Normal Soybean Research Articles

Dynamics of Cascading Failures in Biological Networks

Gene correlation networks were constructed for three species under various physiological states: normal soybean versus soybean with root rot disease, yeast grown anaerobically versus aerobically, and human prostate cancer versus healthy individuals, based on their respective gene expression profiles. Investigation of these networks using a cascading failure model revealed significant differences in dynamic stabilities across the different states. Structural key genes contributing to these differences were identified, and their biological functions were annotated. These key genes may play a role in the development of root rot disease in soybeans. This research elucidates the relevant functional mechanisms underlying these changes and provides a valuable tool for understanding the mechanisms of various life processes.

Metabolic insights into the mechanism of soybean reddening during storage.

Soybean reddening during storage and transportation has caused great concern due to the serious economic loss. However, the mechanism of reddening has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, metabolomics was employed to investigate the reasons for soybean reddening during storage. The results of multivariate statistical analysis showed that the metabolite level of red soybean was significantly different from that of normal soybean. The differentially expressed metabolites were mainly enriched by biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and amino acid metabolism. Metabolism analysis showed that the biosynthesis of cyanidin and betalains was enhanced in reddening soybean. In addition, it was found that phenolic and flavonoid compounds decreased, while quinones, furans and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural increased in reddening soybeans compared to normal soybeans. The upregulation of cyanidin and betalains was the main reason for soybean reddening. Besides, the oxidation of phenols and flavonoids, as well as Maillard reaction, also contributed to the color change. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Validation of the methodology of the germination test using a rolled paper plus vermiculite for treated soybean seeds

ABSTRACT: The use of an appropriate germination method is crucial to allow expression of the germination potential of the seed lot, especially when the seeds are treated with phytosanitary products, since phytotoxicity can occur in some substrates and under some conditions and the germination values will be underestimated. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the methodology of germination in a rolled paper plus vermiculite (RP+V) and the possibility of its statistical validation for routine use in laboratories. Four seed lots of two cultivars with different vigor levels and chemical insecticide treatments (control, thiamethoxam + cyantraniliprole, clothianidin + fipronil, and imidacloprid + thiodicarb, all seeds were treated with fungicide) were used. The samples were prepared and sent to 13 laboratories accredited by the Ministério da Agricultura e Pecuária (MAPA) for germination assessment with RP+V. The collected data were analyzed using statistical methodologies to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of the method, as well as its precision and accuracy. The data from normal soybean seedlings evaluated using the rolled paper plus vermiculite (RP+V) methodology show repeatability, reproducibility, precision, and accuracy within the critical parameters of 1% and 5%. The proposed methodology is reliable and can be routinely implemented in evaluation of soybean seeds, especially those treated with phytosanitary products.

54 Impact of Ileal Indigestible Protein on Nitrogen Excretion and Fecal Microbiota may be Greater Compared with Total Protein Concentration of Diets in Growing Pigs

