A estratégia de resposta da Nova Zelândia à COVID-19: lições aprendidas / New Zealand's COVID-19 response strategy: lessons learnt

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as características do sistema de saúde e de vigilância e as medidas adotadas no enfrentamento à pandemia de COVID-19 na Nova Zelândia entre março de 2020 e dezembro de 2021. Revisão integrativa de literatura em que foram incluídos 29 artigos, além da consulta aos sites da OMS, do Banco Mundial e Our World in Data sobre a situação sociodemográfica e econômica do país, bem como testes, óbitos, vacinas e casos novos. Os dados foram importados em formato CSV, e os gráficos, elaborados no software RStudio. As evidências apontam que a Nova Zelândia pode ser considerada um caso de sucesso na resposta à pandemia de COVID-19, sendo um dos países com menor número de óbitos pela doença no mundo. Esse sucesso foi resultado de uma organização do sistema de saúde com rápida ação interna, elevada capacidade de testagem, rastreamento dos contatos, sem chegar ao colapso do sistema de saúde em 2020 e 2021. Apontou também que a população aderiu às condições de confinamento e seguiu as recomendações das autoridades, ainda que com baixa participação da comunidade nas decisões de governo. Há lições importantes que podem ser recomendadas e úteis para uma potencial nova epidemia com vírus desconhecido ou pandemias semelhantes.

Abstract This study analyzed the characteristics of the health system, surveillance system, and the measures adopted to face the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand between March 2020 and December 2021. 29 fully read articles from an integrative literature review were included, and the websites of the WHO, the World Bank, the "Stringency Index" of "ourworldindata" were consulted to collect data on the socio-demographic situation, economic indicators of the country, as well as tests, deaths, vaccines and new cases. The data were imported in CSV format and the graphs elaborated in RStudio software. The evidence points out that New Zealand can be considered a success story regarding the nationwide response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it being one of the countries with the lowest number of deaths from the disease in the world. This success was the result of a health system organization with fast internal action, high testing capacity, and contact tracing, without causing the collapse of the health system. In turn, it also pointed out that the population adhered to the confinement conditions, and faithfully followed the authorities' instructions, even with low community participation in government decisions. Important lessons can be learnt leading to useful recommendations for a potential new epidemic with an unknown virus or similar.

Propagation and phenotypic analysis of mutant rabbits with MSTN homozygous mutation / 生物工程学报

Myostatin gene (MSTN) encodes a negative regulator for controlling skeletal muscle growth in animals. In this study, MSTN-/- homozygous mutants with "double muscle" phenotypic traits and stable inheritance were bred on the basis of MSTN gene editing rabbits, with the aim to establish a method for breeding homozygous progeny from primary MSTN biallelic mutant rabbits. MSTN-/- primary mutant rabbits were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The primary mutant rabbits were mated with wild type rabbits to produce F1 rabbits, whereas the F2 generation homozygous rabbits were bred by half-sibling mating or backcrossing with F1 generation rabbits of the same mutant strain. Sequence analysis of PCR products and its T vector cloning were used to screen homozygous rabbits. The MSTN mutant rabbits with 14-19 week-old were weighed and the difference of gluteus maximus tissue sections and muscle fiber cross-sectional area were calculated and analyzed. Five primary rabbits with MSTN gene mutation were obtained, among which three were used for homozygous breeding. A total of 15 homozygous rabbits (5 types of mutants) were obtained (M2-a: 3; M2-b: 2; M3-a: 2; M7-a: 6; M7-b: 2). The body weight of MSTN-/- homozygous mutant rabbits aged 14-19 weeks were significantly higher than that of MSTN+/+ wild-type rabbits of the same age ((2 718±120) g vs. (1 969±53) g, P < 0.01, a 38.0% increase). The mean cross sections of gluteus maximus muscle fiber in homozygous mutant rabbits were not only significantly higher than that of wild type rabbits ((3 512.2±439.2) μm2 vs. (1 274.8±327.3) μm2, P < 0.01), but also significantly higher than that of MSTN+/- hemizygous rabbits ((3 512.2±439.2) μm2 vs. (2 610.4±604.4) μm2, P < 0.05). In summary, five homozygous mutants rabbits of MSTN-/- gene were successfully bred, which showed a clear lean phenotype. The results showed that the primary breeds were non-chimeric mutant rabbits, and the mutant traits could be inherited from the offspring. MSTN-/- homozygous mutant rabbits of F2 generation could be obtained from F1 hemizygous rabbits by inbreeding or backcrossing. The progenies of the primary biallelic mutant rabbits were separated into two single-allelic mutants, both of which showed a "double-muscle" phenotype. Thus, this study has made progress in breeding high-quality livestock breeds with gene editing technology.

