Accurate prediction of the eating and cooking quality of rice using artificial neural networks and the texture properties of cooked rice.

Accurate prediction of the eating and cooking quality (ECQ) of rice is of great importance. Statistical and machine learning models were developed to predict the overall acceptability of cooked rice. The results showed that the models developed using stepwise multiple linear regression, principal component analysis plus multiple linear regression, partial least square regression, k-nearest neighbor, random forest, and gradient boosted decision tree had determination coefficients (R2) of 0.156-0.452, 0.357, 0.160-0.460, 0.192-0.746, 0.453-0.708, and 0.469-0.880, respectively, which were improved to 0.675-0.979 by artificial neural networks (ANN) models. The ANN models also had lower root mean square errors (0.574-1.32). Further, the ANN model using textural properties could accurately predict 92.1 % of overall acceptability, which could be improved to >96 % using the components and/or pasting characteristics. Overall, the accuracy of ECQ prediction was substantially improved by the model developed using ANN with texture properties of rice.

Correlation of taste values with chemical compositions and Rapid Visco Analyser profiles of 36 indica rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties.

Yield, taste quality, and cultivar utilisation improvements are important research topics in indica rice breeding. Herein, we compared the relative effectiveness and relationship of three taste evaluation methods, namely, chemical composition, Rapid Visco Analyser (RVA), and taste analyser. We assessed associations among these methods using 36 indica varieties commonly grown in Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou, China. Temperature and sunlight duration during grain filling influenced rice cooking quality. Varieties with high taste quality had low amylose and protein contents; high peak viscosities and breakdowns; and low hold viscosities, setbacks, and final viscosities. Protein and combined protein and amylose explained 38.6% and 62.1% of the variation in taste value, respectively. The RVA profile was affected by protein, amylose, and amylopectin contents and explained 60.5% of the taste-value variation. This study lays the foundation for taste evaluation of high-quality rice varieties early in the breeding process, which can improve cultivation and marketing potential.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Aconite and Angelica sinensis on Myocardial Ischemia Rats with Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the intervention effect and mechanism of Aconite and Angelica sinensis on myocardial ischemia rats with Yang deficiency and blood stasis. METHODS: SPF-class SD rats were randomly divided into low-dose and high-dose groups. Each group was divided into control group, model group, and drug-administered group (FZ, DG, FG; 1 : 0.5, 1 : 1, 1 : 2). A rat model was prepared by intraperitoneal injection of hydrocortisone and isoproterenol plus cold stimulation. Each group was given corresponding decoction or distilled water for 14 days. The behavioral changes of rats in each group were observed. The morphological changes of rats cardiomyocytes were observed by HE staining. The average optical density (MOD value) and percentage of positive cells of Bcl-2, Bax, and Akt were determined by immunohistochemical staining method, and PEIs were calculated. Western blot and RT-PCR were used to determine the expression of PI3K, Caspase-3, Akt protein, and gene expression. RESULTS: The compatibility of Aconite and Angelica sinensis improved the morphology of rat cardiomyocytes, increased the PEI values of Akt and Bcl-2 protein, and decreased the PEI values of Bax protein (P < 0.01). The compatibility reduced the expression of Caspase-3 protein of rat myocardium and increased the protein expression of p-Akt, PI3K, and p-PI3K (P < 0.01). The compatibility also significantly reduced the expression of Caspase-3 mRNA and increased the expression of PI3K mRNA and Akt mRNA (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and the effect of high-dose FG (1 : 2) group is the best. CONCLUSIONS: The method of preparing a rat model of myocardial ischemia with Yang deficiency and blood stasis was feasible. The compatibility of Aconite and Angelica sinensis reduced myocardial fibrosis and inflammatory reaction, protected ischemic cardiomyocytes, and reduced myocardial injury, whose mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway. The compatible group had better intervention effects than Aconite or Angelica sinensis alone. The best one was high-dose FG (1 : 2).