Background:The association between the tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene (TNF-a) -238G/A polymorphism and the breast cancer has been analyzed in several studies, but the results have been inconclusive. We then performed a meta-analysis to get a precise estimation of the association.Methods:Eight case–control studies with a total of 37,257 cases and 39,564 controls were identified by searching the ISI Web of Knowledge database and the PubMed database up to August 2014.Results:Overall, no association was found between TNF-alpha-238G/A polymorphism and breast cancer in any of genetic model (additive model OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.94–1.21, Pheterogeneity = .02; homozygous model OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.83–1.30, Pheterogeneity = .98; dominant model OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.92–1.21, Pheterogeneity = .01; recessive model OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.83–1.30, Pheterogeneity = .98). Furthermore, no significant association was identified when stratified by ethnicity (Caucasian, Asian).Conclusion:This meta-analysis indicated that the TNF-alpha-238G/A polymorphism is not associated with breast cancer risk in the overall population.

To produce hybrid seeds of Wutacai (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis (L.) Makino var. rosularis Tsen et Lee), a “directional transfer program” was designed to breed the multiple-allele male sterile line of Wutacai. A multiple-allele male sterile line of Naibaicai (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis L., S01) was used as the male sterile resource, and an inbred line of Wutacai (WT01) was used as the target line. Recurrent backcrossing was employed to transfer the male sterility and other botanical traits simultaneously, while the genotype was identified through test crossing. The male sterility was successfully transferred from S01 to WT01. A new male sterile line, GMS-3, with similar botanical traits to WT01, was bred. Four hybrid combinations were generated with GMS-3 as the female parent. One hybrid (C1) that contained the most desirable traits was developed from the new male sterile line.