Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the 3′-terminal regions of one aphid and two non-aphid transmissible isolates of potato A potyvirus

Summary The sequences of the 3-terminal 1145 nucleotides of two non-aphid transmissible (NAT) isolates (Ali and Juliniere) and one aphid transmissible (AT) isolate (Rouge) of potato virus A (PVA) RNA were determined. Those sequences contained the complete coding region of the coat protein (CP) followed by a 3-nontranslated region (3-NTR) of 225 (Ali and Juliniere) and 227 (Rouge) nucleotides. The obtained sequences were compared to those of the 3'-regions of four published PVA isolates and a virus described as tamarillo mosaic virus (TamMV) which on the basis of sequence data is a strain of PVA. The analysis of the 3-terminal region of PVA isolates indicated that the CP N-terminal variable domain (32 residues) divides PVA isolates into two subgroups, where only tripeptide DAG correlates with aphid transmissibility. In addition to DAG/DAS sequence we found four other amino acids at the N-terminus of PVA CP, which are conserved in two subgroups. The central region (core part and C-termini) of CP is highly conserved among all PVA isolates (96.6 to 99.6%). 3-NTR, separates PVA isolates into two subgroups on the basis of its length and homology.     

Expression of TGF-β-like molecules in the life cycle of Schistosoma japonicum

The transforming growth factor (TGF-) family controls an extremely wide range of biological activities, such as the growth and differentiation of cells, and immunological events against infectious agents. Although TGF- homologs appear to be widely present in metazoan animals, studies of parasite-derived molecules are relatively few. Using antibodies against anti-mouse TGF-₁, -₂, and -₃, we show the expression of TGF--like molecules in Schistosoma japonicum cercariae, schistosomula, eggs and adult worms. Intense immunoreactivity was found on the surface of free-living cercarial bodies. In transverse sections of cercariae, the molecules were localized in the tegument and subtegumental cells, and the number and distribution of producing cells significantly differed with each antibody. In the skin-migrating stage, the expression in the tegumental surface gradually decreased and became almost negative within 48 h of exposure. In adult worms and eggs, the reactivity was found in subtegumental cells and in cells of a tubular structure, respectively. In western blot analysis, the detection of conventional TGF- molecules failed. The expression of TGF--like molecules was distinctly regulated at each developmental stage.     

Isolation and Characterization of 44.6 kDa Protein from Schistosoma japonicum Male Worm

Schistosomes are hermaphrodite. The male worm has somespecific antigen different from the female′s [1,2]. Explo ration and characterization of the male worm antigen com ponents may be of great importance to investigation andprevention of schistosomiasis…     

Interplay between host genetic variation and parasite transmission in the Biomphalaria glabrata–Schistosoma mansoni system

Genetic variability is often predicted to enhance host fitness in the face of parasitism, yet this idea is rarely tested in an experimental setting, particularly with animal hosts. To assess this question, we used a relatively resistant line of snail hosts (Biomphalaria glabrata) to generate inbred and outcrossed progeny that were then either exposed or sham-exposed to the trematode parasite, Schistosoma mansoni. Results showed no difference in prevalence between the groups; however, large differences appeared in other host life history traits, particularly reproduction. Outcrossed progeny produced large numbers of eggs relative to inbred progeny especially in the face of infection. Furthermore, eggs produced by outcrossed snails took less time to hatch and exhibited greater hatching success compared to their inbred counterparts. Parasite reproduction demonstrated the opposite trend, with fewer parasites emerging from outcrossed snails compared to inbred individuals. This work shows that the introduction of genetic variation into inbred snail populations can have important implications for the viability of host populations and disease transmission.     

Selection of the Mimic Epitopes of Antigens from Schistosoma japonicum by Using Phage Display Techniques

Rat was a semi permissive host of Schistosoma. Accordingto the research of Yu XC[1], when rat was infected withSchistosoma japonicum (S.j), the egg granulomas in ratlivers were rarely observed, while majority of eggs wereripe eggs and black dead eggs, and the number of meanliver eggs per gram (LEPG) was 1393.46, apparently lessthan that in permissive host mouse. These results indicatedapparently natural resistance. In our laboratory, enzyme linked immuno electro transfer blot (EITB) …     

Antigenic and genetic variations of the 15 kD nucleocapsid protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus isolates

Summary.  The antigenic variability of the 15 kD nucleocapsid protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus was characterized with a panel of 24 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) raised against the American PRRS virus isolate ISU-P. Five continuous epitopes designated EpORF7-A through E were revealed by the reactivity pattern of these MAbs with 67 American field isolates, two modified-live vaccine viruses, and the European Lelystad virus as determined by the indirect immnofluorescence assay and Western immunoblotting and confirmed by additivity and blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The reactivity pattern of isolates in the IFA permitted their subdivision into 4 American antigenic groups which represented 84.1, 11.6, 2.9 and 1.4% of viruses tested. The antigenic variation among isolates was correlated to single, group specific nucleotide substitutions and mediated by a combination of at least 4 of the 5 epitopes. EpORF7-A was conserved in all American isolates and the Lelystad virus which constituted a separate antigenic group. Consequently, monoclonal antibodies specific for EpORF7-A may prove useful as the antigenic basis for a universal diagnostic test for the PRRS virus. EpORF7-C, D and E were only present in the American isolates tested. Received April 6, 1998 Accepted September 22, 1998     

