Effect of fumigation height and time on cryopreservation of ram semen.

The cooling rate is a crucial factor in the process of freezing semen, influencing the overall freezing effectiveness. The height and time of fumigation can significantly impact the rate of cooling. Appropriate cooling rates can help minimize the formation of ice crystals in spermatozoa and reduce potential damage to them. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different fumigation heights and time for the cryopreservation of Hu ram semen. Experiments I-IV assessed the effect of semen cryopreservation by testing the post-thawed spermatozoa total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM) and kinetic parameters fumigated at distances of 2, 4, 6 and 8 cm for durations of 5, 10, 15 and 20 min, respectively. Based on the results of experiments I to IV, experiment V evaluated the effect of semen cryopreservation by testing the post-thawed spermatozoa TM, PM, kinetic parameters, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level fumigated at distances of 2, 4, 6 and 8 cm for duration of 20 min. The results indicated that fumigation at 2 cm for 20 min significantly (P < 0.05) improved spermatozoa TM, PM, mean angular displacement (MAD), plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity compared to other groups. Additionally, it significantly (P < 0.05) reduced spermatozoa ROS level compared to the 6 and 8 cm groups. In conclusion, fumigation for 20 min at a distance of 2 cm from the liquid nitrogen surface is the most suitable cooling method for the cryopreservation of Hu ram semen.

Effect of Different Dilution Methods and Ratios of Ram Semen on Sperm Parameters after Cryopreservation.

The dilution method and ratio were tested to assess their effects on the Hu ram semen after cryopreservation. Experiment I aimed to explore the effect of various dilution ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) of diluent I (Tris-based and egg yolk) under the condition of 1:1 dilution of diluent II (diluent I and glycerol) on the Hu ram semen preserved in liquid nitrogen regarding spermatozoa motility and kinetic parameters. Experiment II aimed to investigate the effect of various dilution ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) of diluent I under the condition of 1:2 dilution of diluent II to the Hu ram semen for cryopreservation on spermatozoa motility and kinetic parameters. The purpose of experiment III is to assess the effect of various dilution methods and ratios on the cryopreservation of Hu ram semen by detecting spermatozoa motility, kinetic parameters, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Experiment III includes four groups: one-step dilution method and two-step dilution method. The two-step dilution method includes two groups: 1:2, 1:1 and 1:3, 1:2, and the one-step dilution method includes two groups: 1:5 and 1:11. The results indicated that the post-thawed spermatozoa total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM) and average motion degree (MAD) were highest in the 1:2 group and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the 1:1 and 1:4 groups under the condition of 1:1 dilution of diluent II. The post-thawed spermatozoa TM and PM of the 1:3 group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the other groups under the condition of 1:2 dilution of diluent II. The post-thawed spermatozoa TM, PM, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity of the two-step group (1:3, 1:2) were the highest and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the other groups. Additionally, the post-thawed spermatozoa ROS level of the two-step group (1:3, 1:2) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that in the one-step groups (1:5 and 1:11). Therefore, a two-step dilution (1:3, 1:2) was found to be the most suitable method and ratio for diluting the Hu ram semen after cryopreservation.

Astaxanthin Improved the Quality of Hu Ram Semen by Increasing the Antioxidant Capacity and Mitochondrial Potential and Mitigating Free Radicals-Induced Oxidative Damage.

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of astaxanthin supplementations of semen extender on the quality of Hu ram semen after up to five days of preservation at 4 °C. Semen samples were collected from five healthy Hu rams using an artificial vagina during breeding season (April to August 2023) and diluted with a basic extender supplemented with control (0), 1 µM, 2 µM, 3.5 µM, or 4.5 µM of AXT. Overall, 170 semen ejaculate samples (34 repetitions) from five healthy Hu rams were used in our research study. The results revealed that the addition of AXT (3.5 µM) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the sperm kinematic indexes (T.M%, P.M%, MAD%, STR%, and LIN %), sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, total antioxidant content (T-AOC), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of the Hu rams spermatozoa after up to five days of preservation at 4 °C. Contrary to that, the addition of the best concentration of AXT (3.5 µM) to the semen extender significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of Hu ram semen. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicate that the addition of a semen extender with AXT improves the quality of Hu ram spermatozoa by increasing the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). On the other hand, reducing free radicals induced oxidative (ROS) and per oxidative (MDA) damage to Hu ram semen.

