Differences In Quantitative Traits Research Articles

Some trends of social and psychological maladaptation of medical university students in wartime

Annotation. In aim to study the socio-demographic and socio-psychological features of higher medical education graduates in the context of social-psychological maladaptation in wartime, a survey of 167 higher medical education graduates was conducted using questionnaires and a scale of social-psychological adaptation C. Rogers and R.F. Dymond. Statistical analysis of differences in quantitative traits was performed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test, categorized using Fisher's exact test (one-sided) at p<0.05. It was found that under the influence of the stress of war, the social and psychological adaptation of the students worsens in the areas of psychological well-being, microsocial interaction, learning and leisure. Socio-psychological maladaptation among students of higher medical education is more common among women and senior students, while the influence of age and material well-being on the risk of maladaptation turned out to be secondary. As socio-psychological maladaptation deepens in wartime, the specific weight of students with disorders of social functioning, in particular, intensified psychological problems, increases – among students without manifestations of socio-psychological maladaptation, 58.3%, with individual manifestations – 92.0%, with pronounced maladaptation – 90.6%; decrease in communication – 22.3%, 74.7% and 68.7%, respectively; worsening of studies – 47.2%, 59.6% and 87.5% respectively, worsening of relations with relatives – 27.8%, 47.5% and 71.8% respectively; deterioration of relations with friends – 38.8%, 61.6% and 75.0% respectively; deterioration of relations with other people – 74.9%, 71.7% and 78.2% respectively; as well as deterioration of leisure time – 55.5%, 47.5% and 81.2% respectively. At the same time, a certain part of the students without signs of socio-psychological maladaptation even in wartime proved to be able to improve their socio-psychological functioning: general psychological state – 8.4%, communication – 19.4%, education – 16.7%, relations with relatives – 50.0%, relations with friends – 44.5%, relations with other people – 8.4%, leisure – 13.9%. The revealed patterns should be taken into account when developing rehabilitation and preventive measures for higher education students with manifestations of social and psychological maladaptation.

Association Between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (rs1484215 and rs6495096) in CYP11A1 Gene in Iranian Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Genetic factors are significantly have important role in the etiology of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study examined the possible relation of rs1484215 and rs6495096 polymorphisms of CYP11A1 gene in Iranian women with PCOS. The population of the case-control research included 100 women presenting with PCOS and 100 women as a control group who were referred to Infertility Center in Qom, Iran. The genotypes of rs1484215 and rs6495096 polymorphisms in CYP11A1 gene were detected with the tetra-ARMS PCR method. The independent segregation of alleles was tested for the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Differences in quantitative traits were assessed between each group with a single PCOS feature and control group using Mann-Whitney U test for categorical variables and student's t-test for continuous variables. Statistical analysis of allele and genotype frequencies between women with PCOS and control was performed using the chi-square test. Significance level was defined as p<0.05. There was a significant association of C with G alleles in rs6495096 polymorphism and susceptibility to PCOS (p=0.001), but no significant relation was found between C and T alleles in rs1484215 polymorphism and susceptibility to PCOS. Also, GG genotype of rs6495096 was significantly associated with the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and infertility duration compared to CG and CC (p<0.01). However, rs1484215 showed no association with these variables. The results from the research indicated that rs6495096 polymorphism of CYP11A1 gene is related to the PCOS risk in Iranians women.

Ботанико-географическое исследование Poa glauca Vahl (Poaceae)

The distribution of the Poa glauca aggregate has been specified and a digital map of its distribution has been compiled. An analysis of quantitative characters using the principal component analysis was carried out and a comparison of the frequencies of the states of some qualitative character states were undertaken to identify the morphological homogeneity of the three Eurasian races. These studies did not reveal differences in quantitative traits, but found differences in the frequencies of qualitative traits. These differences may be caused by hybridization with different native species.

Digital dermatoglyphics in the evaluation of the genetic basis of breast cancer in Bosnian-Herzegovinian population - quantitative analysis.

Aim To determine differences in quantitative traits of digital dermatoglyphics between breast cancer women and the women in the control group (healthy women). Methods This case-control study included digital dermatoglyphics of 50 patients with confirmed breast cancer diagnosis compared with 50 healthy examinees with the absence of familial history of any type of cancer. Collecting samples was performed among Bosnian-Herzegovinian population by Printake method. The comparison of the mean values between the examined groups was made by the Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results The results showed that, with regards to the pattern intensity, no statistically significant difference was detected between the two examined groups (p>0.05).The absence of any significant difference in the number of papillary ridges on an individual finger between the breast cancer patients and the control group was found (p>0.05), although the total number of papillary ridges on all ten fingers had somewhat lower values in the examined group. Conclusion This research confirms the existence of genetic predisposition for breast cancer development, emphasizing the relevance of hereditary factors in the ethiopathogenesis of this disease. The quantitative traits of digital dermatoglyphics were not a reliable and predictive tool for detecting a potential risk for breast cancer in small populations.