Estratégias de eliminação da pandemia COVID-19 na Ásia-Pacífico: o exemplo da Nova Zelândia / COVID-19 pandemic elimination strategies in Asia-Pacific: the example of New Zealand / Estratégias de eliminación de la pandemia COVID-19 en Ásia-Pacífico: el ejemplo de Nueva Zelandia

Objectivo: analisar a influência da legislação na estratégia de eliminação da pandemia COVID-19 na região da Ásia-Pacífico, utilizando como exemplo o ordenamento jurídico da Nova Zelândia. Metodologia: análise da legislação e jurisprudência situadas no seu contexto epidemiológico e político. Resultados: a execução da estratégia tem tido sucesso, tendo a legislação existente sido alterada para adaptação às exigências da evolução da pandemia. Conclusão: a legislação e as medidas adoptadas vêm sendo aceites pelos tribunais judiciais e são pertinentes para a eficiente execução da estratégia de eliminação.

Objective: to analyse the bearing of legislation in the COVID-19 Pandemic management elimination strategy in Asia-Pacific, using the legal system of New Zealand as an illustration. Methods: legislation and case law analysis, within their epidemiological and politicalcontext. Results: the strategy has been successfully implemented and existent legislation amended to adapt to the evolution of the Pandemic. Conclusion: the legislation and the adopted measures have been generally accepted by courts and are relevant to the efficient execution of the elimination strategy.

Objetivo: analizar la influencia de legislación en el desarrollo de una estrategia de eliminación de la pandemia COVID-19 en la región de Asia-Pacífico, empleando como ejemplo el derecho de Nueva Zelandia. Metodología: análisis de legislación y jurisprudencia bajo su contexto epidemiológico y político. Resultados: la ejecución de la estrategia ha logrado suceso, aunque la legislación existente haya sufrido alteraciones para adaptarse a las exigencias de la evolución de la pandemia. Conclusión: la legislación y las medidas adoptadas fueran aceptadas por los tribunales y son proclives a una ejecución eficiente de la estrategia de eliminación.

Location and Vascular Classification of 188 parathyroid glands in New Zealand White Rabbits / [Localização e Classificação Vascular de 188 glândulas paratireoidianas em coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia]

The function and protection of the parathyroid glands are increasingly popular research topics. New Zealand white rabbits are the most commonly used animal model of parathyroid ischemia. However, information on the vasculature of their parathyroid glands is limited. We used 94 healthy New Zealand white rabbits, 3-4 months of age and 2-3kg in weight, for exploration of the parathyroid glands, which were stained using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) after removal. The following types were classified according to the relationship between the position of the inferior parathyroid gland and the thyroid: Type A, Close Type, Type B, and Distant Type. There were 188 cases, 4 where the inferior parathyroid glands were located near the dorsal side of thyroid (2.13%), 8 where the inferior parathyroid glands were located superior to the upper pole of the thyroid (4.26%), 20 where the inferior parathyroid glands were located parallel to the thyroid (10.64%), and 155 cases where the inferior parathyroid glands were located inferior to the lower pole of thyroid (82.45%). Identifying the location and classifying the vasculature of the parathyroid glands in New Zealand white rabbits will provide an anatomical model to assist in future research.(AU)

A função e proteção das glândulas paratireoidianas é um tópico de pesquisa cada vez mais popular. Coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia são o modelo animal mais comumente usada para isquemia da paratireóide. Porém, informação sobre a vasculatura de suas glândulas paratireóides é limitada. Foram usados 94 coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia saudáveis, com 3-4 meses de idade, 2-3kg de peso, para exploração das glândulas paratireóides, que foram coradas com hematoxilina e eosina (HE) após a remoção. Os seguintes tipos foram classificados de acordo com a relação entre a posição da glândula paratireoidiana inferior e a tireoide: Tipo A, Tipo Próximo, Tipo B e Tipo Distante. Houve 188 casos, 4 em que as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas próximas ao lado dorsal da tireoide (2.13%), 8 onde as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas superiores ao polo superior da tireoide (4.26%), 20 onde as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas paralelo à tireoide (10.64%) e 155 casos em que as glândulas paratireoidianas inferiores estavam localizadas inferiores ao polo inferior da tireoide (82.45%). A identificação da localização e a classificação da vasculatura das glândulas paratireóides em coelhos brancos da Nova Zelândia fornecerão um modelo anatômico para auxiliar em pesquisas futuras.(AU)

Construction of point mutation rabbits using CRISPR/Cas9 / 浙江大学学报·医学版

To establish a rabbit model of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type9 () point mutation with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique. According to the PubMed gene protein data, the PCSK9 protein functional regions of human and rabbit were analyzed by Blast. The 386S (Ser) amino acid functional region of human gene was homologous to the 485S of rabbit gene. Three small guide RNAs and one single-stranded donor oligonucleotide were designed according to the 485S base substitution position and sequence analysis of rabbit gene. The synthetic small guide RNAs, Cas9 mRNA and single-stranded donor oligonucleotide were co-injected into the cytoplasm of rabbit fertilized eggs and the embryos were transferred into the pregnant rabbits. PCR, TA cloning and off-target analysis were performed on the F0 rabbits to identify whether the PCSK9 mutation was successful. Fifteen F0 rabbits were obtained. The sequencing results showed that one of them was PCSK9 point mutation homozygote and two of them were PCSK9 point mutation heterozygotes, and the mutation could be stably inherited. The rabbit model of PCSK9 point mutation was successfully constructed by CRISPR/Cas9 technique, which provides an animal model for exploring the molecular mechanism of impaired PCSK9 function and developing reliable and effective diagnosis and treatment measures.

