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A new anchor-siphon drainage combined method used for slope stabilization is proposed in this paper. It includes an anchoring section and a siphon drainage section. The novelty of the anchor-siphon drainage combined method is the realization of the drainage and anchoring in the one inclined borehole. The engineering cost of drilling and the resulting disturbance to the slope is reduced. To validate the feasibility of the proposed method, a numerical method that combines the pore water pressure distribution after siphon drainage and the anchoring force of the anchoring section is used to evaluate the safety of the slope with the anchor-siphon drainage method. The proposed method was illustrated and validated with the Hongpu Village landslide, in Tonglu County, Zhejiang Province, in China. Compared with the common anchor bar with the same length in the anchoring section, the factor of safety (FOS) for Hongpu Village slope with anchor-siphon drainage is increased by 0.085. The calculation method of the optimal length ratio between the drainage section and the anchoring section and its influencing factors were studied. For the different design parameters, there is always an optimal length ratio of the drainage section. Compared with the siphon drainage and full-length anchor bar with the same borehole length, the anchor-siphon drainage combined method shows better landslide prevention ability. Moreover, when the optimized parameters with a bond strength of 560 kPa, a borehole inclination of 35°, and no reduction in length are used, the calculated safety factor is 1.316, which is significantly higher than the FOS of 1.131 for the slope with siphon drainage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rocky desertification control is an effective way to reconstruct degraded ecosystems and restore soil function in karst areas. Soil surface electrochemical properties, including soil surface potential, surface charge density, surface electric field strength, specific surface area, and surface charge number are important indicators for evaluating agricultural soil quality and environmental carrying capacity. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of rocky desertification succession on soil electrochemical properties. In this study, we selected a sequence of rocky desertification succession (nil, slight, moderate, and severe) to study the changes in soil surface electrochemical properties during the succession of rocky desertification. Our results showed that with increasing rocky desertification intensity, soil surface charge density, surface charge intensity, specific surface area, and the numbers of surface charge decreased, while the soil surface potential increases. The results showed that humus composition, soil particle size composition, and metal oxide content were important environmental factors that determine the electrochemical properties of soil surface in a karst rocky desertification area. In terms of impact on surface charge properties, soil properties displayed an order of humus>particle size composition>metal oxides. In addition, through the comparative analysis of soil physical properties and surface electrochemical properties, it was found that the surface soil aggregates of severe rocky desertification were more likely to disintegrate when precipitation occurs, thus facing a higher risk of soil erosion. Our results showed that the electrochemical properties of soil surface decrease with the increase of rocky desertification grades, which contributed to the decline of soil water and fertilizer conservation capacity. Therefore, areas under severe rocky desertification should be put under priority control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copy number variation (CNV) is a form of genetic variation caused by genome rearrangement, with abnormal fragments ranging from 50 bp to Mb. And, CNV is closely related to disease, growth and reproductive shape of livestock. As a member of myosin light chain kinase (MYLK) family with serine/threonine specificity, MYLK4 belongs to an enzyme encoded by MYLK4 gene. Although MYLK4 is a recognized kinase, its function has yet to be revealed in subsequent studies. This study aims to analyze CNV and genetic effects of MYLK4 gene in goats. We used qPCR to detect CNV of MYLK4 gene in African Nubian goat (n = 32), Guizhou black goat (n = 196) and Guizhou white goat (n = 95), respectively, and correlated CNV data of MYLK4 gene with goat growth traits in Chinese goats. The results showed that the effect of MYLK4 gene CNV on body weight, body length and body height of goats had significantly different (p < 0.05, Q < 0.05), in which CNV showed better growth traits in type of deletion. Therefore, CNV of MYLK4 gene can be used as a molecular marker for assisted selection of goat growth traits, which provides a theoretical basis for the genetic improvement of goat breeds in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

