Rupture Test: A New Method for Evaluating Maize (Zea mays) Seed Vigour.

To explore the application of seed germination biomechanical event(s) in seed vigour tests, a new procedure for the evaluation of maize seed vigour tests based on pericarp-testa rupture (PR) and coleorhiza rupture (CR) during seed germination was developed. Twenty-four lots of hybrid maize were used to determine the feasibility of the rupture test (RT) as a seed vigour test in Zea mays. The results showed that the physiological quality pattern of 24 maize seed lots assessed through RT was similar to that obtained through analysis with other seed test methods. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that the percentage of CR and percentage of PR + CR at "15 ± 0.5 °C for 120 h ± 1 h" and "20 ± 0.5 °C for 72 h ± 15 min" exhibited positive correlations with the field seedling emergence data (p < 0.01). Hence, the proposed method (the rupture test) is cogent and effective, thus providing an important reference for more crops to select for seed germination event(s) and establishing corresponding new methods for seed vigour tests in the future.

Creating yellow seed Camelina sativa with enhanced oil accumulation by CRISPR-mediated disruption of Transparent Testa 8.

Camelina (Camelina sativa L.), a hexaploid member of the Brassicaceae family, is an emerging oilseed crop being developed to meet the increasing demand for plant oils as biofuel feedstocks. In other Brassicas, high oil content can be associated with a yellow seed phenotype, which is unknown for camelina. We sought to create yellow seed camelina using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to disrupt its Transparent Testa 8 (TT8) transcription factor genes and to evaluate the resulting seed phenotype. We identified three TT8 genes, one in each of the three camelina subgenomes, and obtained independent CsTT8 lines containing frameshift edits. Disruption of TT8 caused seed coat colour to change from brown to yellow reflecting their reduced flavonoid accumulation of up to 44%, and the loss of a well-organized seed coat mucilage layer. Transcriptomic analysis of CsTT8-edited seeds revealed significantly increased expression of the lipid-related transcription factors LEC1, LEC2, FUS3, and WRI1 and their downstream fatty acid synthesis-related targets. These changes caused metabolic remodelling with increased fatty acid synthesis rates and corresponding increases in total fatty acid (TFA) accumulation from 32.4% to as high as 38.0% of seed weight, and TAG yield by more than 21% without significant changes in starch or protein levels compared to parental line. These data highlight the effectiveness of CRISPR in creating novel enhanced-oil germplasm in camelina. The resulting lines may directly contribute to future net-zero carbon energy production or be combined with other traits to produce desired lipid-derived bioproducts at high yields.

Exploring the prebiotic characteristics of crude polysaccharides from coconut testa flour: A comparative analysis of local cultivar.

Crude polysaccharides (CPs) of coconut testa flour (CTF) of five local cultivars; Commercial hybrid (COM), Gon Thembili (GT), Ran Thembili (RT), San Ramon (SR), and Tall × Tall (TT) were isolated in this study to examine to evaluate potential prebiotic properties and structural characteristics. The isolated CPs were subjected to FTIR analysis to identify functional groups of biomolecules. Digestibility tests were performed on CPs of different coconut cultivars using artificial human gastric juice. CPs were applied to Lactobacillus sp. and Escherichia coli to evaluate their proliferation in vitro. FTIR results showed that the occurrence of peaks between 1200 cm-1 - 1000 cm-1 was indicative of the presence of C-O side groups and C-O-C glycosidic bonds. CPs of all cultivars displayed strong resistance to hydrolysis (94-97 %) by human gastric juice when compared to inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The higher proliferation of Lactobacillus sp. was detected on all five CPs when compared to that of glucose. The SR cultivar (1.09) showed a higher prebiotic activity score compared to fructooligosaccharides (0.92) and inulin (0.81). These findings suggest that CPs isolated from CTF of local coconut cultivars possess potential prebiotic characteristics that can be used in the preparation of functional foods. Further studies on this aspect are granted to enable the effective use of CTF in promoting human gut health.

Comparative Transcriptomics Uncovers Upstream Factors Regulating BnFAD3 Expression and Affecting Linolenic Acid Biosynthesis in Yellow-Seeded Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.).

