Indices estimated using REML/BLUP and introduction of a super-trait for the selection of progenies in popcorn.

Selection indices commonly utilize economic weights, which become arbitrary genetic gains. In popcorn, this is even more evident due to the negative correlation between the main characteristics of economic importance - grain yield and popping expansion. As an option in the use of classical biometrics as a selection index, the optimal procedure restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased predictor (REML/BLUP) allows the simultaneous estimation of genetic parameters and the prediction of genotypic values. Based on the mixed model methodology, the objective of this study was to investigate the comparative efficiency of eight selection indices estimated by REML/BLUP for the effective selection of superior popcorn families in the eighth intrapopulation recurrent selection cycle. We also investigated the efficiency of the inclusion of the variable "expanded popcorn volume per hectare" in the most advantageous selection of superior progenies. In total, 200 full-sib families were evaluated in two different areas in the North and Northwest regions of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The REML/BLUP procedure resulted in higher estimated gains than those obtained with classical biometric selection index methodologies and should be incorporated into the selection of progenies. The following indices resulted in higher gains in the characteristics of greatest economic importance: the classical selection index/values attributed by trial, via REML/BLUP, and the greatest genotypic values/expanded popcorn volume per hectare, via REML. The expanded popcorn volume per hectare characteristic enabled satisfactory gains in grain yield and popping expansion; this characteristic should be considered super-trait in popcorn breeding programs.

Molecular analysis of genetic diversity among vine accessions using DNA markers.

Viticulture presents a number of economic and social advantages, such as increasing employment levels and fixing the labor force in rural areas. With the aim of initiating a program of genetic improvement in grapevine from the State University of the state of Rio de Janeiro North Darcy Ribeiro, genetic diversity between 40 genotypes (varieties, rootstock, and species of different subgenera) was evaluated using Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) molecular markers. We built a matrix of binary data, whereby the presence of a band was assigned as "1" and the absence of a band was assigned as "0." The genetic distance was calculated between pairs of genotypes based on the arithmetic complement from the Jaccard Index. The results revealed the presence of considerable variability in the collection. Analysis of the genetic dissimilarity matrix revealed that the most dissimilar genotypes were Rupestris du Lot and Vitis rotundifolia because they were the most genetically distant (0.5972). The most similar were genotypes 31 (unidentified) and Rupestris du lot, which showed zero distance, confirming the results of field observations. A duplicate was confirmed, consistent with field observations, and a short distance was found between the variety 'Italy' and its mutation, 'Ruby'. The grouping methods used were somewhat concordant.

Digital phenotyping for quantification of genetic diversity in inbred guava (Psidium guajava) families.

Digital image analysis of seeds has been used for the identification of cultivars, determination of seed color and mechanical damage, and classification of different seed sizes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of digital image analysis of seeds for the quantification of genetic diversity among genotypes of inbred guava (Psidium guajava L.) families. The SAS Mini equipment, which consists of a capture module and a software program for analysis, was employed for the capture and analysis of the seed images. Different genetic diversity quantification strategies were tested using the Ward-Modified Location Model method. The set of variables related to geometry of the seeds was the largest contributor to divergence among the guava genotypes. The use of seed descriptors obtained by digital image analysis via the SAS system was efficient at quantifying the genetic diversity among genotypes of inbred guava families associated with the use of the Ward-Modified Location Model method.

Multivariate analysis of backcross progeny of Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae) for pre-breeding genotype selection.

The Ward-MLM procedure was used to evaluate genetic variation in four backcross progenies and in their parents, hybrid F1 HD13 and donor parent Passiflora sublanceolata. Sixteen quantitative descriptors and five qualitative characteristics of relevance to ornamental flower production were assessed. Using the pseudo-F and pseudo-T² criteria, we identified four groups among these plants in two evaluation periods. In both evaluations, the BC1 plants showed greater dissimilarity to their recurrent parent, but showed high genetic similarity with the P. sublanceolata parent. The first two canonical variables produced by the Ward-MLM procedure accounted for over 90% of the variation in both evaluation periods, enabling the representation of diversity through two-dimensional graphics. Groups II and IV were formed in the first assessment period. Groups I and IV formed in the second period and showed plants with selection potential. We found that it was essential to use both qualitative and quantitative variables for this analysis. Assessments of quantitative descriptors indicate that the selection of BC1 plants can be performed in any of the four progenies. Because of the similarities observed for some floral descriptors between BC1 and the P. sublanceolata parent, a second generation backcross was not recommended. However, the selection of BC1 plants for evaluation and direct use as an ornamental cultivar, or as a resource in other breeding programs, can be recommended.

Construction of an integrated genetic map for Capsicum baccatum L.

