Effect of grape pomace supplement on growth performance, gastrointestinal microbiota, and methane production in Tan lambs

Grape pomace (GP), a by-product in wine production, is nutritious and can be used as a feed ingredient for ruminants; however, its role in shaping sheep gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota is unclear. We conducted a controlled trial using a randomized block design with 10 Tan lambs fed a control diet (CD) and 10 Tan lambs fed a pelleted diet containing 8% GP (dry matter basis) for 46 days. Rumen, jejunum, cecum, and colon bacterial and archaeal composition were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Dry matter intake (DMI) was greater (p < 0.05) in the GP than CD group; however, there was no difference in average daily gain (ADG, p < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR, p < 0.05) between the two groups. The GP group had a greater abundance of Prevotella 1 and Prevotella 7 in the rumen; of Sharpe, Ruminococcaceae 2, and [Ruminococcus] gauvreauii group in the jejunum; of Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 and Romboutsia in the cecum, and Prevotella UCG-001 in the colon; but lesser Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group in the rumen and cecum, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 and Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 in the colon than the CD group. The pathways of carbohydrate metabolism, such as L-rhamnose degradation in the rumen, starch and glycogen degradation in the jejunum, galactose degradation in the cecum, and mixed acid fermentation and mannan degradation in the colon were up-graded; whereas, the pathways of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle VIII, and pyruvate fermentation to acetone in the rumen and colon were down-graded with GP. The archaeal incomplete reductive TCA cycle was enriched in the rumen, jejunum, and colon; whereas, the methanogenesis from H2 and CO2, the cofactors of methanogenesis, including coenzyme M, coenzyme B, and factor 420 biosynthesis were decreased in the colon. The study concluded that a diet including GP at 8% DM did not affect ADG or FCR in Tan lambs. However, there were some potential benefits, such as enhancing propionate production by microbiota and pathways in the GIT, promoting B-vitamin production in the rumen, facilitating starch degradation and amino acid biosynthesis in the jejunum, and reducing methanogenesis in the colon.

Comparative Analysis of the PYL Gene Family in Three Ipomoea Species and the Expression Profiling of IbPYL Genes during Abiotic Stress Response in Sweetpotato

Abscisic acid (ABA), a critical phytohormone that regulates plant development and stress response, is sensed by the ABA receptors PYR/PYL/RCAR (PYLs). The PYL genes have been widely studied in multiple plant species, while a systematic analysis of PYL genes in the genus Ipomoea remains unperformed. Here, a total of 13, 14, and 14 PYLs were identified in Ipomoea batatas, Ipomoea trifida, and Ipomoea triloba, respectively. Fragment duplication was speculated to play prominent roles in Ipomoea PYL gene expansions. These Ipomoea PYLs were classified into three subfamilies via phylogenetic analysis, which was supported by exon-intron structures and conserved motif analyses. Additionally, the interspecies collinearity analysis further depicted a potential evolutionary relationship between them. Moreover, qRT-PCR analysis showed that multiple IbPYLs are highly and differentially responsive to abiotic stress treatments, suggesting their potential roles in sweetpotato stress responses. Taken together, these data provide valuable insights into the PYLs in the genus Ipomoea, which may be useful for their further functional analysis of their defense against environmental changes.

Effects of soil ingestion on nutrient digestibility and rumen bacterial diversity of Tibetan sheep

Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) are the most numerous livestock in Tibet Plateau pasture ecosystem and have strong ecological adaptability. In the natural grazing system, soil as a natural nutrient carrier and involuntarily or intentionally ingested by Tibetan sheep contribute as an important feed approach. However, quantifying the dosages of soil ingestion for the Tibetan sheep still needs to be clarified. This study aims to characterize nutrient digestibility and rumen bacterial communities by Tibetan sheep in response to different levels of soil ingestion. Thirty sheep were selected and divided into five treatments with soil ingestion (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). The conclusion demonstrated that soil ingestion improved the dry matter digestibility (59.3-62.97%), ether extract (59.79-67.87%) and crude protein (59.81-66.47%) digestibility, particularly 10% soil ingestion has highest nutrient digestibility. The rumen fermentation environment adjusted after soil ingestion by improvement of pH, ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acids. Appropriate soil ingestion reduced the bacterial diversity ranged from 946 to 1000 OUTs as compared control (1012), and the rumen bacterial community dominant by typical fiber digestion associated Firmicutes (47.48-53.56%), Bacteroidetes (34.93-40.02%) and Fibrobacteres (4.36-9.27%). Especially, the highest digestible feed capacity and stronger environment adaptability present in 10% soil ingestion Tibetan sheep. Overall, soil ingestion stimulates rumen metabolism by creating a favorable environment for microbial fermentation, improved bacterial community abundance associated with cellulose and saccharide degradation, contribute nutrient digestibility and growth performance of Tibetan sheep.

