Predicting heterosis and f1 performance in spring rapeseed (brassica napus l.): genetic distance based on molecular or phenotypic data?

In rapeseed, there is a constant need for increasing its genetic diversity, particularly through breeding of hybrid varieties in order to produce genotypes with improved seed yield, as well as other important agronomic traits. However, to create commercial hybrids, the knowledge of the genetic diversity of the parents is prerequisite, considering that the hybrid's performance greatly depends on the choice of parental lines. There is a lack of information about using the genetic distance to determine the extent of heterosis in spring rapeseed in Europe. The goals of this research were to determine the genetic variability of rapeseed breeding material for important agricultural traits, to analyse the differences in grouping of the parental genotypes based on their genetic distances determined by morphological traits and molecular markers and to estimate the correlation of the differently established parental genetic distances with hybrid performance, heterosis, general combining ability of both parents and specific combining ability in crosses. This will provide novel information for parental selection in order to develop a better approach for prediction of heterosis in spring rapeseed hybrid breeding program. The field trial included ten spring rapeseed genotypes that were crossed in a half diallel fashion thus making 45 hybrid combinations. Distances between parents were calculated based on data from 14 analysed phenotypic traits and 64 SSR markers. The obtained results showed that the parental genetic distance based on phenotypic traits was better in predicting heterosis and combining ability in comparison with the distance estimated by SSR analysis. Although the obtained results revealed that the genetic distance based on molecular markers had no correlation with mid-parent and high-parent heterosis, further studies are needed with a larger number and different types of markers to draw the final conclusion

Varijabilnost komponenti prinosa ozime uljane repice (Brassica napus L.) i njihova korelacija sa prinosom semena

Designing breeding programs for rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cultivars with improved seed and oil yields require information about the genetic variability of traits effecting seed and oil production. This investigation was undertaken in order to examine phenotypic and genetic variability, broad-sense heritability, genetic gain under selection and interrelationships of some agronomic and seed quality traits of investigated genotypes. Genotypes, years and their interaction showed significant variation for all studied characters. Phenotypic variability coefficients were higher than genetic ones. Broad-sense heritability estimates ranged from 12.66% (for ripening period) up to 52.12% (for days to first pods filling). Expected genetic gain was lowest for days to maturity (0.45%) and highest for height to the first lateral branch (12.94%). The analysis of genetic correlations revealed that seed yield per plant is highly and positively associated with pods per plant, oil content, plant height and ripening period, although significant negative correlations were found between seed yield per plant and leaves per plant, days to maturity, protein content, days to first pods filling, days to flowering, height of the first lateral branch and 1000 seed weight. Genetic path-coefficient analysis indicated that pods per plant and oil content were the most important components of seed yield per plant. Their direct effects on seed yield per plant were p=0.472 and p=0.082, respectively. Protein content had highly significant negative direct effect on seed yield (p=-0.365), followed by 1000 seed weight (p=-0.017) and height to the first lateral branch (p=-0.081). These observations will support the selection of genotypes with desired traits for further rapeseed seed and oil yield improvement.Za organizovanje dobrog oplemenjivačkog programa na uljanoj repicu (Brassica napus L.) neophodno je poznavanje genetičke varijabilnosti svojstava koja utiču na prinos semena i ulja. Istraživanja su sprovedena da bi se ispitala fenotipska i genotipska varijabilnost, heritabilnost u širem smislu, genetička dobit od selekcija i međuzavisnost agronomskih važnih osobina i svojstava kvaliteta semena kod ispitivanih genotipova. Genotipovi, godine i njihova interakcija signifikantno su varirale za sva ispitivana svojstva. Fenotipski koeficijent varijacije bio je veći od genotipskog. Heritabilnost u širem smislu kretala se od 12.66% (za vreme sazrevanja) do 52.12% (broj dana do formiranja prve mahune). Očekivana genetička dobit bila je najniža za broj dana do sazrevanja (0.45%) i najviša za visinu do prve bočne grane (12.94%). Analiza genetičkih korelacija ukazala je na visoku i pozitivnu vezu prinosa semena po biljci sa brojem ljuski po biljci, sadržajem ulja, visinom biljke i vremenom sazrevanja, a negativna korelacija je utvrđena između prinosa semena po biljci i broja listova po biljci, dana do zrenja, sadržaja proteina, broja dana do formiranja prve mahune, broja dana do cvetanja, visine prve bočne grane i težine 1000 semena Analiza koeficijenta putanje ukazala je da su broj ljuski po biljci i sadržaj ulja najvažnije komponente prinosa semena po biljci. Njihovi direktni efekti na prinos po biljci su bili p=0.472 i p=0.082. Sadržaj proteina imao je visokoznačajan negativan direktan efekat na prinos semena (p=-0.365), potom masa 1000 semena (p=-0.017) i visina do prve bočne grane (p=-0.081). Ova istraživanja predstavljaju osnov za dalje oplemenjivanje uljane repice poboljšanog prinosa semena i ulja

Međuzavisnost prinosa i komponenti prinosa genotipova jare uljane repice (Brassica napus L.)

