Unraveling genomic diversity and positive selection signatures of Qaidam cattle through whole-genome re-sequencing.

Qaidam cattle are a typical Chinese native breed inhabiting northwest China. They bear the characteristics of high cold and roughage tolerance, low-oxygen adaptability and good meat quality. To analyze the genetic diversity of Qaidam cattle, 60 samples were sequenced using whole-genome resequencing technology, along with 192 published sets of whole-genome sequencing data of Indian indicine cattle, Chinese indicine cattle, North Chinese cattle breeds, East Asian taurine cattle, Eurasian taurine cattle and European taurine cattle as controls. It was found that Qaidam cattle have rich genetic diversity in Bos taurus, but the degree of inbreeding is also high, which needs further protection. The phylogenetic analysis, principal component analysis and ancestral component analysis showed that Qaidam cattle mainly originated from East Asian taurine cattle. Qaidam cattle had a closer genetic relationship with the North Chinese cattle breeds and the least differentiation from Mongolian cattle. Annotating the selection signals obtained by composite likelihood ratio, nucleotide diversity analysis, integrated haplotype score, genetic differentiation index, genetic diversity ratio and cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity methods, several genes associated with immunity, reproduction, meat, milk, growth and adaptation showed strong selection signals. In general, this study provides genetic evidence for understanding the germplasm characteristics of Qaidam cattle. At the same time, it lays a foundation for the scientific and reasonable protection and utilization of genetic resources of Chinese local cattle breeds, which has great theoretical and practical significance.

Asymmetric Anion Zinc Salt Derived Solid Electrolyte Interphase Enabled Long-Lifespan Aqueous Zinc Bromine Batteries.

Organic additives with high-reduction potentials are generally applied in aqueous electrolytes to stabilize the Zn anode, while compromise safety and environmental compatibility. Highly concentrated water-in-salt electrolytes have been proposed to realize the high reversibility of Zn plating/stripping; however, their high cost and viscosity hinder their practical applications. Therefore, exploring low-concentration Zn salts, that can be used directly to stabilize Zn anodes, is of primary importance. Herein, we developed an asymmetric anion group, bi(difluoromethanesulfonyl)(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (DFTFSI- )-based novel zinc salt, Zn(DFTFSI)2 , to obtain a high ionic conductivity and a highly stable dendrite-free Zn anode. Experimental tests and theoretical calculations verified that DFTFSI- in the Zn2+ solvation sheath and inner Helmholtz plane would be preferentially reduced to construct layer-structured SEI films, inhibiting hydrogen evolution and side reactions. Consequently, the Zn | | ${||}$ Zn symmetric cell with 1M Zn(DFTFSI)2 aqueous electrolyte delivers an ultralong cycle life for >2500 h outperforming many other conventional Zn salt electrolytes. The Zn | | ${||}$ Br2 battery also exhibits a long lifespan over 1200 cycles at ~99.8 % Coulombic efficiency with a high capacity retention of 92.5 %. Furthermore, this outstanding performance translates well to a high-areal-capacity Zn | | ${||}$ Br2 battery (~5.6 mAh ⋅ cm-2 ), cycling over 320 cycles with 95.3 % initial capacity retained.

Fast Reaction Kinetics and Commendable Low-Temperature Adaptability of Zinc Batteries Enabled by Aprotic Water-Acetamide Symbiotic Solvation Sheath.

