Quality selection and genetic diversity of Tunisian durum wheat varieties using SSR markers / Seleção de qualidade e diversidade genética de vari edades de trigo duro da tunísia usando marcadores SSR

Our study focuses on the molecular analysis of the genetic diversity within 15 Tunisian durum wheat varieties and the assessment of the efficiency of some available markers to select valuable genotypes for technological proprieties of semolina (i.e. parameters related to SDS-sedimentation, mixing time and breakdown resistance of mixograph, grain protein content and yellow colour). While several markers were validated, others were not informative within the genotypes used. A high level of polymorphic information content (PIC) was detected, with an average of 5.2 polymorph alleles per locus and 0.6 average. Old varieties have high protein content however; modern varieties display strong gluten strength. Our results thus open the opportunity to choose valuable parents on the base of pedigrees, technological properties and genetic distances; and lead us to select efficient markers for the Regional Indigenous Land Strategy (Rils) selection strategy

Nosso estudo enfoca a análise molecular da diversidade genética em 15 variedades de trigo duro tunisiano e a avaliação da eficiência de alguns marcadores disponíveis para selecionar genótipos valiosos para propriedades tecnológicas de semolina (ou seja, parâmetros relacionados à sedimentação sds, tempo de mistura e resistência à degradação do mixógrafo, teor de proteína dos grãos e cor amarela). Enquanto vários marcadores foram validados, outros não foram informativos dentro dos genótipos utilizados. Foi detectado um alto nível de conteúdo de informação polimórfica (pic), com uma média de 5,2 alelos polimórficos por locus e 0,6 média. Variedades antigas têm alto teor de proteína no entanto; variedades modernas exibem forte força de glúten. Nossos resultados abrem, assim, a oportunidade de escolher pais valiosos com base em pedigrees, propriedades tecnológicas e distâncias genéticas; e nos levam a selecionar marcadores eficientes para a estratégia de seleção da estratégia regional de terras indígenas (rils).

OsNAC-like transcription factor involved in regulating seed-storage protein content at different stages of grain filling in rice under aerobic conditions

In this study, we show that NAC-like transcription factor (TF) has 90% sequence similarity with cDNA of the OsNac5 gene present in the NCBI database. Phylogenetic analysis of the NAC gene family was performed with inclusion of the highly diverse C-terminal sequences. We report that this gene is also found to be orthologous to Glycine max NAC8, NAC2, Triticum aestivum NAC6 and paralogous to OsNAC6. mRNA was purified from five recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and parents of rice at three different stages of grain filling under aerobic conditions, with grain protein content (GPC) spanning from 4 to 14%. TheNAC-like TF encoding a protein was found to be upregulated at the S2 stage in the leaf (3.9-fold) and panicle (1.84-fold) of parent HPR14 and in five RILs (1.9 to 4.51-fold in leaves and 0.47 to 3.2-fold in panicles). Expression analysis of the NAC-like TF encoding a protein for the rice gene was found to be upregulated at the S2 stage in the leaf and panicle of parental line HPR14 and RILs with high protein content.

Harvesting Season and Botanical Origin Interferes in Production and Nutritional Composition of Bee Pollen

ABSTRACT We aimed to evaluate the frequency of bee pollen production, its botanical origin and chemical composition when collected in different seasons. Our results indicate that higher proteins (22.80 ± 3.09%) and flavonoids (2789.87 ± 1396.00 μg 100g-1) levels were obtained in the winter season, which also showed greater pollen production (134.50 ± 35.70 grams) and predominance of the Myrtaceae family. As for spring we found high concentrations of lipids (4.62 ± 2.26%) and low ash content (2.22 ± 0.39%). Regarding the amino acid composition and vitamin C content, we found no differences between the averages throughout the seasons. Our results highlight the importance of understanding not only the botanical origin and the chemical composition of bee pollen, but also the harvesting frequency of this product by bees, so that it becomes possible to supplement the colonies in times of natural food resources shortage.

Preparation of the First Chinese National Standard for Human Albumin / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To prepare the first batch of Chinese national standard for human albumin used for the test of batch release or other quality control of human albumin products. METHODS: The first batch of national standard for human albumin was prepared with certificated human albumin products, mixed and filled under aseptic conditions. The standards were distributed to 11 laboratories for cooperative calibration according to the unified methods published on China Pharmacopeia. Seven test items including total protein content, sodium caprylate, polymers content, pH, absorbance, sodium content, and aluminium content were detected. RESULTS: The limits of the six test items except aluminium content were established as follows after the data from 11 collaboration laboratories were received and statistically analyzed: total protein(193.30 ± 5.08)g·L-1;sodium caprylate (0.162 4 ± 0.009 2) mmol· g(Pro)-1; polymers content (2.72 ± 0.29)% (HPLC-SEC);pH(6.71 ± 0.08) [temperature (22 ± 3)℃];absorbance 0.030 ± 0.005;sodium content (134.9 ± 23.6)mmol ·L-1. The range of initially established aluminium content was (88.4 ± 30.5)μg·L-1. However, it was observed to increase obviously after 21 months according to the trend analysis, so it was deleted from the test items for the national standard for human albumin ultimately. CONCLUSION: The prepared national standard for human albumin met the relevant requirements and may be served as the first generation of national standard for human albumin products.

The effect of drug oil moxibustion for contents of Zinc and C-reactive protein in succus prostaticus of chronic nonbacterial prostatitis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effects differences and partial mechanism for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) among drug oil moxibustion, simple moxibustion, and conventional western medicine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 120 patients who met the criteria of inclusion were randomly assigned into a drug oil moxibustion group, a moxibustion group and a western medication group, 40 cases in each one. Moxibustion was used at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6) and bilateral Yinlingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shenshu (BL 23), Mingmen (GV 4), Pangguangshu (BL 28), Ciliao (BL 32), and Zhibian (BL 54), etc. The same moxibustion was used at the same acupoints in the drug oil moxibustion group after external application of medicated oil. Thirty min treatment was used once a day in alternated abdomen and back. In the western medication group, oral tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules were applied once a day, one capsule at a time. All the treatment was given for 30 days. Chronic prostatitis symptom index from National Institutes for Health (NIH-CPSI), the contents of Zinc (Zn) and C-reactive protein (CRP), as well as the number of white blood cells (WBC) and density of lecithin bodies were observed before and after treatment and 1 month after treatment. The effects were evaluated after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the total effective rate of the drug oil moxibustion group was 90.0% (36/40), which was significantly higher than 72.5% (29/40) of the moxibustion group and 62.5% (25/40) of the western medication group (both<0.05). After treatment and at follow-up in the three groups, the NIH-CPSI scores were lower than those before treatment (all<0.05), and those in the drug oil moxibustion group were lower than the results in the moxibustion group and the western medication group (all<0.05). The contents of Zn in the three groups were higher than those before treatment (all<0.05), with better results in the drug oil moxibustion group (all<0.05), and higher Zn contents in the moxibustion group compared with those in the western medication group (both<0.05). The CRP levels were lower than those before treatment (all<0.05), and those in the drug oil moxibustion group were better than those in the moxibustion group and western medication group (all<0.05). The CRP contents in the moxibustion group were lower than those in the western medication group (both<0.05). The number of WBC were lower than those before treatment (all<0.05), with better results in the drug oil moxibustion group (all<0.05). The concentrations of lecithin were higher than those before treatment (all<0.05), with better results in the drug oil moxibustion group (all<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The clinical effect of drug oil moxibustion is better than those of simple moxibustion and western medicine, which has advantages in improving clinical symptoms, Zn, the density of lecithin body and decreasing CRP content and the number of WBC.</p>

Harina de maní parcialmente deslipidizada: un ingrediente funcional para mejorar el valor nutritivo de productos de panificación / Partially defatted peanut flour: a functional ingredient to improve nutritional value of bakery products

Peanut seeds were used to obtain partially defatted peanut flour (PF) by means of a cross-flow solvent extraction process (n-hexane), using a continuous lixiviation apparatus. The chemical composition of PF showed high protein (410 g kg-1) and crude fiber (160 g kg-1) contents; total lipids (115 g kg-1) and minerals (47g kg-1) were in minor amounts. Physico-chemical properties of PF showed minimum solubility at pH 4 - 5 and maximum at pH 8. Water and oil holding capacities were 2.7 and 2.3 g ml-1, respectively, and presented emulsifying properties suitable for the formulation of bakery products. Breads prepared by replacement of 10 or 20 % wheat flour by PF showed significant increases of both protein and fiber contents, and improved fatty acid profile, with respect to breads made with wheat flour only Cookies made with PF had three times more protein content and nine times more fiber content than wheat flour-based cookies. The sensory scores of PF-based products were similar to those made with wheat flour. Partially defatted peanut flour provides a rich source of gluten-free protein, fiber and essential minerals. It may be used to enhance the nutritional quality of wheat flour-based bakery products.

