Advanced Statistical Methods in Biometric Research.

Both cisgenesis and transgenesis are plant breeding techniques that can be used to introduce new genes into plant genomes However, transgenesis uses gene(s) from a non-plant organism or from a donor plant that is sexually incompatible with the recipient plant while cisgenesis involves the introduction of gene(s) from a crossable—sexually compatible—plant Traditional breeding techniques could possibly achieve the same results as those from cisgenesis, but would require a much larger timeframe Cisgenesis allows plant breeders to enhance an existing cultivar more quickly and with little to no genetic drag The current regulation in the European Union (EU) on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) treats cisgenic plants the same as transgenic plants and both are mandatorily labeled as GMOs This study estimates European consumers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) for rice labeled as GM, cisgenic, with environmental benefits (which cisgenesis could provide), or any combination of these three attributes Data were collected from 3,002 participants through an online survey administered in Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom in 2013 Censored regression models were used to model consumers’ WTP in each country Model estimates highlight significant differences in WTP across countries In all five countries, consumers are willing-to-pay a premium to avoid purchasing rice labeled as GM In all countries except Spain, consumers have a significantly higher WTP to avoid consuming rice labeled as GM compared to rice labeled as cisgenic, suggesting that inserting genes from the plant’s own gene pool is more acceptable to consumers Additionally, French consumers are willing-to-pay a premium for rice labeled as having environmental benefits compared to conventional rice These findings suggest that not all GMOs are the same in consumers’ eyes and thus, from a consumer preference perspective, the differences between transgenic and cisgenic products are recommended to be reflected in GMO labeling and trade policies

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Revisiting GMOs: Are There Differences in European Consumers' Acceptance and Valuation for Cisgenically vs Transgenically Bred Rice?

Transgenic resistance to plant viruses is an important technology for control of plant virus infection, which has been demonstrated for many model systems, as well as for the most important plant viruses, in terms of the costs of crop losses to disease, and also for many other plant viruses infecting various fruits and vegetables. Different approaches have been used over the last 28 years to confer resistance, to ascertain whether particular genes or RNAs are more efficient at generating resistance, and to take advantage of advances in the biology of RNA interference to generate more efficient and environmentally safer, novel “resistance genes.” The approaches used have been based on expression of various viral proteins (mostly capsid protein but also replicase proteins, movement proteins, and to a much lesser extent, other viral proteins), RNAs [sense RNAs (translatable or not), antisense RNAs, satellite RNAs, defective-interfering RNAs, hairpin RNAs, and artificial microRNAs], nonviral genes (nucleases, antiviral inhibitors, and plantibodies), and host-derived resistance genes (dominant resistance genes and recessive resistance genes), and various factors involved in host defense responses. This review examines the above range of approaches used, the viruses that were tested, and the host species that have been examined for resistance, in many cases describing differences in results that were obtained for various systems developed in the last 20 years. We hope this compilation of experiences will aid those who are seeking to use this technology to provide resistance in yet other crops, where nature has not provided such.

Chapter Two – Transgenic Resistance

Catorze genotipos de girassol foram utilizados para estimar valores de correlacao entre treze caracteristicas agronomicas em Campinas (SP), Brasil. A analise de trilha foi empregada para particionar os valores de correlacao em efeitos diretos e indiretos, sobre a produtividade de graos. Valores de correlacao positivos e significativos foram obtidos entre a produtividade de graos e as caracteristicas diâmetro do capitulo (r=0,63) e massa de mil graos (r=0,55). O diâmetro do capitulo, a porcentagem de graos normais e a massa de mil graos tiveram efeitos diretos positivos sobre a produtividade de graos, podendo ser utilizados na selecao indireta, devido a sua facil medicao.

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Correlações e análise de trilha em girassol

The ongoing debate about the use of genetically-modified (GM) crops in agriculture has largely focused on food safety and genetic contamination issues. Given that the majority of GM crops have been produced to respond to the problem of crop yield reductions caused by diseases, insects and weeds, the paper argues that in those cases, the currently used GM crops are an unstable solution to the problem, because they represent such a strong selection pressure, that pests rapidly evolve resistance. Organic agriculture practices provide a more sustainable way of producing healthy food; however, the lower yields often associated with those practices, making the resultant healthy food more expensive, open the criticism that such practices will not be able to feed human populations. Evolutionary plant breeding offers the possibility of using the evolutionary potential of crops to our advantage by producing a continuous flow of varieties better adapted to organic systems, to climate change and to the ever changing spectrum of pests, without depending on chemical control.

