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Climate change is becoming a global challenge, threating agriculture's capacity to meet the food and nutritional requirements of the growing population. Underutilized crops present an opportunity to address climate change and nutritional deficiencies. Tef is a stress-resilient cereal crop, producing gluten-free grain of high nutritional quality. However, knowledge is lacking on tef's diversity of grain nutritional properties, their interaction with environmental conditions (e.g., water availability) and the underlying genomic loci. We assessed the effect of water availability on tef grain nutrient concentrations and identify the associated genomic loci. A collection of 223 tef genotypes, a subset of tef diversity panel 300 (TDP-300), were grown in the field under well-watered and water-limited conditions in 2021, and phenotyped for 11 traits including: grain protein and mineral concentrations and seed color. A genome-wide association study was conducted using 28,837 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and phenotypic data to identify marker–trait associations (MTAs). Tef grain nutrient concentrations exhibited wide genetic diversity with a significant influence of environment. Protein and most micronutrients were more concentrated under water-limited conditions, whereas most macronutrients were higher in the well-watered environment. A total of 59 SNPs were associated with one or more of the studied traits, resulting in 65 MTAs detected under both water treatments, and providing insights into the genetic basis of grain nutrients. Five SNPs reflected multiple associations, with four detecting the same trait under both treatments (multiple-environment effect), and one associated with both Zn and K (pleiotropic effect). In addition, two pairs of closely linked SNPs reflected multiple-environment effects. While multiple-environment associations provide greater support for the integrity of these MTAs, the pleiotropic locus hints at a common mechanism controlling two mineral ions. The identified MTAs shed new light on the genomic architecture of tef's nutritional properties and provide the basis to enhance tef grain nutritional quality alongside drought resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orphan crops are crops that are of substantial importance to food security and economic growth at a local or regional scale, yet lacking investment in crop improvement and seed systems development. Tef is an example of such an orphan crop. It is vital to economy and food systems in the Horn of Africa, yet investment in breeding and agronomy is very limited. Since almost 20 years, the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture has invested in tef, supporting work to both develop and disseminate improved varieties to farmers in Ethiopia. To date, this has led to the release of four improved varieties. As the project also invested in the development of seed systems for improved tef varieties, it allowed us to monitor seed production and variety adoption over time. The data obtained from seed production monitoring over 7 years and 4 varieties from both formal and informal seed systems shows a total of 1227 tons of tef seed from improved varieties delivered to farmers in Ethiopia. Assuming an average genetic gain of 0.4 tons per hectare, this suggests that the value generated to farmers and local value chains from tef breeding and seed systems development exceeds the investment by an order of at least 2.5. With this paper, we want to make a case for more long-term investment in breeding and seed systems development and stimulate replication of the approach to other orphan crops. We further want to call for a continued investment in tef crop improvement and seed systems development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-scaling up of improved Dursi variety was carried out in Chora district of Buno Bedele zone Southwestern Ethiopia with the objectives to popularize improved Dursi tef variety, to create wider demand towards improved Dursi tef variety and strength stakeholders' linkage in the study area. The variety was scaled up on ten farmers' fields those predominantly selected in collaboration with respective three kebeles' Development Agents based on farmers' willingness to provide the required land size. The land size of 25 m x 25 m was used where all the recommended agronomic practice like seed rate, fertilizer rate and weed control method were used for the accomplishment of the activity. Training was provided to Dursi growers, development agents and woreda agricultural experts to facilitate further production and dissemination of the variety. Data like number of participants on the training and yield data were recorded and analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The result revealed that, about 124 (104 male and 20 female) participants were participated on the training. The mean grain yield of 1790 kg ha-1 was obtained which is greater than yield obtained during demonstration trial. Therefore, Dursi variety was recommended for further dissemination across numerous tef producers in the study area and similar agro ecologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orphan crops are crops that are of substantial importance to food security and economic growth at a local or regional scale, yet lacking investment in crop improvement and seed systems development. Tef is an example of such an orphan crop. It is vital to economy and food systems in the Horn of Africa, yet investment in breeding and agronomy is very limited. Since almost 20 years, the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture has invested in tef, supporting work to both develop and disseminate improved varieties to farmers in Ethiopia. To date, this has led to the release of four improved varieties. As the project also invested in the development of seed systems for improved tef varieties, it allowed us to monitor seed production and variety adoption over time. The data obtained from seed production monitoring over 7 years and 4 varieties from both formal and informal seed systems shows a total of 1227 tons of tef seed from improved varieties delivered to farmers in Ethiopia. Assuming an average genetic gain of 0.4 tons per hectare, this suggests that the value generated to farmers and local value chains from tef breeding and seed systems development exceeds the investment by an order of at least 2.5. With this paper, we want to make a case for more long-term investment in breeding and seed systems development and stimulate replication of the approach to other orphan crops. We further want to call for a continued investment in tef crop improvement and seed systems development.

Societal Impact Statement Summary Underutilized species (also known as orphan crops) present opportunities to increase crop diversity and food security. Such crops lack modern genetic tools and knowledge to facilitate efficient modern breeding approaches. A wide collection of tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) genotypes was used to identify genomic regions associated with productivity, lodging, and morpho‐physiological traits under contrasting water availabilities. The obtained results are expected to enhance modern breeding and improve tef productivity under traditional and modern cropping systems, thus improving farmers' livelihood and food security. Tef (E. tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is an allotetraploid (2n = 4x = 40) C4 cereal crop, endemic to Ethiopia and mainly cultivated in the Horn of Africa. Tef is characterized by high grain and feed nutritional qualities and resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses; thus, it holds great potential to sustain food and nutrition security in Africa and other parts of the world. The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with responses to contrasting water regimes, as a basis for future improvement. A tef diversity panel was genotyped with 28,837 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and phenotyped for productivity, lodging, and morpho‐physiological traits along two seasons (2020 and 2021) under well‐watered and water‐limited treatments. A genome‐wide association study was performed to identify genomic regions associated with key traits for tef breeding. A total of 107 SNPs were associated with one or more of the studied traits, resulting in 138 marker–trait associations (MTAs) detected under both water treatments. Of these, 22 SNPs were associated with more than one trait, showing either multiple trait (pleiotropic) or multiple environment associations or both. A particularly strong association was found between grain yield, lodging, and time to heading. These findings open new avenues to further research on the genetic basis and physiological mechanisms underlying major traits in tef, as well as to marker‐assisted breeding of drought‐resilient tef cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Tef (Eragrostis tef) is a C4 plant known for its tiny, nutritious, and gluten-free grains. It contains higher levels of protein, vitamins, and essential minerals like calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) than common cereals. Tef is cultivated in diverse ecological zones under diverse climatic conditions. Studies have shown that tef has great diversity in withstanding environmental challenges such as drought. Drought is a major abiotic stress severely affecting crop productivity and becoming a bottleneck to global food security. Here, we used in silico-based functional genomic analysis to identify drought-responsive genes in tef and validated their expression using quantitative RT-PCR. Results We identified about 729 drought-responsive genes so far reported in six crop plants, including rice, wheat, maize, barley, sorghum, pearl millet, and the model plant Arabidopsis, and reported 20 genes having high-level of GO terms related to drought, and significantly enriched in several biological and molecular function categories. These genes were found to play diverse roles, including water and fluid transport, resistance to high salt, cold, and drought stress, abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, de novo DNA methylation, and transcriptional regulation in tef and other crops. Our analysis revealed substantial differences in the conserved domains of some tef genes from well-studied rice orthologs. We further analyzed the expression of sixteen tef orthologs using quantitative RT-PCR in response to PEG-induced osmotic stress. Conclusions The findings showed differential regulation of some drought-responsive genes in shoots, roots, or both tissues. Hence, the genes identified in this study may be promising candidates for trait improvement in crops via transgenic or gene-editing technologies.

