scholarly journals A QTL for conformation of back and croup influences lateral gait quality in Icelandic horses

BMC Genomics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria K. Rosengren ◽  
Heiðrún Sigurðardóttir ◽  
Susanne Eriksson ◽  
Rakan Naboulsi ◽  
Ahmad Jouni ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The back plays a vital role in horse locomotion, where the spine functions as a spring during the stride cycle. A complex interaction between the spine and the muscles of the back contribute to locomotion soundness, gait ability, and performance of riding and racehorses. Conformation is commonly used to select horses for breeding and performance in multiple horse breeds, where the back and croup conformation plays a significant role. The conformation of back and croup plays an important role on riding ability in Icelandic horses. However, the genes behind this trait are still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with conformation of back and croup in Icelandic horses and to investigate their effects on riding ability. One hundred seventy-seven assessed Icelandic horses were included in the study. A genome-wide association analysis was performed using the 670 K+ Axiom Equine Genotyping Array, and the effects of different haplotypes in the top associated region were estimated for riding ability and additional conformation traits assessed during breeding field tests. Results A suggestive quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the score of back and croup was detected on Equus caballus (ECA) 22 (p-value = 2.67 × 10− 7). Haplotype analysis revealed two opposite haplotypes, which resulted in higher and lower scores of the back and croup, respectively (p-value < 0.001). Horses with the favorable haplotype were more inclined to have a well-balanced backline with an uphill conformation and had, on average, higher scores for the lateral gaits tölt (p-value = 0.02) and pace (p-value = 0.004). This genomic region harbors three genes: C20orf85, ANKRD60 and LOC100056167. ANKRD60 is associated with body height in humans. C20orf85 and ANKRD60 are potentially linked to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in humans. Conclusions Our results show that the detected QTL for conformation of back and croup is of importance for quality of lateral gaits in Icelandic horses. These findings could result in a genetic test to aid in the selection of breeding horses, thus they are of major interest for horse breeders. The results may also offer a gateway to comparative functional genomics by potentially linking both motor laterality and back inclination in horses with scoliosis in humans.

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
Archana Khadgi ◽  
Courtney A. Weber

Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is an expanding high-value berry crop worldwide. The presence of prickles, outgrowths of epidermal tissues lacking vasculature, on the canes, petioles, and undersides of leaves complicates both field management and harvest. The utilization of cultivars with fewer prickles or prickle-free canes simplifies production. A previously generated population segregating for prickles utilizing the s locus between the prickle-free cultivar Joan J (ss) and the prickled cultivar Caroline (Ss) was analyzed to identify the genomic region associated with prickle development in red raspberry. Genotype by sequencing (GBS) was combined with a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) to analyze 8474 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and identify significant markers associated with the prickle-free trait. A total of four SNPs were identified on chromosome 4 that were associated with the phenotype and were located near or in annotated genes. This study demonstrates how association genetics can be used to decipher the genetic control of important horticultural traits in Rubus, and provides valuable information about the genomic region and potential genes underlying the prickle-free trait.


Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1065
Author(s):  
Reinhard Mischke ◽  
Julia Metzger ◽  
Ottmar Distl

Congenital fibrinogen disorders are very rare in dogs. Cases of afibrinogenemia have been reported in Bernese Mountain, Bichon Frise, Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Lhasa Apso, Viszla, and St. Bernard dogs. In the present study, we examined four miniature wire-haired Dachshunds with afibrinogenemia and ascertained their pedigree. Homozygosity mapping and a genome-wide association study identified a candidate genomic region at 50,188,932–64,187,680 bp on CFA15 harboring FGB (fibrinogen beta chain), FGA (fibrinogen alpha chain), and FGG (fibrinogen gamma-B chain). Sanger sequencing of all three fibrinogen genes in two cases and validation of the FGA-associated mutation (FGA:g.6296delT, NC_006597.3:g.52240694delA, rs1152388481) in pedigree members showed a perfect co-segregation with afibrinogenemia-affected phenotypes, obligate carriers, and healthy animals. In addition, the rs1152388481 variant was validated in 393 Dachshunds and samples from 33 other dog breeds. The rs1152388481 variant is predicted to modify the protein sequence of both FGA transcripts (FGA201:p.Ile486Met and FGA-202:p.Ile555Met) leading to proteins truncated by 306 amino acids. The present data provide evidence for a novel FGA truncating frameshift mutation that is very likely to explain the cases of severe bleeding due to afibrinogenemia in a Dachshund family. This mutation has already been spread in Dachshunds through carriers before cases were ascertained. Genetic testing allows selective breeding to prevent afibrinogenemia-affected puppies in the future.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Natalia A. Kulikova ◽  
Alexander B. Volikov ◽  
Olga I. Filippova ◽  
Vladimir A. Kholodov ◽  
Nadezhda V. Yaroslavtseva ◽  
...  

