Age and Gender Dependent Amino Acid Concentrations in the Feather, Feather-Free and Whole Empty Body Protein of Fast Growing Meat-Type Chickens

Two consecutive growth experiments with meat-type chickens (Ross 308) were conducted in order to quantify the age-dependent amino acid (AA) content in the whole body protein of male and female birds based on experimental data of the feather and feather-free body protein fractions. Birds were reared under uniform housing and feeding conditions (floor pens, 15 pens per gender, 5 birds per pen) during the starter (day 1 to 22) and grower period (day 22 to 36). Both the starter and grower diet based on corn, wheat, soybean meal, soybean protein concentrate and feed amino acids was formulated to ensure an equal feed protein quality close to the ideal amino acid ratio by adjusting a constant mixture of the feed proteins. At start of the experiment and further on weekly up to the end of the 5th week, 15 birds per gender (each 3 pens of 5 birds) were selected and fasted for 24 h, to emptying of gastro-intestinal tract, respectively. Subsequently, birds were euthanized and the feathers were manually removed. Nitrogen (N) and AA content were determined both in the feather and feather-free body fraction. The concentration of individual AAs in both of body protein fraction is varying considerably. Explicitly higher Cys, Ser and Pro but importantly lower Met, Lys and His concentrations were found in the feather protein. Furthermore, significant differences (p for nearly all AAs of the studied body protein fractions and the whole empty body protein dependent on age of birds were observed. Especially high deviations were obtained during the first week of age and at the end of the experiment. According to this observed variation of AA concentrations must be concluded that the body AA composition of meat-type chickens during growth is not constant. The detected gender-specific differences for several AAs in the feather and body protein of male and female birds were rather low and with very low variation.

Age and Gender Dependent Nutrient Composition of Feather and Feather-Free Body Fractions in Meat-Type Chickens

The objective of this research was to update current results about the nutrient composition of broiler chickens during the growth period up to market age. Two growth experiments were conducted for assessing the nutrient content of feathers and feather-free body of meat-type chickens (Ross 308). Both male and female birds were reared under uniform management conditions (floor pens;15 pens per gender;5 birds per pen). Experimental diets both for the starter (day 1 to 22) and the grower period (day 22 to 36) were based on corn, wheat, soybean meal, soybean protein concentrate and well balanced with feed amino acids. The feed protein quality was adapted to the ideal amino acid ratio and equated within both of the feeding periods by adjusting a constant mixture of the feed proteins. Each 15 birds per gender (3 pens of 5 birds) were selected and subsequently fasted for 24 h before quantitative de-feathering both at start of the experiment and further on weekly up to the end of the 5th week. Nutrient content was determined in representative samples of the feather and feather-free body fraction. In the feather dry matter (DM) very high crude protein (CP) concentrations (>96%) with low age-dependent and insignificant gender-specific differences were observed. In spite, a relatively high variation of CP content in the DM of feather-free body was found. Depending on age, the body CP significantly decreased with increasing age, but male birds yielded higher (p < 0.001) CP content. The crude lipid content of the feather-free and whole empty body significantly increased with age and was higher in female as compared to male birds (p < 0.001). Depending on age and gender, the crude ash content both in feathers and feather-free body of modern fast-growing chickens was rather low and with very low variation.

The carbon fluxes in different successional stages:modelling the dynamics of tropical montane forests in South Ecuador

