Effects of radon exposure on lung function and metal balance in mice / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To explore the disturbance of metal element balance in mice after exposure to radon.Methods:Mice were randomly divided into control group, radon exposure of 30 WLM group, 60 WLM group and 120 WLM groups, with 10 mice in each group. After radon exposure with the cumulative dose, the lung function of mice was detected by a non-invasive pulmonary function testing instrument. Mice blood was taken from eyeballs. The lungs, heart, liver, kidney and spleen were also collected. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of lung tissue. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect the content of metal elements, including essential trace elements in the body: chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and potentially toxic elements: arsenic (As), tin (Sn), lead (Pb), aluminum (Al), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and silver (Ag).Results:Compared with the control group, lung ventilation function of the radon-exposed mice was decreased, alveolar structure was destroyed, and the contents of pulmonary metal elements Cr, Al, Pb, Sn( F=0.34, 0.66, 3.14, 1.16, P<0.05) and essential trace elements Mn, Cr, Zn, and Mo in the blood were decreased( F=0.65, 1.44, 0.97, 2.08, P<0.05), while the elements of Cu, Mo, Se and As in the lungs were increased( F=1.31, 1.26, 0.81, 2.04, P<0.05), and the element contents in other tissues also fluctuated. Conclusions:Inhalation of a certain cumulative dose of radon can reduce the lung ventilation function of mice and induce lung inflammation, as well reduce the content of essential trace elements in the lung and blood so that the content of metal elements in the body fluctuates.

Natural radioactive level in raw coal of coal mines in some regions of China / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To understand the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides 40K, 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U in raw coal of coal mines in some regions of China, and to explore the correlation between ore with different activity concentrations and the concentration of radon and its progeny in the workplace. Methods Raw coal samples were collected in twelve coal mines in five provinces, and the activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U were measured by a high-purity germanium γ-ray spectrometric system. Results The activity concentrations of four natural radionuclides in the raw coal samples of twelve coal mines were all lower than 1000 Bq/kg, and the activity concentration of 238U in one coal mine was close to 100 Bq/kg. The content of 40K, 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U in different coal mines varied greatly, but 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U were basically at the same level in the same coal mine. Conclusion None of the 12 coal mines belong to radio active mines. One of the coal mines investigated has the activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U close to the standard limit for restricted-use management mines. It is suggested to study the correlation between the content of 226Ra in raw ore, intermediate products, tailings(slag), or other residues and the concentration of radon and its progeny in mines. Monitoring and protection of radon and its progeny in the decay chain should be strengthened for coal mines with high activity concentrations of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U.

Genetic parameters and genetic trends of conformation and management traits in Dairy Gir cattle / [Parâmetros genéticos e tendências genéticas de características de conformação e manejo de bovinos Gir Leiteiro]

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters and genetic trends of different conformation and management traits regularly measured within the context of the National Dairy Gir Breeding Program (PNMGL). The estimation of genetic and residual variances for each trait was performed using average information restricted maximum likelihood (AI-REML) procedure in AIREMLF90 program software. The population was divided into three subpopulations constituted by measured females (with phenotype records), all females, and males. Linear regressions were applied for each trait, considering two periods of birth (1st period: 1938-1996; 2nd period: 1997-2012). The estimated heritability of conformation and management traits varied from 0.01 to 0.53, denoting a perspective of genetic improvement through selection and corrective matings for purebred Dairy Gir populations. The average genetic changes in conformation and management traits were, in general, variable and inexpressive, showing that the selection of Dairy Gir may have had been directed essentially to increase milk yield. The analysis of the two periods of birth indicated that some linear traits present progress (although inexpressive) in the 2nd period (more recent period).(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar os parâmetros genéticos e as tendências genéticas para diferentes características de conformação e manejo de animais puros da raça Gir Leiteiro, pertencentes ao Programa Nacional de Melhoramento do Gir Leiteiro (PNMGL). A estimativa das variâncias genéticas e residuais para cada característica foi realizada usando-se o procedimento de máxima verossimilhança restrita (AI-REML), por meio do programa AIREMLF90. A população foi dividida em três subpopulações, constituídas por fêmeas mensuradas (com registros de fenótipo), todas fêmeas e machos. As regressões lineares para cada característica foram ainda divididas em dois períodos de anos de nascimento (1º período: 1938 a 1996; 2º período: 1997 a 2012). As herdabilidades estimadas variaram de 0,01 a 0,53 para as características de conformação e manejo, possibilitando a perspectiva de melhoramento mediante seleção e acasalamentos corretivos na população pura da raça Gir Leiteiro. As mudanças genéticas nas características conformação e manejo foram, em geral, variáveis e inexpressivas, sugerindo que a seleção no Gir Leiteiro possa ter sido direcionada essencialmente para maior produção de leite. Ao serem observados os dois períodos distintos de anos de nascimento, infere-se que algumas características lineares apresentaram progresso (embora inexpressivo) no 2º período analisado.(AU)

