Testicular effects of a postnatal GnRH antagonist in domestic cats

The aim of this study was to describe the histological effects of two high postnatal doses of the potent third-generation GnRH antagonist, acyline in the domestic cat testicle. Secondly, the physical, endocrine, and steroidogenic findings of this pharmaceutical protocol are also reported. Twelve postnatal littermate male kittens were administered acyline in a dose of 2.2 mg/100 g SC weekly for 2 weeks (ACY; n = 6), or placebo (PL; n = 6). All the animals were followed up until puberty when they were castrated. Serial faecal samples were collected until the age of 10 weeks for testosterone (T) measurement. The kittens achieved puberty without either age (236.5 ± 19.7 vs. 221.7 ± 23.7 days) or body weight (3.05 ± 0.15 vs. 2.78 ± 0.28 kg, P > 0.05) differences between ACY and PL, respectively. Acyline suppressed faecal T concentrations for 3 weeks (P < 0.01). From the fourth week on, both groups had low concentrations up to the end of the follow-up period (P > 0.05). Histological assessment of the testes showed that ACY cats presented a reduced height of the epithelium (P < 0.01) due to the diminished number of germinal cells accompanied by an enlarged luminal area (P < 0.01) with cellular debris (P < 0.01). The immunostaining of P450c17 also appeared partially diminished in ACY testes.

Phenotyping and Identification of Reduced Height (Rht) Alleles (Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b) in a Nepali Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Diversity Panel to Enable Seedling Vigor Selection

Nepal is facing more intense early-season drought stress associated with climate change. The introgression of reduced height (Rht) alleles to enable stem dwarfism in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) inadvertently reduced coleoptile length and growth plasticity in seedlings, making improved varieties less suitable for deep seeding; these alleles may have also reduced seedling root length. Therefore, with the long-term objective of breeding wheat for early-season drought stress, a Nepali spring wheat panel was evaluated to assess allelic variation at the most common dwarfing-associated loci (Rht-B1, Rht-D1) and their impact on coleoptile/seedling root traits, and to identify accessions with longer and/or more GA-responsive coleoptiles as parents for future breeding. Here, Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) was used to genotype accessions. The panel was phenotyped using the cigar-roll method in the presence/absence of GA3. Plant height was measured under field conditions. The results showed that Nepali landraces had a significantly higher frequency of the non-dwarfing allele Rht-B1a. The dwarfing alleles Rht-B1b and Rht-D1b had negative effects on coleoptile length but positive effects on the length of the longest seedling root. However, 40 potential semi-dwarf accessions (possessing Rht-B1b and/or Rht-D1b alleles) with long and/or more plastic coleoptiles suited for deep sowing were identified. This included 12 accessions that exhibited significant changes in coleoptile length in response to GA3 treatment.

Characterization of transcription factor MYB59 and expression profiling in response to low K+ and NO3− in indica rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Background Nitrogen and potassium are crucial supplements for plant development and growth. Plants can detect potassium and nitrate ions in soils and in like way, they modify root-to-shoot transport of these ions to adjust the conveyance among roots and shoots. Transcription factor MYB59 plays essential roles in numerous physiological processes inclusive of hormone response, abiotic stress tolerance, plant development, and metabolic regulation. In this study, we retrieved 56 MYB59 proteins from different plant species. Multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree, conserved motif, chromosomal localization, and cis-regulatory elements of the retrieved sequences were analyzed. Gene structure, protein 3D structure, and DNA binding of OsMYB59 indica were also predicted. Finally, we characterized OsMYB59 and its function under low K+/NO3− conditions in Oryza sativa subsp. indica. Results Data analysis showed that MYB59s from various groups separated in terms of conserved functional domains and gene structure, where members of genus Oryza clustered together. Plants showed reduced height and yellowish appearance when grown on K+ and NO3− deficient medium. Quantitative real-time PCR uncovered that the OsMYB59 reacted to abiotic stresses where its expression was increased in BRRI dhan56 but decreased in other varieties on K+ deficient medium. In addition, OsMYB59 transcript level increased on NO3− deficient medium. Conclusions Our results can help to explain the biological functions of indica rice MYB59 protein and gave a theoretical premise to additionally describe its biological roles in response to abiotic stresses particularly drought.

