Early Responses of Brassica oleracea Roots to Zinc Supply Under Sufficient and Sub-Optimal Phosphorus Supply

© Copyright © 2020 Pongrac, Fischer, Thompson, Wright and White. Shoot zinc (Zn) concentration in Brassica oleracea is affected by soil Zn and phosphorus (P) supply. Most problematic is the negative impact of P fertilizers on Zn concentrations in crops, which makes balancing yield and mineral quality challenging. To evaluate early molecular mechanisms involved in the accumulation of large shoot Zn concentrations regardless of the P supply, two B. oleracea accessions differing in root architecture and root exudates were grown hydroponically for two weeks with different combinations of P and Zn supply. Ionome profiling and deep RNA sequencing of roots revealed interactions of P and Zn in planta, without apparent phenotypic effects. In addition, increasing P supply did not reduce tissue Zn concentration. Substantial changes in gene expression in response to different P and/or Zn supplies in roots of both accessions ensured nutritionally sufficient P and Zn uptake. Numerous genes were differentially expressed after changing Zn or P supply and most of them were unique to only one accession, highlighting their different strategies in achieving nutrient sufficiency. Thus, different gene networks responded to the changing P and Zn supply in the two accessions. Additionally, enrichment analysis of gene ontology classes revealed that genes involved in lipid metabolism, response to starvation, and anion transport mechanisms were most responsive to differences in P and Zn supply in both accessions. The results agreed with previously studies demonstrating alterations in P and Zn transport and phospholipid metabolism in response to reduced P and Zn supply. It is anticipated that improved knowledge of genes responsive to P or Zn supply will help illuminate the roles in uptake and accumulation of P and Zn and might identify candidate genes for breeding high-yield-high-Zn brassicas

Limits to the biofortification of leafy brassicas with zinc

Many humans lack sufficient zinc (Zn) in their diet for their wellbeing and increasing Zn concentrations in edible produce (biofortification) can mitigate this. Recent efforts have focused on biofortifying staple crops. However, greater Zn concentrations can be achieved in leafy vegetables than in fruits, seeds, or tubers. Brassicas, such as cabbage and broccoli, are widely consumed and might provide an additional means to increase dietary Zn intake. Zinc concentrations in brassicas are limited primarily by Zn phytotoxicity. To assess the limits of Zn biofortification of brassicas, the Zn concentration in a peat:sand (v/v 75:25) medium was manipulated to examine the relationship between shoot Zn concentration and shoot dry weight (DW) and thereby determine the critical shoot Zn concentrations, defined as the shoot Zn concentration at which yield is reduced below 90%. The critical shoot Zn concentration was regarded as the commercial limit to Zn biofortification. Experiments were undertaken over six successive years. A linear relationship between Zn fertiliser application and shoot Zn concentration was observed at low application rates. Critical shoot Zn concentrations ranged from 0.074 to 1.201 mg Zn g−1 DW among cabbage genotypes studied in 2014, and between 0.117 and 1.666 mg Zn g−1 DW among broccoli genotypes studied in 2015–2017. It is concluded that if 5% of the dietary Zn intake of a population is currently delivered through brassicas, then the biofortification of brassicas from 0.057 to > 0.100 mg Zn g−1 DW through the application of Zn fertilisers could increase dietary Zn intake substantially

Pulp, Vol. 1 No. 1

The first issue of Pulp and one of the earlier student journals

Juvenile root vigour improves phosphorus use efficiency of potato

Aims Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) has a large phosphorus (P)-fertiliser requirement. This is thought to be due to its inability to acquire P effectively from the soil. This work tested the hypothesis that early proliferation of its root system would enhance P acquisition, accelerate canopy development, and enable greater yields. Methods Six years of field experiments characterised the relationships between (1) leaf P concentration ([P]leaf), tuber yield, and tuber P concentration ([P]tuber) among 27 Tuberosum, 35 Phureja and 4 Diploid Hybrid genotypes and (2) juvenile root vigour, P acquisition and tuber yield among eight Tuberosum genotypes selected for contrasting responses to P-fertiliser. Results Substantial genetic variation was observed in tuber yield, [P]leaf and [P]tuber. There was a strong positive relationship between tuber yields and P acquisition among genotypes, whether grown with or without P-fertiliser. Juvenile root vigour was correlated with accelerated canopy development and both greater P acquisition and tuber biomass accumulation early in the season. However, the latter relationships became weaker during the season. Conclusions Increased juvenile root vigour accelerated P acquisition and initial canopy cover and, thereby, increased tuber yields. Juvenile root vigour is a heritable trait and can be selected to improve P-fertiliser use efficiency of potato

