Unique Pool Research Articles

Genetic Evaluation of the Breeds of Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) and Their Wild Ancestor Using a New Panel of STR Markers

To study the genetic differentiation and phylogeny of the breeds and populations of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L.), a test system based on multiplex PCR analysis of 16 highly polymorphic STR markers (Rt6, BMS1788, Rt30, Rt1, Rt9, FCB193, Rt7, BMS745, С143, Rt24, OheQ, С217, С32, NVHRT16, T40 and C276) was developed. Using this test system, 397 animals from 11 samples were studied. Four of these samples belonged to the wild forms of reindeer, while the rest of the samples represented the Nenets, Even, and Evenk breeds reared in different climatic zones of the Russian Federation. For 16 microsatellite loci, 204 alleles were identified, some of which could be considered breed-specific. It was demonstrated that more than 70% of the unique allele pool was concentrated in wild populations of reindeer. Statistical analysis of microsatellite data showed that the developed test system was an effective tool for identifying domesticated and wild forms of reindeer, testing the breed assignment, and determining the migration flows of a species over the vast territory of its distribution.

An intelligent diagnostic method based on optimizing B-cell pool clonal selection classification algorithm

The trend of intellectualization and complication of mechanical equipment makes the demand for intelligent diagnostic methods more and more intense in industry. In view of the difficulty of obtaining mechanical fault samples and the requirement of clear and reliable diagnosis results, intelligent diagnosis methods need to adapt to the learning of small samples and have the interpretability of white box model. In this paper, inspired by biological immunity, an intelligent fault diagnosis method was proposed-optimizing b-cell pool clonal selection classification algorithm (OBPCSCA). The OBPCSCA provides a method to construct unique B-cell pools corresponding to specific antigen pools, and uses greedy strategy to generate memory B-cell pools. The experimental comparison with AIRS and AICSL on four UCI benchmark data sets shows that the OBPCSCA has a better balance between the number of memory cells and the accuracy of classification. In particular, compared with AIRS, the OBPCSCA can greatly reduce the number of memory B-cells on the premise of ensuring high classification accuracy. In comparison with the top general classifiers, the OBPCSCA has certain competitiveness in these four data sets. Finally, the algorithm was applied to the bearing data set of Case Western Reserve University for fault diagnosis, and the results showed effectiveness of the algorithm.

Forensic characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of one branch of Tai-Kadai language-speaking Hainan Hlai (Ha Hlai) via 23 autosomal STRs included in the Huaxia™ Platinum System.

BackgroundHainan Island, located in the South China Sea and separated from the Leizhou Peninsula by Qiongzhou Strait, is the second largest island after Taiwan in China. With the expansion of Han Chinese and the gradual formation of “South Hlai and North Han”, nowadays, Hainan Hlai is the second largest population after Han Chinese in Hainan Island. Ha Hlai, distributed in southwest and southern Hainan Island, is the dominant branch of Hlai and speaks Ha localism.MethodsWe utilized the Huaxia™ Platinum PCR Amplification System (including 23 autosomal STRs and 2 sex‐linked markers) to obtain the first STR profiling batch of 657 Ha Hlai individuals (497 males and 160 females). In order to explore the genetic relationships between the studied Ha Hlai and other reference populations with different language families, population genetic analyses, including PCA, MDS, STRUCTURE, and phylogenetic analysis, were conducted based upon the raw data and allelic frequencies of the polymorphic autosomal STR markers.ResultsIn total, 271 distinct alleles were observed at the 23 STR loci. The number of diverse alleles ranged from 7 at TPOX locus to 23 at FGA locus, and the allelic frequencies varied from 0.0008 to 0.5533. In addition, the CPE and CPD were 1‐7.39 × 10−10 and 1‐3.13 × 10−28, respectively. The phylogenetic analyses indicated that Ha Hlai is a Tai‐Kadai language‐speaking and relatively isolated population which has a close genetic and geographical relationship with Hainan Hlai, and M95 is the dominant haplogroup in Ha Hlai (56.18%).ConclusionThe 23 autosomal STR genetic markers were highly polymorphic as well as potentially useful for forensic applications in Hainan Ha Hlai population. The phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that small geographic scale gene flows could not be ignored and the shaping of the unique gene pool for each population was the combination effects of geographic, language, and cultural isolations.

