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1.
Hybrid durum wheat: heterosis of grain yield and quality traits and genetic architecture of anther extrusion.
Akel, W, Rapp, M, Thorwarth, P, Würschum, T, Longin, CFH
TAG. Theoretical and applied genetics. Theoretische und angewandte Genetik. 2019;(4):921-932
Abstract
Hybrid durum has a promising yield potential coupled with good quality, but the efficiency of hybrid seed production must be improved. Hybrid breeding is a tremendous success story in many crops, but has not yet made a breakthrough in wheat, mainly due to inefficient hybrid seed production. In this study, we investigated the heterosis for grain yield and important quality traits in durum wheat of 33 hybrids built up from 24 parental lines, as well as the variation in anther extrusion and its genetic architecture in a vast collection of Central European elite durum lines. Average mid-parent heterosis for grain yield was 5.8%, and the best hybrids had a more than one ton per hectare higher grain yield than the best line cultivars. Furthermore, hybrids had a higher grain yield than lines at a given level of protein content or sedimentation value, underpinning their potential for a sustainable agriculture. However, seed set in our experimental hybrid seed production was low. We therefore evaluated 315 elite durum lines for visual anther extrusion, which revealed a large genetic variance and a heritability of 0.66. Results from association mapping suggest a mainly quantitative inheritance of visual anther extrusion with few putative QTL being identified, the largest one explaining less than 20% of the genotypic variance. Genome-wide prediction taking the four largest putative QTL into account yielded a mean cross-validated prediction ability of 0.55. Consequently, breeding for improved male floral characteristics is feasible in durum wheat, but should be mainly based on phenotypic selection.
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2.
A genome-wide association and meta-analysis reveal regions associated with seed size in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp].
Lo, S, Muñoz-Amatriaín, M, Hokin, SA, Cisse, N, Roberts, PA, Farmer, AD, Xu, S, Close, TJ
TAG. Theoretical and applied genetics. Theoretische und angewandte Genetik. 2019;(11):3079-3087
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Abstract
This paper combined GWAS, meta-analysis and sequence homology comparison with common bean to identify regions associated with seed size variation in domesticated cowpea. Seed size is an important trait for yield and commercial value in dry-grain cowpea. Seed size varies widely among different cowpea accessions, and the genetic basis of such variation is not yet well understood. To better decipher the genetic basis of seed size, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and meta-analysis were conducted on a panel of 368 cowpea diverse accessions from 51 countries. Four traits, including seed weight, length, width and density were evaluated across three locations. Using 51,128 single nucleotide polymorphisms covering the cowpea genome, 17 loci were identified for these traits. One locus was common to weight, width and length, suggesting pleiotropy. By integrating synteny-based analysis with common bean, six candidate genes (Vigun05g036000, Vigun05g039600, Vigun05g204200, Vigun08g217000, Vigun11g187000, and Vigun11g191300) which are implicated in multiple functional categories related to seed size such as endosperm development, embryo development, and cell elongation were identified. These results suggest that a combination of GWAS meta-analysis with synteny comparison in a related plant is an efficient approach to identify candidate gene (s) for complex traits in cowpea. The identified loci and candidate genes provide useful information for improving cowpea varieties and for molecular investigation of seed size.
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3.
The clinical effects of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) seeds on metabolic profiles in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled clinical trial.
Gheflati, A, Adelnia, E, Nadjarzadeh, A
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2019;(5):1501-1509
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver diseases associated with unfavorable metabolic profiles and oxidative stress parameters. This study was designed to determine the effects of purslane seeds consumption with a low-calorie diet on insulin resistance, lipid profile, and oxidative stress indices in patients with NAFLD. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 54 individuals with NAFLD. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume either 10 g/day of purslane seeds sachet before breakfast and dinner in addition to a low-calorie diet (n = 27) or only the low-calorie diet (n = 27) for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of the study to measure relevant variables. Intake of purslane seeds with the low-calorie diet led to a significant decrease in serum concentrations of fasting blood sugar (FBS; -3.52 ± 10.45 compared with 3.03 ± 9.01 mg/dl, P = 0.017), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI; 0.13 ± 0.27 compared with -0.002 ± 0.016, P = 0.017), total cholesterol (4.33 ± 34.04 compared with 23.48 ± 29.47 mg/dl, P = 0.032), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; -4.35 ± 22.65 compared with 11.82 ± 16.08 mg/dl, P = 0.004) after intervention. Compared with the control group, purslane seeds consumption with adherence to a low-calorie diet had beneficial effects on FBS, HOMA-IR, QUICKI, serum total, and LDL-C in patients with NAFLD but did not affect other glycemic, lipid profile, and oxidative stress parameters.
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4.
Harnessing Biotechnology for the Development of New Seed Lipid Traits in Brassica.
