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Blastocystis hominis and Cystoisospora belli are considered to be common opportunistic intestinal protozoa in HIV/AIDS patients. In order to investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of B. hominis and C. belli in HIV/AIDS patients, a total of 285 faecal samples were individually collected from HIV/AIDS patients in Guangxi, China. B. hominis and C. belli were investigated by amplifying the barcode region of the SSU rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) region of the rRNA gene, respectively. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were conducted to assess the risk factors related to B. hominis and C. belli infection. The prevalence of B. hominis and C. belli was 6.0% (17/285) and 1.1% (3/285) respectively. Four genotypes of B. hominis were detected, with ST3 (n = 8) and ST1 (n = 6) being predominant, followed by ST6 (n = 2) and ST7 (n = 1). Females had a statistically higher prevalence of B. hominis (11.6%) than males (4.2%). The statistical analysis also showed that the prevalence of B. hominis was significantly associated with age group and educational level. Our study provides convincing evidence for the genetic diversity of B. hominis, which indicates its potential zoonotic transmission and is the first report on the molecular characteristics of C. belli in HIV/AIDS patients in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is the second most abundant biobased material found on earth. It is produced mainly as a byproduct of pulp and paper industry and biorefineries. Despite its abundance, lignin valorization is not achieved on a large scale. Recently, there has been a growing demand for using the renewable and biodegradable raw materials in the commodity polymers. Potential use of lignin as a component in thermoplastic polymers is a promising approach for its value-added utilization. Given the vast applications of thermoplastic materials, there is lack of comprehensive review on lignin based thermoplastic polymers in literature. This review focuses on the utilization of lignin as functional and structural component of the thermoplastic polymers which requires structural modifications of lignin pertaining to the polymeric system. First, various lignin modifications were discussed in view of controlling the homogeneity, reactivity, processability and compatibility of lignin for successful thermoplastic copolymer synthesis and blend processing. Then, various copolymerization methodologies of lignin applicable for thermoplastic monomers are reviewed. Lastly, the lignin based thermoplastic blends are discussed which covers the lignin blends with various thermoplastic polymers and the chemical modifications required to improve its compatibility in polymer matrix. Some of the promising potential applications and future perspectives to achieve the goal of lignin-based commercial thermoplastics polymers are addressed. A comprehensive review of lignin-based thermoplastics (copolymers and blends) with focus on various lignin modification, copolymer synthesis strategies, and thermal and mechanical properties. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the contributions of Clonorchis sinensis and hepatitis B virus to the development of cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), C. sinensis and hepatitis B virus infections in 20 clinical liver cancer cases from a C. sinensis- and hepatitis B virus-epidemic region were detected. Eight cases of ICC, 11 cases of HCC and one mixed ICC and HCC case were verified by CT, pathological section and (or) observations during surgery. The C. sinensis infection was detected by stool microscopy and ELISA, and the worms and eggs found during surgery and in pathological sections also allowed for diagnoses. Hepatitis B virus infections were detected by ELISA. In the 20 cases, 18 patients were diagnosed with C. sinensis infections. Eight of the 20 patients were infected with the hepatitis B virus, and seven were co-infected with C. sinensis. In the eight ICC patients, seven were diagnosed with C. sinensis infection, and two had mixed infections with the hepatitis B virus. In the 11 HCC patients, 10 were diagnosed with C. sinensis, four had mixed infections with the hepatitis B virus, and only one HCC patient presented a single infection by the hepatitis B virus. These clinical observations revealed that C. sinensis infection and C. sinensis co-infection with the hepatitis B virus are important factors in ICC and HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manipulation using alternative exon splicing (AES), alternative transcription start (ATS), and alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites are key to transcript diversity underlying health and disease. All three are pervasive in organisms, present in at least 50% of human protein-coding genes. In fact, ATS and APA site use has the highest impact on protein identity, with their ability to alter which first and last exons are utilized as well as impacting stability and translation efficiency. These RNA variants have been shown to be highly specific, both in tissue type and stage, with demonstrated importance to cell proliferation, differentiation and the transition from fetal to adult cells. While alternative exon splicing has a limited effect on protein identity, its ubiquity highlights the importance of these minor alterations, which can alter other features such as localization. The three processes are also highly interwoven, with overlapping, complementary, and competing factors, RNA polymerase II and its CTD (C-terminal domain) chief among them. Their role in development means dysregulation leads to a wide variety of disorders and cancers, with some forms of disease disproportionately affected by specific mechanisms (AES, ATS, or APA). Challenges associated with the genome-wide profiling of RNA variants and their potential solutions are also discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Action model learning can relieve people from writing planning domain descriptions from scratch. Real-world learners need to be sensitive to all kinds of expenses which it will spend in the learning. However, most of previous studies in this research line only considered the running time as the learning cost. In real-world applications, we will spend extra expense when we carry out actions or get observations, particularly for online learning. The learning algorithm should apply more techniques for saving the total cost when keeping a high rate of accuracy. The cost of carrying out actions and getting observations is the dominated expense in online learning. Therefore, we design a cost-sensitive algorithm to learn action models under partial observability. It combines three techniques to lessen the total cost: constraints, filtering and active learning. These techniques are used in observation reduction in action model learning. First, the algorithm uses constraints to confine the observation space. Second, it removes unnecessary observations by belief state filtering. Third, it actively picks up observations based on the results of the previous two techniques. This paper also designs strategies to reduce the amount of plan steps used in the learning. We performed experiments on some benchmark domains. It shows two results. For one thing, the learning accuracy is high in most cases. For the other, the algorithm dramatically reduces the total cost according to the definition of cost in this paper. Therefore, it is significant for real-world learners, especially, when long plans are unavailable or observations are expensive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two 21-year old dizygotic twin men of Iraqi descent were homozygous for HBB codon 8, deletion of two nucleotides (- AA) frame-shift β0-thalassaemia mutation ( FSC8; HBB:c25_26del AA). Both were clinically well, had splenomegaly, and were never transfused. They had mild microcytic anaemia (Hb 120-130 g/l) and 98% of their haemoglobin was fetal haemoglobin (HbF). Both were carriers of Hph α-thalassaemia mutation. On the three major HbF quantitative trait loci ( QTL), the twins were homozygous for G>A HBG2 Xmn1 site at single nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP) rs7482144, homozygous for 3-bp deletion HBS1L- MYB intergenic polymorphism ( HMIP) at rs66650371, and heterozygous for the A>C BCL11A intron 2 polymorphism at rs766432. These findings were compared with those found in 22 other FSC8 homozygote patients: four presented with thalassaemia intermedia phenotype, and 18 were transfusion dependent. The inheritance of homozygosity for HMIP 3-bp deletion at rs66650371 and heterozygosity for Hph α-thalassaemia mutation was found in the twins and not found in any of the other 22 patients. Further studies are needed to uncover likely additional genetic variants that could contribute to the exceptionally high HbF levels and mild phenotype in these twins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on variant Sp1 transcription factor might enhance fetal haemoglobin (HbF) expression in beta-thalassaemia mutation and frame-shift mutation. It mentions single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) known to be associated with elevated HbF and subjected to nucleotide sequencing but no mutation was found. It also mentions serine/threonine-rich and 2 glutamine-rich transcription activation domains at the amino-terminal of the peptide.