α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is an important nutrient component in rapeseed oil, and rapeseed breeders want to either restrain or enhance the function of fatty acid desaturases (FADs) in the ALA biosynthesis pathway. To determine the reason for the upregulation of rapeseed BnFAD genes in two high-ALA accessions, R8Q10 and YH25005, we compared their transcriptome profiles in the seed at 24 days after pollination (DAP) with those of two low-ALA lines, A28 and SW. The expression levels of twenty-eight important genes in the seed samples at 20, 27, and 34 DAP were also investigated using an RT-qPCR. The expression levels of genes involved in flavonoid and proanthocyanidin synthesis, including BnCHS, BnCHI, BnDFR, BnFLS1, BnLDOX, BnBAN, BnTT10, and BnTT12 and genes encoding the transcription factors BnTT1, BnTT2, BnTT8, and BnTT16 were lower in R8Q10 and YH25005 than in A28 and SW. The expression levels of genes encoding master transcription factors in embryo development, such as BnLEC1, BnABI3, BnFUS3, BnL1L, BnAREB3, and BnbZIP67, were elevated significantly in the two high-ALA accessions. Combined with previous results in the Arabidopsis and rapeseed literature, we speculated that the yellow-seededness genes could elevate the activity of BnLEC1, BnABI3, BnFUS3, and BnbZIP67, etc., by reducing the expression levels of several transparent testa homologs, resulting in BnFAD3 and BnFAD7 upregulation and the acceleration of ALA synthesis. Yellow-seededness is a favorable factor to promote ALA synthesis in the two high-ALA accessions with the yellow-seeded trait. These findings provide initial insights into the transcriptomic differences between high-/low-ALA germplasms and a theoretic basis for seed quality breeding.

Physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying the role of anthocyanin in acquired tolerance to salt stress in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

Anthocyanin is an important pigment that prevents oxidative stress and mediates adaptation of plants to salt stress. Peanuts with dark red and black testa are rich in anthocyanin. However, correlation between salt tolerance and anthocyanin content in black and dark red testa peanuts is unknown. In this study, three peanut cultivars namely YZ9102 (pink testa), JHR1 (red testa) and JHB1 (black testa) were subjected to sodium chloride (NaCl) stress. The plant growth, ion uptake, anthocyanin accumulation, oxidation resistance and photosynthetic traits were comparatively analyzed. We observed that the plant height, leaf area and biomass under salt stress was highly inhibited in pink color testa (YZ9102) as compare to black color testa (JHB1). JHB1, a black testa colored peanut was identified as the most salt-tolerance cultivar, followed by red (JHR1) and pink(YZ9102). During salt stress, JHB1 exhibited significantly higher levels of anthocyanin and flavonoid accumulation compared to JHR1 and YZ9102, along with increased relative activities of antioxidant protection and photosynthetic efficiency. However, the K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ were consistently decreased among three cultivars under salt stress, suggesting that the salt tolerance of black testa peanut may not be related to ion absorption. Therefore, we predicted that salt tolerance of JHB1 may be attributed to the accumulation of the anthocyanin and flavonoids, which activated antioxidant protection against the oxidative damage to maintain the higher photosynthetic efficiency and plant growth. These findings will be useful for improving salt tolerance of peanuts.

Accurate Botanical Nomenclature: Pomegranate and the 'Aril' Misconception.

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) attracts attention in studies for its nutritional and medicinal properties. However, a recurring issue in the literature arises due to the multidisciplinary nature of these studies, leading to a mistaken repetition of basic botanical terms. The problem stems from the misapplication of the term "aril" to the pomegranate seed, despite the fruit being exariled, signifying the absence of an aril. This confusion may be attributed to the sarcotesta's appearance, resembling a complete aril, coupled with a lack of awareness in fields such as medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetics. This study specifically examines the Kingdom-variety pomegranate, due its economic importance in the fruit market. The fruits were evaluated at different developmental stages-initial, intermediate, and commercial. Magnification photography techniques were used to study the development state of the pomegranate fruits. The physiological studies confirm that the pomegranate seed constitutes the complete grain, with the juicy, sweet part surrounding it identified as the testa, not an aril. The findings underscore a persistent error in the existing literature, emphasizing the necessity for dissemination and education in future studies. A thorough grasp of pomegranate anatomy and precise use of terminology are indispensable for ensuring accuracy and rigor in scientific communication.

Flavonols affect the interrelated glucosinolate and camalexin biosynthetic pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Flavonols are structurally and functionally diverse biomolecules involved in plant biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, pollen development, and inhibition of auxin transport. However, their effects on global gene expression and signaling pathways are unclear. To explore the roles of flavonol metabolites in signaling, we performed comparative transcriptome and targeted metabolite profiling of seedlings from the flavonol-deficient Arabidopsis loss-of-function mutant flavonol synthase1 (fls1) with and without exogenous supplementation of flavonol derivatives (kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin). RNA-seq results indicated that flavonols modulate various biological and metabolic pathways, with significant alterations in camalexin and aliphatic glucosinolate synthesis. Flavonols negatively regulated camalexin biosynthesis but appeared to promote the accumulation of aliphatic glucosinolates via transcription factor-mediated up-regulation of biosynthesis genes. Interestingly, upstream amino acid biosynthesis genes involved in methionine and tryptophan synthesis were altered under flavonol deficiency and exogenous supplementation. Quercetin treatment significantly up-regulated aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis genes compared with kaempferol and rutin. In addition, expression and metabolite analysis of the transparent testa7 mutant, which lacks hydroxylated flavonol derivatives, clarified the role of quercetin in the glucosinolate biosynthesis pathway. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms by which flavonols interfere with signaling pathways, their molecular targets, and the multiple biological activities of flavonols in plants.

Evolutionary studies of the bHLH transcription factors belonging to MBW complex: their role in seed development.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The MBW complex consist of proteins belonging to three major families (MYB, bHLH and WDR) involved in various processes throughout plant development: epidermal cell development, mucilage secretory cells and flavonoid biosynthesis. Recently, it has been reported that TT8, encoding a bHLH transcription factor, is involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids in the seed coat and it also plays a role in bypassing the postzygotic barrier resulting from an unbalance in genetic loads of the parental lines. Here, we focus on the functional evolution, in seed development, of the bHLH proteins that are part of the MBW complex, complemented with a literature review. METHODS: Phylogenetic analyses performed across seed plants and expression analyses in the reproductive tissues of four selected angiosperms (Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica napus, Capsella rubella and Solanum lycopersicum) allow us to hypothesize on the evolution of its functions. KEY RESULTS: TT8 expression in the innermost layer of the seed coat is conserved in the selected angiosperms. However, except for Arabidopsis, TT8 is also expressed in ovules, carpels and fruits. The homologues belonging to the sister clade of TT8, EGL3/GL3, involved in trichome development, are expressed in the outermost layer of the seed coat, suggesting potential roles in mucilage. CONCLUSIONS: The ancestral function of these genes appears to be flavonoid biosynthesis, and the conservation of TT8 expression patterns in the innermost layer of the seed coat in angiosperms suggests that their function in postzygotic barriers might also be conserved. Moreover, the literature review and the results of the present study suggest a sophisticated association, linking the mechanisms of action of these genes to the cross-communication activity between the different tissues of the seed. Thus, it provides avenues to study the mechanisms of action of TT8 in the postzygotic triploid block, which is crucial because it impacts seed development in unbalanced crosses.

