Inhibition of PI3K/AKT and JNK attenuated

the induction of IL-23 by TCA; whereas, p38 inhibition enhanced TCA-induced IL-23 production. Overall, these studies identified the key signal transduction CDK inhibitor pathways that mediate the interaction between bile acids and the IL-23/IL-17A axis. Pharmacological targeting of these pathways could alleviate hepatic inflammation and injury in patients with cholestatic liver disease. Disclosures: The following people have nothing to disclose: Kate M. O’Brien, Kara Kelly, Bryan Copple Introduction: It is unclear whether liver injury in acute hepatitis E is due to virus-induced cytolysis or the host immune response. We therefore studied host gene expression and enumerated immune cells in liver tissues from fulminant hepatitis E (FHF-E) patients, in comparison with healthy livers and those from fulminant hepatitis B (FHF-B) patients. Methods: Microarray-based expression profiling was done on post-mortem liver tissue p38 MAPK assay from 5 FHF-E and 6 FHF-B patients, and normal liver tissue from 6 persons. Differential expression was defined as ≥2.0-fold change with Benjamini-Hochberg corrected p-value below 0.05. CD4+, CD8+ and CD56+ cells were counted using immunohistochemistry.

Results: Compared to normal, the livers from FHF-E and FHF-B showed differential expression of 3377 (up-regulated 1703, down-regulated 1674) and 2572 (up 1164, down 1408) entities, respectively. This included 2142 (up 896, down 1246) entities that were common between the two sets; most of these belonged to metabolic, hemostatic (intrinsic and extrinsic prothrombin activation), and complement (classical, alternative and lectin-induced) pathways. Analysis of 1235 (up 807, down 428) entities with differential expression in FHF-E but not in FHF-B showed activation of several immune response pathways, particularly those involving cytotoxic T cells (Table). CD8+ T cells were increased in both FHF-E (median 53.4 [range 31.2-99.9]) and FHF-B (49.3 [19.3-51]; p=0.005) compared to controls (6.9 [3.1-14.9]). Conclusion: Liver tissue from FHF-E patients

showed increased expression of genes belonging to cytotoxic T cell effector pathways, accompanied by CD8+ T cell 上海皓元 infiltration. This suggests a role for CD8+ T cells in the pathogenesis of hepatitis E. Pathways whose genes were over-represented among entities differentially expressed in fulminant hepatitis E (FHF-E), and in FHF-E but not in fulminant hepatitis B (FHF-B) Disclosures: The following people have nothing to disclose: Anshu Naik, Amit Goel, Vinita Agrawal, Aditya N. Sarangi, Nanda Chhavi, Vineeta Singh, Shahid Jameel, Rakesh Aggarwal 501 CEACAM1 (Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1) protects from acute immune-mediated liver injury The T cell mitogenic plant lectin concanavalin A (ConA) induces acute immune-mediated liver injury. Hallmarks of liver injury are increased plasma transaminase activities and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

8, 9 Reduced expression of ASPP2 is related to poor clinical outcomes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma10 and tumor metastasis and poor recurrence-free survival in breast cancer patients.11, 12 Previous studies have suggested that the expression of

ASPP1 and ASPP2 could be activated by E2F,13, 14 or inactivated by DNA methylation.9, 15 Hypermethylation of ASPP1 and ASPP2 promoters is found in several tumor cell lines expressing wildtype p53.15 Palbociclib price Methylation of ASPP1 is also reported in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and is associated with a high relapse rate and poor prognosis.9 Recent reports have emphasized that epigenetic modifications might play crucial roles in the initiation of cancer. Abnormal gene silencing may benefit the expansion of cells in the early

