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IntroductionOxidative stress, resulting from environmental changes, significantly affects female fertility. Developing a mouse model to study oxidative stress lays the groundwork for research into human reproductive health and livestock fertility.Materials and methodsIn this study, we established and evaluated an oxidative stress model by administering hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to mice. ICR mice of similar age (7–8 weeks old) and average body weight (31.58 ± 1.12 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (A, B, C, and D). Group A served as the control and was injected with a saline solution, while groups B, C, and D received saline solutions containing 0.75%, 1.50%, and 3.0% H2O2, respectively, over one week. We measured the body weights of all mice before and after the experimental period.Results and discussionOur findings showed that the average body weight of mice in groups A and B increased, while groups C and D experienced weight loss. Group C showed a significantly lower average weight gain compared to groups A and B, and group D exhibited an even more pronounced reduction in weight gain. Although group D had a high mortality rate, there was no significant difference in mortality rates among groups B, C, and D. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased with higher concentrations of H2O2, with a significant difference noted between groups C and A. Catalase (CAT) activity in group B was significantly higher than in group A, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in group C was notably elevated compared to groups A and B. Conversely, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in group C was significantly lower than in both group A and group B. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining revealed changes in ovarian morphology and follicle dynamics. The percentage of atretic follicles in group C was significantly higher than in the control group, and group D had a significantly lower total number of healthy follicles compared to the untreated group. Increased H2O2 content resulted in a reduction of ovary size and an irregular appearance in group D.ConclusionBased on our findings, treatment with 1.50% H2O2 effectively established an oxidative stress model in mice within 1 week. This model serves as a valuable reference for future clinical studies on oxidative stress and reproductive disorders in female animals and humans.

IntroductionCamphora longepaniculata, a crucial commercial crop and a fundamental component of traditional Chinese medicine, is renowned for its abundant production of volatile terpenoids. However, the lack of available genomic information has hindered pertinent research efforts in the past.MethodsTo bridge this gap, the present study aimed to use PacBio HiFi, short-read, and highthroughput chromosome conformation capture sequencing to construct a chromosome-level assembly of the C. longepaniculata genome. Results and discussionWith twelve chromosomes accounting for 99.82% (766.69 Mb) of the final genome assembly, which covered 768.10 Mb, it was very complete. Remarkably, the assembly’s contig and scaffold N50 values are exceptional as well—41.12 and 63.78 Mb, respectively—highlighting its excellent quality and intact structure. Furthermore, a total of 39,173 protein-coding genes were predicted, with 38,766 (98.96%) of them being functionally annotated. The completeness of the genome was confirmed by the Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Ortholog evaluation, which revealed 99.01% of highly conserved plant genes. As the first comprehensive assembly of the C. longepaniculata genome, it provides a crucial starting point for deciphering the complex pathways involved in terpenoid production. Furthermore, this excellent genome serves as a vital resource for upcoming research on the breeding and genetics of C. longepaniculata.

Abstract Fungal endophytes in plant leaf mesophyll form mutually beneficial associations through carbon assimilation, synthesis of biologically active chemicals, and enhancement of aesthetic and nutritional value. Here, we compared community structure, diversity, and richness of endophytic fungi in the leaves of three bamboo species, including Phyllostachys edulis (MZ), Bambusa rigida (KZ), and Pleioblastus amarus (YT) via high-throughput Illumina sequencing. In total, 1070 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were retrieved and classified into 7 phylum, 27 classes, 82 orders, 185 families, 310 genus, and 448 species. Dominant genera were Cladosporium, Trichomerium, Hannaella, Ascomycota, Sporobolomyces, Camptophora and Strelitziana. The highest fungal diversity was observed in Pleioblastus amarus, followed by Bambusa rigida, and Phyllostachys edulis. Comparatively, monopodial species Ph. edulis and sympodial B. rigida, mixed P. amarus revealed the highest richness of endophytic fungi. We retrieved a few biocontrol agents, Sarocladium and Paraconiothyrium, and unique Sporobolomyces, Camptophora, and Strelitziana genera. FUNGuild analysis revealed the surrounding environment (The annual average temperature is between 15 and 25 °C, and the relative humidity of the air is above 83% all year round) as a source of fungal accumulation in bamboo leaves and their pathogenic nature. Our results provide precise knowledge for better managing bamboo forests and pave the way for isolating secondary metabolites and potential bioactive compounds.

Evaluating the efficiency of energy enterprises’ investment merger in the energy Internet sector can be a visual measure of the effectiveness of their investment merger in this sector. It is crucial for energy enterprises to achieve strategic transformation and expand their market share. To this end, this study aims to investigate the efficiency of energy enterprises’ investment merger in the energy Internet sector by constructing an efficiency evaluation index system and evaluation model with the characteristics of the sector. Based on which the TOPSIS model is used to distinguish the differences in the efficiency of the same enterprises’ investment merger in different years. The results of the validation on international power enterprises show that the size of the enterprise has an important influence on its investment merger efficiency in this field. In addition, the evaluation index system and method constructed prove to be effective in evaluating and differentiating the annual investment merger efficiency of energy enterprises in the energy Internet field.