Non-dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL PCB) are recognized neurotoxicants with implications on altered neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration in exposed organisms. NDL PCB neurotoxic relative potency schemes have been developed for a single mechanism, namely activity toward the ryanodine receptor (RyR), or combined mechanisms including, but not limited to, alterations of RyR and dopaminergic pathways. We compared the applicability of the two neurotoxic equivalency (NEQ) schemes and applied each scheme to PCB mixtures found in environmental and human serum samples. A multiple mechanistic NEQ predicts higher neurotoxic exposure concentrations as compared to a scheme based on the RyR alone. Predictions based on PCB ortho categorization, versus homologue categorization, lead to a higher prediction of neurotoxic exposure concentrations, especially for the mMOA. The application of the NEQ schemes to PCB concentration data suggests that PCBs found in fish from US lakes represent a considerable NEQ exposure to fish consuming individuals, that indoor air of schools contained high NEQ concentrations representing an exposure concern when inhaled by children, and that levels already detected in the serum of adults and children may contribute to neurotoxicity. With further validation and in vivo exposure data the NEQ scheme would help provide a more inclusive measure of risk presented by PCB mixtures.

Background: Tef (Eragrostis tef) is a C4 plant known for its tiny, nutritious, and gluten-free grains. It contains higher levels of protein, vitamins, and essential minerals like calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) than common cereals. Tef is cultivated in diverse ecological zones under diverse climatic conditions. Studies have shown that tef has great diversity in withstanding environmental challenges such as drought. Drought is a major abiotic stress severely affecting crop productivity and becoming a bottleneck to global food security. Here, we used in silico-based functional genomic analysis to identify drought-responsive genes in tef and validated their expression using quantitative RT-PCR. Results: We identified about 729 drought-responsive genes so far reported in six crop plants, including rice, wheat, maize, barley, sorghum, pearl millet, and the model plant Arabidopsis, and reported 20 genes having high-level of GO terms related to drought, and significantly enriched in several biological and molecular function categories. These genes were found to play diverse roles, including water and fluid transport, resistance to high salt, cold, and drought stress, abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, de novo DNA methylation, and transcriptional regulation in tef and other crops. Our analysis revealed substantial differences in the conserved domains of some tef genes from well-studied rice orthologs. We further analyzed the expression of sixteen tef orthologs using quantitative RT-PCR in response to PEG-induced osmotic stress. Conclusions: The findings showed differential regulation of some drought-responsive genes in shoots, roots, or both tissues. Hence, the genes identified in this study may be promising candidates for trait improvement in crops via transgenic or gene-editing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durum wheat semolina is the preferable ingredient for pasta products preparation. However, it has low protein quality, micronutrient and fiber composition. In this study, response surface methodology was applied to optimally formulate a macaroni by supplementing durum wheat semolina with tef (0 to 40)% and chickpea (0 to 15)% flours. The aim was improving the nutritional quality of the product while maintaining the cooking quality. Supplementing the durum wheat semolina (S) with tef (T) and chickpea (C) flours improved the Water Absorption Capacity and Index (WAC and WAI) significantly (p

This paper suggests a nonlinear controller of a Static Synchronous Series Compensator (SSSC) and a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) for transient stability enhancement by transient energy function (TEF) technique and super-twisting differentiator in the multi-machine power system. Initially, the TEF approach is employed to damping control and stability enhancement in a multi-machine power system including an SSSC, DFIG, and synchronous generator (SG). Then, the signals of time-derivative in the controller with a super-twisting differentiator are estimated. The significance and novelty of this work are the employs of the TEF method obtained for the multi-machine power system containing DFIG and SG. Another novelty is the use of the DFIG and SSSC simultaneous control whose uncertain parameters are estimated with a super-twisting differentiator. The feature of the nonlinear control approach is robust versus modifications in the topology of the system. Simulation is performed on the IEEE 9-bus system to appraise the operation of the nonlinear controller approach compared to back-stepping and sliding mode control. The simulation results demonstrate that the nonlinear controller approach satisfactorily reduces the first swing of oscillations. • DFIG model is similar to a one-axis model of an SG. • The TEF is obtained in the power system with DFIG and SSSC. • Control laws are achieved with three control variables DFIG and SSSC. • The time-derivative signals of the DFIG and SSSC control are estimated based on a super twisting differentiator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is considered a promising cereal accounting for its compliance in the changing climatic conditions and nutritional benefits. Transcription factors constitute significant portion of coding genes in plant genome. WRKY represents a large family of transcription factors, which play or coordinate abiotic stress related responses. In our study, we targeted comprehensive study of WRKYs in tef using in silico approach and analyzed motifs, phylogeney, cis-elements, gene ontology and association networks. A total of 121 EtWRKYs were identified and annotated which elucidated formation of three major clusters comprising 68, 45 and 8 members respectively. The commonly predicted cis-element were ABRE, CAT-box, CAAT-box, TATA-box TGACG-motif, AS-1 and Unnamed (CGTGG and CTCC) motifs, most of which are known for their response in abiotic stress like drought, heat, cold, salinity, light, and hormone responsive elements. The association network depicted the putative protein–protein interaction of WRKY interologs between E. tef and Arabidopsis thaliana. GO blast analysis revealed the sequence specific nucleic acid binding and function in a predicted sub-cellular localization. These results provide useful information for elucidation of further exploring the functional and structural working of EtWRKY genes in variety of process for tef plant metabolism. The study is likely to bear valuable information which could be utilized for better insight into abiotic stress tolerance mechanism in tef. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] flour is a gluten-free cereal rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which offers a promising alternative for new food development. This study investigated the effect of microwave radiation (MW) on the techno-functional, thermal, rheological and microstructural properties of tef flours. White and brown tef grains were milled and microwaved at different moisture contents (MC) (15%, 20% and 25%) for a total irradiation time of 480 s. The morphological structure of tef flours was affected by MW treatment, and its particle size and hydration properties increased after the treatment. Lower peak, breakdown, and setback viscosities, up to 45%, 96%, and 67% below those of the control (untreated) samples, and higher pasting temperature, up to 8 °C in the 25% MC samples, were observed. From FTIR analysis a disruption of short-range molecular order was concluded, while DSC confirmed an increased stability of starch crystallites. Rheological analysis of the gels made from the treated samples revealed that MW had a structuring and stabilizing effect on all samples, leading to higher viscoelastic moduli, G′ and G″, and the maximum stress the gels withstood before breaking their structure, τmax. The MC of the flours during the MWT drove the modification of the techno-functional properties of the tef flours and the gel rheological and thermal characteristics. These results suggest that MW-treated tef flours are potential ingredients for improving the technological, nutritional and sensory quality of food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tef is a multi-harvest crop with high production capacity and outstanding fodder quality. Our overall goal is to establish tef as a multi-harvest summer fodder crop. Here, we report on the effects of irrigation (75% vs. 100%), genotype (RTC-2, RTC-119, RTC-361, and RTC-400), and additives; heterofermentative inoculum, molasses, and molasses + heterofermentative inoculum on tef silage making and silage quality. Our results showed for the first time that tef can be ensiled. Most of tef silage qualitative parameters were better at 75% irrigation than 100%, and additives treatments improved the silage parameters; additives lowered silage pH and ammonia nitrogen, but increased in vitro dry matter digestibility, lactic acid, lactic acid bacteria, and crude protein content of tef silage. Tef is known as a multi-harvest crop with high production capacity and outstanding fodder quality. Hence, our overall goal is to develop tef as a new multi-harvest summer crop that can maintain high-quality feed and contribute to both field crops and the livestock industry in Israel. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ability to preserve tef as silage. Four tef genotypes grown under well-watered (100%) and water-limited (75%) irrigation regimes were harvested at grain filling stage and ensiled with either no additives (control, CTL), or with heterofermentative inoculum (HI), molasses (MOL), and both MOL + HI. Our results showed for the first time that tef could be ensiled, although water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) were lower than those in corn, "the perfect ensiling crop". Most of the tef silage qualitative parameters were better at water-limited irrigation. Additives HI or MOL or MOL + HI also improved silage parameters, e.g., lowered pH and ammonia nitrogen content, but increased in vitro dry matter digestibility, lactic acid and crude protein content, and lactic acid bacteria counts of tef silage. The current results imply increasing the diversity of local ruminant fodder crops, ensuring high-quality feed supply during the summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil fertility has been declining in many parts of Ethiopia, moreover limits agricultural production, sustainability and food security. Nutrient balance is used to evaluate the state of soil fertility, rate of nutrient depletion, sustainability of land productivity, as well as to take the appropriate management decisions. This study was conducted to quantify soil nutrient balance and stocks on smallholder farms at Agew Mariam watershed, in northern Ethiopia in the 2020/21 season. The inflows-outflows of NPK into, and out of barley, tef, and wheat farms were determined through, field measurement, laboratory analysis and interviews. The nutrient balance in each crop was quantified by subtracting nutrient outputs from the inputs. The N partial balance of barley, tef and wheat was −66, −9.8, and −50.7 kg ha−1 yr−1fields, respectively. The P balance was also −5.9, 0.9, and −2.6 kg ha−1 yr−1 for barley, tef, and wheat fields, respectively. The K balance was −12.3, −3.2, and −5.4 kg ha−1 yr−1 in barley, tef, and wheat fields, respectively. The analysis revealed that N, P, and K had negative values except for P in tef. The stock of N was 1295, 1510, and 1240 in barley, tef, and wheat kg ha−1fields, respectively. The P stock was 63, 18.7, and 27.5 kg ha−1 in barley, tef, and wheat farms, respectively. Similarly, K stock was 1092.7, 1059.4, and 1090.6 kg ha−1 in barley, tef, and wheat cropping systems, respectively. Reversing the imbalance between inflows and outflows via adding organic and inorganic fertilizer is essential for barley, tef, and wheat cropping systems in the study area.