Capsicum baccatum L. is one of the five Capsicum domesticated species and has multiple uses in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This species is also a valuable source of genes for chili pepper breeding, especially genes for disease resistance and fruit quality. However, knowledge of the genetic structure of C. baccatum is limited. A reference map for C. baccatum (2n = 2x = 24) based on 42 microsatellite, 85 inter-simple sequence repeat, and 56 random amplified polymorphic DNA markers was constructed using an F2 population consisting of 203 individuals. The map was generated using the JoinMap software (version 4.0) and the linkage groups were formed and ordered using a LOD score of 3.0 and maximum of 40% recombination. The genetic map consisted of 12 major and four minor linkage groups covering a total genome distance of 2547.5 cM with an average distance of 14.25 cM between markers. Of the 152 pairs of microsatellite markers available for Capsicum annuum, 62 were successfully transferred to C. baccatum, generating polymorphism. Forty-two of these markers were mapped, allowing the introduction of C. baccatum in synteny studies with other species of the genus Capsicum.

Genetic dissection of agronomic traits in Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum.

Genetic mapping is very useful for dissecting complex agronomic traits. Genetic mapping allows for identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL), provide knowledge on a gene position and its adjacent region, and enable prediction of evolutionary mechanisms, in addition to contributing to synteny studies. The aim of this study was to predict genetic values associated with different agronomic traits evaluated in an F2 population of Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum. Previously, a reference genetic map for C. baccatum was constructed, which included 183 markers (42 microsatellite, 85 inter-simple sequence repeat, and 56 random amplification of polymorphic DNA) arranged in 16 linkage groups. The map was used to identify QTL associated with 11 agronomic traits, including plant height, crown diameter, number of days to flowering, days to fruiting, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit pulp thickness, soluble solids, and fruit dry weight. QTL mapping was performed by standard interval mapping. The number of small QTL effects ranged from 3-11, with a total of 61 QTL detected in 9 linkage groups. This is the first report involving QTL analysis for C. baccatum species.

Selection of sugar cane full-sib families using mixed models and ISSR markers.

In 2006, an experiment examining families belonging to the first selection stage of the Sugar Cane Breeding Program of Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro/Rede Interuniversitária para o Desenvolvimento do Setor Sucroalcooleiro was conducted. Families and plants within families were evaluated to select superior plants for subsequent stages of the breeding program. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, in which progenies were grouped into 4 sets, each with 4 replicates and 100 seedlings per plot. The following traits were evaluated: average stem diameter, total plot weight, number of stems, Brix of the lower stem, and Brix of the upper stem. The study of families used the restricted maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased procedure mixed models. After selection, families were genotyped via inter-simple sequence repeat to assess the genetic distance of genotypes. This approach was found to be efficient for selecting new genotypes.

Phenotyping of Passiflora edulis, P. setacea, and their hybrids by a multivariate approach.

Morphological characterization is the most accessible and used method to quantify the genetic diversity of the available germplasm. The multivariate statistical method is highly important for this purpose. This study aimed to characterize parents and hybrids of Passiflora according to morphoagronomic descriptors and estimate the genetic divergence between them based on the joint analysis of qualitative and quantitative variables using the Ward-modified location model (MLM) procedure. One hundred and thirty-eight individuals were assessed (10 P. edulis, 10 P. setacea, and 118 interspecific hybrids) using 23 quantitative and 12 qualitative descriptors. The values for the quantitative descriptors were measured and subjected to multivariate statistics using the Ward-MLM strategy. Large genetic variability was detected by the morphoagronomic data in the 138 genotypes that were evaluated, and the hybrids presented higher variability than the parents. Pseudo-F and pseudo-t2 criteria showed that the optimal number of groups was three. Group I was composed of 118 hybrid genotypes; group II was composed of the 10 P. setacea genotypes, and group III was composed of the 10 P. edulis genotypes. The longest distance was found between groups II and III (474.96). The shortest distance was detected between groups I and II (198.78), which indicates that the segregating population is genetically closer to P. setacea than to P. edulis. The Ward-MLM procedure is a useful tool to detect genetic diversity and group accessions using both qualitative and quantitative variables.

Adaptability and stability of conilon coffee in areas of high altitude.

In view of the predicted models of global climate change and differences in prices and production costs, there is increased interest in Coffea canephora cultivation in areas of high altitude. However, this species is sensitive to low temperatures, where genotypes vary regarding adaptation/tolerance mechanisms, demonstrating genotype x environment interaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability and adaptability of C. canephora varieties in high-altitude areas. The experiments were carried out in February 2004, in Bom Jesus do Itabapoana, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, at an altitude of 725 m. Four clonal varieties (EMCAPA 8111, EMCAPA 8121, EMCAPA 8131, and EMCAPA 8151) and five harvests (2006 to 2010) were used. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four treatments and six plots, with 12 plants in each plot and spaced 2.5 x 1.2 m. Adaptability and stability parameters were determined using methods based on nonparametric analysis and analysis of variance. The results showed that the EMCAPA 8131 had the best performance according to stability and adaptability parameters and may be promising for high-altitude regions.

