Plants of Different Monocot Families Differ in Nitrogen and Phosphorus Contents in Leaves.

The folia content of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were studied in five monocot families: Amaryllidaceae, Cyperaceae, Iridaceae, Orchidacea, and Poaceae. The species of different monocot families were found to have different amount of N and P and their ratio in the leaves. The lowest N content was in Iridaceae and the highest was in Amaryllidaceae. The lowest P content was in Cyperaceae and Poaceae while the highest was in Amaryllidaceae and Iridaceae. A minimum N/P ratio was observed in Iridaceae; a maximum N/P ratio, was in Poaceae. Thus, certain specifics were detected in the content of N and P and their ratio in the monocot families.

Effects of temperature gradient on functional fruit traits: an elevation-for-temperature approach.

Fruit traits mediate animal-plant interactions and have to a large degree evolved to match the sensory capacities and morphology of their respective dispersers. At the same time, fruit traits are affected by local environmental factors, which may affect frugivore-plant trait match. Temperature has been identified as a major factor with a strong effect on the development of fruits, which is of serious concern because of the rising threat of global warming. Nonetheless, this primarily originates from studies on domesticated cultivars in often controlled environments. Little is known on the effect of rising temperatures on fruit traits of wild species and the implications this could have to seed dispersal networks, including downstream consequences to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. In a case study of five plant species from eastern Madagascar, we addressed this using the elevation-for-temperature approach and examined whether a temperature gradient is systematically associated with variation in fruit traits relevant for animal foraging and fruit selection. We sampled across a gradient representing a temperature gradient of 1.5-2.6 °C, corresponding to IPCC projections. The results showed that in most cases there was no significant effect of temperature on the traits evaluated, although some species showed different effects, particularly fruit chemical profiles. This suggests that in these species warming within this range alone is not likely to drive substantial changes in dispersal networks. While no systemic effects were found, the results also indicate that the effect of temperature on fruit traits differs across species and may lead to mismatches in specific animal-plant interactions.

Clustering of methamphetamine users based on personality characteristics and self-efficacy in the west of Iran.

With the substantial increase in the use of stimulants, especially methamphetamine, in recent years, the present study aimed to cluster methamphetamine users based on personality traits and self-efficacy, and compare their mental health, sleep quality, and the risk of relapse in the identified clusters. This cross-sectional study was conducted through convenience sampling on 501 methamphetamine users in addiction treatment centers in Kermanshah, western Iran. The data were collected using the Schwarzer General Self-Efficacy Scale, Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, Goldberg and Hiller General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire, and Stimulant Relapse Risk Scale (SRRS). A total of 501 methamphetamine users were distinguished into three clusters with frequencies of 111 (22.2%), 298 (59.5%), and 92 (18.4%) members through hierarchical cluster analysis. The participants in the first cluster were characterized by low self-efficacy, high neuroticism, sensation seeking, and aggressiveness, along with low extroversion and activity, low positive health, high negative health, low sleep quality, and high risk of drug relapse. The participants in the second cluster reported moderate levels of self-efficacy, neuroticism, sensation seeking, activity, and aggressiveness, high extroversion, and moderate levels of mental health, sleep quality, and the risk of relapse. Moreover, the participants in the third cluster reported the highest level of self-efficacy, the lowest level of neuroticism, sensation seeking, and aggressiveness, moderate extroversion and high activity, low relapse risk, high sleep quality, as well as high positive and low negative health symptoms. The third cluster was significantly different from the other two clusters in terms of the mentioned factors. The findings of this study suggest that low self-efficacy and the presence of neuroticism, sensation seeking, and high aggressiveness contribute to reduced mental health and sleep quality, as well as an increased risk of relapse in methamphetamine users.

Identification of consensus homozygous regions and their associations with growth and feed efficiency traits in American mink.

