Germination-enhancing and zinc-sparing roles for selenium in broccoli

Large areas of China have soils low in both available selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). In order to investigate whether Se supplied as either selenate or selenite can increase germination and growth compared with low-Se controls we used broccoli, an important vegetable with anticancer effects, especially when biofortified with Se. Broccoli was grown under both Zn adequacy and Zn deficiency to determine whether interactions between these minerals affect plant growth. Selenite and selenate at a wide range of doses increased the speed and extent of germination. Both inorganic Se forms increased early root and shoot growth at low concentrations, with selenite having a stronger effect than selenate. A sand culture trial showed a similar growth increase due to low-dose Se under Zn deficiency but not under Zn adequacy. Conversely, at high Se levels, the results provided evidence from biomass, water use, photosynthesis and gas exchange that broccoli growth was inhibited at high Se levels, with selenite being more toxic than selenate. In this broccoli trial, the two Se forms were equally effective in increasing leaf Se concentration, whereas in most plants selenite is largely converted to organic Se forms and stored in the roots. This study suggests that Se, supplied either as selenate or selenite, may improve germination and growth in broccoli, especially on Zn-deficient soils. Field trials conducted on soils which are very low in both plant-available Se and Zn are needed.     

Iron and zinc accumulation in winter wheat regulated by NICOTIANAMINE SYNTHASE responded to increasing nitrogen levels

Nitrogen (N) is critical for micronutrient biofortification in wheat grain and is essential for a series of nitrogenous compounds biosynthesis. This study aims to assess the role of improved N supply in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) enrichment and expression of genes related to Zn and Fe chelation and transport in winter wheat. Potting and hydroponic culture experiments were conducted to study the effect of increasing N application on Zn and Fe uptake and translocation from roots to leaves and the temporal and spatial gene expression profiles of the NICOTIANAMINE SYNTHASE (NAS) genes in wheat. Plants were grown with low, medium and high N supply levels. The results showed that higher N application increased Fe and Zn content in leaves, and decreased Fe and Zn content in root compared with the lower N supply. High N application also increased the distribution of Fe and Zn from roots to leaves. Expression analysis showed that increased N application resulted in up-regulation of two wheat NAS genes, TaNAS1 and TaNAS2. Highly positive response between NAS genes and increasing N application indicated that abundance nicotianamine (NA) resulted from highly expressed NAS genes might involve in the chelation of Fe and Zn in the phloem and favor Fe and Zn uptake and accumulation in wheat leaves.     

高钙饲粮对青年蛋鸡血清一氧化氮浓度和抗氧化功能的影响

本试验旨在研究高钙饲粮对青年蛋鸡血清一氧化氮（ＮＯ）浓度和抗氧化功能的影响。将 ３５日龄 １００羽伊沙蛋鸡随机均分为对照组（含钙 １．００％）和高钙组（含钙 ３．７８％），每组 ５个重复，每个重复 １０羽。每天观察鸡的精神状态、食欲和粪便情况。在饲喂高钙饲粮第 ０、８、１６、２４和 ３２天时，分别测定 ２组鸡的血清中 ＮＯ浓度和丙二醛含量及抗氧化酶系统的变化。结果表明：１）高钙饲粮能引起青年蛋鸡长期腹泻，在饲喂高钙饲粮的第 ８天就发生高血钙症。２）与对照组相比，高钙组在饲喂高钙饲粮第 ８天和第 １６天血清 ＮＯ浓度无显著变化（Ｐ＞０．０５），第２４天和第 ３２天显著升高（Ｐ＜０．０５）；第 ８天和第 ２４天血清超氧化物歧化酶活性、总抗氧化能力无显著变化（Ｐ＞０．０５），第 １６天显著升高（Ｐ＜０．０５），第 ３２天显著降低（Ｐ＜０．０５）；第 ８、１６、２４天血清丙二醛含量无显著变化（Ｐ＞０．０５），第 ３２天显著升高（Ｐ＜０．０５）；第 ２４天和第 ３２天黄嘌呤氧化酶活性有升高趋势（Ｐ＞０．０５）。结果提示，饲喂高钙饲粮可导致青年蛋鸡发生长期腹泻，引起高血钙症，导致其机体内自由基的产生与清除的动态平衡遭到破坏，使自由基的产生远远超出清除能力。     

Mechanisms Involved in the Growth Promotion of Weaned Piglets by High-level Zinc Oxide

Dietary supplementation with high levels of zinc oxide (ZnO) is an effective method to prevent diarrhea and promote growth in weaned piglets. However, the mechanisms behind these beneficial effects are not well understood. Recent advances in this field indicated that the effects of ZnO on piglet growth are achieved through multiple regulatory pathways rather than a single pathway. This review focuses on recent advances in the effects of high level ZnO on:1) Zn status in weaned piglets;2) intestinal microbe flora regulation;3)intestinal structure and function;4 )ion secretion in the intestine epithelium;5) intestinal immunology; and 6) secretion of brain-intestine peptides. ZnO appears to regulate the intestinal microflora and decreases the release of histamine to prevent diarrhea. ZnO also increases the expression of intestinal insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and the IGF-1 receptor to ameliorate intestinal injury associated with weaning, and mediates secretion of brain-gut peptides to stimulate food intake, to promote the growth of piglets. Better understanding of the underlying mechanisms should inspire us to supplement the diet for weaned piglets with ZnO and investigate new approaches to prevent diarrhea and enhance growth.     