Ichthyofauna as bioindicator of environmental quality in an industrial district in the amazon estuary, Brazil.

The objective of the present study was to describe the ecological status of ichthyofauna in an industrial district (Pará river, Amazon estuary), through the use of different environmental descriptors. To evaluate the impacts of the industrial area and cargo terminal, three areas were considered: Zone 1 (maximum impact), Zone 2 (median impact) and Zone 3 (low impact). A total of 77 species were captured. Differences in the composition of the ichthyofauna were recorded between Zones and environments (main channel and tidal channel). The ecological indices revealed clear evidence of the impact of the industrial hub and cargo terminal on the fish communities. In Zone 1, there was a reduction in the number of feeding groups (in the main channel) and larger fish and the Shannon diversity index and Margalef's richness were also significantly lower. The multivariate analysis separated the different Zones clearly into three groups, indicating marked differences in the levels of contamination in the different parts of the study area.

Efficiency of circulant diallels via mixed models in the selection of papaya genotypes resistant to foliar fungal diseases.

Diallel crossing methods provide information regarding the performance of genitors between themselves and their hybrid combinations. However, with a large number of parents, the number of hybrid combinations that can be obtained and evaluated become limited. One option regarding the number of parents involved is the adoption of circulant diallels. However, information is lacking regarding diallel analysis using mixed models. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the method of linear mixed models to estimate, for variable resistance to foliar fungal diseases, components of general and specific combining ability in a circulant table with different s values. Subsequently, 50 diallels were simulated for each s value, and the correlations and estimates of the combining abilities of the different diallel combinations were analyzed. The circulant diallel method using mixed modeling was effective in the classification of genitors regarding their combining abilities relative to the complete diallels. The numbers of crosses in which each genitor(s) will compose the circulant diallel and the estimated heritability affect the combining ability estimates. With three crosses per parent, it is possible to obtain good concordance (correlation above 0.8) between the combining ability estimates.

Genetic dissection of agronomic traits within a segregating population of breeding table grapes.

Grapes (Vitis vinifera) are of great economic importance worldwide. We genetically dissected a table grape breeding population, using hidden Markov models (HMM) applied to quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses. We evaluated and dissected the following traits: total number of clusters, leaf score, peduncle length, cluster length, number of berries, weight of 10 berries, average seed number, nature of seeds, berry skin color, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and berry anthocyanin. A consensus map was developed with 255 SSR molecular markers, ordered into 19 linkage groups. The observed length of this map was 1871.4 cM, with 89.7% coverage. QTL were identified using interval mapping with HMM. The number of QTL detected for each trait varied between 1 and 8, reflecting the quantitative nature of these traits. The percentage of variation explained by these QTL was small, varying between 1.56 and 11.98%. We found QTL across linkage groups 2, 7, 12, 13, and 14 for berry anthocyanin.

Evaluation of genetic dissimilarity in a segregating wine grape population.

This study examined the genetic diversity present in a population obtained by crossing two very distinctive varieties of wine grapes (142 progeny from a Riesling x Cabernet Sauvignon cross, including both parents, created at the University of California). The following list of morphological characters were evaluated and found to segregate in this population: cluster weight, cluster length, presence or absence of cluster wings, cluster wing length, number of berries, cluster density (CD), and berry weight. The following juice parameters were also measured: °Brix, pH, total phenolics, and titratable acidity. Genetic diversity within this population was estimated through multivariate methods that utilized the Gower index of dissimilarity and UPGMA clustering. The correlations between traits and relative contribution of each variable were also compared. Eleven groups of progeny were distinguished into categories with low, intermediate and high values for cluster weight and cluster density, and low and high values for total phenolics. An inverse correlation was detected between the variables related to production and those related to the quality of the fruit. Principal components analysis demonstrated that all variables examined in this study are important for the correct discrimination of optimal genotypes in this population. These statistical tools can be used to select individuals with the greatest potential for producing high-quality wines.

Multivariate analysis of morphological characteristics of two species of passion flower with ornamental potential and of hybrids between them.

We estimated genetic parameters through multivariate analysis of two species of Passiflora and their hybrids, considered of ornamental potential, based on the morphological characteristics: flower diameter, corona diameter, corona filament size, flower peduncle length, petal length and width, sepal length and width, internode length, stem diameter, leaf length, leaf width (mm), and leaf area (cm(2)). Five specimens of Passiflora sublanceolata [ex P. palmeri var. sublanceolata], five of P. foetida var. foetida and 20 F(1) hybrids between the two were evaluated. A randomized block design with four replications was used. The data were submitted to variance analysis and multivariate procedures, principal components analysis and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean grouping. We found significant differences between genotypes for all these morphological parameters. The hybrid plants had the highest variability, making them the most indicated for future improvement programs. The various multivariate techniques gave similar results, allowing separation of the plants into three distinct groups, these being the two paternal species and the hybrids. The hybrids were closer to the male genitors, revealing a paternal effect on the inheritance of vegetative and floral characters. Based on estimates of genetic parameters, the floral characteristics are the most indicated for the selection of plants for ornamental purposes, since these characteristics displayed greatest variability, a variation index of more than one, and high genotypic determination coefficients.

