Determination of α-methylenecyclopropylglycine in Shahi and China litchi cultivars at three different maturity stages: A quantitative study using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

This study presents the contents of α-methylenecyclopropylglycine, a potentially toxic amino acid, in the peel, pulp and seed fractions of two well-known litchi varieties, namely Shahi and China, over a span of three harvest-seasons. For analysing α-methylenecyclopropylglycine, an LC-MS/MS-based method was validated. The method-accuracies fell within 75-110 % (RSD, <15 %) at 0.1 mg/kg (LOQ) and higher levels. A comparative evaluation of the results in peel, pulp and seed at 30 days before harvest (DBH), 15-DBH, and edible-ripe stage revealed that α-methylenecyclopropylglycine content increased as the litchi seeds grew towards maturity, regardless of the cultivar. In arils, at maturity, the concentration of α-methylenecyclopropylglycine ranged from not-detected to 11.7 µg/g dry weight. The Shahi cultivar showed slightly higher α-methylenecyclopropylglycine content in comparison to China litchi. This paper presents the first known analysis of combined seasonal data on different fruit components at various growth stages for the two chosen litchi cultivars grown in India.

Experimental study into the effects of pitch and coning angles on the flight performance of the natural samara.

Using their light wing and through the use of a leading-edge vortex (LEV), autorotating samaras can generate high lift while descending at extremely low speeds. But the flight performance of the samara, with respect to the wide design envelope, is still not well understood. Therefore, this paper aims to experimentally assess how the flight performance of three natural samara wings varies with differing wind speeds and flight conditions. The tests were conducted within a vertical wind tunnel and a novel rig was devised to effectively measure the vertical thrust and rotational rate of the autorotating samara at near frictionless conditions. Furthermore, a bespoke hub was implemented to control the coning and pitch angles of the samara wing. The tests generated a novel and comprehensive set of experimental data of autorotating samaras with changing wind speed, coning and pitch angles. The results also revealed that coning angles between 5 and 15 degrees can increase the vertical thrust produced by the samara by up to a maximum of 9.6 % . Additionally, it was found that samaras operate at extremely low pitch angles between -0.7 and -2.6 degrees to maximise their thrust, even though the conditions are close to the autorotational stability boundary.

Functional Diversification of Sec13 Isoforms for Storage Protein Trafficking in Rice Endosperm Cells.

Coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicles play crucial roles in mediating the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit of newly synthesized proteins to the Golgi in eukaryotic cells. However, the molecular functions of COPII components and their functional diversifications in plant seeds remain obscure. Here, we showed that the rice (Oryza sativa) glutelin precursor accumulation12 (gpa12) mutant is defective in storage protein export from the ER, resulting in the formation of aggregated protein bodies. Map-based cloning revealed that GPA12 encodes a COPII outer layer protein, Sec13a, that mainly localizes to endoplasmic reticulum exit sites (ERES) and partially localizes to the Golgi. Biochemical experiments verified that Sec13a physically interacts with Sec31 and Sec16, and mutation in Sec13 compromises its interaction with Sec31 and Sec16, thereby affecting the membrane association of the inner complex components Sar1b and Sec23c. Apart from Sec13a, the rice genome encodes two other Sec13 isoforms, Sec13b and Sec13c. Notably, we observed an abnormal accumulation of globular ER structures in the sec13bc double mutant but not in the single mutants, suggesting a functional redundancy of Sec13b and Sec13c in modulating ER morphology. Taken together, our results substantiated that Sec13a plays an important role in regulating storage protein export from the ER, while Sec13b and Sec13c are required for maintaining ER morphology in rice endosperm cells. Our findings provide insights into the functional diversification of COPII components in plants.

Active bio-nanocomposites from litchi seed starch, tamarind kernel xyloglucan, and lignin nanoparticles to improve the shelf-life of banana (Musa acuminata).

