Gene expression and enzyme activity of lipoprotein lipase correlate with intramuscular fat content in Guangxi san-huang and Arbor Acres chickens

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key enzyme in lipid metabolism. This study investigated LPL gene expression, LPL enzyme activity, and the correlation of each with intramuscular fat (IMF) in Chinese Guangxi san-huang (GXSH) and Arbor Acres (AA) chickens. The results showed that age and breed had significant effects on LPL expression and enzyme activity. Correlation analyses showed significant positive correlations between LPL expression levels and IMF contents in the breast and thigh tissues of both GXSH (r = 0.712, P = 0.001; r = 0.792, P < 0.001, respectively) and AA (r = 0.644, P < 0.001; r = 0.545, P < 0.001, respectively) chickens. The results also indicated a significant positive correlation between LPL enzyme activity and IMF contents in the breast and thigh tissues of both GXSH (r = 0.615, P = 0.001; r = 0.685, P < 0.001, respectively) and AA (r = 0.600, P = 0.001; r = 0.528, P = 0.003, respectively) chickens. The results indicated that the LPL gene was significantly correlated with IMF in these two breeds. The results presented here could contribute to knowledge of LPL mRNA developmental expression patterns and enzyme activity, and it could facilitate further research on the molecular mechanisms underlying IMF deposition in chickens.

Evolution of the Fermi surface of Weyl semimetals in the transition metal pnictide family

Topological Weyl semimetals (TWSs) represent a novel state of topological quantum matter which not only possesses Weyl fermions (massless chiral particles that can be viewed as magnetic monopoles in momentum space) in the bulk and unique Fermi arcs generated by topological surface states, but also exhibits appealing physical properties such as extremely large magnetoresistance and ultra-high carrier mobility. Here, by performing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) on NbP and TaP, we directly observed their band structures with characteristic Fermi arcs of TWSs. Furthermore, by systematically investigating NbP, TaP and TaAs from the same transition metal monopnictide family, we discovered their Fermiology evolution with spin-orbit coupling (SOC) strength. Our experimental findings not only reveal the mechanism to realize and fine-tune the electronic structures of TWSs, but also provide a rich material base for exploring many exotic physical phenomena (for example, chiral magnetic effects, negative magnetoresistance, and the quantum anomalous Hall effect) and novel future applications.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Cyclemys dentata and phylogenetic analysis of the major family Geoemydidae

In the present study, the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of Cyclemys dentata was determined using PCR reactions. The structural organization and gene order of C. dentata were equivalent to those of most other vertebrates. The mt genome was 16,489 bp in length, has rich A+T content, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region (D-loop). All protein-coding genes started with ATG, many genes have complete stop codons, except ND2, COX3, ND3, and cyt-b genes had incomplete stop codons of T. The light-strand replication origin (OL) of C. dentata might fold into a stable stem-loop secondary structure, and its loop had 2 nt less than that of the Cyclemys atripons OL sequence. The D-Loop of C. dentata contained a central domain (CD), 2 extended termination associated sequences (ETAS1, ETAS2) and 3 conserved sequence blocks (CSB1, CSB2, CSB3). The average length of 20 turtles' mt genomes was 16,692.5 bp, including 34.1% A, 27.0% T, 26.0% C and 12.9% G. The C. dentata mitochondrial genome could provide useful data for further studies on phylogenetics and conservation genetics of this species. The phylogenetic relationships of the family Geoemydidae were analyzed by maximum-likelihood (ML) and neighbor-joining (NJ) based on concatenated sequences of 13 protein-coding genes from 20 turtle species. The ML and NJ trees had homologous topologies. The results support the existing classification of the genera of Geoemydidae, that C. dentata was a sister species of C. atripons, Pyxidea nested in Cuora, and Chinemys was synonymous with Mauremys.

IncA/C plasmid-mediated spread of CMY-2 in multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli from food animals in China

Objectives

To obtain a broad molecular epidemiological characterization of plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase CMY-2 in Escherichia coli isolates from food animals in China.

Methods

A total of 1083 E. coli isolates from feces, viscera, blood, drinking water, and sub-surface soil were examined for the presence of CMY-2 β-lactamases. CMY-2-producing isolates were characterized as follows: the bla_CMY-2 genotype was determined using PCR and sequencing, characterization of the bla_CMY-2 genetic environment, plasmid sizing using S1 nuclease pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), PCR-based replicon typing, phylogenetic grouping, XbaI-PFGE, and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST).

