Elucidation of the Origin of the Monumental Olive Tree of Vouves in Crete, Greece

The olive tree of Vouves in Crete, is considered the oldest producing olive tree in the world with an estimated age exceeding 4000 years. In the present study, we sequenced two samples (from the bottom and the top of the tree) to elucidate the genetic relation of this ancient tree with other olive cvs as well as to gain some insights about its origin. Our results showed that both samples have different genetic origins, proving that this ancient tree has been grafted at least one time. On the basis of whole genome sequences the sample from the top of the Vouves tree showed relation of the same order than half-siblings to one accession corresponding to the present-day Greek cv ‘Mastoidis’. Nevertheless, in the framework of a microsatellite analysis it was found to cluster with the ‘Mastoidis’ samples. The Vouves rootstock (bottom sample) showed a clear grouping with the oleaster samples in a similar way to that of ‘Megaritiki’ Greek cv although it does not show any signal of introgression from them. The genomic analyses did not show a strong relation of this sample with the present-day Greek cvs analyzed in this study so it cannot be proved that it has been used as a source for cultivated olive tree populations represented by available genome sequences. Nevertheless, on the basis of microsatellite analyses, the Vouves rootstock showed affinity with two present-day Greek cvs, one “ancient” rootstock from continental Greece as well as monumental trees from Cyprus. The analysis of the impact of the variants in the gene space revealed an enrichment of genes associated to pathways related with carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. This is in agreement with what has been found before in the sweep regions related with the process of domestication. The absence of oleaster gene flow, its old age and its variant profile, similar to other cultivated populations, makes it an excellent reference point for domestication studies.

The genetic source tracking of human urinary exosomes

The genetic origins of nanoscale extracellular vesicles in our body fluids remains unclear. Here, we perform a tracking analysis of urinary exosomes via RNA sequencing, revealing that urine exosomes mostly express tissue-specific genes for the bladder and have close cell-genetic relationships to the endothelial cell, basal cell, monocyte, and dendritic cell. Tracking the differentially expressed genes of cancers and corresponding enrichment analysis show urine exosomes are intensively involved in immune activities, indicating that they may be harnessed as reliable biomarkers of noninvasive liquid biopsy in cancer genomic diagnostics and precision medicine.

From the Wild to the Cup: Tracking Footprints of the Tea Species in Time and Space

Tea is one of the world's most popular beverages, known for its cultural significance and numerous health benefits. A clear understanding of the origin and history of domestication of the tea species is a fundamental pre-requisite for effective germplasm conservation and improvement. Though there is a general consensus about the center of origin of the tea plant, the evolutionary origin and expansion history of the species remain shrouded in controversy, with studies often reporting conflicting findings. This mini review provides a concise summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the origin, domestication, and dissemination of the species around the world. We note that tea was domesticated around 3000 B.C. either from non-tea wild relatives (probably Camellia grandibracteata and/or C. leptophylla) or intra-specifically from the wild Camellia sinensis var. assamica trees, and that the genetic origins of the various tea varieties may need further inquiry. Moreover, we found that lineage divergence within the tea family was apparently largely driven by a combination of orogenic, climatic, and human-related forces, a fact that could have important implications for conservation of the contemporary tea germplasm. Finally, we demonstrate the robustness of an integrative approach involving linguistics, historical records, and genetics to identify the center of origin of the tea species, and to infer its history of expansion. Throughout the review, we identify areas of debate, and highlight potential research gaps, which lay a foundation for future explorations of the topic.

Application of Low Temperature during the Malaxation Phase of Virgin Olive Oil Mechanical Extraction Processes of Three Different Italian Cultivars

The malaxation step, one of the most important phases of the virgin olive oil (VOO) mechanical extraction process involved in the development of the main quality characteristics of the final product, was carried out at a low temperature (18 °C). The rapid control of malaxer temperature was handled with the same chiller as that of the heat exchanger used in a semi-industrial extraction plant. Low temperature was used during the full olive paste kneading process and also for half of this process, which showed that there was a significant impact on the phenolic and volatile contents of VOO. Trials were conducted on three different cultivars (Canino, Moraiolo and Peranzana), and their phenolic and volatile concentrations showed different quantitative and qualitative effects due to the prolonged use of low temperature after the crushing phase, as a function of the different genetic origins of the olives. The process of phenolic compound solubilization into the oily phase was negatively influenced by the use of low temperature during the entire malaxation period for all the cultivars, whereas the volatile fraction showed an improvement in VOO flavor mainly due to the oil extracted from Canino olives.

Dermatoglyphics and Essential Hypertension

Essential hypertension falls in the category of hypertension that has no identifiable cause and affects 90-95% of hypertensive patients. Several studies have utilize dermatoglyphics as models for preliminary diagnosing diseases with genetic and non-genetic origins. However, little studies have been conducted to determine the relationship between dermatoglyphics and essential hypertension. The aim of the study was to generate detailed baseline data on the relationship between dermatoglyphic patterns and essential hypertensive to serve as a preliminary non-invasive diagnostic tool. A total of 400 participants out of which 200 were clinically diagnosed essential hypertensive patients from the Hypertensive Unit of Mampong Government Hospital (Ghana) and 200 clinically confirmed normotensive individuals were recruited for the present study. The fingerprints and palm prints of the participants were taken using a CanonScan Lide 120 colour image scanner which was connected to a Hp laptop. For the distribution of the sub-types of fingerprint patterns, ulnar loop dominated in both groups with the control group recording the highest. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Significant difference was recorded between the two groups for the palmar ATD angle for both palms with the control group recording the highest. For the PIC patterns, PIC 300 and 310 dominated in both groups. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The results of the present study have shown that, there is some relationship between dermatoglyphics and essential hypertension. This will serve as a preliminary diagnostic tool for the earlier diagnosis of the disease. KEY WORDS: Dermatoglyphics, Essential Hypertension, ATD angle, PIC pattern.

Clinical depression: the fault not in our stars?

Objective: To consider how a mental health professional might respond to a newly diagnosed depressed patient who inquires into its potential genetic origins and whether they might pass depression on to their children. Methods: Data are provided on risk and pursuit of genetic pathways. Results: As most studies have focussed on DSM-defined major depression – and which is not an entity – no definitive data are available, while there are some few studies indicating a greater genetic risk in those with melancholic than those with non-melancholic depression. Conclusion: We will not know the genetic contribution to clinical depression unless its key sub-types are evaluated as separate conditions. Findings may assist a clinician’s response to an inquiring patient.

Large-scale sequencing of flatfish genomes provides insights into the polyphyletic origin of their specialized body plan

The evolutionary and genetic origins of the specialized body plan of flatfish are largely unclear. We analyzed the genomes of 11 flatfish species representing 9 of the 14 Pleuronectiforme families and conclude that Pleuronectoidei and Psettodoidei do not form a monophyletic group, suggesting independent origins from different percoid ancestors. Genomic and transcriptomic data indicate that genes related to WNT and retinoic acid pathways, hampered musculature and reduced lipids might have functioned in the evolution of the specialized body plan of Pleuronectoidei. Evolution of Psettodoidei involved similar but not identical genes. Our work provides valuable resources and insights for understanding the genetic origins of the unusual body plan of flatfishes.