Morphology and distribution of sensilla on antennae and mouthparts of the adult bruchid beetles, Bruchidius coreanus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Bruchidius coreanus is a serious pest on Gleditsia sinensis Lam during seed storage, causing significant losses to their yield in southwest China. To gain insight into their behavioral mechanisms, the external morphology, ultrastructure, and distribution of sensilla on antennae, maxillary palps, and labial palps of both male and female B. coreanus were observed using a scanning electron microscope. The results revealed that both male and female adults had serrated antennae comprising a scape, a pedicel, and nine flagellomeres (F1-F9). There were eight types and seven subtypes of antenna sensilla observed in both sexes, including Böhm sensilla (BS), two subtypes of sensilla chaetica (SC1 and SC2), two subtypes of sensilla trichodea (ST1 and ST2), three subtypes of sensilla basiconica (SB1, SB2, and SB3), sensilla auricillica (SA), sensilla styloconicum (SS), capitate pegs (CP), and sensilla cavity (SCa). The average length of BS and ST (ST1 and ST2) showed significant differences between males and females. Furthermore, the number of SC (SC1 and SC2), ST1, and SCa differed significantly between the sexes. Four types of sensilla were found on the maxillary palps and labial palps, with the length of ST on these palps significantly differing between males and females. Additionally, SS on male labial palps was significantly longer than in females. The number of SC significantly differed between the male and female maxillary palps and labial palps, while ST and SS showed significant differences in the maxillary palps. These findings will contribute to further electrophysiological recording and behavioral research. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The external morphology and distribution of various sensilla on the antennae, maxillary palps, and labial palps of Bruchidius coreanus were described. Eight types and seven subtypes of antenna sensilla were observed on the antennae, while four types of sensilla were observed on the maxillary palps and labial palps. The capitate pegs were found exclusively on the antennae of female B. coreanus.

[Effects of rapid drug sensitivity testing for multidrug-resistant bacteria on the prognosis of patients with severe intra-abdominal infection]

Objective: To examine the clinical value of rapid detection of drug-resistant bacteria by immunochromatography and the effects of rapid detection on the prognosis of patients with severe intra-abdominal infection complicated by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) bloodstream infection. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. We analyzed clinical data of 73 patients with severe abdominal infections with sepsis or septic shock complicated by CRE bloodstream infection admitted to the general surgery department of Jinling Hospital between February 2022 and February 2023. Patients were divided into a colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) group (17 patients) and conventional testing group (56 patients) based on whether a GICA for CRE had been performed on the patients' first blood culture sample during the diagnosis and treatment process. There were no statistically significant differences between the GICA and conventional testing groups in age ([55.9±17.3] vs. [47.6±16.4] years), sex ([16 men vs. one woman ] vs. [41 men vs. 15 women]), median Charlson comorbidity index (3.0[2.0,4.0] vs. 3.0[2.0, 4.8]), septic shock (10 vs. 39), or acute kidney injury (8 vs. 40) (all P>0.05). Both groups routinely underwent traditional bacterial identification and drug susceptibility testing. Additionally, patients in the GICA group were tested directly for positive blood cultures using a GICA carbapenemase test kit. The main outcomes were mortality rates on Days 28 and 90 after the first identification of CRE bloodstream infection in both groups. We also compared the microbial clearance rate, duration of hospitalization and intensive care unit stay, and time from onset of CRE bloodstream infection to initiation of targeted and appropriate antibiotics between the two groups. Results: The rate of microbial clearance of bloodstream infection was significantly greater in the GICA group than in the conventional testing group (15/17 vs. 34/56 [60.7%], χ2=4.476, P=0.034), whereas the 28-day mortality tended to be lower in the GICA than conventional testing group [5/17 vs. 44.6% [25/56], χ2=1.250, P=0.264). The 90-day mortality (8/17 vs. 53.6% [30/56], χ2=0.222, P=0.638), median duration of hospitalization (37.0 [18.0, 46.5] days vs. 45.5 [32.2, 64.8] days, Z=-1.867, P=0.062), and median duration of intensive care unit stay (18.0 [6.5, 35.0] days vs. 32.0 [5.0, 51.8] days, Z=-1.251, P=0.209). The median time between the onset of bloodstream infection and administration of antibiotics was 49.0 (38.0, 69.0) hours in the GICA group, which is significantly shorter than the 163.0 (111.8, 190.0) hours in the conventional testing group (Z=-5.731, P<0.001). The median time between the onset of bloodstream infection and administration of appropriate antibiotics was 40.0 (34.0, 80.0) hours in the GICA group, which is shorter than in the conventional testing group (68.0 [38.2, 118.8]) hours; however, this difference is not statistically significant (Z=-1.686, P=0.093). Conclusions: GICA can provide information on carbapenemase- producing pathogens faster than traditional drug sensitivity testing, enabling early administration of the optimal antibiotics. The strategy of 'carbapenemase detection first' for managing bacterial infection has the potential to improve prognosis of patients and reduce mortality rate.

[Impact of different diagnostic criteria for assessing mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy in liver cirrhosis: an analysis based on a prospective, multicenter, real-world study]

Objective: To compare the differences in the prevalence of mild micro-hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) among patients with cirrhosis by using the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) and the Stroop smartphone application (Encephal App) test. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, real-world study was initiated by the National Clinical Medical Research Center for Infectious Diseases and the Portal Hypertension Alliance and registered with International ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05140837). 354 cases of cirrhosis were enrolled in 19 hospitals across the country. PHES (including digital connection tests A and B, digital symbol tests, trajectory drawing tests, and serial management tests) and the Stroop test were conducted in all of them. PHES was differentiated using standard diagnostic criteria established by the two studies in China and South Korea. The Stroop test was evaluated based on the criteria of the research and development team. The impact of different diagnostic standards or methods on the incidence of MHE in patients with cirrhosis was analyzed. Data between groups were differentiated using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ (2) test. A kappa test was used to compare the consistency between groups. Results: After PHES, the prevalence of MHE among 354 cases of cirrhosis was 78.53% and 15.25%, respectively, based on Chinese research standards and Korean research normal value standards. However, the prevalence of MHE was 56.78% based on the Stroop test, and the differences in pairwise comparisons among the three groups were statistically significant (kappa = -0.064, P < 0.001). Stratified analysis revealed that the MHE prevalence in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C was 74.14%, 83.33%, and 88.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Chinese researchers, while the MHE prevalence rates in three groups of patients with Child-Pugh classes A, B, and C were 8.29%, 23.53%, and 38.24%, respectively, according to the normal value standards of Korean researchers. Furthermore, the prevalence rates of MHE in the three groups of patients with Child-Pugh grades A, B, and C were 52.68%, 58.82%, and 73.53%, respectively, according to the Stroop test standard. However, among the results of each diagnostic standard, the prevalence of MHE showed an increasing trend with an increasing Child-Pugh grade. Further comparison demonstrated that the scores obtained by the number connection test A and the number symbol test were consistent according to the normal value standards of the two studies in China and South Korea (Z = -0.982, -1.702; P = 0.326, 0.089), while the other three sub-tests had significant differences (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of MHE in the cirrhotic population is high, but the prevalence of MHE obtained by using different diagnostic criteria or methods varies greatly. Therefore, in line with the current changes in demographics and disease spectrum, it is necessary to enroll a larger sample size of a healthy population as a control. Moreover, the establishment of more reliable diagnostic scoring criteria will serve as a basis for obtaining accurate MHE incidence and formulating diagnosis and treatment strategies in cirrhotic populations.