The recent chromosome-based genome assembly and the newly developed 70K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array for American mink (Neogale vison) facilitate the identification of genetic variants underlying complex traits in this species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between consensus runs of homozygosity (ROH) with growth and feed efficiency traits in American mink. A subsample of two mink populations (n = 2,986) were genotyped using the Affymetrix Mink 70K SNP array. The identified ROH segments were included simultaneously, concatenated into consensus regions, and the ROH-based association studies were carried out with linear mixed models considering a genomic relationship matrix for 11 growth and feed efficiency traits implemented in ASReml-R version 4. In total, 298,313 ROH were identified across all individuals, with an average length and coverage of 4.16 Mb and 414.8 Mb, respectively. After merging ROH segments, 196 consensus ROH regions were detected and used for genome-wide ROH-based association analysis. Thirteen consensus ROH regions were significantly (P < 0.01) associated with growth and feed efficiency traits. Several candidate genes within the significant regions are known for their involvement in growth and body size development, including MEF2A, ADAMTS17, POU3F2, and TYRO3. In addition, we found ten consensus ROH regions, defined as ROH islands, with frequencies over 80% of the population. These islands harbored 12 annotated genes, some of which were related to immune system processes such as DTX3L, PARP9, PARP14, CD86, and HCLS1. This is the first study to explore the associations between homozygous regions with growth and feed efficiency traits in American mink. Our findings shed the light on the effects of homozygosity in the mink genome on growth and feed efficiency traits, that can be utilized in developing a sustainable breeding program for mink.

Wounded healer nurses: a qualitative content analysis of the positive traits of nurses affected by chronic cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: The wounded healer concept refers to healthcare providers who, in the past, have had similar experiences to those of their clients and now draw on these challenging experiences to assist their clients. This study explored the positive traits of nurses with chronic cardiovascular diseases who transitioned to wounded healers. METHODS: A qualitative content analysis study was conducted within hospitals in Tehran, Iran, between November 2023 and March 2024. Sampling was conducted using a purposive sampling method in accordance with the study objectives and inclusion criteria. The data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Twenty-three participants, comprising 16 females and 7 males, participated in the interviews. Data analysis was conducted by employing a qualitative content analysis approach, including creating codes, subcategories, generic categories, and main categories. MAXQDA v20 software was utilized to facilitate the analysis process. RESULTS: The data analysis revealed one main category that aligned with the research question: the positive traits of a wounded healer nurse, consisting of three generic categories: (1) traits related to interpersonal and professional relationships; (2) traits related to the professional dimension; and (3) traits related to the personal dimension. wounded healer nurses demonstrate positive traits that enhance patient care. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study have important implications for nursing practice and education. By identifying the positive traits exhibited by nurses as wounded healers affected by chronic cardiovascular diseases, nursing programs can emphasize and strengthen these qualities to convert challenges into opportunities and bridge the theory-practice gap.

Estimates of the vitality and performances of Apis mellifera mellifera and hybrid honey bee colonies in Siberia: a 13-year study.

Honeybees display a great range of biological, behavioral, and economic traits, depending on their genetic origin and environmental factors. The high diversity of honeybees is the result of natural selection of specific phenotypes adapted to the local environment. Of particular interest is adaptation of local and non-local bee colonies to environmental conditions. To study the importance of genotype-environment interactions on the viability and productivity of local and non-local bee colonies, we analyzed the long-term dynamics of the main traits in dark forest bees (Apis mellifera mellifera) and hybrid colonies. From 2010 to 2022, a total of 64 colonies living in an apiary in Siberia, Russia, were monitored and tested to assess their biological, behavioral, and economic traits in a temperate continental climate. We detected significant correlations between the studied biological and behavioral indicators of the bee colony such as colony strength, overwintering ability, infection of colonies with diseases, hygienic behavior, and others. No relationships between the biological and economic (honey productivity) traits of bee colonies are shown. The overall result of our study is that local dark forest bee, A.m.mellifera, showed higher values for all analyzed traits than hybrid colonies. Compared to hybrids, dark forest bee colonies showed more gentleness, productivity, and survivorship. The results from our study indicate a specific local adaptation of the A.m.mellifera subspecies in a temperate continental climate. Siberia represents a unique region for the conservation of the dark forest bee. The creation of conservation areas is one way to protect local bee populations, well adapted to local environmental conditions, from uncontrolled importation of bee breeds from different regions.

