摘要：
In traditional Chinese medicine, Angelica dahurica is a valuable herb with numerous therapeutic applications for a range of ailments. There have not yet been any articles on the methodical assessment and choice of the best reference genes for A. dahurica gene expression studies. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is widely employed as the predominant method for investigating gene expression. In order to ensure the precise determination of target gene expression outcomes in RT-qPCR analysis, it is imperative to employ stable reference genes. In this study, a total of 11 candidate reference genes including SAND family protein (SAND), polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTBP), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), actin (ACT), TIP41-like protein (TIP41), cyclophilin 2 (CYP2), elongation factor 1 α (EF1α), ubiquitin-protein ligase 9 (UBC9), tubulin β-6 (TUB6), thioredoxin-like protein YLS8 (YLS8), and tubulin-α (TUBA) were selected from the transcriptome of A. dahurica. Subsequently, three statistical algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper) were employed to assess the stability of their expression patterns across seven distinct stimulus treatments. The outcomes obtained from these analyses were subsequently amalgamated into a comprehensive ranking using RefFinder. Additionally, one target gene, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), was used to confirm the effectiveness of the selected reference genes. According to the findings of this study, the two most stable reference genes for normalizing the expression of genes in A. dahurica are TIP41 and UBC9. Overall, our research has determined the appropriate reference genes for RT-qPCR in A. dahurica and provides a crucial foundation for gene screening and identifying genes associated with the biosynthesis of active ingredients in A. dahurica.
摘要：
The cadmium (Cd) accumulates in birnessite as it forms on the surface of paddy crusts (PC). The stability of Cd-containing birnessite is influenced by environmental factors, and destabilized birnessite releases dissolved Cd. We report the effects of pH, oxalic acid, and light on the dissolution of Cd-containing birnessite. We found that at pH 4.0, with light and 0.20 mol/L oxalic acid, the ratio of dissolved Cd and manganese (Mn) peaked after 24 h at 2978.0 mu g/g and 326.8 mg/g, respectively. The three environmental factors affected the dissolution of Cd-containing birnessite in the following order: pH > oxalic acid > light. During dissolution process, Cd and Mn did not dissolve simultaneously, and the dissolved Cd/Mn ratio in the solution was significantly lower than that of the pristine mineral (33.5 x 10(-3)). Compared with Mn, Cd dissolution was inhibited by strong acidity (pH 4.0-5.0), and the dissolved Cd/Mn ratio was 5-10 x 10(-3). Mild acidity (pH 6.0) was weakly inhibitory, with a Cd/Mn ratio of 6-15 x 10(-3). In an alkaline (pH 8.0) oxalate environment, light illumination inhibited Cd dissolution, and the Cd/Mn ratio decreased over time due to the stability of the products formed by oxalate and carbonate, with Cd being more stable than those formed by Mn. Our findings would provide insights into the migration and transformation of PC-associated Cd in paddy fields.
摘要：
Abstract Soil protease plays a fundamental role in soil nitrogen (N) transformations. Soil N and phosphorus (P) management significantly influence soil protease activity. However, the impacts of N and P combined modification on soil protease remain unclear. A better understanding of the activity and dynamic of soil protease could provide new insights into soil N cycling and available N supply. This study aimed to quantify the influences of combined effects of N and P managements on soil protease activities and decipher the potential mechanism from the perspectives of soil chemical properties, functional microbes, and functional genes. The nitrification inhibitor 3, 4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) application or phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (PSB) Klebsiella inoculation significantly increased soil protease activity (23.39% and 70.99%, respectively) and ammonium N (NH4+–N) contents, relative to the blank control. However, compared with the DMPP or PSB alone application, the combined applications of DMPP and PSB significantly decreased protease activity, implying that an antagonistic effect on soil protease activity was generated. The abundances of genus Klebsiella were stimulated by the DMPP or PSB but significantly inhibited by the combined additions of DMPP and PSB. The DMPP and PSB applications also significantly changed soil microbial communities and led to more complicated soil microbial co‐occurrence networks. Soil protease activity had a significantly positive correlation with the normalized abundances of tri and clpX genes. Our findings suggested that the combined additions of DMPP and PSB generated an antagonistic effect on soil protease activity and that the antagonistic effect was directly associated with soil NH4+–N and NO3−–N contents, P fractions, and functional gene abundances.