[Pre- and post-diagnosis body mass index in association with colorectal cancer death in a prospective cohort study]

Objective: To evaluate the association between pre-and post-diagnosis body mass index (BMI) and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) death. Methods: The cohort consisted of 3, 057 CRC patients from Shanghai who were diagnosed from Jan. 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2011 and aged from 20 to 74 years. The pre- and post-diagnosis BMI and clinical and lifestyle factors were collected at baseline. Death information was collected using record linkage with the Shanghai Cancer Registry and telephone confirmation during follow-up by the end of 2019. The Cox proportional regression model was used to estimate HR with 95% CI. Results: Analysis by multivariable Cox model showed no association between pre-diagnosis BMI and death risk in both male and female patients. Male patients with a post-diagnosis underweight BMI had an elevated risk of death compared to those in normal weight (HR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.21-2.37), especially in early stage cases. Overweight patients (HR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.61-0.89) and patients with obesity class Ⅰ (HR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.89)had better survival with decreased risks of death, especially in advanced stage cases. The decreased death risk in patients with obesity class Ⅱ was not significant (HR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.24-1.39). The P(trend) value for decreased risk of death with increased BMI in female patients was statistically significant (P<0.001), and the overweight and obesity class Ⅰ categories had better survival in advanced stage(HR(overweight)=0.62, 95% CI: 0.42-0.93; HR(obesity class Ⅰ)=0.39, 95% CI: 0.16-0.98). Both male and female patients with post-diagnosis BMI loss >2.0 kg/m(2) had an increased death risk when compared with those with stable BMI (change≤1.0 kg/m(2)) between pre- and post-diagnosis. BMI gain after diagnosis did not change death risk. Conclusions: Post-diagnosis BMI in the overweight or obesity class Ⅰ groups might be conducive to prolonging male CRC patients' survival, while underweight might result in poor prognosis. Keeping weight and avoiding excessive weight loss should be suggested for all CRC patients after diagnosis.

Cold tolerance strategy and cryoprotectants of Megabruchidius dorsalis in different temperature and time stresses

The honey locusts (genus Gleditsia) are a genus of high-value trees in Asia. Seed beetle, Megabruchidius dorsalis (Fåhraeus) (Col.: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae), is a Gleditsia oligophagous pest that causes severe yield reduction. To understand the cold tolerance of M. dorsalis adults, this study investigated its cold tolerance strategy and the influence of low temperatures on its physiology and biochemistry. The low-temperature treatments were divided into three groups: long-term temperature acclimation (Group 1; 15°C, or 20°C, or 25°C, or 28°C [control check, CK] for 10 days), short-term low-temperature exposure (Group 2; 0°C or 4°C for 2 h), and long-term low-temperature induction (Group 3; 0°C or 4°C for 1, 3, or 5 d). The supercooling point (SCP; temperature at which spontaneous nucleation and ice lattice growth begin), freezing point (FP; temperature at which insect fluids freeze), low lethal temperature (LLT; temperature at which all individuals are killed), water, lipid, glycerol, and total sugars contents were measured under different temperature stresses. The results showed that M. dorsalis adults were a freeze-avoidant species. The SCP and LLT at 28°C were -10.62°C and -19.48°C, respectively. The SCP and FP of long-term temperature acclimation (15°C, or 20°C, or 25°C) were significantly lower than that of the control group (28°C). The water content of the long-term low temperature induction (0°C) group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The lipid and glycerol content in the acclimated group at 20°C and 25°C were significantly higher than in the control group. M. dorsalis adults may maintain their biofluids in a supercooled state via cryoprotectant accumulation and cryoprotective dehydration to prevent ice nucleation. This study provides a theoretical basis for future research on overwintering and potential distribution and related prediction of M. dorsalis adults.

[Research progress of compound injection of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of liver cancer]

The incidence and mortality of liver cancer are high, which seriously threatens human life and health. Common treatment methods for liver cancer include surgical treatment, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, targeted therapy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, etc. These methods have various problems when used alone. This paper reviews the research on the treatment of liver cancer with compound injection of traditional Chinese medicine and its mechanism in recent years, in order to provide some reference for clinical treatment and improvement of prognosis of liver cancer.

[Comparative analysis on occupational hazards of three welding operations]

Objective: To explore the occupational hazards caused by three kinds of welding operations, and to provide data support for individual protection. Methods: In October 2020, the welding fumes, metal elements and welding arc generated by three welding operations of argon gas shielded welding (JS80 welding wire) , manual welding (ZS60A welding rod) and carbon dioxide shielded welding (907A flux cored wire) were collected and measured in the welding laboratory. The samples were analyze and compare in the laboratory, and the differences of the occupational hazard factors of the three welding operations were judged. Results: The concentration of welding fume produced by carbon dioxide shielded welding, manual welding (ZS60A electrode) , and argon gas shielded welding (JS80 welding wires) were 6.80 mg/m(3), 6.17 mg/m(3), and 3.13 mg/m(3), respectively. The effective irradiance of the welding arc outside the welding mask from high to low is manual welding (ZS60A electrode) , carbon dioxide shielded welding (907A flux-cored welding wire) , and argon shielded welding (JS80 welding wire) , respectively 1 010.7, 740.9, 589.5 μW/cm(2). The long-wave ultraviolet UVA intensity generated by argon shielded welding (JS80 welding wire) is the largest, which is 1 500 μW/cm(2). The content of Mn in the three welding operations is the highest, and JS80 welding wire has the highest Mn content of 128493.2 mg/kg. 907A flux cored wire has the highest Ti content, which is 24355.5mg/kg. The electrode ZS60A has the highest Cu content, which is 24422.12 mg/kg. Conclusion: The intensity of occupational hazards is different in the three kinds of welding operations, so the methods of personal protective equipment, field exposure assessment and health monitoring should be more targeted.

[Risk factors analysis and intervention of blood-borne occupational exposure in medical staff]

Objective: To analyze the risk factors of blood-borne occupational exposure among medical staff and explore the relevant intervention measures. Methods: In June 2020, the data of blood-borne occupational exposure and related factors reported by medical staff in a grade Ⅲ, Grade A general hospital from 2011 to 2019 were analyzed by retrospective investigation. Results: Among 431 cases of blood-borne occupational exposure, 69.37% were nurses. It mainly occurred in medical staff with 0-4 years of service, accounting for 63.57%; The main place of occupational exposure was in the ward 47.56%; Sharp instrument injury was the main occupational exposure route 91.65%. Occupational exposure department was mainly surgery department 17.87%; The main source of exposure was hepatitis B virus (HBV) 37.12%, followed by treponema pallidum 20.19%. Statistical analysis results show that: Exposure sites (χ(2)=43.585, P<0.01) , exposure sources (χ(2)=22.693, P<0.01) , treatment methods after exposure (χ(2)=18.866, P<0.01) , Flushing (χ(2)=31.963, P<0.01) and disinfection (χ(2)=14.216, P<0.01) were significantly different. Conclusion: The effective measures to reduce blood-borne occupational exposure are to strengthen occupational protection training of medical staff, standardize operation procedures, strengthen supervision of key groups and departments, improve reporting, monitoring and follow-up systems to realize informatization, and do a good job in risk control.

Fluoride induced down-regulation of IKBKG Gene expression inhibits hepatocytes senescence

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidences have confirmed that liver is one of the more severely damaged organs during chronic fluorosis. However, the detail mechanism is unclear to data. At present, the objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between down-regulation of IKBKG gene expression and hepatocyte senescence induced by sodium fluoride (NaF).

METHODS

Chronic fluorosis rats and NaF-exposure human liver L02 cells were reproduced the model of hepatocyte senescence in vivo and in vitro. The mRNA and protein levels of p16, p21 and IKBKG, the IL-8 level were determined. The role of IKBKG in fluoride-induced senescence of hepatocytes was explored by knock down in hepatocytes in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

The number of senescence-positive cells in rat liver tissues was increased as well as the level of IL-8 and the expression levels of p16, p21 and IKBKG in fluoride exposure to rat depending on the fluoride concentration. The similar results were obtained in NaF treated liver L02 cells, and the number of cells that stagnated in the G2 phase increased significantly. Further, our results confirmed that decreasing the expression of IKBKG in hepatocytes could reduce fluoride-induced hepatocyte senescence and the changes of senescence-related indicators both in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that the elevated expression of IKBKG was positive relation with the fluoride-induced senescence in hepatocytes, suggesting the hepatocyte senescence might have a special relationship with fluoride-caused liver damage. Because of the present results limitation, the mechanism of fluoride induced senescence in hepatocytes should be concentrated in the future in detail, especially the novel targets for fluoride induced liver injury.

Does Larval Rearing Diet Lead to Premating Isolation in Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)?

