Genetic Deterioration Research Articles

Exploring genetic variation in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) accessions through two-locus DNA barcoding

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) remains among the most costly spices worldwide due to its invaluable properties. Traditional breeding methods are restricted by saffron's male sterility and clonal multiplication, which may result in genetic deterioration and make genetic diversity within saffron populations cryptic. To overcome this cryptic diversity, we conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis of sixteen saffron accessions from Morocco, France, Greece, and Italy using two universal DNA barcodes: ITS2 and trnH-psbA. Our findings unveiled significant genetic diversity among examined accessions, characterized by considerable sequence variation. This led to the identification of a notable number of haplotypes (14 and 15) with a high haplotype diversity (HD) = 0.9, signifying extensive genetic variability. Moreover, Phylogenetic and network analyses illustrated distinct genetic clusters and evolutionary relationships among saffron populations, separating our accessions from Iranian saffron. Besides, Pairwise distance and principal component analyses confirmed the unique genetic profiles of the Assif Zimer population from Morocco. Notably, the study explores environmental factors as potential contributors to genetic differences across different regions. Finally, the assessment of ITS2 secondary structures and the generation of Two-Dimensional DNA Barcodes provided unique identities to accessions and gave valuable insights into sequence variability and molecular identification. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of saffron genetics and provides essential information for conservation projects.

Divergent population responses following salamander mass mortalities and declines driven by the emerging pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans.

Understanding wildlife responses to novel threats is vital in counteracting biodiversity loss. The emerging pathogen Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) causes dramatic declines in European salamander populations, and is considered an imminent threat to global amphibian biodiversity. However, real-life disease outcomes remain largely uncharacterized. We performed a multidisciplinary assessment of the longer-term impacts of Bsal on highly susceptible fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) populations, by comparing four of the earliest known outbreak sites to uninfected sites. Based on large-scale monitoring efforts, we found population persistence in strongly reduced abundances to over a decade after Bsal invasion, but also the extinction of an initially small-sized population. In turn, we found that host responses varied, and Bsal detection remained low, within surviving populations. Demographic analyses indicated an ongoing scarcity of large reproductive adults with potential for recruitment failure, while spatial comparisons indicated a population remnant persisting within aberrant habitat. Additionally, we detected no early signs of severe genetic deterioration, yet nor of increased host resistance. Beyond offering additional context to Bsal-driven salamander declines, results highlight how the impacts of emerging hypervirulent pathogens can be unpredictable and vary across different levels of biological complexity, and how limited pathogen detectability after population declines may complicate surveillance efforts.

MtCO1-based population structure and genetic diversity of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas populations acquired from two farms in South Korea

Since the early 1990s in South Korea, climatic and anthropogenic factors have incurred the reduction of the wild seeds of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, which raised concerns about losing genetic diversity and accelerating genetic deterioration. We assessed the genetic diversity of C. gigas populations from two farms (Tongyeong and Gadeokdo) on the southern coast, where about 80% of the cultivated oysters in Korea are produced. Tongyeong showed slightly higher diversity than Gadeokdo, but both populations had a similar genetic structure characterized by low nucleotide diversity. Comparative haplotype analyses provided data supporting genetic features of the populations that include (1) weak genotype-locality relationship, (2) low levels of gene flow between populations, and (3) possible seasonal fluctuation of genetic variation within a population. Furthermore, the highly alike haplotype network patterns were observed between the wild and farm populations as well as among the populations in neighboring countries, which suggests that the genetic structure is conserved between wild and hatchery populations, and geographic proximity has minimal influence on the genetic composition.

Temporal trends in estimated breeding values for daughter fertility in Holstein and Jersey cows in the Australian dairy industry