Causal relationship between immune cells and hepatocellular carcinoma: a Mendelian randomisation study.

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant malignancy of the digestive tract, ranks as the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality globally, significantly impeding human health and lifespan. Emerging immunotherapeutic approaches have ignited fresh optimism for patient outcomes. This investigation probes the link between 731 immune cell phenotypes and HCC through Mendelian Randomization and single-cell sequencing, aiming to unearth viable drug targets and dissect HCC's etiology. Methods: We conducted an exhaustive two-sample Mendelian Randomization analysis to ascertain the causal links between immune cell features and HCC, utilizing publicly accessible genetic datasets to explore the causal connections of 731 immune cell traits with HCC susceptibility. The integrity, diversity, and potential horizontal pleiotropy of these findings were rigorously assessed through extensive sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, single-cell sequencing was employed to penetrate the pathogenic underpinnings of HCC. Results: Establishing a significance threshold of pval_Inverse.variance.weighted at 0.05, our study pinpointed five immune characteristics potentially elevating HCC risk: B cell % CD3- lymphocyte (TBNK panel), CD25 on IgD+ (B cell panel), HVEM on TD CD4+ (Maturation stages of T cell panel), CD14 on CD14+ CD16- monocyte (Monocyte panel), CD4 on CD39+ activated Treg ( Treg panel). Conversely, various cellular phenotypes tied to BAFF-R expression emerged as protective elements. Single-cell sequencing unveiled profound immune cell phenotype interactions, highlighting marked disparities in cell communication and metabolic activities. Conclusion: Leveraging MR and scRNA-seq techniques, our study elucidates potential associations between 731 immune cell phenotypes and HCC, offering a window into the molecular interplays among cellular phenotypes, and addressing the limitations of mono-antibody therapeutic targets.

Phylogenetic Survival Analysis.

Going back in time through a phylogenetic tree makes it possible to evaluate ancestral genomes and assess their potential to acquire key polymorphisms of interest over evolutionary time. Knowledge of this kind may allow for the emergence of key traits to be predicted and pre-empted from currently circulating strains in the future. Here, we present a novel genome-wide survival analysis and use the emergence of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis as an example to demonstrate the potential and utility of the technique.

Strengths of fertilizer and litter effects on seedling recruitment and growth of grassland species differ depending on functional groups and seed size.

Agricultural grasslands play an important role in conserving the biodiversity of the European cultural landscape. Both, litter cover and soil nutrient availability, change with grassland management, but it is not well-studied how seedling recruitment and growth of multiple grassland species are influenced by their single or combined effects. Therefore, we studied the effects of nitrogen fertilization (100 kg N per year and ha) and litter cover (250 gdw per m2) on seedling recruitment and growth of 75 temperate grassland species (16 graminoid species, 51 forb species, 8 legume species) in a full factorial microcosm experiment. Overall, fertilizer reduced seedling emergence, while litter cover increased it even when combined with fertilization. Fertilization increased seedling height and biomass, and the combination of fertilizer and litter resulted in even stronger responses. Litter cover alone did not influence seedling biomass or seedling height. While the overall direction of treatment effects was similar across functional groups, their strengths were mostly weaker in graminoids than in non-legume forbs and legumes. Positive litter effects on seedling emergence were stronger in large-seeded species. Positive fertilization effects on seedling growth were stronger in small-seeded species, while their seedling biomass was negatively affected by litter cover. In summary, our results show for multiple grassland species that the combination of litter cover and fertilization modulates their single effects. The varying sensitivity of how grassland species representing different functional groups and seed sizes respond with their seedling emergence and growth to litter cover and nitrogen fertilization indicates that the consequences of land-use change on grassland diversity and composition already start to manifest in the earliest stages of the plant life cycle.

Relationships between obsessive-compulsive disorder and the big five personality traits: A meta-analysis.