Revisiting nonclassical HLA II functions in antigen presentation: Peptide editing and its modulation.

The nonclassical major histocompatibility complex of class II molecules (ncMHCII) HLA-DM (DM) and HLA-DO (DO) feature essential functions for the selection of the peptides that are displayed by classical MHCII proteins (MHCII) for CD4+ Th cell surveillance. Thus, although the binding groove of classical MHCII dictates the main features of the peptides displayed, ncMHCII function defines the preferential loading of peptides from specific cellular compartments and the extent to which they are presented. DM acts as a chaperone for classical MHCII molecules facilitating peptide exchange and thereby favoring the binding of peptide-MHCII complexes of high kinetic stability mostly in late endosomal compartments. DO on the other hand binds to DM blocking its peptide-editing function in B cells and thymic epithelial cells, limiting DM activity in these cellular subsets. DM and DO distinct expression patterns therefore define specific antigen presentation profiles that select unique peptide pools for each set of antigen presenting cell. We have come a long way understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of such distinct editing profiles and start to grasp the implications for ncMHCII biological function. DM acts as filter for the selection of immunodominant, pathogen-derived epitopes while DO blocks DM activity under certain physiological conditions to promote tolerance to self. Interestingly, recent findings have shown that the unexplored and neglected ncMHCII genetic diversity modulates retroviral infection in mouse, and affects human ncMHCII function. This review aims at highlighting the importance of ncMHCII function for CD4+ Th cell responses while integrating and evaluating what could be the impact of distinct editing profiles because of natural genetic variations.

Boards’ Gender Diversity and Firms’ Financial and Ethical Performance in Pakistan: A Comparative Analysis

Board diversity has lately being a heavily contested topic of research. Women, having a unique pool of resources and human capital, bring unique and diverse skills to the board that could improve board performance which positively impacts firm value. This study aims to investigate board gender diversity and its impact on firms’ performance in Pakistan. More specifically, this study compares different performance characteristic of firms with and without gender diversity in boards. We also analyzed the effect of women on board (WOB) on different performance measures in the presence of control variables. These measures included Return to assets, equity and sales, TOBIN Q, and Ethical and Social Compliance (ESCC). For this, panel data of 4 years from 2015 to 2018 were collected from 100 companies, and ANOVA and regression analysis were performed. The comparative analysis showed that non-women component has a significantly higher ROA than women, whereas ROE is higher for women. Moreover, non-women board companies seem to take a higher financial risk by taking more leverage. Surprisingly, the ESCC factor seems to be significantly higher for non-women board companies showing better social compliance. Evidence from regression found remains inconclusive. In fact, the performance measures like Tobin Q, and ROA seems to be negatively affected by WOB, whereas ROE was positively and significantly affected. ESCC seems to have a strong and positive effect on Tobin Q in companies with WOB, as well as ROA in overall companies. Evidence also suggested that WOB also seems to have a negative effect on ESCC. Hence, in the case of Pakistan, the findings remained inconclusive because women representation on board is not enough to have an influencing role in the board. The size of the female representation on the board needs to be sufficiently large to have an influencing role on corporate boards.

Polymorphism of PIT‐1, PRL and GH genes in dairy cattle of the Caucasian Brown breed bred in various natural ecological zones of the Republic of Dagestan, Russia

Aim . The widespread use of so ‐ called commercial breeds leads to the loss of a unique gene pool of native breeds and the narrowing of the genetic base that is necessary to preserve and to increase the genetic diversity of cattle breeds which are still preserved. These breeds include the Caucasian Brown. In connection , the aim of this research was to study the polymorphism of PIT‐1, PRL and GH genes in dairy cattle bred in different ecological climatic zones of the Republic of Dagestan to identify the genotypes of carriers of selection ‐ significant marker alleles for their preservation and further use in the selection process. Material and Methods . Genotyping of the Caucasian brown breed cows bred in different natural climatic zones was carried out using PCR ‐ RFLP methods. The polymorphism of PIT ‐1, PRL and GH genes was studied, population analysis of their distribution in the cattle stock studied was carried out and the features of the genetic structure in the researched populations were studied in relation to the conditions of their habitat. Results . The specific allelic PIT‐1, PRL, and GH gene spectrum, characteristic for each animal population studied has been established. Homozygous and heterozygous carrier genotypes of the desired marker alleles with frequency of occurrence depending on both the gene and the animal population were identified. The genetic structural features of the genes studied in the researched populations were revealed. Conclusion . The data obtained indicate the genetic uniqueness of the Caucasian Brown breed bred in different natural climatic zones in the Republic of Dagestan and are probably associated with the manifestation of adaptations, the nature of which has developed under the influence of the prevailing ecological, natural climatic conditions of its habitat.