Punicalagin Protects Ram Sperm from Oxidative Stress by Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity and Mitochondrial Potential during Liquid Storage at 4 °C.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of punicalagin, an antioxidant, on ram sperm quality. Semen samples were collected and pooled from five rams, then diluted using a Tris-based diluent containing various concentrations (0, 5, 15, 30 and 45 µM) of punicalagin. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured and analyzed during liquid storage at 4 °C. The results showed that the Tris-based solution containing punicalagin improved sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, TAC, SOD, CAT and MMP, and decreased ROS content and MDA content. At the same time, the semen sample diluted with the Tris-based solution supplemented with 30 µM punicalagin achieved the best effect. The sperm total motility, progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, TAC, SOD, CAT and MMP of the group supplemented with 30 µM punicalagin were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the other groups on the 5th day during the liquid storage at 4 °C. Meanwhile, the ROS content and MDA content were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those in the other groups. In conclusion, the optimal concentration of punicalagin in the Hu ram semen diluent was determined to be 30 µM. The results indicated that a diluent supplemented with punicalagin could enhance the quality of ram sperm preserved at 4 °C by increasing antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial potential and reducing oxidative stress.

A 300†km fiber channel mapping using neural networks for Gb/s physical-layer key distribution.

Physical-layer secure key distribution (PLSKD) generally acquires highly correlated entropy sources via bidirectional transmission to share the channel reciprocity. For long-haul fiber links, the non-negligible backscattering noise (BSN) and the challenge of bidirectional optical amplification degrade the key generation performances. Since the channel reciprocity can be precisely mapped using neural networks (NNs), unidirectional PLSKD provides a feasible PLSKD for longer fiber links. Here, a final error-free key generation rate (KGR) in unidirectional PLSKD of 3.07 Gb/s is demonstrated over a 300 km fiber link using NNs. Moreover, the channel mapping is analyzed in terms of fiber distance, chromatic dispersion, the nonlinearity of random source, and BSN.

miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p co-promote goat hair follicle stem cell differentiation by regulating NANOG and SOX9 expression.

OBJECTIVE: Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) differentiation is a critical physiological progress in skin hair follicle (HF) formation. Goat HFSCs differentiation is one of the essential processes of superior-quality brush hair (SQBH) synthesis. However, knowledge regarding the functions and roles of miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p in differentiated goat HFSCs is limited. METHODS: To examine the significance of chi-miR-133a-3p and chi-miR-145-5p in differentiated HFSCs, overexpression and knockdown experiments of miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p (Mimics and Inhibitors) separately or combined were performed. NANOG, SOX9, and stem cell differentiated markers (ß-catenin, C-myc, Keratin 6 [KRT6]) expression levels were detected and analyzed by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays in differentiated goat HFSCs. RESULTS: miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p inhibit NANOG (a gene recognized in keeping and maintaining the totipotency of embryonic stem cells) expression and promote SOX9 (an important stem cell transcription factor) expression in differentiated stem cells. Functional studies showed that miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p individually or together overexpression can facilitate goat HFSCs differentiation, whereas suppressing miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p or both inhibiting can inhibit goat HFSCs differentiation. CONCLUSION: These findings could more completely explain the modulatory function of miR-133a-3p and miR-145-5p in goat HFSCs growth, which also provide more understandings for further investigating goat hair follicle development.

Ovarian Dynamics and Changes in Estradiol-17ß and Progesterone Relationship with Standing Estrus, Preovulatory Follicles, and Ovulation Using Single Prostaglandin F2α Injection in Barbari Goats.