Comparison of specific composition and mosquitoes population dynamics in two villages of the centre of Côte-d'Ivoire, with and without irrigated rice growing area

Entomological surveys were undertaken between October 1994 and August 1995 and from April to August 1995 in the villages of Kafiné and Pékaha, respectively These villages are located in the centre of C?te-d'Ivoire in a humid savannah area in the prefecture of Niakaramandougou. Rice plots are located to about 500 meters from the first habitations of Kafiné. They also form an enclosure around the village causing a great culicidian nuisance. On the other hand in the village of Pékaha, situated at 8 km from the enclosure, one can find a non-developed low ground area with swamps according to the season which has caused the multiplication of anthropophilic Culicidae. Five genera of mosquito were caught in the two villages: Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, Mansonia and Uranotaenia. The genus Anopheles is by far the most predominant in Kafiné with 84.3% (n=17556). Mansonia, Culex and Aedes respectively constitute 12%, 3% and 0.01% of the total anthropophilic mosquitoes. In the contrary the genus Mansonia was the most predominant in Pékaha with 78.2% (n=6642). Anopheles, Aedes and Culex respectively represent 13.2%, 8.3% and 0.1% of the total number of mosquitoes caught during the surveys. If in the village of Kafiné, the culicidian nuisance is mainly due to anopheles mosquitoes (84.3%) and particularly to An. gambiae s.s. (70.6%), in the village of Pékaha, dwellers suffer more from Mansonia (78.2%) bites than those of Anopheles (13.2%).     

Pinghua population as an exception of Han Chinese’s coherent genetic structure

The Han Chinese is the largest single ethnic group in the world, consisting of ten Chinese branches. With the exception of the Pinghua branch, the genetic structure of this group has been studied extensively, and Y chromosome and mitochondrial (mt)DNA data have demonstrated a coherent genetic structure of all Han Chinese. It is therefore believed that the Pinghua branch, being members of an old branch of the Han Chinese, despite being scattered in and around Guangxi Province where members of the Daic and Hmong-Mien are more prevalent than Han Chinese, is no exception. We have studied 470 individual samples (including 195 males) from Pinghua populations and other ethnic groups (Zhuang, Kam, Mulam, Laka, and Mien) from six areas (Hezhou, Fuchuan, Luocheng, Jinxiu, Sanjiang, and Wuxuan) in the north of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. Both mtDNA and the Y chromosomes were typed in these samples. High frequencies of the Y chromosome haplogroups O2a* and O*, which always present at a high frequency among the populations of the southern minorities, were found in Pinghua populations. Only Pinghua populations in Luocheng and Jinxiu maintain the Han frequent haplogroup O3a5a. mtDNA lineages B4a, B5a, M*, F1a, M7b1, and N* were found in Pinghua populations, exhibiting a pattern similar to the neighboring indigenous populations, especially the Daic populations. Cluster analyses (dendrograms, principal component analyses, and networks) of Pinghua populations, the other Han branches, and other ethnic groups in East Asia indicated that Pinghua populations are much closer to the southern minorities than to the other Han branches. Admixture analyses confirmed this result. In conclusion, we argue that Pinghua populations did not descend from Han Chinese, but from southern minorities. The ancestral populations of Pinghua people were assimilated by the Han Chinese in terms of language, culture, and self-identification and, consequently, the Pinghua people became an exceptional branch of Han Chinese’s coherent genetic structure. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. Rui-Jing Gan and Shang-Ling Pan contributed equally to this work. Website: Y chromosome haplogroup nomenclature of International Society of Genetic Genealogy:     

What is the genetic relationship between anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression share a long, close history in psychiatric nosology and treatment. The anxiety disorders, individually and as a group, exhibit remarkably high rates of comorbidity with each other and with major depression. Analyses done in large-scale epidemiologic surveys have identified major patterns of phenomenological overlap between these conditions. Researchers have tested hypotheses of shared genetic etiologies as a potential basis of this relationship. In general, available family studies have found mixed evidence for co-aggregation of anxiety and depressive disorders, while twin studies more definitively indicate that shared genetic risk factors largely account for this comorbidity. Some of this appears to be accounted for by genetic variation in personality traits that broadly predispose to anxiety and depression. Molecular genetic studies of these conditions, though too early to draw firm conclusions, thus far provide tentative support for specific genetic loci that may generally influence susceptibility across the anxiety-depressive spectrum.     