As a member of MYLK family, MYLK4 gene may play a vital role in muscle development. In this study, one novel single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was identified the bovine MYLK4 by sequencing pooled DNA samples (pool-Seq) and forced polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (forced PCR-RFLP) methods. Overall, we reported one mutation (SNP1) in the intron 10 region within the bovine MYLK4 gene in 559 individuals representing five main cattle breeds from China (Nanyang, NY; Qinchuan; Jiaxian, JX; Pinan cattle; and Caidamu cattle, CDM). Genotype AA and allele A were predominant in the QC, PN, and XN populations. Association analysis with growth traits in the QC breed showed that the animals with genotype GG had significantly greater chest breadth and hip width (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the genotype GG was strongly associated with withers height and body length than those with genotype AA (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) at 12 months in the NY breed. These statistical results exhibited that the MYLK4 gene might be a potential candidate gene to improve cattle's growth traits, and the SNP could be used as molecular markers in early marker-assisted selection (MAS) in beef cattle breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the dynamic medium of carbon transfer and the main way of carbon circulation in karst ecosystem, SOC and soil labile organic carbon (LOC) is essential for karst soil C cycling. There has been very little research about the differentiation of SOC and LOC in karst ecosystem. In this study, six typical restoration measures were investigated in the karst rocky desertification ecosystem, southwest China, including: restoration with Zanthoxylum bungeanums (HJ), restoration with Hylocereus undulates (HL), restoration with Pennisetum sinese (HZ), restoration with Medicago sativa (MX), restoration with Sabina chinensis (YB), and abandoned and natural recovery (LH). The SOC contents, SOC stocks, LOC contents (water soluble organic carbon (WSOC), easily oxidizable organic carbon (EOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), light fraction organic carbon (LFOC)), and the carbon pool management index (CPMI) were investigated. The results indicated that the SOC contents, SOCS and LOC contents of the six measures were the highest in YB, followed by the LH, and the two were significantly higher than the other four measures. The soil CPMI contents of 0-20 cm layer under the different restoration measures decreased in the following order: YB > HJ > MX > HL > HZ. Correlation analysis showed that SOC was positively correlated with soil LOC (P<0.01), and LOC was positively correlated with each other (P<0.01). These findings suggest that restoration with Sabina chinensis, abandoned and natural recovery are more conducive to the management and protection of karst ecological environment. Restoration with Zanthoxylum bungeanums can be used as a priority economic species for karst rocky desertification and mountain agricultural development in southwest China. Soil WSOC, EOC, POC, and LFOC can be used as effective indicators to reflect SOC pools, and soil CPMI can also be used as a sensitive indicator to reflect soil management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of climate change and nutrient load caused by human activities on lake phytoplankton blooms have attracted much attention globally. However, their roles and synergistic effects on phytoplankton biomass and community historical succession are not well understood, especially for meso-eutrophic plateau lakes. In this study, a multi-year (1997–2022) monthly dataset including hydro-chemical and meteorological indicators of the meso-eutrophic plateau lake Erhai in China, was used to explore the contributions of climate change and nutrients on phytoplankton biomass variation and community succession. Phytoplankton biomass increased from 1997 to 2006, slowly decreased from 2006 to 2015, then increased again from 2015 to 2022, according to a generalised additive model (GAM). Alongside warming, nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter are key drivers of long-term interannual variation in phytoplankton biomass and historical succession of the phytoplankton community. The extensive blooms in recent years were strongly associated with both organic matter accumulation and global warming. Phytoplankton biomass in northern and southern districts was greater than in central areas, with Cyanophyta and Pyrrophyta dominating in the north and Chlorophyta prevalent in the south. Since 2015, phytoplankton diversity has increased significantly, and biomass has declined in the southern district but increased markedly in the northern district. Spatial heterogeneity was caused by the spatial distribution of nutrients and the buoyancy regulation capacity of cyanobacteria. The results demonstrate that bloom mitigation responds strongly to nitrogen and phosphorus control in meso-eutrophic lakes, therefore preventing and controlling blooms through nitrogen and phosphorus reduction is still an effective measure. Given the accumulation of organic matter in recent years, synergistic control of organic matter and total nitrogen and phosphorus could effectively reduce the risk of cyanobacterial and dinoflagellate blooms. [Display omitted] • Phytoplankton was investigated in a meso-eutrophic plateau lake • Phytoplankton biomass displayed temporal and spatial heterogeneity • Warming and nutrient levels affected phytoplankton biomass • Organic matter and warming influenced phytoplankton community succession • Pollution heterogeneity and buoyancy caused spatial variation in phytoplankton [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Xiaotongjiapuzi is a representative invisible gold deposit. • Gold exists mainly as solid solution (Au+) in the pyrite lattice and nanoparticles (Au0). • Paleoproterozoic sedimentary and metamorphism may have formed the initial sulfur reservoir. • The Xiaotongjiapuzi gold deposit has undergone a remarkable multi-step enrichment process of ore-forming materials. Most gold ores have variable sulfur isotopic and trace elemental compositions at micro-/nano-scale, which makes the understanding of the gold formation process more challenging. The advancement of in-situ analytical techniques offer opportunity to gain insight into gold mineralization processes and ore-material source. The Xiaotongjiapuzi is a representative intrusion-related gold deposit in the Qingchengzi orefield of the Liaodong Peninsula, Eastern China. Alteration and gold mineralization comprise four stages: (I) quartz-pyrite-Au, (II) quartz-pyrite-biotite-Au, (III) Au-barren quartz-pyrite, and (IV) post-ore quartz-calcite. Detailed scanning electron microscope (SEM) backscattered electron (BSE) imaging, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) elemental and LA–multi-collector (MC)–ICP–MS sulfur isotope analyses were conducted to reveal the ore-material source and mineralization process. Three texturally distinct auriferous pyrite generations were identified: Py1 and Py2 (in both stage I and II) and Py3 (in stage II and III). Py1 is porous and weakly fragmented, poorly crystallized, and overgrown by Py2. Py2 is commonly intergrown with arsenopyrite and marcasite, whilst Py3 overgrew around Py2 or replace it. Gold exists mainly as solid solution (Au+) in the pyrite lattice and nanoparticles (Au0), as well as (rare) micron-scale inclusions along the Py2-Py3 interface. Py2 has the highest gold content (mean 47 ppm, max 344 ppm), especially when intergrown with marcasite (Mrc1). The δ34S values of pyrite (5.71–15.31‰, n = 18) and marcasite (-19.59 to 7.45‰. n = 6) are the highest and lowest, respectively, and the values increase steadily from Py1 to Py3 (Py1: 5.71–7.54‰ → Py2: 7.44–9.55‰ → Py2 + Mrc1: 12.88–13.92‰ → Py3: 15.17–15.31‰). The Paleoproterozoic Dashiqiao and Gaixian formation host rocks contain large amount of sulfate minerals (e.g., barite and gypsum), and the coeval global sulfate has heavy sulfur isotope enrichment, suggesting that sulfate reduction may have provided H 2 S-rich fluids [Au(HS)2- and/or Au(HS)0] for the Mesozoic mineralization. For the multistage gold enrichment at Xiaotongjiapuzi, we suggest that the Paleoproterozoic sedimentary and metamorphic rocks may have formed the initial sulfur reservoir, which was then reactivated by Mesozoic magmatic-hydrothermal events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The myostatin gene (MSTN) is a genetic determinant of skeletal muscle growth. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in MSTN are of importance due to their strong associations with horse racing performances. In this study, we screened the SNPs in MSTN gene in 514 horses from 15 Chinese horse breeds. Six SNPs (g.26T>C, g.156T>C, g.587A>G, g.598C>T, g.1485C>T, g.2115A>G) in MSTN gene were detected by sequencing and genotyped using PCR-RFLP method. The g.587A>G and g.598C>T residing in the 5′UTR region were novel SNPs identified by this study. The g.2115A>G which have previously been associated with racing performances were present in Chinese horse breeds, providing valuable genetic information for evaluating the potential racing performances in Chinese domestic breeds. The six SNPs together defined thirteen haplotypes, demonstrating abundant haplotype diversities in Chinese horses. Most of the haplotypes were shared among different breeds with no haplotype restricted to a specific region or a single horse breed. AMOVA analysis indicated that most of the genetic variance was attributable to differences among individuals without any significant contribution by the four geographical groups. This study will provide fundamental and instrumental genetic information for evaluating the potential racing performances of Chinese horse breeds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Algal blooms in lakes have been a challenging environmental issue globally under the dual influence of human activity and climate change. Considerable progress has been made in the study of phytoplankton dynamics in lakes; The long-term in situ evolution of dominant bloom-forming cyanobacteria in meso-eutrophic plateau lakes, however, lacks systematic research. Here, the monthly parameters from 12 sampling sites during the period of 1997-2022 were utilized to investigate the underlying mechanisms driving the superiority of bloom-forming cyanobacteria in Erhai, a representative meso-eutrophic plateau lake. The findings indicate that global warming will intensify the risk of cynaobacteria blooms, prolong Microcystis blooms in autumn to winter or even into the following year, and increase the superiority of filamentous Planktothrix and Cylindrospermum in summer and autumn. High RUE TN (1.52 Biomass/TN, 0.95-3.04 times higher than other species) under N limitation (TN < 0.5 mg/L, TN/TP < 22.6) in the meso-eutrophic Lake Erhai facilitates the superiority of Dolichospermum. High RUE TP (43.8 Biomass/TP, 2.1-10.2 times higher than others) in TP of 0.03-0.05 mg/L promotes the superiority of Planktothrix and Cylindrospermum. We provided a novel insight into the formation of Planktothrix and Cylindrospermum superiority in meso-eutrophic plateau lake with low TP (0.005-0.07 mg/L), which is mainly influenced by warming, high RUE TP and their vertical migration characteristics. Therefore, we posit that although the obvious improvement of lake water quality is not directly proportional to the control efficacy of cyanobacterial blooms, the evolutionary shift in cyanobacteria population structure from Microcystis, which thrives under high nitrogen and phosphorus conditions, to filamentous cyanobacteria adapted to low nitrogen and phosphorus levels may serve as a significant indicator of water quality amelioration. Therefore, we suggest that the risk of filamentous cyanobacteria blooms in the meso-eutrophic plateau lake should be given attention, particularly in light of improving water quality and global warming, to ensure drinking water safety., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Copy number variation is a large genome variation which usually happens in the noncoding-region, and it may occur at the locus associated with the functional gene to further influence the phenotype. Potassium inwardly-rectifying channel, subfamily J 12 (KCNJ12) gene expressed widely in cardiomyocytes and neurons, plays an important role in tumor therapy and muscle movement regulation. In this study, we detected the distribution of CNVs for KCNJ12 gene in 404 individuals belonging to four Chinese cattle breeds (NY, JX, JA and GF). We also investigated the KCNJ12 gene expression in different tissues of JX cattle. Additionally, we examined the association of two CNV regions (CNV1: 1,600 bp, intron 1; CNV2: 4,800 bp, intergenic) with growth traits. The statistical analyses indicated that the CNV1 is associated with the body length, rump length and weight in JX cattle population (P < 0.05); and there has a significant association with the body length, chest circumference, and body weight in GF cattle (P < 0.05).The CNV2 had a significant effect on the body length and body weight in JX cattle (P < 0.05); the body length, chest circumference, rump length and body weight in GF cattle (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The copy numbers of KCNJ12 gene presented the negative correlations with the transcript level of gene in skeletal muscles (P < 0.05). Our results provide evidence that CNV1 and CNV 2 in KCNJ12 are associated with growth traits in two cattle populations and may be used as candidates for marker-assisted selection and breeding management in cattle., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Genetic polymorphism has great influences on the improvement of cattle traits. The polymorphism of the same gene family will greatly change the growth traits of cattle, such as the pleomorphic adenoma gene (PLAG) family. Many studies have shown that the PLAG family proteins are the transcription regulators of nuclear protein, which mainly regulates the expression of many important genes in the body. In cattle, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or near the PLAG1 gene is associated with economic traits of height in cattle. Here we investigate a SNPs of bovine PLAG1 in 646 cattle from five breeds. We found three different genotypes by using cleaved amplification polymorphism sequence-tagged sites (CAPs), includes some significant differences in body height, chest circumference and other shapes (P < 0.05), also we found that the TT genotype had no advantage in body shape. These results indicate that the selection of PLAG1 gene could be used to ensure the breeding direction for growth traits of the beef cattle., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Children with simultaneous injury to the Achilles tendon and heel skin remain a challenge for clinicians. The purpose of this study is to evaluate a combined surgical procedure involving use of the fascia lata to reconstruct the Achilles tendon, and the posterior tibial artery perforator flap to cover the accompanying heel skin injury.Between February 2010 and February 2013, 8 children (3 females and 5 males) between 3 and 12 years of age, with a median age of 7.5 years, were hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College. All injuries involved damage to an Achilles tendon and heel skin. In all patients, the fascia lata was transplanted to reconstruct the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibial artery perforator flap transplanted to cover the skin injury.Hospitalization was 11 to 15 days (mean 13.5 days). Local necrosis (15% of the area) occurred in 1 flap, but healed after changing dressing. All other flaps survived well. At follow-up after 1 to 2 years, all children had recovered good plantar-flexion and supported their weight while walking. Use of the Arner-Lindholm standard to rate clinical efficacy revealed that of the 8 cases, 6 cases showed excellent recovery and 2 were good, with 0 cases ranking moderate or poor. The excellent and good rate was 100%.Child patients with Achilles tendon injury accompanied by heel skin injury are still a challenge for clinicians. Use of the fascia lata, combined with a posterior tibial artery perforator flap, to reconstruct the Achilles tendon and heel skin for children is a feasible, safe, effective method, faster than other methods for recovery, and should be widely applied in the clinic.