Comparison of Single-Trait and Multi-Trait Genome-Wide Association Models and Inclusion of Correlated Traits in the Dissection of the Genetic Architecture of a Complex Trait in a Breeding Program

Traits with an unknown genetic architecture make it difficult to create a useful bi-parental mapping population to characterize the genetic basis of the trait due to a combination of complex and pleiotropic effects. Seedling emergence of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from deep planting is a vital factor affecting stand establishment and grain yield, has a poorly understood genetic architecture, and is historically correlated with coleoptile length. The creation of bi-parental mapping populations can be overcome by using genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This study aimed to dissect the genetic architecture of seedling emergence while accounting for correlated traits using one multi-trait GWAS model (MT-GWAS) and three single-trait GWAS models (ST-GWAS) with the inclusion of covariates for correlated traits. The ST-GWAS models included one single locus model (MLM), and two multiple loci models (FarmCPU and BLINK). We conducted the GWAS using two populations, the first consisting of 473 varieties from a diverse association mapping panel (DP) phenotyped from 2015-2019, and the other population used as a validation population consisting of 279 breeding lines (BL) phenotyped in 2015 in Lind, WA, with 40,368 markers. We also compared the inclusion of coleoptile length and markers associated with reduced height as covariates in our ST-GWAS models for the DP. ST-GWAS found 107 significant markers across 19 chromosomes, while MT-GWAS found 82 significant markers across 14 chromosomes. MT-GWAS models were able to identify large-effect markers on chromosome 5A. FarmCPU and BLINK models were able to identify many small effect markers, and the inclusion of covariates helped to identify the large effect markers on chromosome 5A. Therefore, by using multi-locus models combined with pleiotropic covariates, breeding programs can uncover the complex nature of traits to help identify candidate genes and the underlying architecture of a trait, such as seedling emergence of deep-sown winter wheat.

Salivary citrullinated proteins in rheumatoid arthritis and associated periodontal disease

Periodontal disease (PD) can be an important precipitating factor in the production of citrullinated proteins. Its importance is emphasized, but it is not the only way to produce citrullinated proteins. The aim of the current study was to determine the periodontal conditions and the salivary citrullinated protein content in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to healthy controls. We also wished to correlate citrullinated protein levels in the saliva and serum biomarkers with the periodontal status and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement of patients with RA. Twenty-three patients with RA and 17 healthy controls participated the study. Saliva samples were taken: citrulline content of saliva was measured. Blood test results for patients with RA were collected. TMJ disorders were described. Cariological and periodontal indices were registered. Periodontal conditions and periodontal staging were also registered. Comparison of measured values between groups was performed. Intragroup correlation of patients’ values was counted. The prevalence of TMJ complaints was significantly higher in the RA group (8/23) versus controls (1/17). The patients with RA had worse periodontal condition because more patients with RA had gingivitis with a significantly higher bleeding on probing (BOP) (RA: 22.4 ± 25.0%; controls: 6.36 ± 11.6%; p = 0.018). Gingival index (GI) was also significantly higher in the patients than in controls (RA: 0.68 ± 0.58; controls: 0.19 ± 0.38; p = 0.010). The citrullinated protein (relative) content of saliva did not differ significantly (p = 0.147) between patients with RA (1102.2 ± 530.8) and healthy controls (1873.1 ± 1594.9). In RA, the salivary anti-CCP levels positively correlated with PD staging (R = 0.464, p = 0.039) . Control subjects more commonly had healthy gingiva than RA patients. Moreover, in the control group more individuals had intact and reduced height periodontium than periodontitis compared to the RA group. There was no significant difference in the levels of salivary citrulline between patients with RA and controls, despite the significant differences in their periodontal status. Thus, salivary citrulline levels are not associated with RA disease severity.

Expression of a maize SOC1 gene enhances soybean yield potential through modulating plant growth and flowering

Yield enhancement is a top priority for soybean (Glycine max Merr.) breeding. SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1) is a major integrator in flowering pathway, and it is anticipated to be capable of regulating soybean reproductive stages through its interactions with other MADS-box genes. Thus, we produced transgenic soybean for a constitutive expression of a maize SOC1 (ZmSOC1). T1 transgenic plants, in comparison with the nontransgenic plants, showed early flowering, reduced height of mature plants, and no significant impact on grain quality. The transgenic plants also had a 13.5–23.2% of higher grain weight per plant than the nontransgenic plants in two experiments. Transcriptome analysis in the leaves of 34-day old plants revealed 58 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) responding to the expression of the ZmSOC1, of which the upregulated FRUITFULL MADS-box gene, as well as the transcription factor VASCULAR PLANT ONE-ZINC FINGER1, contributed to the promoted flowering. The downregulated gibberellin receptor GID1B could play a major role in reducing the plant height. The remaining DEGs suggested broader effects on the other unmeasured traits (e.g., photosynthesis efficiency and abiotic tolerance), which could contribute to yield increase. Overall, modulating expression of SOC1 in soybean provides a novel and promising approach to regulate plant growth and reproductive development and thus has a potential either to enhance grain yield or to change plant adaptability.

