Identification of S-RNase genotype and analysis of its origin and evolutionary patterns in Malus plants

Identification of the S genotype of Malus plants will greatly promote the discovery of new genes,the cultivation and production of apple,the breeding of new varieties,and the origin and evolution of self-incompatibility in Malus plants.In this experiment,88 Malus germplasm resources,such as Aihuahong,Xishuhaitang,and Reguanzi,were used as materials.Seven gene-specific primer combinations were used in the genotype identification.PCR amplification using leaf DNA produced a single S-RNase gene fragment in all materials.The results revealed that 70 of the identified materials obtained a complete S-RNase genotype,while only one S-RNase gene was found in 18 of them.Through homology comparison and analysis,13 S-RNase genotypes were obtained:S_(1)S_(2)(Aihuahong,etc.),S_(1)S_(28)(Xixian Haitang,etc.),S_(1)S_(51)(Hebei Pingdinghaitang),S_(1)S_(3)(Xiangyangcun Daguo,etc.),S_(2)S_(3)(Zhaiyehaitang,etc.),S_(3)S_(51)(Xishan 1),S_(3)S_(28)(Huangselihaerde,etc.),S_(2)S_(28)(Honghaitang,etc.),S_(4)S_(28)(Bo 11),S_(7)S_(28)(Jiuquan Shaguo),S_(10)S_e(Dongchengguan 13),S_(10)S_(21)(Dongxiangjiao)and S_(3)S_(51)(Xiongyue Haitang).Simultaneously,the frequency of the S gene in the tested materials was analyzed.The findings revealed that different S genes had varying frequencies in Malus resources,as well as varying frequencies between intraspecific and interspecific.S_(3) had the highest frequency of 68.18%,followed by S_(1)(42.04%).In addition,the phylogenetic tree and origin evolution analysis revealed that the S gene differentiation was completed prior to the formation of various apple species,that cultivated species also evolved new S genes,and that the S_(50) gene is the oldest S allele in Malus plants.The S_(1),S_(29),and S_(33) genes in apple-cultivated species,on the other hand,may have originated in M.sieversii,M.hupehensis,and M.kansuensis,respectively.In addition to M.sieversii,M.kansuensis and M.sikkimensis may have also played a role in the origin and evolution of some Chinese apples.

Serological Investigation into the Infected Genotypes of Patients with Japanese Encephalitis in the Coastal Provinces of China

Objective Genotypes(G)1,3,and 5 of the Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV)have been isolated in China,but the dominant genotype circulating in Chinese coastal areas remains unknown.We searched for G5 JEV-infected cases and attempted to elucidate which JEV genotype was most closely related to human Japanese encephalitis(JE)in the coastal provinces of China.Methods In this study,we collected serum specimens from patients with JE in three coastal provinces of China(Guangdong,Zhejiang,and Shandong)from 2018 to 2020 and conducted JEV cross-neutralization tests against G1,G3,and G5.Results Acute serum specimens from clinically reported JE cases were obtained for laboratory confirmation from hospitals in Shandong(92 patients),Zhejiang(192 patients),and Guangdong(77 patients),China,from 2018 to 2020.Seventy of the 361 serum specimens were laboratory-confirmed to be infected with JEV.Two cases were confirmed to be infected with G1 JEV,32 with G3 JEV,and two with G5 JEV.Conclusion G3 was the primary infection genotype among JE cases with a definite infection genotype,and the infection caused by G5 JEV was confirmed serologically in China.

Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis C genotype 3 infection:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus(HCV)is a blood-borne virus which globally affects around 79 million people and is associated with high morbidity and mortality.Chronic infection leads to cirrhosis in a large proportion of patients and often causes hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)in people with cirrhosis.Of the 6 HCV genotypes(G1-G6),genotype-3 accounts for 17.9%of infections.HCV genotype-3 responds least well to directly-acting antivirals and patients with genotype-3 infection are at increased risk of HCC even if they do not have cirrhosis.AIM To systematically review and critically appraise all risk factors for HCC secondary to HCV-G3 in all settings.Consequently,we studied possible risk factors for HCC due to HCV-G3 in the literature from 1946 to 2023.METHODS This systematic review aimed to synthesise existing and published studies of risk factors for HCC secondary to HCV genotype-3 and evaluate their strengths and limitations.We searched Web of Science,Medline,EMBASE,and CENTRAL for publications reporting risk factors for HCC due to HCV genotype-3 in all settings,1946-2023.RESULTS Four thousand one hundred and forty-four records were identified from the four databases with 260 records removed as duplicates.Three thousand eight hundred and eighty-four records were screened with 3514 excluded.Three hundred and seventy-one full-texts were assessed for eligibility with seven studies included for analysis.Of the seven studies,three studies were retrospective case-control trials,two retrospective cohort studies,one a prospective cohort study and one a cross-sectional study design.All were based in hospital settings with four in Pakistan,two in South Korea and one in the United States.The total number of participants were 9621 of which 167 developed HCC(1.7%).All seven studies found cirrhosis to be a risk factor for HCC secondary to HCV genotype-3 followed by higher age(five-studies),with two studies each showing male sex,high alpha feto-protein,directly-acting antivirals treatment and achievement of sustained virologic response as risk factors for developing HCC.CONCLUSION Although,studies have shown that HCV genotype-3 infection is an independent risk factor for end-stage liver disease,HCC,and liver-related death,there is a lack of evidence for specific risk factors for HCC secondary to HCV genotype-3.Only cirrhosis and age have demonstrated an association;however,the number of studies is very small,and more research is required to investigate risk factors for HCC secondary to HCV genotype-3.

Genotype-based precision nutrition strategies for the prediction and clinical management of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Globally,type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is one of the most common metabolic disorders.T2DM physiopathology is influenced by complex interrelationships between genetic,metabolic and lifestyle factors(including diet),which differ between populations and geographic regions.In fact,excessive consumptions of high fat/high sugar foods generally increase the risk of developing T2DM,whereas habitual intakes of plant-based healthy diets usually exert a protective effect.Moreover,genomic studies have allowed the characterization of sequence DNA variants across the human genome,some of which may affect gene expression and protein functions relevant for glucose homeostasis.This comprehensive literature review covers the impact of gene-diet interactions on T2DM susceptibility and disease progression,some of which have demonstrated a value as biomarkers of personal responses to certain nutritional interventions.Also,novel genotype-based dietary strategies have been developed for improving T2DM control in comparison to general lifestyle recommendations.Furthermore,progresses in other omics areas(epigenomics,metagenomics,proteomics,and metabolomics)are improving current understanding of genetic insights in T2DM clinical outcomes.Although more investigation is still needed,the analysis of the genetic make-up may help to decipher new paradigms in the pathophysiology of T2DM as well as offer further opportunities to personalize the screening,prevention,diagnosis,management,and prognosis of T2DM through precision nutrition.

Hepatitis B virus genotypes in precision medicine of hepatitis Brelated hepatocellular carcinoma:Where we are now

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major player in chronic hepatitis B that may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).HBV genetics are diverse where it is classified into at least 9 genotypes(A to I)and 1 putative genotype(J),each with specific geographical distribution and possible different clinical outcomes in the patient.This diversity may be associated with the precision medicine for HBV-related HCC and the success of therapeutical approaches against HCC,related to different pathogenicity of the virus and host response.This Editorial discusses recent updates on whether the classification of HBV genetic diversity is still valid in terms of viral oncogenicity to the HCC and its precision medicine,in addition to the recent advances in cellular and molecular biology technologies.

