartan (320 mg daily; n = 40) or placebo (n = 39) on β-cell function and insulin sensitivity were assessed in subjects with impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance, using a combined hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic and hyperglycemic clamp with subsequent arginine stimulation and a 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Treatment effects were analyzed using ANCOVA, adjusting for center, glucometabolic status, and sex.

RESULTS

Valsartan increased first-phase (P = 0.028) and second-phase (P = 0.002) glucose-stimulated insulin secretion compared with placebo, whereas the enhanced arginine-stimulated insulin secretion was comparable between groups (P = 0.25). In addition, valsartan increased the OGTT-derived insulinogenic index (representing first-phase insulin secretion after an oral glucose load; P = 0.027). Clamp-derived insulin sensitivity was significantly increased with valsartan compared with placebo (P = 0.049). Valsartan treatment significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared with placebo (P < 0.001). BMI remained unchanged in both treatment groups (P = 0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-six weeks of valsartan treatment increased glucose-stimulated insulin release and insulin sensitivity in normotensive subjects with IGM. These findings may partly explain the beneficial effects of valsartan in the reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes.