Variabilidad genética del pez Lutjanus guttatus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) mediante el uso de microsatélites en Costa Rica / Genetic variability of the fish Lutjanus guttatus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) using microsatellites in Costa Rica

Introducción: El pargo mancha es un pez marino de alto consumo e interés comercial en Costa Rica que está sometido a una fuerte presión pesquera, la cual puede afectar la diversidad genética y generar problemas por depresión endogámica. Objetivo: Evaluar el estado genético de la población de Lutjanus guttatus mediante el uso microsatélites. Métodos: Se recolectaron muestras entre el 2018 y 2019 y se estudiaron 44 individuos de cada una de las localidades del Golfo de Nicoya y Golfo Dulce. Se realizó la extracción de ADN y la amplificación de diez loci con microsatélites mediante PCR, para la determinación del genotipo, análisis de diversidad genética y estructura poblacional. Resultados: Los parámetros de diversidad indican un elevado polimorfismo asociado con un alto número de alelos obtenidos por locus, pero con bajos niveles de heterocigosidad observada en comparación con la esperada (Ho= 0.774 y 0.800 y He= 0.948 y 0.954 para Golfo de Nicoya y Golfo Dulce, respectivamente). No hay evidencia suficiente para decir que las dos poblaciones son distintas (FST= 0.00264, P > 0.05). La desviación del Equilibrio de Hardy-Weinberg indica la posible mezcla de organismos de origen distinto a los del medio silvestre. Conclusiones: L. guttatus tiene niveles altos de diversidad genética, no hay evidencia de diferenciación en subpoblaciones genéticas, lo que en manejo pesquerías se considera una sola población panmíctica. La posible mezcla de individuos de origen distinto al silvestre sugiere la presencia de organismos de un programa de repoblación o de cultivos comerciales en la región. El uso de marcadores genéticos se recomienda para el monitoreo, además, en programas de repoblación y evaluar su efecto.

Introduction: The spotted snapper is a high-consumption and commercially important marine fish in Costa Rica, subjected to heavy fishing pressures, which can affect genetic diversity and generate problems due to inbreeding depression. Objective: To evaluate the genetic status of the population of Lutjanus guttatus using microsatellites. Methods: Samples were collected between 2018 and 2019, and 44 individuals from each of the localities of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Gulf of Dulce were studied. DNA extraction and amplification of ten loci with microsatellites using PCR were performed, followed by genotyping, analysis of genetic diversity, and population structure. Results: Diversity parameters indicate a high polymorphism associated with a high number of alleles obtained per locus, but with low levels of observed heterozygosity compared to expected (Ho= 0.774 and 0.800, and He= 0.948 and 0.954 for the Gulf of Nicoya and Gulf of Dulce, respectively). There is not enough evidence to say that the two populations are distinct (FST= 0.00264, P > 0.05). Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was recorded, indicating possible mixing of organisms of different origin from the wild environment. Conclusions: L. guttatus presents high levels of genetic diversity, without evidence of differentiation in genetic subpopulations. For fisheries management purposes, they would be considered a single panmictic population. The possible mixing with wild individuals suggests the presence of organisms derived from a restocking or commercial cultivation program carried out in the region. The use of genetic markers is recommended to maintain monitoring, follow up on restocking programs and evaluate their effect.

Lightweight males of Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) neglect lightweight females due low reproductive fitness / Machos leves de Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) negligenciam fêmeas leves devido ao baixo desempenho reprodutivo

Abstract Sexual choice by male stink bugs is important because females that experience food shortages lay fewer eggs with lower viability compared with well-fed females. In this study, we investigated whether Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) males fed with a low-quality diet during its nymphal stage show selectivity for sexual partners resulting in high-quality progeny. Lightweight males and females were obtained from nymphs fed weekly with Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) pupae. By contrast, heavyweight males and females were fed three times a week and received an extra nutritional source: cotton leaves, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae). Lightweight males preferred to mate with heavy females (77.78 ± 14.69%), whereas heavyweight males did not discriminated between light or heavyweight females. Females mated with lightweight males showed similar levels of reproduction to those mated with heavyweight males. The results provide an indication of the importance of male and female body weight for sexual selection in Asopinae stink bugs.

Resumo A seleção sexual por machos de percevejos é importante porque fêmeas que passaram por escassez alimentar poem poucos ovos com baixa viabilidade em comparação com fêmeas bem alimentadas. Nesse estudo, investigamos se machos de Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) alimentados com dieta de baixa qualidade durante seu estágio ninfal apresenta seletividade por parceiras sexuais resultando em progênie de alta qualidade. Machos e fêmeas leves foram obtidos de ninfas alimentadas semanalmente com pupas de Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Em contraste, machos e fêmeas pesados foram alimentados três vezes por semana e receberam uma fonte nutricional extra: folhas de algodão, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae). Machos leves preferiram acasalar com fêmeas pesadas (77,78 ± 14,69%), enquanto machos pesados não distinguiram fêmeas leves ou pesadas para acasalamento. Fêmeas que acasalaram com machos leves apresentaram níveis de reprodução semelhantes em comparação com aquelas acasaladas com machos pesados. Os resultados fornecem uma indicação da importância do peso corpóreo de machos e fêmeas para a seleção sexual em percevejos Asopinae.

Life Cycle of Dermacentor everestianus Hirst, 1926 (Acari: Ixodidae) under Laboratory Conditions

This study investigated the development characteristics of Dermacentor everestianus under laboratory conditions. The time taken for D. everestianus to complete the whole life cycle was 110.2 days on average, and the average developmental durations of larvae and nymphs were 17.1 days and 29.5 days, respectively. The summation of the prefeeding, feeding, and preoviposition periods of females was 17.8 days, and the oviposition and egg incubation lasted for 18.1 days and 27.7 days, respectively. A highly positive correlation was observed between the weight of engorged female and the number of egg mass laid (r=0.947). The reproductive efficiency index and the reproductive fitness index were 7.1 and 6.1, respectively.

Comportamento alimentar de vacas Nelore e de seus bezerros puros ou mestiços / Feeding behavior of Nellore cows and their pure or crossbred calves

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência do grupo genético do bezerro no comportamento alimentar diurno de mães e suas crias. Foram utilizadas 24 vacas Nelores paridas e seus bezerros, oito Nelores (puros), oito 1/2 Simental 1/2 Nelore e oito 1/2 Red Angus 1/2 Nelore. Avaliaram-se as medidas de frequência e duração das mamadas, tempo de pastejo e ruminação dos bezerros e das vacas. Os bezerros puros mamaram mais frequentemente que os mestiços (3,51 vs. 3,17 vezes/dia), porém com menor duração de mamada (7,37 vs. 7,80 minutos). A frequência de mamadas, a duração de cada mamada e o tempo total de mamadas diminuíram com o aumento da idade do bezerro. Nos bezerros, pastejo e ruminação aumentaram com a idade; entretanto, nas vacas, aumentou o tempo de pastejo e diminuiu o de ruminação com o passar dos dias. Os bezerros mestiços pastaram, em média, 18 minutos a mais que os puros, e os machos 16 minutos a mais que as fêmeas. Os bezerros machos ruminaram, aos 40 dias de idade, 25 minutos a mais que as fêmeas, mas essa diferença diminuiu com a idade e desapareceu por volta dos 220 dias. O comportamento da mãe e de sua cria é influenciado pelo grupo genético desta última.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a calf's genetic group on the behavior of dam and calf. We used 24 Nellore dams and their calves, of which eight were Nellore, eight were 1/2Simmental 1/2Nelore and eight 1/2Red Angus 1/2Nellore. Grazing and rumination times, as well as suckling frequency and time, were measured. The straight bred calves suckled more often than the crossbreds (3.51 vs. 3.17 times/day), but their suckling lasted less time (7.37 vs 7.80 minutes). Suckling frequency, suckling length and total time spent suckling decreased as calf age increased. Calf grazing and rumination time increased with age; however, the cows' grazing time increased and rumination time decreased as the days postpartum went by. The crossbred calves grazed, on average, 18 minutes longer than the crossbreds, and the males grazed 16 minutes longer than the females. The male calves grazed, at 40 days of age, 25 minutes longer than the females, but this difference decreased as they grew and disappeared around 220 days. In conclusion, dam and calf behavior are influenced by the calf's genetic group.(AU)

