Showing papers on "Brown rice published in 2007"

Plant metabolomics and its potential application for human nutrition.

Abstract: With the growing interest in the use of metabolomic technologies for a wide range of biological targets, food applications related to nutrition and quality are rapidly emerging. Metabolomics offers us the opportunity to gain deeper insights into, and have better control of, the fundamental biochemical basis of the things we eat. So doing will help us to design modified breeding programmes aimed at better quality produce; optimised food processing strategies and ultimately, improved (micro)nutrient bioavailability and bioefficacy. A better understanding of the pathways responsible for the biosynthesis of nutritionally relevant metabolites is key to gaining more effective control of the absence/level of presence of such components in our food. Applications of metabolomic technologies in both applied and fundamental science strategies are therefore growing rapidly in popularity. Currently, the world has two highly contrasting nutrition-related problems – over-consumption and under-nourishment. Dramatic increases in the occurrence of overweight individuals and obesity in developed countries are in staggering contrast to the still-familiar images of extreme malnutrition in many parts of the developing world. Both problems require a modified food supply, achieved through highly contrasting routes. For each, metabolomics has a future role to play and this review shall deal with this key dichotomy and illustrate where metabolomics may have a future part to play. In this short overview, attention is given to how the various technologies have already been exploited in a plant-based food context related to key issues such as biofortification, bioprotectants and the general link between food composition and human health. Research on key crops such as rice and tomato are used as illustration of potentially broader application across crop species. Although the focus is clearly on food supply, some attention is given to the complementary field of research, nutrigenomics, where similar technologies are being applied to understand nutrition better from the human side.

Whole Grains and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in a Large Population-based Case-Control Study in the San Francisco Bay Area, California

Abstract: Epidemiologic data suggest that consumption of whole-grain products may be inversely associated with risk of pancreatic cancer. Grain intake was examined in a population-based case-control study of pancreatic cancer in the San Francisco Bay Area (1995-1999). A 131-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire was administered to 532 cases and 1,701 controls. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed as estimates of relative risk. Persons who consumed > or =2 servings of whole grains daily had a lower risk of pancreatic cancer than persons who consumed or =2 servings/week vs. or =2 servings/week vs. <1 serving/month) was positively associated with risk (for oatmeal/oat bran, OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.7; for other cooked breakfast cereals, OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4, 3.3). Dietary fiber was inversely associated with risk (for highest quartile vs. lowest, OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.89; trend-p = 0.02). These data provide some support for the hypothesis that consuming more whole-grain or high-fiber foods may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer. Refined grains were not associated with risk.

Influence of growth temperature on the amounts of tocopherols, tocotrienols, and gamma-oryzanol in brown rice.

Abstract: Brown rice is a valuable source of lipid-soluble antioxidants including ferulated phytosterols (i.e., gamma-oryzanol), tocopherols, and tocotrienols. To evaluate the impact of temperature on the accumulation of these compounds, seeds from six different rice lines grown to maturity in replicate greenhouses in Gainesville, FL, were analyzed. The lines represented Oryza sativa indica, O. sativa japonica, and Oryza glaberrima of different origins. Temperatures were maintained near ambient at one end of each greenhouse and at approximately 4.5 degrees C above ambient at the other end. gamma-Oryzanols, tocopherols, and tocotrienols were extracted from whole seed (i.e., brown rice) and analyzed by HPLC. Tocotrienols and tocopherols varied widely between lines but changed only slightly with respect to temperature. In general, the proportions of alpha-tocotrienol and/or alpha-tocopherol increased at elevated temperature, whereas gamma-tocopherol and gamma-tocotrienol decreased. Six gamma-oryzanol peaks, identified on the basis of absorbance maxima at 330 nm and HPLC-mass spectrometry, were quantified. The most abundant component was 24-methylenecycloartanyl ferulate, present at 40-62% of total. Its levels increased 35-57% at elevated temperature in five of six lines, accounting for most of the change in total gamma-oryzanol. The results suggest that the physiological action of individual ferulated phytosterols should be investigated because their relative proportions in gamma-oryzanol can change.