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/6/7/4273/pdf

GM Crops, Organic Agriculture and Breeding for Sustainability

Fifty-one inbreds and three checks of sunflower were laid in a randomized complete block design following recommended package of practices. Correlation studies revealed that seed yield was positively and significantly associated with seed volume weight, hull percentage, percent autogamy, days to 50 percent flowering and oil yield. Oil content was positively associated with plant height, number of leaves per plant, seed volume weight, hull percentage, head diameter, percent' autogamy, days to 50 percent flowering, 100-seed weight, seed yield and oil yield. Path coefficient analysis for seed yield at phenolypic level showed that the direct effect was maximum for oil yield followed by 100-seed weight. The maximum indirect effect for seed yield was minimum through oil yield, while it was through yield per plant for oil.

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Correlation and path analysis in sunflower

The implication of molecular biology in crop improvement is now more than three decades old. Not surprisingly, technology has moved on, and there are a number of new techniques that may or may not come under the genetically modified (GM) banner and, therefore, GM regulations. In cisgenic technology, cisgenes from crossable plants are used and it is a single procedure of gene introduction whereby the problem of linkage drag of other genes is overcome. The gene used in cisgenic approach is similar compared with classical breeding and cisgenic plant should be treated equally as classically bred plant and differently from transgenic plants. Therefore, it offers a sturdy reference to treat cisgenic plants similarly as classically bred plants, by exemption of cisgenesis from the current GMO legislations. This review covers the implications of cisgenesis towards the sustainable development in the genetic improvement of crops and considers the prospects for the technology.

Cisgenics - a sustainable approach for crop improvement.

The analysis of variance of 51 inbreds and 3 checks revealed significant differences for all 15 characters studied. The range of variation was maximum for percent autogamy followed by plant height and oil yield, while it was lowest in the case of days to 50 percent flowering and stem girth. The magnitude of variation was maximum for oil yield, 100-seed weight, head diameter, percent autogamy, husk percentage, seed density, plant height, seed test weight and oil content. Except for oil content, all other characters studied were least affected by environment showing a close correspondence between phenotypic co-variance (PCV) and genotypic co-variance (GCV). High heritability estimates were obtained for all the characters studied except for oil content, the value of which was moderate. High heritability coupled with the high genetic advance was recorded for plant height, percent autogamy, percent seed set and yield per plant. High heritability along with low genetic advance was observed for the number ofleaves per plant, head diameter, stem girth, days to 50 percent flowering, 100-seed weight and oil yield, suggesting that these characters cannot be effectively improved by selection.

/pdf/genetic-variability-study-in-sunflower-inbreds-1c4l9qlana.pdf

Genetic variability study in sunflower inbreds

Bilateral cleft lip nose deformity is a multi-factorial and complex deformity which tends to aggravate with growth of the child, if not attended surgically. The goals of primary bilateral cleft lip nose surgery are, closure of the nasal floor and sill, lengthening of the columella, repositioning of the alar base, achieving nasal tip projection, repositioning of the lower lateral cartilages, and reorienting the nares from horizontal to oblique position. The multiplicity of procedures in the literature for correction of this deformity alludes to the fact that no single procedure is entirely effective. The timing for surgical intervention and its extent varies considerably. Early surgery on cartilage may adversely affect growth and development; at the same time, allowing the cartilage to grow in an abnormal position and contributing to aggravation of deformity.Some surgeons advocate correction of deformity at an early age. However, others like the cartilages to grow and mature before going in for surgery. With peer pressure also becoming an important consideration during the teens, the current trend is towards early intervention.There is no unanimity in the extent of nasal dissection to be done at the time of primary lip repair. While many perform limited nasal dissection for the fear of growth retardation, others opt for full cartilage correction at the time of primary surgery itself. The value of naso-alveolar moulding (NAM) too is not universally accepted and has now more opponents than proponents. Also most centres in the developing world have neither the personnel nor the facilities for the same. The secondary cleft nasal deformity is variable and is affected by the extent of the original abnormality, any prior surgeries performed and alteration due to nasal growth.This article reviews the currently popular methods for correction of nasal deformity associated with bilateral cleft lip, it's management both at the time of cleft lip repair and also secondarily, at a later date. It also discusses the practices followed at our centre.

https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/s-0039-1699351.pdf

Bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity.

The field of plastic surgery, while being famous for aesthetic surgery, also includes craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, burn surgery, microsurgery, reconstructive plastic surgery and paediatric plastic surgery. The magnanimous progress in these areas, though a hot topic in conferences, remains cryptic to the layman and also to generalists who are and will remain to be the most important referral source of these patients. [1] Hence, it becomes the duty of plastic surgeons themselves to spread awareness regarding their chosen field of endeavour.

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R. Nandini

Papers

Correlation and path analysis in sunflower

Cisgenics - a sustainable approach for crop improvement.

Genetic variability study in sunflower inbreds

Bilateral cleft lip nasal deformity.

Awareness among medical fraternity regarding the role of plastic surgeon.