Simple Summary

Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious polyphagous pest. Most studies focus on the effects of natural hosts on S. litura. However, progressively more laboratory studies S. litura involve feeding the larvae with an artificial diet. We compared the life performance and observed mating choice of S. litura reared on tobacco, Chinese cabbage, and an artificial diet. The results revealed that diet had a significant effect on the duration of each stage of development. In the multiple-choice test with individual males consuming tobacco, Chinese cabbage, or an artificial diet, females fed on the artificial diet preferred to mate with males that were fed on the same diet and rarely mated with males fed on tobacco or Chinese cabbage. We suggest that the diet of S. litura has a potential impact on mate choice and sexual isolation.

Abstract

Host plant preference during the larval stage may help shape not only phenotypic plasticity but also behavioral isolation. We assessed the effects of diet on population parameters and mate choice in Spodoptera litura. We raised larvae fed on tobacco, Chinese cabbage, or an artificial diet, and we observed the shortest developmental time and highest fecundity in individuals fed the artificial diet. However, survival rates were higher for larvae on either of the natural diets. Population parameters including intrinsic rate of increase and finite rate of increase were significantly higher with the artificial diet, but this diet led to a lower mean generation time. Copulation duration, copulation time, and number of eggs reared significantly differed between diets. In terms of mate choice, females on the artificial diet rarely mated with males fed on a natural host. Our results support the hypothesis that different diets may promote behavioral isolation, affecting mating outcomes. Thus, findings for populations fed an artificial diet may not reflect findings for populations in the field.

[Nutritional risk screening and related factors of cancer patients in community of Shanghai, 2018-2019]

Objective: To study the risk of malnutrition and related factors of cancer patients in community of Shanghai. Methods: From October 2018 to January 2019, four communities, Pengpu New Village Street, Pengpu Town, Jiangning Road Street, and Caojiadu Street, from 14 communities in Jing 'an District, Shanghai City, were selected by using a random cluster sampling method based on the Shanghai Cancer Registration and reporting system. All cases of malignant tumors and benign tumors of the central nervous system were included. A total of 4 396 questionnaires were distributed. After the exclusion of 9 invalid questionnaires, 3 310 valid questionnaires were included with a rate of 99.73%. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data including basic demographic characteristics, history of malignant, physical and psychological pain, nutritional demands and cognitive status. Malnutrition Universal Screening Tools (MUST) was used to analyze the nutritional risk of cancer patients in the community. Multivariate logistic regression model was applied to analyze potential factors. Results: Among the 3 310 cancer patients who completed the survey, the average age of study participants was (64.05±13.02), and 1 467 cases (44.32%) were males. The incidence rate of nutritional risk was 12.84% (425/3 310). The result of logistic regression analysis showed that compared with male, other cancer patients and no physical pain, the risk factors of the occurrence of nutritional included: female (OR=1.53,95%CI:1.23-1.92), head and neck malignant tumors (OR=1.42,95%CI:1.07-1.90), bronchus/lung malignant tumors (OR=1.93,95%CI:1.43-2.61), liver, biliary/pancreatic malignant tumors (OR=2.11,95%CI:1.21-3.65) and upper gastrointestinal malignant tumors (OR=6.04,95%CI:4.31-8.46), patients with physical pain (OR=1.39,95%CI:1.02-1.89). Conclusion: Nutritional risk of cancer patients is higher in community of Shanghai. Gender, location of tumors and physical pain are associated with the occurrence of nutritional risk.

[Construction of RNA interference (RNAi) lentiviral expression vector of DEK gene and its effect on the biological behavior of liver cancer cells]

Objective: To construct RNA interference (RNAi) lentiviral expression vector of DEK gene, and to explore its effect on the biological behavior of liver cancer cells. Methods: Double-stranded oligo DNAs were annealed and synthesized according to the interference sequence of DEK gene by RNAi technology. Small interfering RNA expression vector pLKO.1 was cloned after enzymatic digestion. The recombinant lentiviral pLKO.1-sh hDEK was constructed, and then the virus supernatant was collected, packed and infected by 293T cells. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect DEK expression in human liver cancer cells Bel-7402, Hu-7, SmMC-7721 and HepG2, and DEK knockdown efficiency in each group of lentivirus-infected cells. Cell proliferation ability, cloning ability, apoptosis and migration ability were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), flow cytometry and scratch test, respectively. The t-test was used to compare the mean between the two groups, and one-way ANOVA was used to compare the multiple groups. Results: Enzymatic digestion and DNA sequencing results confirmed that the recombinant lentiviral vectors pLKO.1-sh hDEK1 and pLKO.1-sh hDEK3 were successfully constructed. RT-PCR and Western blot results showed that the expression of DEK in human liver cancer cells BEL-7402 and Huh7 cells was higher, and pLKO.1-sh hDEK3 was more effective in inhibiting the DEK gene expression (P < 0.05). Therefore, pLKO.1-sh hDEK3 was selected to infect BEL-7402 and Huh7 cells for subsequent functional experiments. CCK8 cell proliferation test result showed that the cell proliferation ability of BEL-7402 and Huh7 cells infected with recombinant lentivirus was weakened when compared with blank control and negative control group (P < 0.05). Apoptosis results showed that the apoptosis rate of knockdown group was higher than that of blank and the negative control group (P < 0.05). Cell scratch test result showed that the wound healing rate of knockdown group was lower than that of blank control and negative control group (P < 0.05), and the difference was statistically significant; however, there was no statistically significant difference between blank control and negative control group. Conclusion: Targeting DEK expression in silent liver cancer cells can inhibit the cell proliferation, migration ability, and induce apoptosis, which lays the foundation for further study of the role of DEK gene in liver cancer.

[Chromosomal aberrations detection in chronic lymphocytic leukemia by conventional cytogenetics using DSP30 and IL-2]

Objective: To study the value of unmethylated cytosine guanine dinucleotide oligodeoxynucleotide (DSP30) and IL-2 in the conventional cytogenetic (CA) detection of the chromosomal aberrations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) . Methods: Bone marrow or peripheral blood cells of CLL patients were cultured with DSP30 plus IL-2 for 72 h, following which R-banding analysis was conducted. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed in 85 patients. CA results were compared with data obtained by FISH. Results: Among 89 CLL patients, the success rate of chromosome analysis was 94.38% (84/89) . Clonal aberrations were detected in 51 patients (51/84, 60.71%) . Of them, 27 (27/51, 52.94%) were complex karyotype. Among 85 CLL patients tested by FISH, chromosomal abnormalities were detected in 74 (74/85, 87.06%) patients, of which 2 (2/74) patients were complex karyotypes, accounting for 2.70%. Of the 85 CLL patients examined by FISH, 50 had abnormal karyotype analysis, 30 had normal karyotype, 5 failed to have chromosome analysis. Among them, 25 cases showed clonal aberrations by FISH assay but normal by CA, and 4 cases were normal by FISH but displayed aberrations in chromosome analysis, and totally 78 (91.76%) cases with abnormality detected by the combination of the two methods. The frequency of 13q- abnormality detected by FISH was significantly higher than that by CA analysis (69.41%vs 16.67%, P<0.001) , while the frequency of 11q-,+12 and 17p- detected by two methods showed no significant difference (P>0.05) . The detection rate of complex abnormalities in conventional karyotype analysis was higher than that in FISH (50.98%vs 2.70%) . In addition, 11 low-risk and 9 intermediate-risk patients according to FISH results showed complex karyotype by cytogenetics, and were classified into high-risk cytogenetic subgroup. Conclusion: DSP30 and IL-2 are effective in improving the detection rate of CA in CLL patients (60.71%) and CA is more effective to detect complex karyotype. However, FISH had a higher overall abnormality detection rate (87.06%) than CA, especially for 13q-. The combination of CA and FISH not only enhanced the detection rate of clonal aberrations to 91.76%, but also provided more precise prognosis stratification for CLL patients, thus to provide more information for clinical implication.