Whole transcriptome analysis plays an essential role in deciphering genome structure and function, identifying genetic networks underlying cellular, physiological, biochemical and biological systems and establishing molecular biomarkers that respond to diseases, pathogens and environmental challenges. Here, we review transcriptome analysis methods and technologies that have been used to conduct whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing or whole transcriptome tag/target sequencing analyses. We focus on how adaptors/linkers are added to both 5′ and 3′ ends of mRNA molecules for cloning or PCR amplification before sequencing. Challenges and potential solutions are also discussed. In brief, next generation sequencing platforms have accelerated releases of the large amounts of gene expression data. It is now time for the genome research community to assemble whole transcriptomes of all species and collect signature targets for each gene/transcript, and thus use known genes/transcripts to determine known transcriptomes directly in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, there is increasing interest in action model learning. However, most previous studies focused on learning effect-based action models. On the other hand, a rule-based planning domain description language was proposed in the latest planning competition. That is the Relational Dynamic Influence Diagram Language (RDDL). It uses rules to describe transitions instead of action models. In this paper, we build a system to learn planning domain descriptions in the RDDL. There are three major parts of an RDDL domain description: constraints, transitions and rewards. We first take advantage of the finite state machine analysis to identify constraints. Then, we employ the inductive learning technique to learn transitions. At last, we use regression to fix rewards. The evaluation was performed on benchmarks from planning competitions. It showed that our system can learn domain descriptions in the RDDL with low error rates. Moreover, our system is developed based on classical approaches. It implicates that the RDDL roots in previous planning languages. Therefore, more classical approaches could be useful in the RDDL domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogenesis of organelles requires targeting of a subset of proteins to specific subcellular domains by signal peptides or mechanisms controlling mRNA localization and local translation. How local distribution and translation of specific mRNAs for organelle biogenesis is achieved remains elusive and likely to be dependent on the cellular context. Here we identify Trinucleotide repeat containing-6a (Tnrc6a), a component of the miRNA pathway, distinctively localized to apical granules of differentiating airway multiciliated cells (MCCs) adjacent to centrioles. In spite of being enriched in TNRC6A and the miRNA-binding protein AGO2, they lack enzymes for mRNA degradation. Instead, we found these apical granules enriched in components of the mRNA translation machinery and newly synthesized proteins suggesting that they are specific hubs for target mRNA localization and local translation in MCCs. Consistent with this, Tnrc6a loss of function prevented formation of these granules and led to a broad reduction, rather than stabilization of miRNA targets. These included downregulation of key genes involved in ciliogenesis and was associated with defective multicilia formation both in vivo and in primary airway epithelial cultures. Similar analysis of Tnrc6a disruption in yolk sac showed stabilization of miRNA targets, highlighting the potential diversity of these mechanisms across organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Studies have found that a cluster of duplicated gene loci encoding the interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) family have antiviral activity against several viruses, including influenza A virus. The gene family has 5 and 7 members in humans and mice, respectively. Here, we confirm the current annotation of pig IFITM1, IFITM2, IFITM3, IFITM5, IFITM1L1 and IFITM1L4, manually annotated IFITM1L2, IFITM1L3, IFITM5L, IFITM3L1 and IFITM3L2, and provide expressed sequence tag (EST) and/or mRNA evidence, not contained with the NCBI Reference Sequence database (RefSeq), for the existence of IFITM6, IFITM7 and a new IFITM1-like (IFITM1LN) gene in pigs. Phylogenic analyses showed seven porcine IFITM genes with highly conserved human/mouse orthologs known to have anti-viral activity. Digital Gene Expression Tag Profiling (DGETP) of swine tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLN) of pigs infected with swine influenza virus (SIV), porcine pseudorabies virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus or porcine circovirus type 2 over 14 days post-inoculation (dpi) showed that gene expression abundance differs dramatically among pig IFITM family members, ranging from 0 to over 3000 tags per million. In particular, SIV up-regulated IFITM1 by 5.9 fold at 3dpi. Bayesian framework further identified pig IFITM1 and IFITM3 as differentially expressed genes in the overall transcriptome analysis. In addition to being a component of protein complexes involved in homotypic adhesion, the IFITM1 is also associated with pathways related to regulation of cell proliferation and IFITM3 is involved in immune responses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) has devastated pig industries worldwide for many years. It is caused by a small RNA virus (PRRSV), which targets almost exclusively pig monocytes or macrophages. In the present study, five SAGE (serial analysis of gene expression) libraries derived from 0 hour mock-infected and 6, 12, 16 and 24 hours PRRSV-infected porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) produced a total 643,255 sequenced tags with 91,807 unique tags. Differentially expressed (DE) tags were then detected using the Bayesian framework followed by gene/mRNA assignment, arbitrary selection and manual annotation, which determined 699 DE genes for reactome analysis. The DAVID, KEGG and REACTOME databases assigned 573 of the DE genes into six biological systems, 60 functional categories and 504 pathways. The six systems are: cellular processes, genetic information processing, environmental information processing, metabolism, organismal systems and human diseases as defined by KEGG with modification. Self-organizing map (SOM) analysis further grouped these 699 DE genes into ten clusters, reflecting their expression trends along these five time points. Based on the number one functional category in each system, cell growth and death, transcription processes, signal transductions, energy metabolism, immune system and infectious diseases formed the major reactomes of PAMs responding to PRRSV infection. Our investigation also focused on dominant pathways that had at least 20 DE genes identified, multi-pathway genes that were involved in 10 or more pathways and exclusively-expressed genes that were included in one system. Overall, our present study reported a large set of DE genes, compiled a comprehensive coverage of pathways, and revealed system-based reactomes of PAMs infected with PRRSV. We believe that our reactome data provides new insight into molecular mechanisms involved in host genetic complexity of antiviral activities against PRRSV and lays a strong foundation for vaccine development to control PRRS incidence in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Leukocytes play a central role in vein graft neointimal hyperplasia, which is significantly augmented under low shear conditions. The current concept is that shear force regulates leukocyte adhesion predominately through up-regulation of chemokines and growth factors within the graft wall. Using rabbit and murine vein graft models, we demonstrate that CC chemokine receptor 2/monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mediated monocyte recruitment and a low shear environment act synergistically to augment neointimal hyperplasia development and removal of either of the conditions leads to a significant reduction in neointimal thickening. We propose a novel concept that the shear stress response element phenotypically stems from the complex interplay of the biological and physical microenvironments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) up-regulation has been associated with both low and high shear-induced arterial remodeling. To address this apparent paradox and to define the biology of TNF-α signaling in large arteries, we tested the hypotheses that differential temporal expression of TNF-α drives shear-regulated arterial remodeling. Materials and methods: Both low- and high-shear environments in the same rabbit were surgically created for common carotid arteries. Common carotid arteries (n = 60 total) were harvested after d0, d1, d3, d7, and d14 and analyses included morphology, TNF-α, and IL-10 mRNA quantitation. In separate experiments, animals received pegylated soluble TNF-α Type 1 receptor (PEG sTNF-RI) or vehicle via either short- or long-term dosing to define the effect of TNF-α blockade. Results: The model yielded a 14-fold shear differential (P < 0.001) with medial thickening under low shear (P = 0.025), and evidence of outward remodeling with high shear (P = 0.007). Low shear immediately up-regulated TNF-α expression ∼50 fold (P < 0.001) at d1. Conversely, high shear-induced delayed and sustained TNF-α expression (22-fold at d7, P = 0.012; 23-fold at d14, P = 0.007). Both low and high shear gradually induced IL-10 expression (P = 0.002 and P = 0.004, respectively). Neither short-term (5-day) nor long-term (14-day) blockage of TNF-α signaling resulted in treatment-induced changes in the remodeling of low- or high-shear arteries. Conclusions: Shear stress differentially and temporally regulates TNF-α expression in remodeling large arteries. However, TNF-α blockage did not substantially impact the final shear-induced morphology, suggesting that large arteries can remodel in response to flow perturbations independent of TNF-α signaling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Arteries and vein grafts respond differently to reductions in flow, with arteries demonstrating inward remodeling through only limited structural reorganization of the media and vein grafts developing a thickened intima, with little change in the external diameter. In an effort to mechanistically explore the biology of this contrasting behavior, we hypothesized that this differential response in flow-mediated remodeling is driven by unique temporal expression patterns and functional activities of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9, key effectors of blood vessel architecture remodeling. Material and methods: In rabbits, bilateral carotid