Abstract The effect of changes in dietary ileal indigestible protein concentration may be more influential in the amount of nitrogen flowing to the large intestine compared with changes in total dietary protein concentration. For this reason, we hypothesized that an increase in dietary ileal indigestible protein concentration induces an increase in hindgut nitrogen utilization and nitrogen excretion and a shift in fecal microbiota in growing pigs, when compared with pigs given a high total protein diet. Three diets were prepared: 1) standard protein diet based on corn and soybean meal, 2) high-indigestible protein diet in which autoclaved soybean meal replaced normal soybean meal in the first diet, and 3) high protein diet where the inclusion rate of soybean meal was greater than that of the other diets. T-cannulated barrows (n = 18; initial BW = 63.4 ± 8.0 kg) were allotted to the 3 diets in a randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor. Pigs were individually housed in pens and the experiment lasted for 23 days. On d 7 and 21, fecal samples were collected by rectal massage for microbiota analysis. Grab samples of feces were collected on d 20 and 21, and ileal digesta were collected on d 22 and 23 for the determination of energy and nitrogen utilization. Energy and nitrogen utilization data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS using a pig as the experimental unit and a model that included diet as a fixed variable and block as a random variable. For microbiome analysis, R was used. Alpha and beta diversity metrics were analyzed and the difference in abundance of the genus was determined using the DESeq2 function. The high-indigestible protein diet achieved decreased apparent ileal digestibility of nitrogen and resulted in greater ileal indigestible nitrogen concentration (P < 0.05). Apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen was less (P < 0.05), and correspondingly fecal nitrogen concentration and daily fecal nitrogen output were greater (P < 0.05) in the high-indigestible protein diet. Apparent post-ileal digestibility and hindgut disappearance of nitrogen and gross energy were the greatest (P < 0.05) in the high protein diet. Beta diversity metrics of feces in the high-indigestible protein diet on d 21 were different (q < 0.05) from those in the other two diets, which indicates a shift in fecal microbiota. According to the DESeq2 results, the direction of the microbiota shift induced by the high-indigestible protein diet may have reduced hindgut fiber utilization. In conclusion, an increase in dietary ileal indigestible protein increased nitrogen excretion and shifted fecal microbial communities but did not increase hindgut nitrogen utilization.

RESEARCH OF SOYBEAN SEED QUALITY INDICATORS

The article provides a study of the current state of global soybean production, the dynamics of sown areas, yield and gross harvest of soybeans in Ukraine over the past five years. World soybean production is almost 352 million tons, and the leaders are always the USA, Brazil, and Argentina, which in 2017 collected a record 286 million tons of soybeans, which is 82% of world production. China (12.3 million tons), India (11.5 million tons) and Paraguay (10.3 million tons) are also among the leading producers. Ukraine was ranked 8th among the leading countries in soybean production. Also, soybeans have been in the leading positions in the domestic agricultural market for many years, along with grain crops, in export and processing for food and fodder purposes, and also have a strategically important role in ensuring the country's food and economic security. Soybean seeds contain 38–42% protein, 18–23% fat, 25–30% carbohydrates, as well as enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Due to its rich and diverse chemical composition, soybean has no equal in terms of production growth rates, and it has long been widely used as a universal food, fodder and oil crop. The regions of the country with the largest sown areas of soybeans are given, and the place of Ukraine in the world market, both in terms of production and trade of soybeans, is clarified. Factors that should be taken into account when planning to increase the area under soybeans are given. Grain quality control is a complex process that includes a combination of various factors. However, this is a very important stage, as it makes it possible to make Ukrainian grain competitive on the world market. Studies of organoleptic and physicochemical quality indicators of soybean samples of the 2022 harvest are presented. It is shown that the test samples have the color and shape characteristic of normal soybean seeds, without musty, moldy and extraneous smell. The mass fraction of moisture, oil, the content of garbage and grain impurities do not exceed the normative values. Pest infestation was not detected in any of the studied samples. The mass fraction of protein in terms of dry matter in the experimental samples was 32.1–33.9, which does not correspond to DSTU 4964:2008. "Soy. Technical conditions" (the value should be at least 35%) and USDA requirements.

Effects of quercetin on emissions of aldehydes from heated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-fortified soybean oil.

Home cooking has been considered as an indoor pollution problem since cooking oil fumes contain various toxic chemicals such as aldehydes. Fortifying edible oils with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been applied to enhance the nutritional value of oils. This study designed a frying simulation system and examined the effect of oil type, DHA fortification, heating time, and addition of natural antioxidant on the emissions of aldehydes from heated oils. Results showed that linseed oil had the highest total aldehyde emissions, followed by soybean oil, peanut oil, and palm oil. Fortifying soybean oil with DHA increased the toxic aldehydes emitted. Quercetin, a flavonoid, significantly reduced aldehydes emitted from DHA-fortified soybean oil (by up to 39.80%) to levels similar to those of normal soybean oil. Further analysis showed that DHA-fortified soybean oil with quercetin had a significantly higher DHA and unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) content than the control oil at each heating time point. The result indicated that quercetin inhibited emissions of aldehydes, at least in part, by protecting UFAs from oxidation. Collectively, quercetin could be used as a natural additive in DHA-fortified and normal cooking oils to reduce aldehyde emissions, indoor air pollution, and preserve functional DHA and other UFAs.

Untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach unveils molecular changes in heat-damaged and normal soybean

China is the largest soybean importer in the world. Soybean is usually imported from abroad to China by sea. Unfortunately, soybean is vulnerable to heat damage due to high temperature and humidity during sea transportation. In this study, the sea transportation of soybean was simulated and a mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics approach was utilized to unveil molecular changes in heat-damaged and normal soybean. A total of 266 metabolites were identified and the changes in abundance of various metabolites were determined. In response to heat treatment stress, metabolites were differentially regulated in various metabolic processes. This study indicated that heat damage may lead to nutrient loss by oxidation or oil exudation, as well as vitality loss by decreasing energy availability. These results provide guidance for the international trade of soybean.

Alternative Splicing (AS) Dynamics in Dwarf Soybean Derived from Cross of Glycine max and Glycine soja

Short crop height is the preferred breeding trait since there is a positive correlation between lodging resistance and a crop yield increase. Alternative splicing can alter transcriptome diversity and contribute to plant adaptation to environmental stress. We characterized the transcriptomes obtained from dwarf and normal soybean lines derived from a cross of Glycine max var. Peking (G. max) and G. soja var. IT182936 in an F7 RIL population to study the differences between the isoforms. Full-length mRNA derived from leaf tissues was sequenced using the PacBio RSII platform, generating 904,474 circular consensus sequence (CCS) reads. Using the Structural and Quality Annotation of Novel Transcript Isoforms (SQANTI) process, 42,582 and 44,762 high-quality isoforms, and 91 and 179 polished low-quality isoforms were obtained in dwarf and normal cells, respectively. As a result, 832 and 36,772 nonredundant transcripts were generated. Approximately 30% of the identified genes were estimated to produce two or more isoforms. We detected an average of 166,171 splice junctions (SJs), of which 93.8% were canonical SJs. We identified that novel isoforms accounted for 19% of all isoforms, among which 12% fell within coding regions. The dwarf soybean demonstrated a greater number of isoforms in most of the annotated genes, particularly in genes related to growth hormones and defense responses. Our study provides comprehensive isoform and gene information that may accelerate transcriptome research in G. max and provide a basis to further study the impact of these isoforms on plant growth.

Nutritive and Antinutrient Values of Soybean Condiments Produced from Indigenous Fermenters

Several studies have shown that most condiments consumed in Nigeria today are fortified with chemicals that alter the nature and stripped the nutrients and natural immunological adjuvants designed by nature to protect the body system. Several condiments have been developed from fermented foods in order to control this ugly situation but there is still controversial thought on the nutritive and antinutrient effects of the condiment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritive and antinutrient values of the soybean condiments produced using indigenous fermenters. Soybean (Glycine max) sample was fermented with indigenous microorganisms isolated from 7 days old fermented soybean sample. This was oven-dried, pulverized and packaged in a cleaned sterile screw capped container. Gravimetric, spectrometric and titrimetric methods were employed for the nutritive and antinutrient parameters. Lactobacillus plantarum strain ZS 2058 (L), Bacillus subtilis strain 168 (B) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain YJM555 (Y) were the indigenous microbes used singly and in consortium for the production of light to dark brown condiments with water activity ranging from 0.27 – 0.37 for the fermented soybean in the plate and 0.22 - 0.36 for the fermented soybean wrapped with Thaumatococcus danielli leaves (called Uma in Igbo and Ewe eran in Yoruba). The moisture, ash, fat, protein, crude fiber, carbohydrate and B-carotene contents ranges from 2.70 – 14.75 %, 0.03 – 4.10 %, 11.11 – 14.69 %, 48.22 – 53.77 %, 10.22 – 12.04%, 8.16 – 21.61 % and 6.92 – 8.14 % respectively. The isoflavone contents (0.096 -0.132 % w/w) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of normal soybean (0.068 %). The phytates, lectin, oxalates and tannins contents were significantly (0.01>P<0.05) reduced to minimum values of 0.01 mg/g, 0.02 mg/g, 0.02 g/100g and 0.08 mg/g respectively. Therefore condiments produced from fermentation of soybean using indigenous B, L, Y, BL and BLY are recommended as this would enhance its safety and nutritional quality, and those fermented in plastic plates using BLY were the most efficient, preferable and acceptable.