Valorization of agricultural byproducts to biodegradable packaging films aids in reducing plastic dependency and addressing plastic perils. Herein, starch (LSS) from litchi seeds and xyloglucan (XG) from tamarind kernels were recovered, and composite films were developed. The XG addition strengthened the weak polymer networks of LSS and improved rheological, molecular, morphological, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties. The incorporation of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) into the LSS-XG network further increased the tensile strength (14.83 MPa), elastic modulus (0.41 GPa), and reduced surface wettability (80.07°), and water vapor permeability (5.63 ± 0.38 × 10-7 g m-1s-1Pa-1). The phenolic hydroxyls of LNPs imparted strong UV-shielding and free radical scavenging abilities to films. These attributes aided in preserving the quality of coated banana fruits with minimal weight loss and color change. Overall, this research highlights the potential transformation of underutilized abundant byproducts into sustainable active bio-nanocomposites for food packaging and shelf-life extension of fruits.

Pumpkin seed oil: unveiling its potential in controlling inflammation and pathogenicity during experimental trichinellosis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory potential of pumpkin seed oil in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis by demonstrating its impact on MMP-9 expression and pathogenesis during the intestinal and muscular phases. RESULTS: In this study, 100 mice were divided into five groups: an infected group, a pumpkin seed oil-treated group (1.5 mg/kg BW, administered three times per week), an albendazole-treated group, a native control group, and a pumpkin oil control group. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the pumpkin seed oil revealed a broad spectrum of biologically active compounds. The pumpkin seed oil treatment led to a significant reduction in the parasite burden, with a 75% decrease in adult worms and a 66% decrease in encysted larvae. Additionally, the infected animals treated with pumpkin oil exhibited a marked reduction in intestinal inflammation, characterized by a progressive increase in goblet cells. The number of encysted larvae in the diaphragm and muscle tissues was also significantly decreased. Furthermore, pumpkin seed oil treatment significantly reduced MMP-9 levels in both intestinal and muscular tissues, highlighting its potential to attenuate inflammation. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil as anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic agent.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Based Mechanisms Revealing the Accumulation and Transformation of Sugars and Fats in Pinus armandii Seed Kernels during the Harvesting Period.

Pinus armandii seed kernel is a nutrient-rich and widely consumed nut whose yield and quality are affected by, among other things, harvesting time and climatic conditions, which reduce economic benefits. To investigate the optimal harvesting period of P. armandii seed kernels, this study determined the nutrient composition and seed kernel morphology and analyzed the gene expression and metabolic differences of P. armandii seed kernels during the harvesting period by transcriptomics and metabolomics. The results revealed that during the maturation of P. armandii seed kernels, there was a significant increase in the width, thickness, and weight of the seed kernels, as well as a significant accumulation of sucrose, soluble sugars, proteins, starch, flavonoids, and polyphenols and a significant decrease in lipid content. In addition, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of P. armandii seed kernels during the harvesting period screened and identified 103 differential metabolites (DEMs) and 8899 differential genes (DEGs). Analysis of these DEMs and DEGs revealed that P. armandii seed kernel harvesting exhibited gene-metabolite differences in sugar- and lipid-related pathways. Among them, starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis were associated with the synthesis and catabolism of sugars, whereas fatty acid degradation, glyoxylate and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism were associated with the synthesis and catabolism of lipids. Therefore, the present study hypothesized that these differences in genes and metabolites exhibited during the harvesting period of P. armandii seed kernels might be related to the accumulation and transformation of sugars and lipids. This study may provide a theoretical basis for determining the optimal harvesting time of P. armandii seed kernels, changes in the molecular mechanisms of nutrient accumulation, and quality directed breeding.

Rocket seed meal (Eruca sativa) can replace soybean meal in fattening lamb diets improving performance, protein metabolism, and economic balance.