摘要：
This study aimed to develop a systematic method for assessing the cold tolerance of broccoli seedlings, which is helpful to evaluating the cold tolerance of broccoli cultivars. We selected 14 classical broccoli cultivars and evaluated their cold tolerance by examining physiological indicators including the levels of cold resistance, electrical conductivity, malondialdehyde (MDA), soluble sugar, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The results showed that there were significant differences in detected characteristics in all cultivars after cold stress during the seedling stage (p < 0.05). Among them, Meiqing had the strongest cold tolerance, followed by King 11, Zhongqing 15, Meiao 7172, Zhongqing 318, Zheqing 80, Zhongqing 16, Zhongqing 319, and Lvxiong 90. However, Zhongqing 11, Yanxiu, Qianghan, and Feicui 5, showed the worst cold tolerance (all died). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that there was a significantly negative correlation between the cold tolerance and the electrical conductivity during broccoli seedling stage, with a correlation coefficient of -0.586 (p < 0.05). At the same time, we found that the electrical conductivity of all broccoli cultivars showed a positive correlation with the MDA and soluble sugar levels, with the correlation coefficients 0.650 and 0.573, respectively (p < 0.05). This study not only firstly provides a fundamental method for evaluating the cold tolerance in different broccoli genotypes and the other cruciferous vegetables, but also offers a scientific evidence explaining the cold tolerance of the Meiqing, King 11, and Zhongqing 15 cultivars widely cultivated in China.
摘要：
Lilium growth is severely impeded by continuous cropping, and crop rotation is essential to reducing the detrimental effects of monocultures. Soil (0-20 cm) was collected in three Lilium cropping patterns in Longshan County, Hunan Province, including continuous Lilium cropping (Lilium), corn upland rotation with Lilium (Corn), and paddy rotation with Lilium (Rice). Using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology, the fungal ribosomal DNA internal-transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) was examined to evaluate the features of soil fungi communities among three cropping patterns. Crop rotation has an impact on soil properties and the microbial community. Rice soil has a significantly higher pH than Lilium and corn soil, while corn and rice soil have a greater total nitrogen and total phosphorus content than Lilium soil. Rotation cropping clearly shifted the fungi community diversity based on the results of principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). Ascomycota was the most prevalent phylum, with the highest levels in Lilium soil. Genetic analysis revealed that paddy rotation led to a clear reduction in or non-detection of eight potentially pathogenic fungal genera and a noticeable accumulation of eight beneficial fungal genera compared to Lilium continuous cropping. Fungi communities and their abundant taxa were correlated with soil pH and nutrients. Altogether, we propose that rice rotation, with its ability to mitigate soil acidification, reducing pathogenic and accumulating beneficial communities, may be an effective strategy for alleviating the continuous cropping barrier.
摘要：
The quality of pasteurized milk is commonly assessed through microbiological analysis, with variations in storage conditions significantly impacting the suppression of bacterial growth throughout the milk's shelf life. This study investigated the dynamics of total bacterial counts (TBCs) and bacterial community shifts in milk that underwent pasteurization at 80 °C for 15 s. The milk was subsequently stored at 4 °C for varying intervals of 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, and 16 days. Culture-based testing revealed a significant TBC increase during the storage period spanning 1 to 16 days (up to -log10 4.2 CFU/mL at day 16). The TBC in pasteurized milk exhibited accelerated microbial growth from day 13 onwards, ultimately peaking on day 16. Bacillus was detected through 16S rRNA identification. Principal component analysis demonstrated a significant impact of storage time on bacterial communities in pasteurized milk. Analysis of bacterial diversity revealed a negative correlation between the Shannon index and the duration of pasteurized milk storage. Using high-throughput sequencing, Streptococcus and Acinetobacter were detected as prevalent bacterial genera, with Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus uberis showing as dominant taxa. The presence of Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Streptococcus uberis in pasteurized milk might be attributed to the initial contamination from raw milk with mastitis. This study offers new evidence of the prevalence of bacterial community in pasteurized milk, thereby adding value to the enhancement of quality control and the development of strategies for reducing microbial risks.
摘要：
The growth and development of rice (Oryza sativaL.) are affected by multiple factors, such as ROS homeostasis and utilization of iron. Here, we demonstrate that OsUGE2, a gene encoding a UDP-glucose 4-epimerase, controls growth and development by regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron (Fe) level in rice. Knockout of this gene resulted in impaired growth, such as dwarf phenotype, weakened root growth and pale yellow leaves. Biochemical analysis showed that loss of function of OsUGE2 significantly altered the proportion and content of UDP-Glucose (UDP-Glc) and UDP-Galactose (UDP-Gal). Cellular observation indicates that the impaired growth may result from decreased cell length. More importantly, RNA-sequencing analysis showed that knockout of OsUGE2 significantly influenced the expression of genes related to oxidoreductase process and iron ion homeostasis. Consistently, the content of ROS and Fe are significantly decreased in OsUGE2 knockout mutant. Furthermore, knockout mutants of OsUGE2 are insensitive to both Fe deficiency and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) treatment, which further confirmed that OsUGE2 control rice growth possibly through Fe and H(2)O(2) signal. Collectively, these results reveal a new pathway that OsUGE2 could affect growth and development via influencing ROS homeostasis and Fe level in rice.
摘要：
Fu brick tea (FBT) has unique "fungal flower" aroma traits, but its source of crucial aroma compounds is still controversial. Aspergillus cristatus is the dominant fungus that participated in the fermentation of FBT. In this study, volatiles of Aspergillus cristatus and corresponding fermented FBT were examined using GC×GC-Q-TOFMS. A total of 59 volatiles were shared by three strains of Aspergillus cristatus isolated from representative FBT. Among them, 1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanone were the most abundant. A total of 133 volatiles were screened as typical FBT volatiles from three FBTs fermented by the corresponding fungi. Aspergillus cristatus and FBT had only 29 coexisting volatiles, indicating that the volatiles of Aspergillus cristatus could not directly contribute to the aroma of FBT. The results of no significant correlation between volatile content in FBT and volatile content in Aspergillus cristatus suggested that intracellular metabolism of Aspergillus cristatus was not a direct driver of FBT aroma formation. Metabolic pathway analysis and proteomic analysis showed that the aroma in FBT was mainly formed by the enzymatic reaction of extracellular enzymes from Aspergillus cristatus. This study enriched our understanding of Aspergillus cristatus in the aroma formation process of FBT.
摘要：
Glucosinolates (GLS) in cruciferous vegetables are anti-nutritional factors. Excessive or long-term intake of GLS-containing feed is harmful to animal health and may cause kidney damage. Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a GLS. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of PEITC on a porcine kidney (PK-15) cell line and explored the mechanism of PEITC-induced apoptosis. We found that PEITC could affect cell viability and induce cell apoptosis after incubating cells for 24h. High concentrations of PEITC can induce intracellular ROS accumulation, resulting in impaired mitochondrial function (decreased MMP, decreased ATP) and DNA damage (increased 8-OHdG), cytochrome c in mitochondria is released into the cytoplasm and activates mitochondrial pathway apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2 family and caspase-9, -3). Meanwhile, PEITC could induce intracellular Ca(2+) accumulation, disrupt ER homeostasis, and activate the expression levels of three ER-resident transmembrane proteins orchestrating the UPR (PERK, IRE-1α and ATF6) and ER-related proteins (GRP78 and CHOP), thereby activating ERS-pathway apoptosis-related proteins (caspase-12, -7). Our results showed that low concentration (2.5μM) of PEITC had no damaging effect on cells. In comparison, a high concentration (10μM) of PEITC could induce cell damage in porcine kidney cells and induce apoptosis in PK-15 cells via the Mitochondrial ROS-associated ERS pathway.
