The jigsaw puzzle of pedigree: whole-genome resequencing reveals genetic diversity and ancestral lineage in Sunong black pigs.

The Sunong black pig is a new composite breed under development generated from Chinese indigenous pig breeds (i.e., Taihu and Huai) and intensive pig breeds (i.e., Landrace and Berkshire), which is an important genetic material for studying breeding mechanisms. However, there is currently limited knowledge about the genetic structure and germplasm characteristics of Sunong black pigs. To comprehensively understand their genetic composition and ancestry proportions, we performed population structure and local ancestry inference analysis based on whole-genome sequencing information. The results showed that Sunong black pigs could be clustered independently into a group, whose pedigree was intermediate between indigenous and commercial pig breeds, but closer to commercial pigs. Furthermore, local ancestry inference analysis revealed that Sunong black pigs inherited immune and reproductive traits from indigenous pig breeds, including CC and CXC chemokine family, Toll-like receptor family, IFN gene family, ESR1, AREG and EREG gene, while growth and development-related traits were inherited from commercial pig breeds, including IGF1 and GSY2 gene. Overall, Sunong black pigs have formed a relatively stable genome structure with some advantageous traits inherited from their ancestral breeds. This study deepened the understanding of the breeding mechanism of Sunong black pigs and provided a reference for cross-breeding programmes in livestock.

Rayleigh-Taylor instability in magnetohydrodynamics with finite resistivity in a horizontal magnetic field.

Recent studies have revealed the significant influence of finite resistivity on high-energy-density plasmas, contrary to the previous findings of Jukes [J. Fluid Mech. 16, 177 (1963)0022-112010.1017/S0022112063000677]. This paper reexamines Jukes' theory in the context of magneto-Rayleigh-Taylor instability in magnetohydrodynamics with finite resistivity represented by η. The inadequacy of Jukes' approach due to an erroneous boundary condition is demonstrated, and it is shown that although the theory provides some physical insights, it fails to capture crucial features. The dispersion relation proposed in this study highlights that larger growth rates tend to diffuse the magnetic field rapidly, negating its suppressive effect. Moreover, the Atwood number has a significant influence on the growth-rate curves' shape, which differs from those of viscous or elastic flows and ideal magnetohydrodynamics. Additionally, long wavelengths grow proportionally to η^{1/3}, while α indicating growth rates behaves classically when the magnetic field is entirely diffused.

Assembly of Ultralong Hydroxyapatite Nanowires into Enamel-like Materials.

To develop dental restorative materials with enamel-like structures, ultralong hydroxyapatite (HA) nanowires were synthesized by a hydrothermal method, followed by functionalization with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH-570). The mixture of HA nanowires, KH-570, and light initiator was stirred and centrifuged. The precipitate was vacuum filtered to remove excessive KH-570 and then pressured under cold isostatic pressing (10 MPa × 24 h). Finally, the block was polymerized by lighting. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that HA nanowires with aspect ratios >1,000 were assembled into enamel rod-like microstructures and evenly dispersed in the polymerized KH-570 silane matrix to form enamel-like structures. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the content of HA nanowires reached 72 wt% in the composite. The enamel-like composite showed a similar hardness, frictional property, and acid-etching property to those of enamel and a comparable or even better diametral tensile strength and compressive strength than some commercial composite resins in mechanical tests in vitro. In addition, the enamel-like composite had good cytocompatibility. Such enamel-like composites may have the potential to be used in biomimetic tooth restorations in the future.

Cortical response of the projected-thumb tactile sensation under TENS by MEG.

The existence of projected finger territories (PFTs) near the stump provides an essential way to realize the tactile sensation of lost fingers by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). After amputation, the somatosensory cortex corresponding to lost fingers might be invaded by other cortical areas due to cortical plasticity. However, it was seldom observed how the amputees could feel the projected or lost finger tactile sensation in the cerebral cortex under TENS. To answer this question, by using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we investigated the cortical response under TENS of the projected thumb territory and normal thumb with 2 Hz current pulses. One subject with long-term left forearm amputation was recruited. The temporal and spatial characteristics of the activated cortical magnetic signals were analyzed. The Equivalent Current Dipoles (ECDs) corresponding to the strongest strength were mapped in the cerebral cortex, and the current density distribution were clearly illustrated. We found that the latencies at the maximum ECD strength were 60 ± 1.41 ms for the projected thumb and 46 ± 1.25 ms for the normal counterpart. The strongest ECD corresponding to projected thumb was located in the central sulcus near the mirror location of the normal thumb counterpart. And the response strengths of projected thumb cortex were stronger than normal thumb counterpart.