Effects of Transparent Testa8 (TT8) gene and Homeobox12 (HB12) gene silencing in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on molecular structure spectral profile in relation to energy, degradation, and fermentation characteristics in ruminant systems.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a legume forage that is widely cultivated owing to its high biomass yield and favorable nutrient values. However, alfalfa contains relatively high lignin, which limits its utilization. Downregulation of two transcriptional factors, Transparent Testa8 (TT8) and Homeobox12 (HB12), has been proposed to reduce lignin content in alfalfa. Therefore, silencing of TT8 (TT8i) and HB12(HB12i) in alfalfa was achieved by RNAi technology. The objective of this project was to determine effect of gene modification through silencing of TT8 and HB12 genes in alfalfa plants on lignin and phenolic content, bioenergic value, nutrient supply from rumen degradable and undegradable fractions, and in vitro ammonia production in response to the silencing of TT8 and HB12 genes in alfalfa. All gene silenced alfalfa plants (5 TT8i and 11 HB12i) were grown under greenhouse conditions with wild type as a control. Samples were analyzed for bioactive compounds, degradation fractions, truly digestible nutrients, energetic values and in vitro ammonia productions in ruminant systems. Furthermore, relationships between physiochemical, metabolic and fermentation characteristics and molecular spectral parameters were determined using vibrational molecular spectroscopy. Results showed that the HB12i had higher lignin, while TT8i had higher phenolics. Both silenced genotypes had higher rumen slowly degraded carbohydrate fractions and truly digestible neutral detergent fiber, but lower rumen degradable protein fractions. Moreover, the HB12i had lower truly digestible crude protein, energetic values and ammonia production compared with other silenced genotypes. In addition, in relation to the nutritive values of alfalfa, structural carbohydrate parameters were negatively correlated, whereas alpha/beta ratio in protein structure was positively correlated. Furthermore, good predictions were obtained for degradation of protein and carbohydrate fractions and energy values from molecular spectral parameters. In conclusion, silencing of the TT8 and HB12 genes decreased protein availability and increased fiber availability. Silencing of the HB12 gene also increased lignin and decreased energy and rumen ammonia production. Moreover, nutritional alterations were closely correlated with molecular spectral parameters. Therefore, gene modification through silencing the TT8 and HB12 genes in alfalfa influenced physiochemical, metabolic and fermentation characteristics.

[Life expectancy of mesocephalic, dolichocephalic and brachycephalic dog breeds in Switzerland]. / Lebenserwartung meso-, dolichound brachyzephaler Hunderassen in der Schweiz.

INTRODUCTION: Lifespan and time of death of dogs died in Switzerland between 2016 and 2020 were evaluated in order to increase the awareness of the public to animal welfare-related consequences of extreme brachycephalic breeding and to clarify the torture breeding problem of dogs suffering from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Skull shape, body size, country of origin and altitude of the registered place of residence at the time of death were analysed in a set of anonymized data from the national animal database Amicus as potential factors influencing the life expectancy. Death rate during summer months and the altitude of the reported place of residence at death were analysed in relation to the skull shape to demonstrate the heat intolerance of brachycephalic dog breeds. The final dataset included 137 469 dogs. The average age of death of the study population was 11,8 years, mixed breeds reaching a higher average age of 12,4 years than purebred dogs with 11,5 years. Bodyweight classification, skull shape and the origin of the dogs had a significant effect on the average lifespan. Giant breeds reached with 9,0 years the lowest mean age compared to the other bodyweight categories. The mean life expectancy of brachycephalic dogs was 9,8 years, i.e., 2,1 and 1,7 years less than mesocephalic and dolichocephalic dogs, respectively. Brachycephalic dogs and dogs imported from abroad showed increased mortality at a young age.

INTRODUCTION: La durée de vie et le moment du décès des chiens morts en Suisse entre 2016 et 2020 ont été évalués afin de sensibiliser le public aux conséquences sur le bien-être animal de l'élevage brachycéphale extrême et de clarifier le problème des pratiques d'élevage cruelles des chiens souffrant du syndrome obstructif respiratoire brachycéphale (SORB). Outre la forme du crâne, la taille du corps, le pays d'origine et l'altitude du lieu de résidence enregistré au moment de la mort ont été analysés dans un ensemble de données anonymisées provenant de la base de données nationale sur les animaux Amicus, en tant que facteurs potentiels influençant la taille et le vieillissement. Le taux de mortalité pendant les mois d'été et l'altitude du lieu de résidence déclaré au moment du décès ont été analysés pour démontrer l'intolérance à la chaleur des races de chiens brachycéphales. L'ensemble de données final comprenait 137 469 chiens. L'âge moyen du décès de la population étudiée était de 11,8 ans, les chiens croisés atteignant un âge moyen plus élevé de 12,4 ans que les chiens de race pure avec 11,5 ans. La catégorie de poids, la forme du crâne et l'origine des chiens ont eu un effet significatif sur la durée de vie moyenne. Les races géantes ont atteint avec 9,0 ans l'âge moyen le plus bas par rapport aux autres catégories de poids. L'espérance de vie moyenne des chiens brachycéphales était de 9,8 ans, soit 2,1 et 1,7 ans de moins que celle des chiens mésocéphales et dolichocéphales. Les chiens brachycéphales et les chiens importés de l'étranger présentaient une mortalité accrue dans leur jeune âge.