LIM homeobox transcription factor 4 (LHX4) is a LIM homeodomain transcription factor involved in pituitary gland and nervous system development. The aim of this study was to examine the association of the LHX4 polymorphisms with growth traits in beef cattle breed. A total of 7 single nucleotide polymorphyisms (SNPs) have been identified in the coding region and noncoding region of the bovine LHX4 by sequencing pooled DNA samples (Pool-Seq) and PCR-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) methods. The linkage disequilibrium was assessed in 871 individuals representing four main cattle breeds from China. The SNPs 2-5 and 7-8 were found to be in complete linkage disequilibrium, respectively. The result of haplotype analysis of 13 SNPs showed that 31 haplotypes were found in four Chinese cattle breeds, and 20 genotypes were only found in Nanyang cattle. The statistical analyses indicated that the SNP1-5, and 6 are associated with the body weight at 18, and 6 months of age in Nanyang cattle population (P<0.05), but no significant associations between their twenty combined genotypes. Our results provide evidence that some polymorphisms in LHX4 are associated with growth traits at certain ages, and may be used as candidates for marker-assisted selection and management in cattle., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a potent cell growth and differentiation factor and is implicated in mammals' growth and development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the mutations in the bovine IGF2 with growth traits in Chinese Qinchuan cattle. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected of the bovine IGF2 by DNA pool sequencing and forced polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (forced PCR-RFLP) methods. We also investigated haplotype structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) coefficients for four SNPs in 817 individuals representing two main cattle breeds from China. The result of haplotype analysis showed eight different haplotypes and 27 combined genotypes within the study population. The statistical analyses indicated that the four SNPs, combined genotypes and haplotypes are associated with the withers height, body length, chest breadth, chest depth and body weight in Qinchuan cattle population (P < 0.05 or <0.01). The mutant-type variants and mutant haplotype (Hap 8: ATGG; likely to be the beneficial QTN allele) was superior for growth traits; the heterozygote diplotype was associated with higher growth traits compared to wild-type homozygote. Our results provide evidence that polymorphisms in the IGF2 gene are associated with growth traits, and may be used for marker-assisted selection in beef cattle breeding program.