Varieties of a single crop type may vary in several attributes affecting the choice at different spots of the food supply chain. This paper demonstrates a rapid classification of ten tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] grain varieties based on image processing and multivariate data analysis. Extreme Gradient Boosted Tree Discriminant Analysis (EGBDA) was applied for the variety-based classification. The developed classification model achieved a remarkable classification performance with 97% of prediction accuracy and 99% of precision. A less complex classification model using eighteen selected variables also achieved similar classification performance. The developed technique can authenticate tef varieties at the research and industrial level. Although the finding of this study is remarkable, it is essential to incorporate additional tef varieties into the model and consider other sources of variation such as agroecology as an extension of this finding.

Climate change is becoming a global challenge, threating agriculture's capacity to meet the food and nutritional requirements of the growing population. Underutilized crops present an opportunity to address climate change and nutritional deficiencies. Tef is a stress-resilient cereal crop, producing gluten-free grain of high nutritional quality. However, knowledge is lacking on tef's diversity of grain nutritional properties, their interaction with environmental conditions (e.g., water availability) and the underlying genomic loci. We assessed the effect of water availability on tef grain nutrient concentrations and identify the associated genomic loci. A collection of 223 tef genotypes, a subset of tef diversity panel 300 (TDP-300), were grown in the field under well-watered and water-limited conditions in 2021, and phenotyped for 11 traits including: grain protein and mineral concentrations and seed color. A genome-wide association study was conducted using 28,837 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and phenotypic data to identify marker-trait associations (MTAs). Tef grain nutrient concentrations exhibited wide genetic diversity with a significant influence of environment. Protein and most micronutrients were more concentrated under water-limited conditions, whereas most macronutrients were higher in the well-watered environment. A total of 59 SNPs were associated with one or more of the studied traits, resulting in 65 MTAs detected under both water treatments, and providing insights into the genetic basis of grain nutrients. Five SNPs reflected multiple associations, with four detecting the same trait under both treatments (multiple-environment effect), and one associated with both Zn and K (pleiotropic effect). In addition, two pairs of closely linked SNPs reflected multiple-environment effects. While multiple-environment associations provide greater support for the integrity of these MTAs, the pleiotropic locus hints at a common mechanism controlling two mineral ions. The identified MTAs shed new light on the genomic architecture of tef's nutritional properties and provide the basis to enhance tef grain nutritional quality alongside drought resilience., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Alemu, Ben-Zeev, Barak, Tutus, Cakmak and Saranga.)

Adoption of Tef production technology has paramount importance to increase Tef productivity, foster food security, and secure the well-being of smallholder farmers. Hence, this study aims to identify the determinants of adoption of Tef technology packages in Yilmana Densa district, and subsequently assess the factors influencing the intensity of adoption of the technology. In this study, 224 sample households were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. The data were obtained mainly from sampled Tef grower households via structured interviews, and it was supported by key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics such as Chi-square, t-test, and one-way ANOVA were employed. First-hurdle of double hurdle model result revealed that adoption decision of Tef technology packages was determined via the frequency of extension contact, agricultural training, farmers’ perception, and farmers’ cooperative membership, positively. The second-hurdle result also shown that the adoption intensity of Tef technology packages was influenced by the frequency of extension contact, agricultural training, demonstration participation, and seed multiplication membership, positively, whereas the distance to input market and land fragmentation influenced negatively. Therefore, efforts to be expected from the Ministry of Agriculture, extension agents, and other stockholders to enhance the adoption level of farmers.

AbstractIntercropping of cereals and legumes is common in Ethiopia. However, intercropping of lupine with tef is a new practice in Northwestern Ethiopia’s tef-based cropping system. In the 2016 and 2017 main cropping seasons, a field experiment was conducted in Gozamin District, East Gojjam Zone, to assess the effect of plant density of lupine intercropping with tef on the productivity of tef fields. The two experimental factors were two inter-row spacings (20 and 40 cm) and three intra-row spacings (10, 15, and 20 cm) of lupine intercropped with tef, and their factorial combination was studied using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The highest tef grain yield (1.80 t ha−1) was recorded from 40 and 20 cm inter- and intra-row spacing of lupine intercropped with tef, respectively. The highest lupine yield (2.74 t ha−1) was recorded from sole cropping. A total of 40 and 15 cm inter- and intra-row spacing of lupine intercropped with tef improved tef equivalent yield (2.32 t ha−1), area time equivalent ratio (1.09), actual yield loss (0.87), monetary advantage index (396.2 USD), net benefit (2479.5 USD ha−1), and marginal rate of return (MRR) (682%). Among all planting densities, 40 and 15 cm inter- and intra-row spacing of lupine were the most profitable and had the highest yield advantage based on equivalent yield and other economic benefits. To maximize the productivity of tef fields, 40 cm of inter- and 15 cm of intra-row spacing of lupine intercropping with tef was recommended.