Zhou, XR, Li, J, Wan, X, Hua, W, Singh, S
Plant & cell physiology. 2019;(6):1197-1204
Abstract
The seed oil quality of Brassica oilseed species has been improved in the last few decades, using conventional breeding approaches. Modern biotechnology has enabled the significant development of new seed lipid traits in many oil crops. Alternation of seed lipid component with gene knockout by RNAi gene silencing, artificial microRNA or gene editing within the crop is relative straightforward. Introducing a new pathway from an exogenous source via biotechnology enables the creation of a new trait, where the biosynthetic pathway for such a new trait is not available in the host crop. This review updates the recent development of new seed lipid traits in six major Brassica species and highlights the capability of biotechnology to improve the composition of important fatty acids for both industrial and nutritional purposes.
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5.
Evaluating the hierarchical, hygroscopic deformation of the Daucus carota umbel through structural characterization and mechanical analysis.
Zhang, P, Chen, PY, Wang, B, Yu, R, Pan, H, Wang, B
Acta biomaterialia. 2019;:457-468
Abstract
Many physically immobile plants develop passive yet ingenious strategies for active seed dispersal through self-deformation in response to external stimuli, such as humidity. These hygroscopic deformations are usually driven by the internal heterogeneous architecture, which provides valuable, inspiring information for the development of novel actuating systems. The Daucus carota compound umbel is an interesting structure showing a distinct hygroscopic deformation that operates at hierarchical levels among these plants. Here, we investigate the structure of the primary and secondary rays of the umbel associated with their deformation through mechanical analyses. We reveal that through controlling both the cellulose microfibril angle (MFA) and lignification, the multi-level bending behavior of the umbel is achieved, which contributes to efficient seed protection and dispersal. The primary rays generally show more significant bending curvature changes than the secondary rays, and within each level, the outer rays exhibit a larger motion amplitude than the middle and inner rays. Mechanical testing and theoretical analysis support that adjusting the lignin content within the ray structure compensates for the effect of the small differences in cellulose MFA on its bending behavior, which contributes to the overall hygroscopic deformation. Findings also show that the primary outer ray can generate reaction forces that are more than 700 times its weight, which is higher than that for the pine cone scales. The new insights from this work are instructive for bioinspired designs of complex, self-deforming structures and devices. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The carrot (Daucus carota) compound umbels exhibit a unique hierarchical, hygroscopic deformation for seed dispersal among immobile plants. In this work, we elucidate that the multi-level bending behavior of the umbel is achieved through manipulating the cellulose microfibril angle (MFA) and lignification of the primary and secondary rays for the first time. We also discover that adjusting the degree of lignification compensates for the effect of small cellulose MFA differences on the bending behavior theoretically and experimentally. The primary outer rays deform in a highly efficient manner, in which reactions forces about more than 700 times its weight are generated. The findings presented are instructive for bioinspired designs of complex, self-deforming structures and devices.
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Uncovering the anti-proliferation mechanism and bioactive compounds in red kidney bean coat against B16-F10 melanoma cells by metabolomics and network pharmacology analysis.
Nie, JH, Huang, JX, Wu, QR, Qin, XM, Li, ZY
Food & function. 2019;(2):912-924
Abstract
In this study, coat (RKBC) and kernel (RKBK) extracts of red kidney bean were prepared, and their chemical compositions and potential anti-cancer activity against B16-F10 cells were evaluated. Then the anti-proliferation mechanisms of the active RKBC extract were investigated by flow cytometry analysis, cellular metabolomics, network pharmacology and western blotting. The RKBC extract inhibited B16-F10 cell proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Further analysis showed that RKBC induced G1 and G2/M phase arrest, and triggered apoptosis and vacuolization. Mechanistically, RKBC significantly increased the cellular content of cGMP, decreased the levels of AKT1/2/3 and cleaved-MMP2, and up-regulated the expression of Bcl-xl. Besides, network pharmacology revealed that RKBC potentially influenced the cell cycle via the regulation of CDK2 and CDK4. Finally, quercetin might serve as the major active component in the RKBC extract. In conclusion, our study showed the potential of the RKBC extract for the prevention or treatment of melanoma.
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7.
Ultrasound-Assisted Aqueous Extraction of Phenolic, Flavonoid Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Mucuna macrocarpa Beans: Response Surface Methodology Optimization.
