bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variance and covariance components related to intra- and interpopulation recurrent selection in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Arias Carlos Alberto Arrabal , Souza Júnior Cláudio Lopes de
Published: April 2005

New genetic variance and covariance components related to intra- and interpopulational recurrent selection methods have been theoretically developed by Souza Jr. (Rev. Bras. Genet. 16: 91-105, 1993) to explain the failure of these methods to concomitantly develop hybrid and per se populations. Intra- and interpopulation half-sib progenies of 100 genotypes were sampled from maize (Zea mays L.) populations BR-106 and BR-105 to estimate variance and covariance components and to compare the expected responses to reciprocal (RRS), intrapopulational (HSS), and modified (MRS) recurrent selection in interpopulation hybrid, populations per se, and to determine heterosis. Four sets of 100 progenies, two intra- and two interpopulational, were evaluated in partially balanced 10 x 10 lattices arranged in split-blocks with two replications in two years (1991/92 and 1992/93) and two locations in Piracicaba, SP. Data for ear weight, plant and ear height, and ear by plant height ratio were recorded. Populations and interpopulation crosses were high yielding and showed high breeding potential for production of hybrids from inbred lines. Mid parent and the highest parent heterosis were relatively high, but lower than values reported for these populations under other environmental conditions. Additive variance estimates of populations per se and interpopulation crosses confirmed the high potential of these materials. The magnitude of the variance estimates for the deviations from intra- and interpopulation additive effects ( for BR-106 and for BR-105) and covariance between additive effects with these deviations ( for BR-106 and  for BR-105) indicated that these new components can significantly influence the effectiveness of breeding methods. Genetic component estimates for BR-105 had relatively small errors, with  negative for all traits. Estimates of and  had relatively larger errors for BR-106. The MRS method was more effective than the RRS and HSS methods in producing hybrids from inbred lines. The choice of a population tester for the MRS method based on population means per se may be incorrect. The additional use, when possible, of intra- and interpopulation additive genetic variances from each population would be more appropriate.
Screening cotton genotypes for seedling drought tolerance
Authors: Penna Julio C. Viglioni , Verhalen Laval M. , Kirkham M.B. , McNew Ronald W.
Published: April 2005

The objectives of this study were to adapt a screening method previously used to assess seedling drought tolerance in cereals for use in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and to identify tolerant accessions among a wide range of genotypes. Ninety genotypes were screened in seven growth chamber experiments. Fifteen-day-old seedlings were subjected to four 4-day drought cycles, and plant survival was evaluated after each cycle. Three cycles are probably the minimum required in cotton work. Significant differences (at the 0.05 level or lower) among entries were obtained in four of the seven experiments. A "confirmation test" with entries previously evaluated as "tolerant" (high survival) and "susceptible" (low survival) was run. A number of entries duplicated their earlier performance, but others did not, which indicates the need to reevaluate selections. Germplasms considered tolerant included: `IAC-13-1', `IAC-RM4-SM5', `Minas Sertaneja', `Acala 1517E-1' and `4521'. In general, the technique is simple, though time-consuming, with practical value for screening a large number of genotypes. Results from the screening tests generally agreed with field information. The screening procedure is suitable to select tolerant accessions from among a large number of entries in germplasm collections as a preliminary step in breeding for drought tolerance. This research also demonstrated the need to characterize the internal lack of uniformity in growth chambers to allow for adequate designs of experiments.
Estimation of the proportion of genetic variance explained by molecular markers
Authors: Bearzoti Eduardo , Vencovsky Roland
Published: April 2005

Estimation of the proportion of genetic variance explained by molecular markers (p) plays an important role in basic studies of quantitative traits, as well as in marker-assisted selection (MAS), if the selection index proposed by Lande and Thompson (Genetics 124: 743-756, 1990) is used. Frequently, the coefficient of determination (R2) is used to account for this proportion. In the present study, a simple estimator of p is presented, which is applicable when a multiple regression approach is used, and progenies are evaluated in replicated trials. The associated sampling distribution was obtained and compared with that of R2. Simulations indicated that, when the number of evaluated progenies is small, the statistics are not satisfactory, in general, due to bias and/or low precision. Coefficient R2 was found adequate in situations where p is high. If a large number of progenies is evaluated (say, a few hundreds), then the proposed estimator  appears to be better, with acceptable precision and considerably lower bias than R2. A normal approximation to the sampling distribution of  is given, using Taylor's expansion of the expectation and variance of this statistic. Approximate confidence intervals for p, based on normal distribution, are reasonable, if the number of progenies is large. The use of  in MAS is illustrated for estimation of the weight given to the molecular score, when a selection index is used.
Mutagenic activation of CL64,855, an anti-Trypanosoma cruzi nitroderivant, by bacterial nitroreductases
Authors: Morais Jr. Marcos Antonio de , Ferreira Rita de Cássia Café , Ferreira Luiz Carlos de Souza
Published: April 2005