Detection of Quantitative Trait Loci for White-back and Basal-white Kernels under High Temperature Stress in japonica Rice Varieties

Abstract: Several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the apparent quality of brown rice were identified. QTL analysis was carried out using F2 and F3 populations derived from a cross between two japonica varieties, Hana-echizen (high quality of brown rice) and Niigatawase (low quality with numerous white-back and basal-white kernels). F2 individuals were grown in paddy fields in 2003, and F3 lines were grown in paddy fields and in a greenhouse to expose them to high temperature stress during the ripening period in 2004. Apparent quality of brown rice was evaluated based on the percentage of white-back and basal-white kernels. Two putative QTLs associated with white-back kernels in the F2 population grown under low temperature conditions in paddy fields in 2003 were identified on chromosomes 3 and 6. The closest SSR markers were RM4512 and RM3034, respectively. One putative QTL associated with basal-white kernels in the F2 population was identified on chromosome 6. The closest marker was RM3034. Two putative QTLs associated with white-back kernels in the F3 population grown under high temperature conditions in paddy fields in 2004 were identified on chromosomes 4 and 6. The closest SSR markers were RM3288 and RM3034, respectively. One putative QTL associated with white-back plus basal-white kernels in the F3 population grown under high temperature stress in the greenhouse was identified on chromosome 6. The closest marker was RM3034. The QTLs identified near RM3034 on the short arm of chromosome 6 contributed most to the apparent quality of brown rice. The QTLs identified near RM4512 and RM3288 which also affected the apparent quality of brown rice, were detected in either the F2 or F3 population. The QTLs identified in the present study should be useful for marker-assisted selection to breed varieties with a high apparent quality of brown rice, especially varieties with tolerance to kernel damage due to high temperature stress during the ripening period.

Soil-to-Plant Transfer Factors of Stable Elements and Naturally Occurring Radionuclides : (2) Rice Collected in Japan

Abstract: The critical paths of radionuclides and the critical foods in Japan are different from those in European and North American countries because agricultural products and food customs are different. Consequently, safety assessment in Japan is required to consider rice and vegetables as the critical foods. In this study, we measured soil-to-plant transfer factors (TFs) for rice using naturally existing elements as analogues of radionuclides under equilibrium conditions. Rice and associated soil samples were collected from 50 sampling sites throughout Japan and TFs of 36 and 34 elements for brown rice and white rice, respectively, were calculated on dry weight basis. Probability distributions of TFs of elements for brown rice and white rice were a log normal type. Except for As and Mo, the TFs for brown rice were usually lower than those for wheat and barley especially for K, Fe, Sr (t-test: p < 0:05) and slightly lower than those for Ba, rare earth elements, Th and U. When the TFs of brown rice were compared ...

Evaluation of the cancer chemopreventive efficacy of rice bran in genetic mouse models of breast, prostate and intestinal carcinogenesis.

Abstract: Brown rice is a staple dietary constituent in Asia, whereas rice consumed in the Western world is generally white, obtained from brown rice by removal of the bran We tested the hypothesis that rice bran interferes with development of tumours in TAg, TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of the Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) or ApcMin mice, genetic models of mammary, prostate and intestinal carcinogenesis, respectively Mice received rice bran (30%) in AIN-93G diet throughout their post-weaning lifespan In TAg and TRAMP mice, rice bran did not affect carcinoma development In TRAMP or wild-type C57Bl6/J mice, dietary rice bran increased kidney weight by 18 and 20%, respectively Consumption of rice bran reduced numbers of intestinal adenomas in ApcMin mice by 51% (P<001), compared to mice on control diet In parallel, dietary rice bran decreased intestinal haemorrhage in these mice, as reflected by increased haematocrit At 10% in the diet, rice bran did not significantly retard ApcMin adenoma development Likewise, low-fibre rice bran (30% in the diet) did not affect intestinal carcinogenesis, suggesting that the fibrous constituents of the bran mediate chemopreventive efficacy The results suggest that rice bran might be beneficially evaluated as a putative chemopreventive intervention in humans with intestinal polyps

