Red mold dioscorea has greater hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effect than traditional red mold rice and unfermented dioscorea in hamsters

Monascus-fermented red mold dioscorea (RMD) was proven to produce higher monacolin K levels than red mold rice (RMR) in our previous study. The goal of this study is to investigate whether the novel RMD had more hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effect than traditional red mold rice. The daily dose of RMR for adults was recommended as 1 g, which corresponded to 96 mg/kg/day for hamsters. Therefore, high cholesterol diet-induced hyperlipidemic hamsters were daily administrated with a 0.5-fold (48 mg/kg/day), a 1-fold (96 mg/kg/day), or a 5-fold dose (480 mg/kg/day) of RMD for 8 weeks. Furthermore, a 1-fold dose of RMR (96 mg/kg/day) and unfermented dioscorea (96 mg/kg/day) were also respectively used to evaluate the effect of hypolipidemic and antiarteriosclerosis. The results indicated that only needing a 0.5-fold dose of RMD was able to significantly lower total cholesterol (by 13.78%, p<0.001), triglyceride (by 38.74%, p<0.01), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (by 43.11%, p<0.05) as well as maintain a high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, as compared to the hyperlipidemic group. RMD including a higher monacolin K level and a dioscorea substrate was able to exhibit a more significant difference in the hypolipidemic effect than RMR or unfermented dioscorea. Both RMR and dioscorea exhibited potent in vitro antioxidative ability and in vivo protection against hypolipidemia-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, the antioxidative ability of RMD provided by Monascus metabolites (dimerumic acid, tannin, phenol, etc.) as well as dioscorea was able to perform more antiatherosclerotic effects on increasing total antioxidant status, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activity and repressing lipid peroxidation and atherosclerotic plaque than RMR and dioscorea.     

Improving the ratio of monacolin K to citrinin production of Monascus purpureus NTU 568 under dioscorea medium through the mediation of pH value and ethanol addition

Using dioscorea root as substrate of Monascus species was found to stimulate monacolin K (cholesterol-lowering agent) formation in our previous study, but the mycotoxin-citrinin has never been studied. This study used dioscorea root as the liquid medium to culture Monascus purpureus NTU 568 using a 6.6 L jar fermentor. Culture pH value, dioscorea concentration, and ethanol concentration were used as the factors of response surface methodology (RSM) to investigate the optimal culture condition for high monacolin K production and low citrinin formation. Monacolin K and citrinin formation of M. purpureus NTU 568 under submerged dioscorea medium were respectively found to be significantly formed by 148% and 147%, as compared to that under submerged rice medium. The reason is due to the pH value (3.5) of dioscorea medium involved in the formation of Monascus cell amount and secondary metabolite. RSM results further indicated that lowering the pH value to 2.5 would result in high monacolin K and citrinin concentrations as well as high biomass in fixed dioscorea amount, implying that pH value may stimulate the formation of monacolin K and citrinin through increasing Monascus cell amount. Lowering dioscorea and ethanol concentration was able to increase the ratio of monacolin K level to citrinin level. The optimal culture condition (pH 5.7, 1% dioscorea concentration, and 0.5% ethanol concentration) would increase monacolin K levels to 27.9 mg/g (by 47%) and decrease citrinin level to 2.15 microg/g (by 54%), as compared to control conditions (pH 3.5, 5% dioscorea, and ethanol free).     

Infant feeding practices in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China

AIMS: To document infant feeding methods in the first six months of life in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China, 2003-2004. Some problems with breast-feeding in the area are explained. METHODS: A longitudinal study of infant feeding practices was undertaken. A total of 1219 mothers who delivered babies during 2003 and 2004 were interviewed in five hospitals or institutes, and after discharge were contacted in person or by telephone at approximately monthly intervals to obtain details of infant feeding practices. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore factors associated with breast-feeding initiation. RESULTS: 'Any breast-feeding' rates at discharge and at 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 6 months were 92.2, 91.3, 89.9, 88.8, 87.7, 86.0 and 73.0%, respectively. 'Exclusive breast-feeding' rates at discharge and at 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 6 months were 66.2, 47.6, 30.1, 25.8, 22.1, 13.0 and 6.2%, respectively. The main problem of breast-feeding in Xinjiang was the early introduction of formula or water. The average duration of 'exclusive breast-feeding' was 1.8 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-2.0), of 'full breast-feeding' 2.8 months (95% CI 2.7-2.9) and of 'any breast-feeding' 5.3 months (95% CI 5.2-5.4). CONCLUSIONS: Infant feeding methods in Xinjiang were documented in this study and the main problems with infant feeding in Xinjiang are discussed. Further studies are needed to identify factors associated with 'exclusive breast-feeding' and duration.     