摘要：
To investigate the regulatory effects of Chito-oligosaccharide (COS) on the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and MAPK signaling pathways. A total of 40 28-day-old weaned piglets were randomly allotted to 4 equal groups [including the control group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, COS group, and COS*LPS group]. On the morning of d 14 and 21, piglets were injected with saline or LPS. At 2h post-injection, whole blood samples were collected on d 14 and 21, and small intestine and liver samples were collected and analyzed on d 21. The results showed that COS inhibited the LPS-induced increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and hepatic TNF-α cytokines. COS significantly increased the serum total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) value on d 14, and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities in both serum and liver on d 21. Furthermore, it increased hepatic catalase (CAT) activity. COS also increased the LPS-induced decrease in serum IgG concentrations. Immunohistochemical analysis results showed that COS significantly increased the jejunal and ileal Caspase 3, and ileal CD(4+) values challenged by LPS. Dietary COS decreased the LPS-induced jejunal and ileal BAX and CCL2 mRNA levels, markedly decreased ileal COX2 and SOD1 mRNA levels, while increasing ileal iNOS. Furthermore, COS significantly increased the LPS-induced jejunal and ileal p-P38 and MyD88, as well as jejunal P38, while it effectively suppressed jejunal JNK1, and jejunal and ileal JNK2, p-JNK1, and p-JNK2 protein expressions. These results demonstrated that COS could be beneficial by attenuating LPS-challenged intestinal inflammation via regulating mitochondrial apoptotic and MAPK signaling pathways.
摘要：
Globally, tailing impoundment failures frequently occur, making safely held hazardous materials mobile. The pore water within the tailings can have (near-) neutral pH due to acid neutralization before tailings disposal, leading to the generation of neutral mine drainage (NMD) as it leaks from the impoundment. The biogeochemical evolution of key elements, particularly Fe, and the associated mobility of toxic trace metals, including arsenic (As), in these NMD scenarios remain insufficiently explored. In this study, we investigated the oxidative weathering of NMD originating from a gold mine tailings impoundment in Taojiang City, China, where the pH of the sampled tailings' pore water approached neutrality (pH: 6.82). Our observations revealed distinct helically twisted and tubular-like structures of biogenic Fe minerals in suspended particles within the pore water. The dominant Fe-oxidizing bacteria were identified as belonging to the Crenothrix genus. Further characterization identified these biogenic minerals as ferrihydrite (Fh) and amorphous ferric arsenate (AFA). During oxidative weathering, transformations occurred, converting Fh to hematite/goethite and AFA to scorodite. These transformed minerals accumulated as orange-brown precipitates at the impoundment's toe. Arsenite in the pore water underwent complete oxidation to As(V) outside the impoundment. Arsenic was immobilized by biogenic Fe mineral potential through both surface adsorption and structural incorporation mechanisms. Given the prevalence of NMD in mine-impacted areas, the findings of this case study have broad indications for similar environmental settings. The results not only fill knowledge gaps related to Fe biogeochemical cycling but also provide significant guidance for NMD control.
摘要：
In mammals, NLRX1 is a unique member of the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) family showing an ability to negatively regulate IFN antiviral immunity. Intron-containing genes, including NLRX1, have more than one transcript due to alternative splicing; however, little is known about the function of its splicing variants. Here, we identified a transcript variant of NLRX1 in zebrafish (Danio rerio), termed NLRX1-tv4, as a negative regulator of fish IFN response. Zebrafish NLRX1-tv4 was slightly induced by viral infection, with an expression pattern similar to the full-length NLRX1. Despite the lack of an N-terminal domain that exists in the full-length NLRX1, overexpression of NLRX1-tv4 still impaired fish IFN antiviral response and promoted viral replication in fish cells, similar to the full-length NLRX1. Mechanistically, NLRX1-tv4 targeted STING for proteasome-dependent protein degradation by recruiting an E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF5 to drive the K48-linked ubiquitination, eventually downregulating the IFN antiviral response. Mapping of NLRX1-tv4 domains showed that its N-terminal and C-terminal regions exhibited a similar potential to inhibit STING-mediated IFN antiviral response. Our findings reveal that like the full-length NLRX1, zebrafish NLRX-tv4 functions as an inhibitor to shape fish IFN antiviral response.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we demonstrate that a transcript variant of zebrafish NLRX1, termed NLRX1-tv4, downregulates fish IFN response and promotes virus replication by targeting STING for protein degradation and impairing the interaction of STING and TBK1 and that its N- and C-terminus exhibit a similar inhibitory potential. Our results are helpful in clarifying the current contradictory understanding of structure and function of vertebrate NLRX1s. In this study, we demonstrate that a transcript variant of zebrafish NLRX1, termed NLRX1-tv4, downregulates fish IFN response and promotes virus replication by targeting STING for protein degradation and impairing the interaction of STING and TBK1 and that its N- and C-terminus exhibit a similar inhibitory potential. Our results are helpful in clarifying the current contradictory understanding of structure and function of vertebrate NLRX1s.
