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The meat of local livestock breeds often has unique qualities and flavors. In this study, three Shanghai native pig breeds (MSZ, SWT, and SHB) exhibited better meat quality traits than globalized commercial pig breeds (DLY). Subsequently, metabolomic and lipidomic differences in the longissimus dorsi (L) and gluteus (T) muscles of the Shanghai native pig breeds and DLY pig breed were compared using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The results demonstrated that the metabolites mainly consisted of (28.16%) lipids and lipid-like molecules, and (25.87%) organic acids and their derivatives were the two most dominant groups. Hundreds of differential expression metabolites were identified in every compared group, respectively. One-way ANOVA was applied to test the significance between multiple groups. Among the 20 most abundant differential metabolites, L-carnitine was significantly different in the muscles of the four pig breeds (p-value = 7.322 × 10−11). It was significantly higher in the L and T muscles of the two indigenous black pig breeds (MSZ and SWT) than in the DLY pigs (p-value < 0.001). Similarly, lipidomic analysis revealed the PA (18:0/18:2) was significantly more abundant in the muscle of these two black breeds than that in the DLY breed (p-value < 0.001). These specific metabolites and lipids might influence the meat quality and taste properties and lead to customer preferences. Therefore, this study provided insights into the characterization of meat metabolites and lipids in Shanghai native pig breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify effective genetic markers for the Antigen Processing Associated Transporter 1 (TAP1), α (1,2) Fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1), Natural Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1), Mucin 4 (MUC4) and Mucin 13 (MUC13) diarrhea-resistance genes in the local pig breeds, namely Shanghai white pigs, Fengjing pigs, Shawutou pigs, Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs, to provide a reference for the characterization of local pig breed resources in Shanghai. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLR) and sequence sequencing were applied to analyze the polymorphisms of the above genes and to explore the effects on the immunity of Shanghai local pig breeds in conjunction with some immunity factors. The results showed that both TAP1 and MUC4 genes had antidiarrheal genotype GG in the five pig breeds, AG and GG genotypes of the FUT1 gene were detected in Pudong white pigs, AA antidiarrheal genes of the NRAMP1 gene were detected in Meishan pigs, the AB type of the NRAMP1 gene was detected in Pudong white pigs, and antidiarrheal genotype GG of the MUC13 gene was only detected in Shanghai white pigs. The MUC13 antidiarrhea genotype GG was only detected in Shanghai white pigs. The TAP1 gene was moderately polymorphic in Shanghai white pigs, Fengjing pigs, Shawutou pigs, Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs, among which TAP1 in Shanghai white pigs and Shawutou pigs did not satisfy the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The FUT1 gene of Pudong white pigs was in a state of low polymorphism. NRAMP1 of Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs was in a state of moderate polymorphism, which did not satisfy the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The MUC4 genes of Shanghai white pigs and Pudong white pigs were in a state of low polymorphism, and the MUC4 genes of Fengjing pigs and Shawutou pigs were in a state of moderate polymorphism, and the MUC4 genes of Fengjing pigs and Pudong white pigs did not satisfy the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The MUC13 gene of Shanghai white pigs and Pudong white pigs was in a state of moderate polymorphism. Meishan pigs had higher levels of IL-2, IL-10, IgG and TNF-α, and Pudong white pigs had higher levels of IL-12 than the other pigs. The level of interleukin 12 (IL-12) was significantly higher in the AA genotype of the MUC13 gene of Shanghai white pigs than in the AG genotype. The indicator of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the AA genotype of the TAP1 gene of Fengjing pigs was significantly higher than that of the GG and AG genotypes. The indicator of IL-12 in the AG genotype of the Shawutou pig TAP1 gene was significantly higher than that of the GG genotype. The level of TNF-α in the AA genotype of the NRAMP1 gene of Meishan pigs was markedly higher than that of the AB genotype. The IL-2 level of the AG type of the FUT1 gene was obviously higher than that of the GG type of Pudong white pigs, the IL-2 level of the AA type of the MUC4 gene was dramatically higher than that of the AG type, and the IgG level of the GG type of the MUC13 gene was apparently higher than that of the AG type. The results of this study are of great significance in guiding the antidiarrhea breeding and molecular selection of Shanghai white pigs, Fengjing pigs, Shawutou pigs, Meishan pigs and Pudong white pigs and laying the foundation for future antidiarrhea breeding of various local pig breeds in Shanghai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Optimal reproductive performance on goat farms is an important trait in