Although rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries are cost effectiveness, intrinsicly safe, and high activity, they are also known for bringing rampant hydrogen evolution reaction and corrosion. While eutectic electrolytes can effectively eliminate these issues, its high viscosity severely reduces the mobility of Zn2+ ions and exhibits poor temperature adaptability. Here, we infuse acetamide molecules with Lewis base and hydrogen bond donors into a solvated shell of Zn[(H2 O)6 ]2+ to create Zn(H2 O)3 (ace)(BF4 )2 . The viscosity of 1ace-1H2 O is 0.032 Pa s, significantly lower than that of 1ace-0H2 O (995.6 Pa s), which improves ionic conductivity (9.56 mS cm-1 ) and shows lower freezing point of -45 °C, as opposed to 1ace-0H2 O of 4.04 mS cm-1 and 12 °C, respectively. The acidity of 1ace-1H2 O is ≈2.8, higher than 0ace-1H2 O at ≈0.76, making side reactions less likely. Furthermore, benefiting from the ZnCO3 /ZnF2 -rich organic/inorganic solid electrolyte interface, the Zn || Zn cells cycle more than 1300 hours at 1 mA cm-2 , and the Zn || Cu operated over 1800 cycles with an average Coulomb efficiency of ≈99.8 %. The Zn || PANI cell cycled over 8500 cycles, with a specific capacity of 99.8 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1 at room temperature, and operated at -40 °C with a capacity of 66.8 mAh g-1 .

Maternal genetic diversity, differentiation and phylogeny of three white yak breeds/populations in China.

White yak is a unique economic livestock animal on the Qilian Mountains of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). Here, 369 mitochondrial D-loop sequences from three Chinese white yak breeds/populations (Tianzhu, Menyuan and Huzhu) were comprehensively analyzed to indicate their maternal genetic diversity, differentiation and phylogenetic relationship. Our results showed that the haplotype diversity (Hd) was found to be highest in Tianzhu white yak (Hd ± SD = 0.9501 ± 0.0058), while the lowest was recorded in Huzhu white yak (Hd ± SD = 0.7178 ± 0.0474). Totally, the haplotype and nucleotide diversities of white yak were 0.9407 ± 0.0069 and 0.0187 ± 0.0094, respectively, indicating an abundant maternal genetic diversity in white yak. Estimates of FST (Fixation Index) values showed a high genetic differentiation between Tianzhu and Menyuan populations (FST = 0.2928, p < 0.05) as well as that between Tianzhu and Huzhu populations (FST = 0.2721, p < 0.05), but a moderate genetic differentiation between Menyuan and Huzhu populations (FST = 0.1352, p > 0.05) was observed. Cluster analysis based on FST values among populations indicated that the genetic relationship between Menyuan and Huzhu white yak was closer, but they had a far genetic relationship with Tianzhu white yak. Maternal phylogenetic analysis revealed that white yak represented two maternal lineages (I and II), suggesting two maternal origins. In addition, it is notable that taurine mtDNA haplotypes were detected in Tianzhu and Huzhu white yak populations, indicating taurine genetic introgression to some extent. Our study would provide useful information for the conservation and utilization of white yak.

Solid Interhalogen Compounds with Effective Br0 Fixing for Stable High-energy Zinc Batteries.

Though massive efforts have been devoted to exploring Br-based batteries, the highly soluble Br2 /Br3 - species causing rigorous "shuttle effect", leads to severe self-discharge and low Coulombic efficiency. Conventionally, quaternary ammonium salts such as methyl ethyl morpholinium bromide (MEMBr) and tetrapropylammonium bromide (TPABr) are used to fix Br2 and Br3 - , but they occupy the mass and volume of battery without capacity contribution. Here, we report an all-active solid interhalogen compound, IBr, as a cathode to address the above challenges, in which the oxidized Br0 is fixed by iodine (I), thoroughly eliminating cross-diffusing Br2 /Br3 - species during the whole charging and discharging process. The Zn||IBr battery delivers remarkably high energy density of 385.8 Wh kg-1 , which is higher than those of I2 , MEMBr3 , and TPABr3 cathodes. Our work provides new approaches to achieve active solid interhalogen chemistry for high-energy electrochemical energy storage devices.

Rich maternal and paternal genetic diversity and divergent lineage composition in wild yak (Bos mutus).

