Chromatin accessibility and transcriptional landscape in PK-15 cells during early exposure to Aflatoxin B1.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) not only causes significant losses in livestock production but also poses a serious threat to human health. It is the most carcinogenic among known chemicals. Pigs are more susceptible to AFB1 and experience a higher incidence. However, the molecular mechanism of the toxic effect of AFB1 remains unclear. In this study, we used assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA-seq to uncover chromatin accessibility and gene expression dynamics in PK-15 cells during early exposure to AFB1. We observed that the toxic effects of AFB1 involve signaling pathways such as p53, PI3K-AKT, Hippo, MAPK, TLRs, apoptosis, autophagy, and cancer pathways. Basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors (TFs), including AP-1, Fos, JunB, and Fra2, play a crucial role in regulating the biological processes involved in AFB1 challenge. Several new TFs, such as BORIS, HNF1b, Atf1, and KNRNPH2, represent potential targets for the toxic mechanism of AFB1. In addition, it is crucial to focus on the concentration of intracellular zinc ions. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying AFB1-induced nephrotoxicity and offer new molecular targets.

Interfacial Behavior and Long-Term Stability of the Emulsions Stabilized by Sugar Beet Pectin-Ca2+ Complexes with Different Cross-Linking Degrees.

Recent studies showed that sugar beet pectin exhibited more excellent emulsifying properties than traditional citrus peel pectin and apple pectin ascribed to the higher content of neutral sugar, protein, ferulic acid, and acetyl groups. It is precisely because of the extremely complex molecular structure of pectin that the emulsifying properties of the pectin-Ca2+ complex are still unclear. In this study, SBP-Ca2+ complexes with different cross-linking degrees were prepared. Subsequently, their interfacial adsorption kinetics, the resistance of interfacial films to external perturbances, and the long-term stability of the emulsions formed by these SBP-Ca2+ complexes were measured. The results indicated that the highly cross-linked SBP-Ca2+ complex exhibited slower interfacial adsorption kinetics than SBP alone. Moreover, compared with SBP alone, the oil-water interfacial film loaded by the highly cross-linked SBP-Ca2+ complex exhibited a lower elasticity and a poorer resistance to external perturbances. This resulted in a larger droplet size, a lower ζ-potential value, a larger continuous viscosity, and a worse long-term stability of the emulsion formed by the highly cross-linked SBP-Ca2+ complex. This study has very important guiding significance for deeply understanding the emulsification mechanism of the pectin-Ca2+ complex.

Synthesis and Flame Retardant Behavior of Phosphorous- and Nitrogen-Containing Copolymer and Its Application in Polypropylene.

In this study, a 4-(hydroxymethyl)-2,6,7-trioxa-1-phosphabicyclo[2.2.2]octane 1-oxide (PEPA)-functionalized acrylate monomer, PEPAA, is designed and utilized for the synthesis of macromolecular flame retardants poly(PEPAA-co-AM) with varying PEPAA/AM ratio through copolymerization with acrylamide (AM). The poly(PEPAA-co-AM) is then incorporated into polypropylene (PP) to prepare PP/poly(PEPAA-co-AM) composites. The flame retardant effect of poly(PEPAA-co-AM) on PP is investigated using cone calorimetric test (CCT), and compared with that of PEPAA homopolymer (P-PEPAA), AM homopolymer (PAM), and blends of P-PEPAA/PAM. The results demonstrate that, in comparison with P-PEPAA, PAM, and blends of P-PEPAA/PAM, the incorporation of poly(PEPAA-co-AM) significantly enhances the flame retardancy of PP. Notably, the best flame retardancy is achieved when the ratio of PEPAA/AM copolymerization in poly(PEPAA-co-AM) is 2/8. The morphology and composition of residual chars from combustion are analyzed using SEM-EDS while the residual graphitization degree is examined through Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, TG-FTIR-MS is utilized to investigate the pyrolysis products in gas phase during thermal decomposition of poly(PEPAA-co-AM). Based on these experimental results, a flame retardant mechanism for poly(PEPAA-co-AM) is proposed. The PP/poly(PEPAA-co-AM) composites not only retain the excellent processing properties of pure PP but also exhibit enhanced mechanical properties.