Aware, CB, Patil, RR, Vyavahare, GD, Gurme, ST, Jadhav, JP
Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2019;(4):364-372
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This investigation was undertaken to optimize the effective extraction of total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), and antioxidant activity from the Mucuna macrocarpa (MM) beans. An ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) technique with water as an effective solvent was proposed for the response surface methodology (RSM) optimization. METHODS A three-level, two-factor central composite design (CCD) was employed to reveal the optimal points of variables. Different extraction times (5, 10, 15 minutes) and ultrasonic power levels (10, 20, 30 W) were used for the optimization. The experimental runs given by the RSM were evaluated for TPC, TFC, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (RSA), and N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPD) RSA and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). RESULTS The predicted times for maximum extraction of TPC (186.61 mg GAE g-1), TFC (148.87 mg QUE g-1), and DPPH RSA (99.37%), and DMPD RSA (50.58%) and FRAP (2.38 O.D. at 593 nm) were 12.57, 12.84, 12.43, 12.97, and 13.24 min, and ultrasonic power levels were found to be 27.30, 26.76, 26.22, 27.03, and 27.84 W, respectively. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis of phenolics compounds from the RSM optimized sample showed tannic acid (48.09 ± 1.92 mg/g), gallic acid (1.17 ± 0.19 mg/g), p-coumaric acid (0.56 ± 0.03 mg/g), and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (0.049 ± 0.01 mg/g) content. CONCLUSION Water and ultrasonication were found to be an effective extraction solvent and technique. RSM was effectively employed to investigate the optimal process conditions for the maximum extraction of TPC, TFC, and antioxidant compounds from the MM beans. Further, MM beans can be explored as a prominent antioxidant source for the treatment of several disorders.
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8.
Urine Metabolites and Antioxidant Effect after Oral Intake of Date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seeds-Based Products (Powder, Bread and Extract) by Human.
Platat, C, Hillary, S, Tomas-Barberan, FA, Martinez-Blazquez, JA, Al-Meqbali, F, Souka, U, Al-Hammadi, S, Ibrahim, W
Nutrients. 2019;(10)
Abstract
A cross-over study was conducted in 16 healthy adult volunteers to describe the urinary excretion of polyphenols from date seeds and investigate the antioxidant effect after consumption of different doses of date seeds powder (DSP), bread (DSB) and extract (DSE). After 12 h of fasting, one of the six treatments (0.25 g and 0.5 g/kg bodyweight DSP, 360 g of 10% and 15% DSB, 30 mg and 60 mg/kg bodyweight DSE) was provided along with breakfast, with a two weeks wash-out period between 2 consecutive treatments. Blood was drawn at baseline, 1, 2, 8 and 24 h post intake. Urine was collected at baseline, 3, 8, and 24 h post intake. An abundant release of polyphenols was detected in urine within the 0-3 h post intake, reached a peak at 8 h, then decreased with polyphenols still being detected up to 24 h post intake. The antioxidant defence system, as measured by reduced glutathione (GSH), was strengthened as soon as 1 h and up to 8 h post intake. Markers of protein and lipid oxidative damages were reduced from 1 h and up to 8 and 24 h post intake, respectively. This supports an antioxidant effect of date seeds products in humans, most probably due to their polyphenols.
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9.
The signalling role of ROS in the regulation of seed germination and dormancy.
Bailly, C
The Biochemical journal. 2019;(20):3019-3032
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are versatile compounds which can have toxic or signalling effects in a wide range living organisms, including seeds. They have been reported to play a pivotal role in the regulation of seed germination and dormancy but their mechanisms of action are still far from being fully understood. In this review, we sum-up the major findings that have been carried out this last decade in this field of research and which altogether shed a new light on the signalling roles of ROS in seed physiology. ROS participate in dormancy release during seed dry storage through the direct oxidation of a subset of biomolecules. During seed imbibition, the controlled generation of ROS is involved in the perception and transduction of environmental conditions that control germination. When these conditions are permissive for germination, ROS levels are maintained at a level which triggers cellular events associated with germination, such as hormone signalling. Here we propose that the spatiotemporal regulation of ROS production acts in concert with hormone signalling to regulate the cellular events involved in cell expansion associated with germination.
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10.
Effect of milled flaxseed and storage conditions on sensory properties and selected bioactive compounds in banana and cinnamon muffins used in a clinical trial.
Santiago, A, Ryland, D, Cui, S, Blewett, H, Aliani, M
Journal of the science of food and agriculture. 2019;(2):831-843
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muffins containing 0, 20, and 30 g of flaxseed were developed for a randomized, controlled cross-over trial on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering. The effect of milled flaxseed and storage (-20 °C for 1 and 6 months) of banana and cinnamon muffins on sensory attribute intensities, selected physical properties, bioactive concentrations, and acceptability by two groups - clinical trial participants and consumers - was investigated. RESULTS The addition of flax increased flax aroma and flavor, sour aroma, and cohesiveness of mass and brown color, and decreased sweet aroma and flavor, banana and cinnamon aroma and flavor, springiness and mouth dryness. Alpha-linolenic acid and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside were significantly increased when flax was increased from 20 to 30 g. Clinical trial participants generally found the muffins more acceptable than the consumers. Consumers reported significantly decreased acceptability when flax at any level was added to muffins, with 30 g the least acceptable. CONCLUSIONS Muffins with 20 g flaxseed generally had higher mean acceptability values compared to muffins with 30 g. Neither flavoring nor storage at -20 °C for 6 months appreciably changed muffin attributes or acceptability. Future work will optimize the ingredients as well as the amount of flax needed to provide the required amount of bioactive to positively affect LDL cholesterol level and to produce acceptable muffins. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.