The study determined the effects of replacing different levels of soybean meal (SBM) with rocket seed cake (RSC) in the diets of growing lambs on feed utilization and growth performance. Twenty-eight male lambs (180 ± 5 d old) were divided into four groups in a complete randomized design with repeated measures for 105 d. Soybean meal was replaced with RSC at 0% (RSC0), 25% (RSC25), 50% (RSC50), and 75% (RSC75). The RSC75 group had the lowest final weight, total weight gain, and daily weight gain. The RSC25 increased (P < 0.001) the intakes of DM, starch value (SV), total digestible nutrients (TDN), digestible energy (DE), and digestible crude protein (DCP) compared to the other diets, while the RSC75 decreased these values. Moreover, the RSC25 decreased (P < 0.05) feed conversion of DM compared to other diets. Treatments did not affect nutrient digestibility or diet's nutritive values expressed as true SV, TDN, DCP, and DE. The RSC linearly increased albumin and urea and lowered the high-density lipoprotein concentrations in lamb's blood. The inclusion of RSC in the diet increased economic efficiency, with the highest relative percentages of net revenue with the RSC25. Overall, RSC can replace SBM at 25% in the diet of growing lambs.

Private sector led multi-stakeholder platforms positively influence certified common bean seed supply in Malawi.

Common bean yields in Malawi remain low, primarily due to the use of low-yielding, recycled local seeds by most smallholder farmers. The low uptake of certified bean seed is attributed to limited incentives from the private sector. This study hypothesizes that the sustainable adoption of market-preferred varieties can be achieved by synchronizing and linking seed production to the grain market through committed value chain actors in a private sector-led multi-stakeholder platform. This paper examines the role of private sector-led multi-stakeholder platforms in the supply of certified common bean seed in Malawi. The research draws on both qualitative and quantitative primary data collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews with key informants. Data were analyzed using an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model. The results indicate that several variables representing membership in multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) significantly affect the supply of certified common bean seed. Participation in MSPs, contractual arrangements, market structure, extension services, and seed demonstrations positively influenced seed supply. The findings underscore the need for a well-coordinated multi-stakeholder platform to enhance the supply of certified common bean seed, supported by effective policies and incentives from policymakers.

Self- and study partner-reported cognitive decline in older adults without dementia: The role of α-synuclein and amyloid biomarkers in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.

INTRODUCTION: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may be an early marker of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Until recently, it was impossible to measure biomarkers specific for α-synuclein pathology; therefore, its association with subjective reports of cognitive decline is unknown. METHODS: Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative participants without dementia (n = 918) were classified as positive or negative for amyloid beta (Aß+ or Aß-) and α-synuclein (α-syn+ or α-syn-) biomarkers. Self- and study partner-reported cognitive decline was measured with the Everyday Cognition (ECog) questionnaire. RESULTS: Per self-report, Aß+/α-syn+ had the greatest cognitive decline. Aß-/α-syn+ did not differ from Aß-/α-syn- across ECog scores. Study partner-reported results had a similar pattern, but Aß+/α-syn- and Aß+/α-syn+ did not differ across ECog scores. Mild cognitive impairment classification moderated the study partner-reported memory score. DISCUSSION: While α-syn+ alone did not increase subjective reports of cognitive decline, Aß+/α-syn+ had the most self- and study partner-rated cognitive decline. Therefore, the presence of multiple pathologies was associated with greater SCD. HIGHLIGHTS: Cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein (α-syn) seed amplification assay was used to determine α-syn positivity. Amyloid beta (Aß)-/α-syn-, Aß-/α-syn+, Aß+/α-syn-, and Aß+/α-syn+ biomarker groups were created. Aß+/α-syn+ had greater subjective cognitive decline (SCD) than the other biomarker groups. Aß-/α-syn+ did not differ from Aß-/α-syn- across self- or study-partner reported SCD scores. Study partner-reported subjective memory results were largely driven by participants with mild cognitive impairment.

Flower position within plants influences reproductive success both directly and via phenology.

