Association mapping in rice: basic concepts and perspectives for molecular breeding

In the last decade, association mapping (AM) has become a well-established method to detect genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with agronomically important traits. The identification of a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genome sequencing and concurrent development of high-throughput genotyping platforms has led to AM being widely used for a range of crops. These technologies have been used in rice (Oryza sativa) to explore the abundant diversity and there is enormous potential to identify novel QTLs for traits of interest. Due to the availability of cost-effective high-throughput SNP genotyping methods and rapid developments in rice genomics, it is inevitable that these AM approaches will become more popular in the future, especially in the context of genome-wide association studies (GWASs). In this paper, we review the fundamental concepts, critical considerations and limitations of AM focusing on rice, and reiterate the importance of accurate phenotypic data. We also include a section about connecting GWAS to molecular breeding, covering practical consideration for breeders, which is required to use GWAS results in actual rice molecular breeding programs and which has not received adequate attention in the scientific literature.     

Applied information retrieval and multidisciplinary research: new mechanistic hypotheses in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Background

Collaborative efforts of physicians and basic scientists are often necessary in the investigation of complex disorders. Difficulties can arise, however, when large amounts of information need to reviewed. Advanced information retrieval can be beneficial in combining and reviewing data obtained from the various scientific fields. In this paper, a team of investigators with varying backgrounds has applied advanced information retrieval methods, in the form of text mining and entity relationship tools, to review the current literature, with the intention to generate new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying a complex disorder. As an example of such a disorder the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) was chosen. CRPS is a painful and debilitating syndrome with a complex etiology that is still unraveled for a considerable part, resulting in suboptimal diagnosis and treatment.

Results

A text mining based approach combined with a simple network analysis identified Nuclear Factor kappa B (NFκB) as a possible central mediator in both the initiation and progression of CRPS.

Conclusion

The result shows the added value of a multidisciplinary approach combined with information retrieval in hypothesis discovery in biomedical research. The new hypothesis, which was derived in silico, provides a framework for further mechanistic studies into the underlying molecular mechanisms of CRPS and requires evaluation in clinical and epidemiological studies.

     

再谈茶叶科学中专业名词的译名问题

随着茶叶事业的不断发展 ,国际交流相应增多的过程中 ,译名问题更被人们所重视 ,作者曾就茶叶专业术语名词中有关中译英的翻译原则及其技巧问题 ,撰写过一篇短文 ,当时张堂恒教授等几位老茶人都还健在 ,他们都赞同作者的管见 ,现在有人提出对某“茶多酚产品”说明书中所提出的用词问题 ,作者特再赘述数语 ,聊补析疑 ,抛砖引玉 ,敬希读者提出高见 ,共同把中国茶叶引向世界。中文与外文 ,均有“词义”问题。用词欠当 ,必然会使人费解 ,甚之错解 ,作者认为茶叶专业中的品种名 ,采用音译 ,例如 :云南大叶 YUNN AN DAYE等 ,看来在国际交流中…     

Effect of diltiazem on retention and retrieval of memory in young and aged mice

Diltiazem (DTZ) is widely used in the prophylaxis of hypertension and treatment of angina. The effects of DTZ and other calcium channel blockers on memory have been discussed with several procedures and different theories have been suggested. In the present study, the effect of DTZ on retention and retrieval of memory in young and aged mice was investigated by using the passive avoidance apparatus. For this purpose, after weighting, coding and classifying the mice, they were grouped as follow: test group received electric shock plus DTZ (10 and 30 mg kg(-1), i.p.), blank group received electric shock plus normal saline and control group received only electric shock. In all three groups delay time of leaving the platform for both retention and retrieval test of memory was measured. DTZ was administered immediately after receiving electric shock in the retention test, but in retrieval test DTZ was administered 24 h after receiving electric shock. The results indicated that 30 mg kg(-1) of DTZ impaired retention and retrieval of young mice memory. The 30 mg kg(-1) of DTZ enhanced retention while 10 and 30 mg kg(-1) of it improved retrieval of aged mice memory.     