Production and characterization of a novel interspecific somatic hybrid combining drought tolerance and high quality of sweet potato and Ipomoea triloba L

A novel interspecific somatic hybrid combining drought tolerance and high quality of sweet potato and Ipomoea triloba L. was obtained and its genetic and epigenetic variations were studied. Somatic hybridization can be used to overcome the cross-incompatibility between sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) and its wild relatives and transfer useful and desirable genes from wild relatives to cultivated plants. However, most of the interspecific somatic hybrids obtained to date cannot produce storage roots and do not exhibit agronomic characters. In the present study, a novel interspecific somatic hybrid, named XT1, was obtained through protoplast fusion between sweet potato cv. Xushu 18 and its wild relative I. triloba. This somatic hybrid produced storage roots and exhibited significantly higher drought tolerance and quality compared with its cultivated parent Xushu 18. Transcriptome and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses revealed that the well-known drought stress-responsive genes in XT1 and I. triloba were significantly up-regulated under drought stress. The genomic structural reconstructions between the two genomes of the fusion parents in XT1 were confirmed using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and specific nuclear and cytoplasmic DNA markers. The DNA methylation variations were characterized by methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP). This study not only reveals the significance of somatic hybridization in the genetic improvement of sweet potato but also provides valuable materials and knowledge for further investigating the mechanism of storage root formation in sweet potato.

miRNA-mRNA associations with inosine monophosphate specific deposition in the muscle of Jingyuan chicken

1. Inosine monophosphate (IMP), is an essential component for meat flavour and microRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in its post-transcriptional regulation. However, the mechanism of how miRNA expression affects muscle-specific IMP deposition is unclear.2. The following study performed transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of breast and leg muscle, which have significantly different IMP content in Jingyuan chicken. The differential miRNA-mRNAs were screened out and correlation analysis with IMP content was performed.3. A total of 39 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) and 666 differentially expressed mRNAs (DE mRNAs) were identified between breast muscles and leg muscles. Using miRNA-mRNA integrated analysis, 29 miRNA-target gene pairs were obtained, composed of 13 DE miRNAs and 28 DE mRNAs. Next, purine metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism and the biosynthesis of amino acid pathways as necessary for muscle IMP-specific deposition were identified. The differentially expressed gene PKM2, which was significantly enriched in all four pathways, is involved in IMP anabolism in the form of energy metabolism and enzyme activity regulation. The correlation analysis suggested that the gga-miR-107-3p-KLHDC2 negative interaction may be a key regulator in IMP deposition.4. This study explores the functional mechanism of IMP-specific deposition in Jingyuan chicken muscles at the miRNA and mRNA levels and highlights multiple candidate miRNAs and mRNAs for molecular-assisted breeding.

The mechanism of Epimedium in the treatment of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro studies

OBJECTIVE

There are many challenges related to the treatment of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD). Studies have confirmed that Epimedium extract inhibits myocardial injury induced by myocardial ischaemia, but the mechanism of action remains unclear. This study aimed at analysed the effective components and mechanisms of Epimedium in treating CAD based on network pharmacology and molecular docking studies and to verify the mechanism in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The TCMSP and UniProt databases were used to filter for the active components and drug targets of Epimedium. The GeneCards database was used to screen disease targets associated with CAD. The intersection of the drug targets of Epimedium and the disease targets of coronary heart disease was studied to identify the targets of Epimedium in the treatment of CAD. Cytoscape software was used to establish and analyse an activity-target network. The STRING database was used to analyse a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and proteins in the PPI network were visualized in the R language. Bioconductor software was used for GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, and visualization analysis was performed in the R language. PyMOL software was used to verify the molecular docking between selected active components of Epimedium and the targets of CAD, and the potential key effective components of Epimedium in the treatment of coronary heart disease were identified. The involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway was validated by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

