9 research outputs found
Simple sequence repeat marker development from bacterial artificial chromosome end sequences and expressed sequence tags of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)
Rapid and accurate agglutination-based testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
We have developed a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective serologic test for SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic, on the basis of antibody-dependent agglutination of antigen-coated latex particles. When validated using plasma samples that are positive or negative for SARS-CoV-2, the agglutination assay detected antibodies against the receptor-binding domain of the spike (S-RBD) or the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 with 100% specificity and âŒ98% sensitivity. Furthermore, we found that the strength of the S-RBD antibody response measured by the agglutination assay correlated with the efficiency of the plasma in blocking RBD binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in a surrogate neutralization assay, suggesting that the agglutination assay might be used to identify individuals with virus-neutralizing antibodies. Intriguingly, we found that \u3e92% of patients had detectable antibodies on the day of a positive viral RNA test, suggesting that the agglutination antibody test might complement RNA testing for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Pollen-mediated gene flow in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.): can genetically engineered and organic flax coexist?
Coexistence allows growers and consumers the choice of producing or purchasing conventional or organic crops with known standards for adventitious presence of genetically engineered (GE) seed. Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is multipurpose oilseed crop in which product diversity and utility could be enhanced for industrial, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical markets through genetic engineering. If GE flax were released commercially, pollen-mediated gene flow will determine in part whether GE flax could coexist without compromising other markets. As a part of pre-commercialization risk assessment, we quantified pollen-mediated gene flow between two cultivars of flax. Field experiments were conducted at four locations during 2006 and 2007 in western Canada using a concentric donor (20 Ă 20âm) receptor (120 Ă 120âm) design. Gene flow was detected through the xenia effect of dominant alleles of high α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3cisÎ9,12,15) to the low ALA trait. Seeds were harvested from the pollen recipient plots up to a distance of 50âm in eight directions from the pollen donor. High ALA seeds were identified using a thiobarbituric acid test and served as a marker for gene flow. Binomial distribution and power analysis were used to predict the minimum number of seeds statistically required to detect the frequency of gene flow at specific α (confidence interval) and power (1âÎČ) values. As a result of the low frequency of gene flow, approximately 4 million seeds were screened to derive accurate quantification. Frequency of gene flow was highest near the source: averaging 0.0185 at 0.1âm but declined rapidly with distance, 0.0013 and 0.00003 at 3 and 35âm, respectively. Gene flow was reduced to 50% (O50) and 90% (O90) between 0.85 to 2.64âm, and 5.68 to 17.56âm, respectively. No gene flow was detected at any site or year >35âm distance from the pollen source, suggesting that frequency of gene flow was â©œ0.00003 (P=0.95). Although it is not possible to eliminate all adventitious presence caused by pollen-mediated gene flow, through harvest blending and the use of buffer zones between GE and conventional flax fields, it could be minimized. Managing other sources of adventitious presence including seed mixing and volunteer populations may be more problematic
Linseed essential oil - source of lipids as active ingredients for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
Linseed - also known as flaxseed - is known for its beneficial effects on animal
health attributed to its composition. Linseed comprises linoleic and ?-linolenic fatty acids,
various dietary fibers and lignans, which are beneficial to health because they reduce the risk
of cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer, decreasing the levels of cholesterol and relaxing
the smooth muscle cells in arteries increasing the blood flow. Essential fatty acids from flax
participate in several metabolic processes of the cell, not only as structuring components of
the cell membrane but also as storage lipids. Flax, being considered a functional food, can be
consumed in a variety of ways, including seeds, oil or flour, contributing to basic nutrition.
Several formulations containing flax are available on the market in the form of e.g. capsules
and microencapsulated powders having potential as nutraceuticals. This paper revises the different
lipid classes found in flaxseeds and their genomics. It also discusses the beneficial effects
of flax and flaxseed oil and their biological advantages as ingredients in pharmaceuticals
and in nutraceuticals products.The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support from the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, Ministry of Science and Education (FCT/MEC) through national funds, and co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020 for the project M-ERA-NET/0004/2015-PAIRED.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio