Functional Nutrients and Jujube-Based Processed Products in Ziziphus jujuba.

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is the first tree species in China, with a long history and abundant yield. However, fresh jujubes have a short shelf-life and are not resistant to storage. Therefore, more and more processed jujube products are being studied. These processed products can extend the shelf-life of jujubes and attract widespread attention for their rich functional nutrients. This review summarized changes in nutrients of fresh jujube and processed products and the research progress of different preparation methods of jujubes. Meanwhile, the pharmacological effects of bioactive components in jujube-based products were concluded. Jujube and its processed products contain rich polysaccharides, vitamin C, and other functional nutrients, which are beneficial to humans. As the initial processing method for jujubes, vacuum freezing or microwave drying have become the most commonly used and efficient drying methods. Additionally, processed jujube products cannot be separated from the maximum retention of nutrients and innovation of flavor. Fermentation is the main deep-processing method with broad development potential. In the future, chemical components and toxicological evaluation need to be combined with research to bring consumers higher quality functional jujube products and ensure the sustainable development of the jujube industry.

The menstrual cycle regularity and skin: irregular menstrual cycle affects skin physiological properties and skin bacterial microbiome in urban Chinese women.

BACKGROUND: The regularity of the menstrual cycle directly affects women's health. Many studies have focused on menstrual health; however, menstrual cycle regularity-related variations in skin physiological characteristics and skin microbiota have been seldom investigated. METHODS: To investigate the menstrual cycle regularity-related variations in skin physiological characteristics and skin microbiota of 197 cases of Chinese women aged 18-35 years living in shanghai in 2021. Based on a self-evaluation questionnaire, the volunteers were divided into three groups C1 (those with a regular menstrual cycle), C2 (those with a less regular menstrual cycle) and C3 (those with an irregular menstrual cycle). The physiological parameters of facial skin were measured by non-invasive methods and the skin microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. RESULTS: In the C3 group, the hydration content was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), the TEWL was significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the sebum content was increased (p > 0.05), indicating that the skin barrier integrity weakened with increased menstrual cycle irregularity. Additionally, the melanin level, L value and b value were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the C3 group, but the a value was significantly increased (p < 0.001), which indicated that the skin color became darker. Furthermore, the skin microbiota diversity decreased with increasing cycle irregularity, but the differences were not significant. The skin microbiota composition showed that the proportion of Firmicutes, Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus and Cutibacterium were increased in those with an irregular menstrual cycle, indicating that alterations in the ratio of bacterial phyla and/or genera might disturb skin homeostasis. Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong correlations between the microbiota and skin physiological parameters. Based on the associations among hormones, skin physiological parameters and skin microbiota, it is possible that the skin physiological parameters, as well as the skin microbial diversity and composition, change with hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: An irregular menstrual cycle can affect skin physiological characteristics and the skin microbiota. Female with an irregular menstrual cycle should strengthen skin care practices and use skin care products with moisturising and soothing effects to protect their skin.

Melatonin Promotes the Development of Secondary Hair Follicles in Adult Cashmere Goats by Activating the Keap1-Nrf2 Signaling Pathway and Inhibiting the Inflammatory Transcription Factors NFκB and AP-1.

Exogenous melatonin (MT) has been used to promote the growth of secondary hair follicles and improve cashmere fiber quality, but the specific cellular-level mechanisms involved are unclear. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of MT on the development of secondary hair follicles and on cashmere fiber quality in cashmere goats. The results showed that MT improved secondary follicle numbers and function as well as enhanced cashmere fiber quality and yield. The MT-treated goat groups had high secondary-to-primary ratios (S:P) for hair follicles, greater in the elderly group (p < 0.05). Antioxidant capacities of secondary hair follicles improved fiber quality and yield in comparison with control groups (p < 0.05/0.01). Levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were lowered (p < 0.05/0.01) by MT. There was significant upregulation of antioxidant genes (for SOD-3; GPX-1; NFE2L2) and the protein of nuclear factor (Nrf2), and downregulation of the Keap1 protein. There were significant differences in the expression of genes for secretory senescence-associated phenotype (SASP) cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, MMP-9, MMP-27, CCL-21, CXCL-12, CXCL-14, TIMP-1,2,3) plus their protein of key transcription factors, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1), in comparison with the controls. We concluded that MT could enhance antioxidant capacity and reduce ROS and RNS levels of secondary hair follicles through the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway in adult cashmere goats. Furthermore, MT reduced the expression of the SASP cytokines genes by inhibiting the protein of NFκB and AP-1 in the secondary hair follicles in older cashmere goats, thus delaying skin aging, improving follicle survival, and increasing the number of secondary hair follicles. Collectively, these effects of exogenous MT enhanced the quality and yield of cashmere fibers, especially at 5-7 years old.

Additive-Controlled Divergent Synthesis of Indole and 4H-Benzo[d][1,3]oxazine Derivatives: Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonylative Cyclization of 2-Alkynylanilines and Benzyl Chlorides.

A palladium-catalyzed divergent carbonylative synthesis of indoles and 4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazines from 2-alkynylanilines and benzyl chlorides with benzene-1,3,5-triyl triformate (TFBen) as the CO source has been developed. The reaction using AlCl3 as the additive produced various indoles in high yields, while a series of 4H-benzo[d][1,3]oxazines was achieved in moderate yields with AcOH as the additive.

Evolution Analysis of Free Fatty Acids and Aroma-Active Compounds during Tallow Oxidation.

To explore the role of fatty acids as flavor precursors in the flavor of oxidized tallow, the volatile flavor compounds and free fatty acid (FFAs) in the four oxidization stages of tallow were analyzed via gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry (MS), the aroma characteristics of them were analyzed by GC-olfactory (GC-O) method combined with sensory analysis and partial least-squares regression (PLSR) analysis. 12 common FFAs and 35 key aroma-active compounds were obtained. Combined with the results of odor activity value (OAV) and FD factor, benzaldehyde was found to be an important component in unoxidized tallow. (E,E)-2,4-Heptadienal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal, (E)-2-nonenal, octanal, hexanoic acid, hexanal and (E)-2-heptenal were the key compounds involved in the tallow flavor oxidation. The changes in FFAs and volatile flavor compounds during oxidation and the metabolic evolution of key aroma-active compounds are systematically summarized in this study. The paper also provides considerable guidance in oxidation control and meat flavor product development.

Palladium-catalyzed carbonylation of iminoquinones and aryl iodides to access aryl p-amino benzoates.

A palladium-catalyzed carbonylation of iminoquinones and aryl iodides has been developed for the construction of aryl p-amino benzoates. Using benzene-1,3,5-triyl triformate (TFBen) as the CO source, the reaction proceeded well to give various aryl p-amino benzoates in good to excellent yields. Additionally, control experiments were conducted to gain more insights into the reaction mechanism.

Chelating Group Enabled Palladium-Catalyzed Regiodivergent Carbonylative Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones.

A new procedure on palladium-catalyzed carbonylative cyclization of N-(2-pyridyl)sulfonyl (N-SO2 Py)-2-iodoanilines with terminal alkenes has been developed for the rapid construction of dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-one scaffolds. Enabled by the chelating group and using benzene-1,3,5-triyl triformate (TFBen) as the CO source, both aromatic and aliphatic alkenes were smoothly transformed into the corresponding 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones in good yields with excellent regioselectivities. Notably, the reaction of aromatic alkenes produces 2-aryl-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones, while 3-alkyl-2,3-dihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones were obtained when aliphatic alkenes were used. This protocol has been applied in the synthesis of antitumor agent A as well.

Characterization of the Key Aroma Compounds in Three Truffle Varieties from China by Flavoromics Approach.

The volatile compounds of three different fresh-picked truffle varieties (Tuber sinensis, T1, Tuber sinoalbidum, T2 and Tuber sinoexcavatum, T3) were extracted by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). Separation and identification of volatile components and sulfur compounds were investigated by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography with flame photometric detection (GC-FPD). The results showed that 44, 43 and 44 volatile compounds were detected in T1, T2 and T3 samples, respectively. In addition, 9, 10 and 9 sulfur compounds were identified in three samples by GC-FPD, respectively. Combining physicochemical and sensory properties, T1 presented fatty, green and rotten cabbage odor; T2 exhibited mushroom, sulfuric and musty odor notes; T3 had nutty, floral and roasted potato odor. Dimethyl sulfide, 3-methylbutanal, dimethyl disulfide, 3-octanone, bis(methylthio) methane, octanal, 1-octen-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol and benzeneacetaldehyde played indispensable roles in the overall aroma of three truffles. Finally, based on quantitative concentration in T1, odorous compounds (OAV) > 1 were mixed to recombine aroma, demonstrating that these key aroma compounds based on OAV can successfully recombine pretty similar aroma of each variety.

In-depth understanding of interfacial crystallization via Flash DSC and enhanced energy storage density in ferroelectric P(VDF-CTFE)/Au NRs nanocomposites for capacitor application.

High-capacity or high-power-density capacitors are being actively investigated for portable electronics, electric vehicles, and electric power systems. We describe the filler system in dielectric nanocomposites with a small loading of Au nanorods [NRs] to elucidate the mechanism of interfacial crystallization behavior including the crystallization kinetics, and crystalline morphology and structure, and to investigate the intrinsic causes for concurrent great improvements in the dielectric constant and energy density in the nanocomposite system. Remarkly, at high crystallization temperature, the addition of Au NRs, which are used as heterogeneous nucleators, can reduce the nucleation barrier, resulting in accelerating the crystallization rate. However, the crystallization rate slows down at low temperatures because the addition of Au NRs limited the mobility of poly(vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-CTFE)] chains, and thus enhanced the diffusion barrier. Furthermore, the addition of NRs has a huge impact on the crystalline morphology and structure which changes from large paraelectric α-phase spherulites with TGTG' conformations into minor ferroelectric γ-phase spherulites with T3GT3G' conformations, and also produces more exogenous interfaces between the lamellar crystals and amorphous regions, resulting in a higher dielectric constant and higher electric energy density in P(VDF-CTFE)/Au NRs nanocomposites. Our approach provides a facile and straightforward way to design or understand PVDF-based polymers for their practical applications in high-energy-density capacitors.

Phosphorylation of histone H3 on Ser-10 by Aurora B is essential for chromosome condensation in porcine embryos during the first mitotic division.

Phosphorylation of histone H3 on Ser-10 (H3S10ph) is involved in regulating mitotic chromosome condensation and decondensation, which plays an important regulatory role during mitotic cell cycle progression in mammalian cells. However, whether H3S10ph plays a similar role in early porcine embryos during the first mitotic division remains uncertain. In this study, the subcellular localization and possible roles of H3S10ph were evaluated in the first mitotic cell cycle progression of porcine embryos using western blot, indirect immunofluorescence and barasertib (H3S10ph upstream regulator Aurora-B inhibitor) treatments. H3S10ph exhibited a dynamic localization pattern and was localized to chromosomes from prometaphase to anaphase stages. Treatment of porcine embryos with barasertib inhibited mitotic division at the prophase stage and was associated with a defect in chromosome condensation accompanied by the reduction of H3S10ph. These results indicated that H3S10ph is involved in the first mitotic division in porcine embryos through its regulatory function in chromosome condensation, which further affects porcine embryo cell cycle progression during mitotic division.

Plk1 inhibition leads to a failure of mitotic division during the first mitotic division in pig embryos.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the dynamic distribution of polo-like 1 kinase (Plk1) and the possible role it plays in first mitotic division during early porcine embryo development. METHODS: Indirect immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy imaging techniques combined with western blot analyses were used to study the dynamic expression and subcellular localization of Plk1 protein in pig parthenogenetic embryos. Finally, a selective Plk1 inhibitor, GSK461364, was used to evaluate the potential role of Plk1 during this special stage. RESULTS: The results showed that Plk1 upon expression exhibited specific dynamic intracellular localization, which closely correlated with the α-tubulin distribution during the first mitotic division. GSK461364 treatment resulted in cleavage failure, with majority of the GSK461364-treated embryos being arrested in prometaphase. Further results of the subcellular structure examination showed that GSK461364 treatment led to a significantly higher proportion of the treated embryos having abnormal spindles and misarranged chromosomes at the prometaphase stage. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, these results indicated that Plk1 is essential for porcine embryos to complete the first mitotic division. Furthermore, Plk1 regulation was associated with effects on spindle assembly and chromosome arrangement.

Taste-Active Peptides from Triple-Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Straw Mushroom Proteins Enhance Salty Taste: An Elucidation of Their Effect on the T1R1/T1R3 Taste Receptor via Molecular Docking.

The objective of our study was to analyze and identify enzymatic peptides from straw mushrooms that can enhance salty taste with the aim of developing saltiness enhancement peptides to reduce salt intake and promote dietary health. We isolated taste-related peptides from the straw mushroom extract using ultrafiltration and identified them using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The study found that the ultrafiltration fraction (500-2000 Da) of straw mushroom peptides had a saltiness enhancement effect, as revealed via subsequent E-tongue and sensory analyses. The ultrafiltration fractions (500-2000 Da) were found to contain 220 peptides, which were identified through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. The interaction of these peptides with the T1R1/T1R3 receptor was also assessed. The investigation highlighted the significant involvement of Asp223, Gln243, Leu232, Asp251, and Pro254 in binding peptides from triple-enzymatically hydrolyzed straw mushrooms to T1R1/T1R3. Based on the binding energy and active site analysis, three peptides were selected for synthesis: DFNALPFK (-9.2 kcal/mol), YNEDNGIVK (-8.8 kcal/mol), and VPGGQEIKDR (-8.9 kcal/mol). Importantly, 3.2 mmol of VPGGQEIKDR increased the saltiness level of a 0.05% NaCl solution to that of a 0.15% NaCl solution. Additionally, the addition of 0.8 mmol of YNEDNGIVK to a 0.05% NaCl solution resulted in the same level of saltiness as a 0.1% NaCl solution.

Flash extraction of ulvan polysaccharides from marine green macroalga Ulva linza and evaluation of its antioxidant and gut microbiota modulation activities.

In this study, flash extraction was used to rapidly extract water-soluble polysaccharides from Ulva linza. The optimal extraction process for the flash extraction was determined by Box-Behnken design with extraction temperature 80 °C, extraction time 117 s, liquid-solid ratio 46:1 (mL/g) and a corresponding yield of 18.5 %. The crude Ulva linza polysaccharides (CULP) were subsequently isolated by chromatography technology to obtain purified Ulva linza polysaccharide (ULP) and characterized by monosaccharide composition and molecular weight determination analysis. Furthermore, the antioxidant bioactivity of ULP was studied and the results revealed that it had a good scavenging effect on DPPH, ABTS and OH, with IC50 values of 149.2 µg/mL, 252.5 µg/mL and 1073 µg/mL, respectively. After in vitro fermentation by human fecal microbiota, the pH value of fermentation culture significantly decreased to 5.06, suggesting that ULP could be hydrolyzed and utilized by gut microbiota. The abundance of beneficial bacteria including Bacteroides, Parabacteroides and Faecalibacterium was improved. Meanwhile, the relative abundance of Prevotella, Blautia and Ruminococcus was decreased, and the low ratio of these organisms might reveal positive effects on maintaining the balance of gut microbial biodiversity. These results suggested that the composition of the human gut microbiota could be modulated by ULP, and ULP might possess the potential to maintain gut homeostasis and improve human intestinal health.

Exploring novel Kokumi peptides in Agaricus bisporus: selection, identification, and tasting mechanism investigation through sensory evaluation and computer simulation analysis.

Agaricus bisporus contains amino acids associated with thickness and full-mouthfeel, making it a potential candidate for salt substitutes and flavor enhancers in various food applications. Kokumi peptides were isolated from the enzymatic digest of Agaricus bisporus using ultrafiltration nanofiltration, gel chromatographic separation, and RP-HPLC, coupled with sensory evaluation. Subsequently, the peptides, EWVPVTK and EYPPLGR, were selected for solid-phase synthesis based on molecular docking. Sensory analysis, including thresholds, time intensity, and dose-configuration relationships, indicated that EWVPVTK and EYPPLGR exhibited odor thresholds of 0.6021 mmol L-1 and 2.332 mmol L-1 in an aqueous solution. Molecular docking scores correlated with low sensory thresholds, signifying strong taste sensitivities. EWVPVTK, in particular, demonstrated a higher sense of richness at lower concentrations compared to EYPPLGR. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations elucidated that the interactions between Kokumi peptides and the CaSR receptor primarily involved hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic interactions. Both EWVPVTK and EYPPLGR exhibited stable binding to the CaSR receptor. Active binding sites were identified, with EWVPVTK interacting at Arg 66, Asp 216, Gln 245, and Asn 102, while EYPPLGR engaged with Ser 272, Gln 193, Glu 297, Ala-298, Tyr-2, and Agr-66 in hydrophilic interactions through hydrogen bonds. Notably, these two Kokumi peptides were found to be enriched in umami and sweet amino acids, underscoring their pivotal role in umami perception. This study not only identifies novel Kokumi peptides from Agaricus bisporus but also contributes theoretical foundations and insights for future studies in the realm of Kokumi peptides.

Portraying on-road CO2 concentrations using street view panoramas and ensemble learning.

A significant reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions caused by transportation is essential for attaining sustainable urban development. Carbon concentrations from road traffic in urban areas exhibit complex spatial patterns due to the impact of street configurations, mobile sources, and human activities. However, a comprehensive understanding of these patterns, which involve complex interactions, is still lacking due to the human perspective of road interface characteristics has not been taken into account. In this study, a mobile travel platform was constructed to collect both on-road navigation Street View Panoramas (OSVPs) and the corresponding CO2 concentrations. >100 thousand sample pairs that matched "street view-CO2 concentration" were obtained, covering 675.8 km of roads in Shenzhen, China. In addition, four ensemble learning (EL) models were utilized to establish nonlinear connections between the semantic and object features of streetscapes and CO2 concentrations. After performing EL fusion modeling, the predictive R2 in the test set exceeded 90 %, and the mean absolute error (MAE) was <3.2 ppm. The model was applied to Baidu Street View Panoramas (BSVPs) in Shenzhen to generate a map of average on-road CO2 with a 100 m resolution, and the Local Indicator of Spatial Association (LISA) was then used to identify high CO2 intensity spatial clusters. Additionally, the Light Gradient Boost-SHapley Additive exPlanation (LGB-SHAP) analysis revealed that vertically planted trees can reduce CO2 emissions from on-road sources. Moreover, the factors that affect on-road CO2 exhibit interaction and threshold effects. Street View Panoramas (SVPs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) were adopted here to enhance the spatial measurement of on-road CO2 concentrations and the understanding of driving factors. Our approach facilitates the assessment and design of low-emission transportation in urban areas, which is critical for promoting sustainable traffic development.

Novel kokumi peptides from yeast extract and their taste mechanism via an in silico study.

Yeast extract, a widely utilized natural substance in the food industry and biopharmaceutical field, holds significant potential for flavor enhancement. Kokumi peptides within yeast extracts were isolated through ultrafiltration and gel chromatography, followed by identification using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Two peptides, IQGFK and EDFFVR, were identified and synthesized using solid-phase methods based on molecular docking outcomes. Sensory evaluations and electronic tongue analyses conducted with chicken broth solutions revealed taste thresholds of 0.12 mmol L-1 for IQGFK and 0.16 mmol L-1 for EDFFVR, respectively, and both peptides exhibited kokumi properties. Additionally, through molecular dynamics simulations, the binding mechanisms between these peptides and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) were explored. The findings indicated stable binding of both peptides to the receptor. IQGFK primarily interacted through electrostatic interactions, with key binding sites including Asp275, Asn102, Pro274, Trp70, Tyr218, and Ser147. EDFFVR mainly engaged via van der Waals energy and polar solvation free energy, with key binding sites being Asp275, Ile416, Pro274, Arg66, Ala298, and Tyr218. This suggests that both peptides can activate the CaSR, thereby inducing kokumi activity. This study provides a theoretical foundation and reference for the screening and identification of kokumi peptides, successfully uncovering two novel kokumi peptides derived from yeast extract.

Exploration on dynamics in a discrete predator-prey competitive model involving feedback controls.

In this work, we set up a new discrete predator-prey competitive model with time-varying delays and feedback controls. By virtue of the difference inequality knowledge, a sufficient condition which guarantees the permanence of the established discrete predator-prey competitive model with time-varying delays and feedback controls is derived. Under some appropriate parameter conditions, we have proved that the periodic solution of the system without delay exists and globally attractive. To verify the correctness of the derived theoretical fruits, we give two examples and execute computer simulations. Our obtained results are novel and complement previous known results.