Multidimensional evaluation of salt tolerance in groundnut genotypes through biochemical responses

The manuscript explores the complex interplay between groundnut genotypes,salt tolerance and hormonal influence,shedding light on the dynamic responses of three specific groundnut genotypes,KDG-128,TG-37 A and GG-20,to salt treatments and gibberellic acid(GA3).The study encompasses germination,plant growth,total protein content and oil content as key parameters.Through comprehensive analysis,it identifies TG-37 A and KDG-128 as salt-tolerant genotypes,and GG-20 as salt-susceptible genotypes,which highlighting the potential for targeted breeding efforts to develop more resilient groundnut varieties.Moreover,the quantification of protein and oil content under different treatments provides vital data for optimizing nutritional profiles in groundnut cultivars.Principal Component Analysis(PCA) underscores the significance of the first principal component(PC1)in explaining the majority of variance,capturing primary trends and differences in plant length.Analysis of Variance(ANOVA) and hierarchical analysis confirm the presence of statistically significant differences in protein and oil content among the genotypes.Pearson's correlation coefficient matrix analysis reveals strong positive correlations between plant length and protein content,plant length and oil content,and a moderately positive correlation between protein content and oil content.These findings provide valuable insights into groundnut physiology,salt tolerance,and nutritional composition,with implications for future research in sustainable agriculture and crop improvement.

Subclinical hepatitis E virus genotype 1 infection:The concept of“dynamic human reservoir”

Hepatitis E virus(HEV)is hyperendemic in South Asia and Africa accounting for half of total Global HEV burden.There are eight genotypes of HEV.Among them,the four common ones known to infect humans,genotypes 1 and 2 are prevalent in the developing world and genotypes 3 and 4 are causing challenge in the industrialized world.Asymptomatic HEV viremia in the general population,especially among blood donors,has been reported in the literature worldwide.The clinical implications related to this asymptomatic viremia are unclear and need further exploration.Detection of viremia due to HEV genotype 1 infection,apparently among healthy blood donors is also reported without much knowledge about its infection rate.Similarly,while HEV genotype 3 is known to be transmitted via blood transfusion in humans and has been subjected to screening in many European nations,instances of transmission have also been documented albeit without significant clinical consequences.Epidemiology of HEV genotype 1 in endemic areas often show waxing and waning pattern.Occasional sporadic occurrence of HEV infection interrupted by outbreaks have been frequently seen.In absence of known animal reservoir,where HEV exists in between outbreak is a mystery that needs further exploration.However,occurrence of asymptomatic HEV viremia due to HEV genotype 1 during epidemiologically quiescent period may explain that this phenomenon may act as a dynamic reservoir.Since HEV genotype 1 infection cannot cause chronicity,subclinical transient infection and transmission of virus might be the reason it sustains in interepidemic period.This might be the similar phenomenon with SARS COVID-19 corona virus infection which is circulating worldwide in distinct phases with peaks and plateaus despite vaccination against it.In view of existing evidence,we propose the concept of“Dynamic Human Reservoir.”Quiescent subclinical infection of HEV without any clinical consequences and subsequent transmission may contribute to the existence of the virus in a community.The potential for transmitting HEV infection by asymptomatic HEV infected individuals by fecal shedding of virus has not been reported in literature.This missing link may be a key to Pandora's box in understanding epidemiology of HEV infection in genotype 1 predominant region.

Selenium Differentially Regulates Flavonoid Accumulation and Antioxidant Capacities in Sprouts of Twenty Diverse Mungbean(Vigna radiata(L.)Wilczek)Genotypes