Plasma metabolites and inflammatory proteins profiling predict outcome of Fufang Duzhong Jiangu granules treating Kashin-Beck disease.

To investigate predictive biomarkers that could be used to identify patients' response to treatment, plasma metabolomics and proteomics analyses were performed in Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) patients treated with Fufang Duzhong Jiangu Granules (FDJG). Plasma was collected from 12 KBD patients before treatment and 1 month after FDJG treatment. LC-MS and olink proteomics were employed for obtaining plasma metabolomics profiling and inflammatory protein profiles. Patients were classified into responders and non-responders based on drug efficacy. Enrichment analyses of differential metabolites and proteins of the responders at baseline and after treatment were conducted to study the mechanism of drug action. Differential metabolites and proteins between the two groups were screened as biomarkers to predict the drug efficacy. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the prediction accuracy of biomarkers. The changes in metabolites and inflammatory proteins in responders after treatment reflected the mechanism of FDJG treatment for KBD, which may act on glycerophospholipid metabolism, d-glutamine and d-glutamate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism and NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Three metabolites were identified as potential predictors: N-undecanoylglycine, ß-aminopropionitrile and PC [18:3(6Z,9Z,12Z)/20:4(8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z)]. For inflammatory protein, interleukin-8 was identified as a predictive biomarker to detect responders. Combined use of these four biomarkers had high predictive ability (area under the curve = 0.972).

A novel laser resection approach: efficacy of rotatable bi-channel en bloc resection of bladder tumor in a pilot in-vivo study.

En bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) involves removing bladder tumors and their base. Laser resection has been used to reduce complications including bleeding and obturator nerve reflex (ONR). We developed a novel approach (rotatable bi-channel en bloc resection of bladder tumor (RBC-ERBT)) and assessed its efficacy in a pilot in-vivo study to enhance laser ERBT's applicability in challenging bladder regions. In the laser RBC-ERBT procedure, lesions were excised by inserting a holmium laser through the rotating external working channel, while forceps were inserted through the internal working channel provided traction on the tissue. Fifteen laser RBC-ERBT procedures were performed in five different bladder areas of three live pigs. The technical success rate (TSR), procedure time, lesion size, occurrence of complications (bleeding, perforation, ONR), and detrusor muscle (DM) presence rate and DM thickness were evaluated. All 15 procedures were performed with a 100% TSR. The resections were successful in all bladder regions (posterior, left, right and anterior walls and dome). Median procedure time was 20 min. The resected specimen size was 10 mm × 7 mm to 17 mm × 13 mm. Mild bleeding occurred in two procedures (13.3%) but was effectively managed. No incidents of ONR or perforation were observed. Histological examination confirmed presence of DM in all specimens with a median DM thickness of 1.26 mm. Our pilot in-vivo study suggested the feasibility and effectiveness of laser RBC-ERBT for bladder tumors in various locations. This technique offers effective traction, improved visualization, and enhanced laser accessibility. Further studies are required to validate its effectiveness in humans.

Prospective learning curve analysis of en bloc resection of bladder tumor using an ex vivo porcine model.

BACKGROUND: As a relatively new surgical technique, the learning curve of en bloc resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) in ex vivo models remains unaddressed. This study aimed to explore the learning curve of ERBT in an ex vivo porcine model. METHODS: In this prospective study, eight endoscopists without prior experience in ERBT were divided into two groups: junior endoscopists, with less than 100 transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedure experience, and senior endoscopists, with at least 100 TURBT procedure experience. Each endoscopist performed 30 ERBT procedures on artificial lesions in an ex vivo porcine bladder model. The procedure time, perforation, en bloc resection status, and absence of detrusor muscle (DM) were recorded. The inflection points were identified using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. Procedure results were compared between the two phases and two groups. RESULTS: In all, 240 artificial lesions were successfully resected using ERBT. The CUSUM regression line indicated the inflection point at the 16th procedure for the junior endoscopists and at the 13th procedure for the senior endoscopists. In both groups, the procedure time, perforation, piecemeal resection, and DM absence rates were significantly lower in the consolidation phase than in the initial phase. The procedure time for the senior endoscopists was lower than for the junior endoscopists in both phases. CONCLUSIONS: ERBT performance improved significantly after reaching the inflection point of the learning curve in the ex vivo model. We recommend a minimum of 16 ERBT procedures in ex vivo models for urologists with less than 100 TURBT experience and a minimum of 13 procedures for those with at least 100 TURBT experience before advancing to live animal training or supervised clinical practice.