Green extraction and biological activity of phenolic extracts from cashew nut testa using a combination of enzyme and ultrasound-assisted treatments.

BACKGROUND: A combination of enzymes and ultrasound treatment was employed to extract bioactive compounds from cashew nut testa, a by-product of the food industry. The total catechin, flavonoid, and phenolic content of extracts was investigated together with their biological activity. RESULTS: Enzyme and ultrasound-assisted extraction (E-UAE) was performed by incubation with Viscozyme L (20 mL kg-1 of testa powder, v/w) for 60 min before sonication for 40 min. Ultrasound and enzyme-assisted extraction (U-EAE) was carried out using sonication for 40 min before incubation with Viscozyme L (20 mL kg-1 of testa powder) for 60 min. Under appropriate conditions, the total phenolic, flavonoid, catechin, and epigallocatechin gallate content of the extracts from cashew nut testa obtained from a combination method (U-EAE or E-UAE) was significantly higher than that obtained using a single method (EAE or UAE). Extracts of cashew nut testa obtained from E-UAE displayed significantly higher antioxidant and α-amylase inhibitory activity than those from the U-EAE. The E-UAE extract at a concentration of 100 µg mL-1 had a greater impact on the cell viability of MCF-7 after treatment (22% cell viability) than did the doxorubicin (DOX) at 4 µg mL-1 (39% cell viability), and the E-UAE extract at 100 µg mL-1 was considered to be safe for healthy cells because the viability of the bovine aerotic endothelial cells treated with this extract was 91%, which was similar to the DOX treatment. CONCLUSION: The extract of cashew nut testa obtained from E-UAE is valuable and promising for the development of anti-inflammatory therapeutic drugs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Genetic mapping of AhVt1, a novel genetic locus that confers the variegated testa color in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and its utilization for marker-assisted selection.

Introduction: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important cash crop worldwide. Compared with the ordinary peanut with pure pink testa, peanut with variegated testa color has attractive appearance and a higher market value. In addition, the variegated testa represents a distinct regulation pattern of anthocyanin accumulation in integument cells. Methods: In order to identify the genetic locus underlying variegated testa color in peanut, two populations were constructed from the crosses between Fuhua 8 (pure-pink testa) and Wucai (red on white variegated testa), Quanhonghua 1 (pure-red testa) and Wucai, respectively. Genetic analysis and bulked sergeant analysis sequencing were applied to detect and identify the genetic locus for variegated testa color. Marker-assisted selection was used to develop new variegated testa peanut lines. Results: As a result, all the seeds harvested from the F1 individuals of both populations showed the variegated testa type with white trace. Genetic analysis revealed that the pigmentation of colored region in red on white variegated testa was controlled by a previous reported gene AhRt1, while the formation of white region (un-pigmented region) in variegated testa was controlled by another single genetic locus. This locus, named as AhVt1 (Arachis hypogaea Variegated Testa 1), was preliminary mapped on chromosome 08 through bulked sergeant analysis sequencing. Using a secondary mapping population derived from the cross between Fuhua 8 and Wucai, AhVt1 was further mapped to a 1.89-Mb genomic interval by linkage analysis, and several potential genes associated with the uneven distribution of anthocyanin, such as MADS-box, MYB, and Chalcone synthase-like protein, were harbored in the region. Moreover, the molecular markers closely linked to the AhVt1 were developed, and the new variegated testa peanut lines were obtained with the help of marker-assisted selection. Conclusion: Our findings will accelerate the breeding program for developing new peanut varieties with "colorful" testa colors and laid a foundation for map-based cloning of gene responsible for variegated testa.

Transcriptional networks orchestrating red and pink testa color in peanut.