Genomic regions associated with milling quality and grain shape identified in a set of random introgression lines of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract: Rice milling quality is the final part of grain yield making it fit for eating and a complex trait that remains poorly understood genetically. Three components of rice milling quality, i.e. brown rice rate, milled rice rate and head rice rate and related rice grain shape traits were genetically dissected by the QTL mapping approach using a set of 231 random rice introgression lines and 160 SSR markers. A total of 10 genomic regions were found to be associated with rice grain shape and milling quality traits. Of these, one major QTL on chromosome 7 had large effects on rice grain shape and milling quality and was detected consistently in several related populations of rice, which offers an opportunity for marker-aided improvement of rice milling quality and QTL cloning.

Assessment of reclaimed wastewater irrigation impacts on water quality, soil, and rice cultivation in paddy fields.

Abstract: The objective of this research was to monitor and assess the impact of reclaimed wastewater irrigation on water quality, soil, and rice cultivation by comparing the effects of various wastewater treatment levels on the growth and yield of rice. A randomized complete block design was used for the application methods of the wastewater effluents to paddy rice, with five treatments and six replications. The treatments were: control with groundwater irrigation (GW); irrigation with polluted water form a nearby stream (SW); and three treatments of reclaimed wastewater irrigation at different treatment levels. The three levels of wastewater treatments included wastewater effluents: (i) directly from the wastewater plant (WW); (ii) after passing through a sand filter (WSF); and (iii) after passing a sand filter followed by an ultraviolet treatment (WSFUV). Each plot was 4 x 4 m and was planted with rice (Oryza sativa L.) in 2002 and 2003. The results indicated that irrigation of rice with reclaimed municipal wastewater caused no adverse effects on the growth and yield of rice. The chemical compositions of the rice from all plots were within the normal ranges of brown rice quality in Korea. No adverse effects were observed on chemical concentrations including the heavy metals Cu, As, Cd, Zn, Hg, and Pb, in either the brown rice or the field. The results showed that treated municipal wastewater can be safely used as an alternative water source for the irrigation of rice, although continued monitoring will be needed to determine the long-term effects with regard to soil contamination and other potential health concerns.

Thermal characteristics of ohmically heated rice starch and rice flours.

Abstract: Thermal properties of conventionally and ohmically heated rice starch and rice flours at various frequencies and voltages were studied. There was an increase in gelatinization temperature for conventionally heated rice starches since they were pregelatinized and became more rigid due to starch-chain interactions. In addition, there was a decrease in enthalpy (energy needed) for conventionally and ohmically heated starches during gelatinization; thus, the samples required less energy for gelatinization during DSC analysis. Ohmically heated commercial starch showed the greatest decrease in enthalpy probably because of the greatest extent of pregelatinization through ohmic heating. Brown rice flour showed the greatest gelatinization temperature resulting from the delay of starch granule swelling by lipid and protein. Enthalpy of ohmically heated starches at 20 V/cm was the lowest, which was most likely due to the lower voltage resulting in a more complete pregelatinization from a longer heating time required to reach 100 degrees C. Ohmic treatment at 70 V/cm decreased onset gelatinization temperature of white flour; therefore, it produced rice flour that swelled faster, whereas the conventionally heated sample showed a better thermal resistance.

Soil-to-plant transfer factors of fallout 137Cs and native 133Cs in various crops collected in Japan

Abstract: In order to compare the soil-to-plant transfer factors (TFs) of fallout 137Cs and those of native stable 133Cs, concentrations of these isotopes were determined in various crops and the associated soils collected throughout Japan The results showed that TF-137Cs was 11 times higher than TF-native 133Cs for brown rice, while those values were almost the same for leafy vegetables Possibly, fallout 137Cs would be more mobile and more easily adsorbed by plants than native 133Cs in the soil because a part of the 133Cs is in a soil structure where it is hard to replace with 137Cs However, 137Cs and native 133Cs have reached an approximately isotopic equilibrium in the bioavailable fraction in the soils, therefore, the TF-native 133Cs can be used for long-term transfer of 137Cs in the environment