[Value of the human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation test in the diagnosis of disorder of sexual development in children]. / äººç»’æ¯›è†œä¿ƒæ€§è ºæ¿€ç´ æ¿€å‘è¯•éªŒåœ¨æ€§å‘è‚²å¼‚å¸¸å„¿ç«¥ä¸­çš„è¯Šæ–­ä½œç”¨è¯„ä¼°.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the value of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation test in the diagnosis of disorder of sexual development (DSD) in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 132 children with DSD. According to the karyotype, they were divided into three groups: 46,XX group (n=10), 46,XY group (n=87), and sex chromosome abnormality group (n=35). The above groups were compared in terms of sex hormone levels before and after hCG stimulation test, and the morphological manifestation of the impact of testicular tissue on the results of the hCG stimulation test was analyzed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the multiple increase of testosterone after stimulation among the three groups (P>0.05). In the 46,XY group, the children with 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency had a testosterone-to-dihydrotestosterone ratio higher than that of the 46,XY DSD children with other causes. Morphological analysis showed that DSD children with testicular tissue demonstrated a significantly higher multiple increase in testosterone after stimulation compared to children without testicular tissue (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The hCG stimulation test has an important value in assessing the presence and function of testicular interstitial cells in children with different types of DSD, and it is recommended to perform the hCG stimulation test for DSD children with unclear gonadal type.

A critical review of RG-I pectin: sources, extraction methods, structure, and applications.

In recent years, RG-I pectin isolated by low-temperature alkaline extraction methods has attracted the attention of a large number of researchers due to its huge health benefits. However, studies on other applications of RG-I pectin are still lacking. In this study, we summarized the sources (e.g. potato pulp, sugar beet pulp, okra, apple pomace, citrus peel, pumpkin, grapefruit, ginseng, etc.), extraction methods, fine structure and applications of RG-I pectin in physiological activities (e.g. anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-oxidation, immune regulation, prebiotics, etc.), emulsions, gels, etc. These neutral sugar side chains not only endow RG-I pectin with various physiological activities but the entanglement and cross-linking of these side chains also endow RG-I pectin with excellent emulsifying and gelling properties. We believe that this review can not only provide a comprehensive reading for new workers interested in RG-I pectin, but also provide a valuable reference for future research directions of RG-I pectin.

Shewanella subflava sp. nov., a novel multi-resistant bacterium, isolated from the estuary of the Fenhe River into the Yellow River.

A aerobic, gram-negative, rod-shaped and polar-flagellum bacterial strain, designated as FYR11-62T, was isolated from the estuary of the Fenhe River into the Yellow River in Shanxi Province, China. The isolate was able to grow at 4-37 °C (optimum, 25 °C), pH 5.5-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.5) and in the presence of 0-7.0% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1.0% NaCl). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA genes and 1597 single-copy orthologous clusters indicated that strain FYR11-62T affiliated with the genus Shewanella and shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Shewanella aestuarii SC18T (98.3%) and Shewanella gaetbuli TF-27T (97.3%), respectively. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), C16:0 and iso-C15:0. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The main quinones were Q-7 and Q-8. The genomic DNA G + C content was 41.6%. Gene annotation showed that strain FYR11-62T possessed 30 antibiotic resistance genes, implying its multiple antidrug resistance. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain FYR11-62T and its closely related species were all below the thresholds for species delineation. The phylogenetic position together with the results of the analysis of morphological, physiological and genomic features support the classification of strain FYR11-62T (= MCCC 1K07242T = KCTC 92244T) as a novel species of the genus Shewanella, for which the name Shewanella subflava sp. nov. is proposed.

Alteromonas Aquimaris sp. nov., Isolated from Surface Seawater.

