Search

Mercury (Hg) accumulation in rice is a health concern due to the consumption of rice as the staple food. This study evaluated the mercury contamination in rice plants, which are typical foods cultivated in the Red River Delta. During the harvest season, rice samples were collected and separated into husk and brown rice, together with polished white rice and bran rice from mill shop. For brown rice, the Hg concentration ranges from 7.18 ± 0.73 to 16.32 ± 2.57 µg/kg. Additionally, brown rice samples near landfill or highway tend to have higher Hg concentrations than sites farther away. Hazard quotient (HQ) was used to measure the health risk of Hg in this study. HQ values of male and female all were less than one, indicating that consuming rice from Nam Son and Bac Son might not cause potential human health risk of Hg exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the possibility of a new food crisis, specifically focusing on the rice market. It discusses various factors that could contribute to a spike in rice prices and widespread hunger, such as supply chain disruptions, adverse weather conditions, and regional conflicts. The article emphasizes the importance of managing price expectations and clear communication from governments to prevent hoarding and stabilize the rice market. It also highlights the significance of countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam in the global rice market, as well as the potential impact of China's response to the crisis. However, the US Department of Agriculture predicts that the world can handle the current and projected rice shortages with slightly higher prices and minimal disruption in most local markets. While localized hunger may occur in areas with reduced wheat and rice supplies, widespread rice shortages are not expected. The article provides historical context and compares previous rice crises to the current situation, ultimately suggesting that lessons learned from past experiences have helped countries in East and Southeast Asia better manage the current crisis. [Extracted from the article]

Isotope measurements are associated with critical plant resources. Thus, stable rice crop's carbon isotope composition in response to potassium (K) fertilizer was determined, since K is a primary plant nutrient that plays a major role in achieving maximum economic yields. Rice plants were grown in the field and rain shelter under five treatments, which are T1 (no-K), T2 (MOP), T3 (SOP), T4 (Polyhalite) and T5 (conventional fertilizer). The fertilizers were applied 3 days after planting (DAP), 15 DAP, 55 DAP and 75 DAP. Leaf photosynthesis and stomata conductance measurements were taken 85 DAP. The samples were then dried and reserved for carbon isotope analyses. Photosynthesis declined due to K deficiency in the no-K treatment. From this research, we can conclude that stomatal conductance is affected by K fertilizer application where it controls the carboxylation efficiency which may affect the rate of photosynthesis. Later, photosynthesis may influence the discrimination of δ13C isotope value. There is discrimination against this heavier isotope of CO2, this is because CO2 diffuses through stomata by carbon 12 faster than carbon 13 so that is why there is discrimination against carbon 13 in the stomata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice have a high nutritional value such as carbohydrate, fiber, protein, fat, vitamins as well as minerals and fatty acids.About 20% of the world's rice is partially boiled. Parboiling has a high impact on the texture and nutritional characteristics of cooked rice.The goal of this study was to evaluate the nutritional potential of different assortments of rice: enriched or unenriched, raw or parboiled. For the nutritional characterization of rice varieties, we used USDA and FoodB databases nutritional data and the analysis methods were the PAST and MVSP statistical programs. Our results shows that the improvement of rice strongly influences the nutritional characteristics of rice after boiling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husks obtained from upland and lowland rice varieties were characterized for composition and content of ash. Each of the rice husk varieties was fired at temperatures of 600, 800 and 900 °C for a soaking period of 3 h. The resultant rice husk ash was analyzed for oxide composition and crystallinity using X-ray fluorescence and diffraction techniques, respectively. The generated amorphous ash with the highest silica content, together with metakaolin, aggregate, water, and an alkaline activator was employed to formulate geo-polymer mortar prisms according to the standard EN 196-1. Results showed that the content of ash in the varieties ranged from 18.3% to 28.6% dry basis. Out of this, 89 wt%-96 wt% was silica, with amorphous and crystalline forms of silica obtained at 600 °C and 900 °C, respectively, regardless of the rice variety. However, at 800 °C, the silica in the generated ash exhibited both amorphous and crystalline forms. The amorphous ash generated at 600 °C was used in formulation of geopolymer mortars. Compressive and flexural strength of the formulated mortar after 7 days of curing was 1.5 and 1.3 MPa, respectively. These results reveal the firing protocol to form pozzolanic ash, with potential applications in mortar production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch biosynthetic enzymes form multi-protein complexes consisting of starch synthase (SS) I, SSIIa, and starch branching enzyme (BE) IIb, which synthesize amylopectin clusters. This study analyzed the starch properties in two double mutant rice lines lacking SSIIa and BEIIb, one of which expressed an inactive BEIIb protein. The ss2a be2b lines showed similar or greater seed weight than the be2b lines, and plant growth was not affected. The ss2a line showed increased short amylopectin chains resulting in a lower gelatinization temperature. Starch granule morphology and A-type crystallinity were similar between the ss2a line and the wild type, except for a mild chalky seed phenotype in the ss2a line. However, the starch phenotype of the ss2a be2b lines, which was similar to that of be2b but not ss2a, was characterized by increased long amylopectin chains, abnormal starch granules, and B-type crystallinity. The similarity in phenotype between the ss2a be2b and be2b lines may be attributed to the inability of the be2b mutants to generate short amylopectin branches, which serve as primers for SSIIa. Therefore, the presence or absence of SSIIa hardly affected the amylopectin structure under the be2b background. The amylose content was significantly higher in the ss2a be2b lines than in the be2b lines. Starch crystallinity was greater in ss2a be2b lines than in be2b lines, despite the fact that starch crystallinity is generally negatively correlated with amylose content. This suggests that the formation of a double helix between long amylopectin chains and amylose affects starch crystallinity in the ss2a be2b mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six rice varieties namely Bhrigu Dhan, Begami, Desi Dhan, Paddy Karad, Sukara Dhan and Lal Dhan grown in the westeren Himalaya, as a dehulled rice grain, were evaluated with the aim of establishing their specific food value. Length, breadth, length/breadth ratio, thousand -kernel weight, density, and bulk density of all varieties were in the range of 7.80-8.70 (mm), 3.12-3.68 (mm), 2.15-2.74,13.79-28.66 (g), 0.10-1.25 (g/mL) and 0.477-0.657 (g/mL), respectively. Maximum length (8.70 mm), 1000 kernel weight (28.66 g) and bulk density (1.25g/mL) were observed for Bhrigu Dhan. Moisture content, crude fat, crude fibre and ash, were in the range of 11.21 to 12.92, 2.35 to 3.26, 2.22 to 2.69 and 1.60 to 1.79 per cent, respectively on dry weight basis. The highest and lowest value for crude protein was recorded in Desi Dhan (12.00%) and Bhrigu Dhan (7.66 %), respectively; and total carbohydrates were observed highest in Bhrigu Dhan (86.88%) and lowest in Desi Dhan (82.44%). The starch content ranged between 81.63 to 88.56%. The total sugar content was highest in Sukara Dhan (1.40%) followed by Desi Dhan (1.35%), Lal Dhan (1.32%), Paddy Karad (1.29%), Begami (1.25%) and minimum was in Bhrigu Dhan (1.05%), respectively. The highest content of free fatty acid was present in Begami (0.377%) and minimum in Sukara Dhan (0.293%) whereas, the maximum amount of free amino acid was present in Bhrigu Dhan (0.443% as glycine) and minimum was present in Begami (0.333% as glycine). Begami had highest content of iron and zinc (8.95 and 9.77 mg/100gm). However maximum values for phosphorus and copper were observed for Sukara Dhan 311.05 and 3.020 mg/100 g respectively. The maximum content of magnesium was observed in Paddy Karad 137.33 mg/100 g and manganese in Bhrigu Dhan 3.49 mg/100 g. The highest total phenolic content observed in Lal Dhan (297.45 mg GAE/100 g) and lowest in Begami (231.66 mg GAE/100 g). The amylose content of red rice varieties varied from 23.56 to 26.55%. Highest amylose value was recorded in Lal Dhan (26.55%) and lowest in Sukara Dhan (23.56%). The data for the sensory evaluation of cooked red rice revealed that the appearance score was highest in variety Lal Dhan, and Paddy Karad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil cadmium (Cd) pollution threatens food safety. This study aimed to identify genes related to Cd accumulation in rice. Low- (Shennong 315, short for S315) and high- (Shendao 47, short for S47) Cd-accumulative rice cultivars were incubated with CdCl2·2.5H2O. RNA-seq and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed to identify the modules and genes associated with Cd-accumulative traits of rice. After Cd stress treatment, the Cd content in various tissues of S315 was significantly higher than that of S47. In the stem nodes, the Cd distribution results of the two varieties indicated that the unelongated nodes near the root (short for node A) had a stronger ability to block Cd transfer upwards than the panicle node (short for node B). Cd stress induced huge changes in gene expression profiles. After analyzing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in significantly correlated WGCNA modules, we found that genes related to heavy metal transportation had higher expression levels in node A than that in node B, such as Copper transporter 6 (OS04G0415600), Zinc transporter 10 (OS06G0566300), and some heavy-metal associated proteins (OS11G0147500, OS03G0861400, and OS10G0506100). In the comparison results between S315 and S47, the expression of chitinase (OS03G0679700 and OS06G0726200) was increased by Cd treatment in S315. In addition, OsHSPs (OS05G0460000, OS08G0500700), OsHSFC2A (OS02G0232000), and OsDJA5 (OS03G0787300) were found differentially expressed after Cd treatment in S315, but changed less in S47. In summary, different rice varieties have different processes and intensities in response to Cd stress. The node A might function as the key tissue for blocking Cd upward transport into the panicle via vigorous processes, including of heavy metal transportation, response to stress, and cell wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to clarify whether low cadmium (Cd) accumulation in varieties of rice also lower human nutrient uptakes. This trial was setup to explore the correlation between grain-Cd and iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) among four promising rice cultivars and the prevailing KDML105 and RD6. Their grain Cd (0.10-0.60 mg kg-1) and Zn (17.36-22.61 mg kg-1) contents were significantly different, but not significant for grain Fe (11.17-13.91 mg kg-1). The results revealed significant positive correlations between grain Cd and Zn of the prevailing cultivar (r=0.471). But no correlations between grain Cd and Fe and Zn were observed. The RD15 and KNU2 were identified as the low grain Cd, high grain Fe and Zn compared with the prevailing cultivar. Thus the RD15 and KNU2 led to reduced Cd in rice grain without changing the human essential elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted during kharif seasons of April-July in the year 2011 to study the impact of zinc dressing on zinc nutrient in rice in to two soil (Typic Haplusterts) and Typic Ustifluvents). The treatment consist with two factors viz., Factor A - Zinc levels (mg kg-1) Zn0 - 0, Zn1- 2.5, Zn2- 5.0 and Zn3- 7.5 and Factor B- Zinc sources S1- Zinc sulfate (Zn - 21%), S2- Zn-EDTA (Zn-12%),S3 - Zn humate (Zn- 9%). The result of experiment revealed that addition of 7.5 mg Zn kg-1 recorded the highest zinc content in grain; 56.07, 58.42 mg kg-1 in straw with per cent increase in zinc content due to addition of 7.5 mg Zn kg-1 over control was 51.4, 50.5 in grain and 19.8, 22.9 in straw in Vertisol and Entisol respectively. It was comparable with 5.0 mg Zn kg-1 but superior to 2.5 mg Zn kg-1 and no zinc (control). With respect to Zn sources, addition of Zn through Zn- EDTA recorded the highest Zn content but was comparable with ZnSO4 but superior to Zn-humate. Similarly zinc uptake in grain and straw was highest with increasing rate of higher zinc levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constituents of rice are heterogeneously distributed in a grain, collection of Raman spectra providing a better compositional representation of rice is an essential requirement for accurate discrimination of rice samples according to geographical origin. Homogeneity of rice flour with four different particle sizes was investigated by relative standard deviation (RSD) analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) of Raman spectra. RSDs of Raman spectra of rice flour at 100–140 mesh were the smallest while HCA showed the highest similarities. Besides, Raman spectra of rice flour at 100–140 mesh were similar to those of rice flour with diameter below 0.6 mm. In addition, the experimental results were universally applicable for different batches and geographical origins of rice. The discrimination accuracy performed by support vector machine was obviously improved when using the Raman data of rice flour at the size of 100–140 mesh, hence, the recorded Raman spectra could provide reproducible and reliable data for discrimination the geographical origin of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The total As varied by two orders of magnitude (<2.6 µg/kg to 630 µg/kg). • Cd content was always below the maximum limit established by regulatory authorities. • Upland rice from Mato Grosso contain the lowest ever measured As contents. • Brazilian rice from flooded system contains iAs from 68 to 174 µg/kg. • Twenty samples were above the limit of iAs in rice destined to food for infants. Abstract Brazil is a major producer of rice, but there is not enough information about As and Cd in rice grown under different conditions in this country. Here, As and Cd were determined by ICP-MS and species of As by HPLC-ICP-MS in Brazilian husked rice, covering diverse cultivars and regions, as well as upland and flooded production systems. Significant differences were observed for contents of both elements according to the origin of rice. All samples were below the maximum limit for Cd (400 µg/kg) set by national legislation, while nine samples presented total As above the legislation limit (300 µg/kg). From 24 samples analyzed for As species, 42% showed iAs above the European limit for production of food to infants (100 µg/kg). The total As content in samples from Mato Grosso state presented a maximum value of 6 µg/kg, which combined with low Cd content make interesting further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ZmbZIP22 gene encodes a bZIP transcription factor, can interact with the promoters of key starch enzyme genes. • ZmbZIP22 can inhibit the expression of GBSSIa and enhance the expression of most starch synthesis genes, resulting in a loss of amylose content in mature seeds. • Overexpressing ZmbZIP22 showed reductions in the size and alterations in the chemical structure of starch granules, and reduced amylose content. • We provide candidate regulators and show that ZmbZIP22 has a similar adjustment mechanism of starch biosynthesis in maize and rice. • The function of ZmbZIP22 can act as a negative regulator in the starch synthesis. Starch content and composition are major determinants of yield and quality in maize. In recent years, the major genes for starch metabolism have been cloned in this species. However, the role of transcription factors in regulating the starch metabolism pathway remains unclear. The ZmbZIP22 gene encodes a bZIP transcription factor. In our study, plants overexpressing ZmbZIP22 showed reductions in the size of starch granules, the