vein grafting was coupled with unilateral partial distal ligation to create a sevenfold flow differential between sides. Vein grafts and proximal carotid arteries were then harvested for morphological and biochemical studies at time points ranging from 1 to 14 days. Results: Vein grafts demonstrated an early, transient increase in pro-MMP-9 within adherent monocytes and endothelial cells. This was followed by a delayed increase in smooth muscle cell active MMP-2, which was coincident with the onset of intimal thickening at days 7 and 14 and significantly elevated by low flow. In contrast, arteries showed no elevation in pro MMP-9 above baseline, but demonstrated a transient increase in latent MMP-2 preceding the flow-mediated change in vessel diameter. Conclusions: These data provide evidence for unique and independent roles of MMP-2 and -9 in the process of hemodynamically driven vascular remodeling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), a nucleus-encoded protein, regulates the initiation of transcription and replication of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Decreased expression of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes has been associated with onset of obesity in mice. Therefore, we hypothesized genetic variants in TFAM gene influence mitochondrial biogenesis consequently affecting body fat deposition and energy metabolism. In the present study, both cDNA (2259bp) and genomic DNA (16,666bp) sequences were generated for the bovine TFAM gene using a combination of in silico cloning with targeted region PCR amplification. Alignment of both cDNA and genomic sequences led to the determination of genomic organization and characterization of the promoter region of the bovine TFAM gene. Two closely linked A/C and C/T single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in the bovine TFAM promoter and then genotyped on 237 Wagyu x Limousin F2 animals with recorded phenotypes for marbling and subcutaneous fat depth (SFD). Statistical analysis demonstrated that both SNPs and their haplotypes were associated with marbling (P =0.0153 for A/C, P =0.0026 for C/T, and P =0.0004 for haplotype) and SFD (P =0.0200 for A/C, P =0.0039 for C/T, and P =0.0029 for haplotype), respectively. A search for transcriptional regulatory elements using MatInspector indicated that both SNPs lead to a gain/loss of six putative-binding sites for transcription factors relevant to fat deposition and energy metabolism. Our results suggest for the first time that TFAM gene plays an important role in lipid metabolism and may be a strong candidate gene for obesity in mammals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Evolution of a probable ‘glutathione-binding ancestor’ resulting in a common thioredoxin-fold for glutathione S-transferases and glutathione peroxidases may possibly suggest that a glutathione S-transferase could be engineered into a selenium-containing glutathione S-transferase (seleno-GST), having glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity. Here, we addressed this question by production of such protein. In order to obtain a recombinant seleno-GST produced in Escherichia coli, we introduced a variant bacterial-type selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) element which afforded substitution with selenocysteine for the catalytic Tyr residue in the active site of GST from Schistosoma japonica. Utilizing coexpression with the bacterial selA, selB, and selC genes (encoding selenocysteine synthase, SelB, and tRNASec, respectively) the yield of recombinant seleno-GST was about 2.9mg/L bacterial culture, concomitant with formation of approximately 85% truncation product as a result of termination of translation at the selenocysteine-encoding UGA codon. The mutations inferred as a result of the introduction of a SECIS element did not affect the glutathione-binding capacity (Km=53μM for glutathione as compared to 63μM for the wild-type enzyme) nor the GST activity (kcat=14.3s−1 vs. 16.6s−1), provided that the catalytic Tyr residue was intact. When this residue was changed to selenocysteine, however, the resulting seleno-GST lost the GST activity. It also failed to display any novel GPX activity towards three standard peroxide substrates (hydrogen peroxide, butyl hydroperoxide or cumene hydroperoxide). These results show that recombinant selenoproteins with internal selenocysteine residues may be heterologously produced in E. coli at sufficient amounts for purification. We also conclude that introduction of a selenocysteine residue into the catalytic site of a glutathione S-transferase is not sufficient to induce GPX activity in spite of a maintained glutathione-binding capacity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Microsatellites, or tandem simple sequence repeats (SSRs), have become one of the most popular molecular markers in genome mapping because of their abundance across genomes and because of their high levels of polymorphism. However, information on which genes surround or flank them has remained very limited for most SSRs, especially in livestock species. In this study, an in silico comparative mapping approach was developed to link porcine SSRs to known genome regions by identifying their human orthologs. From a total of 1321 porcine microsatellites used in this study, 228 were found to have blocks in alignment with human genomic sequences. These 228 SSRs span about 1459 cM of the porcine genome, but with uneven distributions, ranging from 2 on SSC12 to 24 on SSC14. Linking these porcine SSRs to the known genome regions in the human genome also revealed 16 new putative synteny groups between these two species. Fifteen SSRs on SSC3 with identified human orthologs were typed on a pig-hamster radiation hybrid (RH) panel and used in a joint analysis with 80 known gene markers previously mapped on SSC3 using the same panel. The analysis revealed that they were all highly linked to either one or both adjacent markers. These results indicated that assigning the porcine SSRs to known genome regions by identifying their human orthologs is a reliable approach. The process will provide a foundation for positional cloning of causative genes for economically important traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on published information, we have identified 991 genes and gene-family clusters for cattle and 764 for pigs that have orthologues in the human genome. The relative linear locations of these genes on human sequence maps were used as "rulers" to annotate bovine and porcine genomes based on a CSAM (contiguous sets of autosomal markers) approach. A CSAM is an uninterrupted set of markers in one genome (primary genome; the human genome in this study) that is syntenic in the other genome (secondary genome; the bovine and porcine genomes in this study). The analysis revealed 81 conserved syntenies and 161 CSAMs between human and bovine autosomes and 50 conserved syntenies and 95 CSAMs between human and porcine autosomes. Using the human sequence map as a reference, these 991 and 764 markers could correlate 72 and 74% of the human genome with the bovine and porcine genomes, respectively. Based on the number of contiguous markers in each CSAM, we classified these CSAMs into five size groups as follows: singletons (one marker only), small (2–4 markers), medium (5–10 markers), large (11–20 markers), and very large (>20 markers). Several bovine and porcine chromosomes appear to be represented as di-CSAM repeats in a tandem or dispersed way on human chromosomes. The number of potential CSAMs for which no markers are currently available were estimated to be 63 between human and bovine genomes and 18 between human and porcine genomes. These results provide basic guidelines for further gene and QTL mapping of the bovine and porcine genomes, as well as insight into the evolution of mammalian genomes.Key words: Human, cattle, pig, orthologous genes, CSAM, comparative mapping.À partir d'information déjà publiées, les auteurs ont identifié 991 gènes ou familles de gènes bovins et 764 gènes ou familles de gènes porcins ayant des homologues au sein du génome humain. Les positions linéaires relatives de ces gènes sur les cartes de séquences humaines ont été employées pour annoter les génomes bovin et porcin à l'aide d'une approche CSAM (« contiguous set of autosomal markers »). Un CSAM représente une série de marqueurs ininterrompue chez un génome (génome primaire ; le génome humain dans le cas présent) et qui est organisée de façon identique (syntène) chez un autre génome (génome secondaire ; les génomes bovin ou porcin dans ce travail). Cette analyse a révélé 81 régions de synténie et 161 CSAM entre les autosomes humain et bovin. Pareillement, 50 régions de synténie et 95 CSAM ont été observés entre les autosomes humain et porcin. En utilisant la séquence du génome humain comme point de référence, ces 991 ou 764 marqueurs ont permis de corréler 72 % ou 74 % du génome humain avec les génomes bovin ou porcin, respectivement. En fonction du nombre de marqueurs contigus au sein de chaque CSAM, cinq classes de CSAM ont été définies : à marqueur unique (un seul marqueur), petit (2 à 4 marqueurs), moyen (5 à 10 marqueurs), grand (11 à 20 marqueurs) et très grand (>20 marqueurs). Le nombre de CSAM appartenant à chacune de ces classes diminue tandis que leur taille physique moyenne augmente tant lors des comparaisons entre génomes humain et bovin que lors des comparaisons entre génomes humain et porcin. Plusieurs chromosomes bovins ou porcins semblent avoir été dupliqués sous forme de CSAM répétés en tandem ou dispersés chez les chromosomes humains. Le nombre de CSAM potentiels pour lesquels aucun marqueur n'est présentement disponible a été estimé à 63 pour les génomes humain et bovin et à 18 pour les génomes humain et porcin. Ces résultats fournissent des points de repère pour de futurs travaux de cartographie de gènes ou de QTL chez les génomes bovin ou porcin de même qu'un aperçu de l'évolution des génomes au sein des mammifères.Mots clés : humain, bœuf, porc, gènes orthologues, CSAM, cartographie comparée.