Se obtuvo harina de maní parcialmente deslipidizada (HM) mediante un proceso de lixiviación continua (n-hexano). La composición mostró elevados contenidos de proteínas (410 g kg-1) y fibra cruda (160 g kg-1); los lípidos totales (115 g kg-1) y los minerales (47 g kg-1) se encontraron en menor proporción. La solubilidad mínima de HM se observó a pH comprendido entre 4 y 5, y la máxima a pH 8. Las capacidades de retención de agua y de aceite fueron de 2.7 y 2.3 ml g-1, respectivamente y con valores en las propiedades emulsionantes apropiadas para la formulación de productos de panificación. Panes elaborados con 10 o 20 % HM, en reemplazo de harina de trigo, mostraron incrementos significativos de los contenidos de proteínas y fibra cruda, y mejores perfiles de ácidos grasos y minerales en relación a los preparados sólo con harina de trigo. Galletitas elaboradas a base de HM presentaron contenidos de proteínas y de fibra tres y nueve veces más elevados, respectivamente, que las obtenidas con harina de trigo. Los atributos sensoriales de los productos elaborados con HM resultaron similares a los elaborados con harina de trigo. La harina de maní parcialmente deslipidizada constituye una fuente rica en proteínas libres de gluten, fibra y minerales esenciales, que puede ser utilizada para mejorar la calidad nutricional de productos de panificación basados en harina de trigo.

Nitrogênio no crescimento da planta e na qualidade de raízes da mandioquinha-salsa / Nitrogen on plant growth and storage root quality of Arracacha

RESUMO: O nitrogênio (N) é o segundo nutriente mais absorvido pela mandioquinha-salsa. No entanto, ainda existem dúvidas sobre a influência que esse nutriente pode exercer sobre o crescimento da planta e a qualidade das raízes de reserva. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a influência da adubação nitrogenada no crescimento da planta e na qualidade físico-química e nutricional das raízes de mandioquinha-salsa. O experimento foi conduzido em um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico de textura arenosa, no delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pelas doses de 0, 50, 100 e 200kg ha-1 de N. O crescimento das partes vegetativas da planta de mandioquinha-salsa aumentou linearmente com a adubação nitrogenada, mas a massa média e a produtividade das raízes de reserva aumentaram até as doses estimadas de 121 e 148kg ha-1 de N, respectivamente. A adubação nitrogenada aumentou os teores de amido e de proteína das raízes e diminuiu os teores de açúcares totais, porém, sem influenciar a qualidade nutricional delas.

ABSTRACT: Nitrogen (N) is the second most absorbed nutrient by Arracacha. However, there are still doubts about the influence that this nutrient can have on plant growth and the quality of the storage roots. Thus, the aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of nitrogen fertilization on plant growth and physical-chemical and nutritional quality of storage roots of Arracacha. The experiment was conducted on an Oxisol of sandy texture, in a randomized complete block design, with four replications. The treatments consisted of rates of 0, 50, 100, and 200kg ha-1 N. Growth of vegetative parts of Arracacha increased linearly with nitrogen fertilization, but the storage root mean weight and the yield of storage roots increased up to estimated rates of 121 and 148kg ha-1 N, respectively. Nitrogen fertilization increased the starch and protein content of the storage roots and reduced the content of total sugar, but without affecting the nutritional quality of the same.