(1) Twenty-three active compounds, including Epimedium glycoside, quercetin, luteolin, and olive resin, were screened out. There were 68 common targets of Epimedium and CAD, including IL-6, ESR1, RELA, FOS, NCOA1, CCND1, EGFR, MAPK8, VEGFA, and CASP8. The potential signaling pathways involved in the treatment of CAD by Epimedium included the human cytomegalovirus infection pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, and the HIF-1 signaling pathway. (2) Luteolin, quercetin, sitosterol, and anhydroicaritin showed strong binding to targets of CAD based on molecular docking studies. (3) Epimedium extract increased the expression of PI3K, Akt and P-Akt but decreased the expression of IL-6  in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Icariin, quercetin and luteolin may act on target proteins, including IL-6, ESR1, EGFR, MAPK8, VEGFA and CASP8, to participate in the regulation of the human cytomegalovirus infection pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway and other signaling pathways in order to effectively treat CAD. (2) In vitro studies confirmed that Epimedium extract can treat CAD by upregulating PI3K, Akt and P-Akt protein expression and downregulating IL-6 protein expression in SD rat cardiomyocytes.

Evaluation of cold tolerance of seven walnut varieties

BACKGROUND

Winter injury often threatens phenology and walnut survival in late spring and winter in northern areas of China.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed at evaluating seven walnut varieties which have superior economic traits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mature functional leaves were observed by paraffin section and the related anatomical structure indices were measured. The stem segments were placed at six temperatures [4 (control), -10, -15, -20, -25, -30 degree C] for low temperature stress treatment, and the relevant indices were measured.

RESULTS

The thickness of palisade tissue (PT), sponge tissue (ST) and the PT/ST of Wen185 was significantly higher than in Longboxiang 2, Longboxiang 3 and Suizhuang. However, the leaf thickness (LT) of Longboxiang 3 was markedly lower than that of other varieties. With the decrease in temperature, relative electrolyte leakage (REL), proline (Pro) and soluble sugar content (SS) of all varieties increased, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities showed a rise and fall trend. According to the LT50, the cold tolerance of seven walnut varieties was ranked from high to low, viz. Yuanlin > Wen185 > Xiangling > Suizhuang > Qingxiang > Longboxiang 2 > Longboxiang 3.

CONCLUSION

The variety Yuanlin can adapt to low temperature and should be widely promoted. doi.org/10.54680/fr22210110312.

Dietary supplementation of hemp oil in teddy dogs: Effect on apparent nutrient digestibility, blood biochemistry and metabolomics

Present study aimed to evaluate the influence of distinct concentration of dietary supplements hemp oil on apparent nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical parameters and metabolomics of teddy dogs. A total of 25 healthy teddy dogs were selected and divided into five treatments according to diet supplements hemp oil at a rate of 0% (A), 0.5% (B), 1% (C), 2% (D), and 4% (E). Appropriate added hemp oil improved apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and crude fat (86.32–88.08%, 86.87–88.87% and 96.76–97.43%). The hemp oil significantly increased blood biochemical of utilization related total protein, albumin and globulin (61.33–69.54, 35.08–40.38 and 26.53–31.63 g/L), immunity capacity related immunoglobulin E and γ-interferon (203–347kU/L and 23.04–25.78ng/L), energy-related thyroxine and triiodothyronine (27.11–36.75 and 0.94–1.67 nmol/L). In addition, hemp oil improved superoxide dismutation (26.47–33.02 U/ml) and reduced malondialdehyde (5.30–3.28 nmol/ml). The differential metabolites mainly included nucleotides and metabolites of oxidized lipids, bile and other fatty acids, coenzymes and vitamins. The main metabolic pathways included purine and arachidonic acid metabolism, bile and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, cell oxidative phosphorylation and rheumatoid arthritis. Overall, appropriate dietary supplements hemp oil positively to nutrient digestibility and blood metabolism, immunity and antioxidant capacity, 1% to 2% hemp oil supplements was recommended for teddy dog diet.

