The first genetic map of a synthesized allohexaploid Brassica with A, B and C genomes based on simple sequence repeat markers

We present the first genetic map of an allohexaploid Brassica species, based on segregating microsatellite markers in a doubled haploid mapping population generated from a hybrid between two hexaploid parents. This study reports the first genetic map of trigenomic Brassica. A doubled haploid mapping population consisting of 189 lines was obtained via microspore culture from a hybrid H16-1 derived from a cross between two allohexaploid Brassica lines (7H170-1 and Y54-2). Simple sequence repeat primer pairs specific to the A genome (107), B genome (44) and C genome (109) were used to construct a genetic linkage map of the population. Twenty-seven linkage groups were resolved from 274 polymorphic loci on the A genome (109), B genome (49) and C genome (116) covering a total genetic distance of 3178.8 cM with an average distance between markers of 11.60 cM. This is the first genetic framework map for the artificially synthesized Brassica allohexaploids. The linkage groups represent the expected complement of chromosomes in the A, B and C genomes from the original diploid and tetraploid parents. This framework linkage map will be valuable for QTL analysis and future genetic improvement of a new allohexaploid Brassica species, and in improving our understanding of the genetic control of meiosis in new polyploids.

Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine for cooling blood and eliminating toxins and strengthening and purifying spleen in the treatment of refractory hepatitis C

This study was designed to observe the comprehensive efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with interferon in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), compare this combined therapy with interferon therapy alone and investigate its possible mechanism to provide a basis for the development of an integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine for the treatment of CHC. According to patient contraindications for antiviral treatment, patients who were suitable for interferon therapy and willing to use TCM were enrolled as combined traditional Chinese and Western medicine group, and 21 CHC patients were selected as Western medicine control group; patients who had contraindications for antiviral treatment were included in the TCM group. The three groups of patients were all diagnosed with positive hepatitis C virus - ribose nucleic acid (HCV-RNA). The treatment course lasted for one year and the patients were followed up for 12 months. Patients’ demographic data, course of disease, chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ), genetic typing, biochemical indexes, HCV-RNA and side effects were compared between the groups. The efficacy, incidence of side effects and improvement in quality of life were analyzed in each group. Results showed that the combination of TCM and interferon could protect liver, reduce side effects and also improve quality of life of the patients, while the antiviral activity of TCM alone was not obvious.

Rapid and visual detection of human enterovirus coxsackievirus A16 by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with lateral flow device

In this study, a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) combined with lateral flow device (LFD) technology to rapidly detect CVA16 was developed and evaluated. RT-LAMP assay was optimized to amplify VP1 gene of CVA16. Amplified products were analysed by LFD and capillary electrophoresis. The RT-LAMP-LFD assay showed 100% specificity in detecting CVA16, and showed analytical sensitivity of 0·55 TCID50 per reaction mixture. Comparison of the RT-LAMP-LFD assay with real-time RT-PCR developed previously in clinical specimens showed 93·3% agreement. The RT-LAMP-LFD assay is more sensitive in detecting CVA16 RNA. The RT-LAMP-LFD assay presented here might offer a rapid and simple alternative in clinical diagnosis of CVA16.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) is one of the major causative agents of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). Rapid and reliable detection and typing of it can limit the spread. We developed a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) combined with lateral flow device (LFD) technology to rapidly detect CVA16. The high sensitivity and specificity and its ease of use make this assay ideal for use in resource-limited settings such as primary care facilities and clinical laboratories in developing countries.

Discovery of Heterodera filipjevi in Washington and Comparative Virulence with H. avenae on Wheat

The cereal cyst nematode Heterodera avenae suppresses wheat production in the western United States. A second species of cereal cyst nematode, H. filipjevi, was identified in eastern Oregon during 2008. This paper reports the discovery of H. filipjevi-infested fields in eastern Washington, thereby extending the known distribution of H. filipjevi in the United States. The identity of H. filipjevi was determined and confirmed by species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), sequencing, and cyst morphology. Soils that were collected from naturally infested fields in Washington were used to compare the virulence of H. avenae and H. filipjevi on six spring wheat cultivars under controlled-environment conditions. Noninfested soils from nearby fields were used as controls. Cultivars Ouyen and WB Rockland were resistant to H. avenae and susceptible to H. filipjevi. Cultivars Sönmez and SY Steelhead were resistant to H. filipjevi and susceptible to H. avenae. Cultivars Louise and WB 936 were susceptible to both species. The resistance of SY Steelhead to 'H. avenae', reported in a previous paper, is corrected as resistance to H. filipjevi due to an earlier misidentification of H. filipjevi. Management guidelines that include crop rotations and resistant cultivars are presented. Discovery of additional infestations of H. filipjevi are anticipated when DNA-based tests become used routinely in commercial diagnostic laboratories.