Enhancement of heat transfer in solar air heater systems using corrugations has the dual benefit of enhanced heat transfer area and enhanced flow turbulence. This work presents two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to evaluate the effect of discrete triangle wave corrugations on the absorber plate for different flow Reynolds numbers of 6000–24000. The geometric parameters of corrugation such as the non-dimensional amplitude (A = 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1) and non-dimensional wavelength (WL = 0.113, 0.226 and 0.453) are varied to establish the thermo-hydraulic performance. The CFD results reveal that the presence of discrete triangle wave corrugations significantly affect the flow structure near the absorber surface and exhibit enhanced fluid turbulence levels. The highest increase in the Nusselt number is found to be about 2.082 times higher than that of the smooth duct for A = 0.1 and WL = 0.453 at Re = 6000. The maximum rise in friction factor is about 2.568 times that of the smooth duct at Re = 6000 for the configuration of WL = 0.113 and A = 0.1. The configuration having A = 0.1 and WL = 0.453 can be particularly useful for lower flow rate requirements and exhibits the highest thermal enhancement factor (TEF) of about 1.612 at Re = 6000 among all the configurations considered in the present study. However, the configuration having A = 0.05 and WL = 0.453 provides a relatively steady TEF performance for a wider range of flow rates with a maximum TEF of 1.473 at Re = 12,000.

گیاه سیر یکی از سبزی‌های پرمصرف بوده که هر ساله خسارت بالای بیمارگر‌های خاکزاد در این گیاه دیده می­شود. در بهار سال 1397، طی بازدید از مزارع حومه شهرستان ساری، علایم پژمردگی و خشکیدگی گیاهان سیر مشاهده و از بوته­های بیمار نمونه­ برداری شد. پس از جداسازی روی محیط کشت آب-آگار و خالص‌سازی روی محیط سیب زمینی-دکستروز-آگار، قارچ­ها به محیط میخک-آگار جهت تولید ماکروکنیدیوم انتقال و شاخص­های ریخت‌شناسی با کلیدهای شناسایی معتبر بررسی گردید. DNA قارچ به روش CTAB استخراج و با آغازگر‌های ITS4، ITS5، EFGR و EF1-983F تکثیر و توالی‌یابی شد. اثبات بیماری­زایی در گیاه سیر رقم طارم با اثر دو میزان 30 و 60 گرم مایه تلقیح قارچ بیمارگر (اسپان گندم) در یک کیلوگرم خاک ارزیابی گردید. ویژگی­های ریخت شناسی شامل پرگنه ارغوانی، رشد پنبه­ای، ماکروکنیدیوم­های چهار تا شش سلولی و کلامیدسپورهای زنجیری مشابه قارچ Fusarium oxysporum بود. توالی ژنوم در ناحیه ITS با تشابه 100 درصد و در ناحیه TEF با تشابه 99-98 درصد به قارچ F. oxysporum با رس شمار MK790682.1 و کد جدایه 7391 در بانک ژن (NCBI) ثبت گردید. با میزان g/kg30 مایه تلقیح در مقایسه با شاهد سالم پس از 45 روز علائم پژمردگی، زردی و در نهایت خشکیدگی گیاه مشابه شرایط مزرعه ظاهر گردید. در میزان g/kg60 مایه تلقیح نیز پس از 30 روز حبه‌ها رشدی نداشتند و قبل از جوانه‌زنی حبه کاملا پوسیده گردید. بنابر داده‌های حاصل، عامل بیمارگر F. oxysporum 7391، احتمالا یکی از عوامل مهم پژمردگی و پوسیدگی فوزاریومی گیاه سیر در مزارع حومه شهرستان ساری می‌باشد.

اندوفیت­ها میکروارگانیسم­های درون بافت­های گیاهی هستند و اغلب بدون اینکه علایم بیماری قابل مشاهده­ای را بروز دهند، برهمکنش­های مختلفی با میزبان خود دارند. در این تحقیق، فوزاریوم­های اندوفیت ریشه جودره (Hordeum spontaneum) و شلمی (Rapistrum rugosum) ارزیابی شدند. برای این منظور بذر علف­های هرز بیان شده روی خاک مزارع گندم نمونه‌برداری شده از استان­های البرز، تهران، خراسان رضوی، خراسان شمالی، خوزستان، فارس، قزوین،کرمانشاه و گلستان در شرایط گلخانه درون گلدان کشت شدند. گیاهان در مرحله 6-5 برگی برداشت شده و ریشه­ها پس از قطع شدن از محل طوقه، در تکه­های کوچک روی محیط کشت اختصاصی فوزاریوم، پنتاکلرو نیترو بنزن پپتون آگار کشت داده شد. جدایه­ها پس از خالص­سازی براساس ویژگی­های ریخت­شناسی و توالی ژن TEF 1-αشناسایی شدند. قارچ Fusarium equiseti گونه غالب در اکثر مناطق بود که از هر دو گونه علف­هرز جداسازی شد. به علاوه قارچ­های F. redolens و F. acutatum فقط از جودره وF. oxysporum و F. torulosum فقط از شلمی جداسازی شدند. آگاهی از طیف میکروبی اندوفیت علف­های هرز، می­تواند در درک بهتر برهمکنش­های میان علف هرز-میکروارگانیسم­ها کمک کرده و حتی ممکن است فرصت­هایی در جهت بهره­برداری از این عوامل در برنامه­های کنترل زیستی فراهم نماید.

Background: Congenital malformations are of major concern as they are cosmetically unacceptable, often associated with significant functional abnormalities and may sometimes even be life-threatening. Study was done to explore the outcome of surgical intervention in congenital anomalies in a tertiary care rural hospital. Material and Methods: A prospective observational longitudinal hospital based study conducted in rural based tertiary care centre in the department of pediatrics from May 2016 to July2018. All the newborns were examined throughly for minor and major anomalies. Printed proforma was filled for recording of clinical examination of newborn and relevant investigations. Statistical analysis was applied to the data to study the types and factors affecting congenital anomalies. Results : Total number of neonatal admissions during this period was 19600. Major anomalies were in 155 patients while minor anomalies were observed in 15 babies. 150 babies with major anomalies also had minor anomalies. Out of 170 patients 57 underwent surgical procedure. Outcome was favourable in 42 cases while 15 died in post operative period due to various reasons. Conclusion: Management of these congenital anomalies as well as the associated morbidity and mortality constitute a significant healthcare problem. There is need to improve health care in tertiary area. Early diagnosis and surgrical intervention for major anomalies helps in preventing morbidity and mortality in neonatal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] flour is a gluten-free cereal rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which offers a promising alternative for new food development. This study investigated the effect of microwave radiation (MW) on the techno-functional, thermal, rheological and microstructural properties of tef flours. White and brown tef grains were milled and microwaved at different moisture contents (MC) (15%, 20% and 25%) for a total irradiation time of 480 s. The morphological structure of tef flours was affected by MW treatment, and its particle size and hydration properties increased after the treatment. Lower peak, breakdown, and setback viscosities, up to 45%, 96%, and 67% below those of the control (untreated) samples, and higher pasting temperature, up to 8 °C in the 25% MC samples, were observed. From FTIR analysis a disruption of short-range molecular order was concluded, while DSC confirmed an increased stability of starch crystallites. Rheological analysis of the gels made from the treated samples revealed that MW had a structuring and stabilizing effect on all samples, leading to higher viscoelastic moduli, G′ and G″, and the maximum stress the gels withstood before breaking their structure, τmax. The MC of the flours during the MWT drove the modification of the techno-functional properties of the tef flours and the gel rheological and thermal characteristics. These results suggest that MW-treated tef flours are potential ingredients for improving the technological, nutritional and sensory quality of food products.