The paper is devoted to the development and performance testing of a soil conditioner based on leonardite humic substances (LHS) modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The modified HS were obtained by adding APTES to LHS solution at different mass ratios of LHS and APTES, followed by the investigation of siloxane structures using 31Si NMR spectroscopy. The Urbic Technosol was used as a model soil. The size and amount of water-stable soil aggregates were estimated using wet sieving and laser diffraction, respectively. Toxicity was evaluated by monitoring microbial substrate-induced respiration (SIR) and seedling bioassay. Laboratory column experiments demonstrated an increase in water-stability of the 3–5 mm soil aggregates after LHS-APTES application. Field tests showed an increase in the average weighted diameter of micro aggregates (from 59 to 73 μm) and water-stable macroaggregates (from 1.6 to 2.9 mm) due to the LHS-APTES amendment. A substantial increase in SIR from 5 to 9 mg CO2 (kg h)−1 was detected. Better survival of seedlings was observed. The obtained beneficial results indicate that APTES-modified HS can be successfully used as a soil conditioner. The formation of extended siloxane networks was suggested as the main mechanism of the observed improvement in the structure of the amended soils.


Genome ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (12) ◽  
pp. 549-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
Everestus C. Akanno ◽  
Graham Plastow ◽  
Carolyn Fitzsimmons ◽  
Stephen P. Miller ◽  
Vern Baron ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to identify SNP markers that associate with variation in beef heifer reproduction and performance of their calves. A genome-wide association study was performed by means of the generalized quasi-likelihood score (GQLS) method using heifer genotypes from the BovineSNP50 BeadChip and estimated breeding values for pre-breeding body weight (PBW), pregnancy rate (PR), calving difficulty (CD), age at first calving (AFC), calf birth weight (BWT), calf weaning weight (WWT), and calf pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG). Data consisted of 785 replacement heifers from three Canadian research herds, namely Brandon Research Centre, Brandon, Manitoba, University of Alberta Roy Berg Kinsella Ranch, Kinsella, Alberta, and Lacombe Research Centre, Lacombe, Alberta. After applying a false discovery rate correction at a 5% significance level, a total of 4, 3, 3, 9, 6, 2, and 1 SNPs were significantly associated with PBW, PR, CD, AFC, BWT, WWT, and ADG, respectively. These SNPs were located on chromosomes 1, 5–7, 9, 13–16, 19–21, 24, 25, and 27–29. Chromosomes 1, 5, and 24 had SNPs with pleiotropic effects. New significant SNPs that impact functional traits were detected, many of which have not been previously reported. The results of this study support quantitative genetic studies related to the inheritance of these traits, and provides new knowledge regarding beef cattle quantitative trait loci effects. The identification of these SNPs provides a starting point to identify genes affecting heifer reproduction traits and performance of their calves (BWT, WWT, and ADG). They also contribute to a better understanding of the biology underlying these traits and will be potentially useful in marker- and genome-assisted selection and management.


Author(s):  
Sandeep Kumar ◽  
S.P. Dahiya ◽  
Ankit Magotra ◽  
Yogesh C. Bangar ◽  
Asha Rani Garg

Background: Leptin is a varied hormone which plays vital role in body development by regulating the balance between food intake and energy expenditure by signaling to the brain. Leptin has diverse effect on controlling appetite, energy metabolism, growth, reproduction, body composition and immunity. The present study was aimed to screen candidate point mutation (g.332G greater than A) in the targeted genomic region of leptin gene in Munjal sheep. Methods: A total of 50 Munjal sheep were selected and genomic DNA was isolated in Automated Maxell RSC DNA/ RNA purification system by using Maxwell RSC whole blood DNA kit. Reported set of primers was used to amplify 463bp fragment encompassing targeted region (exon 3) of leptin gene. PCR-RFLP was performed to genotype targeted point mutation in our resource population. PCR products were digested by Cail 1 restriction enzyme to genotype g.332G greater than A (at 332th nucleotide of exon 3 leptin gene) non-synonymous mutation (Arg to Gln). Result: All studied samples resolved into monomorphic banding pattern, revealed only AA (463bp single band bp) genotype. The absence of candidate mutation in our resource population might be due to small sample size.