terms of production and economics. From a genetic perspective, understanding molecular mechanisms through the use of RNA-seq technology can help us better understand goat herds. In this study, a whole-transcriptome sequencing approach was used to identify lncRNA, circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression in the ovaries of Chongming white goats in terms of high and low fecundity during the estrus phase. These results were helpful in terms of further studying the molecular mechanisms of goat reproduction. Reproductive performance is one of the most important economic traits in the goat industry. Increasing the number of goats is an effective measure to improve production efficiency and reduce production costs. Ovaries are important reproductive organs in female mammals that directly affect the estrous cycle and reproductive abilities. Understanding the complex transcription network of non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs) and messenger RNA (mRNA) could lead to significant insights into the ovarian regulation of the reproductive processes of animals. However, the whole-transcriptome analysis of the non-coding RNAs and mRNA of the ovaries in Chongming white goats between high-fecundity (HP) and low-fecundity (LP) groups is limited. In this study, a whole-transcriptome sequencing approach was used to identify lncRNA, circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA expression in the ovaries of Chongming white goats during the estrus phase using RNA-Seq technology. More than 20,000 messenger RNAs (mRNAs), 10,000 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 3500 circular RNAs (circRNAs), and 1000 micro RNAs (miRNAs) were identified. A total of 1024 differential transcripts (724 mRNAs, 112 lncRNAs, 178 circRNAs, and 10 miRNAs) existing between the HP and the LP groups were revealed through a bioinformatics analysis. They were enriched in the prolactin signaling pathway, the Jak–STAT signaling pathway, and the GnRH signaling pathway, as well as various metabolic pathways. Differentially expressed mRNAs (such as LYPD6, VEGFA, NOS3, TNXB, and EPHA2) and miRNAs (such as miR-10a-5p) play key roles in the regulation of goat ovaries during the estrus phase. The enrichment of pathways related to reproduction, such as the Hippo, Hedgehog, PI3K–AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways, suggests that they might be involved in the prolificacy of goat ovaries. Overall, we identified several gene modules associated with goat fecundity and provided a basis for a molecular mechanism in the ovaries of Chongming white goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify effective genetic markers for transporter-associated with antigen processing 1 (TAP1), α (1, 2) fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1), natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1), mucin 4 (MUC4) and mucin 13 (MUC13) genes in Shanghai local pig breeds, including Shanghai White pig, Fengjing pig and Shawutou pig, and provide a reference for the characterization of Shanghai local pig breeds, polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLR) and sequence sequencing were applied to analyze the polymorphisms of the above genes, combined with some immune-related factors to explore the effects on immunity of the 3 Shanghai local pig breeds. The results showed that TAP1 and MUC4 genes had anti-diarrheal genotype GG in all 3 pig breeds, while anti-diarrheal genotype GG of MUC13 gene was detected only in Fengjing pig and Shawutou pig, and anti-diarrheal genotype AA of FUT1 and NRAMP1 genes were not detected in any of the 3 pig breeds. TAP1 gene was in moderate polymorphism in Shanghai White pig, Fengjing pig and Shawutou pig, the MUC4 gene of Shanghai White pig was in low polymorphism, the MUC4 gene of Fengjing pig and Shawutou pig was in moderate polymorphism, and the MUC13 gene of Shanghai White pig was in moderate polymorphism, among which the TAP1 gene of Shanghai White pig and Shawutou pig did not satisfy Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and the MUC4 gene of Fengjing pig did not satisfy Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The interleukin 12 (IL-12) level of MUC13 gene type AA was significantly higher than that of type AG in Shanghai White pig, the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) index of TAP1 gene type AA was significantly higher than that of type GG and AG in Fengjing pig, and the IL-12 index of TAP1 gene type AG was significantly higher than that of type GG in Shawutou pig. Above results had some guiding significance for anti-diarrheal breeding and molecular selection of Shanghai White pig, Fengjing pig and Shawutou pig, and also laid the foundation for future anti-diarrheal breeding work of each local pig breeds in Shanghai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Whole-genome resequencing was performed on five Shanghai local pig breeds, aiming to analyze their population's genetic structure and genomic characteristics. Through selective sweep analysis between the indigenous Shanghai pig breed and commercial pig breed populations, some of the selection genes and their polymorphisms in these two populations were identified and explored. China has rich genetic resources of local