Genotypic variation of iron partitioning in rice grain

Abstract: The present study investigates the variation of Fe concentration and partitioning in different grain tissues, particularly in the endosperm (white rice) among different rice cultivars from diverse genetic backgrounds Iron concentration ranged from 10 to 20 mgkg(-1) in brown rice and 3-11 mgkg(-1) in white rice Iron concentration in white rice was not correlated with that in brown rice Polishing removed 25-84% of Fe from the brown rice, resulting in a low Fe concentration in the white rice and changed the ranking order for Fe concentration among the cultivars tested Total Fe content in the whole grain including husk (r = 028, NS) and total Fe content in brown rice (r = 009, NS) was not significantly correlated with Fe concentration in white rice Iron content in white rice was found to vary between 005 and 02 mu g grain(-1) among cultivars tested, with the highest Fe content in cv Sakha Iron concentration in white rice was negatively correlated with total Fe content in the bran fraction, which is lost during the polishing process to produce white rice from brown rice (r = -082**) The partitioning of Fe between the endosperm and bran seemed to play a key role in achieving high Fe concentration in the white rice The surface cell layers of the caryopsis appeared to be the main resistance of Fe partitioning into the endosperm (white rice) as there was a significantly negative correlation between Fe concentration in the white rice and Fe content in the bran, which is lost during the polishing process (C) 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Mercury emission and distribution: Potential environmental risks at a small-scale gold mining operation, Phichit Province, Thailand.

Abstract: Mercury (Hg) contamination was assessed in environment near an amalgamation gold recovery operation located at a small scale mining operation (Phanom Pha) in Phichit Province, Thailand. Total mercury (THg) concentrations was determined in water, sediment, bivalves in the aquatic environment and as dry deposition or atmospheric fallout on surface soil and leaves of Neem tree (Azadirachta indica Juss. var. siamensis Valeton) near the mining operation. THg in surface soil, Neem flowers (edible part) and rice grain in surrounding terrestrial habitat and with distance from the mining area were also evaluated for possible contamination. Potential environmental risks were evaluated using the hazard quotient equation. Hg analyses conducted in the aquatic habitat showed that THg in water, sediment and bivalves (Scabies cripata Gould) ranged from 0.4 to 4 microg L(-1), 96 to 402 microg kg(-1)dry weight (dw) and 15 to 584 microg kg(-1) wet weight (ww), respectively. High concentrations of THg in water, sediment and bivalves were observed in the receiving stream near the mining operation which was located near the Khao Chet Luk Reservoir. Whereas the THg concentration in water, sediment and bivalves from monitoring stations outside the gold mining operation (upstream and downstream), were considerably lower with the values of 0.4-0.8 microg L(-1), 96-140 microg kg(-1) dw and 88-658 microg kg(-1) dw, respectively. The elevated concentration of Hg found in the sediment near the mining operation was consistent with Hg accumulation measured in bivalves. The elevated Hg levels found in living bivalves collected from highly contaminated sites suggested that the sediment bound Hg was bioavailable. THg in surface soils, brown rice grain (Jasmine rice #105) and Neem flowers of terrestrial habitats were in the range of 16 to 180 microg kg(-1) dw, 190 to 300 microg kg(-1) dw, and 622 to 2150 microg kg(-1) dw, respectively. Elevated concentrations of mercury were found in Neem flowers with the concentration greater than 600 microg kg(-1) ww, which exceeds the maximum permissible concentration reported for biota tissue (500 microg kg(-1) ww). An evaluation of air and soil pollution near the mining operations showed high concentrations of THg in dry deposit from atmospheric fallout (139 microg m(-2) d(-1)), and in surface soil (10,564 microg kg(-1) dw) at station near where open burning of gold ore extracts using the amalgamation process occurred. High or elevated concentration of THg (1172-1301 microg kg(-1) dw) in leaves of Neem tree was also measured near the mining operations. A survey of Hg in surface soil showed elevated Hg concentrations near the site which corresponded to the elevated THg concentration in dry deposition. These results suggested that atmospheric fallout is a major source of Hg to the area surrounding the mining or gold ore extraction. Results also suggest that Hg emitted into the air (estimated to be 60-150 g d(-1)) from the gold mining activities (over the past 10 years) contaminated air, the aquatic environment, surface soil and biota in the area surrounding the gold mining operation.