[Chromosome abnormality rate and related factors of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy]

Objective: To investigate chromosome abnormality rate and related factors of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy. Methods: A total of 831 tissue samples of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy were collected from June 2015 to August 2018 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Chromosomal copy number was analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS). The relationships between chromosome abnormality and maternal age, in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) pregnancy, number of previous spontaneous abortions, history of live birth were analyzed by statistical methods. Results: Among 831 tissue samples of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy, 461 (55.5%, 461/831) were found to have chromosome abnormalities. Maternal age (OR=1.107, 95%CI: 1.070- 1.145) and history of live birth (OR=1.909, 95%CI: 1.182-3.083) were the positive correlative factors of chromosome abnormality. Times of previous spontaneous abortion (OR=0.807, 95%CI: 0.702-0.928) and IVF-ET pregnancy (OR=0.554, 95%CI: 0.404-0.760) were the negative correlative factors of chromosome abnormality. Conclusions: Chromosome abnormality is an important cause of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy. The rate of chromosome abnormality increases with the increase of maternal age and the history of live birth, and decreases with the increase of number of previous spontaneous abortion and IVF-ET pregnancy.

Semiochemical Regulation of the Intraspecific and Interspecific Behavior of Tomicus yunnanensis and Tomicus minor during the Shoot-Feeding Phase

Two pine shoot beetles, Tomicus yunnanensis and Tomicus minor, are the most destructive pests of Pinus yunnanensis in southwestern China. We investigated behavioral responses within and between these two species during the shoot-feeding phase using walking bioassays. We also identified the pheromonal aspects of beetles by static solid phase microextraction (SPME) and hindgut extraction following interactive communication by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Both species were significantly attracted by their own species and the same sex, and attraction was inhibited by exposure to additional beetles or to the hindgut extracts of beetles which had shown interaction. Female and male T. minor and T. yunnanensis hindguts contained 0.19, 0.09, 0.22, and 0.05 ng/individual of (-)-trans-verbenol, respectively; following interaction with additional beetles, this increased to 16.74-292.71 ng/individual in T. minor females. Mean concentration of verbenone detected in the hindguts of female/male individuals of T. minor and T. yunnanensis under natural conditions were 0.16, 0.06, 0.03, and 0.05 ng/individual, respectively, but these correspondingly increased to 5.90, 2.43, 0.06, and 0.19 ng/individual after exposure to additional insects. In T. yunnanensis, the amounts of detectable (-)-trans-verbenol and verbenone extracted from hindguts were lower than those from T. minor. The levels of cis-verbenol and (-)-trans-verbenol most attractive to walking T. yunnanensis and T. minor were 0.1 and 1.0 ng/μl, respectively. Verbenone was not attractive at any of the concentrations tested. The addition of verbenone to cis-verbenol or (-)-trans-verbenol reduced the attraction responses. We conclude that the (-)-trans-verbenol produced by these two pine shoot beetles is attractive at low concentrations and repellant at high concentrations, thereby fostering intraspecific competition. Verbenone is produced to prevent overcrowding via interspecific inhibition, and to expel beetles during shoot-feeding.

Delay in Mating Reduces Reproductivity but Increases Life Span in Tobacco Cutworm, Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

A pheromone-mediated mating disruption is a vital tool in the management of insect population dynamics that not only prevents mating but also delays mating in the target insect. Here, we examined the effect of delayed mating on the longevity and reproductive performance of the global pest, Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Delayed mating was imposed on both sexes simultaneously, males only, and females only. The results showed that a 30-40% reduction in the successful mating rate of S. litura was caused by 7-d delay in mating. Increased mating ages of both sexes of S. litura resulted in a significant decrease in 3-d-old delayed mating, followed by an increase in mean duration of copulation. Furthermore, delayed mating had a significantly negative influence on the number of S. litura eggs produced. Mating delay imposed on both sexes simultaneously had a significantly greater effect on longevity and the number of eggs than when it was applied to either sex alone, and females were more severely affected by delayed mating than males in terms of longevity. Percentage of mating, fecundity, and female longevity were all significantly correlated with the number of days delayed mating. However, the hatching rate of eggs was not significantly affected by an increased delay in mating. Overall, our results indicated that delayed mating in both females and males drastically reduced the females' reproductive output, which itself was affected more by increasing the age at mating of females than males.

[Cumulative live birth rates per oocytes retrieved cycle: evaluation of clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI]

Objective: Using of cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per oocytes retrieved cycle, to assess the clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) , and to explore impact factors on CLBR following utilization of all fresh and frozen embryos in one complete IVF/ICSI cycle using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, GnRH-antagonist and clomiphene mild stimulation protocols. Methods: Of the patients who underwent IVF/ICSI from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, a total of 6 142 oocytes retrieved cycles were included. The clinical and laboratory parameters of different ovarian stimulation protocols, and the effects of the age, number of oocytes retrieved and number of embryos available on the CLBR of each oocytes retrieved cycle were analyzed. Results: The CLBR was 69.0% (2 004/2 906) in the GnRH-agonist protocol versus 67.4% (644/955) in the GnRH-antagonist protocol (P>0.05); the CLBR of clomiphene mild stimulation protocol was 53.2% (1 215/2 281) , significantly lower than those of the other two protocols (all P<0.05). The CLBR significantly decreased with age increased. When divided into four groups according to the patients' age, we found that CLBR were not statistically significant using three different protocols in the 20-25 years old group (all P>0.05). There was a strong association between the number of oocytes retrieved and embryos available on CLBR. CLBR rose significantly with an increasing number of oocytes up to 6, then the rising trend slowed down. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the number of oocytes retrieved, CLBR was significantly higher using GnRH-antagonist protocol (50.0%) than mild stimulation protocol (37.0%) in low ovarian responder (0-4 oocytes) group (P<0.05) . The CLBR were no significant difference among three protocols in normal (10-15 oocytes) and high responders (≥15 oocytes) group (all P>0.05) . The incidence rate of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in GnRH-agonist protocols (5.2%, 152/2 906) were significantly higher than those of GnRH-antagonist (4.4%, 42/955) and clomiphene mild stimulation protocols (1.5%, 34/2 281; all P<0.05) . Conclusions: CLBR is an important index to assess the clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI. Age, number of oocytes retrieved and embryos available could affect CLBR obviously. According to the different age and ovarian response of patients, we should design ovarian stimulation protocols based on target oocytes number in order to get higher CLBR and reduce complications.

[Analysis of the patterns of female breast cancer incidence in Shanghai, 2003-2012]

Objective: To analyze the patterns of female breast cancer and their incidence in Shanghai during 2003-2012, and to compare them with international data. Methods: The data of female breast cancer cases diagnosed between 2003 and 2012 were collected from the Shanghai Cancer Registry. The record of cancer cases included the patient's name, gender, date of birth, permanent and residential address, diagnosis site or name, histological type, date of first diagnosis, diagnostic basis and diagnostic stage, etc. Data source of cancer incidence of World, Developed Countries, Developing Countries, East Asia and China in 2012 sourced from GLOBOCAN 2012 database of the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); and the data of USA during 2008-2012 was collected from SEER 18 database from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Incidence indicators of Shanghai female breast cancer were calculated, including the average cases, median age, average age, proportion, crude rate, age-specific rate and age-standardized rate. Results: During 2003-2012, 41 991 new cases of female breast cancer were diagnosed in Shanghai, with an average of 4 199 cases per year, accounting for 17.23% among total new female cancer cases, ranking first in female cancer incidence in Shanghai during 2003-2012, with a crude incidence rate of 60.90 per 100 000 and an age-standardized incidence rate of 33.90 per 100 000. During 2008-2012, an average 4 528 new cases of female breast cancer was diagnosed per year in Shanghai, with 16.97% among total female cancer cases. The median age was 56 years old and the mean age was 57.73 years old. The crude rate was 64.23 per 100 000 and the age-standardized rate was 35.00 per 100 0000, which was higher than those of China (22.1 per 100 000), Eastern Areas (27.0 per 100 000) and Developing Counties (31.3 per 100 000), and lower than that of World (43.1 per 100 000), and Yellow Race Population of USA (68.77 per 100 000). During 2003-2007, on average, 3 869 new cases of female breast cancer were diagnosed per year in Shanghai, accounting for 17.54% of total female cancer cases. The median age was 53 years old and the mean age was 56.44 years old. The crude rate was 57.42 per 100 000 and the age-standardized rate was 32.69 per 100 000. There was a continuing peak stage spanned 25 years old from 50 to 74 years old, during 2008-2012. Compared with those of 2003-2007, the beginning age group of the continuing peak stage was delayed for 5 years old and the ending age group was delayed for 10 years old. Conclusion: The age-standardized incidence rate in Shanghai was higher than those of China, Eastern Areas and Developing Counties, and lower than that of World, and that of Yellow Race Population of USA; Compared with 2003-2007, the crude rate and age-standardized rate increased, the median age, mean age and the beginning and ending age group of the continuing peak stage were delayed.

