Background As living standards improve,consumers are placing greater emphasis on the enhancement of fish flesh quality,making its improvement increasingly critical.Plant-derived polysaccharides positively affect the i...Background As living standards improve,consumers are placing greater emphasis on the enhancement of fish flesh quality,making its improvement increasingly critical.Plant-derived polysaccharides positively affect the improvement of animal flesh quality.Panax ginseng leaf polysaccharides(PGLP)have a similar composition and lower cost compared with Panax ginseng root polysaccharides.However,its function and application effects in grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)are unclear.Methods A total of 540 sub-adult grass carp(679±1.29 g),one of the important economic fish species,were used as experimental models and fed diets supplemented with 0,100,200,300,400,or 500 mg/kg PGLP for 60 d.After 60 d,grass carp were weighed,and their muscles were collected to explore the effects of PGLP on the growth and development of myofibers and energy metabolism-related parameters.Results Our study found that PGLP increased the growth performance and muscle nutritional composition as well as improved muscle hardness,springiness,cohesiveness,chewiness,and hyperplasia of myofibers of sub-adult grass carp.Besides,PGLP promoted muscle energy metabolism by increasing creatine,glycogen,pyruvate,and acetyl-CoA contents and creatine kinase(CK),pyruvate kinase(PK),phosphofructokinase(PFK),and hexokinase(HK)activities,while decreasing lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)activity and lactate content in fish muscle.Finally,our study found that PGLP enhanced mitochondrial function by increasing the protein expression of mitochondrial complexes I–V,biogenesis,and fusion and decreasing autophagy and fission in fish muscle.Conclusions PGLP improved growth performance and flesh quality of sub-adult grass carp,which may be related to enhancing hyperplasia of myofibers by promoting energy metabolism.We concluded that the recommended amount of PGLP in sub-adult grass carp feed to optimize growth performance is 100–200 mg/kg.This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of PGLP in fish feed and for the analysis of the mechanism of nutrition and feed regulating fish flesh quality,which is of great significance.展开更多
Roadside habitat through major urban areas may offer remnant examples of natural grasslands.These habitats may be subjected to frequent as mowing and exposure to automobile emissions and runoff.This study was conducte...Roadside habitat through major urban areas may offer remnant examples of natural grasslands.These habitats may be subjected to frequent as mowing and exposure to automobile emissions and runoff.This study was conducted on interstate highway right-of-ways in San Antonio,Texas,U.S.A.We compared the vegetation species and diversity,and the organic carbon of leaf litter,plants,and soils.Two non-native grasses accounted for 50.9% cover,while all native forbs and grasses accounted for only 9.8% cover.The mean biomass of nonnative grasseswas 4.5 times greater than that of all native species.Organic carbon content of leaf litter,plants,and soils was variable among the study sites,possibly due to management practices and a drought that occurred during the study.Themean organic carbon content in the upper 20 cm soil was 5.0 kg C/m^(2) and organic carbon content was greater in the upper 10 cm than organic carbon in the 10.1 to 20 cm portion.Cynodon dactylon and Bouteloua curtipendula exhibited the greatest photosynthesis efficiency indicating these grasses are more adaptable to hot summer temperatures found in Central Texas.The organic carbon content along a major interstate was 13,793 kg·C/ha for leaf litter,vegetation,and the upper 20 cm of the soil.We conclude that interstate highways provide habitat for some native species,but the vegetation along right-of-ways is dominated by two non-native grasses.It appears unlikely that roadside habitat can be restored to resemble native grasslands without large scale and costly restoration efforts.展开更多
Background Ochratoxin A(OTA)is a toxin widely found in aquafeed ingredients,and hypoxia is a common prob-lem in fish farming.In practice,aquatic animals tend to be more sensitive to hypoxia while feeds are contaminate...Background Ochratoxin A(OTA)is a toxin widely found in aquafeed ingredients,and hypoxia is a common prob-lem in fish farming.In practice,aquatic animals tend to be more sensitive to hypoxia while feeds are contaminated with OTA,but no studies exist in this area.This research investigated the multiple biotoxicities of OTA and hypoxia combined on the liver of grass carp and explored the mitigating effect of curcumin(CUR).Methods A total of 720 healthy juvenile grass carp(11.06±0.05 g)were selected and assigned randomly to 4 experi-mental groups:control group(without OTA and CUR),1.2 mg/kg OTA group,400 mg/kg CUR group,and 1.2 mg/kg OTA+400 mg/kg CUR group with three replicates each for 60 d.Subsequently,32 fish were selected,divided into nor-moxia(18 fish)and hypoxia(18 fish)groups,and subjected to hypoxia stress for 96 h.Results CUR can attenuate histopathological damage caused by coming to OTA and hypoxia by reducing vacu-olation and nuclear excursion.The alleviation of this damage was associated with the attenuation of apoptosis in the mitochondrial pathway by decreasing the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Caspase 3,8,9,Bax,and Apaf1 while increasing the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2,and attenuation of endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)by reducing Grp78 expression and chop levels.This may be attributed to the fact that the addi-tion of CUR increased the levels of catalase(CAT)and glutathione reductase(GSH),increased antioxidant capacity,and ensured the proper functioning of respiratory chain complexes I and II,which in turn reduced the high produc-tion of reactive oxygen species(ROS),thus alleviating apoptosis and ERS.Conclusions In conclusion,our data demonstrate the effectiveness of CUR in attenuating liver injury caused by the combination of OTA and hypoxia.This study confirms the feasibility and efficacy of adding natural products to mitigate toxic damage to aquatic animals.展开更多