Context Milk yield and fertility are negatively genetically correlated in dairy cows, so selection for milk yield would be expected to result in genetic deterioration in fertility unless there is concurrent selection for fertility. Aim The main study aim was to describe temporal trends in estimated breeding values (Australian Breeding Values, ABVs) for daughter fertility for Holstein and Jersey cows in Australian dairy herds. Methods A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using milk recording and ABV data from cows in commercial dairy herds. Calvings and lactations from 1980 to 2022 were used, along with ABVs for cows that calved over that period and for sires of those cows. Herd-year mean estimated breeding values were calculated for each breed as the means for cows of that breed that calved in the herd that year. Key results Daughter fertility ABVs declined (i.e. deteriorated) markedly in Holsteins in the Australian dairy industry, commencing before 1980. Rates of decline were most rapid in sires, less rapid in cows and least rapid at herd level. Selection pressure for cows with higher daughter fertility ABVs due to cow culling decisions was probably occurring within Australian herds but any such effect was minimal. The decline in cow daughter fertility ABVs is being reversed, but recovery of herd means in the study population has been slow. The rate of decline in daughter fertility ABVs in Jersey cows was less than for Holsteins. Conclusions Over a period of genetic deterioration, then recovery for a trait, genetic trends in sires are not closely related to genetic trends at herd level. The rapid decline in daughter fertility ABVs for sires probably resulted in substantial reductions in herd reproductive performance and cow longevity in Holstein herds in the Australian dairy industry. Under current trends, it will be a considerable time before the adverse effects of the decline in daughter fertility ABVs are fully reversed. Implications An important ongoing task for animal breeding is to identify and monitor traits that may become important for farmers and community in future but may be declining genetically under current selection decisions.

Forming the base population of fast-growing African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) carrying major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) allele through a within-family selection

African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is one of the economically important species in Indonesian aquaculture that has experienced genetic deterioration. Thus, it should be genetically improved, mainly on the growth and disease resistance. The genetic improvement of those traits was initiated by forming the base population. The base population consisted of two populations, each resulting from a factorial mating design of a 2:2 ratio between 30 males and 30 females of Mutiara African catfish carrying major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) allele number 7. Forming the first base population resulted in 50 families, whereas the second resulted in 57 families. The potency of the base population in forming the next generation was then evaluated by estimating the genetic parameters, i.e., heritability, selection differential, selection intensity, and response to selection. Results of the estimation of genetic parameters for its body weight suggested that the heritability of both base populations was relatively high (0.33 and 0.44), with relatively low selection differential (28.07±11.39% and 23.78±7.42%) and selection intensity (1.13±0.22 and 1.13±0.19). The response to selection for body weight in the next generation was estimated at around 9.31-10.38%. Those results suggested that both base populations could be used in forming the next generation.

Human decimation caused bottleneck effect, genetic drift, and inbreeding in the Canarian houbara bustard

AbstractAn endangered subspecies of the African houbara bustard, the Canarian houbara (Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae), is endemic to the Canary Islands off southern Morocco (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and La Graciosa islands). This population decreased over the last centuries because of hunting and egg collection, and was close to extinction in Lanzarote around the middle of last century. Later, the species recovered because of hunting bans, but in Fuerteventura a significant decline has again occurred in the last decades and houbaras are on the brink of extirpation on that island. We describe the genetic characteristics and recent evolutionary history of this subspecies to provide essential information for the evaluation of the conservation actions implemented and for the development of new measures to prevent further declines and local extirpations. We amplified microsatellite loci to infer genetic variability, population structure, and gene flow. The subspecies exhibited relatively high genetic variability but reduced heterozygosity. In spite of high gene flow among locations and islands, we identified 2 genetic units: 1 comprising La Graciosa and Fuerteventura islands, and the other restricted to Lanzarote. We detected genetic bottlenecks and subsequent inbreeding in both units, with a reduced effective number of alleles in Lanzarote compared to Fuerteventura‐La Graciosa. This genetic structure may be explained by human‐induced historical population declines and an associated bottleneck effect, particularly in Lanzarote. Conservation measures should aim to recover the houbara population of Fuerteventura, improving survival of adults and juvenile productivity, and to ensure that genetic flow continues among breeding locations and islands to recover the original population structure (an unique genetic unit over the range of the species) and prevent further genetic deterioration, which could lead to extirpation of this endemic subspecies.

