Genistein mediates perturbations in one-carbon metabolism during diet-induced folate deficiency

Homeostasic balance of one-carbon metabolism is highly dependent upon derivatives of folate and is vital for the prevention of multiple disease states, including vascular disease, birth defects, neurological disorders, and cancer. Homocysteine, a non-protein forming amino acid, accumulates in the absence of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and represents both a marker for reduced cellular methylation potential and elicitor of pathogenesis (Cattaneo, 1999). In addition to cofactors like folate, vitamin B6, B12, and B2, various bioactive compounds are believed to influence the same cellular processes either directly or indirectly (Strain et al., 2004). The isoflavone genistein exhibits estrogen-like properties and has been implicated in the prevention of various diseases, including those involving hyperhomocysteinemia (Marini et al., 2009). Genistein has been shown to stably alter DNA methyltransferase and histone acetyltransferase activities independently of folate (Dolinoy et al, 2006; Li et al., 2009). This study was conducted to determine if genistein could modulate one-carbon metabolism during diet-induced folate deficiency. Specifically, we aimed to determine whether genistein is able to prevent hyperhomocysteinemia caused by moderate folate deficiency and classify any changes in relevant enzyme function, including those related to transmethylation, remethylation, and transsulfuration pathways, as well as alterations in genomic DNA methylation patterns. Administration of genistein (300 mg/kg diet) reduced plasma homocysteine concentrations in rats fed a folate-deficient diet in three independent studies without consistent alterations in enzyme activity or expression. Attenuation of plasma homocysteine was similar and occurred independently across each study at 10, 24, and 59 d of supplementation. There were no differences in genomic DNA methylation patterns or measured hepatic transmethylation, remethylation, and transsulfuration enzymes as determined by analysis of enzyme expression and activity. Future research is warranted to determine the specific actions of genistein related to its ability to mediate one-carbon metabolism during moderate folate deficiency

Horticulture Enterprise Management (Hort/Ag EdS 465)–Year Review

Originally introduced in the spring of 2011, the cross-listed Hort/Ag EdS 465 course was reintroduced Spring 2014 to the horticulture curriculum at Iowa State University. Modeled after the Ag 450 farm, the purpose of Hort/Ag EdS 465 is to provide students with the experience in managing a horticultural farm and to engage students in active learning of running a horticulture enterprise

Photosynthetically Active Radiation and Root-zone Temperature Effects on High Tunnel Primocane Red Raspberry Development

Climatic conditions found in high tunnels of the Upper Midwest have shown adverse effects to primocane red raspberry growth and development. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) greater than 600 µmol·mˉ2sˉ1 has been found to decrease shoot growth, fruit quality and yield, and contribute to the onset of premature bud dormancy. Researchers also found as air- and root-zone temperatures exceed 75°F and 60°F, respectively, reduced yield, berry weight, and berry quality may result. The proposed study was intended to conclude results taken from 2012 and 2013, with an additional year of data taken on fully established canes in 2014. Our objectives were to 1) assess the relationship between PAR and temperature and their effect on primocane development, and 2) evaluate the efficacy of shade cloth and soil mulch in reducing PAR and root-zone temperature during high tunnel primocane red raspberry production

Strawberry Cultivar Trial

This project was designed to evaluate 18 strawberry cultivars for their adaptation and fruit quality in Iowa. Cultivar selection is an important component of successful strawberry production and this evaluation provides information about recently released cultivars and germplasm of interest to commercial growers and homeowners

Effect of Removal of Runners and Flowers from Day-neutral Strawberries on Time of Harvest and Total Yields

Day-neutral strawberries can produce fruit during the summer and fall when regular strawberry production has ceased, thereby diversifying fruit production. In Iowa and the Midwest, cultural practices suggest the removal of flowers and runners until early July, but little information is known about cultural practices to shift production to cooler times of the summer and fall. Removing flowers and runners requires additional labor throughout the season. This study compares the production practices of removing flowers and runners and how those practices affect total fruit production, average berry size, and plant biomass

Conducting Research on the Internet:: Online Survey Design, Development and Implementation Guidelines

Using the Internet to conduct quantitative research presents challenges not found in conventional research. Some of our knowledge concerning the effective design and use of paper-based surveys does translate into electronic formats. However, electronic surveys have distinctive technological, demographic and response characteristics that affect how they should be designed, when they can be used and how they can be implemented. Survey design, subject privacy and confidentiality, sampling and subject solicitation, distribution methods and response rates and survey piloting are critical methodological components that must be addressed in order to conduct sound online research. This paper focuses on those distinctive characteristics. It reviews the current literature on the subject of electronic surveys and presents guidelines for designing, developing and implementing them, particularly web-based surveys. This paper argues that Web-based surveys are superior to email surveys in many aspects, but that email combined, perhaps with offline media, is an excellent vehicle for inviting individuals to participate in Web-based surveys. The application of these guidelines are demonstrated through the authors’ current research involving defining the nature of “non-public participation” (commonly referred to as lurking) in online discussion groups. Guidelines do not eliminate the many “trade-off” decisions required in the use of online surveys

2002 Leopold Grape Cultivar by Management System Trial

To identify grape cultivars adapted to Iowa, a cultivar by management system trial was established in 2002 at the ISU Horticulture (Hort) Station and the ISU Armstrong Research Farm with the help of a grant from the Leopold Center of Sustainable Agriculture. Fifteen cultivars, including 10 wine and 5 seedless table cultivars, were evaluated under 1) a conventional management system that relies on herbicides for weed control and application of insecticides and fungicides on a regular basis; 2) an IPM/best management system that uses herbicides as needed and relies on monitoring to determine the need for insecticides and fungicides; and 3) an organic-approved system that relies on a straw mulch for weed control and the use of organic-approved insect and disease control strategies. This report summarizes the results for the 2005 growing season

Effect of Living or Straw Mulch on Weed Management and Soil Quality in Grape Vineyards

The use of herbicides in vineyards has been a cost-effective way for in-row weed management. However, as public concerns about pesticide run-off, ground water quality, and soil erosion have increased, grape growers have become aware of a need for alternative methods of weed management. The overall objective of this project was to identify optimal weed-management practices that maximize grapevine growth and development as well as maintain or improve vineyard soil quality