Dual origin of the cultivated rice based on molecular markers of newly collected annual and perennial strains of wild rice species, Oryza nivara and O. rufipogon

The direct ancestor of rice (Oryza sativa L.) is believed to be AA genome wild relatives of rice in Asia. However, the AA genome wild relatives involve both annual and perennial forms. The distribution of the retrotransposon p-SINE1-r2, a short interspersed nuclear element (SINE) at the waxy locus was analyzed in diverse accessions of the AA genome wild relatives of rice (O. rufipogon sensu lato). Most annual wild rice accessions had this retrotransposon, while most perennial types lacked this element, contradicting results to the previous studies. Results presented here suggest that O. sativa has dual origin that lead to indica-japonica differentiation. Results suggest the indica line of rice varieties evolved from the annual genepool of AA genome and the japonica varieties from the perennial genepool of AA genome wild rice.     

2,4-Nonadienal and benzaldehyde bioantimutagens in Fushimi sweet pepper (Fushimi-togarashi)

Fushimi sweet pepper, "Fushimi-togarashi", is one of the "Kyo-yasai", traditional vegetables, in Kyoto, Japan. The chloroform fraction of Fushimi sweet pepper showed bioantimutagenicity on UV induced mutation in Escherichia coli B/r WP2. The bioantimutagen was purified with silica gel chromatography and identified as 2, 4-nonadienal (ID(50) = 20 microg/plate) on the basis of GC retention time and EI-MS spectrum of authentic 2,4-nonadienal. The sweet pepper also contained a known bioantimutagen, benzaldehyde (ID(50) = 2 mg/plate). Additive bioantimutagenicity was also observed by 2, 4-nonadienal with benzaldehyde. 2,4-Nonadienal did not show bioantimutagenicity in an UV excision repair deficient strain, E. coli B/r WP2s uvrA(-)(). Furthermore no delay of the first cell division after UV irradiation was observed in E. coli B/r WP2. These results indicate that the bioantimutagenic activity of 2, 4-nonadienal on UV mutagenesis might depend on the excision repair system in E. coli B/r WP2.     

Characteristics of fertilizer uptake and biodistribution in strawberry plants in two Japanese cultivars in hydroponic culture

ABSTRACT

The fertilizer absorption characteristics of strawberries are not clear, although appropriate fertilization is definitely necessary to ensure produce quality and quantity. This study aimed to determine the amounts of macro- and micronutrients absorbed during cultivation of strawberries and their biodistribution and utilization in the plant body. We cultivated Japanese strawberries ‘Benihoppe’ and ‘Kirapika’ in small hydroponic equipment containing a nutrient solution and determined the amounts of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, B, Zn, Cu, and Mo absorbed during and at the end of cultivation. The results revealed the adsorption levels of these elements during the cultivation period. The nutrient concentrations varied greatly among plant organs. In particular, P and B accumulated at high levels in the leaves and stem, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, and Cu accumulated in the crown, and N, Fe, and Mo accumulated in the roots. In addition, the uptake levels of N, P, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, and Cu differed between Benihoppe and Kirapika. Our results provide useful information for determining fertilizer application rates in strawberry cultivation.     

Genetic Erosion from Modern Varieties into Traditional Upland Rice Cultivars (Oryza sativa L.) in Northern Thailand

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent of genetic erosion of traditional upland germplasm in northern Thailand as a result of gene-flow from distinct strains carrying different genotypes. Even modern variety specific markers have not been developed, there is a comparative population in Laos. Thus, both populations were compared with various characters to evaluate gene-flow from modern variety to landraces. Glutinous and glabrous strains are predominated in Laos. However, such strains were drastically decreased in north–east Thailand. Gene diversity is higher in Thailand, compared to Laos at seven isozyme loci. This was a result of the higher frequencies of Indica strains and heterozygotes in Thailand. Plastid type was also determined by using an INDEL marker. Nearly half of Indica strains carried the Japonica plastid. Heterozygotes also tended to carry Japonica cytoplasm. Such nuclear–cytoplasm substituted strains and heterozygotes were probably generated by natural hybridization. Japonica strains tended to be a maternal donor rather than Indica ones. Or Indica strains would easily release pollens, which grow outside of upland fields.     

Differentiation-inducing effects of small fruit juices on HL-60 leukemic cells

Epidemiological studies indicate that high intakes of fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of cancer, and several plant-derived drugs have been developed in medical oncology. Since only a small part of the flora has been tested for any kind of bioactivity, we chose small fruits as sources of differentiation-inducing activity against HL-60 leukemic cells. We have prepared juices from various small fruits that grow mainly in the northern part of Japan. Screening of 43 samples indicated that juices of Actinidia polygama Maxim., Rosa rugosa Thunb., Vaccinium smallii A. Gray, and Sorbus sambucifolia Roem. strongly induced differentiation of HL-60 cells to monocyte/macrophage characteristics in a concentration-dependent manner as indicated by histochemical and biochemical examinations.     