CL64,855 is a nitroimidazole-thiodiazole derivate with high anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity. CL64,855-induced mutagenesis in the Salmonella/microsome test was detected by TA98 and TA98dnp6 strains, but not by the nitroreductase I-deficient TA98nr strain. The lack of mutagenic response of TA98nr was connected with its extreme resistance to the killing effect of the drug. Presence of S9 mix did not restore mutagenic activity of CL64,855 to the TA98nr strain. Additionally, CL64,855 was reduced in vitro by the nitroreductase I-proficient TA98 strain, mainly in the presence of oxygen, but not by the TA98nr strain. Mutagenic activity was detected in serum samples of treated guinea pigs by nitroreductase-proficient strains TA98 and TA98dnp6, but not by nitroductase-deficient strain TA98nr. In the case of urine, mutagenic activity was observed with all three tested strains, suggesting an in vivo metabolic activation of the drug by a distinct metabolic pathway.
Genetic causes involved in Leishmania Chagasi infection innortheastern: Brazil
Authors: Feitosa Mary Furlan , Azevêdo Eliane , Lima Ângela Maria , Krieger Henrique
Published: April 2005

A sample of 502 individuals from 94 families from Jacobina, State of Bahia, Brazil, was investigated to determine the causal mechanisms involved in Leishmania chagasi (the causal agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the American hemisphere) infection, as measured by the intradermic reaction to antigens derived from this parasite, using complex segregation analyses. The results showed evidence of a major genetic mechanism acting on infection, with a frequency of a recessive (or additive) susceptibility gene (q) of approximately 0.45. A small multifactorial component (H = 0.29) acting in conjunction with a major recessive gene (q = 0.37) is not ruled out as a concomitant causative factor.
Lack of association between parenchymal neurocysticercosis and HLA Class I and Class II antigens
Authors: Bompeixe Eni Picchioni , Costa Sonia Maria Correia Machado da , Arruda Walter Oleschko , Petzl-Erler Maria Luiza
Published: April 2005

Neurocysticercosis, caused by encysted larvae of the tapeworm Taenia solium, is the most common infection of the central nervous system and a major public health problem in many countries. Prevalence in the region of Curitiba, located in the southern Brazilian State of Paraná, is one of the highest in the world. The genetics of host susceptibility to neurocysticercosis (NCC) is still obscure. To investigate if major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes influence individual susceptibility to NCC, we performed a case-control association analysis. Fifty-two Caucasoid patients and 149 matched controls were typed for antigens of the HLA-A, B, C, DR and DQ loci. All patients had computerized tomography and clinical features compatible with parenchymal NCC. Indirect immunofluorescence of cerebrospinal fluid showed that 19 (37%) of the patients presented anti-cysticercus antibodies at titers ³ 1:10. Frequencies of HLA specificities in the whole group of patients and in the subgroup with antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid were compared to those of the control group. No significant difference was found. These results do not support the hypothesis of HLA gene participation in susceptibility to parenchymal neurocysticercosis.
Comparative analysis of morphological and behavioral characters in the domestic dog and their importance in the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships in canids
Authors: Jordana J. , Manteca X. , Ribo O.
Published: April 2005

Relationships among 25 dog breeds, classified a priori by their respective ancestral trunks, were studied using data from 29 morphological and 13 behavioral characteristics. Although a certain correlation was found between both types of traits (r = 0.13; P < 0.05), this relationship was not manifested, regarding the level of racial classification, in the obtained dendrograms. The relationships between breeds obtained from morphological data were more congruent than those obtained from behavioral data when compared with phylogenies from other sources of information (mainly electrophoretic analysis). This indicates that the morphological characters could give more and better complementary information than the behavioral ones in the reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationships of canids. The mean character difference (MCD), used as a measure of taxonomic resemblance between breeds, had a value of 0.53 (± 0.12 STD), and was of a magnitude very similar to that obtained in other domestic animal species (cattle, horse, sheep and goats), indicating that a similar degree of morphological differences between breeds of these species exists.
Transplacental inhibitory effect of carrot juice on the clastogenicity of cyclophosphamide in mice
Authors: Gimmler-Luz Maria Clara , Cardoso Valesca Veiga , Sardiglia Cassius Ugarte , Widholzer Débora da Silva
Published: April 2005

Genetic damage during the prenatal period can provoke important neoplastic alterations and other diseases in postnatal life. Beta-carotene (ßC) is considered to be one of the most important anticarcinogens in the diet and can protect mammalian cells against genotoxic events. As carrots are important dietary source of ßC, we decided to test the effect of fresh carrot juice (CaJ) on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced genotoxicity in maternal and fetal erythropoietic tissues. The treatment with CaJ started on the 7th day of the pregnancy of BALB/c female mice. We observed, on the 16th gestational day, that this treatment did not modify the spontaneous frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCE) in the bone marrow of the females nor in the livers of their fetuses. The mPCE frequency observed 24 h after an intraperitoneal injection of CP (40 mg/kg) on the 15th day was significantly lower in CaJ-pretreated pregnant female bone marrow and in the liver of their fetuses than those observed in the group treated with CP only. These results demonstrate the presence of natural anticlastogens in carrots.
Morphological and agronomical characterization and estimates of genetic parameters of sesbania Scop. (Leguminosae) accessions
Authors: Veasey E.A. , Schammass E.A. , Vencovsky R. , Martins P.S. , Bandel G.
Published: April 2005