The purpose of the present research was to define ovarian follicular dynamics and plasma endocrine profiles in response to a single PGF2α injection, administered indiscriminately during the breeding season of Barbari goats. Ovarian dynamics were observed at every 12 h interval by using B mode ultrasonography, blood samples for hormonal analysis such as estradiol 17ß and progesterone were collected at every 12 h interval, and bucks with aprons were used to identify standing estrus at every 6 h interval. Relative to PGF2α, the start of standing estrus and ovulation differ (p < 0.05) between early- (n = 7), intermediate- (n = 6), and late-responding (n = 6) goats. The highest plasma level of estradiol 17ß was detected 12 h prior to ovulation. The average diameter of the ovulatory follicle and length of standing estrus were comparable (p > 0.05) between the goats. The corpus luteum degenerated more quickly (p < 0.05) in early- than intermediate- and late-responding goats. Dominant follicle diameter and estradiol 17ß concentration also differ (p < 0.05) among groups. Although the plasma level of progesterone did not vary (p = 0.065), the variation in progesterone concentration with time differed (p < 0.05) amongst the goats. As a result, this research indirectly reveals that the beginning of standing estrus, end of estrus, and ovulation after PGF2α might fluctuate in Barbari goats because of follicular and hormonal dynamics during the luteal phase.

Effects of Different Diluents on Semen Quality of Hu Ram Stored at 4 °C.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of various diluents on the quality of Hu ram sperm stored at 4 °C. Semen samples were collected from three Hu rams and diluted with diluents A (Sodium citrate-Glucose-Egg yolk), B (Sodium citrate-Glucose), C (Fructose-Skimmed milk powder-Soy lecithin), and D (Tris-Fructose-Citric acid-Egg yolk). Total motility (TM), straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), average motion degree (MAD), acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. The results showed that diluent D had better preservation in terms of the sperm TM, VSL, VCL, VAP, MAD, and membrane and acrosome integrity. On the third day of the storage, the sperm PM of diluent D was higher than that of other diluents (p < 0.05). The ROS level of diluent D was lower than that of other diluents on the fifth day (p < 0.05). On the seventh day of the storage, the sperm TM in diluent D reached 50%, which was the highest in all diluent groups. On the seventh day of the storage, the integrity of the sperm membrane and the integrity of the acrosome of the sperm in diluent D were the highest in all diluent groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicated that diluent D improved the semen quality during storage at 4 °C. In this study, diluent D was the best diluent formula for Hu ram semen stored at 4 °C.

DUSP6 inhibits the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in vitro.

RNA-seq has shown that the DUSP6 and MAPK signaling pathways are associated with the production of high-quality brush hair (type III hair) in Yangtze River Delta white goats. However, there are few reports on the regulatory effects of DUSP6 expression on hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and cellular processes, as well as the underlying mechanism. Here, we investigated the effect of DUSP6 level in HFSCs and the molecular mechanism underlying the functional regulation of HFSCs by DUSP6. Overexpression of DUSP6 significantly suppressed the proliferation of HFSCs by inducing cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and by promoting apoptosis. Transcriptome analysis revealed a total of 217 differentially expressed genes between DUSP6-overexpressing and control HFSCs, of which 33 (15.2%) were upregulated in DUSP6-overexpressing cells. The two pathways with the most significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes were the TNF signaling pathway and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, and the significantly enriched terms in the GO enrichment analysis involved cell attachment and cytokines. These results indicate that DUSP6 can function as an inhibitory factor in HFSCs through the induction of cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and can promote apoptosis by mediating crosstalk among several pathways and cytokines.HighlightsWe constructed DUSP6 overexpression vectors to detect mRNA and protein expression levels related to high-quality brush hair in MAPK signaling pathway.We found that high expression level of DUSP6 can inhibit the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and promote cell apoptosis of HFSCs.DUSP6 may be involved in the growth regulation of HFSCs like Other studies in cancer, tumors by regulating the expression of cytokines, changing the transmission of signals between cells, activating or suppressing immune-related pathways.

Insights into the regulation of MAP3K1 in hair follicle stem cells by transcriptome analysis.

