Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers reveal low genetic variation and a single dominant genotype in Eichhornia crassipes populations throughout China

Genetic variation within and between 34 populations of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) in China was surveyed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. A total of 1009 individuals were analysed, for which 12 RAPD primers amplified 69 reproducible bands, with 22 (32%) being polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic loci (p) within a population ranged from 4.4% to 17.4%, and the mean Nei's gene diversity (H_e) was 0.046 ± 0.0145, indicating a low genetic diversity of E. crassipes in China. Each population contained at least four RAPD phenotypes (genotypes), and the same particular genotype was invariably dominant in all the populations sampled. The mean proportion of distinguishable genotypes was 0.29. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a large proportion of genetic variation (83.9%) residing within populations and a slightly larger proportion (88.1%) within localities, indicating a low genetic differentiation of E. crassipes populations, both locally and regionally. Human-mediated dispersal, vigorous clonal growth, and a generally low level of sexual reproduction were thought to be responsible for such a pattern of genetic structure.     

桃红叶植原体检测及鉴定

对表现红叶的桃植株进行植原体16SrRNA基因PCR扩增,得到1.2kb的特异片段.将此片段与pGEM T Easy载体连接并转化到大肠杆茵DH5α感受态细胞中.通过酶切、PCR鉴定,对筛选得到的重组阳性克隆进行序列测定及同源性比较分析,确定该株系属于翠菊黄化植原体组(Aster yellows group,16SrI).在国内首次报道了翠菊黄化组中的植原体侵染桃树.     

Evaluation of PCR,IEF and ELISA techniques for the detection and identification of potato cyst nematodes from field soil samples in England and Wales

Effective management of potato cyst nematodes (PCNs) requires simple, rapid and accurate identification and quantification of field populations. Soil samples from a survey of 484 fields in potato rotations in England and Wales were used to compare the identification and quantification of PCNs using IEF, PCR, ELISA and bait plant tests. The cyst counts and bait plant test revealed that 64.3% of field samples contained PCNs. Bait plant tests increased the detection rate of PCNs in field samples by 4–6.4%. This means that some infestations are cryptic and would not normally be detected by standard counts. IEF, PCR and ELISA methods distinguished between Globodera rostochiensis and G pallida and were able to register mixed populations; however they were not in full agreement. All methods suggested that G pallida is the dominant species in the field samples tested. The PCR results indicated that 66% of field samples contained pure G pallida, 8% contained pure G rostochiensis and 26% contained mixtures of the two species. Estimates of the relative process times taken per sample in the PCR, IEF and ELISA techniques are given. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

7种长蠹科昆虫的线粒体DNA ND4基因序列比较分析

长蠹科昆虫严重危害林木和仓贮物品。该文应用非损伤性DNA测序技术测定了来自不同国家的长蠹科害虫的线粒体DNA ND4基因的部分序列。在获得的204bp的序列中，7种昆虫的序列变异丰富，多数变异发生在密码子的第3位点上。将实验结果与形态学特征比较分析，探讨7个种的形态差异与基因序列的差异；结果表明，7种昆虫不仅在外形特征上存在差异，而且在ND4基因序列上的差异程度也很显著，平均为21．94％。这为分类鉴定提供了充分的证据。     

缓变假说

本文首次提出缓变的概念。缓变是因 DNA 高级结构变化形成新的基因序列而引起的变异。作者认为,缓变有一定的分子基础,可以解释适应、分化和获得性状遗传等现象,并指出基因在碱基的编码序列(DNA 一级结构)上可以是不连续的。但在 DNA 高级结构中是连续的。DNA 负载遗传信息的能力不仅限于碱基序列,而且包括空间结构。     

安哥拉山羊与建昌黑山羊及其杂种后代的DNA指纹分析

以 (CA/GATA/TCC) 5探针 ,HinfI酶切 ,研究安哥拉山羊和建昌黑山羊及安哥拉山羊与建昌黑山羊级进杂交的F2 、F3的DNA指纹图谱。结果 ,在供试山羊中 ,个体平均检出 1 8.2± 0 .4条谱带 ,安哥拉山羊、F2 、F3的鉴别机率分别为 1 .38× 1 0 - 12 ,1 .1 8× 1 0 - 13,0 .50× 1 0 - 10 ;群体内相似系数安哥拉山羊为0 .4 539,F2 为 0 .4 0 77,F3为 0 .61 1 1 ;亲子鉴定的父权概率W =0 .9889;安哥拉山羊与建昌黑山羊比较 ,2 .3kb和 8.6kb谱带为安哥拉山羊的特异谱带     