[The anatomy of maxillary sinus in single maxillary posterior edentulous area based on cone-beam CT]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the anatomy of maxillary sinus in single maxillary posterior edentulous area and the contralateral side without loss of tooth, and to investigate the effect of tooth loss on the anatomy of maxillary sinus by cone-beam CT(CBCT).

METHODS

A total of 128 patients with single unilateral single maxillary tooth loss were included in the study. CBCT was taken in these patients and the thickness of the maxillary lateral wall, mucosa thickness of sinus floor and sinus septa of the maxillary sinus were recorded and compared with the contralateral side. The bone height from the sinus floor to the ridge crest and the distance between maxillary sinus floor and the vascular anastomosis of maxillary lateral wall were analyzed.

RESULTS

The thickness of maxillary sinus lateral wall and maxillary sinus mucosa were 1.59 (1.22), 1.61(1.95) mm in the maxillary posterior edentulous area and significantly less than those of the contralateral side(1.76[1.10], 1.91[2.23] mm)(P<0.05), and the data was demonstrated using median(quartile range). The difference of the mean number of maxillary sinus septa between the two sides was not statistically significant(P>0.05). There was a negative correlation between the bone height from the sinus floor to the ridge crest and the distance between maxillary sinus floor and the vascular anastomosis of maxillary lateral wall (r= -0.343, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The changes of the thickness of lateral wall of maxillary sinus and maxillary sinus mucosa are closely related to tooth loss. The change of the number of maxillary sinus septa is not related to tooth loss. There is a negative correlation between the bone height from the sinus floor to the ridge crest and the distance between maxillary sinus floor and the vascular anastomosis of maxillary lateral wall.

Differential gene expression of epigenetic modifying enzymes between Tibet pig and Yorkshire in high and low altitudes

Epigenetic modifying enzymes play important roles in the adaptation to hypoxia, although no studies have examined their expression levels in Tibet pigs. The lung is an important functional organ in hypoxia adaptation. In this study, we examined the mRNA expression level of 5 enzymes in the lung of Tibet pigs using real-time polymerase chain reaction to determine the epigenetic performance of hypoxia adaptation. We selected four groups of pig as the study object, which were Tibet pig in highland (TH), Yorkshire in highland (YH), Tibet pig in lowland (TL), Yorkshire in lowland (YL). Expression of Dnmt1 in Tibet pig was higher than that in Yorkshire (P < 0.01), although there was no significant difference between different altitudes within each breed. Expression of Dnmt3a was higher in Tibet pig than that in Yorkshire (P < 0.01), and higher in pigs from highland than that in lowland areas (P < 0.05). Expression of Hdac1 was higher in group TH than in Yorkshire (P < 0.01). Expression of Kdm3a was higher in group TH than in the rest of the groups (P < 0.01). Expression of Uhrf1 was higher in Tibet pig than in Yorkshire (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the expression levels of the 5 epigenetic modifying genes were higher in group TH than in group YH. Under conditions of oxygen deficiency, breed was the most important factor affecting DNA methylation and gene expression.

Eutectic condensation and nucleation in vapor-liquid-solid grown ZnO nanorod arrays on Si substrate

It is very important to understand the growth mechanism of ZnO nanostructures for control of the morphologies and further design of optoelectronic devices. In this paper, the eutectic condensation of Zn vapor and catalyst Au, nucleation and epitaxy of ZnO nanorods were intuitionally observed in chemical vapor deposition process by controlling the temperature and atmosphere. The vertically aligned ZnO nanorod arrays were fabricated on Au-coated Si substrate. A Zn-riched buffer layer was found on Si substrate. Under the atmosphere nearly without O2, it was clearly observed that the nano-sized sprouts appeared on the buffer layer and Au-Zn condensed bigger and bigger with increase of temperature. When the O2 was introduced, the as-grown nanorods almost kept the same size and density with those sprouts grown at the same temperature without O2. The morphologies and composition analysis provided direct evidence for a bottom-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid mechanism of ZnO nanorod arrays on the lattice-mismatched substrate.

Effects of nano-selenium on performance, meat quality, immune function, oxidation resistance, and tissue selenium content in broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of nano-selenium (nano-Se) on performance, meat quality, immune function, oxidation resistance, and tissue selenium content in broilers. A total of five hundred forty 1-d-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 treatments with each treatment being applied to 6 replicates of 18 chicks. The 5 treatments consisted of corn-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 0.0, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/kg of nano-Se. The selenium content of the unsupplemented control diet was 0.09 mg/kg for the starter phase (0 to 21 d) and 0.08 mg/kg for the grower phase (22 to 42 d). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in performance, meat color, or immune organ index (thymus, bursa, and spleen) due to supplementation with nano-Se. On d 42, a significant quadratic effect of nano-Se was observed on glutathione peroxidase activity, free radical inhibition, contents of IgM, glutathione, and malondialdehyde in serum, on glutathione peroxidase activity, free radical inhibition in liver, and on glutathione peroxidase activity in muscle, with birds fed 0.30 mg/kg of nano-Se exhibiting the best effect and birds fed 2.0 mg/kg of nano-Se showing the worst effect on these parameters. Liver and muscle selenium content increased linearly and quadratically as the dietary nano-Se level increased (P < 0.01), and reached the highest value when 2.0 mg/kg of nano-Se was fed. Based on a consideration of all experiment indexes, 0.3 to 0.5 mg/kg is suggested to be the optimum level of supplementation of nano-Se, and the maximum supplementation of nano-Se could not be more than 1.0 mg/kg in broilers.

Identification of chicken eNOS gene and differential expression in highland versus lowland chicken breeds

Nitric oxide (NO), an endothelium-derived relaxing factor, is synthesized from l-arginine by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the endothelium. The objective of the present study was to preliminarily illuminate the expression of the eNOS gene in hypoxic adaptation of chicken embryonic development. The eNOS expression profiles between the Tibet and Shouguang chickens incubated under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions were detected by TaqMan real-time PCR. In this study, the chicken eNOS gene was found by both in silico cloning and RACE approaches. From the eNOS gene, we obtained a 3,310-bp mRNA sequence and a 10,666-bp DNA sequence and discovered that it was located on chicken chromosome 2 and had 7 unique transcripts. eNOS mRNA was detected in abundant amounts in some chick embryo organs (i.e., heart, liver, chorio-allantoic membrane, and lung), and expressed stably with the lowest levels in the brain. We observed that when exposed to hypoxia (13% O(2)) different embryo organ tissues had various sensitivities to hypoxia as determined by their eNOS expression profiles. Compared with the Shouguang chicken, the eNOS expression in the Tibet chicken was higher in the lung and liver, lower in the heart, and similar in the brain. In chorio-allantoic membranes, eNOS expression was higher in the Shouguang chicken than the Tibet chicken under hypoxic conditions, but not markedly different under normoxic conditions. The differences of eNOS expression between the 2 breeds may be relative to the hypoxic adaptation ability in Tibet chickens during embryonic development. This work will provide reference for future studies on the role of eNOS in hypoxic adaptation and response.

Stratifying healthcare costs using the Diabetes Complication Severity Index

OBJECTIVE

We aim to determine whether healthcare costs for patients diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) are associated with the severity of diabetes complications as measured by the Diabetes Complication Severity Index (DCSI).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis was performed on a 2007 primary care cohort of T2DM patients. The DCSI is a 13-point scale, which comprises 7 categories of complications and their severity levels. Healthcare cost data from 2008 and 2009 were used as primary outcome. Inpatient and outpatient costs incurred for services consumed by patients within the provider network were included. Generalized linear model with log-link and gamma distribution was used to predict healthcare costs.