aberrant cloning, and “addict” cancer cells to the subsequent genetic and epigenetic alternations that further promote tumor progression.16, 17 Several tumor suppressor Cilomilast cell line genes have been found frequently hypermethylated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Analyses of the methylation status of 105 tumor suppressor genes show that methylation of tumor suppressor genes is correlated with HCC development and progression.18 DNA methylation, histone modification, and nucleosomal remodeling are energetically linked in methylation-induced gene silence.19, 20 The involvement of HBV x (HBx) protein in the epigenetic regulation during hepatocarcinogenesis was demonstrated previously, which involves the activation of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and the recruitment of DNMTs and methyl-CpG binding proteins to the target gene promoters.21–24 The expression of ASPP1 and ASPP2 in HCC remains unknown. In this study we analyzed the expression of ASPP1 and ASPP2 and their methylation status in human HCC cell lines and HBV-positive HCC tissues. We also characterized the epigenetic regulation of ASPP1 and ASPP2 by HBx, as well as the tumor-suppressive 上海皓元 effects of ASPP1 and ASPP2 in HCC. ChIP, chromatin immunoprecipitation; DNMT, DNA methyltransferase; HBV, hepatitis B virus; HBx, hepatitis B virus X; HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; MSP, methyl-specific

PCR; RT-PCR, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction; shRNA, short-hairpin RNA; siRNA, small interfering RNA; TUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling. Normal liver cell HL7702 and HCC cell lines were cultured at 37°C in an atmosphere containing 5% CO2 in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. The generation of HBx-expressing HepG2 cells (HepG2-X) is included in the Supporting Data. Total RNA was isolated using the RNeasy mini kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany), and genomic DNA was removed using the RNase-Free DNase set (Promega, Madison, WI). First-strand complementary DNA (cDNA) was generated using the Reverse Transcription System Kit (Promega).

8, 9 Reduced expression of ASPP2 is related to poor clinical outcomes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma10 and tumor metastasis and poor recurrence-free survival in breast cancer patients.11, 12 Previous studies have suggested that the expression of

ASPP1 and ASPP2 could be activated by E2F,13, 14 or inactivated by DNA methylation.9, 15 Hypermethylation of ASPP1 and ASPP2 promoters is found in several tumor cell lines expressing wildtype p53.15 APO866 datasheet Methylation of ASPP1 is also reported in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and is associated with a high relapse rate and poor prognosis.9 Recent reports have emphasized that epigenetic modifications might play crucial roles in the initiation of cancer. Abnormal gene silencing may benefit the expansion of cells in the early

aberrant cloning, and “addict” cancer cells to the subsequent genetic and epigenetic alternations that further promote tumor progression.16, 17 Several tumor suppressor INK 128 in vivo genes have been found frequently hypermethylated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Analyses of the methylation status of 105 tumor suppressor genes show that methylation of tumor suppressor genes is correlated with HCC development and progression.18 DNA methylation, histone modification, and nucleosomal remodeling are energetically linked in methylation-induced gene silence.19, 20 The involvement of HBV x (HBx) protein in the epigenetic regulation during hepatocarcinogenesis was demonstrated previously, which involves the activation of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and the recruitment of DNMTs and methyl-CpG binding proteins to the target gene promoters.21–24 The expression of ASPP1 and ASPP2 in HCC remains unknown. In this study we analyzed the expression of ASPP1 and ASPP2 and their methylation status in human HCC cell lines and HBV-positive HCC tissues. We also characterized the epigenetic regulation of ASPP1 and ASPP2 by HBx, as well as the tumor-suppressive MCE公司 effects of ASPP1 and ASPP2 in HCC. ChIP, chromatin immunoprecipitation; DNMT, DNA methyltransferase; HBV, hepatitis B virus; HBx, hepatitis B virus X; HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; MSP, methyl-specific

PCR; RT-PCR, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction; shRNA, short-hairpin RNA; siRNA, small interfering RNA; TUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling. Normal liver cell HL7702 and HCC cell lines were cultured at 37°C in an atmosphere containing 5% CO2 in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. The generation of HBx-expressing HepG2 cells (HepG2-X) is included in the Supporting Data. Total RNA was isolated using the RNeasy mini kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany), and genomic DNA was removed using the RNase-Free DNase set (Promega, Madison, WI). First-strand complementary DNA (cDNA) was generated using the Reverse Transcription System Kit (Promega).

