Roles of FERONIA-like receptor genes in regulating grain size and quality in rice

Grain yield and quality are critical factors that determine the value of grain crops. In this study, we analyzed the functions of 12 FERONIA-like receptor(FLR) family members in rice and investigated their effects on grain size and quality. We found that FLR1, FLR2 and FLR8 negatively regulated grain size, and FLR15 positively regulated grain size. flr1 mutants had a higher cell number and an accelerated rate of grain filling compared to wild-type plants, which led to grains with greater widths. A mechanism underlying the regulation of grain size by FLR1 is that FLR1 is associated with OsRac1 Rho-like GTPase, a positive regulator of grain size. Regarding grain quality, the flr1 mutant had a higher percentage of chalkiness compared with wild-type plants, and seeds carrying mutations in flr3 and flr14 had endosperms with white floury cores. To elucidate the possible mechanism underlying this phenomenon, we found that FLR1 was constitutively expressed during endosperm development.RNA-seq analysis identified 2,367 genes that were differentially expressed in the flr1 mutant, including genes involved in starch and sucrose metabolism and carbon fixation. In this study, we identified the roles played by several FLR genes in regulating grain size and quality in rice and provided insights into the molecular mechanism governing the FLR1-mediated regulation of grain size.     

Adsorption of meloxicam on porous calcium silicate: Characterization and tablet formulation

The purpose of the present study was characterization of microparticles obtained by adsorption of poorly water soluble drug, meloxicam, on a porous silicate carrier Florite RE (FLR) and development of a tablet formulation using these microparticles, with improved drug dissolution properties. The study also reveals the use of FLR as a pharmaceutical excipient. Meloxicam was adsorbed on the FLR in 2 proportions (1∶1 and 1∶3), by fast evaporation of solvent from drug solution containing dispersed FLR. Drug adsorbed FLR microparticles were evaluated for surface topography, thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction properties, infrared spectrum, residual solvent, micromeritic properties, drug content, solubility, and dissolution studies. Microparticles showed bulk density in the range of 0.10 to 0.12 g/cm³. Dissolution of drug from microparticles containing 1∶3, drug∶FLR ratio was faster than microparticles containing 1∶1, drug∶FLR ratio. These microparticles were used for formulating directly compressible tablets. Prepared tablets were compared with a commercial tablet. All the prepared tablets showed acceptable mechanical properties. Disintegration time of prepared tablets was in the range of 18 to 38 seconds, and drug dissolution was much faster in both acidic and basic medium from prepared tablets as compared with commercial tablet. The results suggest that FLR provides a large surface area for drug adsorption and also that a reduction in crystallinity of drug occurs. Increase in surface area and reduction in drug crystallinity result in improved drug dissolution from microparticles. Published: December 7, 2005     

Modulatory effect of Gynandropsis gynandra L. on glucose metabolizing enzymes in aflatoxin B1-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

The modulation of glucose-metabolizing enzymes activities play a vital role in the depletion of energy metabolism and leads to inhibition of cancer growth. In the present study, the effect of Gynandropsis gynandra L. extract on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was studied on glucose-metabolizing enzymes in rats. A significant increase (p < 0.001) in the activities of the key glycolytic enzymes viz., hexokinase and phosphoglucoisomerase, with a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the gluconeogenic enzymes glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase were observed in HCC-bearing rats, when compared with the control. Administration of G. gynandra extract caused a significant decrease in the activities of glycolytic enzymes and an increase in the gluconeogenic enzymes activities to near normal values. Thus, findings suggest the G. gynandra extract has a definite modulating role on the key enzymes of glucose metabolism in HCC. The modulatory effect may be due to the phytoactive constituents present in the extract of G. gynandra.     