As a signaling molecule, bone morphogenetic protein 8B (BMP8B) plays an essential role in bone metabolism and is able to regulate thermogenesis and energy balance, which suggests that BMP8B gene may be a new candidate for growth traits. Here, to characterize the effects of BMP8B gene on growth traits, we first used three Chinese indigenous cattle breeds (n=845) to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Five novel SNPs of BMP8B gene (g.-242C>T, g.2164C>T, g.2639T>C, g.2900C>G and g.10817C>T) were identified by DNA pool sequencing and forced PCR-RFLP. And then we associated the five SNPs with four growth traits (body weight, body length, heart girth, and hucklebone width). Results from association analysis showed that the SNPs 1, 2, and 3 affected growth trait(s) markedly (P<0.05). Further, 6 combined haplotypes were constructed to guarantee the reliability of analysis results. There were also significant differences in body length, heart girth and body weight between the 6 combined haplotypes (P<0.05), but not in hucklebone width (P>0.05). Collectively, our results suggest a modulatory role of BMP8B gene in cattle growth and development, and 3 SNPs could be used as molecular markers in early marker assisted selection (MAS) in beef cattle breeding program., (© 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

To determine the Y chromosome genetic diversity and paternal origin of Chinese cattle, 369 bulls from 17 Chinese native cattle breeds and 30 bulls from Holstein and four bulls from Burma were analyzed using a recently discovered USP9Y marker that could distinguish between taurine and indicine cattle more efficiently. In total, the taurine Y1, Y2 haplogroup and indicine Y3 haplogroup were detected in 7 (1.9 %), 193 (52.3 %) and 169 (45.8 %) individuals of 17 Chinese native breeds, respectively, although these frequencies varied amongst the Chinese native cattle breeds examined. Y2 dominates in northern China (91.4 %), while Y3 dominates in southern China (81.2 %). Central China is an admixture zone with Y2 predominating overall (72.0 %). Our results demonstrate that Chinese cattle have two paternal origins, one from B. taurus (Y2) and the other from B. indicus (Y3). The Y1 haplogroup may originate from the imported beef cattle breeds in western countries. The geographical distributions of the Y2 and Y3 haplogroup frequencies reveal a pattern of male indicine introgression from south to north China, and male taurine introgression from north to south China.