作者机构：
[Xiao, Xiao; Lu, Bingyi; Wang, Boran; Mao, Rui; Liu, Yingqi; Zhou, Guangmin; Lu, Gongxun; Song, Yanze] Tsinghua Univ, Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Inst, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China.;[Xiao, Xiao; Lu, Bingyi; Wang, Boran; Mao, Rui; Liu, Yingqi; Zhou, Guangmin; Lu, Gongxun; Song, Yanze] Tsinghua Univ, Tsinghua Shenzhen Int Grad Sch, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China.;[Yang, JL; Lu, Bingyi; Yang, Jinlong] Shenzhen Univ, Coll Mat Sci & Engn, Guangdong Res Ctr Interfacial Engn Funct Mat, Shenzhen Key Lab Energy Electrocatalyt Mat, Shenzhen 518060, Peoples R China.;[Min, Zhiwen; Sun, YM; Sun, Yuanmiao] Chinese Acad Sci, Fac Mat Sci & Energy Engn, Shenzhen Inst Adv Technol, Inst Technol Carbon Neutral, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China.;[Chen, Biao] Tianjin Univ, Sch Mat Sci & Engn, Tianjin 300350, Peoples R China.
通讯机构：
[Yang, JL ] S;[Sun, YM ] C;[Zhou, GM ] T;Tsinghua Univ, Tsinghua Berkeley Shenzhen Inst, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China.;Tsinghua Univ, Tsinghua Shenzhen Int Grad Sch, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China.
关键词：
bidirectional catalysts;in-built electric fields;Li-CO2 batteries;overpotential;spent lithium-ion batteries
摘要：
Lithium-carbon dioxide (Li-CO2) batteries are regarded as a prospective technology to relieve the pressure of greenhouse emissions but are confronted with sluggish CO2 redox kinetics and low energy efficiency. Developing highly efficient and low-cost catalysts to boost bidirectional activities is craved but remains a huge challenge. Herein, derived from the spent lithium-ion batteries, a tandem catalyst is subtly synthesized and significantly accelerates the CO2 reduction and evolution reactions (CO2RR and CO2ER) kinetics with an in-built electric field (BEF). Combining with the theoretical calculations and advanced characterization techniques, this work reveals that the designed interface-induced BEF regulates the adsorption/decomposition of the intermediates during CO2RR and CO2ER, endowing the recycled tandem catalyst with excellent bidirectional activities. As a result, the spent electronics-derived tandem catalyst exhibits remarkable bidirectional catalytic performance, such as an ultralow voltage gap of 0.26 V and an ultrahigh energy efficiency of 92.4%. Profoundly, this work affords new opportunities to fabricate low-cost electrocatalysts from recycled spent electronics and inspires fresh perceptions of interfacial regulation including but not limited to BEF to engineer better Li-CO2 batteries.