Effect of Vaccinium ashei reade Leaf Extracts on Lipid Metabolism in Obese OLETF Rats

The effects of a hot water extract and fractional extracts from rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei reade) leaves (BBL) on lipid metabolism were studied in obese Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. Feeding the hot water extract and fractional extracts from BBL alleviated hepatic triglyceride accumulation in the rats. Additionally, feeding with the flavonol glycoside (FG) and proanthocyanidin (PA) fractions lowered serum cholesterol levels in the obese rats. The results from measurements of the hepatic enzyme activity indicate that the hypolipidemic effects of the hot water extract and the PA fraction might be attributable to enhanced lipolysis in the liver. The reduced serum levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory cytokine, by the chlorogenic acid + rutin fraction and FG fraction might be associated with alleviating the metabolic abnormalities in obese rats. These results indicate that the BBL extracts, and especially FG and PA, exerted hypolipidemic effects on obese OLETF rats and suggest that an infusion of BBL can be useful as a dietary hypolipidemic component.     

Associated Liver Partition and Portal Vein Ligation (ALPPS) vs Selective Portal Vein Ligation (PVL) for Staged Hepatectomy in a Rat Model. Similar Regenerative Response?

Associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) is a two-stage hepatectomy technique which can be associated with a hypertrophic stimulus on the future liver remnant (FLR) stronger than other techniques–such as portal vein ligation (PVL). However, the reason of such hypertrophy is still unclear, but it is suggested that liver transection combined with portal vein ligation (ALPPS) during the first stage of this technique may play a key role. The aim of this study is to compare the hypertrophic stimulus on the FLR and the clinical changes associated with both ALPPS and PVL in a rat surgical model. For this purpose, three groups of SD rats were used, namely ALPPS (n = 30), PVL (n = 30) and sham-treated (n = 30). The second stage of ALPPS (hepatectomy of the atrophic lobes), was performed at day 8. Blood and FLR samples were collected at 1, 24, 48 hours, 8 days and 12 weeks after the surgeries. ALPPS provoked a greater degree of hypertrophy of the FLR than the PVL at 48 hours and 8 days (p<0.05). The molecular pattern was also different, with the highest expression of IL-1β at 24h, IL-6 at 8 days, and HGF and TNF-α at 48 hours and 8 days (p<0.05). ALPPS also brought about a mild proliferative stimulus at 12 weeks, with a higher expression of HGF and TGF-β (p<0.05) than PVL. Clinically, ALPPS caused a significant liver damage during the first 48 hours, with a recovery of liver function at day 8. In conclusion, ALPPS seems to induce higher functional hypertrophy on the FLR than PVL at day 8. Such regenerative response seems to be leaded by a complex interaction between pro-mitogenic (IL-6, HGF, TNF-α) and antiproliferative (IL1-β and TGF-β) cytokines.     

Two <Emphasis Type="Italic">FERONIA-like receptor</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">FLR</Emphasis>) genes are required to maintain architecture,fertility, and seed yield in rice

The Arabidopsis gene FERONIA (FER) regulates cell elongation and fertility. Although the function of FER in promoting plant growth and regulating fructification in dicotyledon Arabidopsis has been investigated, how homologous FERONIA-like receptors (FLRs) function in the monocotyledon rice crop is little known. In this study, we generated flr1 and flr2 T-DNA insertion null mutants and investigated potential role of FLRs in rice yield. We observed that both FLR1 and FLR2 were involved in tillering of rice, but at different levels. Interestingly, FLR1 and FLR2 showed different functions related to fertility, and FLR1 might be specifically involved in rice male gametophyte development. With these similar but different functions, we suggest that FLR1 and FLR2 might function in complementary ways to regulate the yield of rice. The similar and different functions of FLR1 and FLR2 also suggest that there might be differentiation from FER to the duplication of FLRs, with FLR1 and FLR2 taking on partial functions from FER.     