Evaluation of the breeding practices and population trend of the Fogera cattle breed in Ethiopia

The study was conducted to estimate the population size, herd structure, and breeding objectives of Fogera cattle in Ethiopia. It was carried out in 23 purposively selected kebeles in five districts of three zones bordering Lake Tana. Interviewed farmers were selected based on their livestock ownership. Primary information on the general production system and trends of Fogera cattle was collected from 527 farmers, and a population count included 479 respondents. To differentiate the pure Fogera cattle from the mixed and highland zebu breeds, color photographs of the three breeds were used by each enumerator. Kebele administrators and elders as well as district and zone officials assisted in the operation to identify the true type of Fogera cattle. MS-Excel (2010) and SPSS (version 20) were used to analyze population size and production systems, respectively. The average cattle holding per household was 7.03 ± 0.2 heads. Analysis of multiple responses revealed that the dominant reasons for keeping cattle in the herd were traction power (96.67%), milk (92.76%), and manure (83.95%). More than half of the respondents (64.65%) practiced culling both male and female animals from their herds. Interviewed farmers selected bulls for mating by coat color (56.84%), body conformation (55.08%), and body size (47.46%). They also indicated that they selected the Fogera breed (48.63%), highland zebu (18.16%), and mixed (17.38%) as bulls for mating with their cattle. Based on the respondents’ information, the population trend of the Fogera breed decreases (40%), increases (13%), is stable (6%), and is not known (41%). From the total population estimated, households own the relatively pure Fogera (41%), Fogera–zebu mix (35%), and highland zebu (24%). In this study, the total estimated number of breeding Fogera cattle was 55,646 ± 16,579 heads. It was concluded that the breed has declined and is dealing with genetic deterioration as the population size decreases due to the shift of grazing lands to crop production. As population estimation was performed by morphological features, further research supported by molecular study should be conducted.

Context‐dependent demographic and genetic effects of translocation from a captive breeding project

AbstractTranslocations are a widespread approach to conserve threatened populations. Given the rapid decline and genetic deterioration of many natural populations, translocations are expected to become even more common in the future. The success of translocations is, however, dependent on multiple context‐dependent factors, such as demographic and genetic status, habitat quality and animal behaviour. The Scandinavian arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) exists in a small, fragmented population that is demographically vulnerable and exposed to inbreeding depression. In the early 2000 s, releases of arctic foxes from the Norwegian Captive Breeding Programme were initiated with the purpose of reintroducing populations to formerly inhabited areas and promoting connectivity. Since 2008/2009, 61 foxes have been released in Junkeren, Norway to re‐establish an unoccupied area. We used a combination of field observations and microsatellite genotyping from the release site and two neighbouring subpopulations to investigate (i) the probability of establishment and reproduction for released foxes at the release site and in neighbouring subpopulations, and (ii) the impact on litter size and genetic composition in the recipient populations. Results showed that 18% of the released foxes were established at the release site, or in neighbouring subpopulations and 11.5% reproduced successfully. The extent of post‐release dispersal into neighbouring subpopulations was also relatively high (11.5%). During the study period, the number of litters more than doubled in the subpopulations with released foxes contributing 29.5% to this increase, but no clear effect of immigration on litter size was found. There was a slight increase in genetic variation in one of the subpopulations, and a significant decline in genetic divergence between subpopulations. We conclude that despite extensive releases, demographic and genetic effects were highly context‐dependent. This study highlights the challenges of reinforcement programmes in small populations and reintroductions to unoccupied sites, especially for highly mobile species in a fragmented landscape.

DNMT3A-mediated high expression of circ_0057504 promotes benzo[a]pyrene-induced DNA damage via the NONO-SFPQ complex in human bronchial epithelial cells

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a class I carcinogen and hazardous environmental pollutant with genetic toxicity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic deterioration and epigenetic alterations induced by environmental contaminants may contribute to the early detection and prevention of cancer. However, the role and regulatory mechanisms of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the B[a]P-induced DNA damage response (DDR) have not been elucidated. In this study, human bronchial epithelial cell lines (16HBE and BEAS-2B) were exposed to various concentrations of B[a]P, and BALB/c mice were treated with B[a]P intranasally. B[a]P exposure was found to induce DNA damage and upregulate circular RNA hsa_circ_0057504 (circ_0057504) expression in vitro and in vivo. In addition, B[a]P upregulated TMEM194B mRNA and circ_0057504 expression through inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A) expression in vitro. Modulation (overexpression or knockdown) of circ_0057504 expression levels using a lentiviral system in human bronchial epithelial cells revealed that circ_0057504 promoted B[a]P-induced DNA damage. RNA pull-down and western blot assays showed that circ_0057504 interacted with non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding (NONO) and splicing factor proline and glutamine rich (SFPQ) proteins and regulated formation of the NONO-SFPQ protein complex. Thus, our findings indicate that circ_0057504 acts as a novel regulator of DNA damage in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to B[a]P. The current study reveals novel insights into the role of circRNAs in the regulation of genetic damage, and describes the effect and regulatory mechanisms of circ_0057504 on B[a]P genotoxicity.