A Gram-negative, aerobic, motile by flagellum, and rod-shaped bacterium, designated ASW11-7T, was isolated from coastal surface seawater sample collected from the Yellow Sea, PR China. Strain ASW11-7T grew optimally at 37℃, 4.0% (w/v) NaCl and pH 7.0. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain ASW11-7T belongs to the genus Alteromonas and most closely related to Alteromonas ponticola MYP5T (99.6% similarity), followed by Alteromonas confluentis DSSK2-12T (98.2%), Alteromonas lipolytica JW12T (98.2%), and Alteromonas hispanica F-32T (98.0%). The draft genome of strain ASW11-7T had a length of 3,530,922 bp with a G + C content of 44.9%, predicting 3108 coding sequences, 5 rRNA, 4 ncRNAs, 49 tRNAs genes, and 18 pseudogenes. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between genomic sequences of strain ASW11-7T and closely related species of Alteromonas were in ranges of 66.9-77.8% and 18.3-27.5%, respectively. The major fatty acids of strain ASW11-7T were C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c/C16:1ω6c), and summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c). The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-8 and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Based on the phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain ASW11-7T is considered to represent a novel Alteromonas species, for which the name Alteromonas aquimaris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ASW11-7T (= KCTC 92853T = MCCC 1K07240T).

The Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury of Adolescents With Depressive Disorder in China: A Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: This study is a systematic review of characteristics and influencing factors of nonsuicidal self-injury behavior among adolescents with depressive disorder in China. PubMed, CNKI, WanFang Database, and VIP were searched for studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1 software. Nineteen studies involving 707 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Age, gender, only child or not, and residence were included in the analysis, of which age ( I2 = 0%, p = 0.42) and residence ( I2 = 0%, p = 0.84) were analyzed by fixed-effects model; gender ( I2 = 75%, p = 0.003) and only child or not ( I2 = 50%, p = 0.140) were analyzed by random-effects model. The evidence shows that, according to the common self-injury mode and location, the nonsuicidal self-injury behavior of young people with depressive disorder aged 15-18 years is paid attention to and guided, so as to achieve early detection and early diagnosis and treatment, and reduce the occurrence of serious harm.

Simulation analysis and physiological and biochemical evaluation of Sophora flavescens aboveground against aphids using network pharmacology.

Pests cause substantial damage to human environments; therefore, studying insecticidal mechanisms is crucial for improving pest control. However, the use of chemical pesticides can cause irreversible secondary damage. In this study, we used network pharmacology to investigate the effect of Sophora flavescens Alt., as a biological pest control agent, on glucose-6-phosphate 1-dehydrogenase, thymidylate synthase, and a translocation protein in aphids. The stability and reliability of target proteins was analyzed using molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations. Enzyme activity assays validated the feasibility of network pharmacology to obtain actionable targets. We used interdisciplinary integration to study pest control and network pharmacology to identify how Sophora flavescens Alt. resists aphid attacks. The results show that the use of network pharmacology can increase the accuracy and specificity of our predictions for the molecules targeted by insecticides. This approach will facilitate improved, environmentally friendly pest control development in the future.

A review of sugar beet pectin-stabilized emulsion: extraction, structure, interfacial self-assembly and emulsion stability.

In recent years, sugar beet pectin as a natural emulsifier has shown great potential in food and pharmaceutical fields. However, the emulsification performance depends on the molecular structure of sugar beet pectin, and the molecular structure is closely related to the extraction method. This review summarizes the extraction methods of pectin, structure characterization methods and the current research status of sugar beet pectin-stabilized emulsions. The structural characteristics of sugar beet pectin (such as degree of methylation, degree of acetylation, degree of blockiness, molecular weight, ferulic acid content, protein content, neutral sugar side chains, etc.) are of great significance to the emulsifying activity and stability of sugar beet pectin. Compared with traditional hot acid extraction method, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, subcritical water-assisted extraction, induced electric field-assisted extraction and enzyme-assisted extraction can improve the yield of sugar beet pectin. At the same time, compared with harsh extraction conditions (too high temperature, too strong acidity, too long extraction time, etc.), mild extraction conditions can better preserve these emulsifying groups in sugar beet pectin molecules, which are beneficial to improve the emulsifying properties of sugar beet pectin. In addition, the interfacial self-assembly behavior of sugar beet pectin induced by the molecular structure is crucial to the long-term stability of the emulsion. This review provides a direction for extracting or modifying sugar beet pectin with specific structure and function, which is instructive for finding alternatives to gum arabic.