Although several studies have examined the relationships between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the Big Five personality traits (i.e., neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness), the results have been inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis comprehensively examined the relationships between OCD and these traits. In total, 23 studies (29 independent datasets) with 30,138 participants were analyzed. The pooled effect size was 0.34 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28, 0.40) for neuroticism, -0.14 (95% CI: -0.18, -0.10) for extraversion, -0.04 (95% CI: -0.09, 0.02) for openness, -0.10 (95% CI: -0.16, -0.04) for agreeableness, and -0.03 (95% CI: -0.11, 0.05) for conscientiousness, indicating that OCD was associated with higher scores for neuroticism and lower scores for extraversion and agreeableness. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses indicated that heterogeneity was mainly due to differences in sample types and OCD measurement instruments. Sensitivity analysis showed that the results of the meta-analysis were robust. Overall, neuroticism was a maladaptive trait, whereas extraversion and agreeableness were adaptive traits for OCD. Although the results could be sample- and instrument-specific, our findings may inform preventions and interventions for OCD symptoms.

Genome-wide association study for cashmere traits in Inner Mongolia cashmere goat population reveals new candidate genes and haplotypes.

BACKGROUND: The cashmere goat industry is one of the main pillars of animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and plays an irreplaceable role in local economic development. With the change in feeding methods and environment, the cashmere produced by Inner Mongolia cashmere goats shows a tendency of coarser, and the cashmere yield can not meet the consumption demand of people. However, the genetic basis behind these changes is not fully understood. We measured cashmere traits, including cashmere yield (CY), cashmere diameter (CD), cashmere thickness (CT), and fleece length (FL) traits for four consecutive years, and utilized Genome-wide association study of four cashmere traits in Inner Mongolia cashmere goats was carried out using new genomics tools to infer genomic regions and functional loci associated with cashmere traits and to construct haplotypes that significantly affect cashmere traits. RESULTS: We estimated the genetic parameters of cashmere traits in Inner Mongolia cashmere goats. The heritability of cashmere yield, cashmere diameter, and fleece length traits of Inner Mongolia cashmere goats were 0.229, 0.359, and 0.250, which belonged to the medium heritability traits (0.2 ~ 0.4). The cashmere thickness trait has a low heritability of 0.053. We detected 151 genome-wide significantly associated SNPs with four cashmere traits on different chromosomes, which were very close to the chromosomes of 392 genes (located within the gene or within ± 500 kb). Notch3, BMPR1B, and CCNA2 have direct functional associations with fibroblasts and follicle stem cells, which play important roles in hair follicle growth and development. Based on GO functional annotation and KEGG enrichment analysis, potential candidate genes were associated with pathways of hair follicle genesis and development (Notch, P13K-Akt, TGF-beta, Cell cycle, Wnt, MAPK). We calculated the effective allele number of the Inner Mongolia cashmere goat population to be 1.109-1.998, the dominant genotypes of most SNPs were wild-type, the polymorphic information content of 57 SNPs were low polymorphism (0 < PIC < 0.25), and the polymorphic information content of 79 SNPs were moderate polymorphism (0.25 < PIC < 0.50). We analyzed the association of SNPs with phenotypes and found that the homozygous mutant type of SNP1 and SNP3 was associated with the highest cashmere yield, the heterozygous mutant type of SNP30 was associated with the lowest cashmere thickness, the wild type of SNP76, SNP77, SNP78, SNP80, and SNP81 was associated with the highest cashmere thickness, and the wild type type of SNP137 was associated with the highest fleece length. 21 haplotype blocks and 68 haplotype combinations were constructed. Haplotypes A2A2, B2B2, C2C2, and D4D4 were associated with increased cashmere yield, haplotypes E2E2, F1F1, G5G5, and G1G5 were associated with decreased cashmere fineness, haplotypes H2H2 was associated with increased cashmere thickness, haplotypes I1I1, I1I2, J1J4, L5L3, N3N2, N3N3, O2O1, P2P2, and Q3Q3 were associated with increased cashmere length. We verified the polymorphism of 8 SNPs by KASP, and found that chr7_g.102631194A > G, chr10_g.82715068 T > C, chr1_g.124483769C > T, chr24_g.12811352C > T, chr6_g.114111249A > G, and chr6_g.115606026 T > C were significantly genotyped in verified populations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the genetic effect of single SNP on phenotypes is small, and SNPs are more inclined to be inherited as a whole. By constructing haplotypes from SNPs that are significantly associated with cashmere traits, it will help to reveal the complex and potential causal variations in cashmere traits of Inner Mongolia cashmere goats. This will be a valuable resource for genomics and breeding of the cashmere goat.

Educator Knowledge of Childhood Conduct Problems and Callous-Unemotional Traits.

Research evaluating mental health literacy (MHL) of adults who support children with mental health difficulties is relatively scarce. To date, no studies have investigated educator knowledge of conduct problems and callous-unemotional (CU) traits. This is a significant gap in the literature since conduct problems are among the most prevalent childhood mental disorders, while CU traits are associated with poor academic, behavioral, and social outcomes in school settings. In the current study, we assessed educators' knowledge of the characteristics and management of conduct problems and CU traits. Participants were N = 390 preschool and primary/elementary school educators (Mage = 38.62 years, SD = 11.66; 91% woman-identifying; 71% White) who completed a Knowledge Test and survey assessing educator characteristics and various student-educator outcomes. Averaged across items, educators scored 57.1% on the Knowledge Test. We identified gaps in educator knowledge with respect to identifying characteristics associated with distinct domains of externalizing difficulties and evidence-based management strategies. Educators' years of experience and accreditation status were not associated with knowledge. Paraeducators had significantly lower knowledge scores than teachers and leadership. Unexpectedly, greater knowledge was not associated with better student-teacher relationship quality or more positive perceptions of students with conduct problems. Findings support the need for universal MHL programs focused on conduct problems and CU traits, especially among paraeducators, while also suggesting that more intensive interventions may be required to improve educator-student relationship quality.

Refocusing the microbial rare biosphere concept through a functional lens.

The influential concept of the rare biosphere in microbial ecology has underscored the importance of taxa occurring at low abundances yet potentially playing key roles in communities and ecosystems. Here, we refocus the concept of rare biosphere through a functional trait-based lens and provide a framework to characterize microbial functional rarity, a combination of numerical scarcity across space or time and trait distinctiveness. We demonstrate how this novel interpretation of the rare biosphere, rooted in microbial functions, can enhance our mechanistic understanding of microbial community structure. It also sheds light on functionally distinct microbes, directing conservation efforts towards taxa harboring rare yet ecologically crucial functions.

Effect of Microsporidia MB infection on the development and fitness of Anopheles arabiensis under different diet regimes.