Teleost peripheral blood contains a remarkably high proportion of B cells,accounting for 15%-50%of circulating lymphocytes.However,their immune responses to bacterial infection are yet to be elucidated.In the present ...Teleost peripheral blood contains a remarkably high proportion of B cells,accounting for 15%-50%of circulating lymphocytes.However,their immune responses to bacterial infection are yet to be elucidated.In the present study,10×Genomics single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)was employed to characterize the transcriptomic landscape of peripheral blood IgM^(+)B cells in grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)following challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila,a major aquatic pathogen.Six transcriptionally distinct IgM^(+)B cell subpopulations were identified,including(im)mature B cells,innate B cells,proliferating B cells,IgD^(high)B cells,and two infection-induced subsets denoted as infectionⅠandⅡB cells.Bacterial infection altered the cellular heterogeneity of IgM^(+)B cells,triggered metabolic reprogramming in(im)mature and innate B cell subpopulations,and enhanced the immunological activation of circulating B cells.Notably,infectionⅠB cells demonstrated robust induction of interferonφ1(IFNφ1),a type I IFN,following A.hydrophila exposure.This induction was further validated through in vitro bacterial stimulation,indicating that teleost B cells actively contribute to innate antibacterial responses through IFN signaling.Additionally,the IgD^(high)B cell subpopulation remained consistently present in peripheral blood across both infected and uninfected states,pointing to a constitutive and likely mature phenotype.These findings significantly advance our understanding of the heterogeneity of peripheral blood IgM^(+)B cells and provide new insights into IgM^(+)B cell-mediated immune responses in teleost fish.展开更多
In mid-June,Kangmar County was swept by strong mountain winds.Just after stepping off the plane,Yu Chengqun hurriedly led his team of doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers from the Grass-Industry Inn ovation ...In mid-June,Kangmar County was swept by strong mountain winds.Just after stepping off the plane,Yu Chengqun hurriedly led his team of doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers from the Grass-Industry Inn ovation Team straight to the grassland.展开更多
Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets eit...Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets either separately or included in their creep feed,combined with nursery diets with or without grass pellet inclusion on growth performance and gastrointestinal development.Methods Thirty-six litters(14–15 piglets per litter)were divided into three equal groups of 12 litters per treatment during the suckling phase:control group(CON)received regular creep feed;GH group received chopped grass hay as-is in separate feeders alongside regular creep feed;PGH group received regular creep feed but barley and wheat were replaced by 28%grass pellets.After weaning(d 23),each litter was split into two dietary treatments in a splitplot design(pre-wean treatment as main plot).Two of the pre-wean diets were also offered until d 14 post-weaning,i.e.,CON(CON nursery diet,CON-C,GH-C,PGH-C)and PGH(GH nursery diet,CON-GH,GH-GH,PGH-GH).Thereafter,transitioning to a diet containing 13%wheat/barley or grass pellets,respectively,until d 39 post-weaning.Gastrointestinal morphology,gene expression of intestinal nutrient transporters and barrier proteins,metabolite profile and microbiota were assessed on the day before weaning,d 10 and d 38 post-weaning.A total of 24 piglets were sacrificed at each dissection point.Results At weaning,GH group had consumed 7 g/piglet grass hay,and PGH group had consumed 46 g/piglet creep feed.One day before weaning,GH piglets showed heavier emptied small intestine(P=0.044)and colon(P=0.065),higher SCFA production in proximal segments and lower SCFA production in colon(P<0.05).Higher abundance of Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group was observed in caecal and colonic content of PGH compared to GH group(P<0.05),and PGH group showed a lower energy conversion ratio(net energy intake/gain,P=0.035).Following weaning,GH nursery group had a reduced average daily gain(226 vs.183 g,P<0.001)during d 0–14,while this group showed compensatory growth afterwards(P=0.056).Main plot effects on increased expressions of CLDN3 and FFAR2 were observed in GH and PGH by d 38 post-weaning(P<0.05).An interaction effect showed greater luminal abundance of the Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group in GH-GH and PGH-GH groups compared to CON-GH on d 38.The GH nursery diet showed a better energy conversion ratio(P=0.006)with no influence on body weight and their SCFA production shifted towards proximal segments.Conclusion In conclusion, feeding a structured and fibre-rich diet to suckling piglets enhance their digestive tractdevelopment and adapt their microbiome to fibre digestion in later life. Maintaining a fibre-rich diet from sucklingto nursery is recommended, though this come with a transient reduction in weight gain caused by lower feed intakethat, however, can be recovered afterwards accompanied with an optimized energy conversion ratio.展开更多
Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing is a renowned writer in the contemporary British literary scene.Her debut novel The Grass is Singing is based on a case in which a black manservant kills a white mistress who is poor a...Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing is a renowned writer in the contemporary British literary scene.Her debut novel The Grass is Singing is based on a case in which a black manservant kills a white mistress who is poor and mentally unbalanced.Doris Lessing arranges a tangible form of perception for the expression of the colonial discourse in the work by seeking the relationship between spatial structure and the writer’s value.This paper focuses on the spatial writing in The Grass is Singing and analyses it in depth with reference to the spatial critical theories of Henri Lefebvre and Michel Foucault.The oppressed and enslaved characters in the novel are analysed from three perspectives:physical space,social space and mental space respectively to explore how power oppression is made visible through space and the writer’s critique of colonial relations and racial discrimination as well as unequal gender relations.展开更多
The increasing challenges of environmental degradation,soil erosion,and climate change have driven interest in sustainable solutions like enhanced weathering(EW)and phytoremediation.Elephant Grass(Cenchrus purpureus),...The increasing challenges of environmental degradation,soil erosion,and climate change have driven interest in sustainable solutions like enhanced weathering(EW)and phytoremediation.Elephant Grass(Cenchrus purpureus),a fast-growing perennial species,shows promise as a bioaccumulator and agent for soil weathering.This study assessed the potential of C.purpureus to improve soil quality through heavy metal(HM)uptake and EW facilitation.A 60-day greenhouse pot experiment at Jackson State University evaluated plant performance in soils amended with metabasalt rock powder at 1:1 and 2:1 rock-to-soil ratios.Biomass,growth,and HM concentrations in roots and shoots were measured via ICP-MS after wet digestion.Soil pH and magnesium(Mg)release were also monitored to assess weathering and carbon drawdown.Results showed that C.purpureus accumulated more HMs in roots at higher amendment levels,while at lower levels,metals like As,Cd,and Cr were more translocated to shoots,enhancing phytoextraction potential.High treatment favored Fe and Al uptake,possibly reducing toxic metal accumulation in edible parts.Notably,C.purpureus contributed to the weathering of 38%of metabasalt rock,leading to a 42%increase in Mg release.With high biomass,HM tolerance,and weathering capacity,C.purpureus offers a sustainable strategy for soil remediation,improved soil health,and potential support for renewable energy systems.展开更多
Grass constitutes a vital poetic imagery in classical Chinese poetry,embodying multifaceted symbolic connotations ranging from the tenacity of life to sentiments of separation and nostalgic longing.The translation of ...Grass constitutes a vital poetic imagery in classical Chinese poetry,embodying multifaceted symbolic connotations ranging from the tenacity of life to sentiments of separation and nostalgic longing.The translation of this botanical motif necessitates not merely lexical equivalence,but more importantly,the transmission of its profound cultural resonance and aesthetic essence.This study posits that effective rendition of grass imagery should adopt an integrative approach synthesizing the objectives of cultural translation with the intrinsic aesthetic characteristics of classical poetry.Through systematic analysis of the cultural semiotics embedded in grass symbolism,the research investigates practical translation techniques at lexical,syntactic,and stylistic dimensions.The findings aim to contribute to the theoretical framework of cultural image translation in Chinese poetic tradition while providing methodological references for cross-cultural interpretation of classical verse.By bridging cultural semiotics with translation praxis,this investigation seeks to advance the intercultural communication of Chinese poetic heritage through nuanced treatment of its botanical symbolism.展开更多
The Great Green Wall(GGW)initiatives are among the most ambitious endeavors in addressing global ecological challenges.Currently two prominent examples have emerged across two transcontinental arid landscapes.One is C...The Great Green Wall(GGW)initiatives are among the most ambitious endeavors in addressing global ecological challenges.Currently two prominent examples have emerged across two transcontinental arid landscapes.One is China's“Three-North Shelterbelt Program”,which formally began in 1978.Spanning 13 provinces,it aims to combat desertification in the north and northwestern regions of the country,where8 major deserts and 4 sandy lands are located,by restoring forest and grass cover and establishing a protective shelterbelt system(Zhu and Song,2021).展开更多
The genomes of three groups of grass carp, namely the Xiangjiang River grass carp group （Xiangjiang group）, a one-generation artificially induced meio-gynogenetic grass carp group （meio-gynogenetic-1 group）, and a...The genomes of three groups of grass carp, namely the Xiangjiang River grass carp group （Xiangjiang group）, a one-generation artificially induced meio-gynogenetic grass carp group （meio-gynogenetic-1 group）, and a two-generation artificially induced meio-gynogenetic grass carp group （meio-gynogenetic-2 group）, were comparatively analyzed with microsatellite markers. Genetic polymorphism had been observed in the Xiangjiang group and most of the examined loci had more than two alleles. But the degree of genetic diversity was not very high. Although all the examined genetic loci in the analyzed individuals were in homozygous state, the genotypes of different individuals of the group were not identical in the meio-gynogenetic-1 group. In the meio-gynogenetic-2 group, not only the examined genetic loci of each individual were homozygous but also the genotypes of all the analyzed individuals of the group were the same. These results suggested that the examined meio-gynogenetic-2 group is a homozygous group and homozygous clone could be produced by continuous artificial induction of gynogenesis for two generations. It was found that the polymorphism existed not only at the allele level but also at the locus level; many alleles of the microsatellite loci and some of the microsatellite loci had been lost during the process of artificial gynogenesis. Therefore, both protection of the diversity of natural grass carp resource and selection of homozygous traits with desired economic genotypes are very important aspects for grass carp breeding.展开更多