Twenty-two accessions of seven Sesbania (Leguminosae) species: S. emerus, S. rostrata, S. tetraptera, S. exasperata (annuals), S. grandiflora, S. sesban and S. virgata (perennials), used for ruminant fodder, firewood, wood products, soil improvement, and human food, were investigated, with the aim of characterizing both inter- and intraspecific genetic variability, estimating genetic parameters for the characters evaluated and appraising the forage potential of the accessions. These were planted at the Instituto de Zootecnia, Nova Odessa, SP, Brazil, in a randomized complete block design with 22 treatments and four replications. Seventeen morphological and 17 agronomic characters were evaluated. Genetic parameters coefficient of intraspecific genetic diversity (bi) and coefficient of intraspecific genetic variation (CVgi) were obtained for the species represented by more than one accession. Highly significant differences were observed among as well as within species for most characters, showing considerable genetic variability. S. exasperata showed intraspecific genetic variability for the largest number of morphological characters. The same was observed for S. sesban for the agronomic characters. Most of the characters gave high bi values, above 0.80, indicating the possibility of selecting superior genotypes. The CVgi values, on the other hand, which indicate the magnitude of the existing genetic variability relative to the character mean, varied according to the species and character evaluated. Differences between annual and perennial species were observed, with higher biomass yields presented by the annuals at the first cut and by the perennials after the second cut, reaching the highest yield at the third cut. The annual species had higher seed production. Accession NO 934 of S. sesban gave the highest biomass yields and regrowth vigor, showing promise as a forage legume plant.
Effects of sorghum (sorghum bicolor L.) root exudates on the cell cycle of the bean plant (phaseolus vulgaris L.) root
Authors: Hallak Angela Maria Gattás , Davide Lisete Chamma , Souza Itamar Ferreira
Published: April 2005

Two experiments were conducted to test the allelopathic effect of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) root exudates on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cell division. Research was conducted in the greenhouse of the Wistock Agricultural Research Institute of Minas Gerais State (EPAMIG) and in a laboratory of the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA). Sorghum variety BR-601 and bean variety Carioca MG were used. The exudate, called sorgoleone (SGL), was obtained by methylene chloride and acetic acid extraction from sorghum roots seven days after sowing on Petri dishes, and refrigerated until use. Solutions of 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 mM were prepared using Johanson solution as the SGL solvent. Seven-day-old bean seedlings grown in vermiculite in a greenhouse were transplanted to the solution. Seven days after transplantation, the beans did not show any sign of phytotoxicity; however, cytogenetic observations showed that SGL reduced the number of cells in prophase, metaphase, and anaphase stages. Colchicine effects were observed among cells in metaphase on the third and fifth days after treatments and varied with SGL concentrations. By the seventh day, the colchicine effects were inversely proportional to concentration, which varied from 34.3% for 0.01 mM to 6.6% for 0.15 mM. SGL acts as a mitotic inhibitor. It probably depolymerizes the microtubular proteins and induces the formation of colchicine metaphases causing polyploid nuclei. A largest period of SGL treatment also induced chromosome breaks and bridge formation in anaphase and telophase. Although SGL cannot be used as a herbicide for bean cultures, its allelochemical effects on other cultures are the factors that will define the use of sorghum as a natural herbicide.
Inheritance of fruit color and pigment changes in a yellow tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) mutant
Authors: Rêgo Elizanilda R. do , Finger Fernando L. , Casali Vicente W.D. , Cardoso Antônio A.
Published: April 2005

A naturally occurring yellow tomato fruit mutant cv. Santa Clara was reciprocally crossed with the red wild type, after which F1 plants were self pollinated or backcrossed with both parents. Plants from F1 generations produced all fruits with a homogeneous deep red color when ripe. F2 plants showed a 3:1 red:yellow segregation of fruit color, and 100% red when backcrossed with red wild type or 1:1 red:yellow segregation in backcrosses with the yellow mutant; hence, yellow fruit color was determined by a recessive allele. Based on reciprocal crosses, fruit color is unlikely to be determined by maternal genes. Accumulation of lycopene dropped by 99.3% and b-carotene by 77% in ripe yellow fruits, compared to the red wild type. Leaf and flower chlorophyll and total carotenoid concentrations were not affected by the yellow mutation. However, the mutant fruit had a higher rate of chlorophyll degradation during fruit ripening, whilst fruit from the F1 generation showed lower rates of degradation, similar to that observed in red wild type fruits.
Transformation of the entomopathogenic fungi, paecilomyces fumosoroseus and paecilomyces lilacinus (deuteromycotina: hyphomycetes) to benomyl resistence
Authors: Inglis Peter W. , Tigano Myrian S. , Valadares-Inglis M. Cléria
Published: April 2005

The entomopathogenic fungi Paecilomyces fumosoroseus and P. lilacinus have been transformed to resistance to the fungicide benomyl by a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated procedure using a mutant b-tubulin gene from Neurospora crassa carried on plasmid pBT6. Benomyl-resistant transformants of P. lilacinus were obtained that could tolerate greater than 30 µg/ml benomyl and P. fumosoroseus transformants were obtained that could tolerate 20 µg/ml benomyl. Following 5 serial passages of transformants on benomyl-containing media and 5 serial passages on non-selective media, 100% of P. lilacinus transformants were found to be mitotically stable by a conidial germination test. In contrast, only 4 out of 9 transformants of P. fumosoroseus were mitotically stable. Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA from both species suggested that the mechanism of transformation in all transformants was by gene replacement of the b-tubulin allele. Non-homologous vector sequences were not detectable in the genomes of transformants.
Heterogeneous ethnic distribution of the factor v leiden mutation
Authors: Franco Rendrik F. , Elion Jacques , Santos Sidney E.B. , Araújo Amélia G. , Tavella Marli H. , Zago Marco A.
Published: April 2005