La pandemia de COVID-19, estudio de casos: Australia, Nueva Zelandia y Cuba / COVID-19 pandemic; case studies: Australia, New Zealand and Cuba

Introducción: La COVID-19, enfermedad respiratoria viral, producida por el SARS- CoV- 2, los primeros casos aparecieron en Wuhan, China, en diciembre 2019, evolucionó a pandemia. La OMS declaró emergencia mundial el 30 de enero del 2020. Se presentan los datos generales de la epidemia en Cuba, Australia y Nueva Zelandia. Objetivo: Describir la evolución de la epidemia en dichos países, las medidas tomadas y sus resultados. Material y Métodos: Investigación descriptiva, cuanti - cualitativa, utilizó la revisión documental, para cotejar información publicada sobre la epidemia en los países seleccionados, en revistas médicas, prensa periódica, sitios web oficiales. Se analizó información hasta el 13 de junio. Resultados: Australia tuvo 7 283 casos, 6 888 (94,48 por ciento) recuperados. Realizaron 1 782 651 test diagnósticos (69,91 por 10 000 habitantes) y positividad de 0.4 por ciento. Reportaron 102 fallecidos, mayores tasas entre 70 - 89 años, letalidad de 1,39 por ciento. Nueva Zelandia totalizó 1 515 casos, con 1 483 recuperados (97,8 por ciento), fallecieron 22. Realizaron 310 297 (36 por 10 000 habitantes) pruebas de PCR, con 0,7 por ciento de positivos. La letalidad fue de 1,9 por ciento. Cuba, acumulaba 2 238 casos, recuperados 1 923 (86 por ciento). Fallecieron 84 pacientes, con letalidad de 3,75 por ciento. Realizaron PCR (12,16 x 10 000 hab.), con 1,7 por ciento positivas. Conclusiones: El control resultó de la voluntad política de enfrentar y contener la epidemia con drásticas medidas de distanciamiento social, cierre de fronteras y aislamiento de territorios, aplicación de test diagnósticos, y la existencia de sistemas de salud públicos robustos y gratuitos(AU)

Introduction: COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease produced by SARS-CoV-2. The first cases were diagnosed in Wuhan, China in December 2019; then the disease became a pandemic. The WHO declared it a global emergency on January 30, 2020. General data on the epidemic in Cuba, Australia and New Zealand are presented. Objective: To present the evolution of the epidemic in these countries as well as the measures taken and their results. Material and Methods: A descriptive, quantitative and qualitative research used documentary review to compare information about the epidemic in the selected countries. The information was obtained from medical journals, periodical press, and official websites and it was analyzed before June 13. Results: Australia had 7,283 cases of which 6,888 (94.48 percent) patients recovered. They performed 1,782,651 diagnostic tests (69.91 per 10,000 inhabitants) and the positivity was 0.4 percent. They reported 102 deaths with higher rates in people aged 70 - 89 years, and a case fatality of 1.39 percent. New Zealand reported 1,515 cases, with 1,483 recovered (97.8 percent) and 22 deaths. They performed 310,297 (36 per 10,000 population) PCR tests, with 0.7 percent positive cases. The case fatality was 1.9 percent. Cuba accumulated 2,238 cases and 1,923 (86 percent) recovered. A total of 84 patients died, with a lethality of 3.75 percent. PCR tests (12.16 x 10,000 inhabitants) were performed reporting 1.7 percent of positive cases. Conclusions: The control resulted from the political will to confront and contain the epidemic with drastic measures of social distancing, closure of borders and isolation of territories, application of diagnostic tests, and the existence of robust and free public health systems(AU)

Study on Toxic Effect of the Extract from Tripterygium hypoglaucum on Embryo-fetal Development of New Zealand Rabbits / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the toxic effect of the extract from Tripterygium hypoglaucum on pregnant animal and embryo-fetal development . METHODS ：Successfully mated New Zealand female rabbits were randomly divided into solvent control group，positive control group （cyclophosphamide，20 mg/kg）and T. hypoglaucum extract high-dose ，medium-dose and low- dose groups（15.0，7.50，3.75 g/kg，by the amount of crude drug ）according to their body weight ，with 18 rabbits in each group at least. The female rabbits in solvent control group and T. hypoglaucum extract groups were given water or the corresponding T. hypoglaucum extract solution from 6th to 18th day of pregnancy ，5 mL/kg，once a day. Positive control group was given cyclophosphamide subcutaneously into the neck from 10th to 13th day of pregnancy ，1 mL/kg，once a day. According to the related requirements of Technical Guidelines for the Study of Drug Reproductive Toxicity ，the general situation ，body weight ，body weight increase and food intake of female rabbits were observed and recorded during the experiment ，and euthanasia was carried out on 28th day of pregnancy ；the relative indexes of main organs ，fetal uterus ，placenta uterus ，placenta，ovary，implantation gland ， absorption fetus ，stillbirth，live fetus and corpus luteum were observed and recorded after anatomy ；the relative indexes of body weight，appearance，visceral and skeletal alterations of the fetus were detected . RESULTS ：Compared with solvent control group ， the body weight ，body weight increase ，food intake ，main organs ，pregnancy of pregnant rabbits ，as well as reproductive function，embryo formation ，fetal growth and development ，appearance，visceral and skeletal development indexes in T. hypoglaucum extract groups had no significant abnormal changes （P＞0.05）；above indexes in the positive control group had significant changes （P＜0.05），and significant maternal toxicity and embryotoxicity were found. CONCLUSIONS ：T. hypoglaucum extract 15.00-3.75 g/kg（by the amount of crude drug ）have no significant maternal toxicity ，embryotoxicity or fetal development toxicity to New Zealand rabbits.