The median diameter of CD-tract was

Selleckchem FK228 2.87 (2.54–3.14) mm, and was negatively correlated with electric output. In vertical section, the tract seemed to be covered with coagulated tissue in CD-case with low output, though coagulation was intermittently observed in high output cases. 2) Leakage of water was not observed in MD-tract, but it was observed in 2/10 (20%) of 3 cm segment and 10/10 (100%) of 1 cm segment in CD-tract. Conclusion: The influence of CD was larger than that of MD. They have to be selected in different procedures. Key Word(s): 1. cautery dilator; 2. EUS-guided biliary drainage Presenting Author: YUKINORI YOSHII Additional Authors: YU TAKAHASHI, YUUKI IWATA, MINORU TAKEDA, YASUSHI MATSUMOTO, NOBUMITSU MIYASAKA, TAKASHI OKAZAKI, MASAAKI NOMURA, TAKAYUKI MATSUMOTO Corresponding Author: YU TAKAHASHI Affiliations: Kayashimaikuno Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital, Kayashimaikuno Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital Objective: We have often experienced a situation that effective counter traction is required for Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection. If you

can pull the target lesion, good counter traction can be made. The “clip with line” method is a simple and useful method to make counter traction during ESD. This method was IWR-1 mw reported in 2002. We have also used it for gastric 上海皓元 carcinoma. Especially, it is useful for the greater curvature or posterior wall of the middle body of the stomach. We could carried out more safety and effective ESD, by applying good counter traction to use it. Methods: We showed two typical

cases used this method, to compare which side of the lesion is effective position to put a clip for treating ESD of gastric cancer at the greater curvature posterior wall of the middle body of the stomach. Case 1- we put a clip at the anal side of the lesion by look up operation. Case 2, we put a clip at the oral side by look down operation. Results: In case 1, the approach toward the submucosal layer got easier. However, this caused excessive tension of pulling the string. We have often experienced the clip comes off. In case 2, this method led visibility of the layer more clear significantly, and easier to complete the submucosal dissection than case 1. We could smoothly operate, because the counter traction was more stable. By comparing case1 and case 2, the method of putting the clip at the oral side was more effective. Case 2 makes ESD more safety and the duration of procedure shorter. Conclusion: We present the two cases, and show the “clip with line” method for treating early gastric corpus cancer. Key Word(s): 1. ESD; 2. stomach; 3.

The median diameter of CD-tract was

ABT 263 2.87 (2.54–3.14) mm, and was negatively correlated with electric output. In vertical section, the tract seemed to be covered with coagulated tissue in CD-case with low output, though coagulation was intermittently observed in high output cases. 2) Leakage of water was not observed in MD-tract, but it was observed in 2/10 (20%) of 3 cm segment and 10/10 (100%) of 1 cm segment in CD-tract. Conclusion: The influence of CD was larger than that of MD. They have to be selected in different procedures. Key Word(s): 1. cautery dilator; 2. EUS-guided biliary drainage Presenting Author: YUKINORI YOSHII Additional Authors: YU TAKAHASHI, YUUKI IWATA, MINORU TAKEDA, YASUSHI MATSUMOTO, NOBUMITSU MIYASAKA, TAKASHI OKAZAKI, MASAAKI NOMURA, TAKAYUKI MATSUMOTO Corresponding Author: YU TAKAHASHI Affiliations: Kayashimaikuno Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital, Kayashimaikuno Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital, Saiseikai Izuo Hospital Objective: We have often experienced a situation that effective counter traction is required for Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection. If you

can pull the target lesion, good counter traction can be made. The “clip with line” method is a simple and useful method to make counter traction during ESD. This method was Belinostat clinical trial reported in 2002. We have also used it for gastric MCE公司 carcinoma. Especially, it is useful for the greater curvature or posterior wall of the middle body of the stomach. We could carried out more safety and effective ESD, by applying good counter traction to use it. Methods: We showed two typical

cases used this method, to compare which side of the lesion is effective position to put a clip for treating ESD of gastric cancer at the greater curvature posterior wall of the middle body of the stomach. Case 1- we put a clip at the anal side of the lesion by look up operation. Case 2, we put a clip at the oral side by look down operation. Results: In case 1, the approach toward the submucosal layer got easier. However, this caused excessive tension of pulling the string. We have often experienced the clip comes off. In case 2, this method led visibility of the layer more clear significantly, and easier to complete the submucosal dissection than case 1. We could smoothly operate, because the counter traction was more stable. By comparing case1 and case 2, the method of putting the clip at the oral side was more effective. Case 2 makes ESD more safety and the duration of procedure shorter. Conclusion: We present the two cases, and show the “clip with line” method for treating early gastric corpus cancer. Key Word(s): 1. ESD; 2. stomach; 3.