5年生种植人参对小鼠记忆巩固及再现的影响

目的观察5年生种植人参原粉、水提物和醇提物长期应用对小鼠学习记忆的影响,为人参的食用提供实验依据。方法正常成年昆明小鼠140只,雌雄各半,体重18~22g,随机分为10组,即:对照组,5年生种植人参原粉小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,5年生种植人参水提物小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,5年生种植人参醇提物小、中、大剂量(0.25、0.5、1.0g生药/kg)组,每组14只,连续灌胃给药3个月后进行亚硝酸盐致记忆巩固障碍实验及乙醇致记忆再现障碍实验。结果在亚硝酸盐致记忆巩固障碍和乙醇致记忆再现障碍跳台实验中,与模型组比较,人参原粉小、中、大剂量组,人参水提物小、中、大剂量组,人参醇提物小、中及大剂量组第二天的错误次数及第二天的错误潜伏期无明显变化。结论长期食用5年生种植人参原粉、水提物及醇提物对小鼠亚硝酸盐致记忆巩固障碍及乙醇致记忆再现障碍无明显的改善作用。     

不同种类基肥对茶树生长和抗寒性的影响研究

比较了菜饼、复合肥和氨基酸商品有机肥三种不同种类肥料作茶园基肥对茶树生长和抗寒性的影响。结果表明,基肥均能促进茶树生长,增加春茶产量,改善茶鲜叶生化品质,提高茶树越冬休眠期间成熟叶的抗寒性,提高茶树春季新梢的抗寒性。三种肥料以氨基酸商品有机肥效果最好。氨基酸商品有机肥作茶园基肥处理的单位面积芽头总数、总重、最长新梢长度和产量均最高,分别较对照增加了28.4%,33.1%,22.6%和15.0%;冬季低温时的成熟叶片电解质外渗率最低,较对照降低了9.0%;春季新梢的过氧化氢酶(CAT)、过氧化物酶(POD)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和多酚氧化酶(PPO)活性均最高,分别较对照提高1.66倍,0.49倍,1.18倍和1.45倍,并均达到显著水平。     

A meta‐analysis comparing standard polyethylene and oxygen barrier film in terms of losses during storage and aerobic stability of silage

A meta‐analysis was undertaken of 51 comparisons of standard polyethylene film with oxygen barrier (OB) film in covering systems for bunker silos, unwalled clamp silos and bales. Mean losses of DM or OM during storage from the top 10 to 60 cm of bunker and clamp silos were 195 g kg^?1 for standard film and 114 g kg^?1 for OB film systems (41 sets of data, P < 0·001), while mean total losses of DM from baled silage were 76·8 g kg^?1 for standard film and 45·6 g kg^?1 for OB film systems (10 sets of data, P < 0·001). Top surface silage judged subjectively to be inedible was 107 and 29·6 g kg^?1 for standard film and OB film systems respectively (5 sets of data, P = 0·02). Aerobic stability was 75 h for silage stored under standard film system and 135 h for silage stored under OB film system (11 sets of data, P = 0·001). It is concluded that the OB film system reduces losses from the outer layers of silos and from bales and increases the aerobic stability of silage in the outer layers of silos.     

浙江茶叶产业转型升级基本方略研究

一、浙江茶叶产业发展现状 茶叶产业是浙江农业十大主导产业之一,在全省农业中的地位举足轻重,已成为全省72个县（市、区）180余万山区半山区农民实现增收、建设社会主义新农村的支柱产业,扩大就业机会、提高生活质量的民生产业,建设生态文明、促进人与自然和谐发展的绿色产业,体现和弘扬中国传统文化、构建和谐社会的文化产业。2009年全省茶园面积264万亩,产量16.7万吨、产值75.3亿元,     

多菌灵与碱式硫酸铜混用防治人参病害的效果

人参黑斑病、锈腐病和菌核病对人参生产影响较大,每年都有不同程度的发生,本文研究了多菌灵与碱式硫酸铜混用对病害发生率的影响.结果表明,单独使用多菌灵的处理,黑斑病、锈腐病和菌核病平均发生率为18.8％,多菌灵与碱式硫酸铜混用病害平均发生率为7.2％,较对照下降了11.6％,达到显著标准;人参产量较对照增加16.7％,达到显著标准.     