Experimental reproduction of congenital anomalies in the progeny of cows fed apple pomace during pregnancy / Reprodução experimental de anomalias congênitas na progênie de vacas alimentadas com bagaço de maçã durante a gestação

This study aimed to describe and discuss the results of an experiment carried out in two stages with pregnant cows fed 25kg/apple pomace/day. The first stage involved 16 pregnant Holstein Friesian cows divided into four groups: Group 0 - Control (5 cows); Group I - 1 month-gestation (4 cows); Group II - 3 month-gestation (4 cows); Group III - 6 month-gestation (3 cows) and was performed from September to December 2015. The second stage comprised 12 pregnant Holstein Friesian cows divided into three groups: Group 0 - Control (6 cows), Group I - 1 month-gestation (3 cows), and Group II - 3 month-gestation (3 cows) and was conducted from April 2016 to February 2017. All study animals received apple pomace at a dose of 25kg/day. As for the first experiment stage, a cow in Group III bred a calf with complete absence of the coccygeal vertebrae and tail, slight bending of the hind limbs, scoliosis in the thoracic spine, and limited mobility. At 30 days, it presented with diarrhea and underdevelopment, and was euthanized for necropsy. At gross examination, malformations were observed in the thoracic spine, coxofemural joint, and genitourinary tract. Regarding the second experiment stage, a cow in Group I gave birth to a calf with curved pelvic and thoracic limbs with thick joints and flattening hooves. Microscopic examination of the femur showed disorganized, irregular hypertrophic zone and scarce growth zone, in addition to primary spongy zone with short, slightly mineralized trabeculae. Samples of the apple pomace used in this study were frozen and sent for laboratory evaluation of pesticide residues, which showed a positive result for the fungicide carbendazim.(AU)

O presente trabalho tem por finalidade descrever e discutir os resultados do experimento realizado em vacas prenhes que foram alimentadas com 25kg/dia de bagaço de maçã. Experimentos foram conduzidos em duas etapas, a primeira no ano de 2015, de setembro a dezembro onde foram utilizadas 16 vacas prenhes da raça holandês. Estas foram divididas em quatro grupos: Grupo 0, Controle (5 vacas); Grupo I, 1 mês gestação (4 vacas); Grupo II, 3 meses gestação (4 vacas); Grupo III, 6 meses gestação (3 vacas). A segunda etapa foi realizada em abril de 2016 a fevereiro de 2017. Foram utilizadas 12 vacas prenhes da raça holandês, divididas em três grupos: Grupo 0, Controle (6 vacas); Grupo I, 1 mês gestação (3 vacas); Grupo II, 3 meses gestação (3 vacas). Todas as vacas receberam bagaço de maçã na dose de 25kg/dia/vaca. Para o primeiro experimento, uma vaca do Grupo III pariu uma bezerra, com ausência completa das vértebras coccígeas e cauda, encurvamento leve dos membros posteriores, escoliose na coluna torácica e dificuldade de locomoção. Decorridos 30 dias do nascimento, manifestou diarreia e pouco desenvolvimento, sendo eutanasiada para necropsia. Na macroscopia, havia malformações na coluna torácica, articulação coxofemoral e no aparelho urogenital. Em relação ao segundo experimento uma vaca do Grupo I pariu uma bezerra com membros pélvicos e torácicos, curvos e com articulações consideravelmente grossas e "achinelamento" de cascos. Na microscopia do fêmur foi observado na placa epifisária, zona hipertrófica desorganizada, irregular e zona de crescimento escassa. Na zona esponjosa primária observou-se trabéculas curtas e pouco mineralizadas. Amostras do bagaço de maçã utilizado na experimentação foram congeladas e enviadas para avaliação de resíduos agrotóxicos, onde foi encontrado resultado positivo para o fungicida carbendazim.(AU)