Effects of organic fertilizers on the growth and yield of bush bean, winged bean and yard long bean

ABSTRACT VC (20%), TC (20%) and N:P:K fertilizer (farmer's practice) were used to determine the growth and yield attributes of bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) and yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata). Plants grown with VC (20%) produced the highest fresh biomass for bush bean (527.55 g m-2), winged bean (1168.61 g m-2) and yard long bean (409.84 g m-2). In all the tested legumes the highest pod weight, pod number, pod dry weight and pod length were found in the VC (20%) treatment. Photosynthetic rates in the three legumes peaked at pod formation stage in all treatments, with the highest photosynthetic rate observed in winged bean (56.17 µmol m-2s-1) grown with VC (20%). The highest yield for bush bean (2.98 ton ha-1), winged bean (7.28 ton ha-1) and yard long bean (2.22 ton ha-1) were also found in VC (20%) treatment. Furthermore, protein content was highest in bush bean (26.50 g/100g), followed by yard long bean (24.74 g/100g) and winged bean (22.04 g/100g), under VC (20%) treatment. It can be concluded that legumes grown with VC (20%) produced the highest yield and yield attributes.

Comparison between the theoretical and experimental extinction coefficient of a monoclonal antibody product / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To validate the experimental extinction coefficient of a monoclonal antibody with three methods and compare them with the theoretical value. METHODS: The theoretical molar extinction coefficient was determined at 280 nm based on the primary sequence of the monoclonal antibody, and the theoretical extinction coefficient was calculated in combination with the molecular weight of the monoclonal antibody measured by mass spectrometry. The protein concentration of the monoclonal antibody was measured with three methods, and the experimental extinction coefficient was calculated according to Lambert-Beers Law, ie, c=A/EL. Method one was calculating the extinction coefficient of the protein in its folded state (native state) based on the experimental extinction coefficient of the urea-denatured protein in its unfolded state (denatured state); method two was HPLC quantitation in combination with AccQ Fluor kit after acid hydrolysis of protein; method three was amino acid sequence analyzer quantitation after acid hydrolysis of the protein. RESULTS: The theoretical extinction coefficient was 1.453 mL·mg-1·cm-1, and the experimental ones by the three methods were (1.442±0.009), (1.529±0.032), and (1.458±0.019) mL·mg-1·m-1, respectively, with the average of (1.477±0.044) mL·mg-1·cm-1 and RSD of 2.979% (n=9), which demonstrated the small differences between the theoretical and experimental extinction coefficients (0.069%-7.708%). CONCLUSION: The established determination and verification methods can be used to quantify the protein contents of monoclonal antibody products.

Study on the Improvement of Processing Method of Carapax Trionycis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To explore the optimal steaming time of Carapax trionycis during cleansing period,and to optimize and improve production technology of Carapax trionycis recorded by current Chinese Pharmacopoeia. METHODS:The mechanical processing replaced the artificial processing method in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The content of protein and the appearance of Cara-pax trionycis were investigated after steaming for 30,60,90,120,180,240 min during cleansing period. The extract,decoction, ash content,appearance and property of Carapax trionycis decoction piece processed with vinegar were also investigated after cleansed Carapax trionycis decoction piece was processed by sand scalding and vinegar quenching method. RESULTS:The differ-ent steaming time obtained different quality of cleansed Carapax trionycis decoction piece and Carapax trionycis decoction piece pro-cessed with vinegar. Compared with decoction piece steamed for other duration,when the steaming time was 90 min,the content of protein in cleansed Carapax trionycis decoction piece was higher(31.16%),and its appearance was up to the requirement. Cara-pax trionycis decoction piece processed with vinegar had higher contents of extract and decoction(9.13%,11.39%)and lower con-tent of ash(66.29%),and its appearance was up to the requirement. CONCLUSIONS:Different steaming time have certain effect on the quality of cleansed Carapax trionycis and Carapax trionycis processed with vinegar,the optimal steaming time of Carapax tri-onycis is about 90 min during cleansing. The mechanical processing method maybe replace the artificial processing on Carapax tri-onycis for improving its production efficiency.