Selected dietary plant-based proteins for growth and health response of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Tilapia culture is one of the largest sectors of global aquaculture. Among the different species of tilapia, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is perhaps the top cultured species. The production of Nile tilapia has been continually increasing throughout the years resulting in genetic deterioration. Several tilapia strains with better growth performance and adaptive capability to survive in different culture conditions have been developed to alleviate the crisis. Increased demand for Nile tilapia implies higher farming cost. Plant-based proteins are utilized as partial or complete fishmeal replacements to reduce feed cost. However, these proteins can adversely affect and alter growth and feed performance, carcass composition and indices, and gut and hepatic health. This review discusses the use of seven plant-based proteins: namely, soybean, copra, pea, corn, palm kernel, microalgae, and seaweed as a Nile tilapia aquafeed. Different processing methods are employed to produce several types of plant-based proteins. Processed plant-protein types, when utilized as an aquafeed ingredient, vary in its effect on the performance, hemato-immunological parameters, and gut and hepatic health of Nile tilapia. Studies have shown that Nile tilapia can effectively maximize plant-based protein diets based on the preparation method, type of plant source, amino acid supplementation, and inclusion levels of the plant proteins. These readily available crops should be considered as primary protein sources for aquaculture. Hindrances to the use of plant-based proteins as a main dietary protein are limiting amino acids, presence of anti-nutritional factors, and the competition between its demand as human food and as animal feed.

Invasion of African Clarias gariepinus Drives Genetic Erosion of the Indigenous C. batrachus in Bangladesh.

Simple SummaryBangladesh has substantially increased aquaculture production over the last few decades, and the exotic species share a significant portion of the total fish production. Although exotic species are contributing to aquaculture production, a few of them are causing biodiversity loss and genetic erosion of native species. The African catfish Clarias gariepinus is a highly carnivorous species and predates small indigenous freshwater fishes when escaping into natural water bodies. In addition, the hybridization of C. batrachus and C. gariepinus is considered a threat to the indigenous population. Although the government of Bangladesh has banned the farming of C. gariepinus, this species has been identified in local markets, and evidence of hybridization between C. gariepinus and C. batrachus has been found. This study revealed genetic erosion of native C. batrachus by the gene sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b. The phylogenetic tree confirmed the occurrences of hybridization between C. gariepinus and C. batrachus. Genetic erosion in the native catfish population is alarming for aquaculture sustainability and biodiversity conservation in Bangladesh.The African catfish Clarias gariepinus has been introduced for aquaculture in Bangladesh due to the scarcity of indigenous C. batrachus fingerlings. However, the government of Bangladesh has banned the farming of C. gariepinus due to the carnivorous nature of this species. Recently C. gariepinus has been reported by fish farmers and consumers in Bangladesh, and unplanned hybridization between native and exotic species has been suspected. This study attempts to know the purity of C. batrachus by analyzing mitochondrial genes. Both directly sequenced and retrieved Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome b (Cytb) genes from C. gareipinus and C. batrachus were analyzed by MEGA software. The morphologically dissimilar C. batrachus showed the least genetic distance (0.295) from C. gariepinus, which provided evidence of hybridization between the two species. Maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic trees showed that C. batrachus from Bangladesh did not cluster with C. batrachus of other countries, instead C. batrachus clustered with the exotic C. gariepinus. The suspected hybrid formed sister taxa with the exotic C. gariepinus. The study corroborates the genetic deterioration of C. batrachus by unplanned hybridization with the invasive C. gariepinus. Unplanned hybridization has deleterious consequences; therefore, immediate action is necessary for aquaculture sustainability and biodiversity conservation in Bangladesh.