Assessment of various genetic components through NCD-I and NCD-III designs of biparental mating in opium poppy

Creation of genetic variability and development of varieties having higher yield potential depends on information about nature of gene action. The present investigation was undertaken to decipher the nature of gene action and allied genetic parameters involved in the inheritance of yield and yield-related component traits in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.). The biparental inbreeding progenies derived from four segregating base populations of crosses NB-1Kr40-3/3×NB-1Kr30+0.2-2/1, NB-5Kr40-7/2×58/1, NB-1Kr30+0.2-2/1×58/1 and NB-Kr40-3/3×NB-5Kr40-7/2 of opium poppy were analysed to study the gene actions involved in the inheritance of yield and component traits. Additive component of variance played a predominant role in North Carolina design (NCD)-I, while both additive and dominance genetic components were found important in NCD-III design. The presence of additive as well as nonadditive components of variance suggested that one or two generations of intermating in further generations followed by selection may lead to development of novel genotypes.

Adaptability and phenotypic stability for productive and reproductive traits in Nelore cattle / Adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica para características produtiva e reprodutiva em animais da raça Nelore

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to estimate adaptability and stability parameters for Nellore bulls in 3 different regions. The traits analyzed included the weight of the animals raised in pasture at 420 days of age (W420) and at the age at first calving (AFC). The information used in this study was related to the phenotypic mean of the females which were the offspring of the top ten classified bulls based in one region. We used the methods proposed by Finlay & Wilkinson (1963) & Eberhart and Russell (1966) in order to evaluate the parameters of adaptability and stability of these animals. The averages estimated by the method of least squares were 243.91±34.90 kg and 1182.54±57.82 days, respectively, for the traits W420 and AFC. Adaptability and stability parameters for the W420 characteristic showed that it is feasible to identify bulls with predictable behavior in different environments, and that these animals may generate progenies which may achieve above-average performance. Behavior of the 10 bulls analyzed in the different regions studied for the traits W420 and AFC showed that the herds and the regions influenced the performance of their progenies. The methods used allowed us to identify bulls with general adaptability, high stability, and better performances, which may be the most suitable to be used in herds in which the genetic merit of the cows and the environment where the progenies will be raised are both unknown.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar parâmetros de adaptabilidade e estabilidade para touros da raça Nelore em três regiões diferentes. As características analisadas foram o peso aos 420 dias de idade (P420) e a idade ao primeiro parto (IPP) de animais criados em regime de pasto. As informações utilizadas no estudo foram referentes a média fenotípica das fêmeas, filhas dos dez melhores touros classificados com base em uma região. Para avaliar os parâmetros de adaptabilidade e a estabilidade foram utilizadas as metodologias propostas por FINLAY & WILKINSON (1963) e EBERHART & RUSSELL (1966). As médias estimadas pelos métodos dos quadrados mínimos foram de 243,91±34,90kg e 1182,54±157,82 dias, respectivamente, para as características P420 e IPP. Os parâmetros de adaptabilidade e estabilidade para a característica P420 mostraram que é possível identificar os touros com comportamento previsível nos diferentes ambientes e que poderão gerar progênies com desempenho acima da média. O comportamento dos dez touros analisados nas diferentes regiões estudadas para as características P420 e IPP, evidenciaram que os rebanhos e as regiões influenciaram na performance de suas progênies. Por meio das metodologias aplicadas é possível identificar touros com adaptabilidade geral, alta estabilidade e com melhores desempenhos, os quais seriam os mais adequados a se utilizar em rebanhos em que não se conhece o mérito genético das vacas e nem o ambiente onde serão criadas as progênies.