Chronic diseases are the leading global causes of death in China and the world, especially hypertension ＇and diabetes, and the main reasons are heredity, abnormal metabolism and an unhealthy lifestyle for dietary. Ba...Chronic diseases are the leading global causes of death in China and the world, especially hypertension ＇and diabetes, and the main reasons are heredity, abnormal metabolism and an unhealthy lifestyle for dietary. Barley is taditional medicine in China. There is an very important effect for functional foods for preventing chronic diseases of barley grains and barley grass powder as well as its products because of its high contents of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidant enzymes, chlorophyll and bioactive compounds such as β-glucans, phenolic compounds, GABA, alkaloid, tocopherols and tocotrienols, dietary fiber and so on. There are a lot of challenges to promote health for functional food with barley grains and its grass in China. Barley grain will produce pearled barley, grits, flakes and flour, and it adds texture, flavor, aroma, nutritional and medicinal value to product. Barley grass powder can be produced in barley green, barley grass rice noodle, barley grass ersi, barley grass noodles and barley green beer and other new functional foods. The future for barley use in food products is improving and very promising.展开更多
[ Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the growth and morphological characteristics of juvenile hybrids of grass carp. [Method] Three inbred generations of YR （Yangtze River stock ♀×Yangtze River...[ Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the growth and morphological characteristics of juvenile hybrids of grass carp. [Method] Three inbred generations of YR （Yangtze River stock ♀×Yangtze River stock ♂ ）, ZR （Zhujiang River stock ♀ ×Zhujiang River stock♂ ） and hybrids F1 （ Yangtze River stock ♀ × Zhujiang River stock ♂ ） were established, and their growth or morphological data were also measured. [ Result] The orders of body weight, standard length and absolute growth rate were F1 〉 ZR 〉 YR. No significant difference was found in body weight or standard length of 50 day-old generations （ P〉0. 05）, while there was an extremely significantly difference in those of 170 day-old generations （ P 〈0.01 ）. However, the absolute growth rate of F1 was 20.00% and 50.00% higher than that of ZR and YR respectively, and no significant difference was found between F1 and ZR （ P 〉 0.05）, but significant difference between F1 and YR （ P 〈 0.05）. F1 showed a significant hybrid vigor with rate of 20.09%. There was no significant difference among three inbred generations in standard length/total length （ P 〉 0.05）, while significant difference in head length/total length, body height/standard length and body width/standard length （ P 〈 0.05）, which indicated that F1 had the characteristics of shorter head, higher and wider body. [ Conclusion]F1 has advantages in growth performance and morphological characteristics.展开更多
Photosynthesis ( P n ), transpiration ( E ) and water use efficiency ( WUE ) of more than 66 arid sand species from different environmental habitats, shifting sand dune, fixed sand dune, lowland and wetland in ...Photosynthesis ( P n ), transpiration ( E ) and water use efficiency ( WUE ) of more than 66 arid sand species from different environmental habitats, shifting sand dune, fixed sand dune, lowland and wetland in the Maowusu Sand Area were analyzed and the relation among these characteristics and the resource utilization efficiency, taxonomic categories and growth forms of the species were assessed. The results showed that species from Chenopodiaceae, Gramineae, Leguminosae which possessed the C 4 photosynthesis pathway, or C 3 pathway and also with nitrogen_fixation capacities had higher or the highest P n values, i.e., 20～30 μmol CO 2·m -2 ·s -1 , while that of evergreen shrub of Pinaceae had the lowest P n values, i.e., 0～5 μmol CO 2·m -2 ·s -1 . Those species from Compositae, Scrophulariaceae, and Gramineae with C 3 pathway but no N_fixation capacity had the highest E rates, i.e., 20～30 mmol H 2O·m -2 ·s -1 and again the evergreen shrub together with some species from Salicaceae and Compositae had the lowest E rates, i.e., 0～5 mmol H 2O·m -2 ·s -1 . Species from Leguminosae, Gramineae and Chenopodiaceae with C 4 pathway or C 3 pathway with N_fixation capacity, both shrubs and grasses, generally had higher WUE . However, even the physiological traits of the same species were habitat_ and season_specific. The values of both P n and E in late summer were much higher than those in early summer, with average increases of 26%, 40% respectively in the four habitats. WUE in late summer was, however, 12% lower. Generally, when the environments became drier as a result of habitats changed, i.e., in the order of wetland, lowland, fixed sand dune and shifting sand dune, P n and E decreased but WUE increased.展开更多
Five Chinese milk vetch（Astragalus sinicus） varieties were selected to make a comparison in order to screen effective varieties which could suit for the double-rice cropping system of Hunan Province. The results sho...Five Chinese milk vetch（Astragalus sinicus） varieties were selected to make a comparison in order to screen effective varieties which could suit for the double-rice cropping system of Hunan Province. The results showed that the growth period of Xiangzi 2 is shorter than that of Xiangfei 2, Xiangfei 3 and Yujiangdaye,and is similar to that of Xinyang Chinese milk vetch. The full-bloom stage of Xiangzi 2 is also similar to Xinyang variety and obviously earlier than that of the other three varieties. The fresh grass yield of Xiangzi 2 in full-bloom stage is 23 842.5kg/hm^2, which increases by 39.9% compared with Xinyang variety. Nitrogen content in the fresh grass of Xiangzi 2 is higher than that of the other four varieties. In conclusion, Xiangzi 2 is an extremely early-blossoming and early-maturing Chinese milk vetch variety with moderate fresh grass yield, high nutrient contents, stable characters and wide adaptability. So, Xiangzi 2 is suitable for planting in double-rice cropping region in Hunan Province and other same latitude regions which have similar ecological conditions.展开更多
