The Utility of Specific Markers Based on ITS2 Sequences for Molecular Identification and Detection of Trichogramma spp.

The technology based on specific PCR amplification using internal transcribed spacer 2 of nuclear ribosomal DNA for molecular identification and detection of Trichogramma species was studied. Firstly the ITS2s of six Trichogramma species were cloned and sequenced, and the interspecific sequence variation was analyzed. Secondly the ITS2 regions of six geographical populations of T. dendrolimi were cloned and sequenced, and the intraspecific sequence identity was analyzed. The results show that the interspecific variation and intraspecific similarity of ITS2 sequences are very suitable for designation of specific primers at species-level. Screening of specific primers for T. dendrolimi leads to final sensitive and stable diagnostic primers. This system lets non-specialists can not only identify adults (males and females), but also identify eggs in parasitized hosts rapidly and accurately, which is impossible by conventional methods. Further development of this protocol can create a complete set of specific primers for different species of the whole genus Trichogramma .

Subspecies specific RAPD markers in rice

The cultivated rice(Oryza sativa L.)is known to contain two major subspecies,indica(O. stativa L. ssp. indica)and japonica(O. sativa L. ssp.japonica). The indica and japonica differentiation

Genetic Analysis of Superior Clones and Identification of Specific Marker of Elite Clones of Pinus kesiya

In the present study, the genetic distances between 85 superior clones from seven natural populations of Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis were analyzed by RAPD-PCR assays, and then, a UPGMA cluster diagram was established based on the genetic distances to reveal their genetic relationship. In addition, specific markers of elite clones were identified by carefully comparing the fingerprints of the 85 clones. The results showed that the 85 P. kesiya clones were divided into three groups at a genetic distance of 0.59. Two specific markers that were able to distinguish some elite clones from others were identified. The results may provide a molecular basis for the identification and selection of elite clones of Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis.

Reduced homotopic interhemispheric connectivity in psychiatric disorders:evidence for both transdiagnostic and disorder specific features

There is considerable interest in the significance of structural and functional connections between the two brain hemispheres in terms of both normal function and in relation to psychiatric disorders.In recent years,many studies have used voxel mirrored homotopic connectivity analysis of resting state data to investigate the importance of connectivity between homotopic regions in the brain hemispheres in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders.The current review summarizes findings fromthese voxel mirrored homotopic connectivity studies in individuals with autism spectrum disorder,addiction,attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,anxiety and depression disorders,and schizophrenia,aswell as disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,mild cognitive impairment,epilepsy,and insomnia.Overall,other than attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,studies across psychiatric disorders report decreased homotopic resting state functional connectivity in the default mode,attention,salience,sensorimotor,social cognition,visual recognition,primary visual processing,and reward networks,which are often associated with symptom severity and/or illness onset/duration.Decreased homotopic resting state functional connectivity may therefore represent a transdiagnostic marker for general psychopathology.In terms of disorder specificity,the extensive decreases in homotopic resting state functional connectivity in autism differ markedly from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,despite both occurring during early childhood and showing extensive co-morbidity.A pattern of more posterior than anterior regions showing reductions in schizophrenia is also distinctive.Going forward,more studies are needed to elucidate the functions of these homotopic functional connections in both health and disorder and focusing on associations with general psychopathology,and not only on disorder specific symptoms.