Embryo-fetal developmental toxicity and toxicokinetics of carenoprazan hydrochloride in rabbits / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the embryo-fetal developmental toxicity (EFDT) of careno?prazan hydrochloride (KFP-H008) in rabbits. METHODS Pregnant rabbits were given by gavage KFP-H008 at 5, 15 and 50 mg·kg-1 during the organogenetic period (gestation days 6-18, GD 6-18). Rabbits in positive control group were treated with cyclophosphamide (CP) 10 mg·kg-1 by iv. Maternal body mass and food consumption during gestation were recorded. Pregnant dams were euthanized on GD 29. The numbers of live/dead fetuses, resorptions, implantations, corpora lutea, and gravid uterus mass, placenta mass, fetal gender ratios, body mass, and skeletal development were evaluated. Moreover, the toxicokinetic parameters including AUC and C0-t, and tissue distributions were determined. RESULTS From GD 13, the maternal body mass and the food consumption in KFP-H00815 and 50 mg · kg-1 groups were lower than in the normal control group (P<0.05). Also, the reduced fetal crown rump length and mass, skeletal malformations/variations were observed in KFP-H00815 and 50 mg · kg-1 groups (P<0.05). KFP-H008 was rapidly eliminated, and became undetectable in the maternal plasma after a single administration. Following multiple KFP-H00850 mg · kg-1 treatment, both KFP-H008 and its metabolites were detectable in various tissues of the maternal and fetus, which might be the evidence for carenoprazan-induced developmental toxicity. In KFP-H00815 mg · kg-1 group, KFP-H008 and its metabolites were undetectable in most of maternal and fetal tissues. CONCLUSION The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of KFP-H008 for maternal and fetal rabbits is about 5 mg·kg-1.

Establishment of a vx2 bone tumor model in rabbit tibia / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Many methods have been developed to establish a rabbit VX2 tumor model, but the reliability of each method has not been explored. In order to develop a reliable method, we made some improvements based on the existing methods. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability of rabbit VX2 tumor tissue block implantation and cell suspension via modified and traditional implantation to make the rabbit tibia VX2 tumor model. METHODS: Forty healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was treated with tissue block implantation for tibia VX2 tumor modeling, and group B was treated with cell suspension for tibia VX2 tumor modeling. Modified and traditional implantation was performed on the left and right tibia of the experimental animals, respectively. One hour after successful modeling, ultrasound examination of the puncture site was performed to determine whether there is hematoma. All experimental animals were sacrificed at 3 weeks. X-ray examination of the bilateral tibia was performed to confirm the tumor growth range. Tumor tissue and soft tissue around the puncture site were taken for general and pathological observation to compare the size of the tumor and identify whether there is tumor cell metastasis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: One rabbit died in the tissue block group, and all the experimental animals in the cell suspension group survived. X-ray examination indicated the tumors in the tissue block group invaded the cortex, but the tumors in the cell suspension group did not invade the cortex. Gross observation revealed that the tumor volume of the tissue block group was greater than that of the cell suspension group. In the tissue block group, there were one and seven cases of hematoma around the puncture site at 1 hour after modified and traditional implantation, respectively. In the cell suspension group, there were two and nine cases of hematoma around the puncture site at 1 hour after modified and traditional implantation, respectively. Pathological examination showed that local tumor invasion was found in 1 and 8 cases in the tissue block group as well as in 2 and 11 cases in the cell suspension group at 3 months after modified and traditional implantation, respectively. Our findings indicate that the tissue block implantation method is easier and more convenient than the cell suspension method for making rabbit VX2 bone tumors, and the tumor invasion rate of the tissue block implantation method is lower than that of the cell suspension method. Improved tissue block implantation can effectively reduce the tumor invasion rate during modeling.