Ornamental value of 45 ornamental grass resources was evaluated by grey-correlation analysis based on the full investigation and research of ornamental grass resources in Kunming and with the characters of ornamental ...Ornamental value of 45 ornamental grass resources was evaluated by grey-correlation analysis based on the full investigation and research of ornamental grass resources in Kunming and with the characters of ornamental value, height, color of leaf and inflorescence as evaluating indexes. The results showed that the correlation degree with ideal species of 34 in the 50 ornamental grasses was higher than 0.6; Saccharum fallax, Erianthus longisetosus, Erianthus rufipilus, Zizania latifolia, etc. had better ornamental effects and their correlation degree with ideal species were 0.863 6, 0.812 5, 0.900 0 and 0.815 5, they can be used for landscaping directly.展开更多
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(U23A20250)the earmarked fund for CARS(CARS-45)+2 种基金the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFD2400600)Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Talent Project(2023JDRC0043)Sichuan Innovation Team of National Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System(SCCXTD-2024-15)。
文摘Background As living standards improve,consumers are placing greater emphasis on the enhancement of fish flesh quality,making its improvement increasingly critical.Plant-derived polysaccharides positively affect the improvement of animal flesh quality.Panax ginseng leaf polysaccharides(PGLP)have a similar composition and lower cost compared with Panax ginseng root polysaccharides.However,its function and application effects in grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)are unclear.Methods A total of 540 sub-adult grass carp(679±1.29 g),one of the important economic fish species,were used as experimental models and fed diets supplemented with 0,100,200,300,400,or 500 mg/kg PGLP for 60 d.After 60 d,grass carp were weighed,and their muscles were collected to explore the effects of PGLP on the growth and development of myofibers and energy metabolism-related parameters.Results Our study found that PGLP increased the growth performance and muscle nutritional composition as well as improved muscle hardness,springiness,cohesiveness,chewiness,and hyperplasia of myofibers of sub-adult grass carp.Besides,PGLP promoted muscle energy metabolism by increasing creatine,glycogen,pyruvate,and acetyl-CoA contents and creatine kinase(CK),pyruvate kinase(PK),phosphofructokinase(PFK),and hexokinase(HK)activities,while decreasing lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)activity and lactate content in fish muscle.Finally,our study found that PGLP enhanced mitochondrial function by increasing the protein expression of mitochondrial complexes I–V,biogenesis,and fusion and decreasing autophagy and fission in fish muscle.Conclusions PGLP improved growth performance and flesh quality of sub-adult grass carp,which may be related to enhancing hyperplasia of myofibers by promoting energy metabolism.We concluded that the recommended amount of PGLP in sub-adult grass carp feed to optimize growth performance is 100–200 mg/kg.This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of PGLP in fish feed and for the analysis of the mechanism of nutrition and feed regulating fish flesh quality,which is of great significance.
基金supported by the Transportation Consortium of South-Central States (No.18HSTSA01)support was provided by the University of San Antonio, Department of Integrated Biology from the principal investigator’s startup funds to support student research assistants.
文摘Roadside habitat through major urban areas may offer remnant examples of natural grasslands.These habitats may be subjected to frequent as mowing and exposure to automobile emissions and runoff.This study was conducted on interstate highway right-of-ways in San Antonio,Texas,U.S.A.We compared the vegetation species and diversity,and the organic carbon of leaf litter,plants,and soils.Two non-native grasses accounted for 50.9% cover,while all native forbs and grasses accounted for only 9.8% cover.The mean biomass of nonnative grasseswas 4.5 times greater than that of all native species.Organic carbon content of leaf litter,plants,and soils was variable among the study sites,possibly due to management practices and a drought that occurred during the study.Themean organic carbon content in the upper 20 cm soil was 5.0 kg C/m^(2) and organic carbon content was greater in the upper 10 cm than organic carbon in the 10.1 to 20 cm portion.Cynodon dactylon and Bouteloua curtipendula exhibited the greatest photosynthesis efficiency indicating these grasses are more adaptable to hot summer temperatures found in Central Texas.The organic carbon content along a major interstate was 13,793 kg·C/ha for leaf litter,vegetation,and the upper 20 cm of the soil.We conclude that interstate highways provide habitat for some native species,but the vegetation along right-of-ways is dominated by two non-native grasses.It appears unlikely that roadside habitat can be restored to resemble native grasslands without large scale and costly restoration efforts.
基金financially supported by the earmarked fund for CARS(CARS-45)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32273144,32072985)National Key R&D Program of China(2019YFD0900200).