BACKGROUND: Microsporidia MB (MB) is a naturally occurring symbiont of Anopheles and has recently been identified as having a potential to inhibit the transmission of Plasmodium in mosquitoes. MB intensity is high in mosquito gonads, with no fitness consequences for the mosquito, and is linked to horizontal (sexual) and vertical (transovarial) transmission from one mosquito to another. Maximising MB intensity and transmission is important for maintaining heavily infected mosquito colonies for experiments and ultimately for mosquito releases. We have investigated how diet affects the MB-Anopheles arabiensis symbiosis phenotypes, such as larval development and mortality, adult size and survival, as well as MB intensity in both larvae and adults. METHODS: F1 larvae of G0 females confirmed to be An. arabiensis and infected with MB were either combined (group lines [GLs]) or reared separately (isofemale lines [IMLs]) depending on the specific experiment. Four diet regimes (all mg/larva/day) were tested on F1 GLs: Tetramin 0.07, Tetramin 0.3, Gocat 0.3 and Cerelac 0.3. GLs reared on Tetramin 0.3 mg/larva/day were then fed either a 1% or 6% glucose diet to determine adult survival. Larvae of IMLs were fed Tetramin 0.07 mg and Tetramin 0.3 mg for larval experiments. The mosquitoes in the adult experiments with IMLs were reared on 1% or 6% glucose. RESULTS: Amongst the four larval diet regimes tested on An. arabiensis development in the presence of MB, the fastest larval development highest adult emergence, largest body size of mosquitoes, highest prevalence and highest density of MB occurred in those fed Tetramin 0.3 mg/larva/day. Although adult MB-positive mosquitoes fed on 6% glucose survived longer than MB-negative mosquitoes, there was no such effect for those fed on the 1% glucose diet. Development time, wing length and adult survival were not significantly different between MB-infected and uninfected An. arabiensis fed on the Tetramin 0.07 mg/larva/day diet, demonstrating that the MB-conferred fitness advantage was diet-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Microsporidia MB does not adversely impact the development and fitness of An. arabiensis, even under limited dietary conditions. The diet regime of Tetramin 0.3 mg/larva/day + 6% glucose for adults is the superior diet for the mass rearing of MB-infected An. arabiensis mosquitoes. These results are important for rearing MB-infected An. arabiensis in the laboratory for experiments and the mass rearing required for field releases.

Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Novel Candidate Genes Influencing Semen Traits in Landrace Pigs.

Artificial insemination plays a crucial role in pig production, particularly in enhancing the genetic potential of elite boars. To accelerate genetic progress for semen traits in pigs, it is vital to understand and identify the underlying genetic markers associated with desirable traits. Herein, we genotyped 1238 Landrace boars with GeneSeek Porcine SNP50 K Bead chip and conducted genome-wide association studies to identify genetic regions and candidate genes associated with 12 semen traits. Our study identified 38 SNPs associated with the analyzed 12 semen traits. Furthermore, we identified several promising candidate genes, including HIBADH, DLG1, MED1, APAF1, MGST3, MTG2, and ZP4. These candidate genes have the potential function to facilitate the breeding of boars with improved semen traits. By further investigating and understanding the roles of these genes, we can develop more effective breeding strategies that contribute to the overall enhancement of pig production. The results of our study provide valuable insights for the pig-breeding industry and support ongoing research efforts to optimize genetic selection for superior semen traits.

Genome-Wide Association Analysis and Genetic Parameters for Egg Production Traits in Peking Ducks.

Egg production traits are crucial in the poultry industry, including age at first egg (AFE), egg number (EN) at different stages, and laying rate (LR). Ducks exhibit higher egg production capacity than other poultry species, but the genetic mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we collected egg-laying data of 618 Peking ducks from 22 to 66 weeks of age and genotyped them by whole-genome resequencing. Genetic parameters were calculated based on SNPs, and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed for these traits. The SNP-based heritability of egg production traits ranged from 0.09 to 0.54. The GWAS identified nine significant SNP loci associated with AFE and egg number from 22 to 66 weeks. These loci showed that the corresponding alleles were positively correlated with a decrease in the traits. Moreover, three potential candidate genes (ENSAPLG00020011445, ENSAPLG00020012564, TMEM260) were identified. Functional enrichment analyses suggest that specific immune responses may have a critical impact on egg production capacity by influencing ovarian function and oocyte maturation processes. In conclusion, this study deepens the understanding of egg-laying genetics in Peking duck and provides a sound theoretical basis for future genetic improvement and genomic selection strategies in poultry.

Analysing the Impact of Spirulina Intake Levels on Performance Parameters, Blood Health Markers and Carcass Traits of Broiler Chickens.