Detection of papillomavirus-DNA in mesenchymal tumour cells and not in the hyperplastic epithelium of feline sarcoids

Abstract We examined 12 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded feline skin tumours which had the histopathological features of fibropapillomas for the presence of papillomavirus (PV) DNA using touchdown polymerase chain recation (PCR), DNA sequencing and nonradioactive in situ hybridization. Nine of the tumours contained a 102-bp PCR product demonstrated using consensus PV primers that amplify a portion of the L1 gene. The nucleotide sequences are closely related, but not identical to that of ovine PV type 2, rabbit oral PV and reindeer PV. The deduced amino acid sequences had strong homologies with the major capsid protein L1 of deer PV, bovine papillomavirus (BPV) 1 and BPV 2, and European elk PV. Although PV antigens were not detected in any of the tumours by immunohistochemistry, PV DNA was demonstrated in individual mesenchymal cells or cell nests of 4/12 tumours by in situ hybridization. A nonproductive infection of mesenchymal fibroblast-like tumour cells with a papillomavirus would explain the lack of PV antigen expression and the absence of PV DNA in the hyperplastic epithelium. Because these tumours and their pathogenesis are similar to equine sarcoids, we suggest that they should be reclassified as 'feline sarcoids' instead of fibropapillomas.     

The loss of genetic diversity in Dabry's sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus,Dumeril) as revealed by DNA fingerprinting

• 1. Dabry's sturgeon, a large, long‐lived migratory fish is endemic to the Yangtze River. Over‐fishing and habitat destruction have caused large‐scale declines in natural stocks in the last two decades.
• 2. Examining patterns of genetic diversity has become an integral component of many management plans for endangered species. DNA fingerprinting was applied to detect genetic diversity in Dabry's sturgeon collected in 1958–1959, 1980–1981 and 1998–1999.
• 3. Studies on direct genetic parameters (genetic variability, hypervariable loci and heterozygosity) and indirect parameters (band‐sharing coefficient and allelic frequency) showed that the continuous decline in wild populations has caused the loss of genetic diversity in present‐day sturgeon.
• 4. The present‐day populations have the lowest genetic variability; thus, effective management is needed to preserve genetic diversity.
• 5. A conservation strategy is urgently required, comprising artificial rearing facilities coupled with breeding management plans.

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New gene-based approaches for an AIDS vaccine

Vaccine approaches against AIDS have focused on inducing cellular immune responses, since many studies revealed the role of T cell responses in the control of human immunodeficiency virus or simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infections. The experimental infection of rhesus macaques with SIV or chimeric SHIV is routinely used as a model for AIDS. In such models, DNA immunization is a tool to elicit specific T cell responses and to study their protective efficacy. DNA immunogenicity in primates depends on parameters such as level of antigen expression, choice of the antigen among SIV proteins, use of fusion proteins, route of immunization, and addition of adjuvants. Recent results suggest that priming with DNA and boosting with attenuated recombinant viral vectors, each expressing corresponding SIV antigens, leads to improved specific immunity and, in some cases, affords protection against pathogenic challenge. After preclinical evaluations, DNA has entered clinical trials for a therapeutic or prophylactic gene-based AIDS vaccine.     

Flow cytometry: clinical applications in equine medicine

The use of flow cytometry in veterinary diagnostics is becoming a valuable clinical tool with a broad range of applications. Physical characteristics of cells can be determined by the flow cytometer laser and electronics through the measurement of changes in light scatter properties. Other components and functions of cells can be defined through the application of fluorochrome dyes that have an affinity for cellular components. Traditionally, common clinical applications are immunophenotyping of cells of the hematopoietic system with fluorescent-labeled antibodies raised against specific cell surface proteins. Other approaches have been used to elucidate changes in cell function and DNA content. This review is intended to provide the reader with the fundamental uses of flow cytometry. Examples of clinical applications in equine patients include immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (IMT), chronic inflammatory disease, and neoplasia.