[Traduit par la Rédaction] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently published draft sequence of the human genome will provide a basic reference for the comparative mapping of genomes among mammals. In this study, we selected 214 genes with complete coding sequences on Homo sapiens chromosome 4 (HSA4) to search for orthologs and expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences in eight other mammalian species (cattle, pig, sheep, goat, horse, dog, cat, and rabbit). In particular, 46 of these genes were used as landmarks for comparative mapping of HSA4 and Sus scrofa chromosome 8 (SSC8); most of HSA4 is homologous to SSC8, which is of particular interest because of its association with genes affecting the reproductive performance of pigs. As a reference framework, the 46 genes were selected to represent different cytogenetic bands on HSA4. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products amplified from pig DNA were directly sequenced and their orthologous status was confirmed by a BLAST search. These 46 genes, plus 11 microsatellite markers for SSC8, were typed against DNA from a pig–mouse radiation hybrid (RH) panel with 110 lines. RHMAP analysis assigned these 57 markers to 3 linkage groups in the porcine genome, 52 to SSC8, 4 to SSC15, and 1 to SSC17. By comparing the order and orientation of orthologous landmark genes on the porcine RH maps with those on the human sequence map, HSA4 was recognized as being split into nine conserved segments with respect to the porcine genome, seven with SSC8, one with SSC15, and one with SSC17. With 41 orthologous gene loci mapped, this report provides the largest functional gene map of SSC8, with 30 of these loci representing new single-gene assignments to SSC8.Key words: orthologous gene, landmark, comparative map, HSA4, SSC8.La séquence encore incomplète du génome humain qui a été publiée récemment offrira des points de repère dans le cadre de travaux de cartographie comparée chez les mammifères. Dans ce travail, les auteurs ont choisi 214 gènes situés sur le chromosome 4 humain (HSA4) et dont la séquence était connue pour rechercher leurs orthologues ou des étiquettes de séquences exprimées (EST) parmi huit autres espèces de mammifères (bovin, porc, mouton, chèvre, cheval, chien, chat et lapin). En particulier, 46 de ces gènes ont été employés comme points de repère pour une cartographie comparée du chromosome HSA4 et du chromosome 8 du Sus scrofa (SSC8). La majorité du chromosome HSA4 est homologue au chromosome SSC8, ce qui présente un intérêt particulier en raison de l'association avec des gènes affectant la performance reproductive chez le porc. Afin de fournir un cadre de référence, les 46 gènes ont été choisis sur la base de leur présence au sein de bandes cytogénétiques distinctes sur HSA4. Les amplicons obtenus chez le porc ont été séquencés et leur orthologie a été confirmée par une analyse BLAST. Ces 46 gènes ainsi que 11 marqueurs microsatellites du SSC8 ont été génotypés chez 110 lignées cellulaires hybrides porc–souris produites suite à l'irradiation. Une analyse RHMAP a permis d'assigner ces 57 marqueurs à trois groupes de linkage du porc : 52 au SSC8, 4 au SSC15 et 1 au SSC17. En comparant l'ordre et l'orientation des gènes-repères orthologues sur les cartes RH porcines avec ceux des marqueurs sur la carte de séquence humaine, il s'avère que le chromosome HSA4 est divisé en neuf segments conservés dans le génome porcin : sept sur SSC8, un sur SSC15 et un sur SSC17. Avec la cartographie de 41 locus orthologues, ceci représente la carte génétique fonctionnelle la plus exhaustive pour SSC8 et 30 de ces locus ont été assignés au chromosome SSC8 pour la première fois.Mots clés : gène orthologue, repère, cartographie comparée, HSA4, SSC8.[Traduit par la Rédaction] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH) and its receptor (GNRHR) is critical in the endocrine regulation of reproduction. The gene (GNRHR) encoding the receptor has been mapped to porcine chromosome 8. There is evidence for three quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing ovulation rate on this chromosome. We obtained an almost complete sequence (3993 bp, excluding intron 1) of the porcine GNRHR gene using PCR-based comparative genomic walking and inverse genomic walking approaches. Twelve polymorphisms were detected by sequencing of pooled DNA of Chinese Taihu and European Large White pigs, including 7 base substitutions and 5 insertions-deletions (indels). A F[sub 2] population of Meishan × European Large White pigs was genotyped for a TG indel in the promoter region, and a C/G substitution in the 3' UTR (untranslated region). A significant association of the C/G substitution with number of corpora lutea at first parity was observed.Key words: porcine GNRHR, genomic organization, polymorphisms, association, corpora lutea.L'interaction entre l'hormone stimulant la production de gonadotrophine (GNRH) et son récepteur (GNRHR) est critique pour la régulation endocrinienne de la reproduction. Le gène (GNRHR) codant pour le récepteur a été localisé sur le chromosome 8. Il y a des évidences suggérant la présence de trois QTL influençant le taux d'ovulation sur ce chromosome. Les auteurs ont isolé un clone presque complet (3993 pb, excluant l'intron 1) du gène GNRHR porcin à l'aide d'une stratégie de marche chromosomique comparée basée sur la PCR et au moyen d'approches de marche chromosomique inverse. Douze polymorphismes, sept substitutions et cinq insertions-délétions (« indels »), ont été détectés en séquençant en masse de l'ADN provenant de porcs « Chinese Taihu » et « European Large White ». Une population F[sub 2] issue d'un croisement « Meishan » × « European Large White » a été génotypée au niveau d'une indel TG dans le promoteur ainsi qu'au niveau d'une substitution C/G dans la région 3' UTR (« untranslated region »). Une association significative entre la présence de la substitution C/G et le nombre de corps jaunes à la première gestation a été observée.Mots clés : GNRHR porcin, organisation génomique, polymorphismes, association, corps jaunes.[Traduit par la Rédaction] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the integration of commercial liquid fuels production from biomass using the alcohol-to-jet pathway into a conventional kraft pulp mill operation. Mill assets including feed handling and supply chain infrastructure, power and recovery systems, and potential equipment retrofitting opportunities are utilized by a fuel production unit through lignocellulosic ethanol fermentation and alcohol-to-jet processing. Potential economic benefits of integrating the energy recovery system (recovery boiler) of the pulp mill with the biomass pretreatment systems are evaluated through energy and mass balances of the integrated facility. Process variations explored within this model include the use of hemicellulose pre-extraction or black liquor fractionation, modifications to digester operations and the scale of a mill retrofitting project. The production of liquid fuels is found to provide a relative reduction in energy use compared to pulp production. With the low energy costs provided by this design, maintaining a high yield throughout the conversion process and the reduction of capital costs offer the best opportunities for further improving economics. Although the economic viability of a realistic biorefinery is not directly evaluated in this study, the aim is to identify technical barriers and opportunities for development of integrated strategies for implementing proven biofuels production technologies. Unlabelled Image • Alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology allows biorefineries to produce viable jet fuel blendstock. • Production capacity and energy usage is modeled within pulp mill biorefineries using ATJ. • Fuels conversion offers a relative reduction in energy use from kraft mill pulping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clonorchiasis is a widespread yet neglected foodborne disease with over 85% of all cases found in China. Guangxi province, located in southeastern China, ranks among the highest endemic provinces. We explore the epidemiological status and determinants of Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) infection in humans and freshwater fish in Guangxi, China. Methods: Data on C. sinensis infection in humans from January 2008 to December 2017were extracted from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. An active surveillance of C. sinensis infection in fish was conducted in 2016–2017. County level data including potential environmental, social-economical and behavioral determinants was also collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the determinants of C. sinensis infection in humans and fish. Simple and multiple zero-inflated Poisson regression models were fit to assess the associated factors of clonorchiasis in humans at the county level. Results: Totally, 4526 C. sinensis cases were reported between 2008 and 2017, with an annual prevalencerate of 0.96/100,000 persons. Of 101 counties in Guangxi, 97 reported at least 1 case. Among 2,098 fish samples, 203 (9.7%) from 70 counties contained C. sinensis. The rate was higher in small fish including Pseudorasbora parva (45.3%), Misgurnus anguillicaudatus (41.2%), Hemicculter leuciclus (34.5%), unclassified small fishes (30.9%), Cyprinidae (20.0%), Cirrhinus molitorella (16.4%), Carassius auratus (13.6%) and Cyprinus carpio (13.3%), while it was lower in fish species that are usually used in preparing raw fish dishes including Ctenopharyngodon idellus (3.6%), Spinibarbus denticulatus (3.7%), Monopterus albus (6.4%), Cyprinus carpio (4.4%), Oreochromis mossambicus (3.3%) and Spualiobarbus Curriculus (6.6%). The C. sinensis infection in fish was only associated with fish species. The estimated human clonorchiasis prevalence at the county level was positively associated with raw fish consumption habits and certain rivers. Conclusions: Clonorchiasis is highly prevalent in both humans and freshwater fish in Guangxi. Environmental, social-economic and behavioral determinants contribute to the high prevalence