Genome evolution in the genus Sorghum (Poaceae)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The roles of variation in DNA content in plant evolution and adaptation remain a major biological enigma. Chromosome number and 2C DNA content were determined for 21 of the 25 species of the genus Sorghum and analysed from a phylogenetic perspective. METHODS: DNA content was determined by flow cytometry. A Sorghum phylogeny was constructed based on combined nuclear ITS and chloroplast ndhF DNA sequences. KEY RESULTS: Chromosome counts (2n = 10, 20, 30, 40) were, with few exceptions, concordant with published numbers. New chromosome numbers were obtained for S. amplum (2n = 30) and S. leiocladum (2n = 10). 2C DNA content varies 8.1-fold (1.27-10.30 pg) among the 21 Sorghum species. 2C DNA content varies 3.6-fold from 1.27 pg to 4.60 pg among the 2n = 10 species and 5.8-fold (1.52-8.79 pg) among the 2n = 20 species. The x = 5 genome size varies over an 8.8-fold range from 0.26 pg to 2.30 pg. The mean 2C DNA content of perennial species (6.20 pg) is significantly greater than the mean (2.92 pg) of the annuals. Among the 21 species studied, the mean x = 5 genome size of annuals (1.15 pg) and of perennials (1.29 pg) is not significantly different. Statistical analysis of Australian species showed: (a) mean 2C DNA content of annual (2.89 pg) and perennial (7.73 pg) species is significantly different; (b) mean x = 5 genome size of perennials (1.66 pg) is significantly greater than that of the annuals (1.09 pg); (c) the mean maximum latitude at which perennial species grow (-25.4 degrees) is significantly greater than the mean maximum latitude (-17.6) at which annual species grow. CONCLUSIONS: The DNA sequence phylogeny splits Sorghum into two lineages, one comprising the 2n = 10 species with large genomes and their polyploid relatives, and the other with the 2n = 20, 40 species with relatively small genomes. An apparent phylogenetic reduction in genome size has occurred in the 2n = 10 lineage. Genome size evolution in the genus Sorghum apparently did not involve a 'one way ticket to genomic obesity' as has been proposed for the grasses

Sedentary behaviour in rheumatoid arthritis: definition, measurement and implications for health

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Oxford Academic in Rheumatology on 07/04/2017, available online: https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kex053 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by high grade-inflammation, and associated with elevated cardiovascular risk, rheumatoid-cachexia and functional impairment. Sedentary behaviour (SB) is linked to heightened inflammation, and is highly pervasive in RA, likely as a result of compromised physical function and persistent fatigue. This high sedentarity may exacerbate the inflammatory process in RA, and hold relevance for disease-related outcomes. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the definition, measurement and health relevance of SB in the context of RA. Contradictions are highlighted with regard to the manner in which SB is operationalized, and the significance of SB for disease outcomes in RA is outlined. The advantages and disadvantages of SB measurement approaches are also discussed. Against this background, we summarize studies that have reported SB and its health correlates in RA, and propose directions for future research

The behavioural epidemiology of sedentary behaviour in inflammatory arthritis:where are we, and where do we need to go?

In the last decade, studies into sedentary behaviour in inflammatory arthritis have raised important questions regarding its role in this condition. Specifically, evidence is needed on whether sedentary behaviour might exacerbate adverse inflammatory arthritis outcomes, and whether reducing sedentary behaviour might offer an effective avenue for self-management in this population. Research exploring these important research questions is still very much in its infancy and lacks the direction and scientific rigour required to inform effective intervention design, delivery and evaluation. Behavioural epidemiology refers to research that aims explicitly to understand and influence health behaviour patterns to prevent disease and improve health. To this end, the Behavioural Epidemiology Framework specifies a focused approach to health behaviour research, which leads to the development of evidence-based interventions directed at specific populations. In this review, we introduce the Behavioural Epidemiology Framework in the context of research into sedentary behaviour in inflammatory arthritis and ask: where are we, and where do we need to go

An epigenetic breeding system in soybean for increased yield and stability

Epigenetic variation has been associated with a wide range of adaptive phenotypes in plants, but there exist few direct means for exploiting this variation. RNAi suppression of the plant-specific gene, MutS HOMOLOG1 (MSH1), in multiple plant species produces a range of developmental changes accompanied by modulation of defence, phytohormone and abiotic stress response pathways along with methylome repatterning. This msh1-conditioned developmental reprogramming is retained independent of transgene segregation, giving rise to transgene-null ‘memory’ effects. An isogenic memory line crossed to wild type produces progeny families displaying increased variation in adaptive traits that respond to selection. This study investigates amenability of the MSH1 system for inducing agronomically valuable epigenetic variation in soybean. We developed MSH1 epi-populations by crossing with msh1-acquired soybean memory lines. Derived soybean epi-lines showed increase in variance for multiple yield-related traits including pods per plant, seed weight and maturity time in both glasshouse and field trials. Selected epi-F2:4 and epi-F2:5 lines showed an increase in seed yield over wild type. By epi-F2:6, we observed a return of MSH1-derived enhanced growth back to wild-type levels. Epi-populations also showed evidence of reduced epitype-by-environment (e 9 E) interaction, indicating higher yield stability. Transcript profiling of epi-lines identified putative signatures of enhanced growth behaviour across generations. Genes related to cell cycle, abscisic acid biosynthesis and auxin response, particularly SMALL AUXIN UP RNAs (SAURs), were differentially expressed in epi-F2:4 lines that showed increased yield when compared to epi-F2:6. These data support the potential of MSH1-derived epigenetic variation in plant breeding for enhanced yield and yield stability

Testing a self-determination theory-based process model of physical activity behavior change in rheumatoid arthritis: results of a randomized controlled trial

Physical inactivity is prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, increasing the risk of poor physical health and compromised well-being. Interventions are therefore required to support physical activity (PA) behavior change in this population. This study examined whether a self-determination theory (SDT) based exercise intervention for people with RA, increased autonomous motivation for PA and in turn, moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and subjective vitality RA patients (n = 115) were randomized to a 3-month SDT-based psychological intervention + RA-tailored exercise program (experimental group, n = 59) or a RA-tailored exercise program only (control group, n = 56). During the program, the SDT-based intervention group received one-on-one consultations with a PA advisor trained in delivering strategies to promote autonomous motivation for PA. Well-established questionnaires assessed autonomous and controlled motivation for PA, MVPA (min/week), and subjective vitality at baseline (T1) and 3 months (T2). Path analysis examined the hypothesized theoretical process model. The model demonstrated an excellent fit to the data (n = 70, χ2 (26) = 28.69, p = .33, comparative fit index = 0.99, root square mean error of approximation = 0.04). The intervention corresponded to higher autonomous motivation and lower controlled motivation for PA at T2, after controlling for T1 autonomous and controlled motivation. In turn, changes in autonomous motivation from T1 to T2 significantly positively predicted changes in MVPA and subjective vitality. Results suggest an SDT based psychological intervention comprising autonomy-supportive strategies for PA predicted greater reported autonomous reasons for PA in RA patients participating in a tailored 3-month exercise program. Increased autonomous motivation linked to increased engagement in MVPA and feelings of vitality in these patients

Factors That Impact the Success of Interorganizational Health Promotion Collaborations : A Scoping Review

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The Lantern Vol. 30, No. 2, May 1963

• An Observation • Interim • The Collected Raid • Please • Love Me • Waiting With the Sun • Upon a Summit • A Hedonist Comments on His Religion • Like Ice • Dark Morning • So Soft the Breeze • The Heat of Youth • Solemnity • A Laugh • Peter Departinghttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/lantern/1084/thumbnail.jp