Correlação genética de aptidão para modalidades esportivas específicas: considerações bioéticas / Genetic correlation of ability for specific sports modalities: bioethical considerations / Correlación genética de aptitud para modalidades deportivas específicas: consideraciones bioéticas

Um projeto de pesquisa tornado público em 2013 propõe a montagem de um banco de dados biológicos para estudo do DNA de jovens entre 8 e 18 anos, tendo como objetivo correlacionar a presença de alguns genes com a aptidão para modalidades esportivas específicas. Essa notícia serviu como ponto de partida para algumas considerações acerca das relações entre velocidade dos avanços científicos e o tempo necessário à reflexão sobre suas implicações em termos éticos, de modo a poder detectar antecipadamente possíveis malefícios ao esporte e à própria dignidade humana.

A research project made public in 2013 proposed setting up a database to study youth between 8 and 18 years age, aiming to correlate the presence of certain genes with aptitude for specific sports modalities. This news gave rise to certain discussions regarding the velocity of scientific advance and the time needed for reflection on its implications in ethical terms, in order to detect in advance any possible ill effects for sports and for human dignity itself.

Un proyecto de investigación que recientemente se hizo público, se propone montar una base de datos biológicos que permitiría el estudio del ADN de los jóvenes de entre 8 y 18 años, con el objetivo de correlacionar la presencia de algunos genes con la capacidad para deportes específicos. Esta noticia sirvió como punto de partida de algunas consideraciones sobre la relación entre la velocidad de los avances en la ciencia y el tiempo necesario para la reflexión ética sobre sus implicancias, con el fin de detectar a tiempo los posibles daños al deporte y a la misma dignidad humana.

Estimativas de parâmetros genéticos para características de crescimento em ovinos da raça Suffolk no Brasil / Estimates of genetic parameters for growth traits in Suffolk sheep in Brazil

O objetivo do trabalho foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos das características de crescimento da raça Suffolk, a fim de fornecer subsídio para a definição de estratégias de seleção para programas de melhoramento genético. Os dados analisados, coletados entre os anos de 2007 a 2009, são referentes a ovinos da raça Suffolk oriundos de uma propriedade localizada no Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, participante do programa de melhoramento genético Ovigol, conduzido pela empresa Aries Reprodução e Melhoramento Genético Ovino Ltda. em parceria com a empresa AbacusBio Limited, da Nova Zelândia. As características avaliadas foram: peso ao nascer (PN), ganho de peso pré-desmame (GPP) e peso ao desmame (PD), com número de registro de 1.039, 636 e 649 animais, respectivamente. Para análise estatística, utilizou-se o procedimento GLM do programa computacional SAS; para a consistência do pedigree e para as estimativas dos parâmetros genéticos, os programas computacionais utilizados foram Relax2: pedigree analysis program e o WOMBAT, respectivamente. O modelo linear geral incluiu sexo, grupo de contemporâneos (tipo de parto e ano de nascimento), covariável idade ao desmame (GPP e PD) com efeito quadrático, efeito genético aditivo direto, efeito de ambiente permanente materno e efeito residual. As herdabilidades para PN, GPP e PD foram 0,06, 0,42 e 0,37, respectivamente. As correlações genéticas entre PN e GPP, PN e PD e GPP e PD foram -0,10, -0,03 e 0,97, respectivamente. Na população estudada, as características GPP e PD, apresentam altas respostas à seleção, ao contrário do PN. As características PN e GPP são suficientes para compor um índice de seleção, sendo aconselhável o monitoramento do PN na fase inicial do programa.