pig breeds. In this study, whole-genome resequencing was performed on five Shanghai local pig breeds, aiming to analyze their population genetic structure and unique genomic characteristics. Tens of millions of single nucleotide variants were obtained through the resequencing of a total of 150 individual pigs from five local pig breeds (Meishan, Fengjing, Shawutou, Pudong White, and Shanghai White) after mapping them with the pig reference genome of Sus scrofa 11.1. The results of admixture structure analysis also clearly demonstrated the genetic differences between the Shanghai local pig breeds and the three commercial pig breeds (Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire). The genetic infiltration of Landrace and Yorkshire pig breeds in the SHW breed was detected, which is consistent with the early history of crossbreeding in this breed. Selective sweep analysis between four indigenous Shanghai pig breed populations and three commercial pig breed populations identified 270 and 224 genes with selective signatures in the commercial and indigenous Shanghai pig populations, respectively. Six genes (TGS1, PLAG1, CHCHD7, LCORL, TMEM68, and TMEM8B) were found to be associated with animal growth in the commercial pig population through gene enrichment and protein–protein interaction analysis. In contrast, the MSRB3 gene in the indigenous Shanghai pig population was significantly under selection, which correlated with the long pendulous ear phenotype of the indigenous Shanghai pig population. In conclusion, this study is the first genomic profiling of five representative local pig breeds in Shanghai, which provides molecular genetic data and foundations for better conservation and utilization of local pig breed resources in Shanghai, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs) have been incorporated into binary composites of poly(amide‐imide) (PAI) and polyaniline (PANI) to improve their conductive and mechanical performances. The conductivity of PAI/PANI/FMWCNTs ternary composites significantly increased from 10−3 to 8.3 S m−1 with increasing the weight ratio of FMWCNTs from 0 to 10 wt%, which is much higher than that of the sum of PAI/PANI and PAI/FMWCNTs binary composites. The enhanced conductivity is mainly ascribed to be the more intensive conductive percolating network formed in the PAI/PANI/FMWCNTs ternary composites due to the hydrogen bond interaction among PAI, PANI and FMWCNTs. On the other hand, the tensile strength has been improved by 40% from 25 to 35 MPa. The self‐extinguishing property and phase transition of the ternary films have also been investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. It is found that the weight ratio of FMWCNTs and the special morphology are the two important factors that induce such unusual properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E224–E230, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in nutrient-restricted pregnant Hu ewes to determine whether rumen-protected arginine (RP-Arg) or N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) supplementation affects fetal liver growth and development. From 35 d to 110 d of gestation, 32 Hu ewes were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (100% of the National Research Council (NRC) requirements), a nutrient-restricted group (50% of the NRC requirements), and two treatment groups (ARG and NCG, 50% of the NRC requirements, supplemented with 20 g/day RP-Arg or 5 g/day NCG, respectively). Fetal body weights, fetal liver growth performance, the capability of antioxidation, and the expression of the mRNA and proteins of apoptosis-related genes in the fetal liver were determined and analyzed at 110 d of gestation. The dry matter, water, fat, protein, and ash components of the fetal livers in the RG group were found to be lower than in the CG group, and these components were significantly higher in the NCG group than in the RG group ( p < 0.05). A decrease in DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations and contents, as well as in protein/DNA ratios, was observed in the RG group in comparison to the CG group ( p < 0.05). Compared with the RG group, the NCG group had higher concentrations of DNA, RNA, and protein, as well as higher protein/DNA ratios ( p < 0.05). The RG group had lower concentrations of cholinesterase, nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, alanine aminotransferase, and total protein than the CG group ( p < 0.05). The RG group had higher levels of glutathione peroxidase, maleic dialdehyde, and aspartate aminotransferase than the CG group ( p < 0.05). In the RG group, the mRNA and protein expression of p53 and Bax was significantly increased ( p < 0.05) compared with the CG group, and the gene expression of FasL and Bcl-2, the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax, and the protein expression of Bcl-2 in the RG group were lower ( p < 0.05) than in the CG group. It appears that RP-Arg and NCG supplementation during pregnancy could influence fetal liver growth and development. A nutrition-based therapeutic intervention to alleviate reduced fetal growth can be developed based on this study, which has demonstrated that maternal undernutrition during pregnancy induces the maldevelopment of the fetal liver.