size and weight of seeds, reduced amylose content, and alterations in the chemical structure of starch granules. Also, overexpression of ZmbZIP22 resulted in increases in the contents of soluble sugars and reducing sugars in transgenic rice and maize. ZmbZIP22 promotes the transcription of starch metabolism genes by binding to their promoters. Screening by yeast one-hybrid assays indicated a possible interaction between ZmbZIP22 and the promoters of eight key starch enzyme genes. Collectively, our results indicated that ZmbZIP22 functions as a negative regulator of starch synthesis, and suggest that this occurs through the regulation of key sugar and starch metabolism genes in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The research was done to analyze the seven different Traditional rice cultivars for their several functional structural and sensory properties. These cultivars were found to score highest as compared to hybrids rice varieties grown in the same regions in terms of sensory and other functional attributes. The moisture, protein, ash, fibre and carbohydrate content varied from 10.84% to 13.18%, 7.25–8.85%, 0.57–1.57%, 0.74–1.67% and 74.76–78.24%. Maximum Paste stability was depicted by these cultivars. The hardness of the rice gels were found to correlate positively with the fat content of their respective cultivars. The gelatinization enthalpy that indicates loss of double helical structure was found highest in Mushki budgi (9.73Jg−1). The granules with pentagonal structure were displayed by Mushki kandi with 3.70–6.74 µm length range. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the rice cultivars depicted A-type XRD pattern. The pigmented cultivars retained pigments upon cooking justified their health benefits in terms of antioxidants. The significance of this research is to analyse the cumulative effects of composition, granule morphology and crystalline pattern of rice cultivars on their several functional characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Washing significantly reduced the vitamin B, mineral, and phytic acid in rice. • Rice cooking significantly decreased the thiamine, riboflavin, and PA contents. • MC was more effective than HC and NC of rice in terms of vitamin retention. • Mg, Fe, and Ca bioaccessibilities were increased after cooking. • Mn and Zn bioaccessibilities were decreased after cooking. Abstract The effects of washing, soaking, and cooking (ordinary cooking, high-pressure cooking, and microwave cooking) on thiamine, riboflavin, phytic acid (PA), and mineral contents (Mg, Ca, Mn, Zn, and Fe) of different cultivars rice, Xinfeng 2 and T-You 15, were investigated. Washing caused a significant loss in vitamin B, PA, and mineral contents, whereas, soaking only decreased the thiamine content. Moreover, cooking decreased the vitamin B and PA contents, and high-pressure cooking exerted more remarkable effects than those of ordinary and microwave cooking. Furthermore, washing and soaking increased the Zn and Ca bioaccessibilities, however, cooking improved the bioaccessibilities of Mg, Fe, and Ca, but decrease those of Zn and Mn. Therefore, vitamin and mineral losses caused by excessive washing should be given attention. Cooking processes in relatively low temperature may also be beneficial to the nutritive properties of vitamins and minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Projected global climate change is a potential threat for food security. Both rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) and temperatures have significant impacts on crop productivity, but the combined effects on grain quality are not well understood.We conducted an open‐air field experiment to determine the impacts of elevated [CO2] (E‐[CO2], up to 500 μmol mol−1) and warming (+2°C) on grain yield, protein and amino acid (AAs, acid digests) in a rice–winter wheat rotation system for 2 yr.E‐[CO2] increased grain yield by 11.3% for wheat and 5.9% for rice, but decreased grain protein concentration by 14.9% for wheat and by 7.0% for rice, although E‐[CO2] slightly increased the ratio of essential to nonessential AAs. With a consistent decline in grain yield, warming decreased protein yield, notably in wheat, despite a smaller increase in protein concentration.These results indicate that warming could partially negate the negative impact by E‐[CO2] on grain protein concentration at the expense of grain yield; this tradeoff could not fully offset the negative effects of climate change on crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several hypotheses have been proposed to solve the conundrum of the cause of transition of Harappan civilization to a de-urbanized form in its Late Phase. In view of this, high-resolution off-site palaeoclimatic records along with archaeological findings provide strong evidence of an abrupt climate change ∼4000 yr BP (before present) that coincides with the civilization's cultural transition. The present study investigates whether this climatic shift recorded in palaeoclimate archives (speleothem, lake and marine sediments) at remote locations can be traced to the human settlements of Harappan civilization. This was accomplished by analyzing the remains of rice cereal-a highly water sensitive crop. The analysis involved measuring carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions (δ13C, δ15N) of well-preserved rice grains recovered from archaeological sites belonging to the Harappan civilization and other contemporary regional cultures, representing the time windows between 4520 and 3400 yr BP. The parameter of intrinsic water use efficiency (WUE i) was used as an index for water availability in the rice crop's growth environment and was ascertained based on δ13C values measured in the bulk grain organic matter (OM). The observed WUE i values ranged between 49 and 69 μmol mol−1 and captured the variation in water availability. The δ15N values ranged from 5‰ to 6.5‰, thereby allowing us to confirm the role of climate in controlling δ13C variation in the archaeological grains. The present findings will extend the usage of archaeobotanical cereal remains to deduce environmental changes at human settlements and will further our understanding of the process of Harappan cultural adaptation in response to decline in southwest monsoon at the Middle-Late Holocene boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is a staple food for the majority of the world’s population. Whereas Asian rice (Oryza sativa) has been extensively studied, the exact origins of African rice (Oryza glaberrima) are still contested. Previous studies have supported either a centric or a non-centric geographic origin of African rice domestication. Here we review the evidence for both scenarios through a critical reassessment of 206 whole genome sequences of domesticated and wild African rice. While genetic diversity analyses support a severe bottleneck caused by domestication, signatures of recent and strong positive selection do not unequivocally point to candidate domestication genes, suggesting that domestication proceeded differently than in Asian rice–either by selection on different alleles, or different modes of selection. Population structure analysis revealed five genetic clusters localising to different geographic regions. Isolation by distance was identified in the coastal populations, which could account for parallel adaptation in geographically separated demes. Although genome-wide phylogenetic relationships support an origin in the eastern cultivation range followed by diversification along the Atlantic coast, further analysis of domestication genes shows distinct haplotypes in the southwest—suggesting that at least one of several key domestication traits might have originated there. These findings shed new light on an old controversy concerning plant domestication in Africa by highlighting the divergent roots of African rice cultivation, including a separate centre of domestication activity in the Guinea Highlands. We thus suggest that the commonly accepted centric origin of African rice must be reconsidered in favour of a non-centric or polycentric view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased concentrations of atmospheric CO2 are predicted to reduce the content of essential elements such as protein, zinc, and iron in C3 grains and legumes, threatening the nutrition