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for growth of Suffolk, in order to provide a basis for the definition of selection strategies for breeding programs. The data analyzed are for Suffolk sheep, collected between years 2007 to 2009, from a property located in the State of São Paulo - Brazil, a participant in the Ovigol breeding program conducted by the company (Aries Reproduction and Breeding Sheep Ltd.) in partnership with (AbacusBio) New Zealand Limited. The evaluated characteristics were: birth weight (PN), weight gain pre-weaning (GPP) and weaning weight (PD), with registration number 1039, 636 and 649 respectively. For statistical analysis we used the GLM procedure of SAS software, for the consistency of pedigree and genetic parameter estimates software Relax2: pedigree analysis program and WOMBAT, respectively, were used. The general linear model included sex, contemporary group (type of birth and year of birth), covariate age at weaning (GPP and PD) with a quadratic effect, direct genetic effect, maternal permanent environmental effect and residual effect. Heritability estimates for PN, PD and GPP were 0.06, 0.42 and 0.37, respectively. Genetic correlations between PN and GPP, and PN and PD and GPP were -0.10, -0.03 and 0.97, respectively. In the study population characteristics GPP and PD have a high response to selection, unlike the PN. The GPP and PN characteristics are enough to make a selection index, it is advisable to monitor the PN in the initial phase of the program.

Organización de las redes cerebrales / Organization of brain networks

El procesamiento de información por el cerebro se basa en sistemas de redes (networks) que poseen propiedades estructurales y funcionales derivadas de su extrema complejidad. Al tratarse de sistemas complejos con propiedades dinámicos no lineares, las redes se auto organizan permanentemente para adecuarse tanto a los procesamientos rápidos, como en el caso de las funciones cognitivas o ejecutivas, como a las más lentas, derivadas de la capacidad de generar cambios plásticos para adaptarse a las situaciones cambiantes de los entornos externos e internos. El estudio de la conectividad en el SNC se ha sistematizado por teorías de gráficas, modelos simples de un sistema, basados en conjuntos de nodos y márgenes o bordes que poseen propiedades de pequeño mundo (ni azarística, ni regular) de modo tal que el conectoma se organiza en los pequeños volúmenes relativos del cerebro permietiendo una alta eficiencia a bajo costo dada la corta distancia ente nodos centrales que procesan gran cantidad de información. Las proyecciones largas entre regiones distantes del SNC si bien eficaces en las funciones integradoras son costosas en estructura y metabolismo, y por ello vulnerables tanto en el desarrollo como en patologías, como la enfermedad de Alzheimer, la esquizofreia, la epilepsia, el ADHD la esclerosis múltiple, etc. Se conceptualiza al conectoma como fenotipo intermedio o endofenotipo con características heredables modificables en las distintas etapas de la vida, desde el desarrollo pre y perinatal hasta el envejecimiento.

The processing of information by the brain is based on systems of networks that have both structural and functional properties, given their extreme complexity. Because they consist in complex systems with nonlinear dynamic properties, the networks organize themselves permanently to adjust either to quick processings, as is the case with cognitive or executive functions and to the slowest processings which result from the capability of generating plastic changes to adapt to the changing contexts of the external and internal environments. The study of connectivity in the CNS has been systematized by graphics theories, which consist in simple models of a system based on sets of nodes and margins or borders that have properties of a small-world network (neither at random nor regular), so that the connectome is organized in the small relative volumes of the brain, enabling a high efficiency at a low cost, given the short distance between central nodes that process a large amount of information. Although the long projections between the regions that are far from the CNS are efficacious in the integrative functions, they are costly in structure and metabolism, and therefore, vulnerable both in development as well as in pathologies such as Alzheimer's Disease, schizophrenia, epilepsy and ADHD in multiple sclerosis, etc. The author conceptualizes the connectome as an intermediate phenotype or endophenotype with modifying inheritable characteristics in the different stages of life, from the pre- and perinatal development until ageing.

Molecular analysis of an odorant-binding protein gene in two sympatric species of Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l.

