Association mapping validates previously identified quantitative trait loci for salt tolerance in rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

Salinity is the main abiotic stress that limits rice (Oryza sativa L.) production worldwide. An association mapping project was designed to validate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in rice associated with Na⁺, K⁺ and Ca⁺⁺ accumulation traits identified in our previous study of linkage mapping. Twenty four varieties/lines of rice were phenotyped for biochemical and yield traits. Among these varieties/lines, two mapping parents, Pokkali and IR-36, of our previous linkage mapping study were also included. For marker-trait assessments, both general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) analyses were performed. Thirteen significant marker-trait associations at P ≤ 0.001 were identified. Associated markers for these marker-trait associations were RM503, RM225, RM152, and RM254 located on chromosomes 3, 6, 8, and 11, respectively. Previously identified QTLs in linkage mapping study for Na⁺ uptake, Ca⁺⁺ uptake, total cations uptake, Ca⁺⁺ uptake ratio, K⁺ uptake ratio, and Na⁺/K⁺ uptake were validated in this study. Heritability values for these traits ranged from 1.00e-05 to 1. Linked markers for these validated QTLs were RM140, RM243, RM203, RM480, RM137, and RM254 located on chromosomes 1, 1, 3, 5, 8, and 11, respectively. These markers will be a valuable resource for marker-assisted breeding (MAB) approach to develop elite salt tolerant rice cultivars. This study demonstrates the potential of association mapping approach to validate previously identified QTLs.     

Phylogenetic affinities of the Iraqi populations of Saw-scaled vipers of the genus Echis (Serpentes: Viperidae), revealed by sequences of mtDNA genes

The Saw-scaled vipers of the species Echis carinatus range from Sri Lanka and India westwards to Iraq, including the eastern Arabian Peninsula. We collected the species in southern Iraq and compared two mtDNA genes (16S and Cyt b) with other populations of this species and with other species of the genus. Analyses of both Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference confirmed E. carinatus as a monophyletic species. The samples from Iraq cluster with populations of the species from Pakistan and UAE. Populations from India, however, are situated in a separate phylogenetic lineage. This can be explained by the geographic barriers between western (Iraq, Pakistan and UAE) and eastern (India) populations of the species. Soleyman Mountain in southern Pakistan is the main barrier between them and its role is reflected in the genetic distance between populations.     

Hesperidin,a citrus flavonoid,increases the bioavailability of micronutrients of Gallus domesticus (chicken) eggshell: in vitro study

The consumption of citrus flavonoid, hesperidin may inhibit the bone loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hesperidin on the bioavailability of Ca, a probable reason to prevent bone loss. Citrus flavonoid (hesperidin) in combination with citric acid and ascorbic acid was scrutinized to estimate the bioavailability of micronutrients from chicken egg shells using in vitro method. Effect of citric acid, ascorbic acid and hesperidin on the bioavailability of minerals (Zn, Fe) and macro elements (Ca, Mg, P) was evaluated and the amounts required to get maximum bioavailability were concluded. The highest bioavailability of Ca, Mg, P, Fe and Zn was 89.25 ± 2.13, 92.28 ± 1.87, 40.32 ± 3.09, 32.81 ± 1.24 and 46.19 ± 0.83%, respectively after the addition of 3 g of citric acid, 100 mg of ascorbic acid and 4 mg of hesperidin per gram of chicken eggshell powder. Citric acid greatly affects the bioavailability of Ca, Mg, P, and Zn, whereas addition of ascorbic acid enhances the bioavailability of Fe, and hesperidin boosts the bioavailability (p < 0.05) of all micronutrients of the chicken eggshells.     

Non-bonding interactions and non-covalent delocalization effects play a critical role in the relative stability of group 12 complexes arising from interaction of diethanoldithiocarbamate with the cations of transition metals Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II): a theoretical study

The chelating properties of diethanoldithiocarbamate (DEDC) and π-electron flow from the nitrogen atom to the sulfur atom via a plane-delocalized π-orbital system (quasi ring) was studied using a density functional theory method. The molecular structure of DEDC and its complexes with Zn(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) were also considered. First, the geometries of this ligand and DEDC-Zn(II), DEDC-Cd(II), and DEDC-Hg(II) were optimized, and the formation energies of these complexes were then calculated based on the electronic energy, or sum of electronic energies, with the zero point energy of each species. Formation energies indicated the DEDC-Zn(II) complex as the most stable complex, and DEDC-Cd(II) as the least stable. Structural data showed that the N1–C2 π-bond was localized in the complexes rather than the ligand, and a delocalized π-bond over S7–C2–S8 was also present. The stability of DEDC-Zn(II), DEDC-Cd(II), and DEDC-Hg(II) complexes increased in the presence of the non-specific effects of the solvent (PCM model), and their relative stability did not change. There was π-electron flow or resonance along N1–C2–S7 and along S7–C2–S8 in the ligand. The π-electron flow or resonance along N1–C2–S7 was abolished when the metal interacted with sulfur atoms. Energy belonging to van der Waals interactions and non-covalent delocalization effects between the metal and sulfur atoms of the ligand was calculated for each complex. The results of nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) indicated a decreasing trend as Zn(II)?<?Cd(II)?<?Hg(II) for the aromaticity of the quasi-rings. Finally, by ignoring van der Waals interactions and non-covalent delocalization effects between the metal and sulfur atoms of the ligand, the relative stability of the complexes was changed as follows:

$$ \mathrm{DEDC}-\mathrm{Z}\mathrm{n}\left(\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I}\right)>\mathrm{DEDC}-\mathrm{C}\mathrm{d}\left(\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I}\right)>\mathrm{DEDC}-\mathrm{H}\mathrm{g}\left(\mathrm{I}\mathrm{I}\right) $$