of billions of people in the next 50 years. However, this prediction has mostly been limited to grain crops, and moreover, we have little information about either the underlying mechanism or an effective intervention to mitigate these reductions. Here, we present a broader picture of the reductions in elemental content among crops grown under elevated CO2 concentration. By using a new approach, flow analysis of elements, we show that lower absorption and/or translocation to grains is a key factor underlying such elemental changes. On the basis of these findings, we propose two effective interventions—namely, growing C4 instead of C3 crops, and genetic improvements—to minimize the elemental changes in crops, and thereby avoid an impairment of human nutrition under conditions of elevated CO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cadmium (Cd)-contaminated rice imposes severe health risks to human. The present study investigated the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in sculpting the rhizospheric bacterial community, and the potential effects on the Cd uptake by rice. AMF Funneliformis mosseae (Fm) or Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri) were inoculated to rice grown in soils spiked with 0 or 10 μM Cd. Initial Cd concentration in soil was 0.18 mg/kg. AMF colonization rate, plant biomass, Cd content in rice, soil properties, rice Cd transporters (Nramp5 and HMA3) and soil bacterial community were analysed. Both AMF decreased (P < 0.05) root and shoot Cd concentrations, especially for Ri treatment. The higher relative abundance of Actinobacteria (mostly from genus Arthrobacter) observed in Ri treatment probably absorbed Cd in soil, and hence decreased the Cd availability for rice. Expression of genes Nramp5 and HMA3 in root were lower in Ri treatment, but higher in Fm treatment. The gene expressions were in line with the results of lower root Cd content in Ri treatment, and higher in Fm treatment. The present study firstly revealed that AMF can reduce rice Cd uptake by changing the expression of Cd transporters and soil bacterial community in a pot experiment. Effects of plants-bacteria-fungi interaction on both plant productivity and toxicants uptake deserved further study. Highlights • F. mosseae and R. intraradices decreased Cd concentrations in both root and shoot. • Cd transporters were suppressed by F. mosseae without Cd but promoted under Cd. • R. intraradices suppressed Nramp5 in all cases except under non-Cd condition. • Actinobacteria promoted by R. intraradices led to less extractable Cd in soil. • AM fungi exerted indirect and direct effects on reducing Cd uptake by rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Toxic elements of cadmium and lead in rice were determined quantitatively using LIBS. • A simple and low cost sample pretreatment method named SLST was proposed. • Toxic elements in rice were prepared through ultrasound assisted extraction with hydrochloric acid solution. Abstract Stability and sensitivity of toxic elements determination is still unsatisfactory in agricultural product using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). A simple and low cost sample pretreatment method named solid–liquid-solid transformation method was proposed in this work. The target analytes of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) from rice samples were prepared through ultrasound assisted extraction in hydrochloric acid solution. The solution was dropped on the glass slide after centrifuging process and was further dried on a heater. Finally, the glass slide contained the analytes was carried out for LIBS determination. Compare with conventional pellet method, the spectral intensity of Cd and Pb element were enhanced significantly using LIBS. The limits of detection were 2.8 and 43.7 μg/kg, respectively. The limits of quantification were 9.3 and 145.7 μg/kg, respectively. The results demonstrated that LIBS coupled with ultrasound assisted extraction should be a promising tool to detect toxic elements in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of genetic diversity is important to explore existing gene in any crop breeding program. Most of the diversity preserved in the landraces which are well–known reservoirs of important traits for biotic and abiotic stresses. In the present study, the genetic diversity at twenty-four most significant blast resistance gene loci using twenty-eight gene specific markers were investigated in landraces originated from nine diverse rice ecologies of India. Based on phenotypic evaluation, landraces were classified into three distinct groups: highly resistant (21), moderately resistant (70) and susceptible (70). The landraces harbour a range of five to nineteen genes representing blast resistance allele with the frequency varied from 4.96% to 100%. The cluster analysis grouped entire 161 landraces into two major groups. Population structure along with other parameters was also analyzed to understand the evolution of blast resistance gene in rice. The population structure analysis and principal coordinate analysis classified the landraces into two sub–populations. Analysis of molecular variance showed maximum (93%) diversity within the population and least (7%) between populations. Five markers viz; K3957, Pikh, Pi2–i, RM212and RM302 were strongly associated with blast disease with the phenotypic variance of 1.4% to 7.6%. These resistant landraces will serve as a valuable genetic resource for future genomic studies, host–pathogen interaction, identification of novel R genes and rice improvement strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Polishing and parboiling determine quantitative and qualitative variations. • Ca, Sr and Zn are more sensitive to parboiling than polishing. • Mg, Fe and Ba are more distributed in the outer layers. • Cu, Mo, Ni, As, Co and V were not determinants in grouping by processing types. • As, Cd and Pb concentrations were below the maximum allowed value. Abstract As major food staple, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is cultivated in irrigated fields absorbing widely trace elements wich may or may not migrate during processing types. Thus, we aimed to evaluate five national rice brands found in local market, in order to verify concentration of elements As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, V, Tl and Zn, presenting the differences and migration patterns between brown, parboiled and polished rice for each brand. Data were evaluated using ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey and PCA. The two major components presented 94.33% variance, indicating strong differentiation in samples by their processing types from their mineral composition. K is widely distributed over the grain, Mg, Fe and Ba are more distributed in the outer layers being more susceptible to loss, and Ca, Sr and Zn are more sensitive to the parboiling hydrothermal process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aseptic‐packaged cooked rice (APCR) is a rice‐based food product with a rapidly increasing market size, and APCR made of fragrant rice (FR) has recently appeared on the market. The fragrance of FR is produced by a combination of odoriferous compounds, among which 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (2AP) has been identified as the most important contributor to overall aroma. This study describes the development of a method to quantify 2AP in FR‐based APCR using headspace solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The recovery of 2AP spiked into APCR was lower than 10%, which suggests significant matrix effects and inappropriateness of external standard‐based calibration. For standard addition calibration method, up to 1,000 ng of 2AP were spiked into APCR containing 0% to 100% FR. Subsequent regression analyses of recovered peak area (Y) as a function of the amount of 2AP spiked (X) yielded highly linear calibration curves (R2 > 0.9917) with consistent slopes (RSD = 2.7%), regardless of FR composition. Y‐intercepts, however, which represent the amount of 2AP in APCR without spiking, increased linearly (R2 = 0.9898) in proportion to the composition of FR in the APCR. The amount of 2AP in APCR, determined by extrapolating the standard addition calibration curves, also increased linearly (R2 = 0.9963) as a function of FR composition. Practicality