Wild yak (Bos mutus) is a vulnerable bovine species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). So far, most studies on molecular genetic diversity of wild yak have focused on autosomal and mtDNA variations based on small number of samples. In this study, we analyzed 84 D-loop and 24 whole mitogenome sequences of wild yak to further comprehensively explore its maternal genetic diversity and lineage composition. Meanwhile, using six yak Y-specific polymorphic markers (i.e., SRY4, USP9Y, UTY19, AMELY3, OFD1Y10 and INRA189), we assessed the paternal genetic diversity and lineage composition based on eight wild yak. Our results showed that wild yak exhibited abundant maternal genetic diversity with haplotype diversities of 0.9621 ± 0.0078 and 0.9928 ± 0.0144 in the D-loop and whole mitogenome sequences, respectively. Maternal phylogenetic analysis of wild yak uncovered three defined lineages (mt-I, mt-II and mt-III). Similarly, profuse paternal genetic diversity was observed in wild yak with Y-haplotype diversity (Hd) at 0.8214 ± 0.1007. Two Y-haplogroups (Y1 and Y2) with four Y-haplotypes (yH1-yH4) were identified in paternal phylogenetic analysis, indicating wild yak to be of two paternal lineages. This study of genetic diversity and lineage composition of wild yak would provide useful information for the genetic resource conservation and utilization of this vulnerable wild species.

Rich maternal and paternal genetic diversity and divergent lineage composition in wild yak (Bos mutus).

Wild yak (Bos mutus) is a vulnerable bovine species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. So far, most studies on the molecular genetic diversity of wild yak have focused on autosomal and mtDNA variations based on the small number of samples. In this study, we analyzed 84 D-loop and 24 whole mitogenome sequences of wild yak to further comprehensively explore its maternal genetic diversity and lineage composition. Meanwhile, using six yak Y-specific polymorphic markers (i.e., SRY4, USP9Y, UTY19, AMELY3, OFD1Y10 and INRA189), we assessed the paternal genetic diversity and lineage composition based on eight wild yak. Our results showed that wild yak exhibited abundant maternal genetic diversity with haplotype diversities of 0.9621 ± 0.0078 and 0.9928 ± 0.0144 in the D-loop and whole mitogenome sequences, respectively. Maternal phylogenetic analysis of wild yak uncovered three defined lineages (mt-I, mt-II and mt-III). Similarly, profuse paternal genetic diversity was observed in wild yak with Y-haplotype diversity at 0.8214 ± 0.1007. Two Y-haplogroups (Y1 and Y2) and four Y-haplotypes (yH1-yH4) were identified in paternal phylogenetic analysis, indicating wild yak to be of two paternal lineages. The present study of genetic diversity and lineage composition of wild yak would provide useful information for the genetic resource conservation and utilization of this vulnerable wild species.

Alkaline Tolerant Antifreezing Additive Enabling Aqueous Zn||Ni Battery Operating at -60 °C.

Alkaline aqueous batteries such as the Zn||Ni batteries have attracted substantial interests due to their merits of high energy density, high safety and low cost. However, the freeze of aqueous electrolyte and the poor cycling stability in alkaline condition have hindered their operation in subzero conditions. Herein, we construct a stable aqueous electrolyte with lowest freezing point down to -90 °C by adding dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as alkaline tolerant antifreezing additive into 1 M KOH solution. Meanwhile, we find the DMSO can also retard Zn anode corrosion and prevent Zn dendrite formation in alkaline condition, which enables the Zn plating/stripping over 700 h cycle at 1 mA cm-2 and 0.5 mAh cm-2 . The fabricated Zn||Ni battery can endure low working temperature even down to -60 °C and its dischage capacity retains 84.1 % at -40 °C, 60.6 % at -60 °C at 0.5 C. Meanwhile, it can maintain 600 cycles with a specific capacity retention of 86.5 % at -40 °C at 2 C.

Electrocatalytic Iodine Reduction Reaction Enabled by Aqueous Zinc-Iodine Battery with Improved Power and Energy Densities.