摘要：
In recent years, traditional rice monoculture (RM) has led to agricultural intensification, resulting in loss of soil nutrients and the low fertility. Rice-crayfish (RC) integrated farming, as a sustainable agricultural system, could significantly enhance accumulation of soil C (carbon), N (nitrogen) and P (phosphorus) while improve soil fertility. However, it is still unknown how the characteristics of soil CNP stoichiometry and storage are influ-enced by long-term RC farming. This study examined the patterns of soil CNP storage and stoichiometry at 0-30 cm soil layers in RM and RC systems (1, 6, 10, and 15 years) scattered in Nanxian County, Hunan Province, China. Compared to RM system, soil C, N, and P storage increased by 4.1-10.9, 0.1-0.9, and 0.03-0.4 Mg ha-1 in 6, 10, and 15-year rice-crayfish (RC6, RC10 and RC15) systems, respectively. Meanwhile, compared to RM system, soil C:N, C:P and N:P ratio increased significantly in RC6, RC10 and RC15 systems. Besides, the principal component, redundancy analysis and structural equation model revealed that soil BD, pH, aggregates and nutrient altered by agricultural practices (no-tillage, feed and flooding) of RC system significantly affected CNP stoichiometry and storage of paddy soil. Although the accumulation of soil nutrient were showed in long-term rice-crayfish farming system, it is also necessary to pay attention to the negative impact of nutrient surplus on the environment. Based on these results, it is necessary to regulate input of fertilizer and improve efficient utilization of feed for guaranteeing soil nutrient balance and retention, so as to ensure sustainable development of rice crayfish farming system.
摘要：
Pre-parasitic second-stage juveniles (pre-J2s) of Meloidogyne graminicola are non-feeding in soil, and their migration, localization and successful invasion of host roots are essential for survival. Chemotaxis is thought to play a central role in host localization, but the mechanisms of chemotaxis are poorly understood. In this study, we cloned and evaluated the molecular characteristics and functions of four chemosensory genes, including Mg-odr-3, Mg-odr-1, Mg-tax-4, and Mg-osm-9. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that Mg-odr-3 and Mg-osm-9 tended to be expressed in pre-J2s and parasitic J2s (par-J2s), while Mg-odr-1 and Mg-tax-4 were expressed in par-J2s, consistent with their functions during the host-seeking period and establishment of suitable feeding sites in root tips. Root signals from eight plant root extracts, namely, rice, barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), wheat, soybean, pepper, tomato, eggplant, and marigold, were repulsive to J2s of M. graminicola. Moreover, RNAi silencing of Mg-odr-3, Mg-odr-1, Mg-tax-4, and Mg-osm-9 in J2s attenuated their repulsion to the rice root extract. Furthermore, we found that the response of J2s to root exudates was concentration-dependent, with high concentrations of root exudates repelling J2s. Silenced J2s also showed reduced repulsion in response to high concentrations of rice root exudates. Conversely, M. graminicola J2s were attracted to the root tips of the eight plants, while RNAi-J2s showed defective attraction to root tips. In conclusion, our results showed that chemosensory genes are crucial for the chemotactic host-seeking behaviour of M. graminicola.
摘要：
Understanding the yield attributes of the popular rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids can provide useful information for developing new hybrid rice varieties. Field experiments were conducted at two subtropical sites (Hengyang and Xingyi) in two years (2021 and 2022) to compare grain yield and yield attributes of three currently popular hybrid rice varieties (Jingliangyouhuazhan, Jingliangyou 534, and Longliangyouhuazhan) with three representative super hybrid rice varieties (Y-liangyou 1, Y-liangyou 2, and Y-liangyou 900). No significant differences in grain yield were observed between the group of popular hybrids and the group of super hybrids at Hengyang and Xingyi in 2021 or at Xingyi in 2022, but at Hengyang in 2022, the group of popular hybrids produced a 15% higher grain yield. The grain yield at Hengyang in 2022 was lower than that at Hengyang and Xingyi in 2021 and at Xingyi in 2022. At Hengyang in 2022, the group of popular hybrids had 9-15% higher panicles per m2, spikelet filling percentage, and harvest index but similar spikelets per panicle and total biomass production and 12% lower grain weight compared to the group of super hybrids. Correlation plot analysis showed that grain yield was significantly related to panicles per m2 but not other yield attributes across six varieties at Hengyang in 2022. These results indicated that the currently popular hybrid rice varieties had higher yield performance than the representative super hybrid rice varieties under the condition of relatively lower productivity, and the key factor for this higher yield performance in the popular hybrids was the higher panicles per m2. This finding highlights that more attention should focus on the yield performance under medium- and low-productivity conditions in hybrid rice breeding programs, and an effective breeding strategy is to select the varieties with high panicle numbers.