Effect of phosphorus supply on root traits of two Brassica oleracea L. genotypes

BACKGROUND: Phosphorus (P) deficiency limits crop production worldwide. Crops differ in their ability to acquire and utilise the P available. The aim of this study was to determine root traits (root exudates, root system architecture (RSA), tissue-specific allocation of P, and gene expression in roots) that (a) play a role in P-use efficiency and (b) contribute to large shoot zinc (Zn) concentration in Brassica oleracea. RESULTS: Two B. oleracea accessions (var. sabellica C6, a kale, and var. italica F103, a broccoli) were grown in a hydroponic system or in a high-throughput-root phenotyping (HTRP) system where they received Low P (0.025 mM) or High P (0.25 mM) supply for 2weeks. In hydroponics, root and shoot P and Zn concentrations were measured, root exudates were profiled using both Fourier-Transform-Infrared spectroscopy and gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry and previously published RNAseq data from roots was re-examined. In HTRP experiments, RSA (main and lateral root number and lateral root length) was assessed and the tissue-specific distribution of P was determined using micro-particle-induced-X-ray emission. The C6 accession had greater root and shoot biomass than the F103 accession, but the latter had a larger shoot P concentration than the C6 accession, regardless of the P supply in the hydroponic system. The F103 accession had a larger shoot Zn concentration than the C6 accession in the High P treatment. Although the F103 accession had a larger number of lateral roots, which were also longer than in the C6 accession, the C6 accession released a larger quantity and number of polar compounds than the F103 accession. A larger number of P-responsive genes were found in the Low P treatment in roots of the F103 accession than in roots of the C6 accession. Expression of genes linked with "phosphate starvation" was up-regulated, while those linked with iron homeostasis were down-regulated in the Low P treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results illustrate large within-species variability in root acclimatory responses to P supply in the composition of root exudates, RSA and gene expression, but not in P distribution in root cross sections, enabling P sufficiency in the two B. oleracea accessions studied

Fatores de risco relacionados ao uso de drogas ilegais, perspectiva crítica de familiares e pessoas próximas, em um centro da saúde público em San Pedro Sula, Honduras

This article presents quantitative data from a multicenter, cross-sectional study, which was performed at a public health center in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, using multiple methods. The objective of the study was to describe the critical perspective of people who reported being affected by their relationship with an illicit drug user (relative or acquaintance) in terms of risk factors. Data collection was performed using 100 questionnaires. Most participants were women with low education levels. Drug users were mostly men, with an average age of 23.3 years. The most consumed drug was marijuana (78%), followed by crack/cocaine (72%), glue/inhalants (27%), hallucinogens (ecstasy/LSD) (3%), amphetamines/stimulants (1%), and heroin (1%). The identified risk factors include: previous experience with alcohol/tobacco, having friends who use drugs, lack of information, low self-esteem, age, and other personal, family and social factors. In conclusion, prevention and protection should be reinforced.En este estudio, se presentan datos cuantitativos del estudio multicéntrico, multimétodos, de corte transversal realizado en un centro de salud público en San Pedro Sula, en Honduras. Su objetivo es describir la perspectiva crítica que tienen los familiares o personas, que se consideran afectadas por tener a alguien cercano que usa o ha usado drogas ilegales, con relación a factores de riesgo. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante una encuesta con 100 entrevistados. La mayor parte de las personas informantes eran mujeres pobres con baja escolaridad. Los consumidores eran en su mayoría hombres con edad promedio de 23,3 años. La droga más usada fue la marihuana (78%) seguida de crack/cocaína (72%), pegamento/inhalantes (27%), alucinógenos (éxtasis/LSD) (3%), anfetaminas/estimulantes (1%) y heroína (1%). Los factores de riesgo identificados fueron la experiencia previa con alcohol/tabaco, el tener amigos/amigas que usan drogas, la falta de conocimiento, la baja autoestima , la edad, entre otros factores personales, familiares y sociales. Se concluye que es necesario fortalecer las medidas de prevención y protección.São apresentados, aqui, dados quantitativos de um estudo multicêntrico, multimétodos, de corte transversal, realizado em um centro de saúde pública em San Pedro Sula, Honduras. O objetivo foi descrever a perspectiva crítica dos membros da família ou pessoas que se sentem afetadas por terem alguém próximo que usa ou usou drogas ilegais, em relação aos fatores de risco. Os dados foram coletados através de questionário aplicado em 100 indivíduos. A maioria era composta por mulheres pobres, com pouca escolaridade. Os consumidores eram majoritariamente varões, com idade média de 23,3 anos. A droga mais utilizada foi a maconha (78%), seguida por crack/cocaína (72%), cola/inalantes (27%), alucinógenos (ecstasy/LSD) (3%), anfetaminas/estimulantes (1%), heroína (1%). Entre os fatores de risco identificados estão: experiência anterior com álcool/fumo, ter amigos/amigas que usam drogas, falta de conhecimento, baixa autoestima, idade, entre outros fatores pessoais, familiares e sociais. Em conclusão, deve-se reforçar a prevenção e proteção