Synthesis and characterization of canola oil-stearic acid-based trans-free structured lipids for possible margarine application

Incorporation of stearic acid into canola oil to produce trans-free structured lipid (SL) as a healthy alternative to partially hydrogenated fats for margarine formulation was investigated. Response surface methodology was used to study the effects of lipozyme RM IM from Rhizomucor miehei and Candida rugosa lipase isoform 1 (LIP1) and two acyl donors, stearic acid and ethyl stearate, on the incorporation. Lipozyme RM IM and ethyl stearate gave the best result. Gram quantities of SLs were synthesized using lipozyme RM IM, and the products were compared to SL made by chemical catalysis and fat from commercial margarines. After short-path distillation, the products were characterized by GC and RPHPLC-MS to obtain fatty acid and triacylglycerol profiles, 13C NMR spectrometry for regiospecific analysis, X-ray diffraction for crystal forms, and DSC for melting profile. Stearic acid was incorporated into canola oil, mainly at the sn-1,3 positions, for the lipase reaction, and no new trans fatty acids formed. Most SL products did not have adequate solid fat content or beta' crystal forms for tub margarine, although these may be suitable for light margarine formulation.     

Lupine induced "crooked calf disease" in Washington and Oregon: identification of the alkaloid profiles in Lupinus sulfureus, Lupinus leucophyllus, and Lupinus sericeus

Several lupines (Lupinus spp.) present on western U.S. rangelands contain alkaloids that are teratogenic to livestock and cause congenital birth defects in calves (crooked calf disease). Periodically, large losses of calves due to lupine-induced "crooked calf disease" occur in northern Oregon and eastern Washington state. Five lupine populations from this area representing three species (L. leucophyllus, L. sulfureus, and L. sericeus) were evaluated taxonomically and by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and the major alkaloids in each lupine species were identified. The teratogenic alkaloid anagyrine was present in both of the lupine species responsible for the high outbreaks in east-central Washington and northeastern Oregon. However, the alkaloid profiles of the two lupines identified as L. leucophyllus were dissimilar, as were the alkaloid profiles of the two lupines identified as L. sulfureus. Botanical classification is not sufficient to determine potential teratogenicity, and it must be followed by chemical characterization to determine risk to livestock.     

Molecular Typing and Presence of Genetic Markers Among Strains of Banana Finger-Tip Rot Pathogen, Burkholderia cenocepacia, in Taiwan

ABSTRACT Burkholderia cenocepacia (genomovar III of B. cepacia complex), the causal agent of banana finger-tip rot, is a common plant-associated bacterium but also an important opportunistic pathogen of humans. To better understand the nature of B. cenocepacia from banana, the genetic variation among B. cenocepacia isolates from various banana-growing regions in southern Taiwan was examined. Forty-four serial isolates recovered from diseased banana stigmata from three banana-growing regions during the periods ranging from 2002 to 2004 were investigated. All B. cenocepacia isolates picked from quinate-yeast extract tetracycline-polymyxin semiselective medium could cause onion maceration and were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for bcscV, which is a type III secretion gene present in all members of the B. cepacia complex except B. cepacia (formerly genomovar I). Genetic diversity was assessed using recA PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism, recA nucleotide sequence analysis, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis assays. The assays revealed the genetic variability among the isolates and also allowed us to trace the relationship among isolates. The isolates all were assigned to genomovar III and consisted of two groups, A and B, which corresponded to recA lineage IIIA and IIIB. The group B strains were separated into B1 and B2 subgroups and the B1 strains were further divided into distinct lineages. The B1 strains were the most frequently detected and occurred in all regions tested. There was no significant difference between strains from each subgroup in the virulence on banana fingers of cv. Cavendish. PCR assays were further used to determine whether B. cenocepacia from banana contained the cable pilus subunit gene (cblA), IS1356, and B. cepacia epidemic strain marker (BCESM), which are DNA markers associated with epidemic B. cepacia clinic strains. The results indicated that cblA and IS1356 were absent but the BCESM was found in all isolates. The present study revealed that banana is a natural reservoir of genetically diversified B. cenocepacia strains.     