Mineral composition of different rice varieties and their milling fractions

Abstract: Four Pakistani coarse rice varieties namely Irri-6, Irri-9, Sarshar and DR-83 were milled to obtain different fractions viz. brown rice, white rice, polished rice, bran and polishing. Chemical components such as moisture, ash, fat, fiber and NFE differed significantly due to differences in milling fractions as well as rice cultivars. The highest protein content was observed in the rice cultivar Sarshar (8.80%) followed by Irri 6 (8.77%) while among the different milling fraction, the maximum protein content was found in bran (11.71%). The highest ash content was found in Sarshar (3.79%) whereas among different milling fractions it was higher in bran (6.04%). Mineral contents were significantly higher in bran followed by polishing. Iron, zinc, manganese, copper contents ranged from 0.59 to 3.98 mg/100g, 1.12 to 4.69 mg/100g, 0.51 to 5.12 mg/100g, 0.28 to1.69 mg/100g respectively among different milling fractions. The mineral contents ranged from 1.57 to 1.94 mg/100g, 1.44 to 2.97 mg/100g, 1.57 to 2.33 mg/100g and 0.58 to 0.92 mg/100g among different varieties. Volume expansion ratio and water absorption ratio was higher in Sarshar (3.15& 2.31) among varieties and in polished rice (3.50 & 2.65) among the fractions. The rice varieties Sarshar and Irri-6 must be given more attention by the rice breeders to use in their hybridization programs as these varieties exhibit more proteins and minerals which are required to maintain normal body metabolism.

Effect of pre-germinated brown rice intake on diabetic neuropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Abstract: Background To study the effects of a pre-germinated brown rice diet (PR) on diabetic neuropathy in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Pre-germinated brown rice could enhance maternal mental health and immunity during lactation

Abstract: Rice is a dietary staple worldwide, especially pre-germinated brown rice has recently been widely served in Japan because of its abundant nutrition. Relationship between lactation and pre-germinated brown rice has attracted interest in terms of mental health and immunity. To demonstrate that Japanese foods are beneficial for psychosomatic health, the effects of pre-germinated brown rice on the mental status and immunological features during lactation were investigated. Forty-one breast-feeding mothers were recruited, and randomly divided into two groups. One group took pre-germinated brown rice and the other white rice (control) as their staple diet for 2 weeks. The Profile of Mood States (POMS) and salivary amylase activity as psychological indices and secretory IgA (s-IgA) and lactoferrin (LTF) in breast milk as immunological indices were determined before and after dietary intervention, and changes were investigated. In the psychological assessment, the scores of depression, anger-hostility, and fatigue were decreased on POMS analysis in the pre-germinated brown rice diet group, resulting in a significant decrease in total mood disturbance (TMD). The salivary amylase activity measurement suggested that resistance to stress was increased in the pre-germinated brown rice diet group. On the immunological assessment, the s-IgA level was significantly increased in the pre-germinated brown rice diet group. We have shown that pre-germinated brown rice may have beneficial effects on psychosomatic health.

Amelioration of Cadmium Polluted Paddy Soils by Porous Hydrated Calcium Silicate

Abstract: Porous hydrated calcium silicate (PS) is a by-product of autoclave light weight concrete and is being used as a silicon fertilizer in Japan. The impacts of this amendment on the yield and cadmium content of rice (Orzya sativa L. var. Kokoromachi), soil pH and the extractability of soil cadmium assessed by 1 M NH4OAc were compared with those of silica gel and CaCO3 by pot experiments. The application of PS at the rate of 2.0% and silica gel at the rate of 1.0% in Andosol and PS at the rate of 0.75% in Alluvial soil significantly increased the grain weight of rice. PS and CaCO3 treatment significantly increased soil pH, decreased the 1 M NH4OAc extractability of cadmium and reduced cadmium content in straw and brown rice in the two soils. However, cadmium content of rice of PS treatments was not significantly different from that of CaCO3 treatments in Andosol, while was significantly lower than that of CaCO3 treatments in Alluvial soil. Soil analysis showed that it was less effective in increasing soil pH and decreasing the extractability of cadmium by 1 M NH4OAc than CaCO3 at the same application rate in Andosol. Soil pH and 1 M NH4OAc extractability of cadmium were not significantly different between 2.0% of PS and CaCO3 treatments in Alluvial soil. The application of silica gel did not improve soil pH nor decrease the extractability of soil cadmium, but resulted in a significant decline of cadmium content in brown rice. These results demonstrate that the supply of silicon together with an increase in soil pH, as obtained by PS application, shows potential to reduce the cadmium content of rice.