PREMISE: In plants, within-individual trait variation might result from mechanisms related to ontogenetic contingency, i.e., to the position of a particular structure within the plant, previous developmental events, and/or the developmental environment. Flower position within inflorescences as well as inflorescence position within plants can influence resource provisioning, phenology, biotic interactions, and reproductive success. Despite the potential implications of within-individual variation in plant reproductive phenotypes, its causes and effects on reproductive success are still little explored. METHODS: We assessed how reproductive success, in terms of fruit and seed set, and seed predation of 5883 flowers in Lathyrus vernus were influenced by their position within and among racemes, to what extent relationships between flower position and reproductive success and seed predation were mediated by phenology, and if positional effects on reproductive success depended on the external environment. RESULTS: In three years, basal flowers and racemes opened earlier and had higher fruit set than distal. Basal flowers also experienced higher seed predation. Differences among racemes in fruit and seed set were largely related to phenology, while differences in fruit set, seed set, and seed predation within racemes were not. In one year, differences in fruit set among flowers at different positions depended on flowering duration. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the important role of ontogenetic contingency for within-individual variation in phenology and reproductive success. As the spatial distribution of reproductive structures affects both within-plant trait distributions and fitness, it is a likely target for natural selection.

Physicochemical properties, profile of volatiles, fatty acids, lipids and concomitants from four Kadsura coccinea seed oils.

The Kadsura coccinea fruit is a wild fruit that may be eaten and used medicinally. Its seeds are rich in nutrients but are typically thrown away without processing.The physicochemical characterization, volatiles, fatty acids, lipids and concomitants of cold-processed seed oils from four kinds of K. coccinea were evaluated. The average kernel yield and oil yield of K. coccinea seeds were 68.21 % and 30.44 %, respectively. The seed oil contains a moderate level of total phenolics (368.99-503.99 mgGAE/100 g), total flavonoids (95.01-126.18 mg RE/100 g), and ß-sitosterol (1498.8-1712.7 mg/kg) with higher iodine value, lower acid value, saponification value and shorter induction time. GC analysis reveals appreciable amounts of linoleic acid (64.91-68.05 %) and squalene in seed oil. GC-MS analysis showed that the major volatile compounds were γ-muurolene (27.25-31.7 %), ß-himachalene (19.51-20.37 %) and ß-curcumene (15.78-16.78 %). Moreover, 16 terpenoids, 14 phenolics were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. These results suggest that K. coccinea seed seems an promising alternative oilseed with biological ingredients for food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

A comparative study on germination of wheat grains with different anthocyanin pigmentation of the pericarp in natural or induced aging.

One of promising areas of wheat breeding is the creation of varieties with a high concentration of anthocyanins in the grain for the production of functional food products. Nonetheless, the question of how these compounds affect seed viability after long-term storage has remained unexplored. A comparative study on seed viability was conducted using a set of near-isogenic lines on the background of spring wheat variety Saratovskaya 29. These sister lines carry different combinations of recombinant DNA regions (on chromosomes 2A and 7D) containing dominant and recessive alleles at loci Pp3 and Pp-D1 (Pp: Purple pericarp), which determine the anthocyanin color of coleoptiles and of the pericarp. Seeds were germinated on two layers of water-moistened filter paper in a climatic chamber at a constant temperature of 20 °C on a 12-hour daylight cycle. During long-term natural storage of the seeds for up to 9 years in a dry ventilated room in Kraft bags at 20 ± 2 °C, the tested wheat samples experienced a loss of seed germination capacity of ~50 %; anthocyanins were found to not participate in the preservation of germination capacity. Nonetheless, anthocyanins contributed to the preservation of seed viability under unfavorable short-term conditions of a temperature rise to 48 °C at 100 % humidity. The accelerated aging test did not predict poor germination capacity after long-term seed storage. The results showed a neutral role of anthocyanins in the maintenance of seed germination capacity for 6-9 years under natural storage conditions at 20 ± 2 °C. A small statistically significant increase in grain germination capacity during natural aging was associated with the presence of a recombinant region containing the Pp-D1 gene on wheat chromosome 7D.