Long non-coding RNA MEG3 suppresses migration and invasion of thyroid carcinoma by targeting of Rac1

Thyroid cancer, the most common primary endocrine malignancy in adult, imperatively requires new therapeutic studies that could target the molecular regulatory mechanism. Even though emerging evidence showed that long noncoding RNAs (Lnc-RNAs) are involved in different biological characteristic of malignant tumor, such as cell growth and apoptosis as well as cancer progression and metastasis. Limited data are available on the function of Lnc-RNAs in thyroid cancer invasion and metastasis. Among the 5 tested lnc-RNAs , the present study demonstrates that MEG3 was significantly down-regulated in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tissues with lymph-node metastasis than in primary thyroid cancer. Moreover, the down- regulated MEG3 was associated with lymph-node metastasis. Over-expression of MEG3 could strongly inhibit the cell migration and invasion in TPC-1 and HTH83 thyroid cancer cell lines. In addition, we also showed that Rac1 was negatively regulated by lncRNA-MEG3 at the posttranscriptional level, via a specific target site within the 3΄UTR by dual luciferase reporter assay. The expression of Rac1 was inversely correlated with lncRNA-MEG3 expression in PTC tissues. Thus, this study suggests that MEG3 acts as novel suppressor of migration and invasion by targeting Rac1 gene.

Selected Pacific Northwest Crops as Hosts of Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei

Thirty crop species and cultivars were assayed in the greenhouse for efficiency as hosts of Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei. Hosting ability ratings were assigned using the ratio of final versus initial nematode density and also by comparing the final nematode density to that of a susceptible wheat control. Good hosts of both Pratylenchus spp. included oat 'Monida', chickpea 'Myles', and lentil 'Athena' and 'Morton'. Good hosts of P. neglectus but not of P. thornei included 10 Brassica spp. (5 canola, 2 mustard, and 3 camelina cultivars), chickpea 'Sierra', sudangrass 'Piper', and sorghum/sudangrass hybrid 'Greentreat Plus'. Good hosts of P. thornei but not of P. neglectus included lentil 'Skyline' and pea 'Granger', 'Journey', and 'Universal'. Poor or minor hosts of both Pratylenchus spp. included chickpea 'Dwelley', pea 'Badminton', safflower 'Gila', 'Girard', and 'KN 144', sunflower '2PD08', flax 'Pembina', eastern gamagrass 'Pete', and switchgrass 'Blackwell'. Results of these assays will provide guidance for improving crop rotation and cultivar selection efficiencies.

Selected Pacific Northwest Rangeland and Weed Plants as Hosts of Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei

Eighteen rangeland plants and 16 weed species were assayed in the greenhouse for efficiency as hosts of Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei. Hosting ability ratings were assigned using the ratio of final versus initial nematode density and by comparing the final nematode density to that of susceptible wheat controls. Good hosts of both Pratylenchus spp. included thickspike bluegrass 'Critana', smooth brome 'Manchar', seven wheatgrasses, and jointed goatgrass. Good hosts of P. neglectus but not P. thornei included two hairy vetches, western wheatgrass 'Rosana', big bluegrass 'Sherman', tall wheatgrass 'Alkar', green foxtail, kochia, large crabgrass, palmer amaranth, redroot pigweed, tumble mustard, and wild oat. Good hosts of P. thornei but not P. neglectus included hard fescue 'Durar', sheep fescue 'Blacksheep', downy brome, and rattail fescue. Poor or minor hosts of both Pratylenchus spp. included two alfalfas, dandelion, horseweed, lambsquarters, prostrate spurge, and Russian thistle. These assays will provide guidance for transitioning rangeland into crop production and for understanding the role of weeds on densities of Pratylenchus spp. in wheat-production systems.

Resistance and Tolerance of Landrace Wheat in Fields Infested with Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei

Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei reduce wheat yields in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Resistant landrace cultivars have been identified using controlled environments. Field resistance and tolerance characteristics were compared over 3 years and two locations for four spring wheat cultivars: the susceptible 'Alpowa' and 'Louise' and the resistant landraces AUS28451 and Persia 20. Proportions and densities of P. neglectus and P. thornei differed across seasons and locations. Resistance was evaluated by comparing preplant and postharvest densities of nematodes in soil. Tolerance was evaluated by comparing grain yield and grain quality in plots treated or untreated by the nematicide aldicarb. Alpowa was susceptible and intolerant, Louise was susceptible and moderately tolerant, AUS28451 was resistant and intolerant, and Persia 20 was moderately susceptible and moderately intolerant. The species dominance shifted from P. neglectus to P. thornei in one field over a period of 3 years in apparent response to cultivars and crops planted. Estimates of economic loss caused by Pratylenchus spp. ranged from $8 to $20/ha. Economic benefits appear to be achievable by developing a spring wheat genotype with tolerance plus resistance, such as with a cross between AUS28451 and Louise.