Modulation of broiler plasma metabolic spectrum by the addition of lysine residue to the diet

Flavour is an important factor in evaluating meat quality, and amino acids and fats are important components affecting meat flavour. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between the variation of lysine residue addition and the slaughter performance and meat quality of broilers, which decreased with the addition of lysine residues but improved the meat quality of the broilers. 10% lysine residue addition was the most beneficial for reducing feed cost and improving meat quality. Meanwhile, the plasma metabolites of broilers fed increasing concentrations of lysine residue supplemented feeds were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used screen, the differential metabolites induced by lysine residue. In the broilers 29, 37, 63, 87, 80 and 111 differential metabolites were detected (p < 0.05). Amongst them, 3-iodotyrosine, N-methyl-L-glutamic acid, coumaraldehyde, 2-dimethylphenol, N-methylnicotinamide and L-erythrone were the common differential metabolites between group A and groups B, C, D, E, F and G. The addition of lysine residue was positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.05, r = 0.942) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05, r = 0.798) and negatively correlated with aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.05, r = 0.822). According to the classification of differential metabolites and their enriched pathway analysis, differential metabolites mainly caused changes in amino acid and lipid metabolism. Our study shows that a certain proportion of lysine residue in diet affects the specific metabolic pathway of broilers, which may affect amino acid and fat metabolism by regulating alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, ultimately affecting the flavour.

Underlying mechanisms of phosphodiesterase 10A and glutamate-ammonia ligase genes that regulate inosine monophosphate deposition and thereby affect muscle tenderness in Jingyuan chickens

Objective

Inosine monophosphate (IMP) is a key factor that imparts of meat flavor. Differences in the IMP content in the muscles were evaluated to improve chicken meat quality.

Methods

For this study, the IMP content was detected by high performance liquid chromatography. The gene expression profiles of Jingyuan chickens with different feeding patterns and different sexes were analyzed by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq).

Results

Breast muscle IMP content in free-range chickens was extremely significantly higher than that of caged chickens (p < 0.01). Breast muscle IMP content in hens was also higher than that of cocks, but the difference was not significant. Correlation analysis showed that the breast muscle IMP content in caged hens and cocks was negatively correlated with the shear force, and the breast muscle IMP content in free-range hens was significantly negatively correlated with the shear force (p < 0.05). The two key genes associated with IMP synthesis in chickens with different feeding patterns were glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) and phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the GLUL and PDE10A genes are involved in glutamine biosynthesis and purine salvage pathways respectively. In addition, GLUL expression was positively correlated with the IMP content in caged and free-range chickens, and PDE10A expression was significantly positively correlated with the IMP content in caged and free-range chickens (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings will facilitate the comprehension of the deposition of IMP in the muscles and thereby aid the process of selection and breeding of good quality local chickens.

Cross-talk Between Histone and DNA Methylation Mediates Bone Loss in Hind Limb Unloading

Bone loss induced by mechanical unloading is a common skeletal disease, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. The current study investigated the role of histone methylation, a key epigenetic marker, and its cross-talk with DNA methylation in bone loss induced by mechanical unloading. The expression of G9a, ubiquitin-like with PHD and ring finger domains 1 (UHRF1), and DNA methylation transferase 1 (DNMT1) were increased in hind limb unloading (HLU) rats. This was accompanied by an increased level of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) di-/tri-methylation at lncH19 promoter. Then, alteration of G9a, DNMT1, or UHRF1 expression significantly affected lncH19 level and osteogenic activity in UMR106 cells. Osteogenic gene expression and matrix mineralization were robustly promoted after simultaneous knockdown of G9a, DNMT1, and UHRF1. Furthermore, physical interactions of lncH19 promoter with G9a and DNMT1, as well as direct interactions among DNMT1, G9a, and UHRF1 were detected. Importantly, overexpression of DNMT1, G9a, or UHRF1, respectively, resulted in enrichment of H3K9me2/me3 and 5-methylcytosine at lncH19 promoter. Finally, in vivo rescue experiments indicated that knockdown of DNMT1, G9a, or UHRF1 significantly relieved bone loss in HLU rats. In conclusion, our research demonstrated the critical role of H3K9 methylation and its cross-talk with DNA methylation in regulating lncH19 expression and bone loss in HLU rats. Combined targeting of DNMT1, G9a, and UHRF1 could be a promising strategy for the treatment of bone loss induced by mechanical unloading. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Research progress on inosine monophosphate deposition mechanism in chicken muscle