Gramella sediminis sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat of the Yellow Sea.

A novel species of the genus Gramella, designated ASW11-100T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment in the Yellow Sea, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and single-copy orthologous clusters revealed that strain ASW11-100T belonged to the genus Gramella, and exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.9, 98.8 and 98.7 % to Gramella sabulilitoris HSMS-1T, Gramella sediminilitoris GHTF-27T and Gramella forsetii KT0803T, respectively. The genome of strain ASW11-100T harbours 2950 protein-coding genes and 105 carbohydrate-active enzymes including 38 glycoside hydrolases. Seventeen of the glycoside hydrolases are organized in five distinct polysaccharide utilization loci, which are predicted to involve in the degradation of starch, glucans, arabinoxylans, arabinomannan, arabinans and arabinogalactans. The genomic DNA G+C content was 37.3 mol%. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strain ASW11-100T and its closely related relatives were in ranges of 19.8-23.9% and 76.6-80.9 %, respectively. Cells of the isolate were Gram-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated and short rod-shaped. Carotenoid pigments were produced, but flexirubin-type pigments were absent. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω6c and/or C16 : 1 ω7c). The sole respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6 and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. Based on the above polyphasic evidence, strain ASW11-100T should be considered to represent a novel Gramella species, for which the name Gramella sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ASW11-100T (=KCTC 82502T=MCCC 1K05580T).

African swine fever virus MGF360-11L negatively regulates cGAS-STING-mediated inhibition of type I interferon production.

The type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling pathway is an important part of the innate immune response and plays a vital role in controlling and eliminating pathogens. African swine fever virus (ASFV) encodes various proteins to evade the host's natural immunity. However, the molecular mechanism by which the ASFV-encoded proteins inhibit interferon production remains poorly understood. In the present study, ASFV MGF360-11L inhibited cGAS, STING, TBK1, IKKε, IRF7 and IRF3-5D mediated activation of the IFN-ß and ISRE promoters, accompanied by decreases in IFN-ß, ISG15 and ISG56 mRNA expression. ASFV MGF360-11L interacted with TBK1 and IRF7, degrading TBK1 and IRF7 through the cysteine, ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy pathways. Moreover, ASFV MGF360-11L also inhibited the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 stimulated by cGAS-STING overexpression. Truncation mutation analysis revealed that aa 167-353 of ASFV MGF360-11L could inhibit cGAS-STING-mediated activation of the IFN-ß and ISRE promoters. Finally, the results indicated that ASFV MGF360-11L plays a significant role in inhibiting IL-1ß, IL-6 and IFN-ß production in PAM cells (PAMs) infected with ASFV. In short, these results demonstrated that ASFV MGF360-11L was involved in regulating IFN-I expression by negatively regulating the cGAS signaling pathway. In summary, this study preliminarily clarified the molecular mechanism by which the ASFV MGF360-11L protein antagonizes IFN-I-mediated antiviral activity, which will help to provide new strategies for the treatment and prevention of ASF.

Salinimicrobium sediminilitoris sp. nov., Isolated from a Tidal Flat.

A Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, motile, and rod-shaped bacterium, designated ASW11-47 T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment taken from the coast of Qingdao, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that strain ASW11-47 T belongs to the genus Salinimicrobium and is most closely related to Salinimicrobium terrae YIM-C338T (98.68% similarity). The length of draft genome is 3,594,457 bp, and DNA G + C content is 40.8 mol%. The values of average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization between strain ASW11-47 T and closely related strains were in ranges of 75.9-85.9 and 19.7-31.5%, respectively. The major fatty acids (> 10%) were iso-C15:0 and iso-C17:0 3-OH. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6 and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine. On the basis of genotypic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic analysis, strain ASW11-47 T represents a novel species within the genus Salinimicrobium, for which the name Salinimicrobium sediminilitoris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ASW11-47 T (= KCTC 82501 T = MCCC 1K05586T).

Fluoride absorption, transportation and tolerance mechanism in Camellia sinensis, and its bioavailability and health risk assessment: a systematic review.

