A Comparison Between Northern Blotting and Quantitative Real-Time PCR as a Means of Detecting the Nutritional Regulation of Genes Expressed in Roots of Arabidopsis thaliana

Quantitative real-time PCR （qRT-PCR） has become a routine and robust technique for measuring the expression of genes of interest, validating microarray experiments and monitoring biomarkers. However, concerns have been raised over the accuracy of qRT-PCR in China as well as in the rest of the world. We have previously used qRT-PCR to study the response of ANR1 and other root-expressed MADS-box genes to fluctuations in the supply of nitrate, phosphate and sulphate under hydroponic growth conditions. In this study, we have used both Northern blotting and qRT-PCR analyses to confirm the nutritional regulation of MADS-box genes in Arabidopsis thaliana and test whether both technologies produce the same results. The information obtained indicated that the qRT-PCR results are consistent with those obtained by Northern blotting hybridization for all the tested root-expressed MADS-box genes, in response to different nitrate, phosphate and sulphate growth conditions. Furthermore, our novel results showed that the expressions of AGL12, AGL18, and AGL19 were all down regulated in response to S and P re-supply in both qRT-PCR and Northern blotting analyses.

Recent Trends of Zostera marina (Eelgrass) in a Highly Eutrophic Coastal Lagoon in the Mid-Atlantic Region (USA)

Spatial and temporal characteristics of Zostera marina (eelgrass) in the Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor Estuary are compared before (2004-2011) and after (2012-2013) major fertilizer legislation (Fertilizer Law A2290) was enacted in New Jersey (USA) to reduce nutrient inputs from fertilizers to water bodies in the state. A significant decrease of Z. marina biomass and areal cover occurred in this eutrophic estuary between 2004 and 2011 concomitantly with increasing nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the watershed. The rate of decline in aboveground and belowground biomass was significantly sharper during 2004-2006 than during 2008-2010. In 2010, Z. marina biomass dropped to a very low level (mean aboveground biomass = 7.7 g dry wt mDŽ;mean belowground biomass = 27.0 g dry wt mDŽ), persisting through the last sampling period (October-November) in 2013. Biomass and areal cover of Z. marina decreased even further after Fertilizer Law A2290 was enacted in January 2012, with the lowest values recorded from August to November each year. These low values are the result of ongoing eutrophication of the system. More seagrass monitoring and research are necessary in future years to determine if the fertilizer law will have a positive effect on Z. marina condition in the estuary over the long term.

Diarrhea induced by insufficient fat absorption in weaned piglets:Causes and nutrition regulation

Fat is one of the three macronutrients and a significant energy source for piglets.It plays a positive role in maintaining intestinal health and improving production performance.During the weaning period,physiological,stress and diet-related factors influence the absorption of fat in piglets,leading to damage to the intestinal barrier,diarrhea and even death.Signaling pathways,such as fatty acid translocase(CD36),pregnane X receptor(PXR),and AMP-dependent protein kinase(AMPK),are responsible for regulating intestinal fat uptake and maintaining intestinal barrier function.Therefore,this review mainly elaborates on the reasons for diarrhea induced by insufficient fat absorption and related signaling pathways in weaned-piglets,with an emphasis on the intestinal fat absorption disorder.Moreover,we focus on introducing nutritional strategies that can promote intestinal fat absorption in piglets with insufficient fat absorption-related diarrhea,such as lipase,amino acids,and probiotics.

Phase-feeding strategy for Chlorella vulgaris to enhance biomass and lipid productivity

A phase-feeding strategy of nutrients based on requirements of Chlorella vulgaris in different physiological phases was examined to maximize the biomass and lipid productivity.This strategy includes reduction of duration in adaption phase(stage-I),enhancement of biomass in growth phase(stage-II)and improvement of lipid productivity in stationary phase(stage-III).The duration of microalgae in adaption phase was reduced from 52 h to 34 h at nitrogen and phosphorus feeding rates of 5.11 mg/(L·d)and 0.54 mg/(L·d),whereas the maximum biomass concentration during growth phase was improved to(4.03±0.25)g/L at nitrogen and phosphorus feeding rates of 20.04 mg/(L·d)and 4.21 mg/(L·d).In stationary and decline phases,a maximum lipid productivity of 132.30 mg/(L·d)was achieved when nutrients supply was stopped at 128 h,which was 28.86 mg/(L·d)higher than that when nutrients supply was stopped at 104 h.This multi-phase cultivation could be a promising strategy for simultaneous enhancement of microalgae biomass and lipid productivity.