Characteristics of allele pool of cattle of simmental breed in Kazakhstan

One of the key aspects of studying of new breeds, types and lines of farm animals is to evoluation the state of their allele pool by using DNA markers. At the same time, it should be noted that a significant contribution to the characteristic of allelic diversity of breeds is made by regional populations, the formation of which in most cases took place on the basis of local cattle, which are carriers of their own unique allele pool. It is known that studies on microsatellites make it possible to determine the genetic diversity within and between breeds, and the average number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity, allow us to calculate the genetic parameters of populations and evaluate their diversity. The purpose of the research was to study the features of the allele pool of a new intra-breed type Ertis of Red-and-White dairy cattle in the Simmental breed. The sampling of biological materials has been carried out according to generally accepted methods. Genotyping has been performed with a set of StockMarks Cattle at 12 loci. Identification of amplification products has been performed on the abi Prism 310 genetic analyzer (Applied Biosystems, USA) using capillary electrophoresis. Decoding of the obtained graphical results has been carried out in the program GeneMapper 4,0. The results of researches on the genetic structure of the studied population of cattle have been reflected in the article. It has been found that there are 65 alleles in 12 loci of the microsatellite, of which 7 alleles with a frequency of occurrence of ≤1 % have been identified. The most informative loci were TGLA227, TGLA122, ETH3, and TGLA53. The average level of expected heterozygosity was 0,68, with random inbreeding – 0,0488. Studies of the genetic profile of the new intra-breed type of dairy cattle Ertis allowed us to establish the wide variety of allele pool in it, and the small number of rare alleles allocated gives grounds for the possibility of determining this population as an independent structural unit in Simmental breed.

Ecobiological and Soil Features of the Biogeocenosis of Azerbaijan

The article provides information about the uniqueness of the soil gene pool of Azerbaijan. A unique demonstration material on separate sections – soil science, agrochemistry, ecology, biology – has been collected in the Soil Museum, which illuminates the general historical annals of the developmen t of soil science. The expediency of creating regional soil museums is indicated. The article provides a list of 12 types of medicinal mosses identified in the bryoflora of Azerbaijan. A summary of the medicinal properties, location, and distribution is provided for each species. The authors establish that in the local bryoflora leaf-mosses of the following genera are the most represented: Sphagnum, Amblystegium, Bryum, Philonotis, Mnium, Polytrichum. The extracts obtained from mosses have been tested on five types of fungi such as: Fuzarium avenaceum, Fuzarium culmarum, Fuzarium oxysporium, Alternaria alternate, and Alternaria brassical. Soils, when used rationally in agriculture, “cultivate” and acquire new qualitative properties. Therefore, the development of soil protection measures in Azerbaijan is one of the important tasks facing the soil science of the republic. Detailed soil maps and cartograms of chemical, physical and agronomic properties of soils are the main scientific document in agricultural production. The comprehensive conservation and improvement of soils should be considered as an inextricable part of the zonal, regional, local farming systems and plans for the use of natural resources. Therefore, the protection of soils, their improvement and increasing their fertility is not only an important scientific task, but also the task of national knowledge. In this regard, the creation of Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Soil Museum will precisely follow this goal. The museum has collected unique soil materials, some of which are rare, with limited distribution areas of endemic and reference types. The museum has created departments of outstanding soil scientists. Among them, academician G.A. Aliev, who has done a lot to protect the ecosystems of Azerbaijan, occupies a special place. The creation of the Red Book, the main mission of which is the protection of species diversity and the unique soil gene pool of Azerbaijan, also acquires great importance.