Enhancement of heat transfer in solar air heater systems using corrugations has the dual benefit of enhanced heat transfer area and enhanced flow turbulence. This work presents two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to evaluate the effect of discrete triangle wave corrugations on the absorber plate for different flow Reynolds numbers of 6000–24000. The geometric parameters of corrugation such as the non-dimensional amplitude (A = 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1) and non-dimensional wavelength (WL = 0.113, 0.226 and 0.453) are varied to establish the thermo-hydraulic performance. The CFD results reveal that the presence of discrete triangle wave corrugations significantly affect the flow structure near the absorber surface and exhibit enhanced fluid turbulence levels. The highest increase in the Nusselt number is found to be about 2.082 times higher than that of the smooth duct for A = 0.1 and WL = 0.453 at Re = 6000. The maximum rise in friction factor is about 2.568 times that of the smooth duct at Re = 6000 for the configuration of WL = 0.113 and A = 0.1. The configuration having A = 0.1 and WL = 0.453 can be particularly useful for lower flow rate requirements and exhibits the highest thermal enhancement factor (TEF) of about 1.612 at Re = 6000 among all the configurations considered in the present study. However, the configuration having A = 0.05 and WL = 0.453 provides a relatively steady TEF performance for a wider range of flow rates with a maximum TEF of 1.473 at Re = 12,000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durum wheat semolina is the preferable ingredient for pasta products preparation. However, it has low protein quality, micronutrient and fiber composition. In this study, response surface methodology was applied to optimally formulate a macaroni by supplementing durum wheat semolina with tef (0 to 40)% and chickpea (0 to 15)% flours. The aim was improving the nutritional quality of the product while maintaining the cooking quality. Supplementing the durum wheat semolina (S) with tef (T) and chickpea (C) flours improved the Water Absorption Capacity and Index (WAC and WAI) significantly (p <.05). Among the 11 flour blending ratios of S:T:C, (60: 40: 0)%, (85: 0: 15)%, (60: 25: 15)%, and (68: 28: 4)% improved the WAC and WAI of the semolina flour by (36, 8)%, (25, 7)%, (32, 9)%, and (31, 3)%, respectively. With the same blending ratios, the cooking weight and the WAC of the control macaroni increased by (15, 15)%, (10, 19)%, (17, 18)%, and (22, 23)%, respectively (p <.05). Interestingly, these blending ratios significantly reduced the wet gluten content of the semolina by 58%, 28%, 53%, and 42% (p <.05). With higher tef and chickpea incorporation, the macaroni had lower and higher firmness. The macaroni prepared with incorporation of chickpea (3.5–15)% appeared to have better color and comparable overall acceptability score with control. The optimum formulation of macaroni for desirable sensorial and cooking quality (better firmness, lower stickiness and cooking loss) was 73.46 g/100 g semolina, 11.55 g/100 g tef flour, and 14.25 g/100 g chickpea flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adoption of Tef production technology has paramount importance to increase Tef productivity, foster food security, and secure the well-being of smallholder farmers. Hence, this study aims to identify the determinants of adoption of Tef technology packages in Yilmana Densa district, and subsequently assess the factors influencing the intensity of adoption of the technology. In this study, 224 sample households were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. The data were obtained mainly from sampled Tef grower households via structured interviews, and it was supported by key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics such as Chi-square, t-test, and one-way ANOVA were employed. First-hurdle of double hurdle model result revealed that adoption decision of Tef technology packages was determined via the frequency of extension contact, agricultural training, farmers' perception, and farmers' cooperative membership, positively. The second-hurdle result also shown that the adoption intensity of Tef technology packages was influenced by the frequency of extension contact, agricultural training, demonstration participation, and seed multiplication membership, positively, whereas the distance to input market and land fragmentation influenced negatively. Therefore, efforts to be expected from the Ministry of Agriculture, extension agents, and other stockholders to enhance the adoption level of farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tef is known as a multi-harvest crop with high production capacity and outstanding fodder quality. Hence, our overall goal is to develop tef as a new multi-harvest summer crop that can maintain high-quality feed and contribute to both field crops and the livestock industry in Israel. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ability to preserve tef as silage. Four tef genotypes grown under well-watered (100%) and water-limited (75%) irrigation regimes were harvested at grain filling stage and ensiled with either no additives (control, CTL), or with heterofermentative inoculum (HI), molasses (MOL), and both MOL + HI. Our results showed for the first time that tef could be ensiled, although water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) were lower than those in corn, “the perfect ensiling crop”. Most of the tef silage qualitative parameters were better at water-limited irrigation. Additives HI or MOL or MOL + HI also improved silage parameters, e.g., lowered pH and ammonia nitrogen content, but increased in vitro dry matter digestibility, lactic acid and crude protein content, and lactic acid bacteria counts of tef silage. The current results imply increasing the diversity of local ruminant fodder crops, ensuring high-quality feed supply during the summer.

Tef is the most important and well adapted cereal crop in Ethiopia and grows better than other cereals both in biotic and abiotic stress conditions. In this study 93 tef accessions representative of various agro-ecologies of Ethiopia along with four improved varieties, one local check and six wild relatives were studied. The materials were genotyped with 12 simple sequence repeat markers (SSRs) to investigate the extent and structure of the genetic diversity of tef. A total of 152 alleles were detected indicating high polymorphism in the studied accessions. The number of alleles per polymorphic loci ranged from seven for CNLT 538 to 29 for CNLT150 with an average of 12.67. High average polymorphic information content (0.82) and average expected heterozygosity (0.86) also signifies the suitability and efficiency of SSR markers to discriminate among tef genotypes. Cluster, principal coordinate and structure analyses grouped the 98 tef genotypes and six wild relatives into four distinct classes. The groupings showed no special pattern despite the different regions of origins for the accessions; however, the five wild relatives were grouped together. The analysis of molecular variance and fixation index showed low genetic differentiation and high gene flow between regions revealing that much of the variability was attributed to within populations variation. Generally, the present study showed that there is high genetic variability with unstructured genetic pattern among the studied tef genotypes which implies the vitality of conserved tef germplasms at Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute and the impact of the seed exchange system on tef breeding activities in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tef is one of the most important staple cereal crops in Ethiopia. However, the production and productivity of the crop remain low due to lack of appropriate agronomic recommendations. Lack of optimum sowing methods and seed rates are key agronomic factors limit the productivities of the crop. Hence, field experiment was conducted to study the effects of seed rates and sowing methods on growth, yield and yield components of tef. The treatments contains factorial combination of two sowing methods (row and broadcast) and five seeding rates (5, 7.5,10, 12.5, and 15 kg ha−1in randomized factorial complete block design with three replications. Days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, spike length, total number of tiller, total number of effective tiller, above ground dry biomass yield, grain yield and straw yield collected and subjected to analysis of variance using SAS system. The main effect seed rate significantly affect days to physiological maturity, plant height, panicle length, and straw yield and the maximum values of these parameters were recorded at the seed rate of 5 kg ha−1. Similarly, number of total tillers, fertile tillers, total biomass, grain yield, and lodging percent were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by interaction effect of sowing methods and seeding rates. The highest grain yield (2.301 kg/ha) and other growth parameters recorded at the interaction effect of 5 kg ha−1 of seed rate and row planting method compared to other treatments. Maximum net benefit (795,689.21ETB) with acceptable marginal rate of return (104.32) also recorded at the interaction effect of 5 kg ha−1 of seeding rate and row planting. Hence, 5 kg ha−1 seed rate with row planting method could be recommended for maximum yield of tef in Adet soil and climatic conditions.

Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter is becoming popular in the world due to its gluten free seeds and suitability to raise under marginal environment unlike major cereals grown worldwide. Growth Regulating Factors (GRF) are class of transcription factors involved in various biological processes and abiotic stress responses. No reports are available on characterization and phylogenetic relationships of GRFs in tef and few only in other plants. In this study, 170 GRF sequences from eleven plants were used as query to BLAST, in the available databases and resulted in four distinct EtGRFs. Two highly conserved QLQ, WRC, and the rare FFD domains were identified in selected range of GRF proteins. Phylogenetic analysis from MEGA-X clustered into 7 major groups and EtGRFs shared common ancestral route with GRFs from Setaria italica var. italica (L.) P. Beauv.), Oryza sativa subsp. indica (L.) Kato, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, Panicum hallii Vasey and Zea mays subsp. mexicana (Schrad.) H. H. Iltis. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of various binding units known to play ontological roles. Protein structures and association network analysis confirmed EtGRFs as interologs to structural functions of GRF genes in closely related plants. The finding contributes to the understanding of structural and functional roles of GRFs in Eragrostis tef and other cereals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil fertility depletion is the most important concern all over the world mainly in Sub-Saharan African. The principal one is N fertilizer and it is the most yield-limiting nutrients for crop growth, development as well as production. However, most farmers applied a limited N fertilizer rate for tef production. Hence, a study was to investigate the effects of four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg N/ha−1), on the grain yield of tef. The study was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in East Badewacho district at the farmers training center in the 2019 cropping season. All the relevant data were collected and then subjected to SAS software 9.4 and mean differences were compared using LSD at 5%. The effects of the N rate showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for all parameters of tef studied. Application of N rate at 90 kg ha−1 was significantly (P ≤ 0.01) improved yield and yield components of tef. Furthermore, N rates increased the magnitudes of all the important yield attributes. Hence, it is tentatively thinkable to conclude that a further supply of N fertilizer rate advances yields components of crops. Thus, the application of 90 kg N ha−1 gave the highest yield which can be suggested for the East Badewacho areas.

This article presents the heat transfer and friction factor characteristics of circular tube fitted with an array of novel semi-elliptical vortex generator inserts using air as working fluid. The study makes use of computational fluid dynamics methodology and the influence of varying aspect ratio (AR = 1, 2, 4 and 6), flow attack angle (45°, 60°, 75° and 90°) and longitudinal pitch (P = 30 mm, 60 mm and 90 mm) of vortex generator is investigated for the turbulent flow Reynolds number regime of 8000–26000. The numerical results reveal that the presence of semi-elliptical vortex generator has significant influence on both Nusselt number and friction factor characteristics of circular tube. The vortex generators produce strong longitudinal vortices which intensifies fluid mixing near the tube wall region thereby augmenting the heat transfer to the flowing air stream. In addition, the presence of flow impingement effect on the upstream side and flow reattachment zones on the downstream side of vortex generator is found to contribute to enhanced heat transfer. The influence of aspect ratio on heat transfer is found to be more significant than that of flow attack angle. However, both parameters affect the friction factor significantly. On the other hand, the pitch distance of insert significantly affects both heat transfer and friction factor. The maximum rise in Nusselt number and friction factor is about 2.1 times and 6.34 times higher than plain tube, respectively, for P = 30 mm. The thermal enhancement factor (TEF) is found to decrease with increasing flow attack angle and aspect ratio for all flow rates considered in the study. However, the TEF increases with decreasing pitch distance of inserts and the overall TEF is found to be in the range of 0.86–1.19.

Forty-nine susceptible loci have been reported to be significantly associated with vitiligo by genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in European-derived whites. To date, some of these reported susceptibility loci have not yet been validated in the Chinese Han population. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the 16 reported susceptible loci in European-derived whites were associated with vitiligo in the Chinese Han population. Imputation was performed using our previous GWAS dataset by IMPUTE v2.2.2. The 16 imputed top single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with suggestive signals, together with the reported SNPs, were genotyped in a total of 2581 patients and 2579 controls by the Sequenom MassARRAY system. PLINK 2.0 software was used to perform association analysis. The dbSNP database, HaploReg, and eQTL data were adopted to annotate the biological function of the SNPs. Finally, four SNPs from three loci were significantly associated with vitiligo, including rs3747517 (P = 1.29 × 10–3, OR = 0.87) in 2q24.2, rs4807000 (P = 7.78 × 10–24, OR = 0.66) and rs6510827 (P = 3.65 × 10–5, OR = 1.19) in 19p13.3, and rs4822024 (P = 6.37 × 10–10, OR = 0.67) in 22q13.2. According to the dbSNP database, rs3747517 is a missense variant of IFIH1, rs4807000 and rs6510827 are located in TICAM1, and rs4822024 is located 6 kb upstream of TEF. Further bioinformatics analysis by HaploReg and eQTL found that rs4807000, rs6510827, and rs4822024 are involved in regulating gene expression. Our study revealed the strong association of 2q24.2 (rs3747517), 19p13.3 (rs4807000, rs6510827), and 22q13.2 (rs4822024) with the risk of vitiligo in the Chinese Han population, which implicates common factors for vitiligo across different ethnicities, and helps expand the understanding of the genetic basis of this disease.

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is an important crop in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, where it is a staple food for over 60 million people. However, the productivity of tef remains extremely low in part due to its susceptibility to lodging. Lodging is the displacement of the plant from the upright position, and it is exacerbated by rain, wind and the application of fertilizer. In order to address the issue of global food security, especially in the Horn of Africa, greater insight into the causes of tef lodging is needed. In this study, we combine modeling and biomechanical measurements to compare the properties relating to lodging tolerance in high yielding, improved tef genotypes, and lower yielding natural landraces. Our results indicate that the angle of the panicle contributes to the likelihood of lodging in tef. Varieties with compact panicles and reduced height had increased lodging resistance compared to the other varieties. By comparing different varieties, we found that overall, the landraces of tef lodged less than improved varieties. We constructed a model of stem bending and found that panicle angle was an important determinant of the amount of lodging. The findings from this study provide key information to those involved in tef improvement, especially those interested in lodging tolerance.