Acetolactate Synthase–Inhibitor Resistance in Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus): II—Physiognomy and Photoperiodic Response

Yellow nutsedge is one of the most problematic weedy sedges in rice–soybean systems of the Mississippi Delta region. An acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting, herbicide-resistant (Res) yellow nutsedge biotype was recently documented in eastern Arkansas, which showed intermediary growth habit between yellow nutsedge and purple nutsedge and also exhibited differential photoperiodic sensitivity to flowering. The objectives of this study were to: (a) determine variation in reproductive characteristics of theResbiotype and three susceptible (Sus) yellow nutsedge biotypes, (b) understand the influence of photoperiod on growth and reproduction, (c) understand the potential role of seeds in population establishment, and (d) elucidate the phylogenetic relationships between theResyellow nutsedge biotype and purple nutsedge. Tuber production per plant and tuber weight of theResbiotype were less than that of theSusbiotypes. Differences in quantitative traits, such as shoot and tuber production existed between theResandSusbiotypes for photoperiods ranging from 12 to 16 h. Generally, photoperiods greater than 12 h increased shoot development in all yellow nutsedge biotypes, with differential responses among the biotypes. Number of tubers reached the maximum for theResbiotype at a 14-h photoperiod. Over a 90-d period, inflorescence formation was only observed in theResbiotype with maximum flowering and seed production in the 14-h photoperiod. Subsequent tests revealed up to 18% seed germination, suggesting that seed could also play a role (in addition to tubers) in the persistence and spread of theResyellow nutsedge. Phylogenetic analysis based on ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and mitochondrialnad4gene intergenic spacer sequences indicated that theResbiotype was more closely associated withSusyellow nutsedge biotypes. Nevertheless, 100% similarity for thenad4gene sequences between theResyellow nutsedge biotype and a reference purple nutsedge suggests that theResbiotype is likely a result of hybridization between yellow and purple nutsedges, which perhaps explains the intermediary growth characteristics observed in theResbiotype.

Comparative wood anatomy of Taxaceae

Comparative wood anatomy of Taxaceae s.l. was examined to elucidate the differences in wood features among genera. In total, 25 samples, comprising three varieties and seven species from five genera (Pseudotaxus was not included), were examined. Sliding microtome, wood maceration and scanning electron microscopy methods were used for the study. The growth rings are well developed and early and late wood are distinguishable in a cross-section. In general, there is remarkable uniformity in the characteristics of the five genera of Taxaceae, although some differences in quantitative traits were found. Wood of Taxaceae s.l. differs from that of most conifers by having helical thickening in the tracheid inner walls, with the exception of Austrotaxus spicata R.H.Compton. All genera are characterised by the absence of resin canals, predominantly uniseriate pits on the radial wall of the axial tracheids, and the presence of pits on the tangential walls of the axial tracheids. The rays are composed solely of parenchyma cells and are uniseriate (occasionally biseriate in Torreya nucifera (L.) Siebold et Zucc.), with a height of 1–22 cells. The genus Taxus shares more characteristics with Torreya than with Amentotaxus, Austrotaxus and Cephalotaxus. Correspondingly, Amentotaxus and Cephalotaxus resemble each other, marked by the presence of either diffuse or sparse axial parenchyma with nodulated transverse walls. Austrotaxus spicata is the sole species that lacks helical thickenings in the tracheid walls and has sparse axial parenchyma with smooth transverse walls. These two features, namely, the absence of helical thickenings and axial parenchyma with smooth transverse walls, are plesiomorphic and might be considered a more primitive character in wood anatomy. Among the other four genera, Amentotaxus appears to have an annular type of wall thickening that could be considered plesiomorphic to the spiral thickenings found in Taxus, Torreya and Cephalotaxus.

Allometry Growth Analysis on Three Lawn Grasses

Allometry growth on Herba taraxaci, Poa pratens and Viola philippica were analysis with power model. The multiple comparison analysis shows that there are significant differences in quantitative traits among different species. The power model regression analysis shows that the relationships between width and length of the first leaf, length and weight of the first leaf, width and weight of the first leaf, total leaf weight and plant weight, and stem weight and plant weight all are significant or obviously significant power function y=axb. It suggests that in campus same parts leaf modules and plant components of three lawn grasses have the same power function allometric law.