Comparative genomics and pangenome-oriented studies reveal high homogeneity of the agronomically relevant enterobacterial plant pathogen Dickeya solani

BackgroundDickeya solani is an important plant pathogenic bacterium causing severe losses in European potato production. This species draws a lot of attention due to its remarkable virulence, great devastating potential and easier spread in contrast to other Dickeya spp. In view of a high need for extensive studies on economically important soft rot Pectobacteriaceae, we performed a comparative genomics analysis on D. solani strains to search for genetic foundations that would explain the differences in the observed virulence levels within the D. solani population.ResultsHigh quality assemblies of 8 de novo sequenced D. solani genomes have been obtained. Whole-sequence comparison, ANIb, ANIm, Tetra and pangenome-oriented analyses performed on these genomes and the sequences of 14 additional strains revealed an exceptionally high level of homogeneity among the studied genetic material of D. solani strains. With the use of 22 genomes, the pangenome of D. solani, comprising 84.7% core, 7.2% accessory and 8.1% unique genes, has been almost completely determined, suggesting the presence of a nearly closed pangenome structure. Attribution of the genes included in the D. solani pangenome fractions to functional COG categories showed that higher percentages of accessory and unique pangenome parts in contrast to the core section are encountered in phage/mobile elements- and transcription- associated groups with the genome of RNS 05.1.2A strain having the most significant impact. Also, the first D. solani large-scale genome-wide phylogeny computed on concatenated core gene alignments is herein reported.ConclusionsThe almost closed status of D. solani pangenome achieved in this work points to the fact that the unique gene pool of this species should no longer expand. Such a feature is characteristic of taxa whose representatives either occupy isolated ecological niches or lack efficient mechanisms for gene exchange and recombination, which seems rational concerning a strictly pathogenic species with clonal population structure. Finally, no obvious correlations between the geographical origin of D. solani strains and their phylogeny were found, which might reflect the specificity of the international seed potato market.

Genetic structure of amphi-Atlantic Laminaria digitata (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) reveals a unique range-edge gene pool and suggests post-glacial colonization of the NW Atlantic

ABSTRACT In the North-east (NE) Atlantic, most intertidal fucoids and warm-temperate kelps show unique low-latitude gene pools matching long-term climatic refugia. For cold-temperate kelps data are scarcer despite their unique cultural, ecological and economic significance. Here we test whether the amphi-Atlantic range of Laminaria digitata is derived from past glacial survival (and vicariance) in both NE and North-west (NW) Atlantic refugia (as suggested by niche modelling), or post-glacial (re)colonization (as suggested by low mtDNA divergence). We screened 14 populations from across the species range for 12 microsatellite loci to identify and map major gene pools and refugia. We assessed if NW Atlantic survival was supported by unique endemic variation, and if genetic diversity and structure were, as predicted from larger hindcasted glacial ranges, higher in the NE Atlantic. Microsatellite data subdivided L. digitata into three main genetic groups matching Brittany, northern Europe and the NW Atlantic, with finer-scale sub-structuring within European clusters. The relatively diverse NE Atlantic lineages probably survived the Last Glacial Maximum along unglaciated periglacial shorelines of the Armorican and Celtic Seas (Brittany cluster) and Ireland (northern European cluster), and remain well differentiated despite their relative proximity. The unique Brittany gene pool, at the contemporary European rear edge, is projected to disappear in the near future under high greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Low allelic diversity and low endemism in the NW Atlantic are consistent with recent post-glacial colonization from Europe, challenging the long-standing hypothesis of in situ glacial survival. Confusion with Hedophyllum nigripes may have led to underestimation of regional diversity of L. digitata, but also to overestimation of its presence along putative trans-Atlantic migration routes. Partial incongruence between modelling and genetic-based biogeographic inferences highlights the benefits of comparing both approaches to understand how shifting climatic conditions affect marine species distributions and explain large-scale patterns of spatial genetic structure.