Estimating peanut and soybean photosynthetic traits using leaf spectral reflectance and advance regression models

Main conclusionBy combining hyperspectral signatures of peanut and soybean, we predicted Vcmax and Jmax with 70 and 50% accuracy. The PLS was the model that better predicted these photosynthetic parameters.One proposed key strategy for increasing potential crop stability and yield centers on exploitation of genotypic variability in photosynthetic capacity through precise high-throughput phenotyping techniques. Photosynthetic parameters, such as the maximum rate of Rubisco catalyzed carboxylation (Vc,max) and maximum electron transport rate supporting RuBP regeneration (Jmax), have been identified as key targets for improvement. The primary techniques for measuring these physiological parameters are very time-consuming. However, these parameters could be estimated using rapid and non-destructive leaf spectroscopy techniques. This study compared four different advanced regression models (PLS, BR, ARDR, and LASSO) to estimate Vc,max and Jmax based on leaf reflectance spectra measured with an ASD FieldSpec4. Two leguminous species were tested under different controlled environmental conditions: (1) peanut under different water regimes at normal atmospheric conditions and (2) soybean under high [CO2] and high night temperature. Model sensitivities were assessed for each crop and treatment separately and in combination to identify strengths and weaknesses of each modeling approach. Regardless of regression model, robust predictions were achieved for Vc,max (R2 = 0.70) and Jmax (R2 = 0.50). Field spectroscopy shows promising results for estimating spatial and temporal variations in photosynthetic capacity based on leaf and canopy spectral properties.

Soybean meal from damaged grains replacing standard soybean meal in diets of feedlot lambs

ABSTRACT Two studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of levels of soybean meal produced from damaged soybean grains replacing normal soybean meal on in vitro and in situ digestibility of ruminant diets as well as on intake, digestibility, and animal performance of growing/finishing lambs. In trial 1, we evaluated the in vitro digestibility of each soybean meals (normal and damaged), as well as diets containing levels of the damaged replacing the normal (0, 333, 667 and 1,000 g.kg−1) [...]

Analysis of genome variants in dwarf soybean lines obtained in F6 derived from cross of normal parents (cultivated and wild soybean).

Plant height is an important component of plant architecture and significantly affects crop breeding practices and yield. We studied DNA variations derived from F5 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) with 96.8% homozygous genotypes. Here, we report DNA variations between the normal and dwarf members of four lines harvested from a single seed parent in an F6 RIL population derived from a cross between Glycine max var. Peking and Glycine soja IT182936. Whole genome sequencing was carried out, and the DNA variations in the whole genome were compared between the normal and dwarf samples. We found a large number of DNA variations in both the dwarf and semi-dwarf lines, with one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) per at least 3.68 kb in the dwarf lines and 1 SNP per 11.13 kb of the whole genome. This value is 2.18 times higher than the expected DNA variation in the F6 population. A total of 186 SNPs and 241 SNPs were discovered in the coding regions of the dwarf lines 1282 and 1303, respectively, and we discovered 33 homogeneous nonsynonymous SNPs that occurred at the same loci in each set of dwarf and normal soybean. Of them, five SNPs were in the same positions between lines 1282 and 1303. Our results provide important information for improving our understanding of the genetics of soybean plant height and crop breeding. These polymorphisms could be useful genetic resources for plant breeders, geneticists, and biologists for future molecular biology and breeding projects.