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Graphical Abstract Huge electronic cloud localized on Hg(II) in the Hg(II)-DEDC complex

     

A comprehensive genetic characterization of bacterial motility

We have developed a powerful experimental framework that combines competitive selection and microarray-based genetic footprinting to comprehensively reveal the genetic basis of bacterial behaviors. Application of this method to Escherichia coli motility identifies 95% of the known flagellar and chemotaxis genes, and reveals three dozen novel loci that, to varying degrees and through diverse mechanisms, affect motility. To probe the network context in which these genes function, we developed a method that uncovers genome-wide epistatic interactions through comprehensive analyses of double-mutant phenotypes. This allows us to place the novel genes within the context of signaling and regulatory networks, including the Rcs phosphorelay pathway and the cyclic di-GMP second-messenger system. This unifying framework enables sensitive and comprehensive genetic characterization of complex behaviors across the microbial biosphere.     

Interaction of Escherichia coli heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) with its putative receptor on the intestinal tract of newborn kids

The elaboration of heat stable enterotoxin (STa) is an important step in the pathogenesis of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), which causes severe diarrhea in newborn animals. In this study, the distribution of the STa-specific receptors on enterocytes and brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) prepared from the anterior jejunum, posterior jejunum, ileum and colon of newborn kids was investigated. The density of STa-receptors on enterocytes and BBMVs was higher in the posterior jejunum than that in other segments of the kids' intestines. Additionally, the affinity of the posterior jejunum STa-receptors was higher than the affinity of receptors present on the epithelium of other intestinal segments. Our findings suggest that the posterior jejunum is a major target for STa within the intestinal tract of newborn kids.     

Synthesis and antioxidant properties of substituted 3-benzylidene-7-alkoxychroman-4-ones

A series of 3-benzylidene-7-alkoxychroman-4-one derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activity was assessed using three methods, namely, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assays. 3-Benzylidene-7-alkoxychroman-4-one derivatives bearing catecholic group on benzylidene moiety exhibited excellent antioxidant activity. Compounds having catechol moiety exhibited potent antioxidant activities in all tested methods and they were more active than the reference drug, Trolox.     

Formation of depurinating N3adenine and N7guanine adducts after reaction of 1,2-naphthoquinone or enzyme-activated 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene with DNA. Implications for the mechanism of tumor initiation by naphthalene

Naphthalene is considered by the US Environmental Protection Agency to be a carcinogenic compound based on inhalation studies in rats. The primary metabolite of naphthalene is naphthalene 1,2-arene oxide. This unstable intermediate can lead to formation of 1-naphthol and naphthalene-1,2-dihydrodiol. Secondary metabolites include 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene (1,2-DHN), which can be further oxidized to 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ). Based on the metabolism of naphthalene and its similarity to the metabolic activation of carcinogenic natural estrogens, synthetic estrogens and benzene, we hypothesize that naphthalene is activated to initiate cancer by reaction of 1,2-NQ with DNA to form the depurinating adducts 1,2-DHN-4-N3Ade and 1,2-DHN-4-N7Gua. These adducts were synthesized by reaction of 1,2-NQ with Ade or dG in acetic acid/water/DMF (1:1:1). 1,2-NQ was reacted with DNA, and the depurinating 1,2-DHN-4-N3Ade and 1,2-DHN-4-N7Gua adducts were analyzed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and HPLC with electrochemical detection. After the reaction of 1,2-NQ with DNA, the N3Ade and N7Gua adducts were found. Similarly, when 1,2-DHN was activated by tyrosinase in the presence of DNA, higher amounts of the N3Ade and N7Gua adducts were detected. These same adducts were also formed when 1,2-DHN was activated by prostaglandin H synthase or 3-methylcholanthrene-induced rat liver microsomes in the presence of DNA. These depurinating adducts are analogous to those obtained from the ortho-quinones of natural estrogens, synthetic estrogens and benzene. These results suggest that reaction of ortho-quinones with DNA by 1,4-Michael addition is a general mechanism of weak carcinogenesis that occurs with naphthalene and a number of other aromatic compounds.     

Dual inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase by human haptoglobin: its polymorphism and relation to hemoglobin binding

Haptoglobin (Hp) binds hemoglobin (Hb) specifically and stoichiometrically. Since Hb stimulates prostaglandin (PG biosynthesis), we investigated if Hp effects arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. The results showed that Hp (50-250 microg protein) inhibited the biosynthesis of PGs via cyclooxygenase (COX) and 12-HETE via lipoxygenase pathway in human platelets. Additional evidence was obtained by the loss of Hp inhibitory activity upon removal of Hp by affinity chromatography on hemoglobin sepharose and by inhibition of AA or bradykinin-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig. Hb reduced the inhibitory effect of Hp in a concentration-related manner such that all its inhibitory activity was lost when completely bound by Hb. Of the three Hp phenotypes, Hp 1-1 showed maximum binding capacity to Hb indicating its greater protective role. These findings implicate Hp in the regulation of COX and lipoxygenase pathways and show Hp involvement in the body's endogenous defense system against inflammation. This indicates that mammals have dual defense system, i.e., a specific immune system and non-specific Hp defense system.