A study of the efficacy of a bacterial inoculant and formic acid as additives for grass silage in terms of milk production

In a two-year experiment, three silages were prepared from herbage treated either with an inoculant at 1·25 × 10⁵ organisms (g fresh material (FM))⁻¹. formic acid (850 g kg⁻¹) at 4 1 (t FM)⁻¹, or no additive (untreated). In Experiment 1, unwilted and in Experiment 2, wilted silages were investigated and had mean dry matter (DM) and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations at ensiling of 171 g kg⁻¹ and 17·6 g (kg FM)⁻¹ and 263 g kg⁻¹ and 25·1 g (kg FM)⁻¹, respectively. In Experiment 1, 45 and in Experiment 2, 54 individually fed cows were used to evaluate the silages in three-treatment, randomized-block design experiments. During weeks 4-12 of lactation the cows were offered silages ad libitum and during weeks 15-26 a constant amount of silage was fed. There were few major differences in chemical composition of the resulting silages. Formic acid had no effect on silage digestibility. Inoculant treatment increased digestibility when the grass had been wilted. The use of formic acid resulted in increased silage DM intake of 9% during weeks 4-12 of lactation in Experiment 1 but not in Experiment 2. The inoculant gave no increase in silage DM intake over the control in Experiment 1 but increased silage DM intake by 7% in Experiment 2. There was no significant response in milk yield to formic acid. In Experiment 2 the response in milk yield to inoculant treatment was significant both in weeks 4-12 of lactation (4%) and in weeks 15-26 of lactation (5%). It is concluded that the response in milk yield to the use of a specific inoculant appears to be mediated through increased intake of metabolizable energy (ME).     

The economic potential for stabilizing the price and supply of a basic foodstuff: The case for potato storage in Ecuador

American Journal of Potato Research - This article presents an economic feasibility study of storage potential for stabilizing potato prices and/or supplies in Ecuador, where the high potato price...     

Marine Sulfated Polysaccharides: Preventive and Therapeutic Effects on Metabolic Syndrome: A Review

Metabolic syndrome is the pathological basis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. With the prevalence of modern lifestyles, the incidence of metabolic syndrome has risen rapidly. In recent years, marine sulfate polysaccharides (MSPs) have shown positive effects in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome, and they mainly come from seaweeds and marine animals. MSPs are rich in sulfate and have stronger biological activity compared with terrestrial polysaccharides. MSPs can alleviate metabolic syndrome by regulating glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. In addition, MSPs prevent and treat metabolic syndrome by interacting with gut microbiota. MSPs can be degraded by gut microbes to produce metabolites such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and free sulfate and affect the composition of gut microbiota. The difference between MSPs and other polysaccharides lies in the sulfation pattern and sulfate content, therefore, which is very important for anti-metabolic syndrome activity of MSPs. This review summarizes the latest findings on effects of MSPs on metabolic syndrome, mechanisms of MSPs in treatment/prevention of metabolic syndrome, interactions between MSPs and gut microbiota, and the role of sulfate group and sulfation pattern in MSPs activity. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm the potential preventive and therapeutic effects on human body. It may be a better choice to develop new functional foods containing MSPs for dietary intervention in metabolic syndrome.     

Rice Germination and Its Impact on Technological and Nutritional Properties: A Review

Grain germination is a process involving numerous factors that influence the biochemical processes inside the plant cells. This review covered the abiotic factors that lead to the germination and significantly impact the nutritional properties and digestion behavior of rice grains. The macro- and micro-nutrients can be changed depending on the intensity of the applied variables during germination. For instance, germination time can increase the protein content in the grain and concurrently reduce its protein digestibility. In most cases, the number of bioactive compounds present in rice grains are increased regardless of germination conditions. Germination can promote the complexation of nutrients and thus negatively interfere with the digestibility of macronutrients. This review highlighted the influence of the germination process on the nutritional quality of rice grains, providing information about the germination conditions and their impacts on the anabolic and catabolic reactions of the grain, emphasizing the health benefits.     

