3,134 publications from this institution
Genetic exchange, henceforth recombination, is a widespread evolutionary force. Natural populations of many organisms experience significant amounts of recombination, sometimes with markedly different underlying molecular mechanisms. Although mutation is the ultimate source of genetic variation, recombination can easily introduce allelic variation into different chromosomal backgrounds, generating new genetic combinations. This genetic mixing can result in major evolutionary leaps, for example, allowing pathogens to acquire resistance against drugs, and ensures, as part of meiosis in eukaryotes, that offspring inherit different combinations of alleles from their parents. Indeed, when organisms exchange genetic information they are also swapping their evolutionary histories, and because of this, ignoring the presence of recombination can also mislead the evolutionary analysis. Because of its fundamental role in genomic evolution and its potential confounding effect in many evolutionary inferences, it is not surprising that numerous bioinformatic approaches to detect the molecular footprint of recombination have been developed. While the next chapter discusses methods to detect and characterize individual recombination events with a particular focus on genetically diverse viral populations, the aim of this chapter is to briefly introduce different concepts in recombination analysis and to position the approaches discussed in Chapter 16 in the large array of currently available recombination detection tools.
Abstract Populations with small census sizes are at risk because of the loss of genetic variability and the increase of inbreeding and its harmful consequences. For situations with different numbers of males and females, several hierarchical designs have been proposed to control inbreeding through the fixation of individuals' contributions. An alternative method, based on the minimization of global coancestry, has been proposed to determine contributions as to yield of the lowest levels of inbreeding in the population. We use computer simulations to assess the relative efficiency of the different methods. The results show that minimizing the global coancestry leads to equal or lower levels of inbreeding in the short and medium term, although one of the hierarchical designs provides lower asymptotic inbreeding rates and, thus, less net inbreeding in the long term. We also investigate the performance of the alternative methods against departures from the ideal conditions, such as inbred or differentially related base individuals and random failures in the expected contributions. The method of minimization of global coancestry turns out to be more flexible and robust under these realistic situations.
Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a cluster of physiological dysfunctions typified by persistent hyperglycemia. Diet plays a paramount role in human health, and regular consumption of a fruit‐ and vegetable‐rich diet can delay or prevent DM and its associated complications. The promising effect of fruits and vegetables could be partly attributed to their antioxidant constituents, including carotenoids. Carotenoids are natural antioxidants that occur in many vegetables, fruits, microalgae, and other natural sources. Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid predominantly present in microalgae and some red‐colored marine organisms. It is currently marketed as a health supplement and is well‐known for its antioxidant capacity. Accumulating evidence indicates that astaxanthin exerts its beneficial effects against DM by acting on various molecular targets and signaling pathways in multiple organs/tissues. Astaxanthin can lower blood glucose levels by preserving β‐cell function, improving insulin resistance (IR), and increasing insulin secretion. This manuscript summarizes the connection between glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, and DM. This is followed by a review of recent studies on astaxanthin's pharmacological effects against IR, microvascular (diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, and neurological damage), and macrovascular DM complications emphasizing the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. A few lines of clinical evidence supporting its antidiabetic potential are also highlighted.
Abstract We explore in this article the reduction of Ag + ions by N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), both in the presence and in the absence of a stabilizing agent. The reduction can lead to the formation of either thin films of silver nanoparticles electrostatically attached onto glass surfaces, or stable dispersions of silver nanoparticles if the silane coupling agent 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) is present. The different parameters affecting the reduction process are discussed, and the reducing ability of DMF is compared with that of ethanol, which is often used for the production of catalytically active metal colloids.
BADGE-based epoxy resins have been commercially available for more than 40 years. They are extremely versatile, finding applications in many fields in both thermal and ambient cure applications. The present review focuses on their use in the food industry as surface coatings for food and beverage cans, and in particular on their chemical stability in relation to their toxicology and sensorial effects on foods. The implications of these properties of epoxy resins for prospective EU legislation on plastic coatings for food contact is discussed.