Livers were harvested upon sacrifice to study lipid profiles in relation to histopathology and molecular indices of insulin resistance, inflammation, and stress. Frozen liver sections were mounted on indium tin oxide coated glass slides and coated with matrix (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid) by sublimation. Lipids were analyzed with MALDI-TOF and stained with H&E. Adjacent sections were stained with H&E and Oil Red O. Results: Chronic-binge ethanol exposures produced striking steatohepatitis EX 527 chemical structure with hepatocellular necrosis, apopto-sis, degeneration, loss of normal chord architecture, and

early fibrosis. These abnormalities were associated with diffuse accumulations of lipids (m/z 798.1 and 820.1) as visualized by MALDI. NNK caused steatohepatitis with prominent oxidative injury and O6-methyl-Guanine DNA adducts.

NNK associated MALDI images were distinct from those of ethanol and control rats. Combined ethanol+NNK exposures caused severe hepa-tocellular injury and degeneration with steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and architectural disarray. MALDI images were composites of ethanol and NNK effects. Conclusions: IMS is an important new approach that could help characterize the biochemical pathology of steatohepatitis and distinguish effects of different etiologic agents. This would improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis. Disclosures: Shannon Cornett – Employment: Bruker Corp The following people have nothing to disclose: Emine Yalcin, Kavin M. Nunez, Ming Tong, Suzanne M. de la Monte Background: NLRP3 inflammasome activation Gefitinib appears to induce many alcohol-related consequences in animal model of Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD), but little is known about their inflammasome medchemexpress modulation in human alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Oxidized linoleic acid metabolites (OXLAMs), the pleiotropic bioactive derivatives of linoleic acid (LA), have been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions. Circulating OXLAMs including 9-HODE comprise

a family of endogenous transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonists. The TRPV1 is known to be present in neurogenic inflammation, but its role in the activation of the peripheral NLPR3 inflammasome has not been investigated. We used synthetic OXLAMs, and TRPV1 antagonists and agonists to test the role of TRPV1 activation in peripheral inflammation. Methods: The NLRP3 inflammasome was activated by LPS (100ng/ml) and ATP (2mM) in PBMCs of healthy controls or alcoholic liver cirrhosis patients (Inclusion/ Exclusion: clinical evidence of liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh score A or B, No HCV, No HBV, No HIV, No h/o recent infection, No hospitalization within 28 days, No suspicion of any cancer, No history of severe chronic disease, No pregnancy, Cre-atinine < 1.5, No hepatic encephalopathy) in the presence and absence of the synthetic OXLAMs, TRPV1 antagonists and agonists.

Livers were harvested upon sacrifice to study lipid profiles in relation to histopathology and molecular indices of insulin resistance, inflammation, and stress. Frozen liver sections were mounted on indium tin oxide coated glass slides and coated with matrix (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid) by sublimation. Lipids were analyzed with MALDI-TOF and stained with H&E. Adjacent sections were stained with H&E and Oil Red O. Results: Chronic-binge ethanol exposures produced striking steatohepatitis drug discovery with hepatocellular necrosis, apopto-sis, degeneration, loss of normal chord architecture, and

early fibrosis. These abnormalities were associated with diffuse accumulations of lipids (m/z 798.1 and 820.1) as visualized by MALDI. NNK caused steatohepatitis with prominent oxidative injury and O6-methyl-Guanine DNA adducts.