CD44 and vimentin positive cells in rabbit pericardial fluid having multiple differentiation potentials in vitro / 解剖学报

Objective: To investigate the cellular components and differentiation potential of cells in rabbit pericardial fluid, and to provide morphological basis for basic research and clinical application of pericardial cells. Methods: Thirty adult New Zealand white rabbits, after aseptic thoracotomy, the pericardial fluid mixture was extracted, the fluid cells were centrifuged, isolated and cultured. The pericardial cellular morphology in the different generations was observed under the inverted microscope (The immunofluorescence staining method was used in the present study in order to analyze the pericardial cells phenotypes). Their immunological phenotypes were analyzed by using immunofluorescence staining and the CD44, vimentin, CD45 and the number of cells positively expressed in the third generation cells were observed. The expression of CD44 and vimentin related molecules was detected by PCR. Results: There was the cellular population with uniform morphology in the adult rabbit pericardial fluid. The cells with immunofluorescence positive staining for CD44 and vimentin were found in the pericardial fluid of rabbit, in addition, these cells possessed the immunofluorescence negative staining for CD45. After induction, they can differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes. Conclusion: Rabbit pericardial fluid contains cells with multiple differentiation potentials, which may be of positive significance for myocardial repair.

Preventive effect of thermosensitive hydroxybutyl chitosan hydrogel in intrauterine adhesion in New Zealand white rabbits / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

Objective: To observe the effect of thermosensitive hydroxybutyl chitosan (HBC) hydrogel in the prevention of intrauterine adhesion in New Zealand white rabbits. Methods: Eighteen female New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups, i. e., normal control group, model group and HBC group. Normal control group underwent sham operation. The models of intrauterine adhesion were constructed by both mechanical damage and infection in model group and HBC group. In HBC group, 2 mL 1.5% thermosensitive HBC hydrogel was injected into the uterine cavity immediately after injury. Two rabbits were killed in each group 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks after operation, respectively. The bilateral uterine tissues were collected. The endometrial morphology and quantity of glands were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The area of fibrosis in endometrium was measured by Masson staining. Results: One week after operation, compared with normal control group, the columnar epithelial cells of endometrium gradually disappeared and the ratio of endometrial fibrosis area increased significantly in the other two groups. The number of glands also decreased. After 2 weeks, intrauterine adhesion was observed in model group, and the ratio of endometrial fibrosis area continued increasing, and the number of glands decreased further. However, in HBC group, there was no residual hydrogel in the uterine cavity, and the ratio of endometrial fibrosis area decreased and the number of glands increased. After 4 weeks, there was a recovery of columnar epithelium cells, the ratio of endometrial fibrosis area, and the number of glands in HBC group, which returned to the normal level. Conclusion: Thermosensitive HBC hydrogel can effectively prevent intrauterine adhesion in New Zealand white rabbits.

Establishing a rabbit model of knee joint extension contracture / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To establish a model of knee joint extension contracture in New Zealand white rab-bits, and to lay the experimental foundation for further studies on the pathogenesis and treatment of joint contractures. Methods Thirty male New Zealand white rabbits with mature bones were randomly divided into 6 groups. The left knee joints of the immobilization groups ( 5 groups of 5 rats each) were fixed in extension for 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. There was also a control group. At the end of each period the plaster was demolished and the level of transforming growth factor-β1 ( TGF-β1) in joint cavities, the degree of total contracture, myogenic contracture, arthrogenic con-tracture, and the thickness of the posterior joint capsules were measured. The significance of the differences between the immobilized groups and the control group was compared using one-way analysis. Results The level of TGF-β1 in the joint fluid differed significantly among the 6 groups. The differences in the degree of total contracture among the control group, one-week, two-week and four-week groups were also significant. The average degree of the myogenic contracture in the one-week group was significantly different from the other 5 groups' averages. The average myogenic contracture was also of significantly different between the two-week group and the control group. The degree of arthro-genic contracture was significantly different among the groups except for between the 6-week and 8-week groups. The average joint capsule thickness was significantly different among all of the groups except for between the control group and the one-week group. Conclusion This technique for modeling knee extending contracture using New Zealand white rabbits is simple and practical. It provides a better animal model for studying the mechanism of knee joint con-tracture and related treatment strategies and can be used for further exploration of the occurrence and recovery of knee contractures.

Study on the Marker Steroids of New Zealand Deer (Cervus elaphus var. scoticus) Velvet Antler by UPLC-MS/MS and HPLC-PDA Methods

Eleven steroid hormones (SHs: androstene-3,17-dione, estrone, β-estradiol, α-estradiol, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17á-hydroxyprogesterone, medroxyprogesterone, megestrol acetate, progesterone, and androsterone) were detected from New Zealand deer (Cervus elaphus var. scoticus) velvet antler (NZA, 鹿茸). A method for the quantification of eleven SHs was established by using ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-MS/MS. The linearities (R² > 0.991), limits of quantification (LOQ values, 0.3 ng/mL to 23.1 ng/mL), intraday and interday precisions (relative standard deviation: RSD 0.999), LOQ values (30 ng/mL to 350 ng/mL), intraday and interday precisions (RSD < 1.93%), and recovery rates (97.2% to 103.5%) for the three 7-O-CSs were determined. These quantitative methods are accurate, precise, and reproducible. As a result, it is suggested that the five steroid compounds of androstene-3,17-dione, androsterone, 7-ketocholesterol, 7α-hydroxycholesterol, and 7β-hydroxycholesterol could be marker steroids of NZA. These methods can be applied to quantify or standardize the marker steroids present in NZA.