The research was conducted in order to determine yield related characters which are more effective as selection criteria than yield itself. Three spring canola (Brassica napus L.) genotypes have been investigated for plant height, number of primary branches (including the main raceme), number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, seed weight per pod and 1000 seed weight and their correlations with seed yield per plant. Seed yield had highest correlation with number of pods per plant (r= 0.935 and r= 0.973 in Skopje and Strumica, respectively), followed by seed weight per pod (r= 0.693 and r= 0.729) and 1000 seed weight (r= 0.627 and r= 0.680). Path coefficient analysis was used to identify the direct and indirect effect of studied characters on seed yield. Number of pods per plant (p=0.759 and p=0.877 for Skopje and Strumica, respectively) and seed weight per pod (p=0.216 and p=0.225) had the highest direct effect on seed yield in both locations followed by 1000 seed weight (p=0.056 and p=0.010). The coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.943.Istraživanje je sprovedeno sa ciljem da se determinšu komponente prinosa koje mogu pretstavljati efektivniji kriterijum za selekciju nego prinos "per se". Kod tri jara genotipa uljane repice (Brassica napus L.) su bila ispitivana svojstva: visina biljke, broj primarnih grana (uključujući i centralnu), broj ljuski po biljci, dužina ljuski, broj semena po ljusci, masa semena po ljusci i masa 1000 semena, kao i njihove korelacije sa prinosom semena po biljci. Broj ljuski po biljci je imao najveću vrednost koeficijenta korelacije sa prinosom po biljci (r= 0.935 i r= 0.973 u Skoplju i Strumici). Nešto manju vrednost je imao koeficijent korelacije za masu semena po ljusci (r= 0.693 i r= 0.729) i masa 1000 semena (r= 0.627 i r= 0.680). Analiza path koeficijenta je korišćena za razdvajanje direktnih i indirektnih uticaja ispitivanih svojstava na prinos semena. Broj ljuski po biljci (p=0.759 i p=0.877 za Skoplje i Strumicu) i masa semena po ljusci (p=0.216 i p=0.225) su imale najveći direktni efekat na prinos semena po biljci u obe lokacije. Nešto manja vrednost ovog pokazatelja izračunata je za masu 1000 semena (p=0.056 i p=0.010). Koeficijent determinacije (R2) je iznosio 0.94

Correlation and Path Analysis of Quantitative Traits in Winter Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

In the paper presented, 30 rapeseed cultivars were studied. Seed yield components and their interrelations were analyzed using simple coefficients of correlation. The direct and indirect effects of such components on seed yield per plant were estimated using path analysis. The following traits were considered: plant height, height of the first lateral branch, number of lateral branches, number of pods per plant, seed oil content, 1000 seed weight and seed yield per plant. The highest seed yield per plant was estimated for cultivars ‘Sremica’, ‘B-009’, ‘Jet Neuf’ and ‘Falcon’. There was a complete correlation between plant height and height of the first lateral branch and a very strong one between plant height and seed oil content, as well as between plant height and seed yield per plant. The strongest direct effect on seed yield per plant was estimated for plant height, followed by the effect of number of pods per plant. This kind of investigation helps rapeseed breeders to optimize their breeding programs

Research on the influence of different types of anion-exchange cartridges on the quality of [18f]NaF radiopharmaceutical as part of production process development