Quantitative trait loci analysis on Sus scrofa chromosome 7 for meat production, meat quality, and carcass traits within a Duroc purebred population

Many QTL analyses related to meat production and meat quality traits have been carried out using an F(2) resource population produced by crossing 2 genetically different breeds. This experiment was intended to investigate whether these QTL were segregating in a purebred Duroc population that had been selected for meat production and meat quality traits during 7 generations. Sus scrofa chromosome 7, for which significant QTL of intramuscular fat and many other traits have already been reported, was studied. The polymorphism of 10 microsatellite markers that were arranged at about 20-cM intervals was investigated on 1,004 pigs. In the selected population, 954 progeny were produced from mating of 99 sires and 286 dams. The QTL analysis for a full-sib family population was examined with the multigeneration pedigree structure of the population. Variance component analysis was used to detect QTL in this population and was examined for the multigeneration pedigree population. In this study, multigenerational pedigree estimated identical by descent coefficients among sibs were produced using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. The maximum likelihood of odds score was found at the 70-cM position for the LM area, at the 0-cM position for the pork color standard, and at the 120-cM position for the number of thoracic vertebra, but no significant QTL for intramuscular fat were detected on SSC 7. These results indicate that QTL analysis via a variance component method within a purebred population was effective to determine that QTL were segregating in a population of purebred Durocs.     

Familial Congenital Methemoglobinemia in Pomeranian Dogs Caused by a Missense Variant in the NADH‐Cytochrome B5 Reductase Gene

Background

In veterinary medicine, congenital methemoglobinemia associated with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)‐cytochrome b5 reductase (b5R) deficiency is rare. It has been reported in several breeds of dogs, but little information is available about its etiology.

Objectives

To analyze the NADH‐cytochrome b5 reductase gene, CYB5R3, in a Pomeranian dog family with methemoglobinemia suspected to be caused by congenital b5R deficiency.

Animals

Three Pomeranian dogs from a family with methemoglobinemia were analyzed. Five healthy beagles and 5 nonrelated Pomeranian dogs without methemoglobinemia were used as controls.

Methods

Methemoglobin concentration, b5R activity, and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration were measured, and a turbidity index was used to evaluate Heinz body formation. The CYB5R3 genes of the affected dog and healthy dogs were analyzed by direct sequencing.

Results

Methemoglobin concentrations in erythrocytes of the affected dogs were remarkably higher than those of the control dogs. The b5R activity of the affected dogs was notably lower than that of the control dogs. DNA sequencing indicated that this Pomeranian family carried a CYB5R3 gene missense variant (ATC→CTC at codon 194) that resulted in the replacement of isoleucine (Ile) by leucine (Leu).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This dog family had familial congenital methemoglobinemia caused by b5R deficiency, which resulted from a nonsynonymous variant in the CYB5R3 gene. This variation (c.580A>C) led to an amino acid substitution (p.Ile194Leu), and Ile194 was located in the proximal region of the NADH‐binding motif. Our data suggested that this variant in the canine CYB5R3 gene would affect function of the b5R in erythrocytes.     

Rapid brain MRI protocols result in comparable differential diagnoses versus a full brain protocol in most canine and feline cases

Evaluation of brain disease in veterinary patients uses a wide variety of MRI sequences. A shortened protocol that maintains consistency of interpretation would reduce radiologist reporting time, patient anesthetic time, and client cost. The aims of this retrospective, methods comparison, observer agreement study were to evaluate whether abbreviated MRI protocols alter differential diagnoses and recommendations compared to our institution's standard protocol; evaluate interobserver agreement on standard brain MRIs; and assess whether differential diagnoses change after postcontrast images. Normal and pathologic canine and feline brain MRIs were retrieved from hospital archives. Three protocols were created from each: a 5-sequence noncontrast enhanced Fast Brain Protocol 1 (FBP1); a 6-sequence contrast-enhanced Fast Brain Protocol 2 (FBP2); and an 11-sequence standard brain protocol (SBP). Three blinded veterinary radiologists interpreted FBP images for 98 cases (1 reader/case) and SBP images for 20 cases (3 readers/case). A fourth observer compared these interpretations to the original MRI reports (OMR). Overall agreement between FBPs and OMR was good (k = 0.75) and comparable to interobserver agreement for multiple reviews of SBP cases. Postcontrast images substantially altered conclusions in 17/97 cases (17.5%), as well as improved interobserver agreement compared to noncontrast studies. The conclusions reached with shortened brain protocols were comparable to those of a full brain study. The findings supported the use of a 6-sequence brain MRI protocol (sagittal T2-weighted [T2w] TSE; transverse T2w turbo spin echo fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, T2*-weighted gradient recalled echo, T1-weighted spin echo, and diffusion weighted imaging/apparent diffusion coefficient; and postcontrast transverse T1-weighted spin echo) for dogs and cats with suspected intracranial disease.