Male infertility

Male factor infertility has now become a major health disorder, affecting human reproduction and developing worldwide as a serious medical and social issue. It causes trauma, emotional instability, and mental stress in the affected couples. In nearly half of the analyzed cases, male-associated factors are the major contributors. The present review outlines a wide range of factors responsible for male infertility. We performed an in-depth literature review of the global index of infertility by using data from World Health Organization's website, Elsevier's, PubMed and Scopus databases as well as journals. The quality and quantity of semen, male hormonal imbalance, genetic deterioration, and reactive oxygen species are the fundamental causes of male factor infertility. In addition, air quality, water quality, noise pollution, lifestyle changes, improper diet consumption, malnutrition, exposure to chemicals and toxins, smoking habits, drug abuses, major diseases, and medications are also contributors to infertility issues that can temporarily or permanently influence male reproductive system. We also reviewed the prevalence of male infertility in different countries.

Restricted Selection Index to Relieve the Negative Repercussion in Reproductive Performance of Holstein Cows

The aim of this investigation was to develop restricted selection index aiming to improve 305-day yields of milk (MY), fat (FY) and protein (PY), while keeping the deterioration in days open (DO), calving interval (CI) and number of services per conception (NSPC) at minimum levels in Holstein cows. The data represent 3682 records of 1122 cows, daughters of 95 sires and 712 dams. The data were analyzed by multi-trait animal model with repeated measures. Eight selection indexes (five unrestricted and three restricted) were derived using MY, FY, PY, CI, DO and NSPC in various combinations as sources of information in the indexes. However, the true breeding value included MY, FY and PY. The highest accuracy of selection (0.60) resulted from selection based on the full index. Milk yield and SPC appeared to be the most valuable traits in the full index. Combining the two traits into one index (the best reduced index) gave 0.57 accuracy of selection. The index based on MY alone (the most accurate single trait index) gave 0.53 accuracy. It seems possible to reduce the expected genetic deterioration in the reproductive traits by restricting the full index to result in zero genetic change in NSPC (rTI=0.48). This restriction will allow the breeder to mitigate the deterioration in DO and CI by 12 and 16 days respectively, by sacrificing with part of the expected genetic improvement in productive traits (29, 40 and 48% in MY, FY and PY, respectively).

Genomic population structure of sympatric sexual and asexual populations in a parasitic wasp, Meteorus pulchricornis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), inferred from six hundred single-nucleotide polymorphism loci.

In spite of the two-fold reproductive advantage, asexual reproduction is not common in nature, probably due to the associated genetic deterioration or reduced genetic variation. To understand how genetic diversity is maintained in existing asexual populations, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of sympatric sexual and asexual populations of a parasitic wasp, Meteorus pulchricornis, using 614 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. The genetic structures of the apomictic asexual populations were distinct, showing considerable genetic differentiation among them. Most of the asexual populations were highly differentiated from the sympatric sexual population; some asexual individuals could not be distinguished from members of the sexual population. Furthermore, significantly fewer multilocus genotypes were identified in the asexual populations (1-7) compared to the sexual population (42), which is consistent with their apomictic nature. The observed patterns of fixed heterozygous sites suggest that most asexual populations had the same evolutionary origin and have long since evolved individually; the detected gene flow between the sexual population and a few asexual population may indicate independent origins of asexuality. The potential role of occasional males in apomictic wasps is also discussed.

Heritability of Teat Condition in Italian Holstein Friesian and Its Relationship with Milk Production and Somatic Cell Score.

Simple SummaryMammary infections in dairy cattle are still a major problem which impair animal health and jeopardize breeders’ efforts to attain sustainable production. The first natural protection against pathogens ‘access to udder tissue is the teat canal. Teat canal morphology can be influenced by several environmental factors but the present study confirmed the existence of a genetic component. Moreover it was observed that the teat canal morphology is related to milk production and somatic cell count, the latter being an indirect indicator of mammary infections. Considering that the current selection objectives implemented in dairy cattle worldwide have shifted toward a more balanced breeding goal, with a larger emphasis on health traits, a further genetic deterioration in teat condition is not expected.In spite of the impressive advancements observed on both management and genetic factors, udder health still represents one of most demanding objectives to be attained in the dairy cattle industry. Udder morphology and especially teat condition might represent the first physical barrier to pathogens’ access. The objectives of this study were to investigate the genetic component of teat condition and to elucidate its relationship with both milk yield and somatic cell scores in dairy cattle. Moreover, the effect of selection for both milk yield and somatic cell scores on teat condition was also investigated. A multivariate analysis was conducted on 10,776 teat score records and 30,160 production records from 2469 Italian Holstein cows. Three teat scoring traits were defined and included in the analysis. Heritability estimates for the teat score traits were moderate to low, ranging from 0.084 to 0.238. When teat score was based on a four-classes ordinal scoring, its genetic correlation with milk yields and somatic cell score were 0.862 and 0.439, respectively. The scale used to classify teat-end score has an impact on the magnitude of the estimates. Genetic correlations suggest that selection for milk yield could deteriorate teat health, unless more emphasis is given to somatic cell scores. Considering that both at national and international level, the current selection objectives are giving more emphasis to health traits, a further genetic deterioration in teat condition is not expected.