Background： Tropical forests play an important role in the global carbon（C） cycle.However, tropical montane forests have been studied less than tropical lowland forests, and their role in carbon storage is not well understood.Montane forests are highly endangered due to logging, land-use and climate change.Our objective was to analyse how the carbon balance changes during forest succession.Methods： In this study, we used a method to estimate local carbon balances that combined forest inventory data with process-based forest models.We utilised such a forest model to study the carbon balance of a tropical montane forest in South Ecuador, comparing two topographical slope positions（ravines and lower slopes vs upper slopes and ridges）.Results： The simulation results showed that the forest acts as a carbon sink with a maximum net ecosystem exchange（NEE） of 9.3 Mg C？（ha？yr）-1during its early successional stage（0–100 years）.In the late successional stage, the simulated NEE fluctuated around zero and had a variation of 0.77 Mg C？（ha？yr）–1.The simulated variability of the NEE was within the range of the field data.We discovered several forest attributes（e.g., basal area or the relative amount of pioneer trees） that can serve as predictors for NEE for young forest stands（0–100 years） but not for those in the late successional stage（500–1,000 years）.In case of young forest stands these correlations are high, especially between stand basal area and NEE.Conclusion： In this study, we used an Ecuadorian study site as an example of how to successfully link a forest model with forest inventory data, for estimating stem-diameter distributions, biomass and aboveground net primary productivity.To conclude, this study shows that process-based forest models can be used to investigate the carbon balance of tropical montane forests.With this model it is possible to find hidden relationships between forest attributes and forest carbon fluxes.These relationships promote a better understanding of the role of tropical montane forests in the context of global carbon cycle, which in future will become more relevant to a society under global change.

Tree water potentials supporting an explanation for the occurrence of Vachellia erioloba in the Namib Desert (Namibia)

Background： Site-vegetation relations of Vachellia erioloba, Faidherbia albido, Euclea pseudebenus and Tamarix usneoides in two contrasting locations in the Namib Desert （Namibia） were evaluated with the goal to relate soil water availability to the occurrence of trees under hyper-arid conditions, Methods： Plant water potentials were measured using a pressure chamber in the field. Pre-dawn water potentials were assessed to reflect the soil water potential of the rhizosphere. Midday water potentials were measured to assess the strongest negative water potential applied by the sample trees. Results： Pre-dawn water potentials and midday water potentials indicated access to soil water in the rhizosphere and by this, provide an explanation for an occurrence of V. erioloba within the extreme environmental conditions of sand dunes in the Namib Desert. Diurnal ranges seem to reflect more and less suitable stands, in terms of soil water availability, within the sampling sites. While the impact of the ephemeral Kuiseb river on soil water availability was assessed through the four species＇ plant-internal water relations, comparable pre-dawn water potentials of V. erioioba at both sites indicate soil water availability also in the dunes of Namibrand. The extreme midday water potentials of the dune plants possibly show the upper limit of tolerance for V. eriolobo. Conclusions： The preliminary data provide an explanation of the occurrence and distribution of the investigated species in beds of ephemeral rivers and on dunes under the hyper-arid climatic conditions of the Namib Desert and qualify suitability within the assessed sites. Understanding the plant-physiological processes and assessing the plant-internal water potential provides a valuable tool to evaluate soil water availability within the rhizosphere and to describe an adaptation potential of investigated species. The comparability of pre-dawn water potentials at both sites indicates unexpected soil water availability within lower parts of the dunes of Namibrand. Further research needs are derived concerning the origin and distribution of such soil water. These species in these specific tree-environments are understudied and little published, thus the results support an improved understanding of the ecology in arid environments.

Mismatch between species distribution and climatic niche optima in relation to functional traits

Background:Forecasts of climate change impacts on biodiversity often assume that the current geographical distributions of species match their niche optima.However,empirical evidence has challenged this assumption,suggesting a mismatch.We examine whether the mismatch is related to functional traits along temperature or precipitation gradients.Methods:The observed distributions of 32 tree species in northeast China were evaluated to test this mismatch.Bayesian models were used to estimate the climatic niche optima,i.e.the habitats where the highest species growth and density can be expected.The mismatch is defined as the difference between the actual species occurrence in an assumed niche optimum and the habitat with the highest probability of species occurrence.Species’functional traits were used to explore the mechanisms that may have caused the mismatches.Results:Contrasting these climatic niche optima with the observed species distributions,we found that the distribution-niche optima mismatch had high variability among species based on temperature and precipitation gradients.However,these mismatches depended on functional traits associated with competition and migration lags only in temperature gradients.Conclusions:We conclude that more relevant research is needed in the future to quantify the mismatch between species distribution and climatic niche optima,which may be crucial for future designs of forested landscapes,species conservation and dynamic forecasting of biodiversity under expected climate change.

Do U/Pb-SHRIMP Dating and Pb Stepwise Leaching (PbSL) Analyses Confirm the Lack of Precambrian Basement Outcrops in Thailand?