In iron and manganese-containing groundwater treatment for drinking water production, biological filter is an effective process to remove such pollutants. Until now the exact microbial mechanism of iron and manganese removal, especially coupled with other pollutants, such as ammonia, has not been clearly understood. To assess this issue, the performance of a full-scale biofilter located in Harbin, China was monitored over four months. Microbial populations in the biofilter were investigated using T-RFLP and clone library technique. Results suggested that Gallionella, Leptothrix, Nitrospira, Hyphomicrobium and Pseudomonas are dominant in the biofilter and play major roles in the removal of iron, manganese and ammonia. The spatial distribution of microbial populations along the depth of the biofilter demonstrated the stratification of the removal of iron, manganese and ammonia. Additionally, the absence of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in the biofilter implicated that ammonia-oxidizing archaea might be responsible for the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite., (Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Muscle growth is a complex phenomenon regulated by many factors, whereby net growth results from the combined action of synthesis and turnover. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a fetal growth and differentiation factor that plays an important role in muscle growth and in myoblast proliferation and differentiation; Zinc finger, BED-type containing 6 (ZBED6) is a novel transcription factor that was identified and shown to act as a repressor of IGF2 transcription in skeletal muscle. In this study, a total of seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, four SNPs in intron 8 of IGF2 and one promoter SNP and two missense mutations in the coding region of ZBED6, two of which were in complete linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the bovine IGF2. The 58 haplotypes were inferred in 1522 individuals representing four purebred cattle breeds from China. The seven SNPs, 79 and 66 combined diplotypes were revealed for association with body mass in Nanyang and Jiaxian cattle populations at five different ages (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The mutant-type variants and haplotype 58 (likely in LD with the beneficial quantitative trait nucleotide allele) was superior for body mass; the heterozygote diplotype of the most common haplotypes 58 was associated with higher body mass compared to either heterozygote or homozygote. The statistical analyses indicated that the mutant-type variants and haplotypes are significantly associated with body mass in study cattle populations at different ages. These data demonstrate that variants and haplotypes are associated with growth traits, and these results may provide important biological insights into the phenotypic differentiation that is associated with adaptation and specialization of cattle breeds.

The glioma-associated oncogene family zinc finger 3 gene (GLI3) mediates in all vertebrates hedgehog (Hh) signaling that plays an essential role in the induction and patterning of numerous cell types during invertebrate and vertebrate development. In this study, a total of 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs: 1-6) were identified by polymerase chain reaction-single stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and DNA pool sequencing, including all 13 exons and 12 exon-intron boundaries within the bovine GLI3 gene. 16 haplotypes and 13 combined genotypes were revealed and the linkage disequilibrium was assessed in 708 individuals representing three main cattle breeds from China. The statistical analyses indicated that the SNP2, 3 and 4 are associated with the body weight at birth and 6 months in Nanyang cattle population (P<0.05). No significant association was detected between 11 combined genotypes and body weight at five different ages. Our results provide evidence that polymorphisms in the GLI3 gene are associated with growth traits, and may be used for marker-assisted selection in beef cattle breeding program., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

To further probe into whether swamp buffaloes were domesticated once or multiple times in China, this survey examined the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Control Region (D-loop) diversity of 471 individuals representing 22 populations of 455 Chinese swamp buffaloes and 16 river buffaloes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Chinese swamp buffaloes could be divided into two distinct lineages, A and B, which were defined previously. Of the two lineages, lineage A was predominant across all populations. For predominant lineage A, Southwestern buffalo populations possess the highest genetic diversity among the three hypothesized domestication centers (Southeastern, Central, and Southwestern China), suggesting Southwestern China as the most likely location for the domestication of lineage A. However, a complex pattern of diversity is detected for the lineage B, preventing the unambiguous pinpointing of the exact place of domestication center and suggesting the presence of a long-term, strong gene flow among swamp buffalo populations caused by extensive migrations of buffaloes and frequent human movements along the Yangtze River throughout history. Our current study suggests that Southwestern China is the most likely domestication center for lineage A, and may have been a primary center of swamp buffalo domestication. More archaeological and genetic evidence is needed to show the process of domestication.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the important causes of childhood blindness in China with an increasing trend of affected infants. It gives great burden on both the individuals and the society. With the publishing of guidelines on oxygenation policies by Ministry of Health, the screening of ROP has been gradually performed nation-wide. But the prevalence data of ROP is still confusing. We reviewed literature over the last 20 years about causes of childhood blindness in blind school students and ROP screening. This study could provide preliminary evidence about prevalence of ROP in mainland of China and could be benefit for further prevention and the control of ROP.