Seed germination with selenium(Se)is promising for producing Se-biofortified foods.Mungbean(Vigna radiata(L.)Wilczek)sprout is freshly eaten as a salad dressed with sauce,making it superior for Se biofortification.Since the Se safety range for the human body is extremely narrow,it is imperative to evaluate the genotypic responses of mungbean sprouts to Se.This study evaluated the Se enrichment capacity and interaction withflavonoids and antioxidant systems in sprouts of 20 mungbean germplasms.Selenium treatment was done by immersing mung-bean seeds in 20μM sodium selenite solution for 8 h.Afterward,the biomass,Se amounts,flavonoid(particularly vitexin and isovitexin)contents,antioxidant capacity,and key biosynthetic gene expressions were measured.Sprout Se content was 2.0-7.0μg g^(-1) DW among the 20 mungbean germplasms.Selenium treatment differentially affected the biomass,totalflavonoid,vitexin,isovitexin,antioxidant enzyme activities,and antioxidant capacities of the mungbean germplasms.Eight germplasms showed increased biomass(p<0.05),the highest increasing by 127%,but 13 did not phenotypically respond to Se treatment.Seven and six germplasms showed varied levels of vitexin and isovitexin increment after Se treatment,the highest measuring 2.67-and 2.87-folds for vitexin and isovitexin,respectively.Two mungbeanflavonoid biosynthesis genes,chalcone synthase(VrCHS)and chalcone isomerase(VrCHI)were significantly up-regulated in the germplasms with increased vitexin and isovitexin levels(p<0.05).Moreover,Se enrichment capacity was significantly correlated with the vitexin,isovitexin,and antiox-idant capacities.In conclusion,mungbean sprouts could be a useful Se-biofortified food,but the Se enrichment capacity and nutritional response must be determined for each germplasm before commercialization.

Different genotypes regulate the microbial community structure in the soybean rhizosphere

The soybean rhizosphere has a specific microbial community,but the differences in microbial community structure between different soybean genotypes have not been explained.The present study analyzed the structure of the rhizosphere microbial community in three soybean genotypes.Differences in rhizosphere microbial communities between different soybean genotypes were verified using diversity testing and community composition,and each genotype had a specific rhizosphere microbial community composition.Co-occurrence network analysis found that different genotype plant hosts had different rhizosphere microbial networks.The relationship between rhizobia and rhizosphere microorganisms in the network also exhibited significant differences between different genotype plant hosts.The ecological function prediction found that different genotypes of soybean recruited the specific rhizosphere microbial community.These results demonstrated that soybean genotype regulated rhizosphere microbial community structure differences.The study provides a reference and theoretical support for developing soybean microbial inoculum in the future.

Acetylated-PPARγexpression is regulated by different P53 genotypes associated with the adipogenic differentiation of polyploid giant cancer cells with daughter cells

Objective:Polyploid giant cancer cells(PGCCs)with daughter cells express epithelial–mesenchymal transition(EMT)-associated proteins.Highly malignant tumor cells with EMT properties can transdifferentiate into mature tumor cells.In this study,we elucidated the potential for,and underlying mechanism of,adipogenic differentiation of PGCCs with daughter cells(PDCs).Methods:Cobalt chloride was used to induce PGCC formation in HEY(wild-type P53)and MDA-MB-231(mutant P53)cells;these cells were then cultured in adipogenic differentiation medium.Oil red O staining was used to confirm adipogenic differentiation,and the cell cycle was detected with flow cytometry.The expression of adipogenic differentiation-associated proteins and P300 histone acetyltransferase activity were compared before and after adipogenic differentiation.Animal xenograft models were used to confirm the adipogenic differentiation of PDCs.Results:PDCs transdifferentiated into functional adipocytes.Two different cell cycle distributions were observed in PDCs after adipogenic differentiation.The expression levels of PPARγ,Ace-PPARγ,and Ace-P53 were higher in PDCs after adipogenic differentiation than in cells before adipogenic differentiation.Ace-PPARγand FABP4 expression increased in HEY cells and decreased in MDA-MB-231 PDCs after p53 knockdown.A485 treatment increased Ace-P53,Ace-PPARγ,and FABP4 expression in HEY PDCs by inhibiting SUMOylation of P53.In MDA-MB-231 PDCs,A485 treatment decreased Ace-P53,Ace-PPARγ,and FABP4 expression.Animal experiments also confirmed the adipogenic differentiation of PDCs.Conclusions:Acetylation of P53 and PPARγplays an important role in the adipogenic differentiation of PDCs.