Inherited resistance to activated protein C caused by the factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation is the most common genetic cause of venous thrombosis yet described, being found in 20-60% of patients with venous thrombophilia. A relationship between the FVL mutation and an increased predisposition to arterial thrombosis in young women was recently reported. We assessed the prevalence of the FVL mutation in 440 individuals (880 chromosomes) belonging to four different ethnic groups: Caucasians, African Blacks, Asians and Amerindians. PCR amplification followed by MnlI digestion was employed to define the genotype. The FVL mutation was found in a heterozygous state in four out of 152 Whites (2.6%), one out of 151 Amerindians (0.6%), and was absent among 97 African Blacks and 40 Asians. Our results confirm that FVL has a heterogeneous distribution in different human populations, a fact that may contribute to geographic and ethnic differences in the prevalence of thrombotic diseases. In addition, these data may be helpful in decisions regarding the usefulness of screening for the FVL mutation in subjects at risk for thrombosis.
Genetics, surnames, grandparents' nationalities, and ethnic admixture in Southern Brazil: Do the patterns of variation coincide?
Authors: Dornelles C.L. , Callegari-Jacques S.M. , Robinson W.M. , Weimer T.A. , Franco M.H.L.P. , Hickmann A.C. , Geiger C.J. , Salzano F.M.
Published: April 2005

A total of 2,708 individuals from the European-derived population of Rio Grande do Sul, divided into seven mesoregions, and of 226 individuals of similar origin from Santa Catarina were studied. Seventeen protein genetic systems, as well as grandparents' nationalities, individuals' surnames, and interethnic admixture were investigated. The alleles which presented the highest and lowest differences were GLO1*2 (16%) and PGD*A (2%), respectively, but in general no significant genetic differences were found among mesoregions. The values observed were generally those expected for individuals of European descent, with the largest difference being a lower prevalence (34-39%) of P*1. Significant heterogeneity among mesoregions was observed for the other variables considered, and was consistent with historical records. The Amerindian contribution to the gene pool of European-derived subjects in Rio Grande do Sul was estimated to be as high as 11%. Based on the four data sets, the most general finding was a tendency for a northeast-southwest separation of the populations studied. Seven significant phenotype associations between systems were observed at the 5% level (three at the 0.1% level). Of the latter, the two most interesting (since they were also observed in other studies) were MNSs/Duffy and Rh/ACP.
Genetical-demographic data from two amazonian populations composed of descendants of african slaves: Pacoval and Curiau
Authors: Guerreiro João Farias , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea Kely Campos , Santos Eduardo José Melo dos , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário , Cayres-Vallinoto Izaura Maria Vieira , Aguiar Gilberto Ferreira de Souza , Santos Sidney Emanuel Batista dos
Published: April 2005

The Amazon region of Brazil includes communities founded by escaped slaves, some of which still remain relatively isolated. We studied two such Afro-Brazilian communities (Pacoval and Curiau), in the rural area of Alenquer, Pará, and in the metropolitan region of Macapá, Amapá, respectively. Among 12 blood loci, alleles considered as markers of African ancestry, such as HBB*S, HBB*C, TF*D1, HP*2M, ABO*B, RH*D-, and CA2*2 were found at frequencies that are expected for populations with a predominantly African origin. Estimates of interethnic admixture indicated that the degree of the African component in Curiau (74%) is higher than that of Pacoval (44%); an Amerindian contribution was not detected in Curiau. Estimated values of African ancestry fit well with the degree of isolation and mobility of the communities. Pacoval exhibited a high proportion of immigrants among the parents and grandparents of the individuals studied, whereas persons living in Curiau exhibited a low level of mobility, despite its location in the metropolitan area of Macapá city, suggesting a relatively strong barrier against the interethnic admixture in this population. In addition, analysis of genetic data in a sub-sample consisting of individuals whose parents and grandparents were born in the study site, and that probably represents the populations two generations ago, indicated that gene flow from non-black people is not a recent event in both populations.
Diagnosis of the fragile X syndrome in males using methylation-specific PCR of the FMRI locus
Authors: Pena Sérgio D.J. , Sturzeneker Rosane
Published: April 2005

We have developed a non-isotopic technique based on methylation-specific PCR (MSP) of the FMR1 promoter for the identification of fragile X full mutations among men. DNA samples were first treated with sodium bisulfite to convert unmethylated, but not methylated, cytosines to uracil, followed by PCR amplification with oligonucleotide primers specific for methylated versus unmethylated DNA. We designed two primer pairs: one produced a 142-bp fragment from the bisulfite-treated methylated CpG island, while the other generated an 84-bp product from the treated non-methylated promoter. In normal males only the 84-bp fragment was seen, while the diagnosis of FRAXA was doubly indicated by the appearance of a 142-bp product together with absence or weak visualization of the 84-bp band. As an indispensable internal control for the efficiency of the sodium bisulfite treatment, we used a primer pair specific for the imprinted maternal methylated version of the CpG island of the SNRPN gene on human chromosome 15. Using the methylation-specific PCR we identified with 100% sensitivity and accuracy eight previously diagnosed FRAXA male patients mixed with 42 normal controls. Because of its simplicity and high efficiency, methylation-specific PCR may become the method of choice for the diagnosis of the fragile X syndrome in mentally retarded males.
Description and comparison of growth parameters in Chianina and Nelore cattle breeds
Authors: Carrijo Sônia Mara , Duarte Francisco A. Moura
Published: April 2005