Identification of quantitative trait loci of pod dehiscence in a collection of soybean grown in the southeast of Kazakhstan.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is one of the important crops that are constantly increasing their cultivation area in Kazakhstan. It is particularly significant in the southeastern regions of the country, which are currently predominant areas for cultivating this crop. One negative trait reducing yield in these dry areas is pod dehiscence (PD). Therefore, it is essential to understand the genetic control of PD to breed new cultivars with high yield potential. In this study, we evaluated 273 soybean accessions from different regions of the world for PD resistance in the conditions of southeastern regions of Kazakhstan in 2019 and 2021. The field data for PD suggested that 12 accessions were susceptible to PD in both studied years, and 32 accessions, in one of the two studied years. The genotyping of the collection using a DNA marker for the Pdh1 gene, a major gene for PD, revealed that 244 accessions had the homozygous R (resistant) allele, 14 had the homozygous S (susceptible) allele, and 15 accessions showed heterozygosity. To identify additional quantitative trait loci (QTLs), we applied an association mapping study using a 6K SNP Illumina iSelect array. The results suggested that in addition to major QTL on chromosome 16, linked to the physical location of Pdh1, two minor QTLs were identified on chromosomes 10 and 13. Both minor QTLs for PD were associated with calmodulin-binding protein, which presumably plays an important role in regulating PD in dry areas. Thus, the current study provided additional insight into PD regulation in soybean. The identified QTLs for PD can be efficiently employed in breeding for high-yield soybean cultivars.

Effects of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) supplementation on cardiometabolic health in overweight subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a significant public health issue associated with various chronic diseases. Research has indicated that chia seeds have the potential to improve cardiometabolic health. However, due to the diversity of research and inconsistencies in study design, further investigation is needed to fully understand their clinical effects on overweight individuals. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the available evidence on the effects of chia seeds on cardiometabolic indices in overweight populations through a meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases from their inception until 01-03-2024 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of chia on cardiometabolic indices in overweight subjects. The search strategy incorporated both Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Following the screening, ten RCTs were finally included. The data, including subject characteristics, study design, and changes in serum biomarkers, were extracted and analyzed using Stata software version 18. RESULTS: The meta-analysis results reveal that chia supplementation no significant changes in lipid profile, including triglycerides (TG) (MD: - 5.80 mg/dL, p = 0.47), total cholesterol (TC) (MD: - 0.29 mg/dL, p = 0.95), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (MD: 1.53 mg/dL, p = 0.33), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (MD: 0.63 mg/dL, p = 0.88). Similarity fasting blood glucose (FBG) (MD: - 0.03 mg/dL, p = 0.98), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD: - 0.13%, p = 0.13), and insulin levels (MD: 0.45 µIU/mL, p = 0.78). However, chia seed supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) (MD: - 1.18 mg/L, p < 0.0001), but no significant changes were observed in interleukin-6 (IL-6) (MD: - 0.15, p = 0.70) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (MD: 0.03, p = 0.91). There was no significant effect on body mass index (BMI) (MD: 0.1 kg/m2, p = 0.91), but a significant reduction in waist circumference (WC) (MD: - 2.82 cm, p < 0.001) was noted. Additionally, chia seed supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (BP) (MD: - 3.27 mmHg, p = 0.03), though diastolic BP changes were non-significant (MD: - 2.69 mmHg, p = 0.09). The studies showed low to moderate heterogeneity in outcome measures, with I2 < 50%. CONCLUSION: Chia seed supplementation does not significantly impact most lipid profile parameters and glycemic markers. However, it shows potential benefits in reducing WC, BP, and CRP. While chia seeds can be a valuable addition to cardiometabolic health management, they should be part of a broader health strategy that includes a balanced diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications for optimal results.

Genomic identification and expression profiling of DMP genes in oat (Avena sativa) elucidate their responsiveness to seed aging.