[18F]Sodium Fluoride radiopharmaceutical is a sterile solution for intravenous administration, intended for skeletal visualization by positron emission tomography (PET). [18F]Sodium Fluoride for bone imaging was introduced in early 1960's, but with the increased availability of PET scanners in the last two decades, this radiopharmaceutical has growing use in clinical practice for the detection of bone metastases. The production process of [18F]NaF includes production of the radioisotope [18F]Fand purification and formulation of the [18F]NaF radiopharmaceutical. The radioisotope [18F]Fis produced by a cyclotron via the 18O(p,n)18F nuclear reaction, followed by recovery of [18F]Ffrom [18O] proton-irradiated water by adsorption and desorption from anionexchange resins. The fluoride anions are trapped on the anion-exchange SPE (solid-phase extraction) cartridge, and all other cationic and water-soluble radionuclide impurities present in irradiated enriched water are collected in the waste vial. Next step is desorption of the fluoride anions from the cartridge by elution with saline solution (0.9% NaCl). This study aimed to define the most appropriate type of anion-exchange SPE cartridge which could be used for routine production [18F]Sodium fluoride radiopharmaceutical which meets the quality requirements defined in European pharmacopeia monograph. For that purpose, as part of development of in-house production method, manual productions with four different types of anion-exchange cartridges were performed. The influence of sorbent substrate and counter-ion of the cartridge on the final yield and the quality of the produced radiopharmaceutical was investigated. The study also aimed to define the minimum volume of physiological solution required for the pH parameter to be within limits. The results have shown that the quality parameters: appearance, chemical purity, radiochemical purity and radionuclide purity were in defined acceptance criteria and did not differ when using different anion-exchange cartridges. The pH analyses have demonstrated that the type of cartridge and counter-ion influence the final pH of [18F]NaF solution. This study confirmed that the three types of anion-exchange resins (QMA-Cl-, QMA-CO32- and PS-OH-) could be used for production. In the experiments where QMA-Cl- was used, the required pH level was obtained even without dilution. The other cartridges could be used in the [18F]NaF production process, but further dilution is necessary in order to obtain the pH value in acceptance criteria. On the basis of this study, the QMA-Cl is chosen as a cartridge to be used in the further development of the in-house method for [18F]NaF radiopharmaceutical production

Influence of genetic selection on the myofibre type composition of porcine biceps femoris muscle: a comparative study of a purebred (Nero di Parma) and commercial hybrid pigs (Large White × Landrace × Duroc)

This study is aimed to evaluate histological features related to the different quality of meat cuts obtained from different pig breeds. We compared animals genetically selected to restore the original local purebred “Nero di Parma” pig, and highly selected fast-growing commercial hybrids. As weight is the main factor determining the time of slaughter, we compared equally weighing animals, sampled from slaughter for edible use, regardless of their age and sex, and immunohistochemically demonstrated the myofibre type composition of their biceps femoris muscle. In both groups we observed type I myofibres, situated as central islets, encircled by type IIA, IIX and IIB myofibres ordered in concentric rings according to the dynamic of their differentiation/maturation. However, the purebred pig muscles contained a smaller quantity of myofibres expressing the MyHC-IIb isoform, related to rapid postmortem glycolytic rate, meat toughness and poorer quality, in comparison to commercial hybrids. This proves that the latter are subjected to a more rapid transition in the expression of the different MyHC, probably as a consequence of genetic selection and breeding conditions, such as different feeding and housing reducing the possibility of continuous physical exercise. Further studies on the postnatal transitions timing of myosin heavy chain isoforms in functionally different muscles of various breeds are necessary to verify if they might be “artificially modulated”, with the aim to design breeding programs allowing a good balance between growth performance, muscularity and meat quality

ВЛИЈАНИЕ НА СОРТАТА, ЛОКАЦИЈАТА, ПЕРИОДОТ И РОКОТ НА СЕИДБА ВРЗ СОДРЖИНАТА НА МАСЛО И ПРОТЕИНИ КАЈ МАСЛОДАЈНАТА РЕПКА

In order to assess the influence of the cultivar, location, sowing period and sowing date on oil and protein content in rapeseed, three rapeseed cultivars were grown on two locations with four sowing periods and three sowing dates. All factors included in the analysis had significant effect on the analyzed traits. Regarding the sowing periods, the highest oil content had cultivar lisonne, when sown in the fall 2004 (50.64%). The same cultivar had the higest protein content in the spring 2005 (25.66%). The cultivars liaison and lisonne had higher oil content in Skopje, while lisora in Strumica. The protein content in all analyzed cultivars had higher values in Skopje than in Strumica. Oil content had its maximal value in all cultivars on the second sowing date. For the protein content, the highest and the lowest value were observed on the trird sowing date (23.99% in liaison and 22.25% in lisonne). The adequate selection of cultivars for specific locations, and correct determination of the sowing period and sowing date can significantly influence the quality traits in rapeseed

Multivariate analysis of quantitative traits can effectively classify rapeseed germplasm