Prophages are associated with extensive CRISPR-Cas auto-immunity.

CRISPR–Cas systems require discriminating self from non-self DNA during adaptation and interference. Yet, multiple cases have been reported of bacteria containing self-targeting spacers (STS), i.e. CRISPR spacers targeting protospacers on the same genome. STS has been suggested to reflect potential auto-immunity as an unwanted side effect of CRISPR–Cas defense, or a regulatory mechanism for gene expression. Here we investigated the incidence, distribution, and evasion of STS in over 100 000 bacterial genomes. We found STS in all CRISPR–Cas types and in one fifth of all CRISPR-carrying bacteria. Notably, up to 40% of I-B and I-F CRISPR–Cas systems contained STS. We observed that STS-containing genomes almost always carry a prophage and that STS map to prophage regions in more than half of the cases. Despite carrying STS, genetic deterioration of CRISPR–Cas systems appears to be rare, suggesting a level of escape from the potentially deleterious effects of STS by other mechanisms such as anti-CRISPR proteins and CRISPR target mutations. We propose a scenario where it is common to acquire an STS against a prophage, and this may trigger more extensive STS buildup by primed spacer acquisition in type I systems, without detrimental autoimmunity effects as mechanisms of auto-immunity evasion create tolerance to STS-targeted prophages.

Small Doses of Lorazepam Given at 3:30AM and at Bedtime Significantly Decrease early Morning Malignant Blood Pressure Spikes in Patients 65 Years and Older

This study builds upon a 9 year daily case study of a 71-80 year old Caucasian woman who documented at least 6 daily blood pressure readings per day, with a focus on the early morning malignant blood pressure spikes and the variety of blood pressure medications given to her by various physicians in several states. The documentation included time of day, duration of spike, and her perseverance in finding a prophylactic that ended these spikes. The pathophysiology of early morning malignant blood pressure spikes is not completely understood, but the primary cause of malignant blood pressure spikes in the morning may be a misdirected activation of the sympathetic nervous system due to a genetic mutation or deterioration due to age. There are contradictory opinions on the percentage of the elderly experiencing these spikes. Some research reports that these spikes are rare and usually found in men, African Americans and the poor. Other reports contradict these findings and state that malignant early morning spikes are common, but patients are not aware of them. All agree, however, that these early morning malignant spikes had a significant increased risk of cardio vascular event, stroke, heart attacks and death. This study was conducted because the older woman researched was knowledgeable about the human body [studied science, anatomy and physiology, and was a competitive athlete in her youth]. She was trained to know her body and could easily identify when the spikes began in early morning, timed the amount of time blood pressure went from normal to very high [2 minutes], and measured time it took for blood pressure to return to normal. Her way of coping with the 9 years of these stressful spikes was to conduct a research project and hopefully be able to help other senior citizens prolong their own lives.