Bacterial Cellulose as a Versatile Platform for Research and Development of Biomedical Materials

The unique pool of features found in intracellular and extracellular bacterial biopolymers attracts a lot of research, with bacterial cellulose (BC) being one of the most versatile and common. BC is an exopolysaccharide consisting solely of cellulose, and the variation in the production process can vary its shape or even its composition when compounding is applied in situ. Together with ex situ modification pathways, including specialised polymers, particles or exclusively functional groups, BC provides a robust platform that yields complex multifunctional compounds that go far beyond ultra-high purity, intrinsic hydrophilicity, mechanical strength and biocompatibility to introduce bioactive, (pH, thermal, electro) responsive, conductive and ‘smart’ properties. This review summarises the research outcomes in BC-medical applications, focusing mainly on data from the past decade (i.e., 2010–2020), with special emphasis on BC nanocomposites as materials and devices applicable in medicine. The high purity and unique structural/mechanical features, in addition to its capacity to closely adhere to irregular skin surfaces, skin tolerance, and demonstrated efficacy in wound healing, all stand as valuable attributes advantageous in topical drug delivery. Numerous studies prove BC compatibility with various human cells, with modifications even improving cell affinity and viability. Even BC represents a physical barrier that can reduce the penetration of bacteria into the tissue, but in its native form does not exhibit antimicrobial properties, therefore carious modifications have been made or specific compounds added to confer antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties. Progress in the use of BC-compounds as wound dressings, vascular grafts, and scaffolds for the treatment of cartilage, bone and osteochondral defects, the role as a basement membrane in blood-brain barrier models and many more are discussed to particular extent, emphasising the need for BC compounding to meet specific requirements.

Productive traits of marals of Tenginsky breed type of Altai-Sayan breed

One of the main tasks of the development of the national economics of the Altai Republic is a rapid and signifi cant rise in animal husbandry, both in terms of increasing the number of all animal species, and in terms of increasing the productivity of maral breeding. New methods, new breeds, and highly productive types and lines are needed to solve these complex problems. Any breed is characterized by the unique gene pool and is the result of a long, purposeful and hard work. The scientists had the task of breeding and researching a breed type of maral of Altai-Sayan breed, which is common in some regions of the Republic. The object of the research was marals of the breed type has been bred in the APC BF “Tenginsky”, which were distributed both in the Republic of Altai and in other regions of the Russian Federation. In the sharply continental environments of the highlands animals have been bred that are characterized by a large live weight, high antler productivity and reproductive traits. With regard to the typicality and technological properties of antlers, marals in the APC BF “Tenginsky” occupy the first place in the production of antler products and breeding young animals. A complex evaluation of the method for the distinctiveness, uniformity and stability of breed type of marals has shown that the antler productivity of Tenginsky type antlers has higher indicators not only relative to the marals of neighboring farms, but also higher than the average indicators of the AltaiSayan breed by 30 %. Adult Siberian stags of Tenginsky type have live weight in the range 270–350 kg. Marals of the tengin type belong to large deer with a height of 150–165 cm at the withers. The horns of marals of the Tenginsky type are large in size and have 6–7 appendages. A distinctive feature of the main array of antlers in the Tenginsky type of antlers is the presence of short, but thick in girth trunks. The antler productivity of individual Siberian stags reaches 19,0–23,6 kg of raw antlers. The bred type includes high-class animals (91,6 % elite and class I), which annually produce more than 5,5 t of antlers and at least 350 breeding calves.

SAMHD1 Functions and Human Diseases.

Deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) molecules are essential for the replication and maintenance of genomic information in both cells and a variety of viral pathogens. While the process of dNTP biosynthesis by cellular enzymes, such as ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) and thymidine kinase (TK), has been extensively investigated, a negative regulatory mechanism of dNTP pools was recently found to involve sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain and histidine-aspartate (HD) domain-containing protein 1, SAMHD1. When active, dNTP triphosphohydrolase activity of SAMHD1 degrades dNTPs into their 2′-deoxynucleoside (dN) and triphosphate subparts, steadily depleting intercellular dNTP pools. The differential expression levels and activation states of SAMHD1 in various cell types contributes to unique dNTP pools that either aid (i.e., dividing T cells) or restrict (i.e., nondividing macrophages) viral replication that consumes cellular dNTPs. Genetic mutations in SAMHD1 induce a rare inflammatory encephalopathy called Aicardi–Goutières syndrome (AGS), which phenotypically resembles viral infection. Recent publications have identified diverse roles for SAMHD1 in double-stranded break repair, genome stability, and the replication stress response through interferon signaling. Finally, a series of SAMHD1 mutations were also reported in various cancer cell types while why SAMHD1 is mutated in these cancer cells remains to investigated. Here, we reviewed a series of studies that have begun illuminating the highly diverse roles of SAMHD1 in virology, immunology, and cancer biology.