In this study, the use of different multivariate approaches to classify rapeseed genotypes based on quantitative traits has been presented. Tree regression analysis, PCA analysis and two-way cluster analysis were applied in order todescribe and understand the extent of genetic variability in spring rapeseed genotype by trait data. The traits which highly influenced seed and oil yield in rapeseed were successfully identified by the tree regression analysis. Principal predictor for both response variables was number of pods per plant (NP). NP and 1000 seed weight could help in the selection of high yielding genotypes. High values for both traits and oil content could lead to high oil yielding genotypes. These traits may serve as indirect selection criteria and can lead to improvement of seed and oil yield in rapeseed. Quantitative traits that explained most of the variability in the studied germplasm were classified using principal component analysis. In this data set, five PCs were identified, out of which the first three PCs explained 63% of the total variance. It helped in facilitating the choice of variables based on which the genotypes' clustering could be performed. The two-way cluster analysissimultaneously clustered genotypes and quantitative traits. The final number of clusters was determined using bootstrapping technique. This approach provided clear overview on the variability of the analyzed genotypes. The genotypes that have similar performance regarding the traits included in this study can be easily detected on the heatmap. Genotypes grouped in the clusters 1 and 8 had high values for seed and oil yield, and relatively short vegetative growth duration period and those in cluster 9, combined moderate to low values for vegetative growth duration and moderate to high seed and oil yield. These genotypes should be further exploited and implemented in the rapeseed breeding program. The combined application of these multivariate methods can assist in deciding how, and based on which traits to select the genotypes, especially in early generations, at the beginning of a breeding program

Enamel and root surface roughness induced by ultrasonic instrumentation on treated premolars (an in vitro study)

Aim: To determine the effects of ultrasonic instrumentation on enamel and cementum of treated premolars. Material and method: 20 impact premolars were treated in vitro. After extraction, the teeth are kept in phosphate buffer solution pH 7,0. Distal side of the teeth (3 mm over and under ECJ) was treated with ultrasonic instrumentation. (KAVO, SONIC flex 2000; frequency 6000 Hz). After 48 hours, samples were examined by SEM microscope (VEGA3LMU). Samples were examined with magnification 17 x to 300x. Results: Number of fissures in 1 mm2 of enamel varies in the range of 28.35 ± 6.56 fissures; ± 95.00% KI: 25.28-31.42; and in 1mm2 of cement varies in the range of 151.90 ± 16.82 ; ± 95.00% KI: 144.03 - 159.77; The widest fissure varies in enamel in the range 6.78 ± 1.69 µm .; ± 95.00% KI: 5.99 - 7.57; the minimum is 2.85 µm. and the maximum value is 9.26 µm, and in cement varies in the range of 20.62 ± 6.83µm .; ± 95.00% KI: 17.42 - 23.81; the minimum is 9.26 µm and the maximum value is 38.36 µm. The narrowest fissure in enamel varies in the interval 5.99 ± 1.41 µm; ± 95.00% KI: 5.34-6.66; the minimum is 2.68 µm and the maximum value is 8.64µm, and in cement varies in the interval 17.25 ± 4.15 µm .; ± 95.00% KI: 15.31-19.19; the minimum is 7.62 µm. and the maximum value is 23.67 µm. Conclusion: Fissures in the enamel and cement were recorded after the ultrasonic instrumentation

Induced pluripotent stem cells in companion animals: how can we move the field forward?

Following a one medicine approach, the development of regenerative therapies for human patients leads to innovative treatments for animals, while pre-clinical studies on animals provide knowledge to advance human medicine. Among many different biological products under investigation, stem cells are among the most prominent. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are extensively investigated, but they present challenges such as senescence and limited differentiation ability. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are pluripotent cells with a virtually unlimited capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, but the use of embryos carries ethical concerns. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can overcome all of these limitations, as they closely resemble ESCs but are derived from adult cells by reprogramming in the laboratory using pluripotency-associated transcription factors. iPSCs hold great potential for applications in therapy, disease modeling, drug screening, and even species preservation strategies. However, iPSC technology is less developed in veterinary species compared to human. This review attempts to address the specific challenges associated with generating and applying iPSCs from companion animals. Firstly, we discuss strategies for the preparation of iPSCs in veterinary species and secondly, we address the potential for different applications of iPSCs in companion animals. Our aim is to provide an overview on the state of the art of iPSCs in companion animals, focusing on equine, canine, and feline species, as well as to identify which aspects need further optimization and, where possible, to provide guidance on future advancements. Following a “step-by-step” approach, we cover the generation of iPSCs in companion animals from the selection of somatic cells and the reprogramming strategies, to the expansion and characterization of iPSCs. Subsequently, we revise the current applications of iPSCs in companion animals, identify the main hurdles, and propose future paths to move the field forward. Transferring the knowledge gained from human iPSCs can increase our understanding in the biology of pluripotent cells in animals, but it is critical to further investigate the differences among species to develop specific approaches for animal iPSCs. This is key for significantly advancing iPSC application in veterinary medicine, which at the same time will also allow gaining pre-clinical knowledge transferable to human medicine