BACKGROUND: The Domain of unknown function 679 membrane protein (DMP) family, which is unique to plants, plays a crucial role in reproductive development, stress response and aging. A comprehensive study was conducted to identify the DMP gene members of oat (Avena sativa) and to investigate their structural features and tissue-specific expression profiles. Utilizing whole genome and transcriptome data, we analyzed the physicochemical properties, gene structure, cis-acting elements, phylogenetic relationships, conserved structural (CS) domains, CS motifs and expression patterns of the AsDMP family in A. sativa. RESULTS: The DMP family genes of A. sativa were distributed across 17 chromosomal scaffolds, encompassing a total of 33 members. Based on phylogenetic relationships, the AsDMP genes were classified into five distinct subfamilies. The gene structure also suggests that A. sativa may have undergone an intron loss event during its evolution. Covariance analysis indicates that genome-wide duplication and segmental duplication may be the major contributor to the expansion of the AsDMP gene family. Ka/Ks selective pressure analysis of the AsDMP gene family suggests that DMP gene pairs are generally conserved over evolutionary time. The upstream promoters of these genes contain several cis-acting elements, suggesting a potential role in abiotic stress responses and hormone induction. Transcriptome data revealed that the expression patterns of the DMP genes are involved in tissue and organ development. In this study, the AsDMP genes (AsDMP1, AsDMP19, and AsDMP22) were identified as potential regulators of seed senescence in A. sativa. These genes could serve as candidates for breeding studies focused on seed longevity and anti-aging germplasm in A. sativa. The study provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of the AsDMP gene family in the aging process of A. sativa germplasm and offers theoretical support for further function investigation into the functions of AsDMP genes and the molecular mechanisms underlying seed anti-aging. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the AsDMP genes as being involved in the aging process of A. sativa seeds, marking the first report on the potential role of DMP genes in seed aging for A. sativa.

A review of plant phenolics and endozoochory.

Phenolic compounds (phenolics) are secondary metabolites ubiquitous across plants. The earliest phenolics are linked to plants' successful transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial environment, serving as protection against damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress in an atmosphere with an increasingly high O2:CO2 ratio. In modern plants, phenolics are best known for the defense against fungal and bacterial pathogens and as antifeedants that deter herbivory. Phenolics also play a role in seed dormancy, delaying germination, and lengthening viability in the seed bank. Many plants' seeds are endozoochorous - dispersed by animals, like birds, who eat and later excrete the seeds. Plants send visual signals to attract birds with UV-sensitive (UVS) vision for pollination and seed dispersal. As fruits ripen, antioxidant activity and phenolic content decrease. The waxy cuticle of fruits increases in UV reflection as phenolic rings, which absorb UV light, degrade. The UV contrast that birds detect may act as an honest signal, indicating nutritional changes in the fruit. However, there is little evidence to support the evolution of UV coloration during ripening being driven by frugivore selection. Antioxidant properties of fruit phenolics may be dually adaptive in plants and avian frugivores.

Extremely thin but very robust: Surprising cryptogam trait combinations at the end of the leaf economics spectrum.

Leaf economics spectrum (LES) describes the fundamental trade-offs between leaf structural, chemical, and physiological investments. Generally, structurally robust thick leaves with high leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA) exhibit lower photosynthetic capacity per dry mass (A mass). Paradoxically, "soft and thin-leaved" mosses and spikemosses have very low A mass, but due to minute-size foliage elements, their LMA and its components, leaf thickness (LT) and density (LD), have not been systematically estimated. Here, we characterized LES and associated traits in cryptogams in unprecedented details, covering five evolutionarily different lineages. We found that mosses and spikemosses had the lowest LMA and LT values ever measured for terrestrial plants. Across a broad range of species from different lineages, A mass and LD were negatively correlated. In contrast, A mass was only related to LMA when LMA was greater than 14 g cm- 2. In fact, low A mass reflected high LD and cell wall thickness in the studied cryptogams. We conclude that evolutionarily old plant lineages attained poorly differentiated, ultrathin mesophyll by increasing LD. Across plant lineages, LD, not LMA, is the trait that represents the trade-off between leaf robustness and physiology in the LES.

QTL mapping for seed vigor-related traits under artificial aging in common wheat in two introgression line (IL) populations.