Next-generation sequencing of a human-animal reassortant G6P[14] rotavirus A strain from a child hospitalized with diarrhoea.

We previously reported the VP4 and the VP7 genotypes of the first G6P[14] rotavirus strain (RVA/Human-wt/GHA/M0084/2010/G6P[14]) from the stool of an infant with diarrhoea in Ghana. In the current study, we obtained the complete genome sequences using Illumina MiSeq next-generation sequencing to enable us to determine the host species origin of the genes by phylogenetic analysis. The genotype constellation was G6-P[14]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A11-N2-T6-E2-H3. Phylogenetic analysis showed that M0084 was a reassortant strain from RVAs of both artiodactyl and human host species origin. The level of sequence identity of the individual genes of M0084 to other sequences in the GenBank ranged from 95.2 to 99.5%; however, there was no single strain from the GenBank database with a complete genome sequence that was highly similar to that of M0084. To help trace the source of such unique gene pools being introduced into human RVAs, it will be useful to examine RVA sequences from potential reservoirs such as sheep and goats, which are common domestic animals in this locality.

Genetic structure of ural populations of Larix sibirica Ledeb. on the base of analysis of nucleotide polymorphism

Abstract Research on the state and dynamics of the gene pool (an important natural resource that determines the potential fitness of living organisms and, ultimately, their long-term survival) becomes an important problem in the context of increased anthropogenic environmental impact. They are especially important for key species of ecosystems of a global scale importance. Larix sibirica Ledeb., which spreads from the Western Siberia to the Russian North-West, is one of such forest tree species. We identified patterns of genetic structure of populations on the example of the species’ Western race on the Middle and Northern Urals. The analysis of nucleotide polymorphism of genes of ABA-inducible protein, MADS-box-transcription factor and of 4-kumarat: CoA ligase (a part of the gene) was used as a method. Evidences were obtained that a part of the populations previously formed a single large population. At the same time, populations with different gene pools were found. As a result, differences between populations within the region were more pronounced (fixation index FST = -0.021 – 0.260, total haplotype diversity Hd = 0.636 – 0.911; nucleotide diversity π = 0.005 – 0.009; number of mutations θW = 0.005 – 0.012) than in other parts of the race. Causes of this phenomenon are discussed. It was concluded that the larch forests with a unique gene pool and/or high genetic diversity should be objects of population-oriented forestry and conservation.

TORI HORSE BREED IN UKRAINE

The article presents the results of research on the Ukrainian population of the Tori horse breed. The relevance of the work is due to the need to preserve the unique gene pool of the breed, which originates from purebred breeding horses imported from Estonia in the 1980s and 1990s. Since then, a significant database of the Tori breed of Ukrainian selection has been accumulated, and only in 2019, with international cooperation with the Association of Tori horses of Estonia, the breeding register of horses of the Tori breed of Ukraine was formed. There are 136 mares and 48 stallions registered in Ukrainian farms that have passed a genetic examination and were used in reproduction. Horses are evaluated on a set of characteristics following the instructions on the evaluation of breeding horses. The genealogical structure was evaluated by the method of family analysis with the establishment of kinship relations with the ancestor of the genealogical line. The processes of microevolution of the Tori breed in Ukraine are described and the main factors influencing the dynamics of the number and quality of livestock are given. In contrast to the Estonian gene pool, the horses evaluated during the expedition survey of the Tori breed of domestic selection is mostly classified as a heavy sled type and differ in their original colors (palomino, buckskin, flaxen chestnut, isabello, roan). It is the original suit and universal working productivity that determine their distribution. An assessment of the exterior and measurements of the body of horses found that horses of modern reproductive composition significantly predominate in height at the withers, oblique length of the body and the girth of the pastern of horses imported in the 1980s from Estonia, mares also predominate in chest girth, and stallions are noticeably inferior. At the present stage of breeding, purebred breeding has been restored in the direction of obtaining horses of the heavy sled type with universal working productivity. An assessment of the genealogical structure established that stallions-producers of the Tori breed of the Ukrainian population belong to the classic Tori lines of Atilla 3101 T, Hingstar 317 T and Halis 348 T, there are also representatives of the Hanoverian line Ferro and the Trakenen line Kupferhammer. Broodmares are primarily descended from the Atilla line of 3.101 T (53.8 %) through the sons and grandsons of Apollo 19033 T and from the thoroughbred line of Dark Ronald (5.26%) through the crossbred Emin and his sons. The reproductive composition is formed by mares from 10 breeding families and nests that have existed since the creation of the breed: Hilby, Leidulaps, Pyayasuke, Valle, Desi, Iduani, Lorna, Buri, Salme, Alma. The conducted research shows that the originality and practicality of the domestic gene pool of the Tori breed require preservation and further improvement, in connection with international cooperation in the direction of breeding records and exchange of genetic material with the originator country.

