Genetic Similarity of Avena sativa L. Varieties as an Example of a Narrow Genetic Pool of Contemporary Cereal Species

The assessment of the genetic diversity of cultivated varieties is a very important element of breeding programs. This allows the determination of the level of genetic differentiation of cultivated varieties, their genetic distinctiveness, and is also of great importance in the selection of parental components for crossbreeding. The aim of the present study was to determine the level of genetic diversity of oat varieties currently grown in Central Europe based on two marker systems: ISSR and SCoT. The research conducted showed that both these types of markers were suitable for conducting analyses relating to the assessment of genetic diversity. The calculated coefficients showed that the analyzed cultivars were characterized by a high genetic similarity. However, the UPGMA and PCoA analyses clearly indicated the distinctiveness of the breeding programs conducted in Central European countries. The high genetic similarity of the analyzed forms allow us to conclude that it is necessary to expand the genetic pool of oat varieties. Numerous studies show that landraces may be the donor of genetic variation.

Epidemiology and Characterization of CTX-M-55-Type Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis Isolated from Patients in Shanghai, China

The emergence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (ESBL-SE) in humans and foods has gained global attention. In particular, CTX-M-type ESBL-SE are increasingly being detected from various sample types. The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the epidemiology and characteristics of blaCTX-M-55-carrying ESBL-SE isolates of clinical origin in Shanghai, China. A total of 292 S. Enteritidis isolates were recovered from the feces and blood of outpatients and inpatients between 2006 and 2014. Overall, there was a high frequency of cefotaxime-resistant isolates (97.3%), which was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of isolates resistant to the other tested antibiotics. All S. Enteritidis isolates exhibited resistance to ≥1 antibiotic, and 98.0% were multidrug resistant. A total of 233 isolates were identified as ESBL-SE, 166 of which were CTX-M type. Six subtypes of CTX-M-encoding genes were detected, among which blaCTX-M-55 (91.6%, 152/166) was the most prevalent genotype. There was high genetic similarity among blaCTX-M-55-positive ESBL-SE. The blaCTX-M-55 gene in the ESBL-SE donor strains could be easily transferred into Enterobacteriaceae recipient strains. This study highlights that CTX-M-55 should be considered an important surveillance target in Shanghai, China. Cephalosporins, especially cefotaxime, must be used with caution in empirical treatment for Salmonella infections.

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity and Identification of Huperzia Species Collected in Some Different Areas in Vietnam by Molecular Markers

The objective of this study was to evaluate genetic diversity of 35 Huperzia samples collected from the different ecological areas in Vietnam by using rbcL markers. The results revealed that the samples were genetically diverse in high genetic similarity which ranged from 98.0 to 99.0%, respectively. Based on the Genbank data in comparison, it was ascertained that only one sample (BK3) is a member of H.phlegmarioides group, and others belonged H. squarrosa group as divided into two main groups by phylogenetic tree analyses. It suggests that some Huperzia samples may plausibly descend from the same origin, evolution and arising relations. This study has provided useful information for further identifying the high-quality genetic plant sources for propagation, development and conservation of the high-valued medicinal materials of Huperzia plants in this country.

Differentiating Curculigo Orchioides Rhizoma and Curculigo glabrescens Rhizoma by a Unique New Compound

Background: Market research found that Curculigo glabrescens Rhizoma (CGR) is the major counterfeit of the Curculigo orchioides Rhizoma (COR). C. orchioides Gaertn and C. glabrescens (Ridl.) Merr. belong to the same family and genus, with close plant relationships and high genetic similarity, and rhizomes of the herbs part have less distinguished characteristics, which make the identification difficult.Methods: In order to distinguish COR from CGR more accurately and conveniently, HPLC method was used to establish a characteristic chromatogram of the two herbs, and a unique component in CGR was discovered for first time. Based on that, the characteristic component was systematically separated and purified.Results: The unique component was a new neolignans and named glabrescenin, which could specifically distinguish COR from CGR. The HPLC method we used could establish a characteristic chromatography of CGR.Conclusion: This study was conducive to the quality control of Curculigo, and could promote the correct application of genuine COR in clinical practice.