藏红花提取液对去卵巢大鼠骨密度及骨代谢生化指标的影响

目的：研究中药藏红花提取液对去卵巢大鼠股骨骨密度及血清骨代谢生化指标的影响。方法：选用48只4月龄SD雌性大鼠,随机分为6组：假手术组、模型组、戊酸雌二醇组、藏红花低、中、高剂量组。术后4周各组分别给予相应制剂灌胃,术后12周处死,分别测定股骨骨密度、子宫指数、雌二醇、血钙、血磷、碱性磷酸酶。结果：与模型组相比,藏红花各剂量组股骨骨密度明显升高（p〈0.01）,雌二醇测定值升高（p〈0.01）,碱性磷酸酶显著降低（p〈0.01）,血钙及血磷无统计学差异（p〉0.05）;与戊酸雌二醇组比较,藏红花各剂量组子宫指数显著降低（p〈0.01）。结论：藏红花提取液有助于抑制去卵巢大鼠骨量的丢失,改善骨代谢,对骨质疏松症具有防治作用。     

Comparison of Saw Palmetto (extract and whole berry) and Cernitin on prostate growth in rats

Pharmaceuticals such as finasteride and alpha blockers are used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and are known to cause severe adverse reactions. Accordingly, a search for safer, natural products has been undertaken. Two natural agents (nutraceuticals) have come under recent scrutiny; because natural products, in general, often have evidence of long-term safety. The present study compares the in vivo effects on androgen-induced prostatic enlargement in rats of two nutraceuticals – the widely recognized Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) and the less well-known Cernitin (defined pollen extract). Non-castrated rats, had a mean prostate weight of 124 mg ± 8.8 (S.E.M.) compared to the 24.5 mg ± 1.9 (S.E.M.) of the castrated rat followed under the same regimen (p < 0.01). When castrated rats were given testosterone, the mass increased significantly to 250.0 mg ± 31.7 (S.E.M.) (p < 0.01). In the five remaining groups, castrated rats receiving testosterone were given finasteride, an extract of Saw Palmetto, crushed whole berry derived from Saw Palmetto fruit, a water soluble and fat soluble extract of Cernitin or a combination of the Saw Palmetto extract and Cernitin. All treatments decreased the size of the prostate to roughly the same size as in the non-castrated rats, a size that was significantly smaller than castrated rats treated with testosterone in the same manner (p < 0.01). A second study examining non-castrated rats treated with very high doses of testosterone showed similar results. In both studies, the nutraceuticals generally decreased body weight. In conclusion, these studies show the ability of Saw Palmetto (whole berry and extract) and Cernitin to influence prostatic hyperplasia via effects on androgen metabolism.     

A diagnostic for collaborative monitoring in forest landscape restoration

Monitoring is crucial to meet the goals of the major global forest landscape restoration (FLR) initiatives that are underway. If members of the global FLR community are going to learn from one another, a multi‐scalar, multi‐site monitoring approach is needed to generate information that can provide the basis for social learning and adaptive management, both of which are essential processes for FLR. This requires reframing and expanding the perspective of monitoring so that compliance monitoring is just one component of a multidimensional approach where collaborative monitoring and compliance‐oriented monitoring are complementary. However, FLR planners and implementers often lack experience in applying collaborative approaches in multi‐stakeholder settings, and there are few tools that show how to implement FLR or to engage in collaborative monitoring in FLR. Through a literature review, we identified the factors that contribute to successful collaborative monitoring in FLR and synthesized them into a diagnostic that was vetted by 20 global experts. The result is a checklist of 42 core success factors to be assessed at local, subnational, and national levels at different stages in the planning and implementation of FLR. The tool has practical application by providing guidance on best practices: specifically, how to start collaborative monitoring, and more generally, how to plan, prepare for, and evaluate FLR activities. This diagnostic complements other diagnostics, such as those used to identify FLR sites, as it can identify preexisting strengths and weaknesses in new initiatives, or pinpoint problems with ongoing implementation. The diagnostic explicitly addresses issues of scale, including multiple sites, governance levels, and changes over time.     