Adipocyte determination and differentiation-dependent factor 1/sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (ADD1/SREBP1c) is a major determinant of tissue differential lipogenic capacity in mammalian and avian species. The objectives of the present study were to focus on insertion-deletion polymorphism (indel) in the bovine ADD1/SREBP1c gene, and analyzing its effect on growth traits in a sample of 1035 cattle belonging to four Chinese cattle breeds. PCR-SSCP, DNA sequencing and agarose electrophoresis methods were used. The 778 bp PCR products of ADD1/SREBP1c gene exhibited three genotypes and two alleles were revealed: W and D. Frequencies of the W allele varied from 0.8651 to 1.000. The associations of the 84 bp indel mutation of ADD1/SREBP1c gene with growth traits of 265 Nanyang cows were analyzed. The animals with genotype WD had significantly higher birth weight, body weight, average daily gain than those with genotype WW at birth, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month old (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). These results suggest that the indel mutation of bovine ADD1/SREBP1c gene may influence the growth traits in cattle.

To clarify the origin of Chinese domestic donkeys, we investigated the mitochondrial Cytb gene from 244 animals from 13 native breeds. We found 55 variable sites in the Cytb gene sequence and subsequently defined 58 haplotypes. Analysis of haplotypes in combination with Cytb sequences revealed two mitochondrial origins in Chinese domestic donkeys, phenotypically expressed by the Somalian and Nubian lineages. The Somalian lineage predominated in Chinese domestic donkey breeds. Five specific Cytb gene SNPs diagnostic of each of the lineages were found in this study: 225(T-C), 237(C-T), 915(C-T), 1014(C-T), and 1134(A-G) mutations. They effectively distinguish the Nubian from the Somalian lineage in the mtDNA Cytb gene. Both lineages are from Africa and thus support the African maternal origins of Chinese domestic donkeys. No obvious geographic structure was found in Chinese domestic donkey breeds, but the population showed abundant genetic diversity.

Nitrate pollution in groundwater is very widespread in intensive agricultural region. 394 samples from phreatic water wells and 283 samples from confined water wells were collected across Huantai County at the same season of 2002 and 2007, which is representative of high-yield region of North China Plain. The NO3- -N concentration was determined. Geostatistics combined with GIS technique were used to analyze the spatio-temporal variability of groundwater nitrate concentration. The average nitrate concentrations in phreatic water were 8.08 mg x L(-1) and 14.68 mg x L(-1) in 2002 and 2007 respectively, and that in confined water were 3.87 mg x L(-1) and 7.19 mg x L(-1) respectively. The spatial correlation distances of nitrate concentrations in confined water for both periods were greater than that in phreatic water. The mapping showed that the areas of phreatic groundwater with high levels of nitrate concentrations (10-15, 15-20, 20-30, and >30 mg x L(-1)) increased by 13.06%, 14.37%, 12.23%, and 3.85% from 2002 to 2007, while the area with low levels (0-5 and 5-10 mg x L(-1)) nitrate concentrations were decreased by 28.87% and 14.63% compared with 2002. However, the areas of confined water with nitrate concentrations of 5-10 mg x L(-1), 10-15 mg x L(-1) and 15-20 mg x L(-1) were increased by 28.01%, 9.33%, and 0.48% respectively, while the areas of NO3- -N concentration (0-5 mg x L(-1)) was decreased by 37.82%. The NO3- -N concentration in confined water was significantly negative related to groundwater depth for the two period, we found an increasing trend of NO3- -N concentration in the deeper confined water from 2002 to 2007.