as well as the significant differential distribution by county. Regular surveillance should be implemented for clonorchiasis to demonstrate the change in epidemiology and burden, which will benefit the design of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review discusses the main factors that govern the oxidation processes of lignins into aromatic aldehydes and acids using hydrogen peroxide. Aromatic aldehydes and acids are produced in the oxidative degradation of lignin whereas mono and dicarboxylic acids are the main products. The stability of hydrogen peroxide under the reaction conditions is an important factor that needs to be addressed for selectively improving the yield of aromatic aldehydes. Hydrogen peroxide in the presence of heavy metal ions readily decomposes, leading to minor degradation of lignin. This degradation results in quinones which are highly reactive towards peroxide. Under these reaction conditions, the pH of the reaction medium defines the reaction mechanism and the product distribution. Under acidic conditions, hydrogen peroxide reacts electrophilically with electron rich aromatic and olefinic structures at comparatively higher temperatures. In contrast, under alkaline conditions it reacts nucleophilically with electron deficient carbonyl and conjugated carbonyl structures in lignin. The reaction pattern in the oxidation of lignin usually involves cleavage of the aromatic ring, the aliphatic side chain or other linkages which will be discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sentiment analysis of short texts is difficult for their simplicity and compactness. This goes a step further when it comes to the Chinese texts. Although deep learning achieved better accuracy in sentiment analysis, there is a lack of explain-ability. Thus, this paper evaluates the effectiveness of techniques for sentiment analysis of Chinese short financial texts with deep learning. For this, we built a Chinese short financial texts corpus (CSFC) and designed an ablation experiment. Beside the CFSC, we used a Chinese review collection and an English short-text repository in the experiment for comparison. There are five techniques involved. They are the Pinyin, the segmentation, the lexical analysis, the phrase structure and the attention mechanism. As results, we found that the phrase structure and the attention mechanism are two of the best. Therefore, the best model in the experiment is called a Phrase Structure and Attention-based Deep network model (PhraSAD). Moreover, to improve the classification accuracy on neutral data, we use a dual classifier strategy for 3-class problems. Experimental results showed that PhraSAD outperformed all other compared models on all experimental datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hardwood kraft pulp contains relatively high hexenuronic acid content which increases unnecessary consumption of bleaching chemicals and has negative effects on pulp brightness stability. Hexenuronic acid can be partly removed by an enzyme treatment or a hot acid treatment. The difference between enzyme and hot acid stages on removing hexenuronic acid and enhancing hardwood kraft pulp ECF bleaching has been investigated. A typical hot acid stage removed more than 60% of hexenuronic acid but only saved about 20% of chlorine dioxide to achieve 84% ISO, while xylanase treatment only removed 12% of hexenuronic acid but saved approximately 40% of chlorine dioxide to achieve the same brightness target. In addition to a slight reduction of hexenuronic acid, fiber ultrastructure analysis reveals that enzyme pretreatment removed hemicellulose layer which was originally present on the fiber surface. The removal of "barrier" xylan increases fiber accessibility to bleaching chemicals and decreases the diffusion resistance of delignification during bleaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether and to what extent the RNF4‐SacII gene polymorphism influences reproduction performances in hyperprolific sow lines. The study involved 101 Landrace x Large White crossbred sows, with 461 records collected on the following reproductive traits: Total Number of piglets Born per litter (TNB), Number of piglets Born Alive per litter (NBA), Number of StillBorn piglets per litter (NSB), piglet Pre‐Weaning Mortality (PWM) and Number of piglets at Weaning per litter (NW). The least square method with the GLM procedure in SAS with eight effects was used to pursue the data analysis. Study results revealed that TT homozygotes and TC heterozygotes had a significantly higher (p <.05) NW than CC homozygotes for the life‐span performance in all parities and first parity analysed. In the fourth parity analysed, TNB and NBA in TC genotype were significantly higher (p <.05) as compared with TT genotype. Based on the life‐span performance, significant effect (p <.05) was recorded for order of parity on TNB, NBA and NW, for farrowing season on TNB and NSB, and for lactation length on PWM. In the second parity, significant effect (p <.05) was recorded for sire of boar on NSB and for gestation length on TNB. Only in the fourth parity, significant effect (p <.05) of RNF4 gene was observed on NBA. There was significant additive effect (p <.05) of the RNF4 gene polymorphism identified on NW in all parities analysed, and significant additive and dominance effects (p <.05) on NSB in the third parity analysed. In conclusion, additional research on related production pig genotypes is necessary to elucidate the effect of RNF4 gene mutation on reproductive traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-intensity clonorchiasis infection is associated with serious outcomes, including cancer. Understanding the infection intensity of Clonorchis sinensis and its risk factors in local endemic regions could facilitate effective control measures. In a county located in a highly endemic area in Guangxi Province, P. R. China, local residents were randomly enrolled in the study; helminth egg examinations were performed with the Kato-Katz method, and the intensity of infection was identified as mild, moderate or heavy. Knowledge, attitudes, and high-risk behaviours were investigated among those infected with Clonorchis sinensis. A total of 2521 local residents participated in this study, and the Clonorchis sinensis-positive proportion was 28.9% (728 persons). Among the infected persons, the percentages of mild, moderate and heavy infections were 66.2%, 28.4% and 5.4%, respectively. Males experienced a higher proportion of moderate and heavy infections (37.5%) than females (18.1%) (p<0.05). The highest infection proportion among the different levels of infection intensity was identified among persons aged 30–59 years (15.7% for moderate and heavy infections). Among the 509 persons who reported eating raw fish, 302 persons (59.3%) had eaten raw fresh fish for more than 10 years, and 131 (25.7%) persons ate raw fish ≥12 times a year. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that eating raw fish 12–50 times in the last year (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.09–2.80) and eating raw fish >50 times in the last year (aOR = 2.89, 95%CI: 1.20–7.50) were risk factors for high-intensity infections (moderate and heavy). The overall infection proportion was high in the study area, with a large group of residents experiencing high-intensity infections. High frequency of raw fish consumption was associated with high-intensity infections. Intervention strategies targeting people with a high frequency of raw fish consumption should be implemented to reduce the probability of severe consequences. Author summary: Clonorchiasis, which is caused by Clonorchis sinensis, is one of the most endemic parasite diseases in China. Humans get infected by eating the raw or undercooked freshwater fish that contain the nymphal stage of Clonorchis sinensis. There are about 15 million cases globally with 85% of those in China. Two major endemic areas were found in China, including Guangdong and Guangxi Province in the south part of China, and Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning Province in the north part of China. In this study, by analysing the dataset from one county in Guangxi Province, we found the overall proportion of infection was high, with one third of infection persons were classified as high intensity of infection. Male and persons aged 30–59 years developed higher burden of infection. Besides, persons who eat high frequency of raw fish developed high intensity of infection. Health education on the high risk populations should be strengthened to change the diet custom. Other measure such as examination of freshwater fish in the market should also be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurobiological mechanisms that regulate the appetite-stimulatory properties of cannabis sativa are unresolved. This work examined the hypothesis that cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R) expressing neurons in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) regulate increased appetite following cannabis vapor inhalation. Here we utilized a paradigm where vaporized cannabis plant matter was administered passively to rodents. Initial studies in rats characterized meal patterns and operant responding for palatable food following exposure to air or vapor cannabis. Studies conducted in mice used a combination of in vivo optical imaging, electrophysiology and chemogenetic manipulations to determine the importance of MBH neurons for cannabis-induced feeding behavior. Our data indicate that cannabis vapor increased meal frequency and food seeking behavior without altering locomotor activity. Importantly, we observed augmented MBH activity within distinct neuronal populations when mice anticipated or consumed food. Mechanistic experiments demonstrated that pharmacological activation of CB1R attenuated inhibitory synaptic tone onto hunger promoting Agouti Related Peptide (AgRP) neurons within the MBH. Lastly, chemogenetic inhibition of AgRP neurons attenuated the appetite promoting effects of cannabis vapor. Based on these results, we conclude