Antihyperglycemic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Gongronema latifolium leaves on glucose and glycogen metabolism in livers of normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study was designed to investigate the antihyperglycemic effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Gongronema latifolium leaves on glucose and glycogen metabolism in livers of non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. To investigate the effects of aqueous or ethanolic leaf extracts of G. latifolium, non-diabetic and STZ diabetic rats were treated twice daily (100 mg/Kg) for two weeks. Diabetic rats showed a significant decrease in the activities of hepatic hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and an increase in glucokinase (GK) activity. The levels of hepatic glycogen and glucose were also increased in diabetic rats. However, there were no significant differences in the activities of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) in treated and untreated diabetic rats. The ethanolic extract significantly increased the activities of HK (p<0.01), PFK (p<0.001) and G6PDH (p<0.01) in diabetic rats, decreased the activity of GK (p<0.05) and the levels of hepatic glycogen (p<0.01) and both hepatic (p<0.001) and blood glucose (40%). The aqueous extract of G. latifolium was only able to significantly increase the activities of HK and decrease the activities of GK but did not produce any significant change in the hepatic glycogen and both hepatic and blood glucose content of diabetic rats. Our data show that the ethanolic extract from G. latifolium leaves has antihyperglycemic potency, which is thought to be mediated through the activation of HK, PFK, G6PDH and inhibition of GK in the liver. The ethanolic extract is under further investigation to determine the chemical structure of the active compound(s) and its/their mechanism of action.     

Modelling of light-induced chlorophyll <Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis> fluorescence rise (O-J-I-P transient) and changes in 820 nm-transmittance signal of photosynthesis

Theoretical modelling is often overlooked in photosynthesis research even if it can significantly help with understanding of explored system. A new model of light-induced photosynthetic reactions occurring in and around thylakoid membrane is introduced here and used for theoretical modelling of not only the light-induced chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence rise (FLR; the O-J-I-P transient), reflecting function of photosystem II (PSII), but also of the 820 nmtransmittance signal (I₈₂₀), reflecting function of photosystem I (PSI) and plastocyanin (PC), paralleling the FLR. Correctness of the model was verified by successful simulations of the FLR and I₈₂₀ signal as measured with the control (no treatment) sample but also as measured with 2,5-dibromo-3-methyl-6-isopropyl-p-benzoquinone- (inhibits electron transport in cytochrome b ₆/f) and methylviologen- (accepts electrons from iron-sulphur cluster of PSI) treated samples and with the control sample upon different intensities of excitation light. From the simulations performed for the control sample, contribution of the oxidised donor of PSI, P700, and oxidised PC to the I₈₂₀ signal minimum (reflects maximal accumulations of the two components) was estimated to be 75% and 25%, respectively. Further in silico experiments showed that PC must be reduced in the dark, cyclic electron transport around PSI must be considered in the model and activation of ferredoxin-NADP⁺-oxidoreductase (FNR) also affects the FLR. Correct simulations of the FLR and I₈₂₀ signal demonstrate robustness of the model, confirm that the electron transport reactions occurring beyond PSII affect the shape of the FLR, and show usefulness and perspective of theoretical approach in studying of the light-induced photosynthetic reactions.     

Effect of Vaccinium ashei reade leaf extracts on lipid metabolism in obese OLETF rats

The effects of a hot water extract and fractional extracts from rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei reade) leaves (BBL) on lipid metabolism were studied in obese Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. Feeding the hot water extract and fractional extracts from BBL alleviated hepatic triglyceride accumulation in the rats. Additionally, feeding with the flavonol glycoside (FG) and proanthocyanidin (PA) fractions lowered serum cholesterol levels in the obese rats. The results from measurements of the hepatic enzyme activity indicate that the hypolipidemic effects of the hot water extract and the PA fraction might be attributable to enhanced lipolysis in the liver. The reduced serum levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory cytokine, by the chlorogenic acid + rutin fraction and FG fraction might be associated with alleviating the metabolic abnormalities in obese rats. These results indicate that the BBL extracts, and especially FG and PA, exerted hypolipidemic effects on obese OLETF rats and suggest that an infusion of BBL can be useful as a dietary hypolipidemic component.     