Nutritional deficiency in scarlet eggplant limits its growth by modifying the absorption and use efficiency of macronutrients

The intensity damages caused by nutritional deficiency in growing plants can vary with nutrients. The effects caused by nutrient omission in the plant nutritional efficiency in relation to the absorption and use of the missing nutrient, and the reasons why these damages reflect in other nutrients have not yet been reported in the culture of scarlet eggplant. A better understanding of the nutritional mechanisms involved may clarify why certain nutrients cause greater limitations than other during plants growth. Thus, this study was designed with the aim of evaluating the damages caused by macronutrients deficiency in the culture of scarlet eggplant in the accumulation of these nutrients, nutritional deficiency, plants growth and in visual symptoms. The experiment was carried out in a controlled environment where plants were cultivated in a hydroponic system. Treatments consisted of supplying a complete Hoagland and Arnon solution (CS), and other nutrient solutions with individual omissions of nitrogen (-N), phosphorus (-P), potassium (-K), calcium (-Ca), magnesium (-Mg) and sulphur (-S). When a nutrient deficiency arose, nutritional analyses, growth and visual symptoms were analyzed. The omissions of N, S and K in the nutrient solution resulted in lower accumulation of all macronutrients in both the above and below ground biomass. Individual omissions resulted in nutritional imbalances with reflexes in the absorption efficiencies and use of the missing nutrient, as well as of other nutrients, revealing that the metabolism involves multiple nutritional interactions. Losses of nutritional efficiencies of macronutrients caused detrimental effects on plants growth, with reduced height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, and biomass production in above ground and below ground. From the losses in production in above ground biomass, the order of macronutrients limitation was N, S, K, Ca, Mg, and P, with reductions of 99, 96, 94, 76, 51 and 46%, respectively, in comparison to plants cultivated in CS. The most limiting nutrients were N, S, and K, seen that its deficiencies affected the metabolism of all other nutrients. This study demonstrates the importance of an adequate nutritional management of N, S, and K in the cultivation of scarlet eggplant.

Rapid analysis of strigolactone receptor activity in a Nicotiana benthamiana dwarf14 mutant

DWARF14 (D14) is an ɑ/β-hydrolase and receptor for the plant hormone strigolactone (SL) in angiosperms. Upon SL perception, D14 works with MORE AXILLARY GROWTH2 (MAX2) to trigger polyubiquitination and degradation of DWARF53(D53)-type proteins in the SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2 1-LIKE (SMXL) family. We used CRISPR-Cas9 to generate knockout alleles of the two homoeologous D14 genes in the Nicotiana benthamiana genome. The Nbd14a,b double mutant had several phenotypes that are consistent with the loss of SL perception in other plants, including increased axillary bud outgrowth, reduced height, shortened petioles, and smaller leaves. A ratiometric fluorescent reporter system was used to monitor degradation of SMXL7 from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtSMXL7) after transient expression in N. benthamiana and treatment with the strigolactone analog GR24. AtSMXL7 was degraded after treatment with GR245DS, which has the stereochemical configuration of SLs, as well as its enantiomer GR24ent-5DS. In Nbd14a,b leaves, AtSMXL7 abundance was unaffected by GR24. Transient coexpression of AtD14 with the AtSMXL7 reporter in Nbd14a,b restored the degradation response to GR24, but required an active catalytic triad. With this platform, we evaluated the ability of several AtD14 mutants that had not been characterized in plants to target AtSMXL7 for degradation.

Research of restrained bending of aircraft parts with curved sides

In the article the authors present a method of restrained elastomer bending of aircraft sheet parts with curved sides. Manufacturing of a part is carried out in two transitions; as a result of the first transition a part with thinning in the radial part is obtained, the second transition is carried out on the mold block of reduced height, as a result of which the resulting wave of excess material deforms along the radius of the bending mandrel. In the finished part, we can observe an increase in the thickness of the workpiece in the zone of the bend radius. Numerical studies of the process were conducted using the ANSYS/LS-DYNA software complex. As part of the study, the process flow model was worked out, the distribution of thickness of the material of the part over the entire surface under consideration was obtained, and graphs were plotted showing the elastomer pressure distributions and the deformation of the material of the part at characteristic points.