U/Pb-SHRIMP dating and Pb stepwise leaching (PbSL) experiments on zircons and garnets, respectively have confirmed the lack of Precambrian outcrops within the crystalline basement of Thailand. The obtained data for the high grade metamorphism show Indosinian ages ranging from 225 - 200 Ma as previously suggested for the vast majority of outcrops in NW-Thailand ([1]?and references therein), as well as a small group of ages in the range of 445 Ma in the Lampang Province. Further, the age of a thermal imprint around 60 Ma was confirmed near Surat Thani, Peninsular Thailand, and only a few indications of older ages for the unknown source areas were detected in detrital components.

Botulinum Toxin A in the Treatment of Oropharyngeal or Esophageal Dysphagia

Objectives: In this retrospective analysis, we explored the effect of botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection to treat oropharyngeal dysphagia or esophageal dysfunction caused by diseases of the upper (UES) and lower (LES) esophageal sphincter. Methods: In total, 48 patients (17 patients with UES disorders, and 31 patients with LES dysfunction;mean age 64 years) were treated between 1996 and 2007 in our hospital. Comorbid diseases as well as maintenance medication were documented to evaluate the overall health status of our patients. The mean duration of symptoms, the number of pre-treatments and the specification of dysphagia were considered. Results: One month after injection, the response rates were 73.3% (UES group) and 76.6% (LES group). Most patients in the UES group received 30-40 units BTA (Botox?) whereas most patients in the LES group were treated with 100 units BTA. In cases of re-injection, 50% of patients in the UES group experienced an escalation of dosage (up to 75 units), whereas the other 50% received the same dosage. The dosages in the LES group were mostly kept constant. Conclusion: Comparing the two groups with esophageal dysfunction of fundamentally different etiologies (UES/LES), a discrepancy in the level of symptom relief, onset and a longer cessation of clinical benefit were observed in the LES group. In this analysis, we were able to show that injection of BTA is an effective and safe treatment for disorders of the UES and LES.

Call for joint international actions to improve scientific understanding and address soil erosion and riverine sediment issues in mountainous regions

During the International Workshop on Soil Erosion and Riverine Sediment in Mountainous Regions held in November 2022,scientists from many countries shared their state-of-the-art knowledge and brainstormed to improve scientific understanding for coping with climate change and anthropogenic impacts.Information summarized in this discussion includes proposed key scientific questions and suggested joint actions to reduce soil erosion and riverine sediment problems in mountainous regions.

Repression of the Arabidopsis thaliana Jasmonic Acid/Ethylene-Induced Defense Pathway by TGA-Interacting Glutaredoxins Depends on Their C-Terminal ALWL Motif

Glutaredoxins are small heat-stable oxidoreductases that transfer electrons from glutathione （GSH） to oxi- dized cysteine residues, thereby contributing to protein integrity and regulation. In Arabidopsis thaliana, floral glutare- doxins ROXY1 and ROXY2 and pathogen-induced ROXY19/GRX480 interact with bZIP transcription factors of the TGACG （TGA） motif-binding family. ROXY1, ROXY2, and TGA factors PERIANTHIA, TGA9, and TGA10 play essential roles in floral development. In contrast, ectopically expressed ROXY19/GRX480 negatively regulates expression of jasmonic acid （JA）/ ethylene （ET）-induced defense genes through an unknown mechanism that requires clade II transcription factors TGA2, TGA5, and/or TGA6. Here, we report that at least 17 of the 21 land plant-specific glutaredoxins encoded in the Arabidopsis genome interact with TGA2 in a yeast-two-hybrid system. To investigate their capacity to interfere with the expression of JA/ET-induced genes, we developed a transient expression system. Activation of the ORA59 （OCTADECANOID-RESPONSIVE ARABIDOPSIS AP2/ERF-domain protein 59） promoter by transcription factor EIN3 （ETHYLENE INSENSITVE 3） was sup- pressed by co-expressed ROXY19/GRX480. Suppression depended on the L＊＊LL motif in the C-terminus of ROXY19/ GRX480. This putative protein interaction domain was recently described as being essential for the TGA/ROXY interaction. Ten of the 17 tested ROXY proteins suppressed ORA59 promoter activity, which correlated with the presence of the C-terminal ALWL motif, which is essential for ROXY1 function in flower development. ROXY19/GRX480-mediated repres- sion depended on the GSH binding site, suggesting that redox modification of either TGA factors or as yet unknown target proteins is important for the suppression of ORA59 promoter activity.