RESULTS

Of the 59,767 T2DM patients, 2977 (5.0%) deaths occurred and 1336 (2.2%) were lost to follow up. Healthcare cost was strongly associated with increase in DCSI score. Compared to patients without complications, those with more complications (higher DCSI score) had an increased risk of higher healthcare costs. Risk ratio (RR) increased from 1.25 (95%CI: 1.19-1.32) for DCSI=1 to 1.61 (1.51-1.72) for DCSI=2; 2.10 (1.91-2.31) for DCSI=3; 2.52 (2.21-2.87) for DCSI=4 and 3.62 (3.09-4.25) for DCSI≥5. As a continuous score, a one-point increase in the DCSI was associated with a cost increase of 27% (95%CI: 1.25-1.29).

CONCLUSION

The DCSI score is a useful tool for predicting direct healthcare costs. The DCSI can be used to triage high-risk patients for more focused secondary prevention interventions at primary care level, in a bid to lower overall healthcare costs.

Structural analysis of a 4414-bp element in Drosophila melanogaster

We cloned a 4414-bp element from a mutant of Drosophila melanogaster. Its insertion site was 18,929,626 bp. Analysis of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences demonstrated that the element is homologous to Pifo_I, first obtained from D. yabuka, which belongs to the gypsy/Ty3 subfamily. We also obtained a 3754-bp length element from a wild-type fly by PCR, with a pair of primers designed from the conserved region of the 4414-bp length element. The two elements included a pair of long terminal repeats and part of the GAG and ENV proteins, but the POL protein was completely lost. This element is found in the subgenus of D. melanogaster, but it is a degenerate type of Pifo_I and is not infective. Also, a 714-bp region structured in 5.0 tandem repeats of 143 bp each was found in the 5'UTR of the degenerate element; these could interact with transcription factor CF2. Phylogenetic analysis and alignment of amino acids indicated that the Pifo_I element was closer to the ZAM retrotransposon, which gave us some clues to their functional similarity. Based on these data, we propose that there is a relationship between the degenerate element and the mutant phenotype, which would provide a foundation for further research.

Comparison of effects of hypoxia on glutathione and activities of related enzymes in livers of Tibet chicken and Silky chicken

The Tibet chicken originates from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and has adapted well to hypoxia, whereas the Silky chicken is a lowland chicken breed from an area with an altitude of 750 m. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether differences exist in glutathione and related metabolism between the Tibet chicken and the Silky chicken when birds were housed in a normoxic or hypoxic chamber for 20 h. Activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase and levels of glutathione were determined spectrophotometrically. Under normoxia conditions and moderate hypoxia (14% oxygen concentration) conditions, no differences were found in levels of total glutathione, reduced glutathione (GSH), disulfide-oxidized glutathione (GSSG), the GSH:GSSG ratio, and activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase between the Tibet chicken and the Silky chicken. Under extreme hypoxia conditions (14% oxygen concentration for 14 h and then 10.5% oxygen concentration for 6 h), values for the GSH content, the GSH:GSSG ratio, and the activity of glutathione reductase in the liver of the Tibet chicken were higher than those of the Silky chicken. The results indicate that the Tibet chicken responded better than the Silky chicken to oxidative stress in extreme hypoxia through glutathione enzymes of detoxification. This work provides reference for future studies on the association of glutathione metabolism with the adaptation to hypoxia.

Variation of meat quality traits among five genotypes of chicken

The main objective of this study was to examine the diversity of meat quality traits among 5 chicken genotypes. The genotypes included 2 Chinese native breeds (Wenchang,WCH, and Xianju), 1 commercial broiler line (Avian, AV), 1 commercial layer line (Hy-Line Brown, HLB), and 1 Chinese commercial broiler line (Lingnanhuang, LNH) synthesized by exotic and native breeds, which were slaughtered at their market ages: 16, 7, 16, and 8 wk, respectively. The effects of genotype, muscle type, and sex on meat quality traits were examined. Birds from slow-growing genotypes (WCH, Xianju, and HLB) exhibited higher shear value, inosine-5'-monophosphate concentration, lower cook loss, and more fat than those from fast-growing genotypes (AV and LNH). Chickens from WCH possessed the lowest expressible moisture, cook loss, and the highest lipid (%) among the 3 slow-growing genotypes. The HLB birds were intermediate in expressible moisture and cook loss and lowest in lipid among all genotypes. The LNH cross birds were similar to AV broilers in most meat quality parameters, although they had a lower shear force value and higher fat content than AV broilers. Breast muscle had higher expressible moisture, shear force, protein (%), inosine-5'-monophosphate content, lower cook loss, and lipid (%) than leg muscle. Muscles from male chickens had higher expressible moisture than those from the females. Variability of meat quality characteristics is mainly related to genotype and muscle type differences.

Influences of hypoxia on hatching performance in chickens with different genetic adaptation to high altitude

The experiments were conducted to assess how hatching performance is affected by chicken breeds and environment of high altitude and to analyze the vital factor of the low hatchability at a 2,900-m altitude. Eggs of Tibetan and Dwarf chickens were incubated at conditions of normobaric normoxia, normobaric hypoxia, hypobaric hypoxia, and supplemental O2 at high altitude (hypobaric normoxia) during the whole incubation or at 0 to 7, 8 to 14, and 15 to 22 d of incubation, respectively. The results showed that the Tibetan chickens had greater hatchability (79.72%), lower water loss (12.90%), greater relative embryo weight (38.08%), and relative chick weight (68.41%) compared with the Dwarf chickens (31.69, 15.79, 30.71, and 65.21%, respectively) when both of them were incubated at a 2,900-m altitude. The hatchability was 71.60% in Tibetan chicken and 36.23% in Dwarf chicken under the normobaric hypoxia condition. The hatchability of chicken was efficiently increased with supplemental O2. The previous results indicated that the O2 deficit is the main factor resulting in the low hatchability and the poor chick quality of the lowland chicken breed when incubated at a 2,900-m altitude. Breeding chickens for adaptability to hypoxia and supplemental O2 is a good way to improve the hatchability and chick quality at that altitude.

Short Communication: Changes in Micromineral, Magnesium, Cytokine, and Cortisol Concentrations in Blood of Dairy Goats Following Intramammary Inoculation with Staphylococcus aureus

The aim of this study was to investigate mineral metabolism and immune response in dairy goats following intramammary inoculation with varying doses of Staphylococcus aureus. Blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after intramammary inoculation. Lowered plasma Fe concentrations were observed from 12 to 24 h postinoculation in groups SAA (Staph. aureus at 10(4) cfu, n = 5) and SAB (Staph. aureus at 10(8) cfu, n = 5). Plasma Cu concentrations increased in group SAB 2 h after inoculation and maintained greater concentrations until the end of the experiment compared with the control group (phosphate-buffered saline, n = 5). Increased plasma Zn concentrations in group SAB were observed 48 h after inoculation, and the concentration was still greater 72 h after inoculation compared with the control group. Greater plasma Mg concentrations were detected in groups SAA and SAB compared with the control group at all timepoints after inoculation. Plasma Mg concentrations were generally greater in group SAA than in group SAB through 72 h (except at 2 h). Plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations were unchanged following intramammary inoculation with Staph. aureus throughout the study. Plasma IL-6 concentrations in groups SAA and SAB increased gradually compared with the control group and peaked at 48 h after inoculation. In group SAB, serum cortisol concentrations started to increase from 8 h postinoculation and peaked at 12 h postinoculation. In conclusion, increasing the inoculum dose does not induce more rapid proinflammatory cytokine responses, whereas the data indicate that mineral metabolic alterations occur during the course of Staph. aureus mastitis in the goat.

Blood characteristics for high altitude adaptation in Tibetan chickens

Tibetan chickens, a unique chicken breed native to high altitude, have good adaptation to hypoxia. The experiment was conducted to determine the adaptive blood characteristics in Tibetan chickens. Fertile eggs from Tibetan and Dwarf Recessive White chickens were incubated, and the chicks were reared until 10 wk of age at low altitude (100 m) and high altitude (2,900 m). At 1 d and 2, 6, and 10 wk of age, the hematological characteristics, blood gas value, and blood volume were measured. Tibetan chickens had more red blood cells (RBC), smaller mean cell volume, lower pH and partial pressure of oxygen, and higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide at high altitude and had lower blood volume, erythrocyte volume, and plasma volume at low and high altitude than Dwarf Recessive White chickens. Tibetan chickens reared at high altitude retained a high level of RBC and a stable level of hematocrit from younger to older, but Dwarf Recessive White chickens reared at high altitude presented an increase in RBC and hematocrit values. It was concluded the adaptation was achieved in Tibetan chickens by increase in RBC and blood oxygen affinity, decrease in mean cell volume, and reducing susceptivity to hypocapnia.