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) plays an important role on animal ingestive behavior and energy homeostasis. Genetic variation of POMC was detected by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing techniques in 480 individuals from seven cattle breeds (i.e., Qinchuan, Nanyang, Jiaxian Red cattle, Jinnan, Luxi, Angus, and Chinese Holstein), and association analyses were carried out to evaluate the effects of genotypes of the candidate genes on growth traits in Nanyang cattle. Three SNPs (811845 C>T, 811821 T>C and 811797 A>G, ref. NW&#95;928357) in linkage were detected in P3 locus, which were located at the 3' flanking region of bovine POMC gene. The body weight at 6-month-old and the average daily gain of 0~6-month-old were higher in Nanyang cattle with the genotype BB than with the genotype AA (P<0.05).

Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) is one of five G-protein-coupled receptors binding melanocortins that is implicated in the control of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. Six cattle populations (n = 594), including four Chinese indigenous breeds, Chinese Holstein, and a meat type breed (Angus), were used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms in 5'-untranslated region of MC4R gene by means of PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing. Four linked SNPs (g.[-293C>G; -193A>T; -192T>G; -129A>G]) were identified. The g.-293C>G and g.-129A>G could be genotyped with a PCR-RFLP using TaiI in three combined genotypes (AA, AB and BB). The two linked SNPs were associated with body weight and daily gain in Nanyang aged 6 months (P < 0.05), but they had no significant effect on body weight and daily gain in Nanyang aged 24 months (P > 0.05).

Analysis of the 367 mtDNA D-loop sequences (of which 241 sequences were collected from literature) of 399 bp in 13 Chinese domestic donkey breeds revealed 96 different haplotypes with 57 polymorphic sites. The haplotype diversity and the nucleotide diversity were 0.767-0.967 and 0.014-0.032, respectively, indicating abundant genetic diversity in Chinese domestic donkeys. The Neighbor-joining tree of Chinese domestic donkey sequences was constructed with 3 Nubian wild ass sequences, 3 Somali wild ass sequences and 6 Asian wild ass sequences. Our results suggest that the maternal ancestor of Chinese domestic donkeys is highly likely to be Somali and Nubian of African wild ass instead of Asian wild ass.

The complete sequences of mitochondrial DNA D-loop of 128 individuals in nine Chinese goat (Capra hircu) breeds were analyzed by DNA sequencing technology. The results show that the length of mtDNA D-loop in Chinese goats is 1,212-1,213 bp. There are 102 polymorphic sites, accounting for 8.42% of 1,212 bp sequence. Ninety-two mtDNA haplotypes were determined. The haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity are 0.9333-1.0000 and 0.7062%-1.8265%, respectively. The results indicate that the genetic diversity of Chinese goats is very abundant. The NJ tree indicates that Chinese goats have two types of maternal origins from lineage A and lineage B. The possibility of lineage B originating from China is also discussed.

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequences with 399 bp in 26 individuals from 5 donkey breeds in China were analyzed. Aligned by Clustal W software,the results showed that 23 polymorphic nucleotide sites and only transition with the percentage of 5.76% in 399 bp were observed. In reference to mtDNA D-loop sequences of European domestic donkey as a control, the average percentage of mtDNA D-loop nucleotide variation in 5 Chinese donkey breeds was 1.80%. The average percentages of D-loop nucleotide variation from Liangzhou donkey (LZ), Yunnan donkey (YN), Guanzhong donkey (GZ), Xinjiang donkey (XJ) and Jiami donkey (JM) were 0. 35%, 1.25%, 2.30%, 2.91% and 2.20% respectively. The average sequence divergence estimated from D-loop sequences varied from 0.25% - 5.01% within breeds and 4.51% - 5.51% among breeds, respectively, demonstrating that there existed rather abundant mitochondrial genetic diversity in Chinese donkeys. Comparisons of the 26 sequences revealed 11 mitochondrial haplotypes; the percentage of haplotype was 42.31%. This phenomenon demonstrated that the mitochondrial genetic diversity in Chinese donkey breeds is being reduced. It is urgent to protect the genetic resources of Chinese donkey. The molecular phylogenetic tree of mtDNA D-loop sequences in 5 Chinese donkey breeds,6 sequences of Asian wild ass (Equus asinus kiang, Equus asinus kulan, Equus asinus hemionus;) and 4 sequences of European domestic donkeys from GenBank was constructed by Neighbor-Joining method. It was the first time proved in molecular level that the origin of Chinese donkey breeds was from African wild ass (Equus africanus africanus and Equus africanus somaliensis), not from Asian wild ass as bescribed in the paper.