Variation in aggressiveness is detected among Puccinia triticina isolates of the same pathotype and clonal lineage in the adult plant stage

Puccinia triticina reproduces asexually in France and thus individual genotype is the unit of selection. A strong link has been observed between genotype identities (as assessed by microsatellite markers) and pathotypes (pools of individuals with the same combination of qualitative virulence factors). Here, we tested whether differences in quantitative traits of aggressiveness could be detected within those clonal lineages by comparing isolates of identical pathotype and microsatellite profile. Pairs of isolates belonging to different pathotypes were compared for their latent period, lesion size and spore production capacity on adult plants under greenhouse conditions, with a high number of replicates. Isolates of the same pathotype showed remarkably similar values for the measured traits, except in three situations: differences were obtained within two pathotypes for latent period and within one pathotype for sporulation capacity. One of these differences was tested again and confirmed. This indicates that the average aggressiveness level of a leaf rust pathotype may increase without any change in its virulence factors or microsatellite profile.

Extensive Natural Variation for Cellular Hydrogen Peroxide Release Is Genetically Controlled

Natural variation in DNA sequence contributes to individual differences in quantitative traits. While multiple studies have shown genetic control over gene expression variation, few additional cellular traits have been investigated. Here, we investigated the natural variation of NADPH oxidase-dependent hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 release), which is the joint effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, superoxide metabolism and degradation, and is related to a number of human disorders. We assessed the normal variation of H2O2 release in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL) in a family-based 3-generation cohort (CEPH-HapMap), and in 3 population-based cohorts (KORA, GenCord, HapMap). Substantial individual variation was observed, 45% of which were associated with heritability in the CEPH-HapMap cohort. We identified 2 genome-wide significant loci of Hsa12 and Hsa15 in genome-wide linkage analysis. Next, we performed genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the combined KORA-GenCord cohorts (n = 279) using enhanced marker resolution by imputation (>1.4 million SNPs). We found 5 significant associations (p<5.00×10−8) and 54 suggestive associations (p<1.00×10−5), one of which confirmed the linked region on Hsa15. To replicate our findings, we performed GWAS using 58 HapMap individuals and ∼2.1 million SNPs. We identified 40 genome-wide significant and 302 suggestive SNPs, and confirmed genome signals on Hsa1, Hsa12, and Hsa15. Genetic loci within 900 kb from the known candidate gene p67phox on Hsa1 were identified in GWAS in both cohorts. We did not find replication of SNPs across all cohorts, but replication within the same genomic region. Finally, a highly significant decrease in H2O2 release was observed in Down Syndrome (DS) individuals (p<2.88×10−12). Taken together, our results show strong evidence of genetic control of H2O2 in LCL of healthy and DS cohorts and suggest that cellular phenotypes, which themselves are also complex, may be used as proxies for dissection of complex disorders.

Wood anatomy of Colombian Podocarpaceae (Podocarpus, Prumnopitys and Retrophyllum)

Microscopic descriptions of the wood of the six species of Colombian Podocarpaceae were made. The studied species belong to the genera Podocarpus, Prumnopitys and Retrophyllum. Trees were selected from natural forests of the Andean region of central-west Colombia. From each tree, the basal portion of the trunk was collected and the anatomical characteristics of the wood were studied in microtome sections and macerated preparations. In general, there was remarkable uniformity in the characteristics of the six species, although some differences in quantitative traits were found. All of the species were characterized by the absence of axial and radial resin canals, predominantly uniseriate pits on the radial walls of the axial tracheids and the presence of pits on the tangential walls of the axial tracheids. The rays were composed solely of parenchyma cells, with end and horizontal walls smooth, uniseriate and occasionally biseriate, and with height from very low (up to four cells) to medium (5–15 cells). The cross-field pits were cupressoid in all species. Diffuse axial parenchyma with smooth transverse walls were present in five species, but absent in Prumnopitys harmsiana. The principal quantitative differences were found in axial tracheid length, pit size, number of pits per cross-field, ray height and axial parenchyma abundance. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 164, 293–302.

Genetic Differences in Quantitative Traits of Cultured Strains and Gynogenetic Lines of Red Sea Bream, Pagrus major.

Genetic Differences in Quantitative Traits of Cultured Strains and Gynogenetic Lines of Red Sea Bream, Pagrus major.