通讯机构：
[Wang, XQ; Hu, YZ ] H;Hunan Agr Univ, Coll Fisheries, Changsha 410128, Peoples R China.
关键词：
Aeromonas hydrophila;Expression analysis;Gene identification;Pelodiscus sinensis;TRIM gene family
摘要：
BACKGROUND: TRIM proteins, recognized as a class of E3 ubiquitin ligases, are increasingly acknowledged for their antipathogen immune functions in mammals and fish. In the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), a secondary aquatic reptile that occupies a unique evolutionary position, the TRIM gene has rarely been reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, 48 PsTRIM proteins were identified from the genome of Pelodiscus sinensis via Hidden Markov Model (HMM) searches and Signal Transduction ATPases with Numerous Domains (SMART) analysis. These PsTRIMs were found across 43 distinct scaffolds, and phylogenetic analyses classified them into three principal clades. The PsTRIMs feature a conserved assembly of either RING-B-box-coiled-coil (RBCC) or B-box-coiled-coil (BBC) domains at the N-terminus, in addition to eight unique domains at the C-terminus, including the B30.2 domain, 19 of which were identified. Expression profiling revealed ubiquitous expression of the 48 PsTRIMs across various P. sinensis tissues. Notably, seven PsTRIMs exhibited significant differential expression in liver transcriptomes following infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis implicated PsTRIM14 and PsTRIM28 as key players in host defense against bacterial invasion. Real-time quantitative PCR results indicated that PsTRIM1, PsTRIM2, PsTRIM14, and PsTRIM28 experienced marked upregulation in P. sinensis livers at 12h post-infection with A. hydrophila. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to comprehensively identify and analyze the functions of TRIM genes in P. sinensis, unveiling their considerable diversity and potential roles in modulating immune responses.
关键词：
stevia residue;gut morphology and microbiota;immune responses;laying hens;fatty acid
摘要：
This study aimed to investigate the effect of stevia residue (STER) on the production performance, egg quality and nutrition, antioxidant ability, immune responses, gut morphology and microbiota of laying hens during the peak laying period. A total of 270 Yikoujingfen NO. 8 laying hens (35 wk of age) were randomly divided into 5 treatments. The control group fed a basal diet and groups supplemented with 2, 4, 6, and 8% STER. The results showed that STER significantly increased egg production, the content of amino acids (alanine, proline, valine, ornithine, asparagine, aspartic acid, and cysteine) in egg whites, and decreased the yolk color (P < 0.05). Additionally, STER significantly increased acetate, HOMOγ linolenic acid and cis-13, 16-docosadienoic acid levels in egg yolk (P < 0.05). IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 levels in serum significantly increased by STER (P < 0.05), while IL-1β significantly decreased (P < 0.05). STER also increased total antioxidant activity (T-AOC) in the liver and estradiol level in the oviduct (P < 0.05), but decreased the cortisol level in the oviduct (P < 0.05). For the intestinal morphology, the jejunal villus height and crypt-to-villus (V:C) significantly increased by STER (P < 0.05). STER increased the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota (P < 0.05), while deceased Proteobacteria, Desulfobacterota, and Synergistota (P < 0.05). In conclusion, STER improved egg production, quality and nutrition, improved the immune responses, antioxidant capabilities, estrogen level, gut morphology, and increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria while decreased the harmful bacteria. Among all treatments, 4 and 6% STER supplementation yielded the most favorable results in terms of enhancing production performance, egg nutrition, gut health, and immune capabilities in laying hens.