Melatonin promotes the development of the secondary hair follicles by regulating circMPP5.

BACKGROUND: The quality and yield of cashmere fibre are closely related to the differentiation and development of secondary hair follicles in the skin of cashmere goats. The higher the density of secondary hair follicles, the higher the quality and yield of cashmere from the fleece. Development of secondary hair follicles commences in the embryonic stage of life and is completed 6 months after birth. Preliminary experimental results from our laboratory showed that melatonin (MT) treatment of goat kids after their birth could increase the density of secondary hair follicles and, thus, improve the subsequent yield and quality of cashmere. These changes in the secondary hair follicles resulted from increases in levels of antioxidant and expression of anti-apoptotic protein, and from a reduction in apoptosis. The present study was conducted to explore the molecular mechanism of MT-induced secondary hair follicle differentiation and development by using whole-genome analysis. RESULTS: MT had no adverse effect on the growth performance of cashmere kids but significantly improved the character of the secondary hair follicles and the quality of cashmere, and this dominant effect continued to the second year. Melatonin promotes the proliferation of secondary hair follicle cells at an early age. The formation of secondary hair follicles in the MT group was earlier than that in the control group in the second year. The genome-wide data results involved KEGG analysis of 1044 DEmRNAs, 91 DElncRNAs, 1054 DEcircRNAs, and 61 DEmiRNAs which revealed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is involved in the development of secondary hair follicles, with key genes (FGF2, FGF21, FGFR3, MAPK3 (ERK1)) being up-regulated and expressed. We also found that the circMPP5 could sponged miR-211 and regulate the expression of MAPK3. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that MT achieves its effects by regulating the MAPK pathway through the circMPP5 sponged the miR-211, regulating the expression of MAPK3, to induce the differentiation and proliferation of secondary hair follicle cells. In addition there is up-regulation of expression of the anti-apoptotic protein causing reduced apoptosis of hair follicle cells. Collectively, these events increase the numbers of secondary hair follicles, thus improving the production of cashmere from these goats.

Insights into the Edible and Biodegradable Ulvan-Based Films and Coatings for Food Packaging.

Recently, edible films or coatings that are made from algal polysaccharides have become promising candidates for replacing plastic-based packaging materials for food storage due to their non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioactive characteristics. Ulvan, a significant biopolymer with unique functional properties derived from marine green algae, has been extensively used in various sectors. However, there are fewer commercial applications of this sugar in the food packaging industry compared to many other algae-derived polysaccharides, such as alginates, carrageenan, and agar. This article aims to review the unparalleled chemical composition/structure and physiochemical properties of ulvan and the latest developments in ulvan-based edible films and coatings, thus highlighting their potential applications in the food packaging industry.

Hair Follicle Development and Cashmere Traits in Albas Goat Kids.

The objectives of this trial were to study the growth and development of hair follicles and cashmere traits in cashmere goats and to provide a theoretical basis for the regulation of secondary hair follicle development and the scientific breeding selection of cashmere goats. Twelve single-fetal female kids were selected as research objects. A long-term tracking plan was created to regularly determine their growth performance, cashmere performance, and hair follicle traits. The results showed no significant difference in live weight after the first and second combing. The cashmere yield and unit yield of the first combing were significantly higher than those of the second combing (p < 0.05). Sections of hair follicles showed that the primary hair follicles are almost fully developed by 1 month, and the secondary hair follicles are fully developed by 5-6 months after birth. The primary hair follicle density (PFD) and secondary hair follicle density (SFD) were highest at birth and decreased within 1 month; and SFD was stable at 5-6 months of age. The change of MSFD took a maximum time of 2 to 3 months. The S:P increase reached its peak at 6 months. BMP4 expression increased with time. FGF2, FGF21 and BMP7 were higher at 3 months old than at the other two-time points. In conclusion, this study determined the total development time of primary and secondary hair follicles from morphology and speculated that FGF2, FGF21, and BMP7 may play a regulatory role in developing secondary hair follicles. Therefore, the period from birth to 6 months of age was the best time to regulate secondary hair follicle development in cashmere goats kids. The traits of the hair follicle and cashmere at 6 months of age could be breeding selection indicators for cashmere goats.