of developed method was tested by monitoring 2AP contents in APCR under realistic storage conditions, which successfully demonstrated 38% and 60% 2AP reductions in APCR of 20% FR after 1 and 2 months of storage at 25°C, respectively. The present study demonstrates that a standard addition method, whereby up to 1,000 ng of 2AP standard is spiked into 4 g of APCR containing 5%–100% FR in a 20‐mL headspace vial followed by SPME/GC‐MS, may serve as an effective means of quantitating 2AP in fragrant rice‐based APCR. Using standard addition calibration method, up to 1,000 ng of 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (2AP) was spiked into aseptic‐packaged cooked rice (APCR) containing 0% to 100% fragrant rice (FR). Subsequent regression equations relating recovered 2AP (Y) against spiked amount (X) showed strong linearity and consistent slopes regardless of FR composition, but linearly increasing Y‐intercepts in proportion to FR composition in APCR. The amount of 2AP in APCR calculated by extrapolation of calibration curves increased in proportion to the composition of FR in APCR. Developed method could successfully elucidate 2AP content changes in APCR made of fragrant rice during market circulation, which proved its practicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum Meg 1 was exposed to Cu2+ for seven days to assess its Cu2+ removal potential and the changes brought about in its morphology, physiology and biochemistry on Cu2+ exposure. Cu2+ binding was established by the EDX study. Identification of various functional groups on the cell surface involved in Cu2+ binding was done by FTIR analysis. AAS study showed that the organism was able to remove 96.3% Cu2+ from the medium supplemented with 3 ppm Cu2+. Cellular distribution analysis indicated internalization of 6.1% Cu2+. Another study showed that the maximum Cu2+ removal was a surface phenomenon that did not require energy. The IC50 value for Cu2+ was determined to be 9 ppm as growth was compromised by 50.5%. We used a sub-lethal dose of 3 ppm for all the experiments which are 3-fold higher than the WHO recommended value for Cu2+ (1 ppm) in drinking water. At this concentration, various photosynthetic pigments were reduced by 35.3% (chlorophyll a), 31.3% (phycocyanin), 17% (allophycocyanin), 21.3% (phycoerythrin) and 16% (carotenoids). Photosynthetic PSII activity and respiration rate were also compromised by 45% and 46.2%. Heterocyst frequency, nitrogenase and glutamine synthetase activities were declined by 18.5%, 14.8% and 16.2%. Bright field and SEM images showed distinct morphological changes, where there was filament breakage, disintegration and degradation of individual cells as well as cell elongation, distortion and shriveling. The cyanobacterium generated 436.4% more ROS compared to the control cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate method for the analysis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in rice grain was developed using trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatization and stable isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. When this method was used with GABA‑d 6 as an internal standard (IS), the observed GABA concentration was maintained at 100% of the initial concentration with increasing storage time of the vial in the autosampler. In contrast, when using ribitol as an IS and multiple injections from one vial or single injections from different vials, the observed GABA concentration was 85 and 113% of the initial concentration upon increased storage time, respectively. The improved method recoveries at two different spike levels were between 93.3 and 97.8%, with relative standard deviations of less than 3.3%. The GABA content of resveratrol-enriched transgenic rice was compared with that of its non-transgenic counterpart from two field sites, and statistically non-significant differences were observed between the two grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of three Ca-containing amendments (dolomite, slaked lime, and limestone) on soil water soluble Pb (Pb-w) levels, Pb accumulation by two rice plants (TJ-8, japonica and II-3301, indica), and the factors affecting Pb-w were investigated. Pot experiment was performed under waterlogged conditions using Pb-contaminated soil collected from an agricultural field near a mine. It was found that the soil amendments significantly reduced Pb content in the rice plants in the order dolomite > slaked lime > limestone, irrespective of rice cultivar. The Pb content of brown rice with the added soil amendments was lower than that of the recommended limit (0.2 mg kg −1 , GB2762-2017) except for cultivar II-3301 with slaked lime. There was a significant positive correlation between the Pb content of the roots, stems, leaves, and grains and the soil Pb-w levels. The amendments reduced soil Eh, Fe, and Mn concentrations in the pore water and increased soil pH. The total organic carbon (TOC) in the pore water significantly decreased for II-3301 but not for TJ-8 at the ripening stage after addition of the amendments. Among soil Eh, pH, TOC, Fe, and Mn in the pore water, Fe and Mn were the most influential in lowering soil Pb-w levels. The amendments inhibited the formation of iron plaques on the root surface and reduced Pb adsorption. The Pb content of the roots was positively correlated with that in iron plaque. These findings are significant as they imply that the application of Ca-containing amendments in Pb-contaminated paddy soils near mines is an effective approach for in situ immobilization of Pb and reduction in Pb levels in the edible parts of crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The inhibitory effect of selenium (Se) on cadmium accumulation in brown rice (BR-Cd) is controversial, which may be related to the Se application time. The optimum Se application time for reducing the BR-Cd is investigated.Methods: A pot experiment was conducted to examine the changes in the dynamics of iron plaque on root surface and Cd accumulation in rice as Se was applied at different growth stages to two Cd-contaminated soils, and explore its mechanisms. Field trials were conducted to verify the results.Results: Iron plaque formed mainly at the middle stage (tillering to booting stage) of rice and then decreased at the mature stage. Se application at the seeding, tillering, and booting stages reduced the BR-Cd by 10.6-18.4%, 14.9-23.7%, and 10.8-20.9% in the neutral soil, 18.3-32.4%, 40.3-63.0%, and 22.7-40.6% in the acid soil, respectively. Two field trials demonstrated that tillering application of Se caused significant reductions (27.1-35.1%) of BR-Cd.Conclusions: Tillering stage is optimal for Se application to reduce BR-Cd, mainly because tillering application of Se causes the maximum amount iron plaque at the booting stage, maximumly inhibit Cd uptake by the root; meanwhile, the transport of Cd from the root to brown rice is inhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) was used for determining chemical elements in rice grains of four different cultivars (IRGA424, IRGA424 RI, Guri Inta, Puitá Inta) produced in four geographic regions of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Considering toxic elements, As varied from 0.027 to 0.646 mg/kg, while Cd was always lower than the detection limit of 0.25 mg/kg. Applying principal component and cluster analysis, As, Br, Co, Cs, Na, Rb and Zn presented potential to be used to distinguish rice grains from different regions, while no discrimination was obtained amongst cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food is one of the major sources of arsenic (As) exposure in humans. The objectives of this study were to determine the bioaccessible concentration of As in rice grain sold in Bangkok and to evaluate the potential health risks associated with rice consumption. Polished (n = 32) and husked (n = 17) jasmine rice were collected from local markets. In vitro digestion was performed to determine the bioaccessible As concentrations, which were used for probabilistic health risk assessments in different age groups of the population. Approximately 43.0% and 44.4% of the total As in the grain of polished and husked rice, respectively, was in the form of bioaccessible As. Significantly higher bioaccessible As concentrations were found in husked rice than in polished rice (1.5–3.8 