Background: Seed vigor recognized as a quantitative trait is of particular importance for agricultural production. However, limited knowledge is available for understanding genetic basis of wheat seed vigor. Methods: The aim of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for 10 seed vigor-related traits representing multiple aspects of seed-vigor dynamics during artificial aging with 6 different treatment times (0, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h) under controlled conditions (48 °C, 95% humidity, and dark). The mapping populations were two wheat introgression lines (IL-1 and IL-2) derived from recipient parent (Lumai 14) and donor parent (Shaanhan 8675 or Jing 411). Results: A total of 26 additive QTLs and 72 pairs of epistatic QTLs were detected for wheat seed-vigor traits. Importantly, chromosomes 1B and 7B contained several co-located QTLs, and chromosome 2A had a QTL-rich region near the marker Xwmc667, indicating that these QTLs may affect wheat seed vigor with pleiotropic effects. Furthermore, several possible consistent QTLs (hot-spot regions) were examined by comparison analysis of QTLs detected in this study and reported previously. Finally, a set of candidate genes for wheat seed vigor were predicted to be involved in transcription regulation, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Conclusion: The present findings lay new insights into the mechanism underlying wheat seed vigor, providing valuable information for wheat genetic improvement especially marker-assisted breeding to increase seed vigor and consequently achieve high grain yield despite of further investigation required.

Optimized needle configuration for operational seed (ONCOSEED) efficiency and deployment for prostate seed implants.

Due to anatomical changes between pre-planning and implantation, there exists a need for tools that can streamline the adjustment of needle and seed configurations in low dose rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer. Specifically, upon taking a second ultrasound on the day of treatment, the distribution of seeds and needles will differ drastically from the original plan. Clinics that employ this method must then spend time and resources to generate a workflow to manipulate the original configuration to the new configuration. ONCOSEED extracts data from VariSeed treatment plans, calculating a labor score (LScore) to optimize adjustments to needle configurations. A case study of three simulated VariSeed treatment plans was used to compare the ONCOSEED software to the manual method of generating a workflow. In the same method that was used at the authors' clinic, several assistants annotated by hand the original plan to convert it to the new plan. The time taken to do so was recorded and compared to the runtime of the software when generating a workflow for the same plan. Results showed that ONCOSEED was on average 28 times faster than generating a workflow by hand. ONCOSEED enhances the efficiency of seed replacement in LDR brachytherapy, promoting the adoption of adaptive brachytherapy practices.

The Effects of Rice Bran on Neuroinflammation and Gut Microbiota in Ovariectomized Mice Fed a Drink with Fructose.

Rice bran, which is abundant in dietary fiber and phytochemicals, provides multiple health benefits. Nonetheless, its effects on neuroinflammation and gut microbiota in postmenopausal conditions are still not well understood. This study investigated the effects of rice bran and/or tea seed oil supplementation in d-galactose-injected ovariectomized (OVX) old mice fed a fructose drink. The combination of d-galactose injection, ovariectomy, and fructose drink administration creates a comprehensive model that simulates aging in females under multiple metabolic stressors, including oxidative stress, estrogen deficiency, and high-sugar diets, and allows the study of their combined impact on metabolic disorders and related diseases. Eight-week-old and 6-8-month-old female C57BL/6 mice were used. The mice were divided into six groups: a sham + young mice, a sham + old mice, an OVX + soybean oil, an OVX + soybean oil with rice bran, an OVX + tea seed oil (TO), and an OVX + TO with rice bran diet group. The OVX groups were subcutaneously injected with d-galactose (100 mg/kg/day) and received a 15% (v/v) fructose drink. The rice bran and tea seed oil supplementation formed 10% of the diet (w/w). The results showed that the rice bran with TO diet increased the number of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing Clostridia and reduced the number of endotoxin-producing Tannerellaceae, which mitigated imbalances in the gut-liver-brain axis. Rice bran supplementation reduced the relative weight of the liver, levels of hepatic triglycerides and total cholesterol; aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase activity; brain levels of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α; and plasma 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. This study concludes that rice bran inhibits hepatic fat accumulation, which mitigates peripheral metaflammation and oxidative damage and reduces neuroinflammation in the brain.