that MBH neurons contribute to the appetite stimulatory properties of inhaled cannabis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AA6061 and Ti6Al4V plates were joined by atomic diffusion and interfacial reactions. Layers of solid solution and intermetallic compound were both formed at the interface, and the interface thickness increased as the heat input increased. The intermetallic compound layer was found to be mainly composed of TiAl 3. The shear strength of the friction stir lap AA6061-Ti6Al4V welds was found determined by the interfacial microstructure. The shear performance was promoted initially with the increase of interface thickness due to the formation of intermetallic compound. The maximum shear load of 4500 N was reached with a 7.5-μm-thick interface. When the thickness of interface further increased, the maximum shear load was found to decrease again because of the exorbitant residual stresses induced by the excessive intermetallic compounds. The fracture of the joints started with the micro-cracks formed at the intermetallic compounds and then leads to break during tensile shear test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissimilar joints of AA6061 and Ti6Al4V alloys were obtained via friction stir welding using W-Re pin tools. The intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and the deformation of Ti matrix were depicted from the interfaces as probe length increased, which could be attributed to the promotion of interfacial pressure and temperature. TiAl 3 was formed at all the Al/Ti interfaces in this study, and TiAl formed in the joint welded by 3.3 mm probe following TiAl 3 for lower activation energy. Due to the increase of free energy caused by the solid dissolution of Ti in Al matrix, TiAl 3 nanoparticles precipitated in the diffusion layer, which could be depicted at the Al side of the interface with an overall Ti concentration ranging from 3 to 5 (At. %). It is indicated that the amount of IMCs increased in the joints with increasing probe length. The mechanical properties of the joints were significantly affected by the interfacial microstructure. The shear strength and elongation reached the maximums of 147.5 MPa and 4.1% respectively using the pin tool with 3.1 mm probe. Cleavage fracture gradually dominated the fracture of the joints as the probe length increased, which could be attributed to the formation of intermetallic compounds. • The interface evolution is systematically studied with the exact interfacial pressure and temperature. • The formation of interfacial phases are identified by TEM and discussed by thermodynamics and kinetics. • The shear strength of the welds is optimized to be 147 MPa, which is 32% higher than former studies at least. • The relationship between the interfacial microstructure and fracture mechanism is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity's complex etiology due to the interplay of environment and genetics makes it a more challenging research and health problem. Some of the contributing genetic factors that have not yet been examined in detail entail mRNA polyadenylation (PA). Genes with multiple PA sites express mRNA isoforms differing in coding sequence or 3′UTR through alternative polyadenylation (APA). Alterations in PA have been associated with various diseases; however, its contribution to obesity is not well-researched. Following an 11-week high-fat diet, the APA sites in the hypothalamus of two unique mouse models for polygenic obesity (Fat line) and healthy leanness (Lean line) were determined using whole transcriptome termini site sequencing (WTTS-seq). We found 17 genes of interest with differentially expressed APA (DE-APA) isoforms, among which seven were previously associated with obesity or obesity-related traits (Pdxdc1 , Smyd3 , Rpl14 , Copg1 , Pcna , Ric3 , Stx3) but have not yet been studied in the context of APA. The remaining ten genes (Ccdc25 , Dtd2 , Gm14403 , Hlf , Lyrm7 , Mrpl3 , Pisd-ps3 , Sbsn , Slx1b , Spon1) represent novel candidates associated with obesity/adiposity due to variability brought about by differential usage of APA sites. Our results provide insights into the relationship between PA and the hypothalamus in the context of obesity, by being the first study of DE-APA sites and DE-APA isoforms in these mouse models. Future studies are needed further to explore the role of APA isoforms in polygenic obesity by expanding the scope of research to other metabolically important tissues (such as liver and adipose tissues) and investigating the potential for targeting PA as a therapeutic strategy for obesity management. • First alternative polyadenylation (APA) study in the hypothalamus of mouse models for polygenic obesity and leanness. • Identified 574 differentially expressed APA (DE-APA) sites between the Fat and Lean selection mouse lines on HFD. • 17 genes had multiple DE-APA sites producing DE-APA isoforms of the same gene. • Seven genes with DE-APA isoforms have been previously associated with obesity or related traits. • Ten genes with DE-APA isoforms represent new obesity/adiposity candidates due to differential APA site usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorine dioxide (ClO 2 ) is a bleaching reagent used in paper industry. Two different types of pretreatment methods were investigated incorporating ClO 2 as a secondary reagent: (a) alkaline followed by ClO 2 treatment; (b) dilute-sulfuric acid followed ClO 2 treatment. In these methods, ClO 2 treatment has shown little effect on delignification. Scheme-a has shown a significant improvement in enzymatic digestibility of glucan far above that treated by ammonia alone. On the contrary, dilute-acid followed by ClO 2 treatment has shown negative effect on the enzymatic hydrolysis. The main factors affecting the enzymatic hydrolysis are the changes of the chemical structure of lignin and its distribution on the biomass surface. ClO 2 treatment significantly increases the carboxylic acid content and reduces phenolic groups of lignin, affecting hydrophobicity of lignin and the H-bond induced association between the enzyme and lignin. This collectively led to reduction of unproductive binding of enzyme with lignin, consequently increasing the digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Geese are among the most important poultry species in the world. The current generally accepted hypothesis is that the European domestic geese originated from greylag geese (Anser anser), and Chinese domestic geese have two origins, most of which originated from swan geese (Anser cygnoides), and the Yili goose originated from greylag geese. To explain the origin and demographic history of geese, we selected 14 goose breeds from Europe and China and wild populations of swan and greylag geese, and whole genome sequencing data were obtained for 74 samples. Results: Population structure analysis and phylogenetic trees showed that the wild ancestor of Chinese domestic geese, except for Yili, is the swan geese, and the wild ancestor of Chinese Yili and European domestic geese is greylag geese. Analysis of the demographic history suggests that the domestication of Chinese geese occurred ~ 3499 years ago and that of the European geese occurred ~ 7552 years ago. Furthermore, gene flow was observed between domestic geese and their wild ancestors. Analysis of introgression showed that Yili geese had been introgressed by Chinese domestic geese, and the body size of Yili geese may be influenced by introgression events of some growth-related genes, including IGF-1. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence for the origin of geese at the genome-wide level and advances the understanding of the history of goose domestication and the traits affected by introgression events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an emerging class of regulators involved in a myriad of biological processes. Recent studies have revealed that many lncRNAs play pivotal roles in regulating adipocyte development. Due to the prevalence of obesity and the serious effects of adiposity on human health and society development, it is necessary to summarize functions and recent advances of lncRNAs in adipogenesis. In this review, we highlight functional lncRNAs contributed to the regulation of adipogenesis, discussing their potential use as therapeutic targets to combat human obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical properties, especially water stability, of aquatic animal feed are important components of feed quality. Novel feed binders from soybean hulls (SBH) were developed to further improve water stability of the compound feed. Three (SBH) -based binders were evaluated as binding agent (2%) against three natural control binders (carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), corn starch (CS) and wheat glucan (WG)) with respect to water stability and nutrient leaching after being immersed in water up to 48 h at two water temperatures (22 °C and 28 °C). Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (mean weight of 6.08 ± 0.04 g) were fed in triplicate aquaria with the experimental diets at a rate of 4% of body weight per day, four times daily, for 6 weeks in a recirculating water system. Diets with SHB had significantly improved pellet water stability compared to the diets with control binders (CS and WG) after being immersed in water for longer than 12 h. CMC had the poorest water stability at 3 h and longer water immersion. Recovery of pellets with soybean hull binders was significantly higher than the pellets with control binders at 24 h of water immersion. After 48 h of water immersion, only diets with SHB were recovered ranging from 30% to 40%. Increasing water temperature resulted in a corresponding decrease in water stability of all pellets. At higher water temperature, however, water stability of pellets with control binders were significantly lower compared to pellets with SHB. The binder that best retained crude protein in all time periods was SHB-3. However, it was not significantly different from other soybean hull binders. Percent lipid remained unchanged in all leached pellets up to 12 h of water immersion and increased afterward. Percent ash of the leached pellets increased at 3 h of immersion and continued to increase with the increasing period of water immersion. Diets with SHB retained higher nutrients than the diets containing control binders after being immersed in water 3 h or longer. Weight gain and survival of shrimp fed diets with control or SHB for 6 weeks were not significantly influenced by binder type. In summary, the SBH-bound pellets were more water stable than the control binders and can produce better and be less expensive natural alternatives to conventional binders. • Inclusion of soybean hull binder in aquatic animal feed will reduce the environment impact from waste products. • Diets with soybean hull binder is palatable to shrimp and has no negative affect on growth. • Soybean hull binder will be less expensive natural alternative to conventional binders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inbreeding can lead to the accumulation of homozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genome, which can significantly affect gene expression and phenotype. In this study, we examined the impact of homozygous SNPs resulting from inbreeding on alternative polyadenylation (APA) site selection and the underlying genetic mechanisms using inbred Luchuan pigs. Genome resequencing revealed that inbreeding results in a high accumulation of homozygous SNPs within the pig genome. 3′ mRNA-seq on leg muscle, submandibular lymph node, and liver tissues was performed to identify differences in APA events between inbred and outbred Luchuan pigs. We revealed different tissue-specific APA usage caused by inbreeding, which were associated with different biological processes. Furthermore, we explored the role of polyadenylation signal (PAS) SNPs in APA regulation under inbreeding and identified key genes such as PUM1 , SCARF1 , RIPOR2 , C1D , and LRRK2 that are involved in biological processes regulation. This study provides resources and sheds light on the impact of genomic homozygosity on APA regulation, offering insights into genetic characteristics and biological processes associated with inbreeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is one of the essential functional excipients in the formulation of tablets. The need for cheaper MCC sources has drawn significant attention to exploring renewable sources. In this study, MCC was produced from soybean hull (SBH), the primary by-product of the soy industry, using a novel, simplified, and cost-effective approach. Various characterization techniques were used to study the physicochemical properties and micromeritics of the SBH-based MCC powders and compare them to those of the commercial Avicel PH-101. SBH MCCs had a larger particle size, a broader particle size distribution, a higher degree of polymerization, a higher degree of crystallinity, better thermal stability, and slightly superior flowability and compressibility than Avicel PH-101. The tableting blends (containing 60 % MCC) were prepared, and the post-compression out-of-die Heckel analysis showed that formulations with aggregated SBH MCCs were less ductile than those made with Avicel PH-101, resulting in a lower porosity (better compressibility) of the latter at higher compression pressures. The hardness values for all formulations were above 6 kg, with higher values for those made with Avicel PH-101. The lubricant sensitivity was lower for SBH MCCs. All tablets made using developed formulations showed very low friability (<0.1 %) and short disintegration times (<90 s), making them well-suited candidates for manufacturing orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs). • MCC was successfully produced from SBH using simplified cost-effective methods. • An integrated MCC production with a pectin-protein-rich byproduct was introduced. • SBH MCCs showed superior physical properties and flowability than Avicel PH-101. • SBH MCC tablets had lower lubricant sensitivity compared to the Avicel PH-101. • The proposed tablet formulations are well suited for orally disintegrating tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is one of the essential functional excipients in the formulation of tablets. The need for cheaper MCC sources has drawn significant attention to exploring renewable sources. In this study, MCC was produced from soybean hull (SBH), the primary by-product of the soy industry, using a novel, simplified, and cost-effective approach. Various characterization techniques were used to study the physicochemical properties and micromeritics of the SBH-based MCC powders and compare them to those of the commercial Avicel PH-101. SBH MCCs had a larger particle size, a broader particle size distribution, a higher degree of polymerization, a higher degree of crystallinity, better thermal stability, and slightly superior flowability and compressibility than Avicel PH-101. The tableting blends (containing 60 % MCC) were prepared, and the post-compression out-of-die Heckel analysis showed that formulations with aggregated SBH MCCs were less ductile than those made with Avicel PH-101, resulting in a lower porosity (better compressibility) of the latter at higher compression pressures. The hardness values for all formulations were above 6 kg, with higher values for those made with Avicel PH-101. The lubricant sensitivity was lower for SBH MCCs. All tablets made using developed formulations showed very low friability (<0.1 %) and short disintegration times (<90 s), making them well-suited candidates for manufacturing orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs). • MCC was successfully produced from SBH using simplified cost-effective methods. • An integrated MCC production with a pectin-protein-rich byproduct was introduced. • SBH MCCs showed superior physical properties and flowability than Avicel PH-101. • SBH MCC tablets had lower lubricant sensitivity compared to the Avicel PH-101. • The proposed tablet formulations are well suited for orally disintegrating tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • All carbon sources that lactose, galactose and lactate in acid whey can be utilized. • Enhanced lactate assimilation by overexpressing heterologous lactate dehydrogenase. • The highest butanol titer and yield by utilizing sustainable waste material. • The first instance of ester production using acid whey as substrate. • The combined yield of butyl acetate and butanol reached 0.37 g/g. As a byproduct of dairy production, the disposal of acid whey poses severe environmental challenges. Herein, an innovative solution involving metabolically engineering Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum to convert all carbon sources in acid whey into sustainable biofuels and biochemicals was presented. By introducing several heterologous metabolic pathways relating to metabolisms of lactose, galactose, and lactate, the ultimately optimized strain, LM-09, exhibited exceptional performance by producing 15.1 g/L butanol with a yield of 0.33 g/g and a selectivity of 89.9%. Through further overexpression of alcohol acyl transferase, 2.7 g/L butyl acetate along with 6.4 g/L butanol was generated, resulting in a combined yield of 0.37 g/g. This study achieves the highest reported butanol titer and yield using acid whey as substrate in clostridia and marks pioneering production of esters using acid whey. The findings demonstrate an innovative bioprocess that enhances renewable feedstock biotransformation, thereby promoting economic viability and environmental sustainability of biomanufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To understand Clonorchis sinensis reinfection and the determinants of reinfection in endemic areas is important in establishment of control measures.Methods: A prospective cohort study was implemented in Hengxian County, Guangxi, China. Individuals with C. sinensis infection were completely treated, and those cured were enrolled as study subjects and followed up for 3, 6, and 12 months. The reinfection frequency and incidence were calculated, and a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was constructed to capture reinfection determinants.Results: Among 635 enrolled subjects, 436 (68.7%) completed follow-up. Of these, 177 (40.6%) were reinfected; 133 (75.1%) were reinfected once, 41 (23.2%) twice, and 3 (1.7%) three times. The incidence of reinfection was 64.0 per 100 person-years. Men (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-2.44), those with underlying diseases (aHR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02-1.95), and those with moderate- or heavy-intensity infections (aHR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.14-1.85) had increasing reinfection probabilities.Conclusions: C. sinensis reinfection is high in endemic areas. Men and high-intensity infection are important determinants of reinfection. Repeated chemotherapy is necessary to control reinfection and its associated morbidities, especially in high-risk individuals. In addition, behavioral education is advised to decrease overall reinfection in endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dedifferentiated fat cells (DFAT cells) are derived from lipid-containing (mature) adipocytes, which possess the ability to symmetrically or asymmetrically proliferate, replicate, and redifferentiate/transdifferentiate. Robust cell isolation and downstream culture methods are needed to isolate large numbers of DFAT cells from any (one) adipose depot in order to establish population dynamics and regulation of the cells within and across laboratories. In order to establish more consistent/repeatable methodology here we report on two different methods to establish viable DFAT cell cultures: both traditional cell culture flasks and non-traditional (flat) cell culture plates were used for ceiling culture establishment. Adipocytes (maternal cells of the DFAT cells) were easier to remove from flat culture plates than flasks and the flat plates also allowed cloning rings to be utilized for cell/cell population isolation. While additional aspects of usage of flat-bottomed