With the continuous improvements in human diet, there is an ever-increasing demand for high-quality chicken, so it is particularly important for poultry breeders to carry out the breeding of high-quality broilers in a timely fashion. Inosine monophosphate (IMP) is a flavor-enhancing substance, which plays a critical role in the umami taste of the muscle, making the content of IMP an important umami taste indicator. Currently, research on the deposition mechanism of IMP in chicken is not only necessary for chicken breeders to promote the production of high-quality meat and poultry but also to meet the human demand for chicken meat. In this paper, the research history of IMP, its structure and taste mechanisms, the pathway and influencing factors of de novo IMP synthesis, and the key genes regulating IMP synthesis and metabolism are briefly summarized. Our aim was to lay a theoretical foundation and provide scientific background and research directions for further research on high-quality broiler breeding.

Cloning expression and immunogenicity analysis of inhibin gene in Ye Mule Aries sheep

Background

Ye Mule Aries sheep is one of the most important sheep breeds in Xinjiang, China. This breed is well adapted to harsh environmental conditions and displays strong disease resistance, fast growth, and high cold tolerance. To analyze the clonal expression and immunogenicity of the Ye Mule Aries sheep inhibin gene, total RNA was extracted from sheep ovarian tissue and used as a template to generate a eukaryotic expression vector and study inhibin immunogenicity.

Methods

Primers were designed to amplify the inhibin A gene via polymerase chain reaction and the amplified product was cloned between the ScalI and EcoRI restriction sites of the expression vector pEGFP-N1 to construct a recombinant plasmid, pEGFP-INHα. Following the validation of successful cloning, the pEGFP-INHα plasmid was transfected into BHK cells to verify expression in eukaryotes and subsequently utilized as an antigen in rabbits. Rabbits were tested for anti-inhibin antibodies and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations.

Results

The analysis of the INHα gene sequence revealed that INHα is 1109 bp long and is translated to an approximately 40 KDa protein. Bioinformatics approach indicated that the INHα gene is highly conserved between organisms. Immunization with the eukaryotic expression vector, pEGFP-INHα, which expresses the INHα gene elicited immune response and generatigeneration on of anti-INHα antibody. The antibody had a significant regulatory effect on the serum concentration of FSH in rabbits and led to higher levels of FSH, indicating increased ovary function.

Conclusions

The present work resulted in a successful construction of eukaryotic expression plasmid pEGFP-INHα and verified the immunogenicity of this highly conserved protein. Further, the expression of pEGFP-INHα was shown to have a significant impact on the secretion of FSH, indicating a potential regulatory role in ovarian function. In conclusion, our current findings can serve as a working model for studying the effect of INHα on the breeding performance of Ye Mule Aries sheep, providing a novel strategy to improve their reproduction rates.

Reversal of TREM-1 ectodomain shedding and improved bacterial clearance by intranasal metalloproteinase inhibitors

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is expressed on neutrophils and monocyte/macrophages and amplifies Toll-like receptor-mediated inflammation during infection. TREM-1 also exists in an antagonistic soluble form (sTREM-1) that has been used as a peripheral biomarker in sepsis, though the mechanisms of its release are not entirely clear. The requirement of TREM-1 in single microbial infections is controversial, with some studies showing a protective role and others a contribution to immunopathology. Furthermore, the role of membrane-bound and sTREM-1 in polygenic infections is currently unknown. In a mouse co-infection model where preceding viral infection greatly enhances bacteria co-infection, we now determine a mechanisms for the striking increase in sTREM-1 and the loss of TREM-1 on surface of neutrophils. We identified a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 cleavage site in TREM-1 and that the increase of MMP-9 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid mirrors sTREM-1 release. In vitro studies with neutrophils and MMP-9 and the reduction of sTREM-1 in vivo after MMP-9 inhibition verifies that this enzyme cleaves TREM-1. Intriguingly, MMP-9 inhibition significantly reduces bacterial load and ensuing immunopathology in a co-infection model. This highlights MMP-9 inhibition as a potential therapeutic via blocking cleavage of TREM-1.