Blood gas, hemoglobin, and growth of Tibetan chicken embryos incubated at high altitude

Metabolism and hatchability are impaired when chicken eggs laid at sea level are incubated at high altitude. The Tibetan chicken is an excellent local poultry breed that inhabits altitudes of 2,900 m and has a hatchability of approximately 75% at that altitude. To understand how Tibetan chicken embryos develop successfully at high altitude, we compared blood gas, pH, hemoglobin concentrations and embryo mass for Tibetan chicken embryos (T) and for embryos from a dwarf breed (D) that normally is reared at sea level. The 2 breeds (T and D) and 2 incubation altitudes (2,900 m = high, H; and 100 m = low, L) were compared at 9, 12, 15, and 18 d of incubation. Embryo weights were lower for the high altitude groups (TH, DH) than for the low altitude groups at all stages of incubation. The embryo mass of TH appeared to increase more quickly than that of DH. Compared with DH, TH embryos had lower arterialized oxygen partial pressure on d 18, higher venous carbon dioxide partial pressure from d 12 to 18, and higher hemoglobin concentration and lower venous blood pH values on d 12 and 15. These findings indicate that the ability of the Tibetan chicken embryos to adapt to the high altitude may be due to the increase in hemoglobin concentration, which augments the blood oxygen-carrying capacity. In addition, the higher venous carbon dioxide partial pressure and lower venous blood pH promote unloading of oxygen from hemoglobin.

Ghrelin and truncated ghrelin variant plasmid vectors administration into skeletal muscle augments long-term growth in rats

Ghrelin is an acylated peptide recently identified as an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone (GH) secretagogues (GHSs) receptor (GHS-R) and is involved in a novel system for regulating GH release. To study the biological activities of ghrelin using plasmid vector administration, we constructed myogenic expression vectors containing the full length cDNA of swine ghrelin-28 (pGEM-wt-sGhln) and truncated variant (pGEM-tmt-sGhln) consisting of the first seven residues of ghrelin (including Ser3 substituted with Trp3) with addition of a basic amino acid, Lys (K) at the C-terminus. After intramuscular injection of pGEM-wt-sGhln and pGEM-tmt-sGhln, RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the ectopic expressions of ghrelin and its variant were observed 30 days post-injection. The level of GH increased in rat serum, and was significantly higher than that of the control group 20 days post-injection with pGEM-tmt-sGhln (P < 0.05). Administration of 150 microg of pGEM-wt-sGhln and pGEM-tmt-sGhln enhanced growth in rats over 30 days and great stimulatory responses were observed at day 10 and 20 post-injection respectively, whose body weight gains were on average 15% (P < 0.05) and 21% P < 0.033 significantly heavier than controls. These results suggested that skeletal muscle might have the potential to perform post-translational acylation for ghrelin, and short ghrelin variant might have the biological effects as wild type ghrelin.

Identification of three SNPs in the porcine myostatin gene (MSTN)

Thirteen pairs of primers were designed for the entire porcine MSTN gene to enable PCR amplification for the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by a PCR-SSCP approach. Altogether 96.5% (1089/1128) of the encoding regions and 971 bp of the non-coding regions were screened. A total of three polymorphisms were identified with PCR-SSCP. They were located in the promoter, intron one and exon three regions of the gene. These polymorphisms were then confirmed to be point mutations (T --> A transversion, G --> A transition and C --> T transition respectively) by sequencing. Allele frequencies were determined for all three SNPs in several different pig breed populations. The polymorphisms were found to be rare in Western breeds, but much more common in Chinese breeds. Whether they have any relationship with the marked difference in lean meat mass between Western and Chinese breeds requires further study.

Cloning and sequencing of quail and pigeon prion genes

Quail and pigeon PrP genes were cloned and sequenced. Like mammalian PrP genes, quail and pigeon genes are encoded by a single exon of a single copy gene in the genome. All of the structural features of mammalian PrP genes were found in the quail and pigeon PrP gene. Compared with the nucleotide sequences of mammalian PrP, they display generally 30% similarity. When compared with chicken PrP's DNA sequence, they show a higher homology (90%), and an even higher homology (99%) when compared to each other. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to trace the evolution of the prion gene in animals.

[Genetic analysis of important growth trait based on F-2 resource population in chicken]

A three-generation of chicken population is being constructed for mapping multi-economical trait loci where three extremely divergent breeds, including a broiler breed(A), a layer breed(B) and white-silk chicken(C) were employed for reciprocal cross. Four cross combinations of A Male x C Female, C Male x A Female; B Male x C Female, C Male x B Female were performed with 277 individuals in total parental population. According to the statistic analysis for growth trait, difference between parental lines is significant, F2 generation attains great variation. Correlations among body weight and daily gain traits are significant and relative coefficient are moderate or high. The number at QTL loci is expected to be no more than 10, and based on the theoretical computation the sample size of this resource population is sufficient for QTL mapping.

[Analysis on single nucleotide polymorphisms of porcine myostatin gene in different breeds]

By PCR-RFLPs and PCR-SSCP approach, three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of porcine myostatin gene (MSTN) were analyzed in different breeds including "doubled-muscled" Yorkshire, Yorkshire, Landrace, Hamshire, Duroc, Piteran, Erhualian, Min, Hubei White and some hybrids. The three SNPs were located in the 3' encoding region, 5' promoter region and intronl region respectively. For the SNP in the 3' encoding region, which was caused by C-->T transition, the mutation frequency was relatively low: no TT genotype was detected in 274 individuals of different breeds. For the SNP in the 5' promoter region, 560 pigs were investigated. The allele T dominates in the imported lean-type pig breeds such as Yorkshire, Landrace, Duroc, Hampshire, Piteran and hybrid, however, in Erhualian and Hubei White pigs, the allele A was in majority. Polymorphism showed the similar pattern for the SNP in intron 1 region. G was the dominant allele in Yorkshire, Landrace and their hybrids, while in Erhualian and Hubei White pigs the frequency of A was much higher. Obviously they were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium state. For Min and Yorshire x Erhualian pigs, they were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium state for the SNPs in the 5' promoter region and (or) intron 1 region. The frequency for the A alleles of SNPs in the 5' promoter region and intron 1 region was higher for "double-muscled" Yorkshire than for Yorkshire and linkage for these two mutation sites was also observed.

[Production of transgenic lamb integrated with modified human anti-trypsin gene]

This experiment is to produce the human mAAT(modified anti-trypsin) which cures the emphysema specifically through mammalian galactophore of transgenic goat. 56 goats were selected as donor for superovulation by FSF + LH microinjection in this experiment. The pronucleic embryos were injected with human mAAT gene after fertilization in vivo, and transferred to the donors or receptors directly. The superovulation was better in March and May than in December with the number of ovulation of 19.50, 21.70 and 16.06, and number of fertilized embryos of 4.31, 6.48 and 3.57 per-animal respectively. The pregnant rates were 18.18% and 25% respectively after transferred to donors and receptors with natural estrus. The donors also can be used as the embryo receptor with no remarkable decrease of pregnant rate. 29 lamb were labored. 4 positive transgenic lamb were checked by PCR, PCR-Southern and Southern analysis. The integrated efficiency of foreign DNA was 13.79% with microinjection of high copy number of foreign DNA fragment.

[Genetic analysis on litter size in pigs]

Genetic analysis was conducted on the data of 3 populations with 1,686 litters including Erhualian pig, Large White and first cross. The results indicated that the heritability estimates for the total number of piglets born, the number of piglets born alive, the number of piglets at 20 d and at 45 d were 0.081, 0.156, 0.402 and 0.419, respectively. The major gene index analysis indicated that the prolificacy of Erhualian pig was influenced by major genes.