Protein content of leaf-cutting ant queens before the nuptial flight and during the post-claustral phase

Protein content of leaf-cutting ant queens before the nuptial flight and during the post-claustral phase. This study evaluated the crude protein content of queens of Atta sexdens before the nuptial flight and after the claustral phase in laboratory and field colonies. The hypothesis was that protein is used for survival of the queen and for early colony growth during the claustral phase. Additionally, the nest morphology, live biomass and adult population of field colonies were evaluated. Crude protein was determined by digestion of the organic material with sulfuric acid at high temperatures. The mean crude protein content was 123.23 ± 11.20 mg for females before the nuptial flight and 70.44 ± 12.21 mg for laboratory-reared queens after the claustral phase. The post-claustral crude protein content of field-collected queen was 55.90 ± 9.18 mg. With respect to the loss of crude protein as a function of duration of the claustral phase, laboratory-reared queens lost 52.79 mg and field-collected queens lost 67.33 mg compared to females before the nuptial flight. A positive linear correlation was observed between the weight of field-collected queens (256.4 ± 36.3 mg) and colony biomass (13.02 ± 9.12 g), but there was no correlation between biomass and nest depth (13.11 ± 3.82 cm). As expected, the present results support the hypothesis that protein is used for survival of the queen and for early colony growth, as demonstrated by the reduction in crude protein content as a function of duration of the claustral phase. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide data of the dynamics of protein reserves in leaf-cutting ant queens during the claustral phase.

A method to estimate the biomass of Spirulina platensis cultivated on a solid medium

This paper presents a method to estimate the biomass of Spirulina cultivated on solid medium with sugarcane bagasse as a support, in view of the difficulty in determining biomass concentrations in bioprocesses, particularly those conducted in semi-solid or solid media. The genus Spirulina of the family Oscillatoriaceae comprises the group of multicellular filamentous cyanobacteria (blue-green microalgae). Spirulina is used as fish feed in aquaculture, as a food supplement, a source of vitamins, pigments, antioxidants and fatty acids. Therefore, its growth parameters are extremely important in studies of the development and optimization of bioprocesses. For studies of biomass growth, Spirulina platensis was cultured on solid medium using sugarcane bagasse as a support. The biomass thus produced was estimated by determining the protein content of the material grown during the process, based on the ratio of dry weight to protein content obtained in the surface growth experiments. The protein content of the biomass grown in Erlenmeyer flasks on surface medium was examined daily to check the influence of culture time on the protein content of the biomass. The biomass showed an average protein content of 42.2%. This methodology enabled the concentration of biomass adhering to the sugarcane bagasse to be estimated from the indirect measurement of the protein content associated with cell growth.

Adaptabilidade e estabilidade de genótipos de soja em diferentes épocas de semeadura / Adaptability and stability of soybean genotypes under different times of sowing

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento médio, a interação genótipos x ambientes (GxA), a adaptabilidade e estabilidade de sete cultivares de soja em três épocas de semeadura em Uberlândia-MG. Os ensaios foram conduzidos na Fazenda Capim Branco, pertencente à Universidade Federal de Uberlândia. As semeaduras foram realizadas nos dias 29 de outubro (1ª época), 24 de novembro (2ª época) e 17 de dezembro (3ª época) de 2007. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de blocos casualizados, sendo sete genótipos (UFUS Xavante, UFUS Riqueza, UFUS Guarani, UFUS Milionária, Msoy 8001, Msoy 8411 e Msoy 8914) com três repetições em cada uma das três épocas de semeadura. As médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. A análise de adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica dos genótipos foi feita pelos métodos de Eberhart e Russell (1966), Lin e Binns (1988) modificado por Carneiro (1998) e centróide (NASCIMENTO et al., 2009). Para o caráter produtividade de grãos, a cultivar UFUS Xavante foi classificada como de adaptabilidade específica para ambiente favorável e de alta estabilidade. As demais cultivares foram classificadas como sendo de adaptabilidade geral. Para o teor de óleo, as cultivares Msoy 8914 e UFUS Xavante comportaram se como de alta estabilidade e foram classificadas como de adaptabilidade geral alta. Para o caráter teor de proteína, todas as cultivares se comportaram como de ampla adaptabilidade e baixa estabilidade.