Isolated sacral metastases as the initial presentation from an endometroid ovarian carcinoma: a case report

Bone metastases are rarely in ovarian carcainoma. It usually occurrs only when the cancer is advanced or recurrent. A case of endometrioid carcinoma in right ovary with intact capsule is reported. The isolated sacral metastasis was found as the initial presentation, and no distant metastases were reported.

Severe burn injuries complicating psychogenic polydipsia

In rare cases, psychogenic polydipsia may develop as a post-burn complication, prevalently concerning females. Two such cases are reported, both in female patients. Their treatment and outcome are described.

Investigation of the effect of a disposal endotracheal catheter and metal catheter combination application in inhalation injury patients

Objective. The aim of this paper was to make an objective evaluation of the scientific nature and effectiveness of a combination application of two catheters by investigating and comparing the effects and the occurrence of complications using a single metal catheter application, a single disposal endotracheal catheter application, and a combination application of these two catheters separately in tracheotomy patients. Method. A study was carried out on 85 patients with a metal catheter from 1990 to 1997, 62 patients with a disposal endotracheal catheter from 1998 to 2002, and 56 patients with an on-vent disposal endotracheal catheter and an off-vent metal catheter from 2003 to November 2008, defined respectively as groups A, B, and C, in order to observe catheter balloon rupture and catheter olisthe during intubation, as also sputum adhesion to the endotracheal catheter wall after application, and to assess the number of cases of patients with airway bleeding, the number of patients with endotracheal catheter blockage, and the time lapse between ventilator withdrawal and extubation. Results. Patients in groups B and C were observed to have balloon rupture; the number of patients with catheter olisthe and airway bleeding was in both cases less than in group A (p < 0.05); and in groups A and C the number of patients with catheter blockage was in both cases less than in group B (p < 0.05) - extubation time was also shorter than in group B, but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). Macroscopic observation found that there was a large amount of sputum adhering to the lumen of the open disposal endotracheal catheter and that the lumen became significantly narrow, while the metal catheter became non-significantly narrow. Conclusion. In inhalation injury patients we found that the effect of the combination application of the disposal endotracheal catheter and the metal catheter was better than that of the single application.

[Modulating effects of thymopentin on the immune system of severely burned patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the modulating effects of thymopentin (TP-5) on the immune system of severely burned patients.

METHODS

Sixty patients with severe burn were enrolled in this study and were randomly divided into treatment (T, n = 30) and control (C, n = 30) groups. The T lymphocytes and NK cells in peripheral blood in two groups were determined on the 2, 5, 8, 15 and 22 postburn days (PBDs). The patients in T group were treated with TP-5 in a dose of 1 mg/d for 20 days beginning on 2 PBD.

RESULTS

There was no difference of T lymphocytes and NK cells between the two groups on 2 PBD, and there was no difference of total number in T lymphocytes between the two groups on 5, 8, 15 and 22 PBDs. But the NK cell number and CD4/CD8 ratio in C group were much lower than those in T group.

CONCLUSION

The function of T lymphocytes and NK cells in severely burned patients could be obviously improved by TP-5, which played immune modulating roles.

[Experimental circumferential tracheal replacement with rib and costal muscle ring in dog.]

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the feasibility of using vascularized rib and costal muscle ring to repair large circumferential defect of thoracic trachea in dog.

METHODS

Eighteen adult mongrel dogs were used in this study. The third rib with adjacent intercostal muscles was engineered to a ring with vascular pedicle , which replaced five or eight rings of trachea.

RESULTS

Eleven of eighteen dogs were alive after operation , and the longest one had survived for 14 months. These dogs were active , although a slight stricture at the newly formed trachea was found. Microscopic examination showed the trachea had good blood supply , and the substitution of pleural epithelium by ciliated epithelium was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Circumferential tracheal replacement with vascularized rib and intercostal muscle ring is easily managed and has less complications. The results suggest that this technique might be clinically used in the future.