times greater). The concentrations of bioaccessible As in polished and husked rice were lower than the Codex standard for As in rice. The average daily dose of As via rice consumption is equivalent to the daily ingestion of 2 L of water containing approximately 3.2–7.2 μg L −1 of As. Approximately 0.2%–13.7% and 10.7%–55.3% of the population may experience non-carcinogenic effects from polished and husked rice consumption, respectively. Approximately 1%–11.6% of children and 74.1%–99.8% of adults were at risk of cancer. The maximum cancer probabilities were 3 children and 6 adults in 10,000 individuals. The probabilistic risk results indicated that children and adults were at risk of both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects from both types of rice consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of degree of milling (DOM) between 0 and 8% on physico-chemical, structural, pasting and cooking properties of short and long grain Indica rice cultivars were studied. Ash, protein, lipids and minerals decreased while blue value and crystallinity increased with increase in DOM. The colour parameters ( a ∗, b ∗) and cooking time (CT) decreased while L ∗(lightness) increased with increase in DOM. Elongation ratio (ER), gruel solid loss (GSL), length/breadth (L/B) and paste viscosities during cooking increased with increase in DOM. Short grain rice contained lower ash, protein, lipids, Mn, K, Ca, CT and GSL than long grain while the later showed higher crystallinity, Mn, P, K, Ca and ER. Paste and dough characteristics measured using Rheometer and Mixolab, respectively correlated well and differed with cultivar and DOM. Short and long grain cultivars showed variation in loss of different chemical constituents during varied DOM causing variation in cooking characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed to determine whether texture perception and acceptance of cooked rice could differ with cultural background, especially between Korean and American participants. Participants evaluated eight cooked rice samples with respect to intensities of textural attributes such as visual stickiness, hardness, stickiness and chewiness. Participants also rated the acceptability of and familiarity with those samples. Results showed that Americans gave higher ratings to cooked rice samples with respect to visual stickiness, stickiness and chewiness, while Koreans gave higher ratings to hardness than their counterpart. For Americans, chewiness was considered as a negative driver; whereas for Koreans, visual stickiness and stickiness were identified as positive drivers of overall liking for cooked rice samples. Moreover, a familiarity level of cooked rice samples was a pronounced positive driver of liking for both American and Korean participants. In conclusion, our findings provide empirical evidence that cultural background influences texture perception and liking of cooked rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study has been to assess the composition and antioxidant activities of rice bran extracts submitted to a human simulated digestion, which extraction process was previously optimized. In order to adjust the optimum values for the extraction, D-optimal experimental design and response surface methodology have been applied. Phenolic compounds and γ-oryzanol contents have been used as response parameters. In this way, two different extracts have been obtained. The first one, was obtained with 100% water as solvent, and it was mainly composed by phenolic acids. Ferulic acid was the majority compound found with a concentration of 1.00 ± 0.03 mg/g extract, followed by p-coumaric acid (0.19 ± 0.02 mg/g), The second extract, extracted with ethanol as solvent, was a γ-oryzanol enriched fraction with a content of 14.41 ± 0.26 mg/g extract. The optimized rice bran extracts thus obtained were subjected to a process of human in-vitro digestion. In the first extract, with high polyphenol content, the phenolic content was oscillating during the digestion, like antioxidant activity. The oryzanol content found in this fraction (0.079 ± 0.002 mg/g) has not been detected in any phase of digestion. In the second extract, with a high oryzanol content at the beginning, oryzanol content was not detected in any of digestion steps. However, phenolic composition was stable in all phases of simulation (ranging from 0.117 and 0.094 mg/g in the case of ferulic acid). This fact evidence that oryzanol is not a bioavailability fraction, while phenolic compounds support to some extent, the conditions of digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parboiling method was developed to enhance the milling quality, cooking characteristics and textural properties of Basmati cultivar Pusa Basmati 1121. In order to increase the head rice yield of Basmati rice, three different parboiling methods (traditional parboiling technique, steaming alone and advanced parboiling method) were performed and compared with unparboiled sample. Parboiling method 3 consisting of pre-steaming of paddy at 1.05 kg/cm2 for five minutes followed by soaking in hot water at 85°C for three hours and again steaming at 1.05 kg/cm2 for 40 minutes was found to be the best method. Maximum head rice recovery obtained by method 3 was 66.09%. Broken percentage was significantly reduced (p<0.05) to 6.31% while cooking time and water uptake ratio increased to 48.63 minutes and 2.96%, respectively. Hardness, cohesiveness and springiness of parboiled cooked rice increased to 9.52N, 0.16 and 0.23mm whereas adhesiveness was reduced significantly to 0.007Nmm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar spraying with silicon (Si) and selenium (Se) can regulate the accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in rice ( Oryza sativa L.), but the effects on different cultivars and the main determining factors remain unknown. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the ability of foliar spraying with Si, Se, and mixture of Si and Se to decrease Cd accumulation and translocation in rice cultivars WYHZ, NJ5055, and ZF1Y. All three spray treatments significantly decreased the Cd concentration in WYHZ brown rice, but had no such effect in NJ5055 or ZF1Y, relative to controls. WYHZ had a higher ability to translocate Cd than the other two cultivars. Foliar spraying changed this pattern by decreasing Cd translocation from roots to stems and from stems to brown rice, and increasing Cd translocation from stems to leaves. Foliar spraying also increased the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration efficiency in WYHZ. Structural equation modelling revealed the negative effects of photosynthetic rate, transpiration efficiency, and leaf Cd concentration, and the positive effects of stem and root Cd concentration on brown rice Cd concentration. Structural equation modelling further highlighted the significant role of stem Cd concentration in determining brown rice Cd concentration, which had the highest standardized total effects (direct plus indirect effects). These findings demonstrate that foliar spraying with Si and Se is effective in reducing Cd accumulation in rice cultivars with high Cd translocation ability, mainly by reducing stem Cd concentrations and ameliorating plant photosynthetic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate (Pi) is one of the major nutrients for crop growth and yield. Although several studies have revealed a global view of Pi starvation responses in rice, the detailed features were not well-addressed. To identify differentially expressed genes associated with phosphate starvation on a genome scale, we analyzed transcriptome data of roots from 2-week old seedlings that were grown on Pi-sufficient or -deficient media for 7 and 21 days. Using publicly available RNA-sequencing data, we subsequently identified 820 up-regulated genes in roots under Pi starvation. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of these genes indicated that secondary metabolic processes are most significantly enriched under Pi starvation, and Pi transport and defense to biotic stress also play significant roles in response against Pi deficiency. Functional classification analysis using MapMan emphasizes the significance of transcription factors, such as MYB, WRKY, and bHLH, various transporters, and genes in secondary metabolic processes. Use of promoter trap lines or transgenic plants expressing the GUS reporter gene under the control of Pi starvation-inducible gene promoters confirmed the meta-expression patterns of two genes stimulated by Pi starvation, suggesting novel promoters for enhancing Pi use efficiency. In addition to the identification of two novel promoters for Pi starvation response, cis-regulatory elements for the regulation of Pi starvation are suggested. Overall, our study provides a global view of Pi starvation response based on transcriptome data and novel tools for improving PUE and Pi uptake in rice, a model crop plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Whilst WRKY transcription factors are known to be involved in diverse plant responses to biotic stresses, their involvement in abiotic stress tolerance is poorly understood. OsFRDL4, encoding a citrate transporter, has been reported to be regulated by ALUMINUM (Al) RESISTANCE TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR 1 (ART1) in rice, but whether it is also regulated by other transcription factors is unknown. We define the role of OsWRKY22 in response to Al stress in rice by using mutation and transgenic complementation assays, and characterize the regulation of OsFRDL4 by OsWRKY22 via yeas one‐hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and ChIP‐quantitative PCR. We demonstrate that loss of OsWRKY22 function conferred by the oswrky22 T‐DNA insertion allele causes enhanced sensitivity to Al stress, and a reduction in Al‐induced citrate secretion. We next show that OsWRKY22 is localized in the nucleus, functions as a transcriptional activator and is able to bind to the promoter of OsFRDL4 via W‐box elements. Finally, we find that both OsFRDL4 expression and Al‐induced citrate secretion are significantly lower in art1 oswrky22 double mutants than in the respective single mutants. We conclude that OsWRKY22 promotes Al‐induced increases in OsFRDL4 expression, thus enhancing Al‐induced citrate secretion and Al tolerance in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the spatial distribution of heavy metal monitoring data in paddy rice to provide a scientific basis for food safety risk assessment and suggestions for possible risk management. In this study, the spatial distribution data of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, total arsenic, total chromium, and total mercury) in rice collected in the main production provinces of China were analyzed by multidimensional visualization and aggregation analysis. The spatial correlation of elemental contamination was also identified. Monitoring data of cadmium, lead, and arsenic content in different varieties of rice was compared with their mean confidence intervals. Results showed that cadmium content in rice was higher than the limit value in some areas of Hunan, Sichuan, Guangxi and Anhui Provinces in China. With respect to other heavy metals, a small area of Sichuan Province experienced lead levels in rice higher than the limit value. Also, the arsenic level in rice was higher than the limit value in Jiangxi Province, a northern area of Liaoning Province and most parts of Guangzhou and its surrounding areas. In contrast, chromium was only detected at excessive levels in southern Sichuan Province. In addition, a small part of the eastern Sichuan Province was found to have excessive levels of arsenic. Moran's I index of cadmium, arsenic, chromium, lead, and mercury in rice was 0.50, 0.55, 0.21, 0.09, and 0.05, respectively, which revealed a spatial autocorrelation. Overall, there was moderate aggregation of cadmium and arsenic in the monitoring areas, while lead, chromium and mercury showed low aggregation. Geographically for the provinces, the high aggregation of cadmium in rice was evident in Hunan and Jiangxi Provinces and Guangdong border areas. The arsenic in Jiangxi Province and border areas of Jiangxi and Guangdong Provinces also showed high level of aggregation. Meanwhile, the parameter testing of the samples showed that the concentration of cadmium and lead were significantly higher in late Indica rice compared to early Indica rice, while the arsenic and chromium showed the opposite effect. In view of the high levels of certain heavy metals in rice in some provinces, more refined dietary intake assessments of rice as consumed are necessary to determine if populations are exposed to levels that exceed the health-based guidance levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immature rice grain is one of the underutilized by-products of paddy milling process. Despite its high potential of use as a food ingredient, it is mainly utilized as feed due to the rancidity problem. In the present study, the composition of immature rice grain, the potential of using infrared (IR) radiation for stabilization, and the effects of IR stabilization on color, fatty acid composition, tocopherol and γ-oryzanol contents of the grain were investigated. The free fatty acid (FFA) value of the unprocessed immature rice grain was 5.49% and increased to 35.71% at the end of 3 months of storage at room temperature. However, FFA content of the grains stabilized with IR radiation at specific conditions remained unchanged throughout the storage period. Moreover, IR stabilization did not caused a negative effect on the noted components of the immature rice grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Background and Aims Abscisic acid (ABA) is a well-studied phytohormone demonstrated to be involved in sub-sets of stress responses in plants, such as iron (Fe) deficiency and phosphorus (P) deficiency in Arabidopsis. However, whether ABA is involved in P deficiency in rice has not been frequently studied. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism underlying ABA-aggravated P deficiency in rice (Oryza sativa). • Results P deficiency decreased ABA accumulation rapidly (within 1 h) in the roots. Exogenous ABA negatively regulated root and shoot soluble P contents by decreasing pectin content, inhibiting P deficiency-induced increases in pectin methylesterase activity and expression of the phosphate transporter gene-OsPT6, thereby decreasing the re-utilization of P from the cell wall and its translocation to the shoot. Moreover, neither the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside nor ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid had any effect on ABA accumulation, and application of ABA or the ABA inhibitor fluridone also had no effect on NO production and ethylene emission. • Conclusions Under P deficiency, NO levels increase as quickly as ABA levels decrease, to inhibit both the ABAinduced reduction of pectin contents for the re-utilization of cell wall P and the ABA-induced down-regulation of OsPT6 for the translocation of P from roots to shoots. Overall, our results provide novel information indicating that the reduction of ABA under P deficiency is a very important pathway in the re-utilization of cell wall P in rice under P-deficient conditions, which should be a very effective mechanism for plant survival under P deficiency stress for common agronomic practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iron and zinc deficiencies affect human health globally, especially in developing countries. Agronomic biofortification, as a strategy for alleviating these issues, has been focused on small-scale field studies, and not widely applied while lacking of cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA).Objective: We conducted the CEA of agronomic biofortification, expressed as USD per disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) saved, to recommend a cost-effectiveness strategy that can be widely applied.Methods: The DALYs were applied to quantify the health burden due to Fe and/or Zn deficiency and health cost of agronomic biofortification via a single, dual, or triple foliar spray of Fe, Zn, and/or pesticide in 4 (northeast, central China, southeast, and southwest) major Chinese rice-based regions.Results: The current health burden by Fe or Zn malnutrition was 0.45 to 1.45 or 0.14 to 0.84 million DALYs for these 4 regions. Compared to traditional rice diets, the daily Fe and/or Zn intake from Fe and/or Zn-biofortified rice increased, and the health burden of Fe and/or Zn deficiency decreased by 28% and 48%, respectively. The cost of saving 1 DALYs ranged from US$376 to