Fish fauna as an indicator of environmental quality in an urbanised region of the Amazon estuary.

This study describes the biological importance of Guajará Bay (Belém, Pará, Brazil) for fish fauna and presents a diagnosis of water quality in the main channel and creeks, using the icthyofauna as an ecological indicator. A total of 567 individuals from 40 species were identified. About 58% of these use Guajará Bay as a nursery ground, 49 and 81% use the bay as a breeding and feeding ground, respectively. There were no significant differences between environments as measured by the diversity index; however, fish relative abundance (catch per unit of effort) was greater in the creeks than in the main channel. A significant difference was detected in the fish fauna inhabiting the main channel compared with the creeks. In the main channel, icthyofauna significantly differed during December relative to other months.

[Perinatal patterns: comparative observations in a maternity hospital of Juiz de Fora]. / Padroes perinatais -- observacoes comparativas em maternidade de Juiz de Fora.

PIP: Data were analyzed for the year 1988 at the Maternity Hospital Therezinha de Jesus (Juiz de Fora, Brazil) with the objective being to compare them with data collected previously at the same institution by Guerra et al. and to study other perinatal patterns not previously studied. 3404 hospital charts were analyzed. Weight, height, and cephalic perimeter of term newborns were measured, as well as the stillbirth index, incidence of abortions, and malformations. The mean weights and heights of the male newborn babies (3286 g and 48.7 cm, respectively) are significantly greater than those of the female babies (3066 g and 47.9 cm, respectively), but are not statistically different from the data obtained by Guerra et al. and are, apparently, within normal parameters. The mortality index decreased 58% since 1975 and this was probably due to better prenatal care. The abortion rate was 14.39%. The high incidence of congenital club feet observed (2.05%) deserves a specific study addressing the possible causes, such as environmental and/or genetic. (author's modified)^ieng

Padröes perinatais: observaçöes comparativas em maternidade de Juiz de Fora / Perinatal patterns: comparative observations in a maternity hospital of Juiz de Fora

Analisaram-se os dados de um censo do ano de 1988 da maternidade Therezinha de Jesus (Juiz de Fora - MG) com o objetivo de compará-los com aqueles obtidos por GUERRA e cols (4) coletados nesta mesma instituiçäo e verificar outros padröes perinatais näo analisados anteriormente. Foram computados dados de 3 404 prontuários. Comparou-se peso, estatura e perímetro cefálico de recém-nascido a termo, taxa de natimortalidade, incidência de abortos e malformaçöes. As médias de peso e estatura de recém-nascidos do sexo masculino (3 286 g e 48.7 cm respectivamente) säo significativamente maiores que as do sexo feminino (3 066 g e 47,9 cm respectivamente), mas näo diferem significativamente das encontradas por GUERRA e cols (4) e parecem estar dentro dos padröes considerados normais. A taxa de natimortalidade reduziu-se em 58% desde 1975, o que muito, provavelmente, se deve à melhoria de asssitência pré-natal. A taxa de aborto foi de 14,39%. O alto índice de pé torto congênito detectado (2,05%) merece um estudo específico, relacionado às possíveis causas ambientais e/ou genéticas. Os padröes perinatais encontrados concordam com o primeiro trabalho e parecem estar dentro dos limites considerados normais.

Role of adrenergic mechanisms in cardiac and respiratory effects of digoxin.

The respiratory and cardiac effects of digoxin the the dog were both markedly reduced by ganglionic blockade and reserpinization, but only the cardiac effects were significantly modified by propranolol. This gives support to our previous hypothesis that digoxin cardiac effects depend, in part, on extra-cardiac mechanisms and its relationship with respiratory effects results from the fact that both effects are dependent directly and reflexly from sympathetic nervous activation.

Digitoxin plasma half-life in the dog after administration of toxic doses.

Digitoxin plasma levels were determined in the dog by radioimmunoassy after i.v. infusion of this cardenolide in toxic amounts (388 +/- 13 mug/kg). Plasma values found immediately after the administration of this dose were 588.5 +/- 91 ng/ml and attained very low levels (10 ng/ml) 96 h later. The dominant half-life of digitoxin in the dog was found to be 49.6 +/- 6.5 h, but this value was attained only in the final part of our study. The results found are compared with previous data and controversial aspects are discussed.