Cholesterol-lowering effect of diet with added sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) vines in rabbits

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sweet potato vines as a source of fiber on the plasma parameters in healthy rabbits. For this, 15 rabbits were allocated into five groups, and each group was fed a different diet for a period of 46 days. The diets were as follows: diet without sweet potato vines (0SPV), and experimental diets with 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of sweet potato vines in replacement of alfalfa hay respectively (25SPV, 50SPV, 75SPV and 100SPV). Triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations were approximately 53% lower in rabbits fed the 100SPV than in rabbits fed 0SPV. In addition, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total-cholesterol concentrations were lower approximately 40% and 14%, respectively, in rabbits fed the 100SPV than in rabbits fed 0SPV. No significant differences were found among HDL-cholesterol, glucose, proteins, albumin and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations of the five groups. These results demonstrate that the consumption of sweet potato vines reduces the triglycerides, VLDLcholesterol and total cholesterol while maintains HDL-cholesterol levels. Therefore, sweet potato vines consumption may be another option to prevent coronary heart diseases in rabbits(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar com base no plasma sanguíneo o efeito do baraço de batata-doce como fonte de fibra. Para tal, dividiuse 15 coelhos em cinco grupos, onde cada grupo foi alimentado com uma dieta diferente por 46 dias. As dietas foram: sem baraço de batata-doce (0SPV), e dietas experimentais com 25%, 50%, 75% e 100% de baraço de batata-doce em substituição ao feno de alfafa, respectivamente (25SPV, 50SPV, 75SPV e 100SPV). As concentrações de triglicérides e VLDL-colesterol foram aproximadamente 53% menores em coelhos alimentados com a dieta 100SPV do que os coelhos alimentados com 0SPV. Além disso, as concentrações de aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e colesterol total foram inferiores em aproximadamente 40% e 14%, respectivamente, nos coelhos alimentados com 100 SPV do que em coelhos alimentados com 0SPV. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as concentrações colesterol-HDL, glicose, proteínas, albumina e alanina aminotransferase (ALT) dos cinco grupos. Estes resultados demonstram que o consumo de baraço de batata-doce reduz os triglicerídeos, colesterol VLDL e colesterol total, enquanto mantém os níveis de colesterol HDL. Portanto, o baraço de batata-doce pode ser uma opção viável para prevenir doenças coronarianas(AU)

Establishment of an experimental model of small intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injuries in New Zealand rabbits / Estabelecimento de modelo experimental de indução da lesão de isquemia e reperfusão de intestino delgado em coelhos Nova Zelândia

The present study aimed to establish a methodology capable to cause intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injuries, to perform clamping of the jejunal segment of the extramural peri-intestinal marginal artery branch. For this, 37, 10-week-old male New Zealand breed rabbits were used. One rabbit was used to establish the anatomic references for the procedure and was not part of the six experimental groups; the rest were allocated into six experimental groups: Sham group, negative control, subjected only to midline celiotomy; group I1H undergoing vascular occlusion for an hour; group I2H submitted to vascular occlusion for two hours; group I1H/R2H undergoing vascular occlusion for one hour followed by two hours of reperfusion; group I2H/R1H undergoing vascular occlusion for two hours, followed by reperfusion for one hour, and group I2H/R5H undergoing vascular occlusion for two hours followed by reperfusion for five hours. The rabbits were evaluated for the macroscopic aspects (color and peristalsis) of the jejunal segment, as well as the histological aspect, checking for presence or absence of mucosal destruction, edema, hemorrhaging, lymphatic vessel dilatation, and the presence of polymorphonuclear cells. It was observed that the macroscopic and histopathological lesions accentuated in larger employed ischemia and reperfusion times. Rabbits subjected to ischemia for two hours followed by reperfusion for five hours (I2H/R5H) made up the experimental group which was easily reproducible and showed moderate intestinal injury, different from the other groups.(AU)

O presente estudo objetivou estabelecer uma metodologia capaz de causar lesões de isquemia e reperfusão intestinal, realizando clipagem de um ramo de artéria marginal peri-intestinal extramural em segmento jejunal. Para tal foram utilizados 37 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia, machos, de 10 semanas de idade, alocados em seis grupos experimentais: grupo Sham, controle negativo, submetido apenas a celiotomia mediana; grupo I1H submetido à oclusão vascular por uma hora; grupo I2H submetido a oclusão vascular por duas horas; grupo I1H/R2H submetido a oclusão vascular por uma hora, seguida de reperfusão por duas horas; grupo I2H/R1H submetido a oclusão vascular por duas horas, seguida de reperfusão por uma hora e grupo I2H/R5H submetido a oclusão vascular por duas horas seguida de reperfusão por cincos horas. Os animais foram avaliados quanto o aspecto macroscópico (coloração e peristaltismo) do segmento jejunal e quanto ao aspecto histopatológico, verificando presença ou ausência de destruição de mucosa, edema, hemorragia, dilatação de vasos linfáticos e presença de polimorfonucleares. Observou-se que as lesões macroscópicas e histopatológicas se acentuaram nos maiores tempos de isquemia e reperfusão empregados. Os animais submetidos à isquemia durante duas horas, seguida de reperfusão por cinco horas (I2H/R5H) compuseram o grupo experimental de fácil reprodução e foram os que apresentaram uma lesão intestinal moderada, diferentes dos demais grupos.(AU)