NNK associated MALDI images were distinct from those of ethanol and control rats. Combined ethanol+NNK exposures caused severe hepa-tocellular injury and degeneration with steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and architectural disarray. MALDI images were composites of ethanol and NNK effects. Conclusions: IMS is an important new approach that could help characterize the biochemical pathology of steatohepatitis and distinguish effects of different etiologic agents. This would improve our understanding of disease pathogenesis. Disclosures: Shannon Cornett – Employment: Bruker Corp The following people have nothing to disclose: Emine Yalcin, Kavin M. Nunez, Ming Tong, Suzanne M. de la Monte Background: NLRP3 inflammasome activation Selleck GW572016 appears to induce many alcohol-related consequences in animal model of Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD), but little is known about their inflammasome 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 modulation in human alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Oxidized linoleic acid metabolites (OXLAMs), the pleiotropic bioactive derivatives of linoleic acid (LA), have been implicated in a variety of pathological conditions. Circulating OXLAMs including 9-HODE comprise

a family of endogenous transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonists. The TRPV1 is known to be present in neurogenic inflammation, but its role in the activation of the peripheral NLPR3 inflammasome has not been investigated. We used synthetic OXLAMs, and TRPV1 antagonists and agonists to test the role of TRPV1 activation in peripheral inflammation. Methods: The NLRP3 inflammasome was activated by LPS (100ng/ml) and ATP (2mM) in PBMCs of healthy controls or alcoholic liver cirrhosis patients (Inclusion/ Exclusion: clinical evidence of liver cirrhosis, Child-Pugh score A or B, No HCV, No HBV, No HIV, No h/o recent infection, No hospitalization within 28 days, No suspicion of any cancer, No history of severe chronic disease, No pregnancy, Cre-atinine < 1.5, No hepatic encephalopathy) in the presence and absence of the synthetic OXLAMs, TRPV1 antagonists and agonists.

Smooth LPS from strain C28 did not cause leakage of K+ or of UV-absorbing Selleckchem LY2109761 material and did not prevent growth of C28. The relevance of these findings is discussed in relation to disease. “
“One hundred and eighty isolates of Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, the causal agent of rice sheath blight,

were obtained from six locations in southern China. The genetic structure of R. solani isolates was investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, and a considerable genetic variation among R. solani isolates was observed. Most of the genetic diversity was distributed within populations, rather than among them. The distribution pattern of the genetic variation of R. solani appears to be the result of high gene flow (Nm) and low-genetic differentiation among populations. The aggressiveness of R. solani was visually assessed by rice seedlings of five different cultivars in the glasshouse. All isolates

tested were found to induce significantly different levels of disease severity, reflecting considerable variation in aggressiveness. The isolates were divided into highly virulent, moderately virulent and weakly virulent groups, and the moderately virulent isolates were dominant in R. solani learn more population. No significant correlation was observed among the genetic similarity, pathogenic aggressiveness and geographical origins of the isolates. Information obtained from this study may be useful for breeding for improved resistance to sheath blight. “
“Wheat powdery

mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici (Bgt) is an important and destructive disease worldwide. Detection of latent infection of wheat seedlings is critical to estimate initial inoculum potential of epidemics in the fields. To improve the conventional method, a nested PCR approach had been established in this study to detect latent infections of wheat leaves caused by Bgt. The DNA primer sets including external and internal primer pairs for the nested PCR were designed followed by testing their specificities to Bgt by using Bgt and other fungal species of wheat. Sensitivity test demonstrated that the nested PCR could detect as low as 0.1 fg MCE公司 template DNA and about 10,000 times more sensitive than the standard PCR. Results of artificial inoculation experiments showed that the nested PCR assay can detect a low level of latent infection of wheat seedlings 2 days earlier than did standard PCR. The incidences of latent infection of wheat seedlings determined by the nested PCR linearly correlated with those by the conventional incubation method (r2 = 0.66, P = 0.0023). The incidences of latent infection detected with nested PCR were higher than that with the conventional method. This study provides an accurate method to efficiently estimate the initial inoculum potential of wheat powdery mildew epidemics in the fields. “
“Colletotrichum spp.