[Construction of chicken hypothalamus cDNA library and primary analysis of ESTs sequences from partial clones]

Using hypothalamus as material and lambda gt10 as vector, chicken hypothalamus cDNA library has been constructed. The results showed that the titration of the cDNA library we constructed was 3.8 x 10(6), and the fragment length of inserted DNA ranged mainly from 1.0-3.0 kb. The ESTs was sequenced and primarily analyzed for ten clones randomly selected from above library. After analysis with BLASTn and FASTA3.1, it was found that four ESTs developed matched homologous sequence in chicken, four also had similar sequences in human and other species, have other two sequences were function-unknown gene. The sequences of ten ESTs we studied have been loaded into GenBank.

[PCR-SSCP and sequencing analysis on 5' terminal region of mtDNA control region in sheep]

PCR-SSCP and sequencing of the left domain in ovine mitochondrial control region revealed that all 202 sheep from Small Tail Han sheep, Wuzhumuqin sheep, Hu Yang, Suffol, Sharolai and hybrids between Dorset (Male) and Small Tail Han sheep (Female) can be classified into two types: common type and mutation type, this result suggested that modern domestic sheep originate from two main ancestors.

[Genetic analysis of sow productivity traits]

Genetic analysis was conducted on the data of 3 populations with 1686 litters including Erhualian pigs, Large White and first cross. The phenotypic and genetic parameters among litter weight at birth (LW), average piglet weight at birth (APW), litter weight at 20 days (LW20), average piglet weight at 20 days (APW20), litter weight at 45 days (LW45), average piglet weight at 45 days (APW45) were estimated by sire model. The results indicated that Erhualian pigs had stronger maternal ability and slower growth rate compared to Large White. The first four traits (LW, APW, LW20, APW20) had larger maternal effects, while LW45 and APW45 had smaller maternal effects. The heritabilities of LW, APW, LW20, APW20, LW45, APW45 were 0.251, 0.277, 0.341, 0.330, 0.235, 0.186, respectively. The results indicated that direct selection was effective. According to our results, we considered that it was fit to select two traits (LW, LW20) out of these six traits to reflect sow productivity. Litter weight at birth could reflect the prolificacy of sow, litter weight at 20 days could reflect the maternal ability of sow.

[The genetic effect of estrogen receptor(ESR) on litter size traits in pig]

Litter size is one of the most important economic traits in pig production, and the more piglet numbers per litter is capable to increase pork production and bring more economic profit for pig industry. ESR (estrogen receptor) gene has been determined to be one of the major genes affecting phenotype of litter size without any genetic negative correlation to growth and carcass traits. An optimized standard PCR-RFLP protocol is employed to type 262 sows from 5 different breeds in ESR loci, and then with the computation based on linear model ESR gene is confirmed to be a major locus significantly associated with litter size (P < 0.001). The genetic effect of ESR gene is quite large in these breeds, especially in these Chinese pig population. The sows of beneficial homozygote BB produce 1.40-3.37 total number born/litter and 0.63-3.58 number born alive/litter more than the sows of non-beneficial homozygote AA do. The information found in the present study is very important and could be utilized as DNA marker for improvement of reproduction trait in practice of pig breeding.

[Molecular analysis of polymorphisms for B-LII beta(beta 1 exon) locus in some Chinese native chicken]

Molecular genetic polymorphisms were studied for MHC-B-LII beta(beta 1 exon) locus in ten breeds of chicken by PCR-RFLPs. Thirty-seven genotypes were detected in these chicken. In the 305 bp fragment derived from MHC-B-LII beta(beta 1 exon) locus digested with Hha I, EcoRV, HaeIII, Xba I, there were significant difference with the frequencies of genotype and combined genotype among individuals or breeds. Statistical results showed Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in polymorphic sites were inconsistent among various breeds. Sequencing results suggested there are more polymorphism at the level of amino acid than at that of nucleotide. Furthermore, as antigen binding site, the highly polymorphisms of beta 1 exon sequence was a reflection to the antigen diversity of immune systems. Moreover, it was implied that there was highly association between genetic polymorphisms of beta 1 exon and reproduction performance in chicken.

[Research on constructing phylogenetics trees of ruminants basing on the database of milk protein gene sequences]

Primers designed according to the sequences of four milk protein genes of cow Bos taurus (alpha-lactoalbumin, beta-lactoglobin, beta- and kappa-casein) were used to amplify the full length gene of alpha-lactalbumin in yak Bos grunniens (2999 bp), water buffalo Bubalus arnee bubalis (278 bp), partial sequence of this gene in red deer cervus elaphs xanthopygus (1582 bp), 5' and 3' flanking region of beta-lactoglobin gene (2167 bp and 1096 bp in length respectively), 5'-flanking region and exon VIII to exon IX of beta-casein gene (987 bp and 1096 bp in length respectively), exonIV of kappa-casein gene (780 bp). All the amplified DNA fragments were cloned and the Nt sequences were determined. Phylogenetic tree containing 20 species (or subspecies) of ruminantia suborder was constructed according to the partial sequence of kappa-casein gene exon IV (363 bp in length), which shows good monophyly of the Bovidae. And trees constructed according to other milk protein genes indicate that all the milk protein genes have good features for drawing phylogenetics tree at least among species belonging to different subfamilies.

[Molecular cloning and analysing of porcine obese cDNA]

Obese gene (ob) is a novel gene cloned recently. The product of ob gene Leptin is an important signal reflecting body fat mass and controlling body weight. In this study the complete nucleotide sequences of porcine ob cDNA were identified, and the homology with ob genes from other species was also compared. The porcine fat cDNA was constructed based on lambda Uni-ZAP system. The primers designed on the consensus region of human and mouse ob gene were employed to perform PCR-screening of the cDNA library, and a 366 bp DNA fragment amplified from total RNA of pig fat cells was used to confirm positives as a hybridization probe. The complete ob cDNA with 3277 bp in length was cloned and sequenced. The nucleotide sequences of ob genes between different species were very conservative. The overall identity of ob nucleotide sequences was 88.5% between pig and human, 84.7% between pig and mouse. The homology of ob amino acid sequences was 86.0% between pig and human. 83.4% between pig and mouse. The result of RT-PCR for transcripts detection of pig ob gene indicate that ob gene was expressed not only mainly in adipose tissue but also slightly in other tissues such as kidney, liver, spleen, heart and muscle, which imply that expression nature of pig ob gene is different from that of human and mouse ob gene.

Analysis of weak-anchoring effect in nematic liquid crystals

A generalized Rapini-Papoular-type anchoring energy formula [J. Phys. (Paris) Colloq. 30, C4-54 (1969)] with two coupling constants is established through a second-order spherical-harmonic expansion. Using this formula, we analyze the threshold and saturation properties of twisted nematic devices with unidirectional planar anchorage, assuming that the azimuthal and polar anchoring strengths are both finite and distinct from each other. We also discuss the voltage-controlled-twist effect [G. P. Bryan-Brown et al., Nature (London) 392, 365 (1998)]. It is shown that the predicted behavior is consistent with the experimental observations.

Analysis of compression-induced chiral phase separation in Langmuir monolayers

We analyze the compression-induced chiral phase separation (CPS) in Langmuir films, taking into account the elastic theory of liquid crystals and the mixing energy of the two constituent enantiomers. The difference between the Selinger-Wang-Bruinsma-Knobler theory [J. V. Selinger et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 70, 1139 (1993)] and our treatment is that we do not introduce the concentration-square-gradient term in the free energy, but alternatively take into account a line tension at CPS boundaries. Our model predicts that a two-domain pattern with opposite chiralities is energy minimized, but a multistripe pattern with two alternate constant chiralities is also possible, though metastable. This offers a tentative explanation for the CPS pattern consisting of homogeneously oriented stripes with diverse widths observed by Eckhardt et al. [Nature (London) 362, 614 (1993)].

Analysis of the Dielectric Relaxation Property of Phospholipid Monolayers by Maxwell Displacement Current Measurement

Using the Maxwell displacement current (MDC) measurement with alternating monolayer compression and expansion process, the dielectric property of monolayers has been investigated. The monolayer expansion and compression processes were analyzed on the basis of the Debye theory, and the relaxation time of dl-alpha-dilaurylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC) was determined using a whole curve of MDCs. It was suggested that the interaction among molecules makes a contribution to the dielectric relaxation phenomena, although the change in the orientational order of polar molecules is a main contribution of MDC. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.