文摘Background Ochratoxin A(OTA)is a toxin widely found in aquafeed ingredients,and hypoxia is a common prob-lem in fish farming.In practice,aquatic animals tend to be more sensitive to hypoxia while feeds are contaminated with OTA,but no studies exist in this area.This research investigated the multiple biotoxicities of OTA and hypoxia combined on the liver of grass carp and explored the mitigating effect of curcumin(CUR).Methods A total of 720 healthy juvenile grass carp(11.06±0.05 g)were selected and assigned randomly to 4 experi-mental groups:control group(without OTA and CUR),1.2 mg/kg OTA group,400 mg/kg CUR group,and 1.2 mg/kg OTA+400 mg/kg CUR group with three replicates each for 60 d.Subsequently,32 fish were selected,divided into nor-moxia(18 fish)and hypoxia(18 fish)groups,and subjected to hypoxia stress for 96 h.Results CUR can attenuate histopathological damage caused by coming to OTA and hypoxia by reducing vacu-olation and nuclear excursion.The alleviation of this damage was associated with the attenuation of apoptosis in the mitochondrial pathway by decreasing the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Caspase 3,8,9,Bax,and Apaf1 while increasing the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2,and attenuation of endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)by reducing Grp78 expression and chop levels.This may be attributed to the fact that the addi-tion of CUR increased the levels of catalase(CAT)and glutathione reductase(GSH),increased antioxidant capacity,and ensured the proper functioning of respiratory chain complexes I and II,which in turn reduced the high produc-tion of reactive oxygen species(ROS),thus alleviating apoptosis and ERS.Conclusions In conclusion,our data demonstrate the effectiveness of CUR in attenuating liver injury caused by the combination of OTA and hypoxia.This study confirms the feasibility and efficacy of adding natural products to mitigate toxic damage to aquatic animals.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32373162,31972824)Major Science and Technology Project of Hubei Province(2023BBA001),HZAU-AGIS Cooperation Fund(SZYJY2023006)China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-46)。
文摘Teleost peripheral blood contains a remarkably high proportion of B cells,accounting for 15%-50%of circulating lymphocytes.However,their immune responses to bacterial infection are yet to be elucidated.In the present study,10×Genomics single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)was employed to characterize the transcriptomic landscape of peripheral blood IgM^(+)B cells in grass carp(Ctenopharyngodon idella)following challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila,a major aquatic pathogen.Six transcriptionally distinct IgM^(+)B cell subpopulations were identified,including(im)mature B cells,innate B cells,proliferating B cells,IgD^(high)B cells,and two infection-induced subsets denoted as infectionⅠandⅡB cells.Bacterial infection altered the cellular heterogeneity of IgM^(+)B cells,triggered metabolic reprogramming in(im)mature and innate B cell subpopulations,and enhanced the immunological activation of circulating B cells.Notably,infectionⅠB cells demonstrated robust induction of interferonφ1(IFNφ1),a type I IFN,following A.hydrophila exposure.This induction was further validated through in vitro bacterial stimulation,indicating that teleost B cells actively contribute to innate antibacterial responses through IFN signaling.Additionally,the IgD^(high)B cell subpopulation remained consistently present in peripheral blood across both infected and uninfected states,pointing to a constitutive and likely mature phenotype.These findings significantly advance our understanding of the heterogeneity of peripheral blood IgM^(+)B cells and provide new insights into IgM^(+)B cell-mediated immune responses in teleost fish.
文摘In mid-June,Kangmar County was swept by strong mountain winds.Just after stepping off the plane,Yu Chengqun hurriedly led his team of doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers from the Grass-Industry Inn ovation Team straight to the grassland.
文摘Background Based on observations in feral pigs,the role of dietary fibre and structure may be underestimated in suckling piglet nutrition.This study investigated the effect of grass hay offered to suckling piglets either separately or included in their creep feed,combined with nursery diets with or without grass pellet inclusion on growth performance and gastrointestinal development.Methods Thirty-six litters(14–15 piglets per litter)were divided into three equal groups of 12 litters per treatment during the suckling phase:control group(CON)received regular creep feed;GH group received chopped grass hay as-is in separate feeders alongside regular creep feed;PGH group received regular creep feed but barley and wheat were replaced by 28%grass pellets.After weaning(d 23),each litter was split into two dietary treatments in a splitplot design(pre-wean treatment as main plot).Two of the pre-wean diets were also offered until d 14 post-weaning,i.e.,CON(CON nursery diet,CON-C,GH-C,PGH-C)and PGH(GH nursery diet,CON-GH,GH-GH,PGH-GH).Thereafter,transitioning to a diet containing 13%wheat/barley or grass pellets,respectively,until d 39 post-weaning.Gastrointestinal morphology,gene expression of intestinal nutrient transporters and barrier proteins,metabolite profile and microbiota were assessed on the day before weaning,d 10 and d 38 post-weaning.A total of 24 piglets were sacrificed at each dissection point.Results At weaning,GH group had consumed 7 g/piglet grass hay,and PGH group had consumed 46 g/piglet creep feed.One day before weaning,GH piglets showed heavier emptied small intestine(P=0.044)and colon(P=0.065),higher SCFA production in proximal segments and lower SCFA production in colon(P<0.05).Higher abundance of Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group was observed in caecal and colonic content of PGH compared to GH group(P<0.05),and PGH group showed a lower energy conversion ratio(net energy intake/gain,P=0.035).Following weaning,GH nursery group had a reduced average daily gain(226 vs.183 g,P<0.001)during d 0–14,while this group showed compensatory growth afterwards(P=0.056).Main plot effects on increased expressions of CLDN3 and FFAR2 were observed in GH and PGH by d 38 post-weaning(P<0.05).An interaction effect showed greater luminal abundance of the Prevotellaceae NK3b31 group in GH-GH and PGH-GH groups compared to CON-GH on d 38.The GH nursery diet showed a better energy conversion ratio(P=0.006)with no influence on body weight and their SCFA production shifted towards proximal segments.Conclusion In conclusion, feeding a structured and fibre-rich diet to suckling piglets enhance their digestive tractdevelopment and adapt their microbiome to fibre digestion in later life. Maintaining a fibre-rich diet from sucklingto nursery is recommended, though this come with a transient reduction in weight gain caused by lower feed intakethat, however, can be recovered afterwards accompanied with an optimized energy conversion ratio.