Nutritional Impact on Embryo Implantation. Review of the Literature

The implantation procedure involves a “biofilmic” mechanism of organism protection against threat. Immune-inflammatory procedures expressed by nutritional, molecular and biochemical factors related to homeostasis ensure successful incorporation of blastocyst in the uterine ecology. The feeding chain of the host mother, the embryo and their microbiota modifies the human intrinsic environment, hormone levels, fetal characteristics and growth. This study was conducted to provide information about the effects of diet on implantation quality in an attempt to therapeutically synchronize the development of blastocyst within the nourishing mothers. The issue is generalized to all “windows of alien implantations”. The formation of life (: fertilization) and its development is a consequence of biochemical reactions (: mitochondrial cycle, replication, regeneration, oxidation, apoptosis, etc.). Homeostasis is called the body’s ability to keep its internal ecosystem stable despite exo orendogenous changes. The whole process involves energy consumption, operative coordination of various organs, especially between the nervous and endocrine systems. Instability of homeostasispredisposesto“miscarriages”. Key elements that enhance acid-base equilibrium, oxygen demands and indirectly implantation success are proteins, trace minerals, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, enzymes, fruit and vegetable phytonutrients, probiotics. Restriction of processed or foods polluted with endocrine disrupting chemicals and microbes, sugar, saturated and trans fatty acids prevents genetic deterioration, ageing and troublesome implantations. Balanced diet, digestion and hormone-dependent metabolism identifies the efficiency of our reproductive system and homeostatic implantation procedure. Key words: Implantation; Nutrition; Diet; Microbiota; Oxidative Stress; Inflammation;Immunity.

Assessment of genetic diversity among some fennel cultivars (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) by ISSR and SCoT Markers

Fennel (Family Apiaceeae) is one of those strategic medicinal and aromatic plants in Egypt with great value as an economical exported plant. Fennel undergoes propagation through breeding of some fennel cultivars from different world region in order to keep out of genetic deterioration in the native Egyptian cultivars, and enrich its favorable active ingredients. The advanced plant breeding programs depend on some markers such as morphological, cytological, biochemical and molecular markers to study its genetic diversity. In this work two molecular markers ISSR and SCoT markers were used to assessment of genetic diversity among six fennel cultivars (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) planted in Egypt; three of Egyptian origin (Balady, Elalamy and Azoricum) and the other ones are of different origin (Holland, Indian and German). The analyzed data reveals that the ISSR marker is more discriminating, provides more informative data than SCoT marker and can be reliable to evaluate the genetic diversity among the six examined cultivars as it performs the highest percentage of polymorphism 61% and higher unique bands number (4). According to ISSR molecular marker German and Indian cultivars are close distant; can exchange gene in between them smoothly despite the ultimate change in the environmental and weather conditions of their origin land. In conclusion, according to Nie,s and li,s coefficient based on SCoT marker analysis between the cultivars; Indian cultivar was quite distant from Azoricum by the same time that Azoricum is close distant to Holland, as well as; Elalamy is close distant to Balady.

De novo gonad transcriptome analysis of the common littoral shrimp Palaemon serratus: novel insights into sex-related genes

BackgroundThe common littoral shrimp Palaemon serratus is an economically important decapod resource in some European communities. Aquaculture practices prevent the genetic deterioration of wild stocks caused by overfishing and at the same time enhance the production. The biotechnological manipulation of sex-related genes has the proved potential to improve the aquaculture production but the scarcity of genomic data about P. serratus hinders these applications. RNA-Seq analysis has been performed on ovary and testis samples to generate a reference gonadal transcriptome. Differential expression analyses were conducted between three ovary and three testis samples sequenced by Illumina HiSeq 4000 PE100 to reveal sex-related genes with sex-biased or sex-specific expression patterns.ResultsA total of 224.5 and 281.1 million paired-end reads were produced from ovary and testis samples, respectively. De novo assembly of ovary and testis trimmed reads yielded a transcriptome with 39,186 transcripts. The 29.57% of the transcriptome retrieved at least one annotation and 11,087 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between ovary and testis replicates. Six thousand two hundred seven genes were up-regulated in ovaries meanwhile 4880 genes were up-regulated in testes. Candidate genes to be involved in sexual development and gonadal development processes were retrieved from the transcriptome. These sex-related genes were discussed taking into account whether they were up-regulated in ovary, up-regulated in testis or not differentially expressed between gonads and in the framework of previous findings in other crustacean species.ConclusionsThis is the first transcriptome analysis of P. serratus gonads using RNA-Seq technology. Interesting findings about sex-related genes from an evolutionary perspective (such as Dmrt1) and for putative future aquaculture applications (Iag or vitellogenesis genes) are reported here. We provide a valuable dataset that will facilitate further research into the reproductive biology of this shrimp.