Results

All 31 CMY-2 producers were only detected in feces, and presented with multidrug resistant phenotypes. All CMY-2 strains also co-harbored genes conferring resistance to other antimicrobials, including extended spectrum β-lactamases genes (bla_CTX-M-14 or bla_CTX-M-55), plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance determinants (qnr, oqxA, and aac-(6′)-Ib-cr), floR and rmtB. The co-transferring of bla_CMY-2 with qnrS1 and floR (alone and together) was mainly driven by the Inc A/C type plasmid, with sizes of 160 or 200 kb. Gene cassette arrays inserted in the class 1 or class 2 integron were amplified among 12 CMY-2 producers. CMY-2 producers belonged to avirulent groups B1 (n = 12) and A (n = 11), and virulent group D (n = 8). There was a good correlation between phylogenetic groups and sequence types (ST). Twenty-four STs were identified, of which the ST complexes (STC) 101/B1 (n = 6), STC10/A (n = 5), and STC155/B1 (n = 3) were dominant.

Conclusions

CMY-2 is the dominant AmpC β-lactamase in food animals and is associated with a transferable replicon IncA/C plasmid in the STC101, STC10, and STC155 strains.

AUNX1, a novel locus responsible for X linked recessive auditory and peripheral neuropathy, maps to Xq23-27.3

BACKGROUND

We report here the genetic characterisation of a large five generation Chinese family with the phenotypic features of auditory neuropathy and progressive peripheral sensory neuropathy, and the genetic feature of X linked recessive inheritance. Disease onset was at adolescence (at an average age of 13 years for six affected subjects). The degree of hearing impairment varied from mild to severe, with decreased otoacoustic emissions; auditory brainstem responses were lacking from onset.

METHODS

Two-point and multipoint model based linkage analysis using the MILNK and LINKMAP programs of the FASTLINK software package produced maximum two-point and multipoint LOD scores of 2.41 and 2.41, respectively.

RESULTS

These findings define a novel X linked auditory neuropathy locus/region (AUNX1, Xq23-q27.3). This region is 42.09 cM long and contains a 28.07 Mb region with flanking markers DXS1220 and DXS8084, according to the Rutgers Combined Linkage-Physical Map, build 35. However, mutation screen of the candidate gene SLC6A14 within the region did not identify the causative genetic determinant for this large Chinese family.

Normal values for respiratory resistance using forced oscillation in subjects>65 years old

The aim of the present study was to determine reference values and predictive variables for respiratory impedance (Zrs) by the forced oscillation technique (FOT) in subjects aged>65 yrs. The investigation involved a prospective study of nonsmoking subjects, with normal forced expiratory volumes. The Zrs parameters, which included average resistance between 4-16 Hz (R4-16), average resistance between 4-30 Hz (RM), resonant frequency (FN), capacitance (C) and inertance (I), were measured along with forced expiratory manoeuvres. Every subject had each parameter measured in the same sequence using FOT and spirometry. A total of 223 subjects aged 83+/-8 yrs were included in the study. The mean values for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted were 110+/-23. The forced vital capacity (FVC) % pred was 114+/-21 and the FEV1/FVC % pred was 112+/-11. The mean values for the Zrs parameters were: R4-16: 0.25+/-0.07 kPa.s-1.L-1; RM: 0.25+/-0.06 kPa.s-1.L-1; FN: 11.0+/-2.8 Hz; I: 1.17+/-0.26 Pa.L-1.s-2; and C: 20.5+/-9.0 mL.hPa-1. In multiple regression models adjusted for age, sex, height and weight, height was the most influential predictor for Zrs parameters based on the magnitude of the regression coefficient. In conclusion, it was found that height was the best predictor for respiratory impedance parameters. Contribution of age and weight was negligible. However, the level of predictability for respiratory impedance parameters by regression equations was low.

Pathogenic and pathological characteristic of new type gosling viral enteritis first observed in China

AIM: To study the purifying method and characteristics of new gosling viral enteritis virus (NGVEV), the etiological agent of new gosling viral enteritis (NGVE) which was first recognized in China, as well as the pathomorphological development in goslings infected artificially with NGVEV.

METHODS: ① NGVEV virions were purified by the procedure of treatment with chloroform and ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis to remove the sulfate radical and ammonium ion and separation by gel filtration chromatography, and SDS-PAGE. ② Forty 2-day-old White Sichuan goslings were orally administered with NGVEV and 24 h later 2 birds were randomly selected and killed at 24 h intervals until death occurred. Specimens (duodenum, ileum, liver, heart, kidney, spleen, lung, proventriculus, pancreas, esophagus, and the intestinal embolus) were taken until all birds in this group died and were sectioned and stained with hemotoxylin and eosin and studied by light microscope.