Genotype Variation In Semen, Libido and Testicular Traits of Adult Rabbits (Orystolagus cunniculus)

Semen and Testicular traits were measured on 54 matured rabbits aged 10 - 12 months and weighed between 2.20 – 2.26 kg and data were used to determine the influence of genotypes on g semen, libido and testicular evaluation. The genotypes used are Chinchilla (CHIN), New Zealand White (NZW) and New Zealand Red (NZR). The experiment was randomized complete design with genotype as the factor of interest. Traits measured were Volume, motility, concentration, pH and colour. Feed and water were served ad libitum throughout the 16 weeks experimental period. At the end of the trial, 8 rabbits per genotype were slaughtered and their reproductive organs were carefully dissected out and separated into different components. The testicular morphometry and sperm characteristics were evaluated. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) among the genotypes for semen evaluation Volume values were 0.59,0.72 and 0.52,motility 85.08, 87.27 and 86.24 respectively for Libido value are , 4.25, 4.45 and 4.31 respectively and Testicular trait studied. New Zealand White (NZW) was significantly superior (P < 0.05) to other genotypes for most of the parameters studied, followed by New Zealand Red (NZR). The study is aimed at breeds effect on testicular morphometry and sperm characteristics. This result shows that breeds can be of effect on testicular morphometry and sperm quality of male rabbits.

Allogenic mesenchymal stem cell intravenous infusion in reparation of mild intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury in New Zealand rabbits / Infusão intravenosa de células tronco mesenquimais alógenas na reparação da lesão branda de isquemia/reperfusão intestinal em coelhos Nova Zelândia

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusion, derived from adipose tissue, on reduction of local and remote tissue damage caused by the event of experimental intestinal I/R in New Zealand breed rabbits. For obtaining, characterization, and cultivation of MSC derived from adipose tissue (MSC-Adp), 3 juvenile animals (four months old) were used. The cells were considered to be viable for therapy after the fourth passage (in vitro phase). For the in vivo stage, 24 young adult animals (six months old) were used, weighing approximately 3.5 kg, in which were randomly divided into two groups, called: IR treated with MSC (I2H/R5H MSC 3D; I2H/R5H MSC 7D); IR treated with PBS (I2H/R5H PBS 3D; I2H/R5H PBS 7D). The animals were anesthetized and submitted to pre-retro-umbilical midline celiotomy. The extramural peri-intestinal marginal artery was located and clamped (predetermined and standardized region) with the aid of a vascular clip, promoting a 2 hour blood flow interruption. After this period, blood flow was reestablished, inhalatory anesthesia was suspended, and the animals awaken. After 5 hours of reperfusion, the treatments were performed by intravenous infusion according to the experimental groups. The animals were evaluated 72 hours and seven days after the treatment as for the macroscopic appearance (color and peristaltism) of the jejunal segment, and by histological evaluation of the ischemic segment for the presence or absence of destruction of the intestinal mucosa, edema, bleeding, dilation of lymph vessels, and presence of polymorphonuclear inflammatory cells, both in the mucosa and submucosa. The observed results revealed that the groups treated with MSC-Adp obtained smaller mucosal and submucosal lesions when compared to the groups treated with PBS. Also, MSC-Adp treated groups obtained controlled inflammatory response and higher mitotic rate, outcomes related to the therapeutic potential of MSC. Infusion of stem cells attenuated the lesions caused by intestinal I/R in both MSC groups when compared to the group treated with PBS.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como principal objetivo avaliar a eficácia da infusão células tronco mesenquimais (CTM) derivada de tecido adiposo sobre diminuição das lesões teciduais locais e remotas, causadas pelo evento de I/R intestinal experimental, em coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia. Para obtenção, cultivo e caracterização das CTM provenientes de tecido adiposo (ADCTM) foram utilizados 3 animais jovens. As células foram consideradas viáveis para terapia a partir da quarta passagem (fase in vitro). Para etapa in vivo foram utilizados 24 animais, adulto-jovens, pesando aproximadamente 3,5kg, divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos experimentais, denominados IR Tratado com CTM (I2H/R5H CTM 3D; I2H/R5H CTM 7D); IR Tratado PBS (I2H/R5H PBS 3D; I2H/R5H PBS 7D). Os animais foram anestesiados e submetidos à celiotomia mediana pré-retroumbilical. A artéria marginal peri-intestinal extramural foi localizada e clampeada (região predeterminada e padronizada) com auxílio de um clipe vascular, promovendo uma interrupção do fluxo sanguíneo durante 2 horas. Após esse período, o fluxo sanguíneo foi restabelecido, a anestesia inalatória suspendida e os animais despertados. Após 5 horas de reperfusão realizou-se os tratamentos por infusão endovenosa, conforme grupos experimentais. Os animais foram avaliados 72 horas e sete dias após o tratamento quanto ao aspecto macroscópico (coloração e peristaltismo) do segmento jejunal e por meio de avaliação histológica do segmento isquemiado quanto à presença ou ausência de destruição de mucosa intestinal, edema, hemorragia, dilatação de vasos linfáticos e presença de células inflamatórias polimorfornucleares, tanto em mucosa quanto submucosa. Os resultados observados revelaram que os grupos tratados com ADCTM obtiveram menores lesões em mucosa e submucosa quando comprados aos grupos tratados com PBS. Ainda os grupos tratados com ADCTM obtiveram resposta inflamatória controlada e maior taxa mitótica, resultados relacionados ao potencial terapêutico das CTM.(AU)