Host niche, genotype, and field location shape the diversity and composition of the soybean microbiome

Plant-associated microbes represent a key determinant of plant fitness through acquiring nutrients,promoting growth,and resisting to abiotic and biotic stresses.However,an extensive characterization of the bacterial and fungal microbiomes present in different plant compartments of soybean in field conditions has remained elusive.In this study,we investigated the effects of four niches(roots,stems,leaves,and pods),four genotypes(Andou 203,Hedou 12,Sanning 16,and Zhonghuang 13),and three field locations(Jining,Suzhou,and Xuzhou)on the diversity and composition of bacterial and fungal communities in soybean using 16S and internal transcribed spacer rRNA amplicon sequencing,respectively.The soybean microbiome significantly differed across organs.Host genotypes explained more variation in stem bacterial community composition and leaf fungal community composition.Field location significantly affected the composition of bacterial communities in all compartments and the effects were stronger in the root and stem than in the leaf and pod,whereas field location explained more variation in stem and leaf fungal community composition than in the root and pod.The relative abundances of potential soybean fungal pathogens also differed among host organs and genotypes,reflecting the niches of these microbes in the host and probably their compatibility to the host genotypes.Systematic profiling of the microbiome composition and diversity will aid the development of plant protection technologies to benefit soybean health.

Effects of erect panicle genotype and environment interactions on rice yield and yield components

The dense and erect panicle (EP) genotype conferred by DEP1 has been widely used in the breeding of high-yield Chinese japonica rice varieties.However,the breeding value of the EP genotype has rarely been determined at the plant population level.Therefore,the effects of the interaction of EP genotype and the environment at different locations and times on rice yield and its various components were investigated in this study.Two sets of near-isogenic lines (NILs)of EP and non-EP (NEP) genotypes with Liaojing 5 (LG5) and Akitakomachi (AKI) backgrounds were grown in the field in 2016 and 2017 in Shenyang,China,and Kyoto,Japan.In 2018,these sets were grown only in Kyoto,Japan.The average yields of the EP and NEP genotypes were 6.67 and 6.13 t ha^(-1)for the AKI background,and 6.66 and 6.58 t ha^(-1)for the LG5 background,respectively.The EP genotype positively affected panicle number (PN) and grain number per square meter (GNPM),mostly resulting in a positive effect on harvest index (HI).In contrast,the EP genotype exerted a negative effect on thousand-grain weight (KGW).The ratio of the performance of the EP genotype relative to the NEP genotype in terms of yield and total biomass correlated positively with mean daily solar radiation during a 40-day period around heading.These results indicate that the effectiveness of the EP genotype depends on the availability of solar radiation,and the effect of this genotype is consistently positive for sink formation,conditional in terms of source capacity,and positive in a high-radiation environment.

Locked nucleic acid real-time polymerase chain reaction method identifying two polymorphisms of hepatitis B virus genotype C2 infections,rt269L and rt269I

BACKGROUND The presence of two distinct hepatitis B virus(HBV)Pol RT polymorphisms,rt269L and rt269I,could contribute to the unique clinical or virological phenotype of HBV genotype C2.Therefore,a simple and sensitive method capable of identifying both types in chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients infected with genotype C2 should be developed.AIM To develop a novel simple and sensitive locked nucleic acid(LNA)-real timepolymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)method capable of identifying two rt269 types in CHB genotype C2 patients.METHODS We designed proper primer and probe sets for LNA-RT-PCR for the separation of rt269 types.Using synthesized DNAs of the wild type and variant forms,melting temperature analysis,detection sensitivity,and endpoint genotyping for LNA-RT-PCR were performed.The developed LNA-RT-PCR method was applied to a total of 94 CHB patients of genotype C2 for the identification of two rt269 polymorphisms,and these results were compared with those obtained by a direct sequencing protocol.RESULTS The LNA-RT-PCR method could identify two rt269L and rt269I polymorphisms of three genotypes,two rt269L types[‘L1’(WT)and‘L2’]and one rt269I type(‘I’)in single(63 samples,72.4%)or mixed forms(24 samples,27.6%)in 87(92.6%sensitivity)of 94 samples from Korean CHB patients.When the results were compared with those obtained by the direct sequencing protocol,the LNA-RT-PCR method showed the same results in all but one of 87 positive detected samples(98.9%specificity).CONCLUSION The newly developed LNA-RT-PCR method could identify two rt269 polymorphisms,rt269L and rt269I,in CHB patients with genotype C2 infections.This method could be effectively used for the understanding of disease progression in genotype C2 endemic areas.

Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction Stability Analysis of Grain Yield Performance in Cowpea Genotypes across Locations

Crops are largely influenced by climatic conditions during the growing season and therefore, minor deviation from optimal conditions can seriously threaten yield. In view of this, knowledge on the effect of environmental factors on crop growth and development could reduce the possibilities of significant yield loss. There have been statistical methods which have been developed in respect to characterizing crops but the additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) method integrates analysis of variance and principal components analysis into a unified approach. AMMI has been used in the analysis of G × E interaction with greater precision in many crops. The objective of this study was to assess the extent of genotype x environment interaction and to select the stable cowpea genotypes in Ghanaian environments over seasons using AMMI model. Eight genotypes of cowpea released by Crops Research Institute of Ghana over two decades were selected for evaluation in two locations and two seasons using RCBD with 3 replications in forest and transitional zones of Ghana. When the mean yields of various genotypes were subjected to the AMMI model, the results showed that, a highly significant (P 0.001) genotype by location and by year interaction effects for cowpea grain yield was recorded with 63.1% of the total variation attributable to environmental effects. The AMMI Bi-plot of PC1 and GGE Bi-plot gave 80.8% and 89.3% respectively. Genotype Asontem (G3) had the highest yield and was adapted to all the environments and seasons. Genotypes Asetenapa (G1) and Soronko (G6) were however not stable with consistently low yield across all the environments. It is recommended that farmers in Forest and transitional zones of Ghana should cultivate the highly stable cowpea genotypes in order to get stable yields across environments due to climatic change.

Evaluation of Soybean Genotypes (Glycine max L. Merr.) Susceptibility to Parasitic Nematodes in Western Part of Burkina Faso

Parasitic nematodes have been reported as one of the major constraints to soybean production worldwide. The majority of nematodes are so-called “free-living” and feed mainly on bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other nematodes. In Burkina Faso, the presence of parasitic nematodes has been reported in crops such as rice and sorghum. The objective of this study was to identify the genera and species of nematodes associated with soybean production in Burkina Faso. Investigations were carried out on 24 genotypes of a medium-maturity group of soybean at the Farako-Ba research station. Soil samples were taken from the trial soil before its installation. At harvest, soil samples with roots were taken from each genotype in the elementary plots. The composite sample is represented by 4 lots of soil samples with roots. Extractions and counts of nematodes were performed on the different lots. In total, 7 genera of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with soybean were identified. Among these genera, Pratylenchus (100% of infected genotypes), Helicotylenchus (97.28%) and Scutellonema (94.44%) were the most prevalent in terms of frequency and abundance. Some soybean genotypes were less susceptible to the genus Pratylenchus is known to be highly pathogenic in soybean. These were mainly the genotypes TGX2025-10E, TGX2023-3E and TGX2025-14E.