[Noxious stimulation-induced morphological changes of nitric oxide synthase-positive neurons in the tongue of rats]

OBJECTIVE

To explore noxious stimulation-induced morphological changes of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) positive neurons in the tongue.

METHODS

The histochemical method of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate(NADPH)-diaphorase activity was used.

RESULTS

NOS positive neuron bodies in the tongue were obviously enlarged, the staining intensity increased and nerve fibers became thicker after injury. At the body and tip of the tongue, near the body cells of NOS positive neurons deeply stained fine granular particles were seen, and structures of plum blossom form were seen along the route of the nerve fiber extending all the way to the terminal. NOS positive nerve fibers in the striated muscles and around the gland in the tongue root became thicker, and bead structures were seen in some of the fibers.

CONCLUSION

NOS positive neurons of the tongue, when noxiously stimulated, are inflicted with pathological changes, which suggest that nitric oxide might play a role in the transmission and control of the message related to pathological lesions.

[An extensive matrilineal nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness family and mtDNA 12SrRNA gene mutation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possible cause and molecular genetic mechanism of matrilineal nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness, the authors analyzed an extensive matrilineal nonsyndromic sensorineural deafness family.

METHODS

PCR amplification of the nt1555 and nt7445 of the mitochondrial DNA, combined with PCR-SSCP, PCR-RFLP and sequence to analyze the family.

RESULTS

The authors found a homoplasmic A to G transition at position 1555(A1555G) of the mitochondrial 12SrRNA gene from all the patients, and four matrilineal relatives of this family, but the mutation was not found in the normal spouses of the family and controls (100 normal persons).

CONCLUSION

The A1555G mutation may be one of the major factors that cause deafness in this family.

[Effect of Astragalus Angelica Mixture on lipoprotein lipase and lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase of nephrotic rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of Astragalus Angelica Mixture (AAM) effect of regulating lipid metabolism disturbance in nephrotic rats.

METHODS

To examine the effects of AAM on serum albumin, lipid levels, and activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), which are key enzymes for catabolism of lipid, in immune-induced nephrotic hyperlipidemia rats and exogenous hyperlipidemia rats.

RESULTS

Serum albumin was reduced, lipid increased significantly, LPL activity decreased significantly and the LCAT activity was relatively insufficient in nephrotic rats. Activities of LPL and LCAT increased significantly in AAM treated nephrotic rats. There were no change of activities of LPL and LCAT in exogenous hyperlipidemia rats and AAM showed no effect on the activities of these two enzymes.

CONCLUSION

The effect of AAM in regulating lipid metabolism might be due to enhancing the clearance of triglyceride and cholesterol-rich lipoprotein by improving the activities of LPL and LCAT.

The complete nucleotide sequence of prune dwarf ilarvirus RNA 3: implications for coat protein activation of genome replication in ilarviruses

The complete nucleotide sequence of prune dwarf ilarvirus (PDV) RNA 3 has been determined from cloned viral cDNAs. The PDV RNA 3 is 2129 nucleotides and contains two large open reading frames (ORFs) separated by an intergenic region of 72 nucleotides. The 5' proximal ORF (ORF-1) is 882 nucleotides, encoding a gene product which shares homology with putative cell-to-cell movement proteins of related viruses, including tobacco streak virus (TSV) and alfalfa mosaic virus (AIMV). The downstream ORF (ORF-2) is 657 nucleotides and encodes a gene product which shares primary sequence homology and structural features with AIMV coat protein. Furthermore, when expressed in bacteria, this ORF produces a polypeptide which comigrates with authentic PDV coat protein and reacts with PDV coat protein antiserum. Hybridization data suggest that the genomic organization of PDV RNAs 3 and 4 is similar to that of TSV, the only other ilarvirus for which sequence information is published. The 3' untranslated region (UTR) of PDV RNA 3 is similar to that of TSV and AIMV, containing a potential stem-loop structure followed by the sequence AUGC, a structure which may signal binding of coat protein and activation of genome replication. However, a striking feature of the deduced PDV coat protein sequence is the absence of a "zinc-finger" motif thought to function in binding of the coat protein to the 3'-UTR in ilarviruses and AIMV. This result suggests that the zinc-finger motif is not a required aspect of coat protein activation of replication in ilarviruses.