MAP3K1 is a significant member of the MAPK family, and its expressed MEKK1 protein has a wide range of biological activities and is an essential node in the MAPK signaling pathway. A significant number of studies have revealed that MAP3K1 plays a complicated function in the control of cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and movement, participates in the regulation of the immune system, and plays an important role in wound healing, tumorigenesis and other processes. In this study, we looked at the involvement of MAP3K1 in the control of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). Overexpression of MAP3K1 significantly promoted the proliferation of HFSCs by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting the transition from S phase to G2 phase. The transcriptome identified 189 (MAP3K1_OE) and 414 (MAP3K1_sh) differential genes. The two pathways with the most significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes were the IL-17 signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway, and the significantly enriched terms in the GO enrichment analysis involved regulation of response of external stimulus, inflammatory and cytokine. Indicate that MAP3K1 can function as a promoting factor in HFSCs through the induction of cell cycle transition from S phase to G2 phase can inhibition apoptosis by mediating crosstalk among several pathways and cytokines.HIGHLIGHTSAbnormal MAP3K1 expression in hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) can impair HFSC proliferation and apoptosis.MAP3K1 controls hair follicle stem cell proliferation via modulating cell apoptosis and the ratio of cells in S phase/G2 phase.The differential genes shared by MAP3K1_sh and MAP3K1_OE are enriched in GO terms such as inflammation, adipocyte differentiation, acute inflammation, and so on.

10 Gb/s physical-layer key distribution in fiber using amplified spontaneous emission.

High-speed physical-layer secure key generation and distribution (SKGD) schemes via channel reciprocity are achieved using external electro-optical modulation or random source distribution via additional fiber links. Here, we propose and demonstrate an SKGD scheme using the fluctuation of polarization states from an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) source, without any external electro-optical modulation or additional fiber link. Experimentally, an error-free key generation rate (KGR) of 10.1 Gb/s is achieved over a 10-km standard single-mode fiber (SSMF), with true randomness originating from ASE. Moreover, the single fiber channel can be shared for SKGD as well as data transmission, allowing the integration of the proposed SKGD with the deployed fiber infrastructure.

Alpha-lipoic acid improves the quality of ram spermatozoa stored at 4°C by reducing oxidative stress and increasing mitochondrial potential.

Introduction: Ram spermatozoa inevitably produce a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during liquid storage, leading to oxidative stress and a decline of spermatozoa quality. Therefore, it is particularly important to add exogenous antioxidants during the process of semen liquid preservation. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether adding alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) to ram semen can reduce oxidative stress and enhance spermatozoa quality during the liquid storage at 4°C. Methods: Different concentrations of ALA (0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1 mM) were added to semen and stored at 4°C. During storage at 4°C, spermatozoa motility, kinetic parameters, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, energy metabolism parameters (mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨM) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)) and oxidative stress parameters [ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] were assessed. Results and discussion: The results indicated that 0.1 mM ALA significantly (p<0.05) improved spermatozoa total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM), plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, ΔΨM, ATP, TAC, and SOD, while significantly (p<0.05) reducing spermatozoa ROS and MDA content compared to the control group. In conclusion, ALA can reduce damage caused by oxidative stress in spermatozoa and effectively improve the quality of semen preserved at 4°C. And the optimal concentration is 0.1 mM.

MiR-149-5p promotes ß-catenin-induced goat hair follicle stem cell differentiation.

The Yangtze River Delta white goat is a unique goat species that can produce superior-quality brush hair. The formation of superior-quality brush hair cannot occur without goat hair follicle stem cell differentiation. However, knowledge regarding the regulatory role of miR-149-5p in hair follicle stem cell differentiation is limited. Here, we found that miR-149-5p is widely expressed in the tissues of Yangtze River Delta white goats, but its expression in the skin tissue of superior-quality brush hair goats is high compared to normal- quality goats. The functional studies showed that miR-149-5p overexpression markedly facilitated hair follicle stem cell differentiation, whereas inhibiting miR-149-5p inhibited hair follicle stem cell differentiation. These results more clearly elucidate the regulatory role of miR-149-5p in hair follicle stem cell growth.

Integrative analysis of circRNAs from Yangtze River Delta white goat neck skin tissue by high-throughput sequencing (circRNA-seq).