摘要：
Ampelopsis grossedentata, commonly known as "Vine Tea" and well-recognized for its rich flavonoid content, is mainly distributed in the southern regions of the Yangtze River basin in China. These regions include Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, and Guizhou provinces. Vine Tea is mainly consumed as an herbal tea and has garnered attention for its reported health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective properties. It has been used to alleviate coughs and sore throats (Zhang et al., 2021; Wang et al., 2017; Gao et al., 2009). In the Zhangjiajie region of Hunan province alone, the Vine Tea planting area reached 7,670.5 hectares and produced commercial goods worth 1.417 billion RMB in 2022. In May 2021, leaf margins and veins fading to yellowing mottling, and crumpling of leaf blades in the shape of a boat symptoms were found in ~16% of Vine Tea plants in the Sanjiakuan Township, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie region (29°15'E, 110°30' N) (Figure 1a, b, c). (Figure 1a, b, c). Phytoplasma-like microbial cells (small oval shaped bacterial cells, around 1000 nm in size) were observed in sieve tube cells in the phloem of diseased leaves using transmission electron microscopy. No such cell was observed in the phloem of healthy leaves (Figure 2a, b). To investigate the potential association between phytoplasma and the observed symptoms of the diseased plants, total DNA was isolated from ten diseasedeaves and compared with ten healthy leaves from the same field using SteadyPure Plant Genomic DNA Extraction Kit. The isolated DNAs were analyzed first in a direct PCR using universal phytoplasma primer pair R16mF2/R16mR1 targeting the 16S rRNA gene (Gundersen and Lee 1996) and specific pair rpF1/rpR1 (Lee et al. 1998) targeting the DNA fragment encoding partial ribosomal proteins (rp) L22 (complete) and S3 and S19 (partial). The initial amplified products were used as templates and further amplified by nested PCR respectively with primer pair R16F2n/R16R2 for the 16S rRNA gene (Lee et al. 1998) and the rpF2/rpR2 primer pair for the rp gene (Martini et al. 2007). No amplification was obtained with DNA from healthy leaf samples using any of the four primer pairs. The amplified fragments from diseased leaves by nested PCR were cloned and sequenced (Qingke Biotech, China). The obtained sequences have been deposited in GenBank with accession numbers OR282806 for the 16S rRNA gene and GenBank OR353012 for the rp gene. BLASTn analysis revealed that the partial 16S rRNA gene sequence in our sample shared 99.4% nucleotide sequence identity with 'Candidatus Phytoplasma sp.' (MW364378) and 'Peony yellows phytoplasma' (KY814723) of the 16SrI group. Similarly, our rp gene sequence shared 99.6% nucleotide identity with the rpI group of phytoplasma such as the 'Balsamine virescence phytoplasma' (JN572890) and 'Paulownia witches'-broom phytoplasma' (HM146079). Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA and rp sequences using MEGA version 7.0 revealed that the phytoplasma strain associated with A. grossedentata yellow leaf syndrome in our study site belonged to the 16SrI (Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris) group of phytoplasma (Figure 3a, b). Using the interactive online phytoplasma classification tool iPhyClassifier (Zhao et al., 2009), virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences showed our strain having a distinct RFLP map but was closest to that of the onion yellow phytoplasma 16SrI-B subgroup (GenBank accession number: AP006628), with a similarity coefficient of 0.94 (Figure 4a, b). To confirm phytoplasma transmission, healthy plants were inoculated with three scions of infected plants of A. grossedentata. After 16 days, the new leaves of the inoculated A. grossedentata showed yellow leaf symptoms (Figure 5a, b, c), akin to the symptoms originally observed in the field, and the outer contour of the leaf margin appeared chlorotic. After 26 days, primer pairs R16mF2/R16R1 and R16F2n/R16R2 were used for nested PCR detection of phytoplasma in symptomatic A. grossedentata leaves. Phytoplasma was detected in the first and second leaves of symptomatic branches and leaves while negative control showed no amplification. Sequencing of the amplified fragments showed 100% nucleotide identity to the strain from the grafting source. Our results indicated that the pathogen and the disease can be transmitted by tissue grafting, consistent with the biological characteristics of phytoplasma, and further confirmed that the phytoplasma was the pathogen of yellow leaf syndrome of A. grossedentata. Toour knowledge, this is the first report of phytoplasma of group 16SrI affecting A. grossedentata.