Functional Cooperativity of Enzymes of Phosphoinositide Conversion According to Synergistic Effects on Pectin Secretion in Tobacco Pollen Tubes

The Arabidopsis phosphoinositide kinases PI4Kβ1 and PIP5K5 have been implicated in the control of directional vesicle trafficking underlying polar tip growth in pollen tubes. PI4Kβ1 and PIP5K5 catalyze key consecutive steps of phosphoinositide conversion, and it appears obvious that phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate formed by PI4Kβ1 might act as a substrate for phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate formation by PIP5K5. However, this hypothesis has not been experimentally addressed and distinct localization patterns of PI4Kβ1, PIP5K5, and also PI-synthases （PIS） generating phosphatidylinositol suggest additional complexity. Here, the synergistic functionality of enzymes of phosphoinositide conversion was assessed. In tobacco and Arabidopsis pollen tubes, phosphoinositides influence the apical secretion of pectin, and increased pectin deposition results in characteristic morphological alterations. Catalytically active and dominant negative variants of PI4Kβ1 and PIP5K5 were systematically co-expressed in tobacco pollen tubes and the incidence of morphologies related to enhanced pectin secretion was evaluated. The data support a proposed functional interplay of PI4Kβ1 and PIP5K5 at the trans-Golgi network, mediating directional vesicle trafficking. Co-expression experiments additionally including PIS isoforms, PIS1 or PIS2, indicate that pectin secretion is synergistically mediated by PI4Kβ1 and PIPSK5 acting on Ptdlns formed by PIS2 rather than PIS1. Possible ramifications for the preferential channeling of phosphoinositide intermediates between particular isoforms of PI pathway enzymes are discussed.

DCAF1 (VprBP): emerging physiological roles for a unique dual-service E3 ubiquitin ligase substrate receptor

Cullin-RING ligases(CRLs)comprise a large group of modular eukaryotic E3 ubiquitin ligases.Within this family,the CRL4 ligase(consisting of the Cullin4[CUL4]scaffold protein,the Rbxl RING finger domain protein,the DNA damage-binding protein 1[DDB1],and one of many DDBl-associated substrate receptor proteins)has been intensively studied in recent years due to its involvement in regulating various cellular processes,its role in cancer development and progression,and its subversion by viral accessory proteins.Initially discovered as a target for hijacking by the human immunodeficiency virus accessory protein r,the normal targets and function of the CRL4 substrate receptor protein DDBl-Cul4-associated factor 1(DCAF1;also known as VprBP)had remained elusive,but newer studies have begun to shed light on these questions.Here,we review recent progress in understanding the diverse physiological roles of this DCAF1 in supporting various general and cell type-specific cellular processes in its context with the CRL4 E3 ligase,as well as another HECT-type E3 ligase with which DCAF1 also associates,called EDD/UBR5.We also discuss emerging questions and areas of future study to uncover the dynamic roles of DCAF1 in normal physiology.

Why 2022 is a revolutionary year for potato genomics

While the humble spud may seem simple enough boiled on a plate,a lot of thought and effort goes into producing the varieties we like to eat.Potato lovers are conservative:the Russet Burbank,for instance,has produced our favorite French fries since 1902(Bethke et al.,2014).Cultivars need to be genetically stable-a state that is achieved in self-pollinating crop species like wheat and barley by repeated inbreeding.

Mutation D614G increases SARS-CoV-2 transmission

It has been unclear why SARS-CoV-2 with a D614G mutation in the spike protein became dominant early in the COVID-19 pandemic.A recent study by Hou et al.published in Science shows that D614G increases SARS-CoV-2 spread in cultured human nasal epithelium and enhances transmission in a hamster model.