Evaluation of Some Promising Soybean Genotypes to Infestation with Cotton Leafworm (Spodoptera littoralis) under Field Conditions

A two-year study was carried out in Giza Agricultural Experiments and Research Station, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt in the 2020 and 2021 summer seasons to evaluate the relative tolerance of ten soybean genotypes for cotton leafworm infestation under field conditions. Soybean genotypes H11L145, H155, H113, H4L4, H15L17, H129, H30, H19L96, Giza 111, and Crawford were distributed in randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Soybean genotypes differed significantly for cotton leafworm at the 6th, 7th, and 8th week from sowing. Low values of cotton leafworm assemblages were recorded for H113, H4L4, H15L17, Giza 111, and H129. Low percentages of the larval survival number and weight, as well as the number of the survival of pupa were recorded by feeding on leaves of genotypes H4F4, H15L17, and Giza 111 under laboratory conditions. There were significant differences among the studied genotypes in most yield attributes in both seasons. Soybean genotypes H15L17, Giza 111, H113, H129, H19L96, and H4L4 gave higher seed yield per ha, meanwhile soybean genotypes H155, H19L96, H30, Giza 111, and H15L17 had higher seed oil content than the other genotypes in both seasons. The number and weight of larvae surviving, as well as the number of pupa survival, were negatively correlated with leaf total phenols and seed oil content. It can be concluded that soybean genotypes H15L17, H4L4, and Giza 111 are promising genotypes with desirable seed oil content for tolerating cotton leafworm infestation in breeding programs.

Evaluation of Genetic Divergence in Various Potato Genotypes Grown in Bangladesh through Different Traits Assessment

The goal of the study was to quantify the genetic diversity of different potato varieties. Five groups were named to classify the 25 genres of potatoes as: Cluster I (Lalpakri, Diamond), Cluster II (Hagrai, Green Mountain, G.M.O., Elvera), Cluster III (Atlantic, Shepody, Raja, Fundy, Multa, Granulla, Shibilati, Japanese Red), Cluster IV (Atlas, Brondy, Yucon Gold, Monona, Petrones, Cheroki), and Cluster V (Calwhite, Prelude, Allblue, Russet, Burbank, TPS-67). The highest and lowest genotypes are found in Clusters III and I, respectively. The two groups’ maximum inter-cluster distance (the cluster’s distance between them) demonstrates the enormous diversity between Clusters II & III. Cluster III had the greatest intra-cluster distance (distance within a set), whereas Cluster V had the smallest. In most cases, the distance between gaps was more significant than the distance within the holes, showing greater genetic diversity between different groups’ genotypes. The highest, second highest, and third highest eigenvalues, accompanying the positive canonical values for Vectors I and II of three characteristics: average tuber weight in each plant, the tubers number in each plant, and the eyes number in each tuber, showed the most outstanding contribution to the complete difference between genotypes. Of the nine features, the smaller leaves number in each plant, the shorter plant height, the more minor genotypes, the fewer eyes per tube generated from Cluster I, the maximum height of the plants, the high-quality tubers in each plant, the tubers number in each plant, the fresh weight in each plant, and the leaf number in each plant from Cluster II could be chosen in the role of parents in this program for hybridization. Given the size of the genetic distance, the various characteristics that contribute to the overall difference, and the average population size, Hagrai, Green Mountain, O.M.G., Elvera Cluster II and Cluster I, Lalpakri, and Diamond genotypes can be regarded as parents of hybridization programs in the future. Thus, producers can get guidance to enhance genetic diversity by selecting materials from different relatives and reducing their vulnerability to diseases and climate change.

Dosing strategies for de novo once-daily extended release tacrolimus in kidney transplant recipients based on CYP3A5 genotype