This systematic review examines the impact of varying Spirulina (Limnospira platensis) intake levels on broiler chickens, focusing on growth performance, blood health markers and carcass traits. The data revealed cumulative Spirulina intakes from 3.13 g to 521 g per bird (total feed consumed multiplied by its proportion in the diet) establish a cubic relationship between dosage and growth outcomes. Initial benefits peak and diminish with increased intake, with the optimal threshold for growth performance identified at 45 g per bird. Lower intakes between 14 g and 29 g per bird enhance blood health markers, improving lipid profiles and antioxidant capacity. Similarly, cumulative intakes of 14 g to 37 g per bird optimise meat quality, resulting in better dressing percentages, breast and thigh yields and meat tenderness while minimizing undesirable traits like abdominal fat and cooking loss. These findings underscore the importance of precisely calibrated Spirulina supplementation strategies to maximise growth, health and meat quality benefits while avoiding adverse effects at higher doses. Future research should focus on identifying optimal dosage and duration, assessing long-term implications, elucidating mechanisms of action and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Comparative studies with other feed additives could further establish Spirulina's effectiveness and economic viability in poultry production.

Relationship between Indel Variants within the JAK2 Gene and Growth Traits in Goats.

Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) plays a critical role in myoblast proliferation and fat deposition in animals. Our previous RNA-Seq analyses identified a close association between the JAK2 gene and muscle development. To date, research delving into the relationship between the JAK2 gene and growth traits has been sparse. In this study, we sought to investigate the relationship between novel mutations within the JAK2 gene and goat growth traits. Herein, two novel InDel (Insertion/Deletion) polymorphisms within the JAK2 gene were detected in 548 goats, and only two genotypes were designated as ID (Insertion/Deletion) and DD (Deletion/Deletion). The results indicate that the two InDels, the del19008 locus in intron 2 and del72416 InDel in intron 6, showed significant associations with growth traits (p < 0.05). Compared to Nubian and Jianzhou Daer goats, the del72416 locus displayed a more pronounced effect in the Fuqing breed group. In the Nubian breed (NB) group, both InDels showed a marked influence on body height (BH). There were strong linkages observed for these two InDels between the Fuqing (FQ) and Jianzhou (JZ) populations. The DD-ID diplotype was associated with inferior growth traits in chest width (ChW) and cannon circumference (CaC) in the FQ goats compared to the other diplotypes. In the NB population, the DD-DD diplotype exhibited a marked negative impact on BH and HuWI (hucklebone width index), in contrast to the other diplotypes. In summary, our findings suggest that the two InDel polymorphisms within the JAK2 gene could serve as valuable molecular markers for enhancing goat growth traits in breeding programs.

Biochemical characterisation of a cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) diversity panel for post-harvest physiological deterioration; metabolite involvement and environmental influence.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) produces edible roots, a major carbohydrate source feeding more than 800 million people in Africa, Latin America, Oceania and Asia. Post-harvest physiological deterioration (PPD) renders harvested cassava roots unpalatable and unmarketable. Decades of research on PPD have elucidated several genetic, enzymatic and metabolic processes involved. Breeding populations were established to enable verification of robust biomarkers for PPD resistance. For comparison, these PPD populations have been cultivated concurrently with diversity population for carotenoid (ß-carotene) content. Results highlighted a significant variation of the chemotypes due to environmental factors. Less than 3% of the detected molecular features showed consistent trends between the two harvest years and were putatively identified as phenylpropanoid derived compounds (e.g. caffeoyl rutinoside). The data corroborated that ∼20 µg ß-carotene/g DW can reduced the PPD response of the cassava roots to a score of ∼1. Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation of ß-carotene content at harvest to PPD response (R2 -0.55). However, the decrease of ß-carotene over storage was not significantly correlated to initial content or PPD response. Volatile analysis observed changes of apocarotenoids derived from ß-carotene, lipid oxidation products (alkanes, alcohols and carbonyls and esters) and terpenes. The majority of these volatiles (>90%) showed no significant correlation to ß-carotene or PPD. Observed data indicated an increase (∼2-fold) of alkanes in varieties with ß-carotene >10 µg/g DW and a decrease (∼60%) in varieties with less ß-carotene. Fatty acid methyl esters with a chain length > C9 were detected solely after storage and show lower levels in varieties with higher ß-carotene content. In combination with correlation values to PPD (R2 ∼0.3; P-value >0.05), the data indicated a more efficient ROS quenching mechanism in PPD resistant varieties.