Tea is the one of the most popular non-alcoholic caffeinated beverages in the world. Tea is produced from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze), which is known to accumulate fluoride. This article systematically analyzes the literature concerning fluoride absorption, transportation and fluoride tolerance mechanisms in tea plants. Fluoride bioavailability and exposure levels in tea infusions are also reviewed. The circulation of fluoride within the tea plantation ecosystems is in a positive equilibrium, with greater amounts of fluoride introduced to tea orchards than removed. Water extractable fluoride and magnesium chloride (MgCl2 ) extractable fluoride in plantation soil are the main sources of absorption by tea plant root via active trans-membrane transport and anion channels. Most fluoride is readily transported through the xylem as F- /F-Al complexes to leaf cell walls and vacuole. The findings indicate that tea plants employ cell wall accumulation, vacuole compartmentalization, and F-Al complexes to co-detoxify fluoride and aluminum, a possible tolerance mechanism through which tea tolerates higher levels of fluoride than most plants. Furthermore, dietary and endogenous factors influence fluoride bioavailability and should be considered when exposure levels of fluoride in commercially available dried tea leaves are interpreted. The relevant current challenges and future perspectives are also discussed. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Exploring genotype-phenotype relationships of the CRABP2 gene on growth traits in beef cattle.

Cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) is essential to myoblast differentiation. However, there was no report about the function of CRABP2 gene in cattle. This study explored the association of CRABP2 gene polymorphisms with growth traits in cattle breeds by several methods, such as DNA sequencing, PCR, PCR-RFLP and forced PCR-RFLP. Two sequence variants were determined. There were 621 individuals in six cattle breeds from China for the experiment, and three breeds were used to test validation of polymorphisms and extent of linkage disequilibrium (LD). The results showed that both SNPs (SNP1, g.2458 G > T, SNP2, g.3878 G > A) were in intron1. Two SNPs were in low linkage disequilibrium. Association analysis suggested that SNP1 had the significant difference on growth traits with body height, height at hip cross and body slanting length (P < .05), while SNP2 showed a significant difference in growth traits with body height, height at hip cross and body slanting length(P < .05). The results of this investigation displayed that the CRABP2 gene is an available candidate gene and may be used for breed selection and conservation.

Determination of genetic effects of SERPINA3 on important growth traits in beef cattle.

Serine protease inhibitor protein 3 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade A, member 3, SERPINA3) is a member of the serpin superfamily, probably related to the yield and quality of muscle. This study focuses on the relationship between SERPINA3 gene polymorphism and growth traits in beef cattle. The study first uses sequencing pooled DNA samples (Pool-Seq), PCR-RFLP and Tetra-primer ARMS-PCR techniques to determine the genetic polymorphisms of SERPINA3 in 765 beef cattle. Then, the polymorphic loci were correlated with the growth characters of cattle. Five SNPs (SNP1:A-648G, SNP2:T6496A, SNP3:G2495A, SNP4:T2595A, SNP5:A2615G) were found, located in the promoter, introns 5 and SNP 3, 4, 5 were in exons 2, respectively. The observed He was from 0.44 to 0.5, Ne were approaching 2 (1.78 to 2.00). The maximum and minimum PIC (polymorphism information content) values were 0.37 and 0.34, respectively. The association analysis results showed that the SNPs had a significant height in the chest girth and body length. (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). This will provide important information for the rapid breeding of Chinese yellow cattle and the establishment of a molecular genetic marker database.

Positron-emitting tracer imaging of fluoride transport and distribution in tea plant.

BACKGROUND: Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a hyper-accumulator of fluoride (F). To understand F uptake and distribution in living plants, we visually evaluated the real-time transport of F absorbed by roots and leaves using a positron-emitting (18 F) fluoride tracer and a positron-emitting tracer imaging system. RESULTS: F arrived at an aerial plant part about 1.5 h after absorption by roots, suggesting that tea roots had a retention effect on F, and then was transported upward mainly via the xylem and little via the phloem along the tea stem, but no F was observed in the leaves within the initial 8 h. F absorbed via a cut petiole (leaf 4) was mainly transported downward along the stem within the initial 2 h. Although F was first detected in the top and ipsilateral leaves, it was not detected in tea roots by the end of the monitoring. During the monitoring time, F principally accumulated in the node. CONCLUSION: F uptake by the petiole of excised leaf and root system was realized in different ways. The nodes indicated that they may play pivotal roles in the transport of F in tea plants. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.