RESULTS: NGVEV shared the typical characteristics of Adenovirus and which structural proteins consisted of 15 polypeptides. Necrosis and sloughing of the epithelial cells covering the villus tips of the duodenum were first observed in goslings 2 d postinfection artificially with NGVEV. With the progress of infection, this lesion rapidly occurred in the epithelium at the base of the villus and with infiltration of the inflammatory cells, the jejunum tended to be involved. With the intensification of mucosa necrosis and inflammatory exudation of the small intestine, fibrinonecrotic enteritis was further developed and embolus composed of either intestinal contents wrapped by pseudomembrane or of the mixture of fibrous exudate and necrotic intestinal mucosa were observed in the middle-lower part of the small intestine. This structure occluded the intestinal tract and made the intestine dilated in appearance. The intestinal glandular cells underwent degeneration, necrosis and might be found sloughed into the lumen. Hemorrhage and hyperemia could be observed on the lung and kidney. Epithelial cells of the renal tubular underwent degeneration. In some cases, granular degeneration and fatty degeneration could be found in the liver and in some cases at a later stage of this disease the epithelial cells of trachea and proventriculus might be found sloughed. In some cases at an early stage of this disease, cardiac hyperemia and hemorrhage could be observed. Esophagus, pancreas and brain were found normal. Analyses and comparisons between the pathologic lesions of NGVE and Gosling Plague (GP) were available in this paper as well.

CONCLUSION: ① NGVEV is adenovirus. ② Pathological characteristic could be as the data for NGVE diagnosis.

[Investigation of different dosages of inserted Bt genes and their insect-resistance in transgenic Bt cotton]

The plants with various dosages of inserted Bt genes were developed by intercrossing among transgenic Bt lines in which Bt genes were inserted in different chromosomes, and commercial non-transgenic Bt varieties. Laboratory bioassay of insect-resistance and Bt toxin protein assays with ELISA were used to detect efficacy to bollworm in different cotton growing stages. As transgenic Bt insect-resistant cotton, temporal difference of resistance existed in plants converging on different dosages of inserted Bt genes, i.e., there was a declining level of efficacy with plant age as the mortality (%) of Helicoverpa and Bt toxin protein expressional level decreased gradually, when analyzed with leaves from the main stem. Our research also revealed that the insect-resistance of converging 4 Bt genes plants was decreased due to homozygous suppression.

[The development of an instrument for testing body water equillibrium in hemodialysis patients]

In order to obtain a real-time and correct test for body water equilibrium in hemodialysis patients, an instrument based on bioimpedance measurement has been developed. The hardware and software design of the instrument was introduced in this paper. The instrument is of safty and good duplicity. Preliminary clinical experiments shows that it can reflect the state of body water with relative high sensitivity.

Intracerebroventricular administration of AT1 receptor antisense oligonucleotides inhibits the behavioral actions of angiotensin II

Antisense oligonucleotides were developed to study the expression and function of angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptors in cultured cells and brain. In both liver epithelial WB and neuroblastoma N1E-115 cells AT1 antisense oligomers substantially decreased AT1 receptor density, whereas angiotensin type 2 (AT2) receptors remained unchanged. Similarly, repeated intracerebroventricular injections of AT1 antisense oligomers in rats decreased AT1 receptor density in hypothalamic-thalamic-septal tissue, and AT2 receptors were unaffected. Intracerebroventricular antisense oligomers also attenuated drinking elicited by intracerebroventricular angiotensin II but not the cholinomimetic carbachol. Collectively, these results demonstrate that antisense oligonucleotides attenuate angiotensin receptor expression and function in behaving animals.

A serologically confirmed, case-control study, of a large outbreak of hepatitis A in China, associated with consumption of clams

A matched and serologically confirmed case-control study was carried out to investigate the source of an outbreak of acute hepatitis involving 290,000 cases in the suburbs of Shanghai, in January 1988. A total of 132 patients with acute hepatitis from six different hospitals were chosen as cases and the same number of control patients without hepatitis were matched for gender, age, admission date and area of residence. Serum specimens from both case and control patients were detected for specific anti-hepatitis A (HA) IgM antibody and a questionnaire was used to investigate probable risk factors related to the outbreak. The positive rate of anti-HA IgM was 98.48% in the case group and only 0.76% in the control, indicating that the infection was caused by HA virus. The results revealed that the source and mode of transmission were due to the consumption of contaminated and inadequately cooked clams (Anadara subcrenata lischke). There was a highly positive dose-response relationship between the odds ratio of contracting HA and the quantity or frequency of clam consumption. The odds ratios of acquiring HA from clams were up to 62.4-63.4 by both group stratification and multiple unconditional logistic regression analyses.

[Antitumor effect of Limax in tumor-bearing mice]

Limax is a mollusk with lung, the whole body of which has manifested medicinal values. It can be taken orally and used externally. The experimental studies on the antitumor effect of Limax on NIH mice bearing ARS (ascites type) or Lewis lung carcinoma were carried out by using tumor inhibitory rate, tumor mean diameter doubling time, tumor growth delay time or the host existence time as the experimental indexes. The initial results indicated that the mixed suspension liquid of Limax had an obviously inhibitory effect upon the above mentioned experiment tumors.