Weight data from birth to 18 months of age of Nelore and Chianina, both meat-producing cattle breeds, were analyzed. Data were corrected for significant effects of environment and utilized to estimate genetic parameters through the non-linear von Bertalanffy model. Average values found for growth parameters in Nelore were: mature weight (A), 312.87 kg; integration constant (B), 0.49; maturity rate (k), 0.13; age at inflection point (T(I)), 3.29 months; weight at inflection point (P(I)), 92.70 kg, and maturity interval (1/k), 8.04 months. For the Chianina animals, the values were 751.38 kg, 0.59, 0.10, 6.64 months, 222.63 kg, and 10.98 months, respectively. Nelore animals exhibited higher maturity rate, smaller maturity intervals, reaching mature weights younger than Chianina animals, although lighter than these at maturity. Heritability estimates presented low values, mainly for mature weight (0.093 and 0.212), age at inflection point (0.062 and 0.202), weight at inflection point (0.093 and 0.212) and maturity interval (0.057 and 0.309) (for Nelore and Chianina, respectively). The parameters mature weight and weight at inflection point presented positive genetic correlations with weights at different ages and with similar trends, increasing as age increased, in both breeds. Considering the development period analyzed, from birth to 18 months of age, the parameter maturity rate and the weights at different ages showed genetic correlations which increased until the weight at 150 and 205 days in Nelore and Chianina, respectively, and decreased from these ages on, and the genetic correlations among the parameter maturity interval and the weights at different ages were negative. They decreased until the weights at 150 and 205 days, respectively, in Nelore and Chianina, and increased from these ages on.
Critical electrolyte concentration of spermatozoal chromatin containing histone H1 variants
Authors: Falco J.R.P. , Mello M.L.S.
Published: April 2005

The critical electrolyte concentrations (CEC) of sperm chromatin from animal species known or suspected to contain histone H1 variants were compared by examining the affinity of their DNA-protein complexes for toluidine blue in the presence of Mg2+. Bullfrog, sea urchin, bee and bumblebee spermatozoa were studied. The CEC for Rana catesbeiana and two sea urchin species were similar to that of histone H5-containing chromatin from chicken erythrocytes, thus confirming the biochemical and structural similarities of these DNA-protein complexes. The CEC for bees and the bumblebee, Bombus atratus, showed no particular phylogenetic relationship. We concluded that the CEC of histone H1-containing sperm cell chromatin is a useful indicator of variability in DNA-protein complexes but is of little phylogenetic value.
R- and G-band patterns in Astyanax scabripinnis paranae (Pisces, Characiformes, Characidae)
Authors: Maistro Edson Luis , Foresti Fausto , Oliveira Claudio
Published: April 2005

The absence of longitudinal bands in fish chromosomes has been associated with technical problems in chromosome preparations or the absence of a structural compartmentalization in the fish genome. In the present study, a R-banding pattern was obtained using a replication banding technique by in vivo treatment with 5-bromodeoxyuridine (5-BrdU). G-banding patterns were obtained after trypsin treatment and also after chromosome cleavage by in situ treatment with the restriction endonuclease BamHI. A similar G-banding pattern was also obtained after cleavage with the endonuclease HinfI. Presence of a resolute R- and G-banding patterns shows that Astyanax scabripinnis paranae chromosomes could present an isochore-like structure similar to that found in other vertebrates.
Influence of novobiocin on g-irradiation G0-lymphocytes as analyzed by cytogenetic endpoints
Authors: Savoldi-Barbosa Marcela , Sakamoto-Hojo Elza T. , Takahashi Catarina S.
Published: April 2005

Experiments with novobiocin (NB) post-treatment were performed to verify its effect on the frequencies of micronuclei (MN) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) induced by g-irradiation (0.75, 1.5 and 3.0 Gy) in human lymphocytes at G0-phase. The frequencies of MN significantly decreased by 44 and 50%, for the treatment with NB 50 µg/ml (30-min pulse) after radiation doses of 1.5 and 3.0 Gy, respectively. However, CA frequencies were not significantly affected. No significant effect on CA was observed when lymphocyte cultures were exposed to a single dose of 2.0 Gy at the G0-phase and posttreated with 25 µg/ml NB for three hours either immediately after irradiation (G0-phase) or after 24 h (S-phase). The significant suppressive effect of NB on MN frequencies supports the hypothesis that NB interaction with chromatin increases access to DNA repair enzymes.
E6, a dominant gene conditioning early flowering and maturity in soybeans
Authors: Bonato Emídio Rizzo , Vello Natal Antonio
Published: April 2005

Inheritance was studied in natural variants of the soybean cultivar Paraná, developed under photoperiodic conditions ranging from 13 h 31 min day light, at sowing, to 14 h 23 min, 59 days afterwards. Results indicated that early flowering and maturity are controlled by a single dominant gene. Natural mutations that originated cultivars Paranagoiana and SS-1 occurred at the same locus of cultivar Paraná. It was not possible to determine if the recessive alleles of these mutant cultivars are different. The designation E6 was proposed for the alleles determining earliness in cultivar Paraná, and e6 for the gene determining late flowering and maturity in cultivars Paranagoiana and SS-1, until the individuality of the alleles of Paranagoiana and SS-1 is confirmed.
Chromosome numbers for Anthurium and Philodendron spp. (Araceae) occurring in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Cotias-de-Oliveira Ana Lúcia Pires , Guedes Maria Lenise Silva , Barreto Ervene Cerqueira
Published: April 2005

Chromosome numbers for four species of Anthurium and four species of Philodendron from Bahia, Brazil, were determined. New counts 2n = 30 for A. longipes and A. affine, 2n = 32 for P. pedatum and 2n = 34 P. blanchetianum and P. pachyphyllum represent the first reports for these species. The 2n = 32 found for P. imbe and 2n = 90 for A. bellum differ from earlier reports, whereas 2n = 30 and 60 for A. pentaphyllum var. pentaphyllum confirms previous counts. A. affine had one to four B-chromosomes. We suggest secondary base numbers x = 15 for Anthurium and x = 16, 17 and 18 for Philodendron, produced by hybridizations and duplications involving the primary base numbers x = 7, 8 and 9.
The partial circulant diallel cross at the interpopulation level
Authors: Miranda Filho José B. , Vencovsky Roland
Published: April 2005

The partial circulant diallel cross mating scheme of Kempthorne and Curnow (Biometrics 17: 229-250, 1961) was adapted for the evaluation of genotypes in crosses at the interpopulation level. Considering a random sample of n lines from base population I, and that each line is crossed with s lines from opposite population II, there will be ns sampled crosses that are evaluated experimentally. The means of the ns sampled crosses and the remaining n(n - s) crosses can be predicted by the reduced model  where Yij is the mean of the cross between line i (i = 1,2,...,n) of population I and line j (j = 1',2',...,n') of population II; µ is the general mean, and gi and gj refer to general combining ability effects of lines from populations I and II, respectively. Specific combining ability (Sij) is estimated by the difference . The sequence of crosses for each line (i) is [i x j], [i x (j + 1)], [i x (j + 2)], ..., [i x (j + s -1)], starting with i = j = 1 for convenience. Any j + s -1 > n is reduced by subtracting n. A prediction procedure is suggested by changing gi and gj by the contrasts  i =  i. -  .. and j = .j - ..; the correlation coefficient (r) was used to compare the efficiency of 's and 's for selection of lines and crosses. The analysis of variance is performed with the complete model Yij = µ + gi + gj + sij + ij, and the sum of squares due to general combining ability is considered for each population separately. An alternative analysis of variance is proposed for estimation of the variance components at the interpopulation level. An analysis of ear length of maize in a partial diallel cross with n = 10 and s = 3 was used for illustration. For the 30 interpopulation crosses analyzed the coefficient of determination (R2), involving observed and estimated hybrid means, was high for the reduced (g) model [R2 (ij, Yij) = 0.960] and smaller for the simplified () model [R2 (ij, Yij) = 0.889]. Results indicated that the proposed procedure may furnish reliable estimates of means of hybrids not available in the partial diallel.
Did Sutton and Boveri propose the so-called Sutton-Boveri chromosome hypothesis?
Authors: Martins L.A.-C.P.
Published: April 2005

The "Sutton-Boveri chromosome hypothesis" attempted to establish a parallel between cytological chromosome behavior and the principles followed by Mendelian factors. Today, this hypothesis is well accepted; however, it was not completely accepted at its proposal (1902-3). The aim of the present study is to elucidate the meaning of the chromosome hypothesis based on the original scientific works, taking into account the scientific context of that time. The negative treatment this hypothesis received is evaluated. I conclude that it was unfair to include Boveri's name beside that of Sutton's as one of the proponents of the chromosome hypothesis of Mendelian heredity, because he did not publish any hypothesis of that kind during the relevant period (1902-1903). Moreover, no coherent chromosome hypothesis existed during that period. Sutton and other researchers of that time were strongly influenced both by cytological knowledge grounded in observations and theoretical presuppositions that led to interpretations with no observational basis. The chromosome hypothesis was not proposed as a result of experimental cytological research.
Analyses of DNA from ancient bones of a pre-Columbian Cuban woman and a child
Authors: Lleonart Ricardo , Riego Eileen , Rodríguez Suárez Roberto , Travieso Ruiz Rafael , de la Fuente José
Published: April 2005

Molecular anthropology has brought new possibilities into the study of ancient human populations. Amplification of chromosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been successfully employed in analyses of ancient bone material. Although several studies have reported on continental Amerindian populations, none have addressed the ancient populations inhabiting the Caribbean islands. We used STR and mtDNA analyses to study the skeletal remains of a Cuban Ciboney female adult holding an infant. Results showed that for the STR analyzed the skeletal remains shared common alleles, suggesting a relationship. Mitochondrial DNA analysis showed sequence identity, thus corroborating a possible mother-child relationship. The mtDNA sequence grouped these remains into haplogroup A, commonly found in Amerindian populations. Based on these results, we speculated on a South American origin of pre-Columbian Antilles populations and possible infanticide practices in these populations. This constitutes the first report on DNA analysis of ancient pre-Columbian Cuban populations.
Genetic counseling follow-up - a retrospective study with a quantitative approach
Authors: De Pina-Neto João M. , Petean Eucia Beatriz L.
Published: April 2005