Genetic differentiation among European whitefish ecotypes based on microsatellite data

The amount of genetic differentiation at DNA microsatellite loci in European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) was assessed among ecotypes, populations and run-timing types. The magnitude of genetic changes potentially caused by hatchery broodstock rearing were also compared with those observed in corresponding natural populations. A total of 35 populations were studied, including 33 Coregonus lavaretus populations and two samples of Coregonus peled. Five of the six whitefish ecotypes in Finland were represented within C. lavaretus populations. Genetic diversity among C. lavaretus populations proved to be high compared to two C. peled populations. The genetic D(A) distance between these two species was as high as 0.86. The genetic differentiation among ecotypes was generally low and thus gives support for the hypothesis of one native European whitefish species in Scandinavia. Among the ecotypes the northern, large sparsely-rakered, bottom-dwelling whitefish was most unique. Thus, observed genetic differences in quantitative traits have either developed independently of phylogenetic lineages, or have mixed and later changed according to environments and selection pressures. Overall genetic distances between the anadromous whitefish populations along the Finnish coast, especially in the Bothnian Bay area, were small. Populations of this area have been heavily influenced by human activities, and they also have the highest probability of mixing by natural means. In two cases, the Rivers Iijoki and Tornionjoki, statistically significant genetic differences could be observed between summer- and autumn-run spawning-time types. Wild populations had slightly higher allelic diversity than hatchery-reared populations of corresponding rivers. Although some reduction in genetic diversity during hatchery rearing is possible, it is an important aid in maintaining endangered populations.

Dealing with sources of variability in the data-analysis of phenotyping experiments with transgenic rice

The analysis of phenotyping experiments for transgenics deserves special attention. Experiments set up for the detection of interesting phenotypes among transgenic plants have to screen several primary events obtained by transforming with a particular transgene, since expression levels of the transgene differ considerably. Agronomically most interesting lines might have an intermediate level of transgene expression. Therefore, attention should be paid to all transformants and how their expression levels differ. Experimental design and the analysis of the data have to focus on the variability among lines and have to be able to detect small differences in quantitative traits. The mixed model is the most adequate approach to analyse data of phenotyping experiments because it reflects the structure and provides the researcher with important measures to allow broader inferences. The paper explains the model and illustrates it using a screening experiment carried out by the high-throughput phenotyping method of TraitMillTM. Besides inference for a particular experiment and a particular set of lines, the output allows more general predictions for a wider set of non-tested lines. It quantifies the various sources of variability encountered and helps to understand the underlying process. It also helps to optimise the experimental set-up of future experiments. The model presented here has been implemented in the R-language and SAS. The scripts are attached.

Common genetic variants account for differences in gene expression among ethnic groups

Variation in DNA sequence contributes to individual differences in quantitative traits, but in humans the specific sequence variants are known for very few traits. We characterized variation in gene expression in cells from individuals belonging to three major population groups. This quantitative phenotype differs significantly between European-derived and Asian-derived populations for 1,097 of 4,197 genes tested. For the phenotypes with the strongest evidence of cis determinants, most of the variation is due to allele frequency differences at cis-linked regulators. The results show that specific genetic variation among populations contributes appreciably to differences in gene expression phenotypes. Populations differ in prevalence of many complex genetic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As some of these are probably influenced by the level of gene expression, our results suggest that allele frequency differences at regulatory polymorphisms also account for some population differences in prevalence of complex diseases.

High-Density Haplotype Structure and Association Testing of the Insulin-Degrading Enzyme (IDE) Gene With Type 2 Diabetes in 4,206 People

The insulin-degrading enzyme is responsible for the intracellular proteolysis of insulin. Its gene IDE is located on chromosome 10, in an area with suggestive linkage to type 2 diabetes and related phenotypes. Due to the impact of genetic variants of this gene in rodents and the function of its protein product, it has been proposed as a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes. Various groups have explored the role of the common genetic variation of IDE on insulin resistance and reported associations of various single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes on both type 2 diabetes and glycemic traits. We sought to characterize the haplotype structure of IDE in detail and replicate the association of common variants with type 2 diabetes, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance. We assessed linkage disequilibrium, selected single-marker and multimarker tags, and genotyped these markers in several case-control and family-based samples totalling 4,206 Caucasian individuals. We observed no statistically significant evidence of association between single-marker or multimarker tests in IDE and type 2 diabetes. Nominally significant differences in quantitative traits are consistent with statistical noise. We conclude that common genetic variation at IDE is unlikely to confer clinically significant risk of type 2 diabetes in Caucasians.

