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Knowing the extent and structure of genetic variation in germplasm collections is essential for the conservation and utilization of biodiversity in cultivated plants. Cucumber is the fourth most important vegetable crop worldwide and is a model system for other Cucurbitaceae, a family that also includes melon, watermelon, pumpkin and squash. Previous isozyme studies revealed a low genetic diversity in cucumber, but detailed insights into the crop's genetic structure and diversity are largely missing. We have fingerprinted 3,342 accessions from the Chinese, Dutch and U.S. cucumber collections with 23 highly polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers evenly distributed in the genome. The data reveal three distinct populations, largely corresponding to three geographic regions. Population 1 corresponds to germplasm from China, except for the unique semi-wild landraces found in Xishuangbanna in Southwest China and East Asia; population 2 to Europe, America, and Central and West Asia; and population 3 to India and Xishuangbanna. Admixtures were also detected, reflecting hybridization and migration events between the populations. The genetic background of the Indian germplasm is heterogeneous, indicating that the Indian cucumbers maintain a large proportion of the genetic diversity and that only a small fraction was introduced to other parts of the world. Subsequently, we defined a core collection consisting of 115 accessions and capturing over 77% of the SSR alleles. Insight into the genetic structure of cucumber will help developing appropriate conservation strategies and provides a basis for population-level genome sequencing in cucumber.

Lactobacilli are recognized as probiotics on account of their health-promoting effects in the host. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge of the mechanisms of the adaption factors and main functions of lactobacilli that exert health-promoting effects in the host and to discuss important applications in animal and human health. The adaption mechanisms of lactobacilli facilitate interactions with the host and directly contribute to the beneficial nutritional, physiological, microbiological, and immunological effects in the host. Besides, the application of probiotic lactobacilli will increase our understanding of practical uses based on the roles of these organisms in immunoregulation, antipathogenic activities, and enhancement of the epithelial barrier.

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Hemoplasmas belong to Mycoplasmataceae (Mollicutes: Mycoplasmatales) and are able to infect a broad range of mammalian species. We investigated prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasma species in pig farms in the region of Zhejiang by a PCR scheme using universal primers targeting 16S rRNA and RNase P RNA gene (rnpB). Representative positive samples from different farms were selected for sequencing of 16S rRNA and the 219bp rnpB gene fragments for phylogenetic analysis. Sequencing analysis of PCR products from first samples identified a novel hemoplasma species present in several pig farms in the region with highest nucleotide identity of 92% to Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis. A duplex PCR assay was then designed for differential detection of the novel hemoplasma from Mycoplasma parvum/M. suis in field samples. Of 324 blood samples from clinically healthy pigs, 26.5% was positive for this novel hemoplasma species and 50% positive for M. suis/M. parvum, indicating that the novel hemotropic mycoplasma species were of considerably high prevalence in Zhejiang province, China.

Human colostrum is important for immune system development and plays a protective role for infants. However, the comprehensive exploration of lipids, which account for 3-5% of milk, and their biological functions in human colostrum was limited. In present study, the triacylglycerol (TAG) and fatty acid (FA) compositions of human colostrum and mature milk were analyzed and compared. Variations were observed in both the TAG and FA compositions. The concentrations of 18:1/18:1/16:0 TAG, high-molecular-weight and unsaturated TAGs were significantly higher in colostrum, whereas mature milk contained more low/medium-molecular-weight TAGs and medium-chain FAs. Furthermore, there were also specific TAGs in both colostrum and mature milk. Our data highlighted targets for further investigation to elucidate the biological function of lipids in colostrum milk. In addition, the comprehensive analysis of TAGs in Chinese colostrum might help in designing infant formula for Chinese babies, especially the preterm ones.

Milk protein concentrate was pretreated either by microwave irradiation or by ultrasound before initiation of 3-h enzymatic hydrolysis. The duration of pretreatment ranged from 1 to 8 min at a power level of 800 W, with the control not being subjected to any pretreatment, and five enzymes (Alcalase, Trypsin, Neutrase, Alkaline Protease and Flavourzyme) were employed. The effects of microwave and ultrasound pretreatments on the kinetics and degree of hydrolysis, protein solubility, bitterness and angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitory activity were evaluated. Pretreatments increased the degree of hydrolysis and stabilised the solubility of the hydrolysates but could not significantly reduce bitterness of the hydrolysates The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of the hydrolysates were improved with 5-min ultrasound-pretreated Neutrase hydrolysates giving IC 50 value of 0.23 mg mL À1 . Kinetic parameters showed improved catalytic efficiencies. Pretreatments of milk protein concentrates with either microwave or ultrasound significantly improve the bioactivity and functional characteristics of the resulting hydrolysates. Enzyme hydrolysis of MPC H. Uluko et al. Enzyme hydrolysis of MPC H. Uluko et al. Enzyme hydrolysis of MPC H. Uluko et al. 2254 Enzyme hydrolysis of MPC H. Uluko et al. 2255 Enzyme hydrolysis of MPC H. Uluko et al. Enzyme hydrolysis of MPC H. Uluko et al.