Using SSR markers for evaluation of genetic variation among sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) accessions

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an annual plant belonging to the Pedaliaceae family which is the oldest of the oilseed plants. Sesame is known as the king of oilseeds because its seeds contain high oil content (50-60%). The objective of the study was to evaluate the genetic variation of sesame accessions based on ten SSR markers. The results showed that all sesame accessions showed high genetic similarity among individuals in each accession. Polymorphism information content ranged from 0.24 (TNB17) to 0.37 (MT20). HO varied from 0.04 (MT30) to 0.25 (GENE1). The highest HE was 0.37 (MT20) and the lowest HE was 0.28 (TNB17). The results also displayed the high genetic diversity among 7 sesame accessions. The genetic diversity distance varied from 0.0 to 1.0. Dendrogram analysis divided 7 sesame accessions into 5 clear groups at an average genetic distance of 0.25. The results achieved would be useful information for genetic evaluation and sesame breeding development in the future.

Can Zinc Correction in SARS-CoV-2 Patients Improve Treatment Outcomes?

The ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic for which there is no established treatment available yet, has caused more than 68,000 deaths so far. Following the SARS-CoV outbreak in 2003, an Italian group described a hypothesis about the efficacy of two old drugs: Chloroquine (CQ) and Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), against SARS-CoV and its future emergents. Later, this hypothesis was shown to be relevant in-vitro. Due to the high genetic similarity of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, the hypothesis introduced by Savarino et al. and the further supportive in-vitro evidence served a rational ground for three different Chinese groups to test the efficacy of CQ or HCQ against SARS-CoV-2 in-vitro. These studies showed promising in-vitro efficacy of CQ and HCQ against SARS-CoV-2. Unfortunately, in the absence of sufficient clinical data on the (in)efficacy of CQ and HCQ in SARS-CoV-2 patients, the compassionate and off-label use of these medications is becoming politicized. Herein, we underline some critical features of the CQ/HCQ mechanism of action concerning SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, we put forward a hypothesis based on three lines of evidence on a probable link between zinc-deficiency/zinc correction and response to CQ/HCQ- and possibly other SARS-CoV-2 treatments.

Genome Introgression of Híbrido de Timor and Its Potential to Develop High Cup Quality C. arabica Cultivars

H&iacute;brido de Timor is the principal source for disease and pest resistance genes in C. arabica breeding program worldwide. The part of the chromosome responsible for resistance introgressed from C. canephora to H&iacute;brido de Timor are claimed to affect the cup quality of the C. arabica cultivars derived from the crossing program of H&iacute;brido de Timor. Therefore, this work was done to study the genome introgression of H&iacute;brido de Timor and its impact on the cup quality on the C. arabica cultivars. For genome introgression and genetic relationship analysis, seventy-six accessions from C. arabica, C. canephora and H&iacute;brido de Timor were analyzed using AFLP and SSR molecular markers. To understand the effect of genome introgressed from H&iacute;brido de Timor on cup quality, three C. arabica, seven H&iacute;brido de Timor and six cultivars derived from H&iacute;brido de Timor &times; C. arabica were genotyped using SSR molecular markers and sensorial analysis was performed. The genetic diversity analysis among the tested genotypes showed high genetic similarity between H&iacute;brido de Timor with C. arabica and clear differentiation among coffee species. The analysis of genome introgression of C. arabica and C. canephora var Robusta into H&iacute;brido de Timor not reach 30% of C. canephora genome. The sensorial analysis of coffee genotypes demonstrated non-significant difference on cup quality parameters among C. arabica cv Bourbon and cultivars derived from H&iacute;brido de Timor that showed the possibility of developing C. arabica cultivars without affecting the cup quality. Similarly, the SSR marker diversity showed high genetic similarity between the Bourbon and the C. arabica cultivars derived from H&iacute;brido de Timor.