[Comparative study on the coronary artery anomalies between the Han and Tibetan nationalities living in middle and high altitude].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the differences of coronary artery anomalies between Han and Tibetan nationality living in middle and high altitude. METHODS: A total of 7 028 adults living in the Qinghai Plateau(1 800-7 720 m altitude), who underwent coronary CT angiography in Qinghai Cardio-cerebro-vascular Disease Special Hospital between 2010 to 2015, were included in this study.There were 6 391 cases of the Han nationality and 637 cases of the Tibetan nationality. The differences of coronary artery anomalies between Han and Tibetan nationality were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: (1) Incidence of coronary artery anomalies was lower in Han nationality than in the Tibetan nationality (1.596%(102/6 391)vs. 4.239%(27/637), P<0.001). (2) There was 64.7%(66/102) male residents with coronary artery anomalies in Han nationality, and 74.1% (20/27) male residents with coronary artery anomalies in Tibetan nationality(P=0.359). (3) Left side coronary artery anomalies in Han nationality was similar as in Tibetan nationality (64.4%(67/104) vs. 55.6%(15/27), P=0.396). (4) Incidence of benign coronary artery anomalies was significantly lower in Han nationality than in Tibetan nationality (0.720%(46/6 391) vs. 2.200%(14/637), P<0.001). Incidence of potentially dangerous coronary artery anomalies was also significantly lower in Han nationality than in Tibetan nationality (0.876%(56/6 391) vs. 2.041%(13/637), P=0.004). (5)Ten kinds of coronary artery anomalies were found in this study. There were significant differences between Han and Tibetan nationality in left coronary artery originated from right coronary sinus(0.046%(3/6 391) vs. 0.471%(3/637), P=0.012), in left circumflex branch originated from right coronary sinus(0.046%(3/6 391)vs. 0.471%(3/637), P=0.012), and opening of right coronary artery in left coronary sinus or left anterior descending(0.704%(45/6 391)vs. 1.570%(10/637), P=0.018). CONCLUSION: The incidences of coronary artery anomalies and benign coronary artery anomalies were significantly lower in Han nationality residents than that of the in Tibetan nationality residents living in middle and high altitude.

Comparison of full-mouth disinfection and quadrant-wise scaling in the treatment of adult chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Scaling and root planing are widely considered as effective methods for treating chronic periodontitis. A meta-analysis published in 2008 showed no statistically significant differences between full-mouth disinfection (FMD) or full-mouth scaling and root planing (FMS) and quadrant scaling and root planing (Q-SRP). The FMD approach only resulted in modest additional improvements in several indices. Whether differences exist between these two approaches requires further validation. Accordingly, a study was conducted to further validate whether FMD with antiseptics or FMS without the use of antiseptics within 24 h provides greater clinical improvement than Q-SRP in patients with chronic periodontitis. Medline (via OVID), EMBASE (via OVID), PubMed and CENTRAL databases were searched up to 27 January 2015. Randomized controlled trials comparing FMD or FMS with Q-SRP after at least 3 mo were included. Meta-analysis was performed to obtain the weighted mean difference (WMD), together with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Thirteen articles were included in the meta-analysis. The WMD of probing pocket depth reduction was 0.25 mm (p < 0.05) for FMD vs. Q-SRP in single-rooted teeth with moderate pockets, and clinical attachment level gain in single- and multirooted teeth with moderate pockets was 0.33 mm (p < 0.05) for FMD vs. Q-SRP. Except for those, no statistically significant differences were found in the other subanalyses of FMD vs. Q-SRP, FMS vs. Q-SRP and FMD vs. FMS. Therefore, the meta-analysis results showed that FMD was better than Q-SRP for achieving probing pocket depth reduction and clinical attachment level gain in moderate pockets. Additionally, regardless of the treatment, no serious complications were observed. FMD, FMS and Q-SRP are all effective for the treatment of adult chronic periodontitis, and they do not lead to any obvious discomfort among patients. Moreover, FMD had modest additional clinical benefits over Q-SRP, so we prefer to recommend FMD as the first choice for the treatment of adult chronic periodontitis.

[Protective mechanism of tianmacuzhi granules in brain].

OBJECTIVE: To provide pharmacological evidence for the protective effects of Tianmacuzhi Granules (TMC) in mouse brain in a ischemia--reperfusion model. METHOD: Receptor binding test of NMDA receptor and M receptor in brain, GPx activity determination in brain and liver effected by different dose of TMC were performed. RESULT: TMC could reduce the NMDA receptor activity, increase the M receptor activity and GPx activity of cerebral cortex and hippocampus tissues significantly. CONCLUSION: TMC might antagonize ischemia-reperfusion injury of brain by reducing the glutamate neurotoxicity and increasing the function of cholinergic nerve and effects of anti-peroxidization in brain.

[Protective effect of xinxin capsule on learning and memory impairment in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Xinxin Capsule on the scopolamine or ethanol induced impairment of learning and memory retention in mice. METHOD: Step-through and Morris Water-maze methods, wer used to the protective effect of Xinxin Capsule(0.4, 0.8, 1.6 g.kg-1, ig, 16 d) on the scopolamine or ethanol induced impairment of learning and memory retention in mice. RESULT: The Capsule(0.8, 1.6 g.kg-1, ig,) can turn over the Scope so as to induce the impairment of learning, and the Capsule((0.4, 0.8, 1.6 g.kg-1, ig) can improve the ethanol induced impairment of memory retention in mice. CONCLUSION: Xinxin Capsule helps regain as well as impair the learning and memory retention in mice.

[A review of development of pharmacognosy].

OBJECTIVE: To Review the development of pharmacognosy in China. METHODS: Based on relevant materials. RESULTS: The characteristics of the development of pharmacognosy in China have been summarized. CONCLUSION: With the passage of time, the science of pharmacognosy will take up a new scientific connotation and enter a new developing stage which may be called "The Period of Natural Pharmacognosy".