This article outlines an innovative and highly practical model that holistically and synoptically integrates the factors that underpin strategic approaches to developing teaching excellence within a course, an institution or more widely. It combines and articulates the various drivers towards excellence widely discussed currently, from the perspectives of students, institutions and those who teach them. Integral to the model are the elements of progression, satisfaction and graduate outcomes that align fully with current imperatives around teaching excellence. Drawing upon extant elements of Higher Education pedagogy, this article adopts a Boyerian approach to scholarship integrating original research that has been applied in diverse contexts in an innovative way (Boyer, 1990), to provide a route-map or blueprint for the design and delivery of curriculum, teaching and learning environments. The model will be of use to individuals, course directors, learning and teaching directorates, institutional leaders working in higher education.

This article presents the heat transfer and friction factor characteristics of circular tube fitted with an array of novel semi-elliptical vortex generator inserts using air as working fluid. The study makes use of computational fluid dynamics methodology and the influence of varying aspect ratio (AR = 1, 2, 4 and 6), flow attack angle (45°, 60°, 75° and 90°) and longitudinal pitch (P = 30 mm, 60 mm and 90 mm) of vortex generator is investigated for the turbulent flow Reynolds number regime of 8000–26000. The numerical results reveal that the presence of semi-elliptical vortex generator has significant influence on both Nusselt number and friction factor characteristics of circular tube. The vortex generators produce strong longitudinal vortices which intensifies fluid mixing near the tube wall region thereby augmenting the heat transfer to the flowing air stream. In addition, the presence of flow impingement effect on the upstream side and flow reattachment zones on the downstream side of vortex generator is found to contribute to enhanced heat transfer. The influence of aspect ratio on heat transfer is found to be more significant than that of flow attack angle. However, both parameters affect the friction factor significantly. On the other hand, the pitch distance of insert significantly affects both heat transfer and friction factor. The maximum rise in Nusselt number and friction factor is about 2.1 times and 6.34 times higher than plain tube, respectively, for P = 30 mm. The thermal enhancement factor (TEF) is found to decrease with increasing flow attack angle and aspect ratio for all flow rates considered in the study. However, the TEF increases with decreasing pitch distance of inserts and the overall TEF is found to be in the range of 0.86–1.19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil fertility depletion is the most important concern all over the world mainly in Sub-Saharan African. The principal one is N fertilizer and it is the most yield-limiting nutrients for crop growth, development as well as production. However, most farmers applied a limited N fertilizer rate for tef production. Hence, a study was to investigate the effects of four nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg N/ha−1), on the grain yield of tef. The study was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in East Badewacho district at the farmers training center in the 2019 cropping season. All the relevant data were collected and then subjected to SAS software 9.4 and mean differences were compared using LSD at 5%. The effects of the N rate showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for all parameters of tef studied. Application of N rate at 90 kg ha−1 was significantly (P ≤ 0.01) improved yield and yield components of tef. Furthermore, N rates increased the magnitudes of all the important yield attributes. Hence, it is tentatively thinkable to conclude that a further supply of N fertilizer rate advances yields components of crops. Thus, the application of 90 kg N ha−1 gave the highest yield which can be suggested for the East Badewacho areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty-nine susceptible loci have been reported to be significantly associated with vitiligo by genome-wide association studies (GWASs) in European-derived whites. To date, some of these reported susceptibility loci have not yet been validated in the Chinese Han population. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the 16 reported susceptible loci in European-derived whites were associated with vitiligo in the Chinese Han population. Imputation was performed using our previous GWAS dataset by IMPUTE v2.2.2. The 16 imputed top single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with suggestive signals, together with the reported SNPs, were genotyped in a total of 2581 patients and 2579 controls by the Sequenom MassARRAY system. PLINK 2.0 software was used to perform association analysis. The dbSNP database, HaploReg, and eQTL data were adopted to annotate the biological function of the SNPs. Finally, four SNPs from three loci were significantly associated with vitiligo, including rs3747517 (P = 1.29 × 10–3, OR = 0.87) in 2q24.2, rs4807000 (P = 7.78 × 10–24, OR = 0.66) and rs6510827 (P = 3.65 × 10–5, OR = 1.19) in 19p13.3, and rs4822024 (P = 6.37 × 10–10, OR = 0.67) in 22q13.2. According to the dbSNP database, rs3747517 is a missense variant of IFIH1 , rs4807000 and rs6510827 are located in TICAM1 , and rs4822024 is located 6 kb upstream of TEF. Further bioinformatics analysis by HaploReg and eQTL found that rs4807000, rs6510827, and rs4822024 are involved in regulating gene expression. Our study revealed the strong association of 2q24.2 (rs3747517), 19p13.3 (rs4807000, rs6510827), and 22q13.2 (rs4822024) with the risk of vitiligo in the Chinese Han population, which implicates common factors for vitiligo across different ethnicities, and helps expand the understanding of the genetic basis of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iron deficiency is a major public health concern in Ethiopia, where the traditional diet is based on tef injera. Iron absorption from injera is low due to its high phytic acid (PA) content.Objectives: We investigated ways to increase iron absorption from FeSO4-fortified tef injera in normal-weight healthy women (aged 21-29 y).Methods: Study A (n = 22) investigated the influence on fractional iron absorption (FIA) from FeSO4-fortified injera of 1) replacing 10% tef flour with whole wheat flour (a source of wheat phytase), or 2) adding an isolated phytase from Aspergillus niger. Study B (n = 18) investigated the influence on FIA of replacing FeSO4 in tef injera with different amounts of NaFeEDTA. In both studies, the iron fortificants were labeled with stable isotopes and FIA was calculated from erythrocyte incorporation of stable iron isotopes 14 d after administration.Results: In study A, the median (IQR) FIA from the 100% tef injera meal was 1.5% (0.7-2.8%). This increased significantly (P < 0.05) to 5.3% (2.4-7.1%) on addition of 10% whole wheat flour, and to 3.6% (1.6-6.2%) on addition of A. niger phytase. PA content of the 3 meals was 0.62, 0.20, and 0.02 g/meal, respectively. In study B, the median (IQR) FIA from the 100% tef injera meal was 3.3% (1.1-4.4%) and did not change significantly (P > 0.05) on replacing 50% or 75% of FeSO4 with NaFeEDTA.Conclusions: FIA from tef injera by young women was very low. NaFeEDTA was ineffective at increasing iron absorption, presumably due to the relatively low EDTA:Fe molar ratios. Phytate degradation, however, greatly increased during tef fermentation on addition of native or isolated phytases. Replacing 10% tef with whole wheat flour during injera fermentation tripled FIA in young women and should be considered as a potential strategy to improve iron status in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bladder cancer is one of the most predominant tumors of the genitourinary tract. In addition to pathological findings, the molecular modifications that might affect tumorigenesis and tumor outcome should be considered when treating bladder cancer. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the expression levels of both the ASPM and TEF genes in bladder cancer tissues and their value in disease prognosis. The expression levels of the ASPM and TEF genes were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in 90 bladder cancer tissue specimens and 90 specimens of normal urinary bladder tissue taken away from the tumor site. The upregulation of ASPM expression and the downregulation of TEF expression were observed in bladder cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues, and these levels were correlated with high-grade tumors, advanced stage disease and the presence of metastasis. Both genes had the ability to predict metastatic association with sensitivity (84.62%) and specificity (68.42%; *P < 0.001) for the ASPM gene and for the TEF gene with sensitivity (80.77%) and specificity (78.95%; *P < 0.001). Additionally, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that elevated ASPM expression levels and reduced TEF expression levels significantly correlated with decreased overall survival and progression-free survival. The current analysis concludes that ASPM and TEF expressions might be used as potential biomarkers in bladder cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tef [ Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is an important crop in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, where it is a staple food for over 60 million people. However, the productivity of tef remains extremely low in part due to its susceptibility to lodging. Lodging is the displacement of the plant from the upright position, and it is exacerbated by rain, wind and the application of fertilizer. In order to address the issue of global food security, especially in the Horn of Africa, greater insight into the causes of tef lodging is needed. In this study, we combine modeling and biomechanical measurements to compare the properties relating to lodging tolerance in high yielding, improved tef genotypes, and lower yielding natural landraces. Our results indicate that the angle of the panicle contributes to the likelihood of lodging in tef. Varieties with compact panicles and reduced height had increased lodging resistance compared to the other varieties. By comparing different varieties, we found that overall, the landraces of tef lodged less than improved varieties. We constructed a model of stem bending and found that panicle angle was an important determinant of the amount of lodging. The findings from this study provide key information to those involved in tef improvement, especially those interested in lodging tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) is an annual small grain, panicle bearing, C4 cereal crop native to Ethiopia, where it is a major staple food. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the responses of two tef genotypes to escalating phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels and to determine an optimum range for P and K at which tef performance is maximized. Two experiments were carried out in the Gilat Research Station, each testing two different genotypes of tef (405B and 406W), one experiment in pots in controlled conditions, and the other in the field. In both experiments, the highest grain yield increased until 6 mg L−1 P, and declined at 12 mg L−1 P. The decline was precipitous and significant in the pot experiment, and gradual and statistically insignificant in the field experiment. In the pots experiment, the grain yield increased until 40 mg L−1 K, with no significant decrease thereafter. The effect of K concentration was only seen in the grain yield and not in the size of the other plant organs. In the field experiment, grain yield was highest at 80 mg L−1 K, but it was not statistically different from 40 mg L−1. The effect of K on growth was only apparent at maturity and not at flowering.