Proposed are Prussian blue analogue hosts with ordered and continuous channels, and electrocatalytic functionality with open Co and Fe species, which facilitate maximum I2 utilization efficiency and direct I2 to I- conversion kinetics of the I2 reduction reaction, and free up 1/3 I- from I3 - . Co[Co1/4 Fe3/4 (CN)6 ] exhibits a low energy barrier (0.47 kJ mol-1 ) and low Tafel slope (76.74 mV dec-1 ). Accordingly, the Co[Co1/4 Fe3/4 (CN)6 ]/I2 //Zn battery delivers a capacity of 236.8 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1 and a rate performance with 151.4 mAh g-1 achieved even at 20 A g-1 . The battery delivers both high energy density and high-power density of 305.5 Wh kg-1 and 109.1 kW kg-1 , higher than I2 //Zn batteries reported to date. Furthermore, solid-state flexible batteries were constructed. A 100 mAh high capacity solid-state I2 //Zn battery is demonstrated with excellent cycling performance of 81.2 % capacity retained after 400 cycles.

Effects of oxygen concentrations on developmental competence and transcriptomic profile of yak oocytes.

Oxygen concentration influences oocyte quality and subsequent embryo development, but it remains unclear whether oxygen concentrations affect the developmental competence and transcriptomic profile of yak oocytes. In this study, we investigated the effects of different oxygen concentrations (5% versus 20%) on the developmental competence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, glutathione (GSH) content, and transcriptomic profile of yak oocytes. The results showed that a low oxygen concentration significantly increased the maturation rate of yak oocytes (81.2 ± 2.2% vs 75.9 ± 1.3%) and the blastocyst quality of yak in vitro fertilized embryos. Analysis of ROS and GSH showed that a low oxygen concentration reduced ROS levels and increased the content of GSH (75.05 ± 7.1 ng/oocyte vs 50.63 ± 5.6 ng/oocyte). Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis identified 120 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups of oocytes. Gene enrichment analysis of the DEGs indicated multiple cellular processes, including oxidative phosphorylation, transcription regulation, mitochondrial regulation, oestrogen signalling pathway, HIF-1 signalling pathway, TNF signalling pathway, were involved in the response to oxygen concentration alterations. Taken together, these results indicated that a low oxygen concentration improved the developmental competence of yak oocytes.

Liquid-Free All-Solid-State Zinc Batteries and Encapsulation-Free Flexible Batteries Enabled by In†Situ Constructed Polymer Electrolyte.

Zn batteries are usually considered as safe aqueous systems that are promising for flexible batteries. On the other hand, any liquids, including water, being encapsulated in a deformable battery may result in problems. Developing completely liquid-free all-solid-state Zn batteries needs high-quality solid-state electrolytes (SSEs). Herein, we demonstrate in situ polymerized amorphous solid poly(1,3-dioxolane) electrolytes, which show high Zn ion conductivity of 19.6 mS cm-1 at room temperature, low interfacial impedance, highly reversible Zn plating/stripping over 1800 h cycles, uniform and dendrite-free Zn deposition, and non-dry properties. The in-plane interdigital-structure device with the electrolyte completely exposed to the open atmosphere can be operated stably for over 30 days almost without weight loss or electrochemical performance decay. Furthermore, the sandwich-structure device can normally operate over 40 min under exposure to fire. Meanwhile, the interfacial impedance and the capacity using in situ-formed solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) remain almost unchanged after various bending tests, a key criterion for flexible/wearable devices. Our study demonstrates an approach for SSEs that fulfill the requirement of no liquid and mechanical robustness for practical solid-state Zn batteries.

Modeling neurogenesis impairment in Down syndrome with induced pluripotent stem cells from Trisomy 21 amniotic fluid cells.

