Activation by IKKalpha of a second, evolutionary conserved, NF-kappa B signaling pathway

In mammals, the canonical nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway activated in response to infections is based on degradation of IkappaB inhibitors. This pathway depends on the IkappaB kinase (IKK), which contains two catalytic subunits, IKKalpha and IKKbeta. IKKbeta is essential for inducible IkappaB phosphorylation and degradation, whereas IKKalpha is not. Here we show that IKKalpha is required for B cell maturation, formation of secondary lymphoid organs, increased expression of certain NF-kappaB target genes, and processing of the NF-kappaB2 (p100) precursor. IKKalpha preferentially phosphorylates NF-kappaB2, and this activity requires its phosphorylation by upstream kinases, one of which may be NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK). IKKalpha is therefore a pivotal component of a second NF-kappaB activation pathway based on regulated NF-kappaB2 processing rather than IkappaB degradation.     

Epidemiological Description of Cystic Ovarian Disease in Argentine Dairy Herds: Risk Factors and Effects on the Reproductive Performance of Lactating Cows

To describe the epidemiology of cystic ovarian disease (COD), to find possible risk factors associated with the incidence of cysts and to analyse the impact of COD on the reproductive performance of dairy cows, databases from 22 dairy herds from the main dairy region in Argentina were retrospectively evaluated throughout a 3‐year period (2009–2011). A total of 248 COD cases over 9156 parturitions were recorded, resulting in a cumulative incidence rate of 2.7%. Cystic ovarian disease incidence density was lower during the first 100 days post‐partum (DPP) than during later stages of lactation. Seasonality had a significant influence on the disease presentation with higher incidence rates during winter and spring. Cows with a previous diagnosis of clinical mastitis showed 2.72 times more chances of developing ovarian cysts. Cystic cows had longer calving to first service and calving to conception intervals and lower conception rate than controls.     

Factors affecting seedling vigor in potatoes: II. Genotype,dormancy, and pre-sowing treatments

Twelve true potato seed (TPS) crosses were tested for seedling vigor after 3 and 6 months of storage. Bulk seed was sown in the 3-month test, and high- and medium-density seed was sown in the 6-month test. Treatments consisted of pre-sowing in solutions of KNO₃ + K₃PO₄ at -10 MPa for 5 days (priming), and in gibberellic acid at 1500 ppm (GA) or in water for 1 day; rinsed seed served as a control. In both the 3- and 6-month tests, seedlings of Atlantic x LT-7 (A1) outperformed all other crosses in rate of emergence and dry weight. Overall performance increased for all crosses when tested after 6 months of storage. In the 3-month test, the priming treatment increased seedling vigor in cross A1, otherwise, differences among treatments were mostly not significant. In the 6-month test, however, priming increased vigor in all crosses. Emergence generally was >80% in both tests. After 3 months, however, GA increased the percentage of emergence from ≤38% to 73% in the two least vigorous or most dormant crosses. Seed density levels were neither strongly nor consistently related to seedling vigor. The findings suggest that considerable improvement of TPS seedling performance can be attained by 1) selecting more vigorous or less dormant TPS progenies; 2) sowing seed after 6 months in storage; and (3) priming seed.     

A method for growing potatoes by combining water culture and pot culture techniques

A combined water culture and pot culture technique was developed for the study of the K nutrition of potatoes. The water culture technique permitted control of the K nutrient supply while the pot culture technique provided support for plant growth and for tuber development in a low K medium. Both plant growth and tuber quality reflected the K supply of the culture solution.     

REVIEW: Effects of Germination on the Nutritional Profile of Gluten‐Free Cereals and Pseudocereals: A Review

There are a growing number of individuals diagnosed with food allergies and intolerances. Gluten, in particular, is avoided by many individuals because of celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and gluten ataxia. Individuals with allergies, intolerances, or both follow strict diets, but there is concern that these individuals may be at risk of several nutrient deficiencies, including decreased calcium, iron, B vitamins, and fiber. To prevent deficiencies, alternative sources of these nutrients must be provided. Gluten‐free cereals and pseudocereals such as amaranth, buckwheat, corn, millet, rice, sorghum, and quinoa can be excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other important nutrients. Germination of these edible seeds has been shown to further increase nutrient content and to reduce antinutrients. Their use to naturally fortify and enrich gluten‐free foods has great potential. Although there are many benefits to germinated seeds in food, more research must be done to improve texture and sensory properties to gain wider consumer acceptance. A review of germination of gluten‐free cereals and pseudocereals and its effect on their nutritional profile is presented.