cell culture plates may yet need to be optimized by definition of optimum bio-coating to enhance cell attachment, utilization of flat plate approaches will allow more efficient study of the dedifferentiation process or the DFAT progeny cells. To extend our preliminary observations, dedifferentiation of Wagyu intramuscular fat (IMF)-derived mature adipocytes and redifferentiation ability of DFAT cells utilizing the aforementioned isolation protocols were examined in traditional basal media/differentiation induction media (DMI) containing adipogenic inducement reagents. In the absence of treatment approximately 10% isolated Wagyu IMF-mature adipocytes dedifferentiated spontaneously and 70% DFAT cells displayed protracted adipogenesis 12 d after confluence in vitro. Lipid-free intracellular vesicles in the cytoplasm (vesicles possessing an intact membrane but with no any observable or stainable lipid inside) were observed during redifferentiation. One to 30% DFAT cells redifferentiated into lipid-assimilating adipocytes in the DMI media, with distinct lipid-droplets in the cytoplasm and with no observable lipid-free vesicles inside. Moreover, a high confluence level promoted the redifferentiation efficiency of DFAT cells. Wagyu IMF dedifferentiated DFAT cells exhibited unique adipogenesis modes in vitro, revealing a useful cell model for studying adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The running condition of a MRC plant is affected by the charge or leakage of the refrigerant. It is significant for the design and operation of the plant. A new model which is established based on the process simulation, mass conservation and characteristics of the system was employed to study the dynamic performance in these cases. The results show that the light composition mainly affects the pressure and the heavy composition affects the liquid level of vessel more obviously. This is due to the fact that the light composition mainly stays in the vapor phase and the heavies stay in the liquid phase mostly. The case when leakages occur at different location was also studied. The results can provide useful information for the adjustment of mixture refrigerant and operation of a MRC plant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Dysfunctional neural control of airway smooth muscle (ASM) is involved in inflammatory diseases, such as asthma. However, neurogenesis in the lung is poorly understood. This study uses mouse models to investigate developmental mechanisms of ASM innervation, a process that is highly coordinated withASMformation during lung branching morphogenesis.Weshow that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an essential ASM-derived signal for innervation. Although BDNFmRNAexpression is temporally dissociated with ASM formation and innervation, BDNF protein is coordinately produced through post-transcriptional suppression by miR-206. Using a combination of chemical and genetic approaches to modulate sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, a pathway essential for lung branching and ASM formation, we show that Shh signaling blocks miR-206 expression, which in turn increases BDNF protein expression. Together, our work uncovers a functional cascade that involves Shh, miR-206 and BDNF to coordinate ASM formation and innervation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco smoke is an established risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD). However, little is known about its underlying mechanisms due to the lack of validated animal models. The present study developed a mouse model that may be utilized to investigate exacerbation of TAAD formation by mimetics of tobacco smoke. TAADs were created via inducible deletion of smooth muscle cell-specific Tgfbr2 receptors. Using this model, the first set of experiments evaluated the efficacy of nicotine salt (34.0 mg/kg/day), nicotine free base (NFB, 5.0 mg 90-day pellets), and cigarette smoke extract (0.1 ml/mouse/day). Compared with their respective control groups, only NFB pellets promoted TAAD dilation (23 ± 3% vs. 12 ± 2%, P = 0.014), and this efficacy was achieved at a cost of >50% acute mortality. Infusion of NFB with osmotic minipumps at extremely high, but nonlethal, doses (15.0 or 45.0 mg/kg/day) failed to accelerate TAAD dilation. Interestingly, costimulation with β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) promoted TAAD dilation and aortic rupture at dosages of 3.0 and 45.0 mg/kg/day, respectively, indicating that BAPN sensitizes the response of TAADs to NFB. In subsequent analyses, the detrimental effects of NFB were associated with clustering of macrophages, neutrophils, and T-cells in areas with structural destruction, enhanced matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 2 production, and pathological angiogenesis with attenuated fibrosis in the adventitia. In conclusion, modeling nicotine exacerbation of TAAD formation requires optimization of chemical form, route of delivery, and dosage of the drug as well as the pathologic complexity of TAADs. Under the optimized conditions of the present study, chronic inflammation and adventitial mal-remodeling serve as critical pathways through which NFB exacerbates TAAD formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco smoke is an established risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD). However, little is known about its underlying mechanisms due to the lack of validated animal models. The present study developed a mouse model that may be utilized to investigate exacerbation of TAAD formation by mimetics of tobacco smoke. TAADs were created via inducible deletion of smooth muscle cell-specific Tgfbr2 receptors. Using this model, the first set of experiments evaluated the efficacy of nicotine salt (34.0 mg/kg/day), nicotine free base (NFB, 5.0 mg 90-day pellets), and cigarette smoke extract (0.1 ml/mouse/day). Compared with their respective control groups, only NFB pellets promoted TAAD dilation (23 ± 3 % vs. 12 ± 2 % , P = 0.014), and this efficacy was achieved at a cost of >50% acute mortality. Infusion of NFB with osmotic minipumps at extremely high, but nonlethal, doses (15.0 or 45.0 mg/kg/day) failed to accelerate TAAD dilation. Interestingly, costimulation with β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) promoted TAAD dilation and aortic rupture at dosages of 3.0 and 45.0 mg/kg/day, respectively, indicating that BAPN sensitizes the response of TAADs to NFB. In subsequent analyses, the detrimental effects of NFB were associated with clustering of macrophages, neutrophils, and T-cells in areas with structural destruction, enhanced matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 2 production, and pathological angiogenesis with attenuated fibrosis in the adventitia. In conclusion, modeling nicotine exacerbation of TAAD formation requires optimization of chemical form, route of delivery, and dosage of the drug as well as the pathologic complexity of TAADs. Under the optimized conditions of the present study, chronic inflammation and adventitial mal-remodeling serve as critical pathways through which NFB exacerbates TAAD formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow croakers (Larimichthys spp.), including Larimichthys polyactis and L. crocea, are important traditional commercial fish species in East Asian countries. However, they are often replaced by low-value fish with similar morphological characteristics. This work aimed to exploit the application of DNA barcoding in molecular identification of L. polyactis , L. crocea and morphologically similar species of Nibea albiflora , Collichthys lucidus , Pennahia argentata, and P. macrocephalus. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) was affirmed as DNA barcode for the authentication of yellow croakers and yellow croaker products in China. Results showed that 37.03% (10/27) of the yellow croaker products were mislabeled and replaced by P. macrocephalus and P. argentata , suggesting that mislabeling is a widespread problem. In general, COI barcode, as a molecular tool, provides a useful method for the identification of yellow croakers, which may prevent mislabeling of fish products and food fraud. [Display omitted] • We identified yellow croakers and morphologically similar species by DNA barcoding. • COI was affirmed as DNA barcode for the authentication of yellow croakers. • 37% of yellow croaker products were replaced by P. macrocephalus and P. argentata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specialized pro‐resolving lipid mediator maresin 1 (MaR1) is involved in the resolution phase of tissue inflammation. It was hypothesized that exogenous administration of MaR1 would attenuate abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth in a cytokine‐dependent manner via LGR6 receptor signaling and macrophage‐dependent efferocytosis of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). AAAs were induced in C57BL/6 wild‐type (WT) mice and smooth muscle cell specific TGF‐β2 receptor knockout (SMC‐TGFβr2−/−) mice using a topical elastase AAA model. MaR1 treatment significantly attenuated AAA growth as well as increased aortic SMC α‐actin and TGF‐β2 expressions in WT mice, but not SMC‐TGFβr2−/− mice, compared to vehicle‐treated mice. In vivo inhibition of LGR6 receptors obliterated MaR1‐dependent protection in AAA formation and SMC α‐actin expression. Furthermore, MaR1 upregulated macrophage‐dependent efferocytosis of apoptotic SMCs in murine aortic tissue during AAA formation. In vitro studies demonstrate that MaR1‐LGR6 interaction upregulates TGF‐β2 expression and decreases MMP2 activity during crosstalk of macrophage‐apoptotic SMCs. In summary, these results demonstrate that MaR1 activates LGR6 receptors to upregulate macrophage‐dependent efferocytosis, increases TGF‐β expression, preserves aortic wall remodeling and attenuate AAA formation. Therefore, this study demonstrates the potential of MaR1‐LGR6‐mediated mitigation of vascular remodeling through increased efferocytosis of apoptotic SMCs via TGF‐β2 to attenuate AAA formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]