Down syndrome (DS), or Trisomy 21 (T21) syndrome, one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities, is caused by an extra duplication of chromosome 21. In studies of neuron development, experimental models based on human cells are considered to be the most desired and accurate for basic research. The generation of diseased induced pluripotetn stem (iPS) cell is a critical step in understanding the developmental stages of complex neuronal diseases. Here, we generated human DS iPS cell lines from second trimester amniotic fluid (AF) cells with T21 by co-expressing Yamanaka factors through lentiviral delivery and subsequently differentiated them into neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs) for further analyses. T21 AF-iPS cells were characterized for the expression of pluripotent markers and for their ability to differentiate into all three germ layers by forming embryoid bodies in vitro and teratomas in vivo. The T21 AF-iPS cells maintained their unique pattern of chromosomal karyotypes: three pairs of chromosome 21. The level of amyloid precursor protein was significantly increased in NPCs derived from T21 AF-iPS cells compared with NPCs from normal AF-iPS cells. The expression levels of miR-155 and miR-802 in T21 AF-iPS-NPCs were highly elevated in the presence of low expression of MeCP2. We observed that T21 iPS-NPCs generated fewer neurons compared with controls. T21 iPS-NPCs exhibit developmental defects during neurogenesis. Our findings suggest that T21 AF-iPS cells serve as a good source to further elucidate the impairment neurogenesis of DS and the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Genetic Variations of African Swine Fever Virus: Major Challenges and Prospects.

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease affecting pigs and wild boars. It typically presents as a hemorrhagic fever but can also manifest in various forms, ranging from acute to asymptomatic. ASF has spread extensively globally, significantly impacting the swine industry. The complex and highly variable character of the ASFV genome makes vaccine development and disease surveillance extremely difficult. The overall trend in ASFV evolution is towards decreased virulence and increased transmissibility. Factors such as gene mutation, viral recombination, and the strain-specificity of virulence-associated genes facilitate viral variations. This review deeply discusses the influence of these factors on viral immune evasion, pathogenicity, and the ensuing complexities encountered in vaccine development, disease detection, and surveillance. The ultimate goal of this review is to thoroughly explore the genetic evolution patterns and variation mechanisms of ASFV, providing a theoretical foundation for advancement in vaccine and diagnostic technologies.

The MGF300-2R Protein of African Swine Fever Virus Promotes IKKß Ubiquitination by Recruiting the E3 Ubiquitin Ligase TRIM21.

African swine fever (ASF) is an acute, hemorrhagic, highly contagious disease in pigs caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). Our previous study identified that the ASFV MGF300-2R protein functions as a virulence factor and found that MGF300-2R degrades IKKß via selective autophagy. However, the E3 ubiquitin ligase responsible for IKKß ubiquitination during autophagic degradation still remains unknown. In order to solve this problem, we first pulled down 328 proteins interacting with MGF300-2R through immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry. Next, we analyzed and confirmed the interaction between the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 and MGF300-2R and demonstrated the catalytic role of TRIM21 in IKKß ubiquitination. Finally, we indicated that the degradation of IKKß by MGF300-2R was dependent on TRIM21. In summary, our results indicate TRIM21 is the E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in the degradation of IKKß by MGF300-2R, thereby augmenting our understanding of the functions of MGF300-2R and offering insights into the rational design of live attenuated vaccines and antiviral strategies against ASF.

Regulation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-related Apoptosis-inducing Ligand Expression in Primary Acute Leukemic Cells by Chemotherapeutics.

OBJECTIVE: The expression of the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) protein and its regulation by chemotherapeutics were analyzed in primary acute leukemic cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood was collected from 16 patients with acute leukemia on days 0, 1, 3, and 5 of chemotherapy. The mononuclear cells were separated from the peripheral blood, and TRAIL expression was assessed by flow cytometry. The bone marrow mononuclear cells of patients with acute leukemia were separated before chemotherapy and cultured in vitro with VP-16 and/or interferon (IFN). The TRAIL expression level was detected after the cell culture. RESULTS: TRAIL expression in the mononuclear cells of peripheral blood was significantly upregulated on day 1 (p<0.05) and then significantly decreased on day 5 after chemotherapy (p<0.05). RESULTS from the in vitro culture revealed that VP-16 upregulated TRAIL expression in the bone marrow mononuclear cells of patients with acute leukemia, but the binding of VP-16 to IFN did not enhance TRAIL expression as compared with VP-16 alone (p>0.05). onclusion: OA single chemotherapy mechanism for leukemia may suffice to induce TRAIL expression and promote the apoptosis of leukemic cells. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None declared.