Boards’ Gender Diversity and Firms’ Financial and Ethical Performance in Pakistan: A Comparative Analysis

Board diversity has lately being a heavily contested topic of research. Women, having a unique pool of resources and human capital, bring unique and diverse skills to the board that could improve board performance which positively impacts firm value. This study aims to investigate board gender diversity and its impact on firms’ performance in Pakistan. More specifically, this study compares the different performance characteristics of firms with and without gender diversity in boards. We also analyzed the effect of women on board (WOB) on different performance measures in the presence of control variables. These measures included Return to assets, equity and sales, TOBIN Q, and Ethical and Social Compliance (ESCC). For this, panel data of 4 years from 2015 to 2018 were collected from 100 companies, and ANOVA and regression analysis were performed. The comparative analysis showed that the non-women component has a significantly higher ROA than women, whereas ROE is higher for women. Moreover, non-women board companies seem to take a higher financial risk by taking more leverage. Surprisingly, the ESCC factor seems to be significantly higher for non-women board companies showing better social compliance. Evidence from regression found remains inconclusive. In fact, the performance measures like Tobin Q, and ROA seems to be negatively affected by WOB, whereas ROE was positively and significantly affected. ESCC seems to have a strong and positive effect on Tobin Q in companies with WOB, as well as ROA in overall companies. Evidence also suggested that WOB also seems to have a negative effect on ESCC. Hence, in the case of Pakistan, the findings remained inconclusive because women's representation on board is not enough to have an influencing role in the board. The size of the female representation on the board needs to be sufficiently large to have an influencing role on corporate boards.

ИТОГИ И ОСОБЕННОСТИ СЕЛЕКЦИИ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННЫХ И АРОМАТИЧЕСКИХ РАСТЕНИЙ В ФГБНУ ВИЛАР

The article presents the directions, methods and results of medicinal and aromatic plants breeding in Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR). The long-term work of several generations of scientists allowed to create of a unique gene pool of medicinal plants, including rare and disappearing species, on the basis of which new varieties are created, adapted to biotic and abiotic environmental factors. The characteristic of new varieties on the yield of raw materials and the content of biologically active substances is given. The characteristic of new varieties on the yield of raw materials and the content of biologically active substances is presented. As a result of breeding at VILAR, in 2010-2018, 20 varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants of 14 species were created and approved for use on the territory of the Russian Federation.

The structural basis for RNA selectivity by the IMP family of RNA-binding proteins

The IGF2 mRNA-binding proteins (ZBP1/IMP1, IMP2, IMP3) are highly conserved post-transcriptional regulators of RNA stability, localization and translation. They play important roles in cell migration, neural development, metabolism and cancer cell survival. The knockout phenotypes of individual IMP proteins suggest that each family member regulates a unique pool of RNAs, yet evidence and an underlying mechanism for this is lacking. Here, we combine systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and NMR spectroscopy to demonstrate that the major RNA-binding domains of the two most distantly related IMPs (ZBP1 and IMP2) bind to different consensus sequences and regulate targets consistent with their knockout phenotypes and roles in disease. We find that the targeting specificity of each IMP is determined by few amino acids in their variable loops. As variable loops often differ amongst KH domain paralogs, we hypothesize that this is a general mechanism for evolving specificity and regulation of the transcriptome.

Разнообразие медоносной пчелы Apis mellifera L. в Томской области по морфометрическим и молекулярно-генетическим маркерам

Разнообразие медоносной пчелы Apis mellifera L. в Томской области по морфометрическим и молекулярно-генетическим маркерам