Combined Drought and Heat Stress in Rice: Responses,Phenotyping and Strategies to Improve Tolerance

Simultaneous occurrence of drought and heat stress will have significant negative impact on rice yield, especially under upland conditions. The projected increase in global temperatures and reduced precipitation will increase the frequency of occurrence and intensity of these stresses, threatening rice production. Despite recognizing the importance of combined stress in rice, the knowledge generated in this area is very limited. Though complex, understanding combined stress tolerance of rice under water saving cultivation is more critical towards development of climate resilient rice cultivars. Here, we summarized the effects of combined stress on rice physiology with more emphasis on reproductive stage. Omics responses, phenotyping and physiology challenges and potential strategies for improving combined stress tolerance in rice are also discussed.     

Genetic parameters for loin eye area and other body traits of an important Neotropical aquaculture species,Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818)

Estimating components of variance and genetic parameters of economically relevant traits is the first step towards planning a breeding program for aquaculture species. This study estimated the (co)variance components for growth rate and other body traits and then determined a multiple regression equation to assess the loin eye area (LEA) from morphometric traits of the Neotropical aquaculture species Colossoma macropomum. Estimation of variance components was performed using derivative‐free restricted maximum likelihood estimation using the MTDFREML package. Six predictive variables were tested to estimate the coefficient of regression equation and to select the most suitable model for predicting LEA. The estimated genetic parameter for body weight showed moderate‐to‐high heritability estimates of 0.26 (0.01) and 0.49 (0.01) at 221 and 623 days respectively. The genetic correlation (r_g) estimates between body size measurements were positive and ranged from low to high at both ages. The heritability for LEA in this assessment was 0.39 (0.03). The genetic and phenotypic correlations between LEA and the other body measurements ranged from 0.16 to 0.94 and 0.75 and 0.90 respectively. The outcomes of this study can contribute to the development of a genetics‐based breeding program that will improve (tambaqui) productivity and carcass quality.     

Sea turtle bycatch in Argentina: A qualitative assessment in commercial vessels

1. The Northern Argentine continental shelf is a sea turtle feeding ground that overlaps with important fisheries. Few studies assessed bycatch impact, especially on commercial vessels. 2. This work documents sea turtles' bycatch, fishery involved, species captured and crew actions. 3. Bycatch in four fisheries were registered at the 107 interviews to fishers conducted between 2021 and 2023, showing the urgency to research bottom trawling for demersal multi-species. Fishers frequently recognize Caretta caretta, and positive and negative practices towards animals have been documented on-board. 4. These results will help focus researches on fisheries with the greatest impact on sea turtles in the region. They also underscore the necessity for implementing commercial vessel monitoring programmes and improving on-board handling practices.     

Testicular Descent in the Dog

The mechanism underlying the process of normal testicular descent in the dog has been examined by a morphological, histological and histochemical analysis of testis and gubernaculum during the period from the 53rd day post coitum (p. c.) until the 40th day post partum (p. p.). Within this period, the testis passes the inguinal canal on the third or fourth day p. p. and reaches its scrotal location on the 35th day p. p. During the entire period the histological composition of the testis (volume percentage of seminiferous tubules, volume percentage of Leydig cells, diameter of seminiferous tubules, number of germ cells) is fairly constant. The △⁵-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in the Leydig cells before birth suggests a steroid synthesis. Outgrowth and swelling of the gubernaculum occurs until the fifth day p. p. but morphological, histological and histochemical data indicate an onset of gubernacular regression during the last phase of the outgrowth reaction. The migration of the testis from the caudal end of the kidney towards the inguinal canal is associated with the outgrowth of the gubernaculum; during the phase of gubernacular regression, the testis moves from the inguinal canal towards its ultimate location in the scrotal pouch.     

A case of yellow fever in a brown howler (Alouatta fusca) in Southern Brazil.

Many brown howlers (Alouatta fusca) have died in a 3-month period in a subtropical forest in Southern Brazil. One was examined after a systemic illness. According to clinical signs, and necropsy and histopathology findings, yellow fever virus (YFV) infection was suspected. Tissue sections from liver, kidney, and lymphoid organs were screened by immunohistochemistry for YFV antigens. Cells within those tissues stained positively with a polyclonal antibody against YFV antigens (1:1,600 dilution), and yellow fever was diagnosed for the first time in the brown howler in the area.     

Functional and Biochemical Characterization of Proteins Remaining in Solution After Isoelectric Precipitation

ABSTRACT

The resulting supernatant from the isoelectric precipitation of “sawdust” from Cape hake portioning and blue whiting muscle was concentrated by ultrafiltration and the retentate spray-dried. Two main peaks corresponding to molecular weights of 15 kDa and 65 kDa were detected in the supernatant from both raw materials; in the retentate the main proteins had approximately 18 kDa and 73 kDa, and some proteins with 59 kDa were detected in the permeate. The protein content was 74.0% and 70.0% for hake by-products and blue whiting, respectively. Dried proteins had relatively low emulsifying and foaming capacity but high foaming stability and were whitish in color. Hydrophobicity and sulphydryl content were similar to those from other protein sources.     

Analysis of monoglycerides, diglycerides, sterols, and free fatty acids in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) oil by 31P NMR spectroscopy

Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( (31)P NMR) was used to differentiate virgin coconut oil (VCO) from refined, bleached, deodorized coconut oil (RCO). Monoglycerides (MGs), diglycerides (DGs), sterols, and free fatty acids (FFAs) in VCO and RCO were converted into dioxaphospholane derivatives and analyzed by (31)P NMR. On the average, 1-MG was found to be higher in VCO (0.027%) than RCO (0.019%). 2-MG was not detected in any of the samples down to a detection limit of 0.014%. On the average, total DGs were lower in VCO (1.55%) than RCO (4.10%). When plotted in terms of the ratio [1,2-DG/total DGs] versus total DGs, VCO and RCO samples grouped separately. Total sterols were higher in VCO (0.096%) compared with RCO (0.032%), and the FFA content was 8 times higher in VCO than RCO (0.127% vs 0.015%). FFA determination by (31)P NMR and titration gave comparable results. Principal components analysis shows that the 1,2-DG, 1,3-DG, and FFAs are the most important parameters for differentiating VCO from RCO.     

Correction to: Biodegradation of humic substances by microscopic filamentous fungi: chromatographic and spectroscopic proxies

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Incorrect and incomplete wording: Funding information. The study was funded by the RFBR research project no. 18–016-00078. Correct and complete wording:...