Pennsylvania Folklife Vol. 32, No. 4

• Frakturs • Apple Head Dolls are Unique • Tableware and Dutch Folklore • The Pipemaker • Wheat Weaving • Beekeeping: Past and Present • The Pennsylvania Longrifle • Festival Focus • Folk Festival Programs • Quilts • The Country Butcher • Stained Glass • Metal Casting in Sand • Is This Pure Leather? • The Horse and Carriage • Marquetry, Parquetry and Intarsia • Pennsylvania Dutch Cookinghttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/pafolklifemag/1100/thumbnail.jp

Sodium hyperaccumulators in the Caryophyllales are characterized by both abnormally large shoot sodium concentrations and [Na]shoot/[Na]root quotients greater than unity

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Some Caryophyllales species accumulate abnormally large shoot sodium (Na) concentrations in non-saline environments. It is not known whether this is a consequence of altered Na partitioning between roots and shoots. This paper tests the hypotheses (1) that Na concentrations in shoots ([Na]shoot) and in roots ([Na]root) are positively correlated among Caryophyllales, and (2) that shoot Na hyperaccumulation is correlated with [Na]shoot/[Na]root quotients. METHODS: Fifty two genotypes, representing 45 Caryophyllales species and 4 species from other angiosperm orders, were grown hydroponically in a non-saline, complete nutrient solution. Concentrations of Na in shoots and in roots were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). KEY RESULTS: Sodium concentrations in shoots and roots were not correlated among Caryophyllales species with normal [Na]shoot, but were positively correlated among Caryophyllales species with abnormally large [Na]shoot. In addition, Caryophyllales species with abnormally large [Na]shoot had greater [Na]shoot/[Na]root than Caryophyllales species with normal [Na]shoot. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium hyperaccumulators in the Caryophyllales are characterized by abnormally large [Na]shoot, a positive correlation between [Na]shoot and [Na]root, and [Na]shoot/[Na]root quotients greater than unity

Barriers to Health Service Access: A Study on Conditioning Factors of Self-Health and Illness Perception in Argentina

Aims: To determine self-health image and illness perception as potential barriers to health services access among inhabitants of La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Methods: A cross-sectional study, where survey, “Brief IllnessPerception Questionnaire” and basic medical examination were performed on 2430 participants at homes. Results: Although men showed a better concept of their state of health, they perceived their illness worse and belatedly. Only 45% of participants perceived symptoms disease, and from them, 48% finally decided to consult to the health system. Hence, from every 100 sick people, only 21 had access to a health institution. Higher level of education achieved, better socio-economic conditions or holding health insurance were significantly associated with appropriate health seeking, and access to health service. Conclusions: Self-health image and disease perception affected people’s access to health services. Participants of this study showed suboptimal disease perception, manifested as meager and delayed demand for care. These results demonstrate the weakness of current health care model based on people’s spontaneous demand. It is necessary to adopt a new health system for the entire population, regardless of the self-awareness that people may have about their own health/disease status. It would be a more inclusive, effective and efficient healthcare model.Fil: Marin, Gustavo Horacio. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Departamento de Articulación de Ciencias Básicas y Clínicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Vetere, Pablo. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Marin, Lupe. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Giangreco, Lucia. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Dalto, Santiago. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Garcia, Gladys. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Alconada Magliano, Juan. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Marin, Gina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Ferrero, María Laura. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Bourgeois, Marcelo. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Madonia, María Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Moran, Virginia. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Jauregui, Aylen. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Madeo, Aldo. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Gygli, Silvina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Soibelzon, Laura. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Marin, Cloe. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Rivadulla, Patricia. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Raffaeli, Maria. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Sbattella, Daniela. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Agueda, Jorge. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Haag, Griselda. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Etchegoyen, Graciela. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Wright, Ricardo. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Pracilio, Horacio. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; ArgentinaFil: Arinavarreta, Adriana. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas; Argentin

Community Service: Editor pride and user preference on local newspaper websites

Armed with readily accessible online traffic logs that provide detailed information about the items users are selecting to view, editors are voicing concern about the potential effect on their own content decisions. Through a survey of local British newspaper editors, this article examines the overlap between user preferences, as suggested by assessments of website traffic, and content that editors identify as their best. Results are considered in the context of two related subsets of agenda-setting theory, as well as the sociological process of “making news.” The study finds overlap between broad categories of stories preferred by editors and users, but a considerable disconnect over the nature of the items within those categories