Changes of some biochemical markers and cardiac function in New Zealand rabbits with chronic heart failure / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#This article investigated the changes of some biochemical markers and cardiac function in chronic heart failure (CHF), and provided the basis for the diagnosis of CHF.@*METHODS@#New Zealand rabbit CHF model was established using adriamycin (ADR). Twenty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into model group (=15) and control group (=5), injected with ADR and saline solution the ear vein respectively, 2 times a week, lasting for 8 weeks. After that, myocardial enzymes, carotid artery pressure, echocardiogram (ECG) and phonocardiogram (PCG) of all New Zealand rabbits were detected and recorded.@*RESULTS@#Compared with control group, all parameters of the model group were changed significantly (<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#CHF leads to myocardial damage in New Zealand rabbits, decreased systolic and diastolic function, cardiac reserve index can be used to assess cardiac function.

Induction of chorioretinopathy by adrenaline injection in different strains of rabbits / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective To establish a central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) model on different strains of rabbits by intravenous injection of adrenaline,which may contribute to related researches of CSC.Methods This study was approved by Bioethics Committee of Fourth Military University and complied with Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Visual Research.Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) was initially performed on male New Zealand white rabbits (10),Belgium rabbits (5) and Chinchilla rabbits (10) to make sure that the retinas of subjects were normal.For the New Zealand white rabbits,adrenaline was injected via ear vein at a dose of 0.04 mg/kg once per day for the first 8 weeks and followed by a dose of 0.08 mg/kg for the next 4 weeks,while 0.04 mg/kg adrenaline was injected in the same way for 8 weeks in the Belgium rabbits and Chinchilla rabbits.FFA was performed every week after injection of adrenaline to evaluate the fluorescence leakage in ocular fundus.New Zealand white rabbits were sacrificed in 4 (3 rabbits),8 (3 rabbits) and 12 weeks (4 rabbits) after injection respectively,and Belgium rabbits and Chinchilla rabbits were sacrificed in the 8 weeks after injection.The eyeballs of the rabbits were enucleated to prepare the retinal sections for histopathological examination after hematoxylin-eosin staining.The results of FFA and retinal structure were compared among different strains of rabbits.Results No fluorescence leakage was found by FFA in ocular fundus,and the retinal structure was normal in all the 10 New Zealand white rabbits during the experiment.Fluorescence leakage was found by FFA in 2 Belgium rabbits at 1 week and 2 weeks after injection respectively,and retinal detachment and depigmentation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with an enlarged intercellular space were shown by hematoxylin-eosin staining.For the Chinchilla rabbits,fluorescence leakages were found in 7 rabbits throughout the whole period of adrenaline administration.Circumscribed retinal detachment,depigmentation of RPE with enlarged intercellular space were also found in leakage lesions.Conclusions Repeated intravenous injection of adrenaline can induce CSC-like lesions in colored rabbits but not in albino rabbits.

Establishment and observation for experimental model of rabbit ear replantation in situ / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective To establish a stable experimental model of vascularized composite allograft (VCA),which would facilitate us to study of the reaction and intervening measure regarding rejection reaction in the future.Methods From September,2016 to July,2017,30 healthy male New Zealand rabbits,weighted 2.5-3.0 kg each,were chosen.Their ears should be intact without defect or necrosis.All of them were randomly and eaqually divided into 2 groups:transverse amputated group and V-shaped amputated group.In situ ear replantation after the amputation was performed.Histology analysis of skin and cartilage were done through HE and TUNEL staining,in order to compare vital rate of these ears.Results Thirty rabbits underwent ear replantation,including 13 via transverse incision and 17 via V-shaped incision.In transverse group,no ear survived,and some of them encountered vein crisis gradually after operation.The survival time ranged from 1 day to 10 days.There were 2 ears survived in V-shaped group.From HE staining,it was found certain vacuolar degenerated cells within skin and cartilage in failure ears.The rates of cell necrosis and apoptosis were higher than the survived ears.Conclusion Rabbit ear replantation model is viable.However,the rabbit ear replantation model is not suitable to be used in large samples.