The Yangtze River Delta white goat is a unique goat species that can produce superior-quality brush hair. The formation of this brush hair is controlled by a series of critical genes and related signaling pathways. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), are ubiquitous endogenous non-coding RNAs that regulate many biological and physiological processes in mammals. However, little is known about the potential regulatory role of circRNAs on superior-quality brush hair formation in Yangtze River Delta white goat. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to only detect circRNAs in the neck skin tissue of normal-quality goats (NHQs) and superior-quality goats (HQs). A total of 61 803 circRNAs were identified and 32 of them were differentially expressed in the NHQ group vs. the HQ group. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the source gene of differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs) was enriched mostly in platelet activation and the focal adhesion signal pathway. Action mechanism analysis revealed that DE-circRNAs could sponge to many identified miRNAs, including miR-31, miR-125b, miR-let-7a and miR-149-5p, which have important roles in goat hair follicle stem cell growth, hair follicle development and morphogenesis. Altogether, our findings provide a valuable basis for studying circRNAs involved in superior-quality brush hair traits and meanwhile advance our understanding of circRNA complex regulation mechanisms in Yangtze River Delta white goat skin hair follicle development.

Coenzyme Q10 improves the quality of sheep sperm stored at room temperature by mitigating oxidative stress.

The purpose of this experiment was to explore whether coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10 ) improves the quality of sheep semen stored at room temperature by attenuating oxidative stress. Semen was diluted without (control group), and with antioxidants (5, 50, 250, and 500 µmol/L CoQ10 ). Sperm kinetic parameters and plasma membrane integrity were determined, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were evaluated on the fifth day of semen preservation. The results showed that compared with the control group, the progressive motility in the 50 µmol/L group was higher (p < 0.05) within 2-5 days, and the plasma membrane integrity of sperm was higher in the 50 µmol/L group. The ROS content in the 5 and 50 µmol/L groups was reduced. The MDA level was reduced in the CoQ10 supplementation groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CAT, SOD, TAOC, ATP and MMP levels in the 50 µmol/L group were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CoQ10 improved the quality of ram semen by alleviating oxidative stress, and 50 µmol/L CoQ10 was the optimum concentration.

The Circular RNA CircCOL1A1 Functions as a miR-149-5p Sponge to Regulate the Formation of Superior-Quality Brush Hair via the CMTM3/AR Axis.

Superior-quality brush hair, also called Type III hair, can be obtained only from the cervical spine region of skin tissues of Yangtze River Delta white goats. The formation of superior-quality brush hair is controlled by a series of critical genes and related signaling pathways. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are ubiquitous endogenous noncoding RNAs that regulate many biological and physiological processes in mammals. However, little is known about the potential regulatory role of circRNAs in superior-quality brush hair formation. Here, we analyzed circRNA sequencing data from cervical spine region skin tissues of normal-quality brush hair goats and superior-quality brush hair goats and then selected and identified the differentially expressed circRNA circCOL1A1. To investigate the regulatory role and mechanism of action of circCOL1A1, goat hair follicle stem cells (gHFSCs) were cultured and treated with a circCOL1A1 overexpression plasmid and small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Functional assays showed that circCOL1A1 knockdown promoted the proliferation and differentiation of gHFSCs cultured in vitro but inhibited stem cell apoptosis, whereas overexpression of circCOL1A1 suppressed stem cell proliferation and differentiation and induced apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis combined with dual-luciferase reporter assays and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) verified that, mechanistically, circCOL1A1 could bind miR-149-5p directly and then relieve its inhibitory effect on CMTM3 to further control the CMTM3/AR axis. Collectively, our results reveal a novel regulatory pathway for the formation of superior-quality brush hair and indicate that circCOL1A1 plays a role in gHFSC growth and superior-quality brush hair formation by targeting the miR-149-5p/CMTM3/AR axis.

