Multi-platform metabolomics analyses of a broad collection of fragrant and non-fragrant rice varieties reveals the high complexity of grain quality characteristics

The quality of rice in terms not only of its nutritional value but also in terms of its aroma and flavour is becoming increasingly important in modern rice breeding where global targets are focused on both yield stability and grain quality. In the present paper we have exploited advanced, multi-platform metabolomics approaches to determine the biochemical differences in 31 rice varieties from a diverse range of genetic backgrounds and origin. All were grown under the specific local conditions for which they have been bred and all aspects of varietal identification and sample purity have been guaranteed by local experts from each country. Metabolomics analyses using 6 platforms have revealed the extent of biochemical differences (and similarities) between the chosen rice genotypes. Comparison of fragrant rice varieties showed a difference in the metabolic profiles of jasmine and basmati varieties. However with no consistent separation of the germplasm class. Storage of grains had a significant effect on the metabolome of both basmati and jasmine rice varieties but changes were different for the two rice types. This shows how metabolic changes may help prove a causal relationship with developing good quality in basmati rice or incurring quality loss in jasmine rice in aged grains. Such metabolomics approaches are leading to hypotheses on the potential links between grain quality attributes, biochemical composition and genotype in the context of breeding for improvement. With this knowledge we shall establish a stronger, evidence-based foundation upon which to build targeted strategies to support breeders in their quest for improved rice varieties.

Comparison of the chemical composition of three species of smartweed (genus Persicaria) with a focus on drimane sesquiterpenoids

The genus Persicaria is known to include species accumulating drimane sesquiterpenoids, but a comparative analysis highlighting the compositional differences has not been done. In this study, the secondary metabolites of both flowers and leaves of Persicariahydropiper, Persicariamaculosa and Persicariaminor, three species which occur in the same habitat, were compared. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of extracts, overall 21/29 identified compounds in extracts were sesquiterpenoids and 5/29 were drimanes. Polygodial was detected in all species, though not in every sample of P. maculosa. On average, P. hydropiper flowers contained about 6.2 mg g FW(-1) of polygodial, but P. minor flowers had 200-fold, and P. maculosa 100,000 fold lower concentrations. Comparatively, also other sesquiterpenes were much lower in those species, suggesting the fitness benefit to depend on either investing a lot or not at all in terpenoid-based secondary defences. For P. hydropiper, effects of flower and leaf development and headspace volatiles were analysed as well. The flower stage immediately after fertilisation was the one with the highest content of drimane sesquiterpenoids and leaves contained about 10-fold less of these compounds compared to flowers. The headspace of P. hydropiper contained 8 compounds: one monoterpene, one alkyl aldehyde and six sesquiterpenes, but none were drimanes. The potential ecological significance of the presence or absence of drimane sesquiterpenoids and other metabolites for these plant species are discussed.

Developing differential height, weight and body mass index references for girls that reflect the impact of the menarche

AIM

Growth is both a matter of amplitude and tempo. We aimed to develop references for body height, body weight and body mass index (BMI) with respect to tempo of maturity.

METHODS

Data obtained from the German KiGGS study (2003-2006) on body height, body weight and presence or absence of the menarche were re-analysed in 3776 girls, aged 10-17 years. We developed smoothed centiles for BMI-, body-height- and body-weight-for-age using the LMS method for premenarcheal and postmenarcheal girls.

RESULTS

Body height, body weight and BMI differed significantly between premenarcheal and postmenarcheal girls. On average, postmenarcheal girls aged 11-17 years were 5.3 cm taller and 9.7 kg heavier, and their BMI was 2.9 kg/m² higher than in premenarcheal girls of the same calendar age.

CONCLUSION

Adolescent BMI rises with calendar age and biological age. New reference charts for adolescent girls aged 10-18 years were generated to be inserted into the currently used references to avoid misclassifying underweight and overweight pubertal girls.

Adolescent growth: genes, hormones and the peer group. Proceedings of the 20th Aschauer Soiree, held at Glücksburg castle, Germany, 15th to 17th November 2013

The association between poverty, malnutrition, illness and poor socioeconomic conditions on the one side, and poor growth and short adult stature on the other side, is well recognized. Yet, the simple assumption by implication that poor growth and short stature result from poor living conditions, should be questioned. Recent evidence on the impact of the social network on adolescent growth and adult height further challenges the traditional concept of growth being a mirror of health. Twenty-nine scientists met at Glücksburg castle, Northern Germany, November 15th - 17th 2013, to discuss genetic, endocrine, mathematical and psychological aspects and related issues, of child and adolescent growth and final height.

The predatory legs of Philonthus marginatus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae): functional morphology and tarsal ultrastructure

Representatives of the staphylinid beetle Philonthus marginatus are characterized by highly modified raptorial forelegs which are used to strike prey in a particularly fast manner. Beetles ready to capture prey remain in a characteristic precapture ambush posture characterized by lifted and folded forelegs. Triggered by sensory input from the antenna or other parts of the fore body, the actual strike is released, essentially taking the form of a rapid (about 9 ms) depression of the unfolding forelegs towards the prey. This movement is based on the presence of a coxo-trochanteral catch mechanism and a particularly wide angle of rotation in the coxo-trochanteral joint. It is made possible by the specific mechanics of this joint which probably also involves a co-contraction of the antagonistic trochantero-femoral flexor and extensor muscles suggesting a spring-loaded system. This phase of the strike is immediately followed by fixation of the prey by the ventral adhesive tarsal setae supported by a grasp of the flexing last tarsomere and the claws. After withdrawal of the forelegs together with the prey, the sequence eventually results in the formation of a capture-basket formed frontally by the perpendicularly flexing head and laterally by the spiny inner sides of the coxae.

A research note: an analysis of RIA and GC/MS split hair samples from the New Orleans Pretrial Diversion Program

This paper compares the outcomes of hair analysis for cocaine conducted by two different, independently developed analytical methods, one using radioimmunoassay and the other GC/MS chemical ionization. In this study two hair samples were collected from each subject and a sample was sent simultaneously to each laboratory. The assays were done independently with each laboratory being unaware of the results of the other laboratory. The laboratories each developed their own cutoff criteria, and did not utilize the same cutoff criteria. Analysis of the comparative performance shows a strong correlation between the two procedures, although the GC/MS method, which used a lower cutoff value, identified more positive specimens than did the RIA method. Additionally, there were no cases in which the RIA procedure identified a positive sample which was negative according to GC/MS, although a number of GC/MS positive assays were reported as negative by the RIA laboratory.

Influence of hepatic cirrhosis and end-stage renal disease on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of furosemide

After rapid intravenous injection of furosemide 40 mg (Fu), plasma levels were determined in 7 healthy volunteers, 8 patients with liver cirrhosis with ascites and 7 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The diuretic response was evaluated by measuring the urinary excretion of sodium and potassium and the urine volume. The mean elimination half life (t 1/2 beta) of Fu averaged 51 +/- 7.7 (+/- SD) min in healthy subjects, 52 +/- 7.7 min in cirrhosis and 200 +/- 57 min in ESRD. The non-renal clearance (Clnr) in healthy subjects (56 +/- 28 ml/min) corresponds to the total plasma clearance in functionally anephric patients (54 +/- 18 ml/min). In cirrhosis there was no significant change in the disposition parameters of Fu in comparison to the healthy volunteers, but there was a significant reduction in urine sodium and volume, whereas potassium excretion remained unchanged. Fu "excretion rate--response" curves showed diminished tubular sensitivity to Fu in cirrhosis.