BACKGROUND Tacrolimus extended-release tablets have been Food and Drug Administrationapproved for use in the de novo kidney transplant population.Dosing requirements often vary for tacrolimus based on several factors including variation in metabolism based on CYP3A5 expression.Patients who express CYP3A5 often require higher dosing of immediate-release tacrolimus,but this has not been established for tacrolimus extended-release tablets in the de novo setting.AIM To obtain target trough concentrations of extended-release tacrolimus in de novo kidney transplant recipients according to CYP3A5 genotype.METHODS Single-arm,prospective,single-center,open-label,observational study(ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT037-13645).Life cycle pharma tacrolimus(LCPT)orally once daily at a starting dose of 0.13 mg/kg/day based on actual body weight.If weight is more than 120%of ideal body weight,an adjusted body weight was used.LCPT dose was adjusted to maintain tacrolimus trough concentrations of 8-10 ng/mL.Pharmacogenetic analysis of CYP3A5 genotype was performed at study conclusion.RESULTS Mean time to therapeutic tacrolimus trough concentration was longer in CYP3A5 intermediate and extensive metabolizers vs CYP3A5 non-expressers(6 d vs 13.5 d vs 4.5 d;P=0.025).Mean tacrolimus doses and weight-based doses to achieve therapeutic concentration were higher in CYP3A5 intermediate and extensive metabolizers vs CYP3A5 non-expressers(16 mg vs 16 mg vs 12 mg;P=0.010)(0.20 mg/kg vs 0.19 mg/kg vs 0.13 mg/kg;P=0.018).CYP3A5 extensive metabolizers experienced lower mean tacrolimus trough concentrations throughout the study period compared to CYP3A5 intermediate metabolizers and non-expressers(7.98 ng/mL vs 9.18 ng/mL vs 10.78 ng/mL;P=00.008).No differences were identified with regards to kidney graft function at 30-d post-transplant.Serious adverse events were reported for 13(36%)patients.CONCLUSION Expression of CYP3A5 leads to higher starting doses and incremental dosage titration of extended-release tacrolimus to achieve target trough concentrations.We suggest a higher starting dose of 0.2 mg/kg/d for CYP3A5 expressers.

Development and Validation of an Indirect Whole-Virus ELISA Using a Predominant Genotype VI Velogenic NewCastle Disease Virus Isolated from Lebanese Poultry

Commercial ELISA kits are commonly used to assess the levels of chicken antibodies against NewCastle Disease Virus (NDV) and trace a field strain infection. Nevertheless, the specificity of these kits vis-à-vis endemic strains in Lebanon remains in question. This study developed an in-house indirect ELISA system to evaluate the level of chicken antibodies against a predominant velogenic NDV strain belonging to Genotype VI. A checkerboard analysis comprised a five-factorial multivariate experiment to optimize the protocol: coating antigen concentration, blocking buffer utilization, serum and conjugate dilution levels, and OD reading wavelength. The developed test was optimized and then validated through parallel testing of the sera of 20 broilers and 5 layers using standard serological assays. There was a strong correlation between the developed ELISA results and those obtained with the Hemagglutination Inhibition test (P < 0.01), and a commercial NDV ELISA kit (P < 0.05). The specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility of the developed ELISA suggest that it can be used as the test of choice for the assessment of chicken antibody titers against locally circulating velogenic NDV strains, specifically those belonging to Genotype VI. It also offers better help in the serological detection of birds’ exposure to the said strains.

Physiological Resilience of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) Genotypes to Intermittent Periods of Drought Stress at Different Growth Stages

Different genotypes of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) grow well under conducive environmental conditions, provided that adequate soil moisture is available during vegetative and reproductive phases. However, drought stress is the major limiting factor to bambara production, which accounts for up to 40% of yield losses. This situation could worsen due to drastic and rapid changes in the global climate. Landraces grown by farmers are low-yielding. Understanding the physiological response of different genotypes to drought stress is key to achieving food security through crop improvement and diversification. This study focused on variations in the response of Bambara groundnut genotypes to intermittent drought stress during the crop’s critical growth (vegetative and reproductive) stages. The experiment was undertaken at CSIR-Crops Research Institute Screen-house. The treatments were used in a factorial experiment with three replications in a randomized complete block design. The Bambara genotypes showed considerable variability in tolerance to drought stress. Drought stress during vegetative and reproductive stages significantly reduced crop growth indices, the leaf relative water content, chlorophyll content and leaf area. Drought stress during vegetative and reproductive stages had a more severe impact on the seed yield of genotype Nav Red, reducing it by 69% and 13%, respectively. Farmers should pay more attention to adopting drought-tolerant and high-yielding varieties for improved Bambara groundnut productivity and livelihoods.