贵州省黔南州森林环境氧气含量分析

在对黔南州林区氧气含量进行实测基础上,运用科学的分析方法,全面评价了黔南州林区森林释氧功能及其对空气质量状况的改善。研究表明:黔南州森林环境空气中氧气平均含量为21.19%,超出正常空气中氧气浓度0.24%,氧气浓度最高的达到21.54%,超出正常水平0.59个百分点;森林公园中的氧含量明显高于其他森林环境,平均值高达21.32%,超出正常水平0.37个百分点;针阔混交林空气中氧气浓度最高,为21.26%,其次是针叶林,氧气含量最低的是阔叶林;森林环境中的氧气浓度随着林龄的增长而增加,林木成熟后,氧气浓度随着树木年龄的增长而逐渐下降。     

Needle Collection Time for Nutrient Evaluation in Christmas Tree Production

Christmas tree needle sampling to evaluate nutrient need is an established practice. Data to support the recommended fall sampling time in Oregon and Washington were not found. In addition, the recommendation for needle sampling of Fraser fir in North Carolina was made without data from winter months. The goal for this article is to affirm or modify recommended needle sampling time. Needles of Douglas fir, Turkish fir, Nordmann fir, Noble fir, Grand fir, and Fraser fir Christmas trees were collected monthly for a year, dried, and analyzed for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and boron (B). No single period was found for any species when needle nutrient concentration was stable for all elements determined. Needle collection time was chosen by integrating cultural practices, likelihood of nutrient deficiency, and needle nutrient concentration changes for species grown in an area. Needle collection is recommended during February in western Oregon and Washington. The current sampling time, fall, is logical for Fraser fir Christmas tree production in North Carolina.     

Tyrosine Ameliorates Some of the Clinical,Biochemical and Haematological Effects of Acute Stress Associated with Transportation of Desert Sheep

We studied some clinical, biochemical and haematological variables in Desert (Najdi) sheep acutely stressed in the course of individual road transportation, and the influence thereon of pretreatment with tyrosine. Transportation for 30 min resulted in variable but statistically insignificant increases in heart, pulse and respiratory rates. It also caused significant increases in the plasma concentration of cortisol (from 43.5 to 101.7 mmol/L) and glucose (from 3.1 to 4.5 mmol/L), and a decrease in that of magnesium (from 0.85 to 0.72 mmol/L). The endogenous thiocyanate level was unaffected. The transportation stress also decreased the haematocrit (PCV) and the number of lymphocytes, and increased the concentration of haemoglobin. Pretreatment of sheep with tyrosine at a dose of 100 mg/kg by the intravenous route significantly ameliorated the stress-induced clinical, biochemical and haematological changes. The treatment caused no overt adverse effects.     

14种农药的非致死浓度对拟长毛钝绥螨繁殖和定居的影响

在室内测试了１４种农药对拟长钝缓螨的非致死浓度及其对定居和繁殖的影响。氯氰菊酯，粉锈宁，克螨特，三氯杀螨醇对拟长毛钝绥螨的繁殖，叶上定居及着卵量都有很大的影响。氧化乐果影响拟长毛钝绥螨的繁殖，对定居影响不大。天王星，高效灭百可，灭扫利，功夫不影响，镇量影响在植侏上定居和叶上着卵量。双甲脒，卡死克，阿波罗对拟长毛钝绥螨影响不显著。爱力螨克和尼索朗对拟长毛钝缓螨的繁殖，定居，着卵量均不良的影响。     

日粮不同锌水平对法国鹌鹑生长发育及组织中微量元素含量的影响

用2周龄健康法国鹌鹑324只,按体重随机分为9组,每组设3个重复,试验采用玉米-豆饼型基础日粮(含锌26.7ppm),在此基础上,添加9个梯度水平(ppm)的锌(0,25,50,75,100,500,1000,1500,2000),进行为期3周的饲养试验.试验期末,进行血液生化指标测定和组织器官微量元素含量分析.试验结果表明,法国鹌鹑日粮中以添加50ppm和75ppm锌为宜,对增重、采食量和饲料效率均有一定作用.1000ppm锌为最大耐受量,1500ppm锌为其中毒量;在一定锌水平范围内,血清总蛋白和球蛋白含量、碱性磷酸酶(SAP)活性均随日粮锌水平的提高而显著提高(P<0.05),当锌添加量为500ppm时,其达最大值,随后呈降低趋势.血清白蛋白含量不受日粮锌水平的影响.锌与其它微量元素之间的关系依不同组织器官而异,缺乏规律性.日粮补饲锌能显著降低肝脏中铁、铜、锰和肾脏中铁的含量,提高骨骼.血清中锰及肾脏中铜的含量.