The impact of genetic counseling (GC) was evaluated in families, who were interviewed at least two and half years and at most seven years after GC at the Genetics Service of the University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (HC, FMRP, USP). The 113 families interviewed in this study were asked 48 questions and all children born after GC were studied clinically. We evaluated the families for spontaneous motivation for GC and understanding of GC information, their reproductive decisions, changes in the family after GC and the health status of new children. The majority of families seen at the Hospital das Clínicas de Ribeirão Preto were not spontaneously motivated to undergo GC. They had a low level of understanding about the information they received during GC. Generally families were using contraceptive methods (even when at low genetic risk) with a consequent low rate of pregnancies and children born after GC. These families also had a very low rate of child adoption and divorces when compared to other studies.
The nucleation of microtubules in Aspergillus nidulans germlings
Authors: Andrade-Monteiro Cristina de , Martinez-Rossi Nilce M.
Published: April 2005

Microtubules are filaments composed of dimers of alpha- and beta-tubulins, which have a variety of functions in living cells. In fungi, the spindle pole bodies usually have been considered to be microtubule-organizing centers. We used the antimicrotubule drug Benomyl in block/release experiments to depolymerize and repolymerize microtubules in Aspergillus nidulans germlings to learn more about the microtubule nucleation process in this filamentous fungus. Twenty seconds after release from Benomyl short microtubules were formed from several bright (immunofluorescent) dots distributed along the germlings, suggesting that microtubule nucleation is randomly distributed in A. nidulans germlings. Since nuclear movement is dependent on microtubules in A. nidulans we analyzed whether mutants defective in nuclear distribution along the growing hyphae (nud mutants) have some obvious microtubule defect. Cytoplasmic, astral and spindle microtubules were present and appeared to be normal in all nud mutants. However, significant changes in the percentage of short versus long mitotic spindles were observed in nud mutants. This suggests that some of the nuclei of nud mutants do not reach the late stage of cell division at normal temperatures.
Varroa jacobsoni infestation of adult Africanized and Italian honey bees (Apis mellifera) in mixed colonies in Brazil
Authors: Moretto Geraldo , Mello Jr. Leonidas João de
Published: April 2005

Different levels of infestation with the mite Varroa jacobsoni have been observed in the various Apis mellifera races. In general, bees of European races are more susceptible to the mite than African honey bees and their hybrids. In Brazil honey bee colonies are not treated against the mite, though apparently both climate and bee race influence the mite infestation. Six mixed colonies were made with Italian and Africanized honey bees. The percentage infestation by this parasite was found to be significantly lower in adult Africanized (1.69 ± 0.44) than Italian bees (2.79 ± 0.65). This ratio was similar to that found in Mexico, even though the Africanized bees tested there had not been in contact with varroa, compared to more than 20 years of the coexistence in Brazil. However, mean mite infestation in Brazil on both kinds of bees was only about a third of that found in Mexico.
New cases of supernumerary chromosomes in characiform fishes
Authors: Venere Paulo Cesar , Miyazawa Carlos Suetoshi , Galetti Junior Pedro Manoel
Published: April 2005

Supernumerary chromosomes were described for five species of Neotropical characiform fishes. These extra chromosomes were small, acrocentric and fully heterochromatic in Leporinus friderici from two different localities as well as in Leporinus sp., but metacentric and fully heterochromatic in Cyphocharax modesta and Prochilodus nigricans. In Characidium cf. zebra, this element was small, acrocentric and euchromatic. GC-rich DNA blocks were observed in the supernumerary chromosome of Leporinus sp. using chromomycin A3. The widespread occurrence of these extra chromosomal elements suggests their independent origins.
Estimates of direct, maternal and grandmaternal genetic effects for growth traits in Gobra cattle
Authors: Diop M. , Dodenhoff J. , Van Vleck L.D.
Published: April 2005

Estimates of genetic parameters for birth (N = 3909), weaning (N = 3425), yearling (N = 2764) and final (N = 2144) weights were obtained from the records of Gobra cattle collected at the Centre de Recherches Zootechniques de Dahra, Senegal. Three animal models were fitted to obtain estimates by REML using an average information (AI) approach. Model 1 considered random direct, maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects. In model 2, a general grandmaternal effect was added to the random effects considered in model 1, and in model 3, the general grandmaternal effect was divided into grandmaternal genetic and grandmaternal permanent environmental effects. All models allowed covariances among genetic effects. The inclusion of grandmaternal effects in models 2 and 3 did not change the estimates of the genetic parameters compared to model 1. Variances attributable to grandmaternal effects became negative and were set close to zero, except for yearling weight for which grandmaternal heritability was 0.03 ± 0.03. The estimates for direct and maternal heritabilities were, respectively, 0.08 ± 0.03 and 0.03 ± 0.02 for birth, 0.20 ± 0.05 and 0.21 ± 0.05 for weaning, 0.26 ± 0.07 and 0.16 ± 0.07 for yearling and 0.14 ± 0.06 and 0.16 ± 0.06 for final weights. The estimates of the genetic correlation between direct and maternal effects for birth, weaning, yearling and final weights were -0.17 ± 0.40, -0.58 ± 0.32, -0.52 ± 0.34 and -0.34 ± 0.37, respectively. For yearling weight with grandmaternal heritability estimated to be only 0.03, model 3 gave estimates of the genetic correlation between direct and grandmaternal effects and between maternal and grandmaternal effects of 0.28 ± 0.48 and -0.33 ± 0.67, respectively. Estimates of direct and maternal heritabilities were unchanged when grandmaternal effects were not included in the model.
An investigation into heterogeneity of variance for milk and fat yields of Holstein cows in Brazilian herd environments
Authors: Costa Claudio Napolis
Published: April 2005