Arsenic Accumulation in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties of Bangladesh: A Glass House Study

Abstract: A glass house study was conducted to investigate the accumulation of arsenic in tissues of five widely cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties of Bangladesh namely BRRI dhan 28, BRRI dhan 29, BRRI dhan 35, BRRI dhan 36, BRRI hybrid dhan 1. Arsenic concentrations were measured in straw, husk and brown and polish rice grain to see the differential accumulation of arsenic among the rice varieties. The results showed that the concentrations of arsenic in different parts of all rice varieties increased significantly (p BRRI dhan 35 > BRRI dhan 36 > BRRI dhan 29 > BRRI hybrid dhan 1. The order of arsenic contents in tissues of rice was: straw > husk > brown rice grain > polish rice grain.

Effects of pre-germinated brown rice on depression-like behavior in mice

Abstract: We investigated the antidepressant-like effects of pre-germinated brown rice (PGBR) and polished rice (PR) pellets, respectively, in comparison with control (AIN-93G) pellets in the forced swimming test and the learned helplessness paradigm in mice. Mice were fed respective pellets for 30 days. The immobility time on the 2nd day of the forced swimming test was shorter in mice fed with PR or PGBR pellets than in mice fed with control pellets. In the learned helplessness paradigm, the number of escape failures in mice fed with PGBR pellets was significantly smaller than that in mice fed with control pellets. Compared to the control group, an increase in serotonin (5-HT) levels, but not in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels, and a decrease in the 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio were observed in the frontal cortex of the PGBR group. There were no differences among the three groups in terms of 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels and their ratios in the hippocampus and striatum. The levels of noradrenaline and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol were not affected by the food pellets in all the brain regions tested. Additionally, we could not detect any differences in the expression of the 5-HT1A receptor and the 5-HT transporter in the frontal cortex of the three groups. These results suggest that the increase of 5-HT levels in the mouse frontal cortex contributes to the antidepressant-like effects of PGBR pellets.

Pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi-potential candidates to control insect pests on tomato under protected cultivation in Thailand

Abstract: Thirty-three isolates of entomopathogenic fungi were bioassayed to determine their efficacy against thrips (Ceratothripoides claratris), mealybug (Pseudococcus cryptus) and whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), the most destructive insect pests of tomato cultivated in netted greenhouses in Thailand. Most effective fungi against thrips proved to be Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (BCC7058, FWA3 and FWA5), against mealybug Metarhizium anisopliae (KKU2) and against whitefly P. fumosoroseus (FWA3) and Fusarium solani (FWA1). The infection process of the fungi was visualized using a scanning electron microscope. White-rice, brown rice, broken-milled rice, corn and sorghum grains were evaluated for their capability to serve as solid substrate for fungus mass production. Results indicated that white-rice and broken-milled rice accounted for the highest conidial yield. Maximum conidial yield on most of the substrates could be achieved with 10 days incubation time. With most effective isolates from bioassays, pest-infested tomato plants were sprayed in insect screen cages to evaluate the potential as bio-insecticide in on-plant trials and to determine effective dose rates for spray application in greenhouses. The Lc50 of P. fumosoroseus (FWA3) against C. claratris and B. tabaci were 9.51 × 102 conidia ml−1 and 9.41 × 104 conidia ml−1, respectively, and the Lc50 of M. anisopliae (KKU2) against P. cryptus was 2.35 × 10 6 conidia ml−1. These two isolates provide high potential as biocontrol agents for Ipm approaches for the most important insect pests in tropical greenhouses.