Variation amongst Survivor Populations of Two White Clover Cultivars Collected from Sites across Europe: Morphological and Reproductive Traits

A single-site field experiment was carried out to investigate differences in quantitative traits between survivor and original baseline populations of two white clover cultivars (AberHerald and Grasslands Huia). The survivor populations had been generated from vegetative samples collected after growth for 2–3 years at a range of sites across Europe. The aims of the experiment were to determine the extent of genetic shift due to selection in these populations compared with the baseline material; to relate the nature of any genetic shift that occurred to the environments in which the selection operated; and to determine whether the survivor populations formed distinct groups. Directional selection occurred in many traits in populations of each cultivar. Correlation analysis was carried out to determine the influence of basic climatic variables at each site on traits of the survivors. Few correlations were found, except for a tendency for flowering date in Grasslands Huia to be delayed in sites with cold winters and high levels of radiation in the summer. Multivariate analysis showed that in each cultivar the populations from Finland were distinct from all others and conformed to a typical ‘northern European’ morphology. Analysis of the variation within survivor populations showed that stabilizing selection had not operated at any site, even those with extreme climates. For the range of traits measured, the survivor populations had not reached an equilibrium between their genetic structures and the selective forces acting upon them.

Variability of Malate Dehydrogenase among Cotton Cultivars with Differing Fiber Traits

Little is understood about the biochemical basis of differences in quantitative traits of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber. Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) is implicated as an enzyme that may have effect on extension growth during the development of cotton fiber. Our objectives were, first, to determine if variability among cultivars exists for MDH, and, second, to determine if variability in MDH can be correlated with quantitative traits of fiber. Twenty‐four cultivars G. hirsutum were chosen. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to search for MDH allozyme variation in etiolated cotyledons. Additionally, MDH activity in developing fiber was measured. All cultivars were grown in 1990 at two sites near Stoneville, MS. At 12 days post anthesis (DPA), immature bolls were harvested and the fiber separated from the ovules. An extract was prepared from the fiber and assayed for MDH activity and protein concentration. Other bolls were allowed to mature and open naturally, and from these bolls fiber was taken and tested for eight traits: elongation, maturity (ratio of wail thickness to fiber diameter), micronaire reading (fiber fineness), perimeter, 2.5 and 50% span length, strength, and wall thickness. Allozyme variation for MDH was not detected. The MDH specific activity ranged from 13.8 to 18.8 µmol NADH min−1 mg−1 protein, with a mean of 16.4 μmol NADH min−1 mg−1 protein in 12 DPA fiber. Variation among cultivars for MDH specific activity and all fiber traits was significant (P &lt; 0.05). Though implicated in extension growth, MDH specific activity was not correlated with the length of mature cotton fiber. Only correlations between MDH specific activity and three traits of fiber walls (maturity, r = −0.476; micronaire, r −0.469; and wall thickness, r = −0.475 were significant. Cotton cultivars vary significantly for MDH activity in developing fibers and high MDH activity is indicative of low micronaire reading, thin fiber walls, and decreased maturity.

Reproductive Performance of Chimeric Mice Produced from Genetic Lines that Differ in Litter Size

A population of chimeras was made by aggregating 8- and 16-cell embryos from two mouse strains: a randomly bred line (C) and a selected line characterized by large litters (JU), with litter sizes of 7.7 and 13.5, respectively. The two genotypes were developmentally "balanced", as judged by the high frequency (90%) of chimeras with an intermediate or high degree of coat-color chimerism, a chimeric sex ratio of 2.2:1 males:females, and a high percentage of chimeras (31% of males, 71% of females) with germ cells of both strains. Litter size characteristics, including ovulation rate, implantation rate, rates of pre- and postimplantation embryo survival and number born were studied in the female chimeras and compared with the performance of both parent lines and to the genetic cross of the two lines. Values for JU females exceeded those for C females for all parameters studied except postimplantation embryo survival, which was the same for both lines in second litters and was lower for JU's third litters. For most traits, means for genetic crossbreds and chimeras were similar, regardless of whether the means were at or above the midparent average. In contrast, for ovulation rate and body weight, genetic crossbreds and chimeras clearly differed, with chimeric females being similar to the JU line and genetic crossbred females exhibiting additive inheritance. Because of phenotypic differences between experimental chimeras and crossbreds produced from the same two lines, chimeras may provide a useful model for studying the physiologic basis for expression of genetic differences in quantitative traits.