In Vitro Effects of Ginseng and the Seed of Zizyphus jujuba var. spinosa on Gut Microbiota of Rats with Spleen Deficiency

Ginseng and the seed of Zizyphus jujuba var. spinosa, which are traditional Chinese medicinal materials, were often used in ancient Chinese recipes as a pair of medicines. They can replenish the primordial qi and tonify the spleen. This study investigated the effects of ginseng and the seed of Zizyphus jujuba var. spinosa (GS) extract on gut microbiota diversity in rats with spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS). A total of 52 compounds (including 16 flavonoids, 35 saponins, and 1 alkaloid) were identified and analyzed from the GS extract by UPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS. The GS extract significantly increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in rats with SDS but decreased that of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. At the genus level, the GS extract significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in rats with SDS but decreased that of Streptococcus, Escherichia‐Shigella, Veillonella, and Enterococcus. In addition, the GS extract influenced glucose and amino acid metabolism. In summary, the results showed that the GS extract changed the structure and diversity of gut microbiota in rats with SDS and balanced the metabolic process.     

UPLC–QTOF/MS-based screening and identification of the constituents and their metabolites in rat plasma and urine after oral administration of Glechoma longituba extract

Glechoma longituba is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating various diseases; however, the in vivo integrated metabolism of its multiple bioactive components remains unknown. In this paper, ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) and the MetaboLynx™ software combined with mass defect filtering (MDF) together provide unique high throughput capabilities for drug metabolism study, with excellent MS mass accuracy and enhanced MS^E data acquisition. This rapid automated analysis method was successfully applied for screening and identification of the constituents absorbed and metabolized studies of G. longituba extract after oral administration to rats. The results showed that 21 parent components of G. longituba extract were absorbed into the blood circulation of the rats and a total of 80 metabolites of 9 parent compounds were tentatively detected in vivo by their MS spectra obtained at low or high collision energy scan with the comparison of the authentic standards and literature data. The developed method was simple and reliable, revealing that it could be used to rapid screen and identify the structures of active components responsible for pharmacological effects of G. longituba and to better clarify its action mechanism. This work suggests that the integrative metabolism approach makes a useful template for drug metabolism research of TCM.     

A Freshwater Clam (Corbicula fluminea) Extract Improves Cholesterol Metabolism in Rats Fed on a High-Cholesterol Diet

The effect of a freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) extract (FCE) on cholesterol metabolism in rats fed on a high-cholesterol diet was investigated. When rats were fed various amounts of FCE in addition to the high-cholesterol diet for 2 wk, the serum and hepatic cholesterol levels were gradually reduced in a dose-dependent manner, as compared with the control group. The excretion of neutral sterols and bile acids into the feces was increased by feeding FCE. Several phytosterols were detected in the feces of rats fed on the FCE-containing diet. In addition, substantial amounts of phytosterols were found in FCE. Cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) mRNA in the liver of the rats fed on the FCE-containing diets was higher than that of rats fed on the high-cholesterol diets without FCE. These results may suggest that enhanced cholesterol degradation and the excretion of neutral sterols and bile acids contributed to the hypocholesterolemic effect of FCE observed in the hypercholesterolemic rats fed on the high-cholesterol diet.     

The Influence of an Extract from the Marine Brown Alga <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sargassum pallidum</Emphasis> on the Metabolic Reactions in the Liver under Experimental Toxic Hepatitis

This study explores the influence of an extract enriched with polyphenol substances obtained from the brown alga Sargassum pallidum and the effect of the Legalon commercial reference preparation on the biochemical indices of the blood at acute hepatic injury induced in rats with carbon tetrachloride (CTC). Administration of S. pallidum extract exhibited a pronounced antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect revealed in reduction of alanine aminotransferase (AlAT) activity in blood plasm, in normalization of superoxide dismutase activity and reduced glutathione contents, of the level of lipid peroxidation, and the liver antiradical activity. We observed recovery of lipid metabolism and elimination of liver fatty infiltration. The S. pallidum extract was as effective as the reference Legalon hepatoprotector and even surpassed it in its ability to restore the phospholipid metabolism. In our opinion, this hepatoprotective effect of S. pallidum extract is associated with the action of polyphenols contained in brown algae, that is, phlorotannins, which are highly active antioxidants and restore the liver metabolic reactions after toxic hepatic injury with CTC.