Smooth LPS from strain C28 did not cause leakage of K+ or of UV-absorbing EPZ-6438 supplier material and did not prevent growth of C28. The relevance of these findings is discussed in relation to disease. “
“One hundred and eighty isolates of Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, the causal agent of rice sheath blight,

were obtained from six locations in southern China. The genetic structure of R. solani isolates was investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, and a considerable genetic variation among R. solani isolates was observed. Most of the genetic diversity was distributed within populations, rather than among them. The distribution pattern of the genetic variation of R. solani appears to be the result of high gene flow (Nm) and low-genetic differentiation among populations. The aggressiveness of R. solani was visually assessed by rice seedlings of five different cultivars in the glasshouse. All isolates

tested were found to induce significantly different levels of disease severity, reflecting considerable variation in aggressiveness. The isolates were divided into highly virulent, moderately virulent and weakly virulent groups, and the moderately virulent isolates were dominant in R. solani AZD2014 population. No significant correlation was observed among the genetic similarity, pathogenic aggressiveness and geographical origins of the isolates. Information obtained from this study may be useful for breeding for improved resistance to sheath blight. “
“Wheat powdery

mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici (Bgt) is an important and destructive disease worldwide. Detection of latent infection of wheat seedlings is critical to estimate initial inoculum potential of epidemics in the fields. To improve the conventional method, a nested PCR approach had been established in this study to detect latent infections of wheat leaves caused by Bgt. The DNA primer sets including external and internal primer pairs for the nested PCR were designed followed by testing their specificities to Bgt by using Bgt and other fungal species of wheat. Sensitivity test demonstrated that the nested PCR could detect as low as 0.1 fg 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 template DNA and about 10,000 times more sensitive than the standard PCR. Results of artificial inoculation experiments showed that the nested PCR assay can detect a low level of latent infection of wheat seedlings 2 days earlier than did standard PCR. The incidences of latent infection of wheat seedlings determined by the nested PCR linearly correlated with those by the conventional incubation method (r2 = 0.66, P = 0.0023). The incidences of latent infection detected with nested PCR were higher than that with the conventional method. This study provides an accurate method to efficiently estimate the initial inoculum potential of wheat powdery mildew epidemics in the fields. “
“Colletotrichum spp.

Smooth LPS from strain C28 did not cause leakage of K+ or of UV-absorbing learn more material and did not prevent growth of C28. The relevance of these findings is discussed in relation to disease. “
“One hundred and eighty isolates of Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, the causal agent of rice sheath blight,

were obtained from six locations in southern China. The genetic structure of R. solani isolates was investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, and a considerable genetic variation among R. solani isolates was observed. Most of the genetic diversity was distributed within populations, rather than among them. The distribution pattern of the genetic variation of R. solani appears to be the result of high gene flow (Nm) and low-genetic differentiation among populations. The aggressiveness of R. solani was visually assessed by rice seedlings of five different cultivars in the glasshouse. All isolates

tested were found to induce significantly different levels of disease severity, reflecting considerable variation in aggressiveness. The isolates were divided into highly virulent, moderately virulent and weakly virulent groups, and the moderately virulent isolates were dominant in R. solani BGB324 molecular weight population. No significant correlation was observed among the genetic similarity, pathogenic aggressiveness and geographical origins of the isolates. Information obtained from this study may be useful for breeding for improved resistance to sheath blight. “
“Wheat powdery

mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici (Bgt) is an important and destructive disease worldwide. Detection of latent infection of wheat seedlings is critical to estimate initial inoculum potential of epidemics in the fields. To improve the conventional method, a nested PCR approach had been established in this study to detect latent infections of wheat leaves caused by Bgt. The DNA primer sets including external and internal primer pairs for the nested PCR were designed followed by testing their specificities to Bgt by using Bgt and other fungal species of wheat. Sensitivity test demonstrated that the nested PCR could detect as low as 0.1 fg 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 template DNA and about 10,000 times more sensitive than the standard PCR. Results of artificial inoculation experiments showed that the nested PCR assay can detect a low level of latent infection of wheat seedlings 2 days earlier than did standard PCR. The incidences of latent infection of wheat seedlings determined by the nested PCR linearly correlated with those by the conventional incubation method (r2 = 0.66, P = 0.0023). The incidences of latent infection detected with nested PCR were higher than that with the conventional method. This study provides an accurate method to efficiently estimate the initial inoculum potential of wheat powdery mildew epidemics in the fields. “
“Colletotrichum spp.