High prevalence of torque teno sus virus in China and genetic diversity of the 5’ non-coding region

Members of the family Anelloviridae are emerging circular DNA viruses infecting many species of vertebrates including pigs. To date, members of two distinct genera, Iotatorquevirus, including torque teno sus virus 1a and torque teno sus virus 1b (TTSuV1a and TTSuV1b), and Kappatorquevirus, including torque teno sus virus k2a and torque teno sus virus k2b (TTSuVk2a and TTSuVk2b), have been identified in domestic pigs and wild boars. The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of these viruses based on 5’ non-coding genes in Chinese swine herds experiencing clinical symptoms. One hundred eighty-five clinical samples from 11 different regions, collected during 2008-2009, were analyzed using a PCR method, and the results revealed a high TTSuV-positive rate of 78.9 % (146/185) in pigs. Moreover, we detected co-infection with multiple TTSuV strains in the same pig. Nucleotide sequencing results revealed greater genetic diversity within the genus Kappatorquevirus than within the genus Iotatorquevirus. In addition, TTSuVk2b, a novel virus discovered in New Zealand in 2012, was also identified in this study. In summary, the present work helps us obtain more knowledge about the epidemiology and genetic diversity of TTSuVs.     

Comparison of growth between native and immigrant infants between 0–3 years from the Dutch ABCD cohort

Background: In the Netherlands separate reference charts have been developed for native and immigrant groups to deal with differences in growth patterns in later childhood. The use of these charts, however, is complicated by methodological issues; they do not represent all large Dutch immigrant groups in separate charts despite the differences that have been suggested and the evidence of ethnic disparities in growth dates back to 1997.

Aim: Anthropometric measurements from a contemporary multi-ethnic cohort study were created to quantify differences in childhood growth by creating growth charts, separately for boys and girls between the ages of 0–3 years.

Subjects and methods: The infants modelled in the charts had a mother born in the Netherlands (n = 3107), Suriname (n = 225), Turkey (n = 203) and Morocco (n = 336). Charts with and without correction for country of origin of the mother were created by using the LMST method.

Results: All models including the covariate country of origin of the mother fitted the data better (p < 0.0005), but the observed differences were small.

Conclusion: Most remarkable differences were found in the BMI and weight measurements for age charts. Especially girls from mothers born in Turkey and Morocco had an increasingly heavier weight for their age than girls from mothers born in the Netherlands.     

Broad bandwidth or high fidelity? Evidence from the structure of genetic and environmental effects on the facets of the five factor model

The Five Factor Model of personality is well-established at the phenotypic level, but much less is known about the coherence of the genetic and environmental influences within each personality domain. Univariate behavioral genetic analyses have consistently found the influence of additive genes and nonshared environment on multiple personality facets, but the extent to which genetic and environmental influences on specific facets reflect more general influences on higher order factors is less clear. We applied a multivariate quantitative-genetic approach to scores on the CPI-Big Five facets for 490 monozygotic and 317 dizygotic twins who took part in the National Merit Twin Study. Our results revealed a complex genetic structure for facets composing all five factors, with both domain-general and facet-specific genetic and environmental influences. For three of the Big Five domains, models that required common genetic and environmental influences on each facet to occur by way of effects on a higher order trait did not fit as well as models allowing for common genetic and environmental effects to act directly on the facets. These results add to the growing body of literature indicating that important variation in personality occurs at the facet level which may be overshadowed by aggregating to the trait level. Research at the facet level, rather than the factor level, is likely to have pragmatic advantages in future research on the genetics of personality.     

Patterns of association between PPARγ genetic variation and indices of adiposity and insulin action in African-Americans and whites: the CARDIA Study

We performed a combination of single-variant- and haplotype-based analyses to investigate the association of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) gene sequence variation with indices of adiposity, including body mass index (BMI) and waist girth, as well as insulin action, including fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. Nine polymorphisms, selected based on race-specific pairwise linkage disequilibrium relations and/or potential functional relevance, were assayed in 3,875 African-American and white young adults from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study. These polymorphisms were C25819G (C-681G), C65746G (Pro12Ala), G67222A, A69208G, G81556T, T95872C, T115432G, C127599T, and C148157T (C1431T). They defined seven and six common haplotypes in African-Americans and whites, respectively. Patterns of associations of PPARγ genetic variation with the metabolic traits differed between the two racial groups, with some exceptions. Haplotype CCGGCTCC was associated with a significant reduction in glucose levels in both racial groups (P<0.001 in each group), and the G69208 allele was associated with lower glucose levels in lean African-Americans and in whites (both P=0.02). Two haplotypes, relatively unique to whites, were associated with measures of adiposity and glucose levels. Two haplotypes, relatively unique to African-Americans, were associated with glucose levels. There were no significant effects of PPARγ haplotypes on measures of body size in this racial group, but a novel polymorphism, G67222A, significantly modulated the relation between BMI and glucose levels (P interaction, 0.003). This study provides evidence that variants, other than Pro12Ala, influence variation in body size and indices of insulin action. It underscores the role of genetic and environmental contexts in shaping the patterns of associations of PPARγ sequence variants with metabolic traits in human populations.