Validation of Antiobesity Effects of Black Soybean Seed Coat Powder Suitable as a Food Material: Comparisons with Conventional Yellow Soybean Seed Coat Powder.

In this study, we fed obese model mice black soybean seed coat powder (BSCP) and evaluated the antiobesity effects. As a control, normal yellow soybean seed coat powder (YSCP) was used. C57BL/6J, a high-fat diet-induced obesity model mouse, was fed a high-fat diet containing BSCP or YSCP (20% fat) to induce obesity. The results showed that in the BSCP group, it caused significant suppression of body weight gain and suppression of white adipose tissue weight compared with the YSCP group. Moreover, it significantly decreased serum leptin levels, which correlated with visceral fat mass, and increased antidiabetic adipocytokine and adiponectin levels. Therefore, this suggests the pigmented components contained in BSCP have an antiobesity effect in obese model mice. It is suggested that this material, which can be prepared without extraction with an organic solvent and is suitable for use as a food material, could be a functional food material with a practicable antiobesity effect.

Discrimination of cracked soybean seeds by near-infrared spectroscopy and random forest variable selection

The presence of crack in soybean seeds reduces the quality of soybean seeds. Therefore, it is essential to assess the quality of the seeds before storage and sowing. The current visual inspection methods to precisely select cracked soybean seeds are subjective, inconsistent and slow, and chemical methods are destructive and time consuming. In this study, a discrimination of cracked soybean seeds method by near-infrared spectroscopy and random forest variable selection is proposed. Two hundred soybean seeds spectra were acquired using an FT-NIR spectrometer. One hundred and fifty soybean seeds (seventy-five normal and seventy-five cracked) were applied for training and validation sets, fifty soybean seeds (twenty-five normal and twenty-five nature cracked) applied for a test set. Principal component analysis (PCA) and random forest (RF) were used to assess the spectral data from the FT-NIR spectrometer. Moreover, three random forest variable selection methods, namely recursive feature elimination (REF), Boruta and VarSelRF algorithms, were applied. The classification accuracy of 80% was achieved for random forest in the test set. The mainly wavenumber variables selected by the three variable selection algorithms were all around the wavenumbers 7066 and 10,522cm−1. Among the three random forest variable selection algorithms, the performance of REF algorithm was superior, an accuracy of 84% was achieved in the test set. The selected variables combined with the results of RF models demonstrated the major contributors to classify the cracked and normal soybean seeds are moisture, amorphous cellulose and fiber content on the absorption spectrum. The results of present study demonstrated the proposed method can be used for detecting cracked soybean seeds.

Ribosome profiling reveals changes in translational status of soybean transcripts during immature cotyledon development.

To understand translational capacity on a genome-wide scale across three developmental stages of immature soybean seed cotyledons, ribosome profiling was performed in combination with RNA sequencing and cluster analysis. Transcripts representing 216 unique genes demonstrated a higher level of translational activity in at least one stage by exhibiting higher translational efficiencies (TEs) in which there were relatively more ribosome footprint sequence reads mapping to the transcript than were present in the control total RNA sample. The majority of these transcripts were more translationally active at the early stage of seed development and included 12 unique serine or cysteine proteases and 16 2S albumin and low molecular weight cysteine-rich proteins that may serve as substrates for turnover and mobilization early in seed development. It would appear that the serine proteases and 2S albumins play a vital role in the early stages. In contrast, our investigation of profiles of 19 genes encoding high abundance seed storage proteins, such as glycinins, beta-conglycinins, lectin, and Kunitz trypsin inhibitors, showed that they all had similar patterns in which the TE values started at low levels and increased approximately 2 to 6-fold during development. The highest levels of these seed protein transcripts were found at the mid-developmental stage, whereas the highest ribosome footprint levels of only up to 1.6 TE were found at the late developmental stage. These experimental findings suggest that the major seed storage protein coding genes are primarily regulated at the transcriptional level during normal soybean cotyledon development. Finally, our analyses also identified a total of 370 unique gene models that showed very low TE values including over 48 genes encoding ribosomal family proteins and 95 gene models that are related to energy and photosynthetic functions, many of which have homology to the chloroplast genome. Additionally, we showed that genes of the chloroplast were relatively translationally inactive during seed development.