Introduction: Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare condition, which could be life-threatening if diagnosed late or mismanaged. Post-intubation TEF is the most common form of acquired, non-malignant TEF and is usually associated with tracheal stenosis, which makes the treatment more challenging. Here, we present our experience of managing 21 patients with post-intubation TEF. Materials & Methods: Twenty one patients including seven women and fourteen men with mean age of 38.05 years, who had post-intubation TEF were managed in our center (Massih Daneshvari Hospital, Tehran, Iran) during 2004-2013. None of the patients were operated before weaning from mechanical ventilation. Single division and closure of the fistula was performed in one patient who did not have accompanying tracheal stenosis. One-stage surgical repair including tracheal resection, anastomosis, primary closure of the esophageal defect, and muscle flap Interposition was the main treatment method in all other cases. Patients were followed up for at least two years. Results: Excellent and good results achieved in 85.7% of our patients. Major complications including permanent vocal cord paralysis and recurrence of tracheal stenosis necessitating T-tube insertion occurred in two patients (9.5%). Severe cachexia and sepsis secondary to sputum retention resulted in one mortality (4.8%). Conclusion: Surgery might provide the best treatment results along with low mortality and morbidity rates in post-intubation TEFs if performed within the proper time.

خصوصیات فیلوژنتیکی 37 جدایه متعلق به گونه مرکب F. graminearum، جدا شده از خوشه گندم با علایم بیماری سوختگی فوزاریومی از مناطق مختلف کشت گندم در دشت مغان، استان‌ اردبیل تعیین شد. بخشی از ژن‌های translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF)،reductase (RED) و UTP-ammonia ligase (URA) با استفاده از آغازگرهای اختصاصی تکثیر، تعیین توالی و با الگوریتم تحلیل امساکی تجزیه شد. همه سویه‌های گونه مرکب F. graminearum متعلق به F. graminearum sensu stricto بودند. نتایج فیلوژنی نشان‌دهنده وجود همگنی ژنتیکی در بین جدایه‌های گونه‌ مرکب F. graminearum بود. به منظور ارزیابی ساختار ژنتیکی جمعیت قارچ F. graminearum s.s. از نشانگر ISSR استفاده شد. پنج آغازگر واجد چندشکلی زیاد و تکرارپذیری بالا برای تکثیر DNA جدایه‌ها استفاده شد. تجزیه خوشه‌ای داده‌ها، با استفاده از روش UPGMA و ضریب تشابه جاکارد انجام و ژنوتیپ‌ها را در سطح تشابه 82% به چهار گروه مجزا تفکیک کرد. نتایج تجزیه واریانس مولکولی نشان‌دهنده، بیشترین تنوع ژنتیکی در داخل جمعیت F. graminearum s.s. (%97) و کمترین در بین جمعیت‌ها (3%) بود. شناسایی فیلوژنتیکی و آگاهی از تنوع ژنتیکی عامل اصلی بیماری FHB‏، در تعیین روند تکامل بیمارگر و استراتژی‌های مدیریت بیماری مفید خواهد بود.

به ‌منظور تعیین عوامل بیماری بلایت فوزاریومی، خوشه‌های گندم با علایم بیماری از 10 و شش منطقه مهم کشت گندم به ترتیب از استان‌های گلستان و مازندران در سال زراعی 95-1394 نمونه‌برداری شد. براساس خصوصیات ریخت‌شناسی، 431 جدایه منسوب به فوزاریوم تشخیص داده شد که به نه گونه مختلف تعلق داشتند. گونه مرکب Fusarium graminearum بیشترین فراوانی را در استان‌های گلستان (52%) و مازندران (8/55%) داشت. قارچ‌های F. culmorum،F. equiseti،F. acuminatumوF. compactumپس از F. graminearum به ترتیب با میانگین‌های 5/13، 7/9، 6 و 7/3% در دو استان مذکور بیشترین فراوانی را داشتند. میانگین فراوانی F. cerealis، F. avenaceum،F. proliferatum و جدایه‌های شناسایی نشده در مجموع 14% در شمال ایران برآورد شد. کمترین فراوانی (1%) مربوط به قارچ F. subglutinans بود که فقط از نمونه‌های استان گلستان جدا شد. برای تعیین خصوصیات ریخت‌شناسی و فیلوژنتیکی گونه مرکب F. graminearum، 53 جدایه از بین 229 جدایه به دست آمده از استان‌های مذکور براساس مناطق انتشار انتخاب شد. بخشی از ژن‌های translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF) وreductase (RED) با استفاده از آغازگرهای اختصاصی تکثیر و تعیین توالی شد. همه سویه‌های گونه مرکب F. graminearum متعلق به F. graminearum sensu stricto بودند. داده‌های فیلوژنتیکی نشان‌دهنده وجود همگنی ژنتیکی در بین جمعیت مربوط به گونه‌ مرکب F. graminearum بود، اگرچه بین بعضی از سویه‌های این گونه اختلافات کوچک ریخت‌شناسی وجود داشت.