BACKGROUND: Testa color is an important trait of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) which is closely related with the nutritional and commercial value. Pink and red are main color of peanut testa. However, the genetic mechanism of testa color regulation in peanut is not fully understood. To elucidate a clear picture of peanut testa regulatory model, samples of pink cultivar (Y9102), red cultivar (ZH12), and two RNA pools (bulk red and bulk pink) constructed from F4 lines of Y9102 x ZH12 were compared through a bulk RNA-seq approach. RESULTS: A total of 2992 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified among which 317 and 1334 were up-regulated and 225 and 1116 were down-regulated in the bulk red-vs-bulk pink RNA pools and Y9102-vs-ZH12, respectively. KEGG analysis indicates that these genes were divided into significantly enriched metabolic pathways including phenylpropanoid, flavonoid/anthocyanin, isoflavonoid and lignin biosynthetic pathways. Notably, the expression of the anthocyanin upstream regulatory genes PAL, CHS, and CHI was upregulated in pink and red testa peanuts, indicating that their regulation may occur before to the advent of testa pigmentation. However, the differential expression of down-stream regulatory genes including F3H, DFR, and ANS revealed that deepening of testa color not only depends on their gene expression bias, but also linked with FLS inhibition. In addition, the down-regulation of HCT, IFS, HID, 7-IOMT, and I2'H genes provided an alternative mechanism for promoting anthocyanin accumulation via perturbation of lignin and isoflavone pathways. Furthermore, the co-expression module of MYB, bHLH, and WRKY transcription factors also suggested a fascinating transcriptional activation complex, where MYB-bHLH could utilize WRKY as a co-option during the testa color regulation by augmenting anthocyanin biosynthesis in peanut. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal candidate functional genes and potential strategies for the manipulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis to improve peanut varieties with desirable testa color.

Review of Cocos nucifera L. testa-derived phytonutrients with special reference to phenolics and its potential for encapsulation.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) and its value-added products are rich in medium chain triglycerides, polyphenols and flavonoids with a significant anti-oxidant potential. However, coconut and its products are underutilized for the development of nutraceuticals. Coconut testa is a brown cover of the endosperm, which is characterized with the considerable amount of phytonutrients, especially phenolics and flavonoids. The nutrient rich coconut testa is generally diverted for the production of animal feed or abandoned. Around 10-15% of the coconut kernel is removed as testa while preparing coconut desiccated powder. The coconut testa from the virgin coconut oil (VCO) industry also remains underutilized. Nevertheless, biochemical characterization of coconut testa has revealed its enormous anti-oxidant and nutraceutical potential. On the other hand there are reports describing the suitable encapsulation techniques to develop nutraceuticals from the plant-derived bioactives. In this context this review explores the prospect of utilizing the coconut testa-derived phytonutrients in developing a nutraceutical product.

Physicochemical characterization and fatty acid profiles of testa oils from various coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) genotypes.

BACKGROUND: Cocos nucifera (L.) is an important plantation crop with immense but untapped nutraceutical potential. Despite its bioactive potential, the biochemical features of testa oils of various coconut genotypes are poorly understood. Hence, in this study, the physicochemical characteristics of testa oils extracted from six coconut genotypes - namely West Coast Tall (WCT), Federated Malay States Tall (FMST), Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD), Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD), and two Dwarf × Dwarf (D × D hybrids) viz., Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD) × Ganga Bondam Green Dwarf (GBGD) and MYD × Chowghat Green Dwarf (CGD) - were analyzed. RESULTS: The proportion of testa in the nuts (fruits) (1.29-3.42%), the proportion of oil in the testa (40.97-50.56%), and biochemical components in testa oils - namely proxidant elements Fe (34.17-62.48 ppm) and Cu (1.63-2.77 ppm), and the total phenolic content (6.84-8.67 mg GAE/100 g), and phytosterol content (54.66-137.73 mg CE/100 g) varied depending on the coconut genotypes. The saturated fatty acid content of testa oils (67.75 to 78.78%) was lower in comparison with that of coconut kernel oils. Similarly, the lauric acid (26.66-32.04%), myristic (18.31-19.60%), and palmitic acid (13.43-15.71%,) content of testa oils varied significantly in comparison with the coconut kernel oils (32-51%, 17-21% and 6.9-14%, respectively). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of 18 phenolic acids in coconut testa oil. Multivariate analysis revealed the biochemical attributes that defined the principal components loadings. Hierarchical clustering analysis of the genotypes showed two distinct clusters. CONCLUSION: This study reveals the genotypic variations in the nutritionally important biochemical components of coconut testa oils. The relatively high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and polyphenol content in testa oils warrant further investigation to explore their nutraceutical potential. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Desigualdad de resultados pruebas Saber-11 antes y durante la pandemia covid-19 (2014-2021) / Inequality in the results of Saber-11 Tests before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2014 - 2021) / Desigualdade dos resultados dos testes do Saber-11 antes e durante a pandemia de Covid-19 (2014-2021)

