Genomic insights into local adaptation and phenotypic diversity of Wenchang chickens.

Wenchang chicken, a prized local breed in Hainan Province of China renowned for its exceptional adaptability to tropical environments and good meat quality, is deeply favored by the public. However, an insufficient understanding of its population architecture and the unclear genetic basis that governs its typical attributes have posed challenges in the protection and breeding of this precious breed. To address these gaps, we conducted whole-genome resequencing on 200 Wenchang chicken samples derived from 10 distinct strains, and we gathered data on an array of 21 phenotype traits. Population genomics analysis unveiled distinctive population structures in Wenchang chickens, primarily attributed to strong artificial selection for different feather colors. Selection sweep analysis identified a group of candidate genes, including PCDH9, DPF3, CDIN1, and SUGCT, closely linked to adaptations that enhance resilience in tropical island habitats. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) highlighted potential candidate genes associated with diverse feather color traits, encompassing TYR, RAB38, TRPM1, GABARAPL2, CDH1, ZMIZ1, LYST, MC1R, and SASH1. Through the comprehensive analysis of high-quality genomic and phenotypic data across diverse Wenchang chicken resource groups, this study unveils the intricate genetic backgrounds and population structures of Wenchang chickens. Additionally, it identifies multiple candidate genes linked to environmental adaptation, feather color variations, and production traits. These insights not only provide genetic reference for the purification and breeding of Wenchang chickens but also broaden our understanding of the genetic basis of phenotypic diversity in chickens.

[The rapid and nondestructive identification and infrared spectra visualization of Banlangen granule].

Banlangen granule is the main medicament of Banlangen, and is widely used for the prevention and cure of flu and viral infection. In the present article, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used in the identification and analysis of the traditional Chinese medicine, Banlangen granule. The FTIR spectra of Banlangen granule samples coming from different companies and different batches of the same company were obtained. The curves of original absorbance and the second derivatives of the absorbance were analyzed for identification, and compared with those of indigowoad root and indigowoad leaf, which are their raw medicine materials. In addition, the infrared fingerprint spectra were visualized in the form of color bar figure. Results showed that characteristic fingerprint spectra of Banlangen Granule could be picked up effectively, and the products quality of different pharmaceutical factories and the spectra of different batch numbers from the same factory could be revealed directly by FTIR spectroscopy combined with the second derivative spectrum and fingerprint spectrum visualization of analytical data. Thus they were differentiated conveniently, accurately, quickly and directly with this method, providing a simple and effective technique in supervising and examining the quality of the traditional Chinese medicine.

[A review on applications of infrared spectroscopy to the study of traditional Chinese medicine].

Infrared spectroscopy is well suited for the rapid and nondestructive identification and quantification of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its high resolution, easy operation and strong specialization of absorbance bands. It is becoming an efficient methodology in the quality control of TCM. The present paper reviews the applications of infrared spectrometry in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of TCM, especially to the discrimination and effective content determination of traditional Chinese medicinal materials (including different parts of the same medicinal material, TCM from different geographical areas, easily confusing TCM, and true and false TCM) and Chinese patent medicine (such as TCM formula particles, injections, etc.). With the ceaseless rapid development and popularization of FTIR spectrometer and computer science, infrared spectrometry will greatly accelerate the process of TCM modernization and internationalization by all means.