Lutzomyia longipalpis s.l. is the main vector of American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) and occurs as a species complex. DNA samples from two Brazilian sympatric species that differ in pheromone and courtship song production were used to analyse molecular polymorphisms in an odorant-binding protein ( obp29 ) gene. OBPs are proteins related to olfaction and are involved in activities fundamental to survival, such as foraging, mating and choice of oviposition site. In this study, the marker obp29 was found to be highly polymorphic in Lu. longipalpis s.l. , with no fixed differences observed between the two species. A pairwise fixation index test indicated a moderate level of genetic differentiation between the samples analysed.

Estimativas de herdabilidades e correlações genéticas entre características reprodutivas em touros da raça Nelore / Genetic correlations and heritability estimates of reproductive traits of Nellore bulls

Foram obtidas estimativas de variância fenotípica, genética e residual, herdabilidades e correlações genéticas para as características reprodutivas em 5.903 animais da raça Nelore. O modelo experimental utilizado foi o método de máxima verossimilhança restrita livre de derivadas. Os valores de herdabilidade foram de 0,24±0,05 para perímetro escrotal aos 450 dias de idade e de 0,37±0,05 aos 21 meses de idade, na ocasião do exame andrológico; de 0,24±0,05 e 0,26±0,05 para comprimento dos testículos esquerdo e direito; de 0,29±0,05 e 0,31±0,05 para largura dos testículos esquerdo e direito; de 0,12±0,04 para formato testicular; de 0,33±0,06 para volume testicular; de 0,11±0,03 para turbilhonamento; de 0,08±0,03 para motilidade e de 0,05±0,02 para vigor espermático; de 0,20±0,04, 0,03±0,02 e 0,19±0,04 para defeitos espermáticos maiores, menores e totais, respectivamente. As características biométricas testiculares apresentaram valores de herdabilidade moderados a altos, enquanto as características seminais valores baixos. Correlações genéticas entre perímetro escrotal com todas as características reprodutivas foram favoráveis, o que sugere o perímetro escrotal como característica de escolha na seleção de touros.

Estimates of phenotypic, genetics and residual variances for reproductive traits in 5903 Nellore bulls were obtained. The experimental model used was multiple trait derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood. The values obtained for heritability were 0.24±0.05 for scrotal circumference at 450 days of age and 0.37±0.05 at 21 months for age at the time of the breeding soundness evaluation; 0.24±0.05 and 0.26±0.05 for left and right testicle length; 0.29±0.05 and 0.31±0.05 for left and right testicle width; 0.12±0.04 for testicle format; 0.33±0.06 for testicle volume; 0.11±0.03 for gross motility; 0.08±0.03 for individual motility and 0.05±0.02 for spermatic vigor; 0.20±0.04, 0.03±0.02 and 0.19±0.04 for larger defects, smaller defects and total defects, respectively. The values for heritability for testicular biometric characteristics were moderate to high while the seminal characteristics, presented low values. Genetic correlations between scrotal circumference with all the reproductive traits were favorable, suggesting the scrotal circumference as a feature of choice in the selection of bulls.

Fitness evaluation of two Brazilian Aedes aegypti field populations with distinct levels of resistance to the organophosphate temephos

In Brazil, decades of dengue vector control using organophosphates and pyrethroids have led to dissemination of resistance. Although these insecticides have been employed for decades against Aedes aegypti in the country, knowledge of the impact of temephos resistance on vector viability is limited. We evaluated several fitness parameters in two Brazilian Ae. aegypti populations, both classified as deltamethrin resistant but with distinct resistant ratios (RR) for temephos. The insecticide-susceptible Rockefeller strain was used as an experimental control. The population presenting the higher temephos resistance level, Aparecida de Goiânia, state of Goiás (RR95 of 19.2), exhibited deficiency in the following four parameters: blood meal acceptance, amount of ingested blood, number of eggs and frequency of inseminated females. Mosquitoes from Boa Vista, state of Roraima, the population with lower temephos resistance level (RR95 of 7.4), presented impairment in only two parameters, blood meal acceptance and frequency of inseminated females. These results indicate that the overall fitness handicap was proportional to temephos resistance levels. However, it is unlikely that these disabilities can be attributed solely to temephos resistance, since both populations are also resistant to deltamethrin and harbour the kdr allele, which indicates resistance to pyrethroids. The effects of reduced fitness in resistant populations are discussed.