Chlorogenic Acid Improves Quality of Chilled Ram Sperm by Mitigating Oxidative Stress.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the addition of chlorogenic acid (CGA) to a sheep semen extender could improve the quality of chilled sheep sperm. Ejaculates (n = 80) were collected from five Hu rams with an artificial vagina. The ejaculates were mixed and divided into five equal parts, diluted with a CGA-free Tris-egg yolk extender (control), or supplemented with 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 mg/mL. The sperm kinematic parameters (viability, progressive motility), functional integrity of plasma membrane and acrosome, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and antioxidant parameters (Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), ROS level and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content) were evaluated during storage of the semen. The results indicated that: PM, plasmatic membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity in 0.8 mg/mL CGA were higher (p < 0.05) from day 1 to 5. The ROS level in CGA groups was lower than the control (p < 0.05). CAT, SOD, ATP, and T-AOC were highest at 0.8 mg/mL concentration within 1 to 5 days. The above results indicated that the right concentration of CGA improved the quality of Hu ram sperm during chilling storage.

Effects of Taurine on Sperm Quality during Room Temperature Storage in Hu Sheep.

The present study aimed to investigate whether the presence of Tau protected Hu sheep sperm from ROS stress during storage at room temperature. The semen was diluted with extender (Tris-based) at room temperature, supplemented with different concentrations of Tau (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 100 mM), and stored at 15 °C. Sperm quality parameters (sperm progressive motility, kinetic parameters, plasma membrane integrity rate, acrosome integrity rate, and MMP) and antioxidant parameters (ROS, MDA, SOD, CAT, and T-AOC) were evaluated during the preservation of semen. The addition of Tau, especially at a concentration of 20 mM, exerted positive effects on sperm quality parameters and antioxidant parameters compared to the sperm without Tau treatment (control group). The addition of Tau, especially at a concentration of 100 mM, exerted negative effects on sperm quality parameters and antioxidant parameters compared to the control group. Interestingly, the results indicated that the sperm acrosome integrity rate did not change during storage time. In conclusion, the addition of Tau to sperm preserved at room temperature can enhance the antioxidant ability of sperm, reduce the LPO on the 5th day, and improve the quality of semen preserved at room temperature. These results implied that Tau had potential to enhance Hu sheep sperm reproductive performance.

Point to multi-point physical-layer key generation and distribution in passive optical networks.

A point to multi-point physical-layer secure key generation and distribution (SKGD) scheme is proposed and demonstrated in passive optical networks (PONs), where the optical line terminal (OLT) broadcasts optical lights with fast fluctuating states of polarization (SOPs) to the optical network units (ONUs). The highly correlated key waveforms are shared between OLT and ONUs, and the high-level security of the SKGD scheme is guaranteed by the high sensitivity of SOP dynamics associated with the specific fiber links. As a proof of concept, a 3.9 Gb/s SKGD is achieved over 11 km single-mode fiber, where a Sagnac interferometer-based polarization scrambler is constructed as the high-speed random source. Moreover, the generated key sequences are verified to be error free and truly random. The proposed SKGD scheme offers a flexible solution for security enhancement in PONs, and is also compatible with the current PON infrastructure.

Silencing MAP3K1 expression inhibits the proliferation of goat hair follicle stem cells.

The Yangtze River Delta White Goat is the only goat breed in the world that can produce superior-quality brush hair. Previous studies have shown that some genes are expressed differentially in the skin tissues between the goats produced superior-quality and normal-quality brush hair. Studies also have shown that different gene play varied roles in regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of hair follicle stem cells. However, the biological function of MAP3K1 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1) gene in hair follicle stem cells is not fully understood. This study aims to investigate the role of MAP3K1 knockdown during the proliferation and apoptosis of hair follicle stem cells. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect mRNA gene and protein expression level, CCK-8 and EdU assays were used to detect cell proliferation, and cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The results showed that the MAP3K1 expression level was significantly higher in the skin tissue of produced superior-quality brush hair than that in produced normal-quality brush hair. Moreover, functional studies indicated that si-MAP3K1 significantly inhibits the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells that came from a superior goat and promotes its apoptosis. Based on aforementioned assays, we speculated that MAP3K1 might play a regulatory effect in superior-quality brush hair traits.