文摘Nobel Prize winner Doris Lessing is a renowned writer in the contemporary British literary scene.Her debut novel The Grass is Singing is based on a case in which a black manservant kills a white mistress who is poor and mentally unbalanced.Doris Lessing arranges a tangible form of perception for the expression of the colonial discourse in the work by seeking the relationship between spatial structure and the writer’s value.This paper focuses on the spatial writing in The Grass is Singing and analyses it in depth with reference to the spatial critical theories of Henri Lefebvre and Michel Foucault.The oppressed and enslaved characters in the novel are analysed from three perspectives:physical space,social space and mental space respectively to explore how power oppression is made visible through space and the writer’s critique of colonial relations and racial discrimination as well as unequal gender relations.
文摘The increasing challenges of environmental degradation,soil erosion,and climate change have driven interest in sustainable solutions like enhanced weathering(EW)and phytoremediation.Elephant Grass(Cenchrus purpureus),a fast-growing perennial species,shows promise as a bioaccumulator and agent for soil weathering.This study assessed the potential of C.purpureus to improve soil quality through heavy metal(HM)uptake and EW facilitation.A 60-day greenhouse pot experiment at Jackson State University evaluated plant performance in soils amended with metabasalt rock powder at 1:1 and 2:1 rock-to-soil ratios.Biomass,growth,and HM concentrations in roots and shoots were measured via ICP-MS after wet digestion.Soil pH and magnesium(Mg)release were also monitored to assess weathering and carbon drawdown.Results showed that C.purpureus accumulated more HMs in roots at higher amendment levels,while at lower levels,metals like As,Cd,and Cr were more translocated to shoots,enhancing phytoextraction potential.High treatment favored Fe and Al uptake,possibly reducing toxic metal accumulation in edible parts.Notably,C.purpureus contributed to the weathering of 38%of metabasalt rock,leading to a 42%increase in Mg release.With high biomass,HM tolerance,and weathering capacity,C.purpureus offers a sustainable strategy for soil remediation,improved soil health,and potential support for renewable energy systems.
文摘Grass constitutes a vital poetic imagery in classical Chinese poetry,embodying multifaceted symbolic connotations ranging from the tenacity of life to sentiments of separation and nostalgic longing.The translation of this botanical motif necessitates not merely lexical equivalence,but more importantly,the transmission of its profound cultural resonance and aesthetic essence.This study posits that effective rendition of grass imagery should adopt an integrative approach synthesizing the objectives of cultural translation with the intrinsic aesthetic characteristics of classical poetry.Through systematic analysis of the cultural semiotics embedded in grass symbolism,the research investigates practical translation techniques at lexical,syntactic,and stylistic dimensions.The findings aim to contribute to the theoretical framework of cultural image translation in Chinese poetic tradition while providing methodological references for cross-cultural interpretation of classical verse.By bridging cultural semiotics with translation praxis,this investigation seeks to advance the intercultural communication of Chinese poetic heritage through nuanced treatment of its botanical symbolism.
基金supported by the Science&Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program(Grant No.2022FY202300)the Innovative Research Program of the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals(Grant No.CBAS2022IRP07)。
文摘The Great Green Wall(GGW)initiatives are among the most ambitious endeavors in addressing global ecological challenges.Currently two prominent examples have emerged across two transcontinental arid landscapes.One is China's“Three-North Shelterbelt Program”,which formally began in 1978.Spanning 13 provinces,it aims to combat desertification in the north and northwestern regions of the country,where8 major deserts and 4 sandy lands are located,by restoring forest and grass cover and establishing a protective shelterbelt system(Zhu and Song,2021).
基金This work was supported by National Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No. 39830300 )the Ministry of Education (No. 20065-14)
文摘The genomes of three groups of grass carp, namely the Xiangjiang River grass carp group （Xiangjiang group）, a one-generation artificially induced meio-gynogenetic grass carp group （meio-gynogenetic-1 group）, and a two-generation artificially induced meio-gynogenetic grass carp group （meio-gynogenetic-2 group）, were comparatively analyzed with microsatellite markers. Genetic polymorphism had been observed in the Xiangjiang group and most of the examined loci had more than two alleles. But the degree of genetic diversity was not very high. Although all the examined genetic loci in the analyzed individuals were in homozygous state, the genotypes of different individuals of the group were not identical in the meio-gynogenetic-1 group. In the meio-gynogenetic-2 group, not only the examined genetic loci of each individual were homozygous but also the genotypes of all the analyzed individuals of the group were the same. These results suggested that the examined meio-gynogenetic-2 group is a homozygous group and homozygous clone could be produced by continuous artificial induction of gynogenesis for two generations. It was found that the polymorphism existed not only at the allele level but also at the locus level; many alleles of the microsatellite loci and some of the microsatellite loci had been lost during the process of artificial gynogenesis. Therefore, both protection of the diversity of natural grass carp resource and selection of homozygous traits with desired economic genotypes are very important aspects for grass carp breeding.
基金Supported by China Agriculture Research System(CARS-05)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31260326)Science and Technology to Benefit the People from Yunnan Provincial Scientific and Technology Department(2014RA060)~~
文摘Chronic diseases are the leading global causes of death in China and the world, especially hypertension ＇and diabetes, and the main reasons are heredity, abnormal metabolism and an unhealthy lifestyle for dietary. Barley is taditional medicine in China. There is an very important effect for functional foods for preventing chronic diseases of barley grains and barley grass powder as well as its products because of its high contents of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidant enzymes, chlorophyll and bioactive compounds such as β-glucans, phenolic compounds, GABA, alkaloid, tocopherols and tocotrienols, dietary fiber and so on. There are a lot of challenges to promote health for functional food with barley grains and its grass in China. Barley grain will produce pearled barley, grits, flakes and flour, and it adds texture, flavor, aroma, nutritional and medicinal value to product. Barley grass powder can be produced in barley green, barley grass rice noodle, barley grass ersi, barley grass noodles and barley green beer and other new functional foods. The future for barley use in food products is improving and very promising.