Genética, performance física humana e doping genético: o senso comum versus a realidade científica / Genetics, human physical performance and gene doping: the common sense versus the scientific reality

Atletas de elite são reconhecidos como fenômenos esportivos e o potencial para atingir níveis superiores de performance no esporte está parcialmente sob o controle de genes. A excelência atlética é essencialmente multifatorial e determinada por complexas interações entre fatores ambientais e genéticos. Existem aproximadamente 10 milhões de variantes genéticas dispersas por todo o genoma humano e uma parcela destas variantes têm demonstrado influenciar a responsividade ao treinamento físico. Os fenótipos de performance física humana parecem ser altamente poligênicos e alguns estudos têm comprovado a existência de raras combinações genotípicas em atletas. No entanto, os mecanismos pelos quais genes se interagem para amplificar a performance física são desconhecidos. O conhecimento sobre os genes que influenciam a treinabilidade somado ao potencial uso indevido dos avanços da terapia gênica, como a possível introdução de genes em células de atletas, fez surgir o termo doping genético, um novo e censurado método de amplificação da performance física, além dos limites fisiológicos. Aumentos na hipertrofia muscular esquelética e nos níveis de hematócrito estão sendo conseguidos através da manipulação da expressão de genes específicos, mas a grande parte das impressionáveis alterações foi obtida em experimentação com animais de laboratório. A compreensão dos resultados científicos envolvendo genética, performance física humana e doping genético é uma difícil tarefa. Com o propósito de evitar a contínua má interpretação e propagação de conceitos errôneos, esta revisão, intencionalmente, vem discutir as evidências científicas produzidas até o momento sobre o tema, permitindo a compreensão do atual "estado da arte".

Elite athletes have always been referred to as sports phenomena and their potential to reach higher performance levels in sports, far beyond normal range, is partially under the control of genes. Athletic excellence is essentially multifactorial and it is determined by a complex interaction of environmental and genetic factors. There are almost 10 million genetic variants spread throughout the entire human genome and some of them have been proven to affect physical training responsiveness. The human performance phenotypes seem to be highly polygenic and previous research has found rare genotype combinations in elite athletes. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which genes interact with each other in order to improve physical performance are unknown. The knowledge on genes that influence trainability added to the potential misuse of advances in gene therapy, such as the possible introduction of genes into athlete cells, gave way to the terminology gene doping, a new and prohibited method of enhancing athletic performance above physiological limits. Increase in skeletal muscle hypertrophy and haematocrit levels has been achieved by the manipulation of the expression of specific genes, but great part of impressive changes in these phenotypes have been obtained using laboratory animals. The understanding on the scientific studies enclosing genetics, human physical performance and gene doping is an intricate task. This review intentionally highlights the scientific evidence that has been produced so far on this popular topic, with the purpose to avoid continuous misinterpretation and spreading of faulty concepts allowing hence the comprehension on the current "state of the art" in this field.

Genetic doping and health damages

Use of genetic doping or gene transfer technology will be the newest and the lethal method of doping in future and have some unpleasant consequences for sports, athletes, and outcomes of competitions. The World Anti-Doping Agency [WADA] defines genetic doping as "the non-therapeutic use of genes, genetic elements, and/or cells that have the capacity to enhance athletic performance". The purpose of this review is to consider genetic doping, health damages and risks of new genes if delivered in athletes. This review, which is carried out by reviewing relevant publications, is primarily based on the journals available in GOOGLE, ELSEVIER, PUBMED in fields of genetic technology, and health using a combination of keywords [e.g., genetic doping, genes, exercise, performance, athletes] until July 2010. There are several genes related to sport performance and if they are used, they will have health risks and sever damages such as cancer, autoimmunization, and heart attack