Design and Testing of an On-Line Omnidirectional Inspection and Sorting System for Soybean Seeds

Abstract. At present, the manual grading of soybean seeds is both time consuming and laborious, and detecting the full-surface information of soybean seeds using an existing automatic sorting machine is difficult. To solve this problem, an on-line omnidirectional inspection and sorting system for soybean seeds was developed using embedded image processing technology. According to the principles employed by the system, the surface friction properties and full-surface information such as the shape, texture and color of soybean seeds were adopted in the study. Soybean seeds were inspected and sorted using their full surface information in combination with the embedded image processing technology. Split, worm-eaten, gray-spotted, slightly cracked, moldy and normal soybeans were used to test the system. According to the test results, the optimum design parameters of the preliminary sorting device based on the friction properties were a tilting angle of 12° and a linear velocity of 0.4 m/s. Furthermore, the optimum design parameters of the directional integrated device were a tilting angle of 19° and a linear velocity of 0.45 m/s. The sorting speed was 400 soybeans per minute with 8-channel parallel transmission. The average sorting accuracies were 99.4% for split soybeans, 98.5% for worm-eaten soybeans, 98.5% for gray-spotted soybeans, 97.7% for slightly cracked soybeans, 98.6% for moldy soybeans, and 98.9% for normal soybeans. The overall results suggest that the system can potentially meet the needs of the rapid inspection and automatic sorting of soybean seeds and provide references for research on the alternating rotational motion of granules and on-line collection of full-surface information. Keywords: Embedded image processing technology, Full surface, Granules, Inspection, On-line, Sorting, Soybean seeds.

Effects of small black soybean product germinated with sulfur on immuno-redox status in C57BL/6 mice

While germinated soybean has been well known for higher content of bioactive substances, and peptides than regular soy bean, still low levels of sulfur containing amino acids to limit its nutritional values. To overcome this, a novel biofortified small black soybean sprout with the processed sulfur (GSSP) was prepared. Using this, we compared the immunomodulatory and anti-oxidant effects with other control groups (NT: small black soy bean non-treated/saline, NSP: normal non-germinated small black soybean product only, GSP: geminated small black soybean product) in C57BL/6 mice model orally fed at 400 or 800 mg/kg/day for two weeks. On immunomodulatory test, we found that GSSP led to the highest splenocyte proliferation as well as the lowest level of nitric oxide (NO) as an inflammatory mediator when compared to NT, NSP and GSP. In line, there was a significant increase of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 level as well as a significant decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ level in GSSP group when compared to other groups or NSP respectively. Next, redox finding was that with decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS), there was a significant increase of sulfur-rich protein glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase as endogenous antioxidants in GSP and GSSP group when compared to NT and NSP. Collectively, our study shows that biofortified small black soybean product with processed sulfur (GSSP) has the enhanced immunomodulatory, anti-oxidant effects via immunoredox balancing, importantly implying the promising candidate of soybean based-nutraceutical.

EPR imaging and HPLC characterization of the pigment-based organic free radical in black soybean seeds

We investigated the location and distribution of paramagnetic species in dry black, brown, and yellow (normal) soybean seeds using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X-band (9 GHz) EPR imaging (EPRI), and HPLC. EPR primarily detected two paramagnetic species in black soybean. These two different radical species were assigned as stable organic radical and Mn2+ species based on the g values and hyperfine structures. The signal from the stable radical was noted at g ≈ 2.00 and was relatively strong and stable. Subsequent noninvasive two-dimensional (2D) EPRI of the radical present in black soybean revealed that the stable radical was primarily located in the pigmented region of the soybean coat, with very few radicals observed in the soybean cotyledon (interior). Pigments extracted from black soybean were analyzed using HPLC. The major compound was found to be cyanidin-3-glucoside. Multi-EPR and HPLC results indicate that the stable radical was only found within the pigmented region of the soybean coat, and it could be cyanidin-3-glucoside or an oxidative decomposition product.