基金Supported by National Freshwater Fish Industrial Technology System ProjectKey Discipline Construction Project of Shanghai(Y1101)Key Project of Science Committee in Shanghai(06DJ14003)~~
文摘[ Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the growth and morphological characteristics of juvenile hybrids of grass carp. [Method] Three inbred generations of YR （Yangtze River stock ♀×Yangtze River stock ♂ ）, ZR （Zhujiang River stock ♀ ×Zhujiang River stock♂ ） and hybrids F1 （ Yangtze River stock ♀ × Zhujiang River stock ♂ ） were established, and their growth or morphological data were also measured. [ Result] The orders of body weight, standard length and absolute growth rate were F1 〉 ZR 〉 YR. No significant difference was found in body weight or standard length of 50 day-old generations （ P〉0. 05）, while there was an extremely significantly difference in those of 170 day-old generations （ P 〈0.01 ）. However, the absolute growth rate of F1 was 20.00% and 50.00% higher than that of ZR and YR respectively, and no significant difference was found between F1 and ZR （ P 〉 0.05）, but significant difference between F1 and YR （ P 〈 0.05）. F1 showed a significant hybrid vigor with rate of 20.09%. There was no significant difference among three inbred generations in standard length/total length （ P 〉 0.05）, while significant difference in head length/total length, body height/standard length and body width/standard length （ P 〈 0.05）, which indicated that F1 had the characteristics of shorter head, higher and wider body. [ Conclusion]F1 has advantages in growth performance and morphological characteristics.
文摘Photosynthesis ( P n ), transpiration ( E ) and water use efficiency ( WUE ) of more than 66 arid sand species from different environmental habitats, shifting sand dune, fixed sand dune, lowland and wetland in the Maowusu Sand Area were analyzed and the relation among these characteristics and the resource utilization efficiency, taxonomic categories and growth forms of the species were assessed. The results showed that species from Chenopodiaceae, Gramineae, Leguminosae which possessed the C 4 photosynthesis pathway, or C 3 pathway and also with nitrogen_fixation capacities had higher or the highest P n values, i.e., 20～30 μmol CO 2·m -2 ·s -1 , while that of evergreen shrub of Pinaceae had the lowest P n values, i.e., 0～5 μmol CO 2·m -2 ·s -1 . Those species from Compositae, Scrophulariaceae, and Gramineae with C 3 pathway but no N_fixation capacity had the highest E rates, i.e., 20～30 mmol H 2O·m -2 ·s -1 and again the evergreen shrub together with some species from Salicaceae and Compositae had the lowest E rates, i.e., 0～5 mmol H 2O·m -2 ·s -1 . Species from Leguminosae, Gramineae and Chenopodiaceae with C 4 pathway or C 3 pathway with N_fixation capacity, both shrubs and grasses, generally had higher WUE . However, even the physiological traits of the same species were habitat_ and season_specific. The values of both P n and E in late summer were much higher than those in early summer, with average increases of 26%, 40% respectively in the four habitats. WUE in late summer was, however, 12% lower. Generally, when the environments became drier as a result of habitats changed, i.e., in the order of wetland, lowland, fixed sand dune and shifting sand dune, P n and E decreased but WUE increased.
基金Supported by the Project of Agricultural Science and Technology Achievements Transformation Funds(2014GB2D200212)Agro-scientific Research Programs in Public Interest(201103005)+2 种基金National Germplasm Resource Platform of Green Manure(2012-019)Conservation and Utilization Project of Crop Germplasm(NB2013-2130135-34)Funding Project of International Plant Nutrition Institute(IPNI)(Hunan-16)~~
文摘Five Chinese milk vetch（Astragalus sinicus） varieties were selected to make a comparison in order to screen effective varieties which could suit for the double-rice cropping system of Hunan Province. The results showed that the growth period of Xiangzi 2 is shorter than that of Xiangfei 2, Xiangfei 3 and Yujiangdaye,and is similar to that of Xinyang Chinese milk vetch. The full-bloom stage of Xiangzi 2 is also similar to Xinyang variety and obviously earlier than that of the other three varieties. The fresh grass yield of Xiangzi 2 in full-bloom stage is 23 842.5kg/hm^2, which increases by 39.9% compared with Xinyang variety. Nitrogen content in the fresh grass of Xiangzi 2 is higher than that of the other four varieties. In conclusion, Xiangzi 2 is an extremely early-blossoming and early-maturing Chinese milk vetch variety with moderate fresh grass yield, high nutrient contents, stable characters and wide adaptability. So, Xiangzi 2 is suitable for planting in double-rice cropping region in Hunan Province and other same latitude regions which have similar ecological conditions.
文摘Ornamental value of 45 ornamental grass resources was evaluated by grey-correlation analysis based on the full investigation and research of ornamental grass resources in Kunming and with the characters of ornamental value, height, color of leaf and inflorescence as evaluating indexes. The results showed that the correlation degree with ideal species of 34 in the 50 ornamental grasses was higher than 0.6; Saccharum fallax, Erianthus longisetosus, Erianthus rufipilus, Zizania latifolia, etc. had better ornamental effects and their correlation degree with ideal species were 0.863 6, 0.812 5, 0.900 0 and 0.815 5, they can be used for landscaping directly.