US$4989, US$194 to US$2730, and US$37.6 to US$530.1 for the single, dual, and triple foliar Fe, Zn, and/or pesticide application, respectively, due to a substantial decrease in labor costs by the latter 2 applications.Conclusions: Agronomic biofortification of rice with the triple foliar spray of Fe, Zn, and pesticide is a rapidly effective and cost-effectiveness pathway to alleviate Fe and Zn deficiency for rice-based dietary populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among cereals, rice is the second most cultivated staple crop in the world. It may be contaminated by toxic heavy metals present in water or soil. Therefore, monitoring the presence of heavy metals in rice and its products is a matter of a great importance from the nutritional and toxicological view. In this paper, a simple and effective analytical procedure based on dispersive micro solid-phase extraction with the use of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes and batophenanthroline was developed for the determination of lead, cadmium, zinc, manganese and iron in white and wild rice samples. Due to the high preconcentration factor of 200, the optimized procedure allows obtaining detection limits between 0.13 and 0.35 ng mL −1 using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Novel preconcentration method can successfully be applied in food analysis with accuracy better than 7% rel. and repeatability lower than 3%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the actual and comprehensive response of rice grain quality to global warming in lower reaches of Yangtze River delta, a 3-year open-field warming experiment was conducted with two japonica rice cultivars using Free-air temperature enhancement (FATE) facility. Ningjing3 and Wuyunjing24 were planted under two temperature regimes (NT: natural temperature; ET: elevated temperature) during grain-filling. FATE facility increased rice canopy temperature by 2.7 °C (daytime 1.5 °C/nighttime 3.9 °C), 2.0 °C (daytime 1.6 °C/nighttime 2.5 °C) and 3.4 °C (daytime 2.0 °C/nighttime 4.9 °C) in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. Compared with NT, head rice rate, occurrence of perfect grains, amylose content, setback and consistency were decreased by ET, while occurrence of chalky grains, breakdown, cool paste viscosity, pasting temperature were increased under ET. Response of different chalky types to warming were unstable among cultivars and years. Based on Wu-Gilbert model, we found that the relative activity of starch branching enzyme (SBE) to starch synthase (SS) was decreased by ET, which may contribute to longer average amylopectin chain length. ET increased protein content of rice grain but performed no influence on the relative proportion of amino acids. These results revealed that low-amplitude warming during grain-filling could deteriorate rice milling, appearance and cooking quality, but improved its nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In rice, amylose content (AC) is controlled by a single dominant Waxy gene. We used Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated 9 (Cas9) to introduce a loss‐of‐function mutation into the Waxy gene in two widely cultivated elite japonica varieties. Our results show that mutations in the Waxy gene reduce AC and convert the rice into glutinous ones without affecting other desirable agronomic traits, offering an effective and easy strategy to improve glutinosity in elite varieties. Importantly, we successfully removed the transgenes from the progeny. Our study provides an example of generating improved crops with potential for commercialization, by editing a gene of interest directly in elite crop varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation of some heavy metals content in rice (Oryza sativa) and associated health risks was carried out for residents of Iranshahr city, Iran. Average daily rice consumption of the citizens and most widely used rice brands in the market of Iranshahr were determined using a questionnaire. Besides, the concentration of heavy metals in the gathered rice samples was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Monte Carlo uncertainty simulation was utilized in conducting exposure assessment and investigating the non-carcinogenic effects of the studied elements as well as the carcinogenic effect of As. Concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Al, and Mo were 0.369 ± 0.094, 0.0337 ± 0.039, 0.123 ± 0.14, 3.095 ± 439.42, 39.6 ± 14.73, and 1.106 ± 0.133 mg kg −1 , respectively. Al (0.18 ± 0.15 mg kg −1 d −1 ) and Cd (0.00015 ± 0.00034 mg kg −1 d −1 ) were the highest and lowest estimated daily intake, respectively. Except As (5.23 ± 4.01), the calculated hazard quotient for investigated elements showed no non-carcinogenic health risk. Besides, the simulation of the carcinogenic risk effect for As (2.37E-3) revealed that the ingestion of the studied rice brands would cause cancer risk due to lifetime consumption. Results show that consumption of rice in the Iranshahr city is a potential source of exposure to the studied elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquid-based matrix solid phase dispersion-solvent flotation coupled with high performance liquid chromatography was developed for the determination of the acetanilide herbicides, including metazachlor, propanil, alachlor, propisochlor, pretilachlor, and butachlor in rice samples. Some experimental parameters, including the type of dispersant, the mass ratio of dispersant to sample, pH of sample solution, the type of extraction solvent, the type of ionic liquid, flotation time, and flow rate of N 2 were optimized. The average recoveries of the acetanilide herbicides at spiked concentrations of 50, 125, and 250 µg/kg ranged from 89.4% to 108.7%, and relative standard deviations were equal to or lower than 7.1%, the limits of quantification were in the range of 38.0 to 84.7 µg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is spreading gradually in Sri Lanka. In the current research, 1,435 well water samples from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka, 91 rice samples, and 84 human urine samples from both CKDu-endemic and non-endemic areas in Sri Lanka were analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium to detect whether toxic elements could be a cause of CKDu. The liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) concentration and arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium concentrations of the urine samples were analyzed to determine the relation of L-FABP with arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium. High concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium were not detected in the well water samples from CKDu-endemic areas. Arsenic, cadmium, and lead contents in the rice samples from both CKDu-endemic and non-endemic areas were well below the Codex standard. There were no relationships between the L-FABP concentration and concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium in urine. In addition, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium concentrations in human urine samples from CKDu-endemic areas were not significantly different from those from non-endemic areas. These findings indicated that arsenic, cadmium, lead, and chromium could not cause CKDu [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) pollution of rice grain caused by Cd-contaminated soils is a common problem in southwest and central south China. In this study, utilizing the advantages of the Bayes classification statistical method, we established a risk forewarning model for rice grain Cd pollution, and put forward two parameters (the prior probability factor and data variability factor). The sensitivity analysis of the model parameters illustrated that sample size and standard deviation influenced the accuracy and applicable range of the model. The accuracy of the model was improved by the self-renewal of the model through adding the posterior data into the priori data. Furthermore, this method can be used to predict the risk probability of rice grain Cd pollution under similar soil environment, tillage and rice varietal conditions. The Bayes approach thus represents a feasible method for risk forewarning of heavy metals pollution of agricultural products caused by contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]