Molecular Mechanism of MicroRNA-200c Regulating Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD Family Member 3 (SMAD3) Pathway by Targeting Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 (ZEB1) in Hypospadias in Rats.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore effects of microRNA-200c regulating TGF-β/Smad3 pathway by targeting Zeb1 on the occurrence and development of hypospadias and to evaluate the relationship between microRNA-200c and occurrence of hypospadias.Material/MethodsPregnant rats with a gestational age of 12 days were allocated into 2 groups; one received gavage of DEHP-contained soybean oil (1 ml/day, 8 days; Group A) and the other had gavage of normal soybean oil (1 ml/day, 8 days; Group B). Baby rats with hypospadias from Group A were assigned to the model group (n=20) and healthy baby rats from Group B were assigned to the control group (n=20). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were performed to detect microRNA-200c, Zeb1, TGF-β, and Smad3 mRNA and protein expressions in the model group (n=20) and the control group (n=20). The relationship between microRNA-200c and Zeb1 was detected using a dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment. After the in vitro intervention experiment in fetal rat penises, Western blot was used to detect the expression of Zeb1, TGF-β, and Smad3.ResultsIn the model group, microRNA-200c was expressed at a low level, and microRNA-200c expression in control group was 2.1 times higher than in the model group (P<0.05). When compared with the control group, mRNA expressions, protein expressions, and positive rates of Zeb1, TGF-β, and Smad3 were higher in the model group (all P<0.01). Luciferase gene report determined that Zeb1 is a target gene of microRNA-200c. The in vitro intervention experiment in fetal rat penises found that a high concentration of microRNA-200c inhibited hypospadias occurrence by suppressing the expression of Zeb1, TGF-β, and Smad3.ConclusionsMicroRNA-200c was expressed in hypospadias penis tissues at low levels and was negatively correlated with Zeb1 expression. MicroRNA-200c up-regulated Zeb1 expression to regulate the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, which led to the occurrence of hypospadias.

Pathogenicity and potential toxigenicity of seed-borne Fusarium species on soybean and pea.

The effect of 15 Fusarium species on seed germination and early plant development was examined in a laboratory study, together with the potential toxigenicity of selected isolates and the possibility of T-2 toxin production on soybean and pea grain. In germination tests, 33 out of 47 isolates of Fusarium chlamydosporum, F. pseudograminearum, F. sporotrichioides, F. crookwellense, F. verticillioides, F. equiseti, F. semitectum, F. solani, F. poae, F. sambucinum and F. compactum significantly reduced the number of normal soybean seedlings, while only six out of 48 isolates of F. sporotrichioides, F. semitectum and F. chlamydosporum significantly reduced the number of normal pea seedlings. When inoculated on plants grown in Hoagland's media, nearly all Fusarium isolates caused necrosis of soybean and pea root, but neither of them significantly reduced shoot and root dry mass of pea plants, or shoot dry mass of soybean plants. Amplification of tri5 and FUM1 genes, required for trichothecene and fumonisin biosynthesis, was carried out by PCR in 45 Fusarium isolates from soybean and 40 isolates from pea. Positive tri5 PCR reaction was recorded in 19 isolates of F. sporotrichioides, F. crookwellense, F. pseudograminearum, F. poae, F. sambucinum, F. culmorum, F. equiseti and F. chlamydosporum. Positive FUM1 PCR reaction was recorded in 35 out of 38 F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum isolates. The content of T-2 toxin produced by eight F. sporotrichioides isolates inoculated on autoclaved soybean, pea and barley grain ranged from 69.4 to 2595.5 μg/kg. No significant differences were determined between T-2 toxin production on soybean and barley grain, nor on pea and barley grain.