Resumen (analítico) Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de la desigualdad en los resultados de las pruebas Saber-11 en el periodo 2014-2021 del departamento de Boyacá, Colombia, y los efectos de la pandemia del covid-19 en tales resultados, según áreas de conocimiento y nivel socioeconómico. Esta investigación se realizó con base en los datos de las pruebas Saber-11 obtenidos en la página del Instituto Colombiano para la Evaluación de la Educación. Se observó que en Boyacá el mejor desempeño lo obtienen los estudiantes de los colegios privados y de estratos 3, 4 y 5. Se evidencia el aumento de la brecha educativa en el departamento durante la pandemia del covid-19, producto de las desigualdades en el acceso a la educación y los problemas de conectividad en los territorios.

Abstract (analytical) The authors conducted a descriptive analysis of inequality in the results of the standardized Saber-11 tests for students conducted in the period 2014-2021 in the department of Boyacá, Colombia and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on these results. The results were analyzed in accordance with areas of knowledge and students' socioeconomic level. This research was carried out using data from the Saber-11 tests that was obtained from the Instituto Colombiano para la Evaluación de la Educación website. It was observed that in Boyacá, the best academic results were obtained by students from private schools and those from the middle and upper classes (Strata 3, 4 and 5). An in-crease in the education gap in Boyacá during the COVID-19 pandemic was evidenced by the authors as a result of inequalities with access to education and connectivity problems in the state.

Resumo (analítico) Neste artigo, foi feita uma análise descritiva da desigualdade nos resultados dos testes do Saber-11 no período 2014-2021 do departamento de Boyacá-Colômbia, com o objectivo de analisar os resultados dos testes do Saber-11 e os efeitos do Covid-19 pandemia, de acordo com as áreas de conhecimento e nível socioeconómico. Esta investigação foi realizada com base nos dados dos testes do Saber-11º ano obtidos no site do Instituto Colombiano para la Evaluación de la Educación. Observouse que no departamento de Boyacá o melhor desempenho foi obtido por estudantes de escolas públicas e dos estratos 3, 4 e 5. Evidencia-se um aumento da lacuna educacional no departamento durante a pandemia de Covid-19, como resultado das desigualdades no acesso à educação e dos problemas de conectividade nos territórios.

A Multi-Considered Seed Coat Pattern Classification of Allium L. Using Unsupervised Machine Learning.

The seed coat sculpture is one of the most important taxonomic distinguishing features. The objective of this study is to classify coat patterns of Allium L. seeds into new groups using scanning electron microscopy unsupervised machine learning. Selected images of seed coat patterns from more than 100 Allium species described in literature and data from our samples were classified into seven types of anticlinal (irregular curved, irregular curved to nearly straight, straight, S, U, U to Ω, and Ω) and five types of periclinal walls (granule, small verrucae, large verrucae, marginal verrucae, and verrucate verrucae). We used five unsupervised machine learning approaches: K-means, K-means++, Minibatch K-means, Spectral, and Birch. The elbow and silhouette approaches were then used to determine the number of clusters required. Thereafter, we compared human- and machine-based results and proposed a new clustering. We then separated the data into six target clusters: SI, SS, SM, NS, PS, and PD. The proposed strongly identical grouping is distinct from the other groups in that the results are exactly the same, but PD is unrelated to the others. Thus, unsupervised machine learning has been shown to support the development of new groups in the Allium seed coat pattern.

Coconut fruit pulp by-product in the diet of sheep.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of coconut fruit pulp by-product (CPB) on the intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and ruminal parameters of sheep. Five intact, male, non-descript lambs with a mean initial body weight of 25.5 ± 1.68 kg were assigned to a Latin square design (5 × 5) of five treatments consisting of CPB inclusion levels, in five proportions of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% dry matter (DM), in diets consisting of sugarcane bagasse as forage, with corn and soybean meal. Each period lasted 15 days for adaptation followed by 6 days for data collection. The inclusion of CPB linearly decreased (P < 0.05) the intake of DM, crude protein, non-fibre carbohydrates, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and DM digestibility. The inclusion of CPB linearly increased (P < 0.05) the ether extract digestibility, but did not influence (P > 0.05) the NDF digestibility. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in the absorbed nitrogen (N) and retained N (g/day); however, a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) for N absorbed (% consumed) as well as ammonia nitrogen was observed. There was a quadratic increase (P < 0.05) for propionate (mMol/L and %) and the ratio of acetate, propionate and butyrate (mMol/L and %) with the inclusion of CPB in the diet. Based on these findings, it was recommended to incorporate CPB up to the level of 5% in the diet of sheep.