Heterogeneity of variance in Brazilian herd environments was studied using first-lactation 305-day mature equivalent (ME) milk and fat records of Holstein cows. Herds were divided into two categories, according to low or high herd-year phenotypic standard deviation for ME milk (HYSD). There were 330 sires with daughter records in both HYSD categories. Components of (co)variance, heritability, and genetic correlations for milk and fat yields were estimated using a sire model from bivariate analyses with a restricted maximum likelihood (REML) derivative-free algorithm. Sire and residual variances for milk yield in low HYSD herds were 79 and 57% of those obtained in high HYSD herd. For fat yield they were 67 and 60%, respectively. Heritabilities for milk and fat yields in low HYSD herds were larger (0.30 and 0.22) than in high HYSD herds (0.23 and 0.20). Genetic correlation between expression in low and high HYSD herds was 0.997 for milk yield and 0.985 for fat yield. Expected correlated response in low HYSD herds based on sires selected on half-sister information from high HYSD was 0.89 kg/kg for milk and 0.80 kg/kg for fat yield. Genetic evaluations in Brazil need to account for heterogeneity of variances to increase the accuracy of evaluations and the selection efficiency for milk and fat yields of Holstein cows. Selection response will be lower in low variance herds than in high variance herds because of reduced differences in daughter response and among breeding values of sires in low HYSD herds. Genetic investments in sire selection to improve production are more likely to be successful in high HYSD herds than in low HYSD Brazilian herds.
Genetic variability and population structure in loci related to milk production traits in native Argentine Creole and commercial Argentine Holstein cattle
Authors: Golijow C.D. , Giovambattista G. , Rípoli M.V. , Dulout F.N. , Lojo M.M.
Published: April 2005

Many cattle breeds have been subjected to high selection pressure for production traits. Consequently, population genetic structure and allelic distribution could differ in breeds under high selection pressure compared to unselected breeds. Analysis of k-casein, aS1-casein and prolactin gene frequencies was made for Argentine Creole (AC) and Argentine Holstein (AH) cattle herds. The calculated FST values measured the degree of genetic differentiation of subpopulations, depending on the variances of gene frequencies.The AC breed had considerably more variation among herds at the aS1-casein and k-casein loci. Conservation strategies should consider the entire AC population in order to maintain the genetic variability found in this native breed.
Genotoxic action of the sesquiterpene lactone glaucolide B on mammalian cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Burim Regislaine V. , Canalle Renata , Lopes João L. Callegari , Takahashi Catarina S.
Published: April 2005

Glaucolide B is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Vernonia eremophila Mart. (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) and has schistosomicidal, antimicrobial and analgesic activities. This study examined the cytotoxic and clastogenic activities of glaucolide B in human cultured lymphocytes and in bone marrow cells from BALB/c mice. The mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations were analyzed in both of the above systems, whereas sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) and the proliferation index (PI) were determined only in vitro. In human cultured lymphocytes, glaucolide B concentrations greater than 15 µg/ml of culture medium completely inhibited cell growth. At 4 µg/ml and 8 µg/ml of culture medium, glaucolide B significantly increased the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes and was also cytotoxic at concentrations ³8 µg/ml; there was no increase in the frequency of SCE. Glaucolide B (160-640 mg/kg) did not significantly increase the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in mouse bone marrow cells nor did it affect cell division. Since glaucolide B showed no clastogenic action on mammalian cells in vivo but was cytotoxic and clastogenic in vitro, caution is needed in its medicinal use.
Effects of turmeric and its active principle, curcumin, on bleomycin-induced chromosome aberrations in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Araújo Maria Cristina P. , Dias Francisca da Luz , Kronka Sergio N. , Takahashi Catarina S.
Published: April 2005

Naturally occurring antioxidants have been extensively studied for their capacity to protect organisms and cells from oxidative damage. Many plant constituents including turmeric and curcumin appear to be potent antimutagens and antioxidants. The effects of turmeric and curcumin on chromosomal aberration frequencies induced by the radiomimetic agent bleomycin (BLM) were investigated in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Three concentrations of each drug, turmeric (100, 250 and 500 mg/ml) and curcumin (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/ml), were combined with BLM (10 mg/ml) in CHO cells treated during the G1/S, S or G2/S phases of the cell cycle. Neither turmeric nor curcumin prevented BLM-induced chromosomal damage in any phases of the cell cycle. Conversely, a potentiation of the clastogenicity of BLM by curcumin was clearly observed in cells treated during the S and G2/S phases. Curcumin was also clastogenic by itself at 10 µg/ml in two protocols used. However, the exact mechanism by which curcumin produced clastogenic and potentiating effects remains unknown.