2006 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 4.1-4.21
Author(s):  
Sarbari Bordia ◽  
Lynn Wales ◽  
Jeffery Pittam ◽  
Cindy Gallois

Most practitioners teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) will agree that students come with some expectations about course content and teaching methodology and that these expectations play a vital role in student motivation and learning. However, the study of student expectations has been a surprising omission from Second Language Acquisition research. In the studies reported here, we develop a model of student expectations by adapting the Expectation Disconfirmation paradigm, widely used in consumer psychology. Student and teacher perspectives on student expectations were gathered by interviews. Responses shed light on the nature of expectations, factors causing expectations and effects of expectation fulfilment (or lack of it). The findings provide new avenues for research on affective factors as well as clarify some ambiguities in motivational research in second language acquisition. The model presented here can be used by teachers or institutions to conduct classroom-based research, thus optimising students’ learning and performance, and enhancing student morale.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Per-Øyvind Torvik ◽  
Roland van den Tillaar ◽  
Øyvind Sandbakk

Cross-country (XC) skiers employ whole-body exercise to generate speed through poles and skis. The choice of optimal pole and ski lengths are therefore of high importance. The aim of this study was to document pole and ski lengths among elite male and female cross-country skiers in the classical and skating styles and to investigate sex differences in body-height-normalized pole and ski lengths. Our secondary purpose was to correlate body-height-normalized pole and ski lengths with performance level within both sexes. In total, Norwegian men and women (n = 87 and 36, respectively), participating in the Norwegian XC championship 2020, were investigated. Most athletes used poles close to the length allowed by the International Ski Federation (FIS) in the classical style among both sexes, with men using slightly longer poles than women (p &lt; 0.05). Body-height-normalized pole lengths in skating were similar in men and women (around 90% of body height). Women used relatively longer ski lengths than men in both styles (p &lt; 0.05). Women showed moderate correlations (r = 0.43, p &lt; 0.05) between body-height-normalized pole lengths and sprint performance. Male and female cross-country skiers use as long classical ski poles as possible within the current regulations, while they use skating poles similar to recommendations given by the industry. The fact that men use longer body-height-normalized poles than women, where there is a correlation between pole length and sprint performance, indicate that faster women are able to better utilize the potential of using longer poles when double-poling. However, while women use relatively longer skis than men, no correlation with performance occurred for any of the sexes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1321-1328
Author(s):  
Abdul Aziz Khan J , Shanmugaraja P , Kannan S

MEMS Energy Harvesting(EH) devices are excepted to grow in the upcoming years, due to the increasing aspects of MEMS EH devices in vast applications. In Recent advancements in energy harvesting (EH) technologies wireless sensor devices play a vital role to extend their lifetime readily available in natural resources. In this paper the design of MEMS Cantilever at low frequency (100Hz) with different piezoelectric materials Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT-8), Tellurium Dioxide (TeO2), Zinc oxide (ZnO) is simulated and performance with different materials are compared. The results are analyzed with various parameters such as electric potential voltage, von mises stress, displacement. The paper discusses the suitability of the piezoelectric material for MEMS fully cochlear implantable sensor application.


Author(s):  
Imtiaz Husain

Logic has a vital role throughout human history. It considers important for the mental development and performance of the student. The present study was conducted to evaluate the proficiency and logic retaining power and the effect of time constraints on undergraduate university students. Tests comprised of three categories Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. Each section was comprised of 10 questions with four possible answers to respond within the 10 minutes duration. The test was divided into two different questionnaires. One hundred and seventy-five students both males and females took part in the survey and undergo mathematical logic tests. Scores, responding time and differences among the gender profound that males were more logical as compared to females to retain the mathematical logic and performed the assigned task in 23% less time and achieved 20% more scores. Whereas, the significant correlation found among the understanding level of logic, gender gap and the performance among the undergrad’s university students (r = 0.963; P<0.05), which depend upon the factor of time constraints as well as the self-concept and concentration about the topic.


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