This study aimed to evaluate the average behavior, the genotype x environment (GxE), adaptability and stability of seven soybean cultivars at three sowing dates in Uberlândia-MG. The tests were conducted at Capim Branco Farm, belonging to the Federal University of Uberlândia. Sowing was held on october 29 (1st season), Adaptabilidade e estabilidade november 24 (2nd season) and december 17 (3rd season) 2007. The experimental design was a randomized, seven genotypes (UFUS Xavante, UFUS Riqueza, UFUS Guarani, UFUS Milionária, Msoy 8001, Msoy 8411 and Msoy 8914) with three replications in each of three sowing dates. Means were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability. Analysis of adaptability and phenotypic stability of genotypes was performed using the Eberhart and Russell (1966), Lin and Binns (1988) modified by Carneiro (1998) and centroid (NASCIMENTO et al., 2009). For grain yield, the cultivar UFUS Xavante was classified as specific adaptability to environment and high stability. The other cultivars were classified as being of general adaptability. For oil content, the cultivars Msoy 8914 and UFUS Xavante behaved as high stability and was classified as having high adaptability. For the character content of protein, all cultivars behaved as wide adaptability and low stability.

Características agronômicas de cultivares de trigo em resposta à época da adubação nitrogenada de cobertura / Agronomic characteristics of wheat cultivars in response to the time of nitrogen fertilizer covering

As cultivares de trigo diferem quanto à capacidade de emissão de afilhos, à arquitetura de planta e à duração do ciclo. Estas diferenças podem interferir na determinação da época ideal de aplicação de nitrogênio em cobertura para otimizar a performance agronômica da cultura. Este trabalho objetivou identificar os efeitos de época de realização da adubação nitrogenada de cobertura sobre o acúmulo de matéria seca no colmo principal e nos afilhos, o rendimento de grãos e o teor protéico dos grãos de três cultivares de trigo. O experimento foi conduzido a campo, durante o ano agrícola de 2003, no município de Lages, SC. Foram testadas quatro épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio em cobertura: estádios 3,5, 5,5, 7,5 e emborrachamento da escala de Haun; e três cultivares de trigo, "BRS 179", "Fundacep 36" e "Rubi". O ensaio foi implantado sobre resteva de feijão, em 11/07/2003. A dose total de N utilizada no trabalho foi de 70kg ha-1, sendo 20kg ha-1 aplicados na semeadura e o restante em cobertura, conforme a época definida em cada tratamento. Independentemente das características da cultivar, as aplicações precoces de N, realizadas nos estádios 3,5 e 5,5 da escala de Haun, propiciaram a obtenção dos maiores valores de rendimento de grãos. Quando o nitrogênio foi aplicado nestas épocas, houve maior contribuição percentual dos afilhos ao rendimento e maior número de grãos produzidos por área. A cultivar "Fundacep 36" foi a mais produtiva e também a que externou menor teor de proteína nos grãos, na média das quatro épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio em cobertura. Não houve efeito da época de aplicação do nitrogênio sobre o teor de proteína nos grãos das cultivares avaliadas.

The wheat cultivars differ in terms of tiller emission, plant architecture and growing cycle duration. Such differences may interfere in the ideal period to side-dress N to optimize the crop agronomic performance. This experiment was aimed at identifing the effects of timing of N side-dress on the main stem and tiller dry matter accumulation, grain yield and kernel protein content of three wheat cultivars. A field trial was conducted during the 2003 growing season, in the city of Lages, SC. Nitrogen was applied at four different times: 3,5, 5,5, 7,5 and at booting growth stages of the Haun's Scale. Three cultivars were evaluated: 'BRS 179', 'Fundacep' and 'Rubi'. The experiment was installed over a common bean straw on 07/11/2003. The total nitrogen rate was 70kg ha-1 with 20kg ha-1 being applied at sowing and 50kg ha-1 side-dressed according to the treatment time. Regardless of cultivar type, early nitrogen side-dresses, performed at the 3,5 and 5,5 Haun's growth stages, provided higher values of grain yield. When N was applied at those growth stages, tillers had a greater contribution to grain yield and there was a higher number of kernels produced per area. The cultivar Fundacep 36 presented the highest grain yield and the lowest kernel protein content, considering the average of four times of N side-dress. There was no significant effect of time of N fertilization on kernel protein content.