The Jining Gray goat is famous for its sexual precocity; however, the exact regulatory mechanism is still unknown. The hypothalamus is the key centrum in the process of animal reproduction, especially in signal transduction, and the initiation of puberty. The identification of potential genes and pathways in the hypothalamus of Jining Gray goat is critical to understanding the regulatory mechanism of sexual precocity in these goats. In this study, mRNA transcriptome analysis of the hypothalamus of juvenile and pubertal goats revealed eight genes (NTS, ADORA1, CRH, UCN3, E2F2, PDGFRB, GNRH1, and CACNA1C) and three pathways [neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction; gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) signal; melanoma] that are involved in this regulation. Subsequent methylation analysis on differentially methylated region (DMR) genes revealed the potential regulation network that influences pubertal onset. Correlation analysis verified the methylation level of some DMR genes correlates negatively with expression level. Integrated analysis between transcriptomes and methylomes identified 80 candidate genes involved in GnRH and neuroactive ligand signal pathways, of which CACNA1C and CRH were differentially expressed genes (DEGs) influenced by methylation level. The GnRH gene was the only DEG not affected by its methylation level. In summary, in this study, we identified eight genes and three pathways that are related to pubertal onset in Jining Gray goats, and the expression of CACNA1C and CRH genes of the GnRH and neuroactive ligand signal pathways were influenced by DNA methylation, while that of the GnRH gene was not affected.

To explore the molecular mechanism of the puberty effects on the reproduction of goats, goats at different growth stages from two breeds (Jining Grey (JG) goats and Liaoning Cashmere (LC) goats) were divided into three groups with three replicates (juvenile stage (JG 30d vs. LC 30d, AO group), puberty (JG 90d vs. LC 180d, BO group) and the same age control of puberty (JG 90d vs. LC 90d, EO group). Ovary tissues were taken from goats on 30 days, 90 days and 180 days, total RNA was extracted, differentially expressed (DE) gene libraries were constructed by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technology, and puberty-related differential genes were screened. A total of 184 differentially expressed genes were screened, including 57, 68 and 59 in the AO, BO and EO groups, respectively. There are 22 differentially expressed genes were directly associated to the ovary development. According to the gene function analysis in KOG database, the known genes were clustered into 10 subdivisions in A group, 8 in E group and 9 in B group under three categories, mainly in posttranslational modification, protein turnover, chaperones, energy production and conversion, and transcription process. Pathway analysis in KEGG pathway database of the known genes revealed that the five pathways that most differentially expressed genes involving: GnRH signaling pathway, oxytocin signaling pathway, melanogenesis, thyroid hormone synthesis, and insulin secretion. Online tool was used to predict the function of DEGs, the results showed that the CYP11A1 gene might regulate the GDF9 and other prolificacy-associated markers in ovary organs of goats, thereby affecting the development of puberty. The expression of various genes and the transduction of hormone secretion signals, improving the reproduction of goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seasonal estrus is a critical limiting factor of animal fecundity, and it involves changes in both ovarian biology and hormone secretion in different seasons. Previous studies indicate that two classes of small RNAs (miRNAs and piRNAs) play important regulatory roles in ovarian biology. To understand the roles of small RNA-mediated post-transcriptional regulation in ovine seasonal estrus, the variation in expression patterns of ovarian small RNAs during anestrus and the breeding season were analyzed using Solexa sequencing technology. In addition, reproductive hormone levels were determined during ovine anestrus and the breeding season. Results: A total of 483 miRNAs (including 97 known, 369 conserved and 17 predicated novel miRNAs), which belong to 183 different miRNA families, were identified in ovaries of Tan sheep and Small Tail Han (STH) sheep. Compared with the three stages of the breeding season, 25 shared significantly differentially expressed (including 19 up- and six down-regulated) miRNAs were identified in ovine anestrus. KEGG Pathway analysis revealed that the target genes for some of the differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in reproductive hormone related pathways (e.g. steroid biosynthesis, androgen and estrogen metabolism and GnRH signaling pathway) as well as follicular/luteal development related pathways. Moreover, the expression of the differentially expressed miRNAs and most of their target genes were negatively correlated in the above pathways. Furthermore, the levels of estrogen, progesterone and LH in ovine anestrus were significantly lower than those in the breeding season. Combining the results of pathway enrichment analysis, expression of target genes and hormone measurement, we suggest that these differentially expressed miRNAs in anestrus might participate in attenuation of ovarian activity by regulating the above pathways. Besides miRNAs, a large and unexpectedly diverse set of piRNAs were also identified. Conclusions: The miRNA profiles of ovine ovaries in anestrus were presented for the first time. The identification and characterization of miRNAs that are differentially expressed between ovine anestrus and the breeding season will help understanding of the role of miRNAs in the regulation of seasonal estrus, and provides candidates for determining miRNAs which could be potentially used to regulate ovine seasonal estrus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the 5' regulatory region of the FSHR gene were detected in 3 goat breeds (Jining Grey, Boer, and Inner Mongolia Cashmere) by the polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism method, and its effects on litter size in Jining Grey goats were also evaluated. Concerning primer P1, 2 genotypes (AA and BB) were detected in Boer goats, while only the AA genotype was identified in Jining Grey and Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats. Sequencing revealed a T→A transversion at the 26th position and an A→C transversion at the 61st position of the amplified region in genotype BB in comparison to genotype AA. Regarding primer P2, 3 genotypes (CC, CD, and DD) were identified in the 3 goat breeds mentioned above. Sequencing revealed a T→A transversion at the 70th position and a G→C transversion at the 130th position of the amplified region in genotype DD compared with CC. Does with genotype CC had 0.46 (P < 0.05) or 1.03 (P < 0.05) kids more than those with genotype CD or DD, respectively, while does with CD had 0.57 (P < 0.05) kids more than those with DD in Jining Grey goats. These results preliminarily showed that allele C of the FSHR gene was a potential marker for improving litter size in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polymorphisms of arylalkylamine-N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT) gene in high-prolificacy Jining Grey goat, medium-prolificacy Boer goat and low-prolificacy Liaoning Cashmere, Inner Mongolia Cashmere and Angora goats were detected to analyse their relationships with litter size. Primers (P1-P5) were designed to detect the polymorphisms by PCR-SSCP and PCR-RFLP. For P2, AA, AB and BB genotypes were detected. Sequencing revealed one silent mutation (T132C) of AA-NAT gene in BB in comparison to AA. For P3, CC and CD genotypes were detected and sequencing revealed one mutation (C265T) of AA-NAT gene in CD in comparison to CC, and this mutation resulted in an amino acid change of Arg→Cys (R89C). The Jining Grey does with genotype CD delivered by 0.56 kids (P<0.05) more than those with CC genotype. For P5, EE, EF and FF genotypes were detected and sequencing revealed one mutation (C586T) of AA-NAT gene in FF in comparison to EE. This mutation caused an amino acid change of Arg→Trp (R196W). For both P2 and P5, the differences in litter size among three genotypes were not significant in Jining Grey goats (P>0.05). These results preliminarily indicate that allele D at the C265T locus of AA-NAT gene is a potential marker in genetic improvement of litter size in goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first description is presented of nucleotide sequence of exon 2 of caprine melatonin receptor 1b (MT2). No polymorphisms of MT2 gene were detected between high fertility and year-round estrous goat breeds and low fertility and seasonal estrous goat breeds. It is likely that exon 2 of MT2 gene is not associated with fertility or reproductive seasonality in goat breeds. The nucleotide sequence of exon 2 of MT2 gene of Jining Grey goats shows much closer phylogenetic relation to the MT2 of sheep (97%) and cattle (94%) than to that of pig (84%), human (80%) and mouse (74%). A rather high nucleotide identity (62-64%) with the melatonin receptor 1a (MT1) of goat, sheep, human and mouse was also found. The caprine MT2 contains the same NAXXY motif in transmembrane 7 as the other melatonin receptors. Both DRY and CYVCR motifs were detected just downstream from its third transmembrane domain (the same as in sheep and cattle) rather than NRY and CYICH found in other melatonin receptor groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bone morphogenetic protein receptor IB (BMPR-IB) was studied as a candidate gene for the prolificacy of sheep. Nine pairs of primers (P1-P9) were designed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of exons 1-4 and 6-10 of the BMPR- IB gene in both high (Small Tail Han and Hu sheep) and low prolificacy breeds (Texel and Chinese Merino sheep) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). Only the products amplified by primers P2, P5, P6, P7, P8 and P9 displayed polymorphisms. The present study identified 22 SNPs in partial coding regions of ovine BMPR- IB, in which 20 SNPs were reported for the first time. In total of the 22 mutations, 18 DNA variations were originated from the Hu breed, three were found in the Small Tail Han breed (two of them were found in other sheep breeds), three in the Chinese Merino breed, and none in the Texel breed. These results preliminarily demonstrated that BMPR-IB is a major gene affecting the hyperprolificacy in Small Tail Han and Hu sheep, and could be used as a molecular genetic marker for early auxiliary selection for hyperprolificacy in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dlk1 (Delta-like homolog 1) is a cell surface transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the epidermal growth factor like family of homeotic proteins and plays an important role in regulating fetal and postnatal development. Increased expression of Dlk1 is the primary cause of muscle hypertrophy in the callipyge sheep exhibiting overgrowth of fast-twitch muscles and reduced adiposity. However, the function of Dlk1 in goats remains unknown. In this study, a fragment of 864 bp of goat Dlk1 cDNA, encoding 287 amino acids, was amplified, which has a high homology both in nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence with the corresponding region of pig, cattle and sheep Dlk1. The Dlk1 was found to be expressed in most tissues of goat fetuses, and in the adrenal gland, pancreas and thymus of adult goats. Two alternative transcripts of Dlk1- C and Dlk1- C2 were expressed in both fetuses and adult goats. One C/T transition in the coding region of goat Dlk1 was identified and by genotyping one segregating goat family and the expressed allele in the tissues of the offspring, Dlk1 was found to be paternally expressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]