A review on hyperthyroidism: thyrotoxicosis under surveillance

Thyrotoxicosis exhibit collective clinical manifestation, caused by excessive serum thyroid hormones particularity thyroxin. The clinical signs and symptoms included general alteration of metabolic process leading to weight loss fatigue and weakness and some specific disorders such as cardiovascular, neuromuscular reproductive gastrointestinal dermatological and bone disorders. The diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis relay on the thyroid function test carried out by the laboratory serum measurement of thyroxin, triiodothyronine and thyroid stimulating hormones accompanied by other para-medical examinations suggested by clinicians and endociologicst. In thyrotoxicosis serum level of thyroid hormones and thyroxin in particular elevated accompanied by pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone suppression reaching to undetectable level in sever thyrotoxicosis. Among the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis are, thyroid autoimmunity diseases thyroid toxic, adenoma toxic nodular and multinodular hyperthyroidism. The main aim behind this review is to explore the clinical manifestation, the causative factors, diagnosis, metabolic disorder occur due to thyrotoxicosis.     

Effects of incubation times and moisture regimes on pH values and exchangeable cations in acid sulfate soils as influenced by application rates of basic slag

Severe acidifications in acid sulfate soils (ASSs) have occurred worldwide due to sulfuric acidity, which requires sustainable measures for their reclamation. Accordingly, an incubation study was conducted with the topsoil of two different ASSs (Cheringa and Badarkhali) to evaluate the effects of basic slag (BS; size <1 mm, pH 9.6, Ca 20.8%, Mg 9.8%, etc.), on reduction of acidity and changes in exchangeable cations. It is noted that BS is a byproduct of steel industry in Bangladesh and can be collected almost free of charge. These soils received BS at the rate of 0 (T₀), 11 (T₁), 22 (T₂) and 33 (T₃) t ha⁻¹ under various moisture regimes (saturated condition M₁,_, i.e., 100% moisture content, wetting–drying cycles of 100 and 50% moisture M_2, and moisture at field condition M₃, i.e., 50%). The impacts of these treatments on some selected parameters in these soils were studied within 180 days of incubation. The application of BS was found to increase the pH of soils from 3.6 to 5.1 for Cheringa, 3.9 to 5.2 for Badarkhali soils at the end of incubation. These increments were more striking with the highest doses of BS under saturated moisture conditions in both of the soils. The ECe of the soils was not much influenced by the application of BS regardless of time. The treatments exerted significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects on exchangeable cations in different periods of incubation. The striking changes were recorded for the rate of increments of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, which were about 2–3 times higher for Ca and more than 2 times higher for Mg²⁺ compared with the control after 180 days of incubation. These results suggest that the application of BS not only increased the Ca²⁺ to the higher amount than that of the increment of Mg²⁺ in the soils, but also improved one of the important criteria of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ratio in the soils.     

Localization and Characterization of Ferritin in Demospongiae: A Possible Role on Spiculogenesis

Iron, as inorganic ion or as oxide, is widely used by biological systems in a myriad of biological functions (e.g., enzymatic, gene activation and/or regulation). In particular, marine organisms containing silica structures—diatoms and sponges—grow preferentially in the presence of iron. Using primary sponge cell culture from S. domuncula–primmorphs—as an in vitro model to study the Demospongiae spiculogenesis, we found the presence of agglomerates 50 nm in diameter exclusively inside sponge specialized cells called sclerocytes. A clear phase/material separation is observed between the agglomerates and the initial stages of intracellular spicule formation. STEM-HRTEM-EDX analysis of the agglomerates (30–100 nm) showed that they are composed of pseudohexagonal nanoparticles between 5 and 15 nm in size, displaying lattice parameters corresponding to hematite (Fe₂O₃) and mixed iron oxide phases typically attributed to ferritin. Further analysis, using western blotting, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), sequence alignment analysis, immunostaining and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), of mature spicule filaments confirm the presence of ferritin within these organic structures. We suggest that S. domuncula can be classified as a dual biomineralizating organism, i.e., within the same cellular structure two distinct biomineralizing processes can occur as a result of the same cellular/metabolic function, spiculogenesis.     

Effects of Milling Methods on Rice Flour Properties and Rice Product Quality: A Review

High-quality rice flour is the foundation for the production of various rice-based products. Milling is an essential step in obtaining rice flour, during which significant changes occur in the physicochemical and quality characteristics of the flour. Although rice flour obtained through mainstream wet milling methods exhibits superior quality, low production efficiency and wastewater discharge limit the development of the industry. Dry milling, on the other hand, conserves water resources, but a...