Genetic Diversity and the Presence of Two Distinct Groups in Ophiostoma clavigerum Associated with Dendroctonus ponderosae in British Columbia and the Northern Rocky Mountains

ABSTRACT The sapstaining fungal pathogen Ophiostoma clavigerum is associated with the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), which is currently the most destructive forest pest in North America. The genetic diversity of O. clavigerum populations collected from five sites in Canada and two sites in the United States was estimated with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. Genomic DNA from 170 O. clavigerum isolates was digested with EcoRI and PstI and amplified with six primer sets. A total of 469 AFLP markers consisting of 243 monomorphic and 226 polymorphic loci were scored. The overall genetic diversity of the O. clavigerum population was low (Hs = 0.0531) and the differentiation of the seven O. clavigerum populations was moderate (Phi = 0.143). Genetic distances among the populations were not significantly correlated with geographic distance (r = 0.3235, P = 0.074). Two genetically distinct groups in the O. clavigerum populations were shown by unique AFLP profiles and the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic averages. Further work to characterize biological differences between the two groups will be needed to confirm whether cryptic species are present in the O. clavigerum population.     

平欧杂种榛焦叶原因

为探寻新疆平欧杂种榛焦叶发生的主要原因,以2个平欧杂种榛主栽品种为研究对象,对焦叶发生程度、栽培环境因子进行测定,利用相关性和回归分析等方法探析环境因子与平欧杂种榛焦叶发生的相关性,以及对焦叶率影响较大的环境因子。结果表明：(1)在生长季内,C园平欧杂种榛没有焦叶现象发生,A园和B园焦叶发生均在9月达到高峰(焦叶发生率≥80%),此时2个品种焦叶发生程度均为‘新榛3号’大于‘新榛1号’,其中A园平均焦叶率分别为15.15%、6.75%;B园分别为：37.09%、33.2%(2)与焦叶率存在极显著相关性的环境因子包括：光照强度、温度、相对湿度、土壤含水量和速效钾(P<0.01)。(3)多元回归分析显示‘新榛1号’焦叶率受各环境因子影响程度从大到小依次为温度、相对湿度、土壤含水量、速效钾、光照强度;‘新榛3号’从大到小依次为相对湿度、土壤含水量、光照强度、速效钾、温度。     

2022 年 2 期目录

  目的  SPL（SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like）是植物特有的转录因子,参与植物幼年期向成年期的转变、营养生长向生殖生长的转变、花发育、孢子发生、叶片和根发育、逆境响应等多个过程,在植物的生长发育过程中起着非常重要的作用。探究白桦中BpSPL6基因启动子区的顺式作用元件,以及该启动子在正常和胁迫条件下的表达模式,可为进一步研究BpSPL6基因的功能提供参考,也可为了解白桦的抗逆机制提供依据。  方法  以本实验室组培白桦的总DNA为模板,经PCR克隆了BpSPL6基因上游1 703 bp的启动子序列,用PLACE和Plant CARE在线软件分析启动子区的顺式作用元件。构建BpSPL6基因启动子驱动GUS报告基因的植物表达载体并转化拟南芥,探究其组织表达特性和胁迫条件下的表达模式。  结果  PCR成功克隆了BpSPL6基因上游1 703 bp的启动子序列,对启动子区的顺式作用元件预测发现除了含有核心启动元件TATA-box、CAAT-box外,还包括2种特异组织表达元件（根、花粉）,10种激素响应元件（生长素、赤霉素、水杨酸、脱落酸）,4种脱水响应元件等。对转基因拟南芥进行GUS染色结果表明,BpSPL6基因启动子驱动的GUS基因在转基因拟南芥中的表达具有时空特异性。在拟南芥的整个发育过程中,BpSPL6基因启动子驱动GUS基因在真叶叶片中表达,但是表达部位不同。随着叶片的生长,首先在叶片的顶端表达,随后扩展到叶片的叶脉并直至整个叶片,并且表达量逐渐升高。同时BpSPL6基因启动子驱动的 GUS 基因在拟南芥营养生长时期的根部都有表达。并且经氯化钠和甘露醇胁迫后其表达量降低。对比两种胁迫,受到氯化钠胁迫后GUS基因的表达量变化更大,说明对氯化钠胁迫的响应更加强烈。  结论  BpSPL6基因可能参与了植物的叶片、根发育以及对盐和干旱胁迫的响应。      

基于SWOT分析的珍贵树种种苗产业发展策略

通过对我国珍贵树种资源分布现状,以及近年来种苗科研与利用情况进行总结,应用SWOT分析法,对珍贵树种种苗产业发展过程中存在的优势、劣势、机遇及挑战因素进行分析,并提出相应的优化策略.简而言之,就是要加强珍贵树种种苗发展的全局统筹指导,加快种苗信息化建设,强化造林单位与种苗生产单位的衔接,发挥良种繁育基地作用,提升集约化水平,以实现产业的现代化、市场化与规模化,从而保障新时代林业生态建设对珍贵树种种苗的需求.