Aqueous Zinc Batteries with Ultra-Fast Redox Kinetics and High Iodine Utilization Enabled by Iron Single Atom Catalysts.

Rechargeable aqueous zinc iodine (ZnǀǀI2) batteries have been promising energy storage technologies due to low-cost position and constitutional safety of zinc anode, iodine cathode and aqueous electrolytes. Whereas, on one hand, the low-fraction utilization of electrochemically inert host causes severe shuttle of soluble polyiodides, deficient iodine utilization and sluggish reaction kinetics. On the other hand, the usage of high mass polar electrocatalysts occupies mass and volume of electrode materials and sacrifices device-level energy density. Here, we propose a "confinement-catalysis" host composed of Fe single atom catalyst embedding inside ordered mesoporous carbon host, which can effectively confine and catalytically convert I2/I- couple and polyiodide intermediates. Consequently, the cathode enables the high capacity of 188.2 mAh g-1 at 0.3 A g-1, excellent rate capability with a capacity of 139.6 mAh g-1 delivered at high current density of 15 A g-1 and ultra-long cyclic stability over 50,000 cycles with 80.5% initial capacity retained under high iodine loading of 76.72 wt%. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic host can also accelerate the [Formula: see text] conversion. The greatly improved electrochemical performance originates from the modulation of physicochemical confinement and the decrease of energy barrier for reversible I-/I2 and I2/I+ couples, and polyiodide intermediates conversions.

An asymmetric electrolyte to simultaneously meet contradictory requirements of anode and cathode.

One of the major obstacles hindering the application of zinc metal batteries is the contradictory demands from the Zn metal anode and cathodes. At the anode side, water induces serious corrosion and dendrite growth, remarkably suppressing the reversibility of Zn plating/stripping. At the cathode side, water is essential because many cathode materials require both H+ and Zn2+ insertion/extraction to achieve a high capacity and long lifespan. Herein, an asymmetric design of inorganic solid-state electrolyte combined with hydrogel electrolyte is presented to simultaneously meet the as-mentioned contrary requirements. The inorganic solid-state electrolyte is toward the Zn anode to realize a dendrite-free and corrosion-free highly reversible Zn plating/stripping, and the hydrogel electrolyte enables consequent H+ and Zn2+ insertion/extraction at the cathode side for high performance. Therefore, there is no hydrogen and dendrite growth detected in cells with a super high-areal-capacity up to 10 mAh·cm-2 (Zn//Zn), ~5.5 mAh·cm-2 (Zn//MnO2) and ~7.2 mAh·cm-2 (Zn//V2O5). These Zn//MnO2 and Zn//V2O5 batteries show remarkable cycling stability over 1000 cycles with 92.4% and over 400 cycles with 90.5% initial capacity retained, respectively.

Acquired Hemophilia A: A Retrospective Multicenter Analysis of 42 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Immunosuppressive therapy (IST) for acquired hemophilia A (AHA) results in remission within days to months in 60% to 80% of patients. However, little is known regarding the predictors of response. AIM: This study aimed to identify the factors that influence response to treatment. METHODS: The data of 42 patients with AHA from three hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: All 42 AHA patients received IST; complete treatment data were available for 34 patients. The response rate was 60% among the 5/34 (14.7%) patients who received steroids alone, 70.8% among the 24/34 (70.6%) patients who received steroids plus cyclophosphamide, and 80% among the 5/34 (14.7%) patients who received steroids plus cyclophosphamide and rituximab. Overall, 29/34 (85.3%) patients achieved CR; 4/34 (13.8%) of them relapsed after a median time of 410 (21-1279) days. Adverse events occurred in 14/34 (41.2%) patients: 13/34 (38.2%) had infections and 1/34 (2.9%) developed pancytopenia. In univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, FVIII inhibitor titer ≥20 BU/mL was the only significant prognostic factor affecting time to CR. No variable had significant effect on OS. CONCLUSION: FVIII inhibitory antibody titer ≥20 BU/mL appears to be an important predictor of time to complete response in patients with acquired hemophilia A treated with immunosuppressive therapy.