The anatomy of the seed-coat includes diagnostic characters in the subtribe Eugeniinae (Myrteae, Myrtaceae).

The subtribe Eugeniinae comprises of two genera, Eugenia (ca. 1,100 species) and Myrcianthes (ca. 40 species). Eugenia is the largest genus of neotropical Myrtaceae and its latest classification proposes 11 sections. This study describes the seed anatomy of forty-one species of Eugeniinae in order to provide possible diagnostic characteristics. Following standard anatomical techniques, flower buds, flowers, and fruits were processed and analyzed using microtome sections and light microscopy. The phylogeny used the regions ITS, rpl16, psbA-trnH, trnL-rpl32, and trnQ-rps16, following recent studies in the group. Ancestral character reconstruction uncovered that: (1) the ancestral ovule in Eugeniinae was campylotropous (98.9% probability), bitegmic (98.5% probability), and unitegmic ovules arose on more than one lineage independently within Eugenia; (2) the pachychalazal seed-coat appeared with a 92% probability of being the ancestral type; (3) non-lignified seed-coat (24,5% probability) and aerenchymatous mesotesta (45.8% probability) are diagnostic characters in Myrcianthes pungens (aerenchymatous mesotesta present in the developing seed-coat) and in the species of E. sect. Pseudeugenia until the species of E. sect. Schizocalomyrtus and it is the type of seed-coat that predominates in most basal sections on the tree; (4) the partial sclerification (only in the exotesta-exotestal seed-coat) is mainly observed in species of E. sect. Excelsae, E. sect. Jossinia (group X), and E. sect. Racemosae (22.2% probability); (5) and in the species of the recent lineages of Eugenia, with a probability of 27.2%, predominate the exomesotestal or testal construction of the seed-coat [character observed in almost all species analyzed of E. sect. Jossinia (group Y) and E. sect. Umbellatae]. A dehiscent fruit is considered as a plesiomorphic state in Myrtaceae; the ancestor of this family had seeds with a completely sclerified testa, and the other testa types described for the current species with dehiscent and indehiscent fruits are simplified versions of this ancestral type. Perhaps, this means that the sclerified layers in the seed-coat have remained in whole or in part as a plesiomorphic condition for taxa with a capsule and bacca. Maintaining the plesiomorphic condition may have represented a selective advantage at some point in the evolutionary history of the family and its groups.

Antiglycation Effects of Adlay Seed and Its Active Polyphenol Compounds: An In Vitro Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the antiglycation effects of adlay on protein glycation using in vitro glycation assays. Adlay seed was divided into the following four parts: the hull (AH), testa (AT), bran (AB), and polished adlay (PA). A solvent extraction technique and column chromatography were utilized to investigate the active fractions and components of adlay. Based on a BSA-glucose assay, the ethanolic extracts of AT (ATE) and AB (ABE) revealed a greater capacity to inhibit protein glycation. ATE was further consecutively partitioned into four solvent fractions with n-hexane, ethyl acetate (ATE-Ea), 1-butanol (ATE-BuOH), and water. ATE-BuOH and -Ea show marked inhibition of glucose-mediated glycation. Medium-high polarity subfractions eluted from ATE-BuOH below 50% methanol with Diaion HP-20, ATE-BuOH-c to -f, exhibited superior antiglycation activity, with a maximum inhibitory percentage of 88%. Two phenolic compounds, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid, identified in ATE-BuOH with HPLC, exhibited potent inhibition of the individual stage of protein glycation and its subsequent crosslinking, as evaluated by the BSA-glucose assay, BS-methylglyoxal (MGO) assay, and G.K. peptide-ribose assay. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the antiglycation properties of ATE in vitro that suggest a beneficial effect in targeting hyperglycemia-mediated protein modification.