Amino acid profile in cassava and its interspecific hybrid

Cassava roots have a low-protein content (0.7-2%). Amino acids such as lysine and methionine are also low, and some research reports have indicated the absence of methionine. The amino acid profiles of a common cassava cultivar and an interspecific hybrid, namely ICB 300, were determined using the computerized amino acid analyzer Hitachi L-8500. The interspecific hybrid has 10 times more lysine and 3 times more methionine than the common cassava cultivar: lysine content was 0.010 g per 100 g in the common cassava cultivar while it reached 0.098 in the interspecific hybrid. Methionine in the common cassava cultivar was 0.014 g per 100 g whereas it reached 0.041 g per 100 g in the interspecific hybrid. Total amino acid content in the common cassava cultivar was 0.254 g per 100 g viz. a viz. 1.664 g per 100 g in the interspecific hybrid. The genetic variability of the profile and quantity of amino acids indicate the feasibility of selecting interspecific hybrids that are rich in both crude protein and amino acids. This is the first report of high true protein in cassava root.

Effects of Exercise before Steroid Treatment on Type I and Type II Hindlimb Muscles in a Rat Model / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of daily exercise before steroid treatment on mass, the type I and II fiber cross-sectional area, and myofibrillar protein content of hindlimb muscles in a rat model. METHOD: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group(n=10) that had a normal saline injection for 7days, a steroid group(n=10) that had a steroid injection for 7days, and an exercise-steroid group(n=10) that ran on the treadmill for 7days before a steroid treatment. Body weight and food intake were measured every day. At 15 days all rats were anesthetized and the soleus, plantaris and gastrocnemius muscles were dissected. RESULT: The exercise-steroid group showed significant increases as compared with the steroid group in body weight, muscle weight of the soleus and gastrocnemius, type II muscle fiber cross-sectional area of plantaris, and myofibrillar protein content of the soleus, plantaris, and gastrocnemius. As compared with the control group, the steroid group showed significant decreases in body weight and diet intake, muscle weight, the type II fiber cross-sectional area and myofibrillar protein content of the soleus, plantaris, and gastrocnemius muscles. CONCLUSION: Daily exercise before steroid treatment attenuates hindlimb muscle atrophy, with type II muscle changes more apparent than type I muscle changes.

Antibacterial activity of Rhynocoris marginatus (Fab.) and Catamirus brevipennis (Servile) (Hemiptera: reduviidae) venomS against human pathogens

The reduviid predators Rhynocoris marginatus (Fab.) and Catamirus brevipennis (Servile) use their venoms to paralyze their preys. We detected the antibacterial activity of R. marginatus and C. brevipennis venoms against seven Gram-negative and four Gram-positive bacteria by using the disc diffusion method. Rhynocoris marginatus venom exhibited antibacterial activity against four Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhimurium) and one Gram-positive (Streptococcus pyogenes). Catamirus brevipennis venom showed antibacterial activity against six Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Salmonella typhimurium) and three Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus sphaericus) bacteria. Both C. brevipennis (90.91%) and R. marginatus (45.45%) venoms were more effective against Gram-negative bacteria (80% and 70% for R. marginatus and C. brevipennis, respectively). The venoms of both reduviid predators are composed of low molecular weight proteins (7-33 kD).

Comparing the characteristics of rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell cultured by two methods / 第三军医大学学报

Objective To compare the growth curve, protein content, calcium ion content of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) cultured by enzyme digestion and tissue-sticking methods. To investigate whether PASMCs cultured by two ways could be offered to one series of signaling pathway studies. Methods The protein content was determined by upgraded-lowry, the calcium ion content by fluorescence indicator. The growth of PASMCs was observed by light microscope. Results There existed certain difference in protein content, growth curve between PASMCs cultured by the two methods, especially in calcium ion content (P

Preparation of human cementum extract and assay of its protein content / 实用口腔医学杂志

Objective: To prepare human cementum extract and to assess its protein content. Methods: Human permanent teeth were collected from the oral surgery clinic. Cementum was obtained from freshly extracted healthy teeth without inflammation.Connective tissue adhereing to the root surfaces was removed, and cementum was harvested with a curette. Then the cementum was treated by CH 3COOH and guanidine respectively to obtain two extracts. Protein content was assessed by sodium dodecyl sulphate ( SDS) polyacrylamide electrophoresis. Results: Extract obtained from CH 3COOH treatment consisted of two kind of proteins ( M r 55 000 and M r 68 000); that of guanidine consisted of four kind of proteins ( M r 62 000, M r 60 000 , M r 5 5000 and M r 41 000).Conclusion: The methods used is an applicable way to prepare cememtum extracts.