Time course of plant diversity effects on Centaurea jacea establishment and the role of competition and herbivory

Aims Invasion resistance in experimental plant communities is known to increase with increasing diversity and further to depend on the presence of particular functional groups.To test whether these effects also hold true for the invader establishment phase beyond the seedling stage,we studied survival and performance of Centaurea jacea L.(brown knapweed)planted into experimental grassland communities of varying plant biodiversity over three consecutive years.Moreover,we analysed the role of insect herbivory and biomass of the recipient community for mediating diversity effects.Methods In 2005,seedlings of Centaurea were transplanted into experimental grassland communities(the Jena Experiment)covering a species richness(1–60)and functional group richness(1–4)gradient.Half of these transplants and the community surrounding them in each plot were sprayed with insecticide while the other half served as control.In 2006 and 2007(during the second and third year after transplantation),we recorded survival,growth-related(e.g.transplant biomass,height)and reproduction-related traits(e.g.number of flower heads).Annual data on community aboveground biomass served as covariate to investigate mediating effects of aboveground competition with the recipient community.Important Findings Species richness was the most important factor responsible for Centaurea limitation.Higher levels of diversity decreased survival and all performance traits in both years.These diversity effects were partly driven by community biomass,but not fully explained by that covariate,suggesting the importance also of further processes.The influence of functional group richnesswas strong in the second year after transplantation and weaker in the third year.Among the particular functional groups,only the presence of legumes showed strong negative effects on Centaurea survival and weak negative effects on growth and reproduction,the latter two being mediated by biomass.Insect herbivore reduction considerably benefited Centaurea in sprayed monocultures,where it grew significantly larger than in all other diversity levels and than in the control subplots.We conclude that effects of plant community properties on invading individuals change in the course of establishment,that plant species richness effects are also important during later stages of establishment,and that biomass(especially at high diversity)and herbivory(especially at low diversity)of the recipient community are important in mediating community effects on invaders.

Dual Spacisations:A Case Study of Iranian American Weblogs

The purpose of this research is to study how online transnational spaces are created in blogs by Iranians who are residents of America.In cyberspace,place,to a large extent,loses its importance;online transnational spaces can thus provide possible virtual return for Iranian migrants in the US.Using planned sampling,this paper analyses the migration narratives of 15 Persian language blogs written by Iranians in the United States of America through qualitative content analysis.The bloggers were sorted into three categories of identity:Iranian-Ancient Identity,Iranian-Islamic Identity and Iranian-American Identity.Most bloggers belonged to the third category of identities.The research showed that although the Iranian migrant bloggers are loyal to their place of origin,they defined themselves as Iranian-American.This identity-making is not in contrast with neither Iranian nor American identity,but it is indicated in the form of a connection.

P53表达可预测上皮改变类型不确定的Barrett食管患者进展型腺瘤的罹患风险和进展风险

背景与目的:Barrett食管(BE)患者发生食管腺癌的风险增高,因此,需要常规内镜监测。如果上皮改变无法明确界定为阴性或阳性,建议诊断为不确定型上皮改变(IND)。一些生物学标志物被认为可用以预测BE患者的瘤变,但其在BE-IND患者是否具有同样的意义尚不清楚。因此,我们通过回顾性研究来探讨这些生物学标志物是否可以预测BEIND患者的瘤变。方法:收集1992年1月至2007年12月间我中心所有BE-IND患者的临床资料。采用免疫组化分析来对P53、AMACR和cyclin D1的表达进行半定量。对罹患腺瘤/进展型腺瘤(首次随访中发现的病变)和新发腺瘤/进展型腺瘤(首次随访未发现、但在后续随访中发现的病变)的预测因素进行单因素分析。结果:在纳入研究的103例BE-IND患者中,81例(78.6%)在诊断后12月内接受了1次内镜活检,其中10例(12.3%)罹患腺瘤,包括4例(4.9%)进展型腺瘤。在首次随访未发现腺瘤且后续随访超过1年的79例患者中,发现新发腺瘤18例(22.8%),其中4例(5.1%)为进展型腺瘤。AMACR和cyclin D1表达水平与罹患腺瘤或新发腺瘤均无关,但P53高表达(>5%)与罹患进展型腺瘤相关(P=0.04),且可增加后续进展型腺瘤的发生风险(HR=12,P=0.03)。结论:本研究发现P53表达是BE-IND患者罹患及新发进展型腺瘤的预测标志物。