Association between genetic evaluation and show-ring judging for dairy and beef cattle / Asociación entre la evaluación genética y el juzgamiento en pista de bovinos lecheros y de carne / Associação entre a avaliação genética e a aparência externa na pista de julgamento de bovinos de leite e de corte

Background: a concern for breeders is whether an animal ranking based on genetic evaluations is similar to that obtained from show-ring judging. Objective: to determine the association between rankings for Braunvieh (BR) and Brown Swiss (BS) cattle of Mexico based on show-ring judging and their respective expected progeny differences (EPDs) or predicted transmitted abilities (PTAs). Methods: ranking values from judging were transformed using the rankit transformation. For each breed, Pearson correlation analyses were performed between the transformed rank values of the animals obtained from judging at the show-ring and their EPD or PTA values. Results: using the complete databases, in both breeds the correlation coefficient estimates were low (<0.18) but different from zero (p<0.05). The correlation coefficient considering PTAs for milk yield in BS was slightly higher than those obtained for any EPD for growth traits in BR. Correlations in adult animals (0.18 to 0.23) were different from zero (p<0.05) and higher than those of young animals or calves, while those within males or females were similar. Correlations within years of judging in the show-ring were variable and did not indicate any specific trend. Conclusions: show-ring rank results are associated with genetic evaluation of animals, although the magnitude is low. Selection of breeding animals based on show-ring judgment could be used as a complementary tool to genetic evaluation.

Antecedentes: una preocupación de los criadores es si la jerarquización de los animales basada en evaluaciones genéticas es similar a la del juzgamiento en la pista. Objetivo: determinar la asociación entre la jerarquización de animales con base en el juzgamiento en pista y sus respectivas diferencias esperadas en la progenie (EPDs) o habilidades de transmisión predicha (PTAs), para animales Pardo Suizo Europeo (BR) y Americano (BS) de México. Métodos: los valores jerárquicos del juzgamiento fueron transformados usando la transformación rankit. Para cada raza, análisis de correlación de Pearson fueron realizados entre los valores jerárquicos transformados de los animales obtenidos del juzgamiento en la pista y sus valores de EPD o PTA. Resultados: usando las bases de datos completas, en ambas razas los coeficientes de correlación estimados fueron bajos (<0,18) y diferentes de cero (p<0,05). El coeficiente de correlación considerando las PTAs para producción de leche en BS fue ligeramente mayor que los obtenidos con cualquier EPD de las características de crecimiento en BR. Las correlaciones en animales adultos (0,18 a 0,23) fueron diferentes de cero (p<0,05) y mayores que las de animales jóvenes o becerros; mientras que para hembras y machos fueron similares. Correlaciones por año de juzgamiento en pista fueron variables y sin tendencia específica. Conclusiones: la jerarquización de animales usando los resultados de juzgamiento en la pista y las evaluaciones genéticas están asociadas pero en baja magnitud. La selección de animales con base en su juzgamiento en pista puede usarse como herramienta complementaria a la evaluación genética.

Antecedentes: uma preocupação dos criadores é se a classificação dos animais baseada em avaliações genéticas é similar na pista de julgamento. Objetivo: determinar a associação entre a classificação de animais baseada no julgamento em pista e suas respectivas diferenças esperadas na progênie (EDPs) o habilidades de transmissão preditas (PTAs), para as animais Braunvieh (BR) e Brown Swiss (BS) do México. Métodos: os valores de classificação dos animais durante o julgamento foram transformados por meio da metodologia rankit. Para cada raça, análises de correlação de Pearson foram realizadas entre os valores de classificação transformados obtidos pela avaliação na pista de julgamento e seus valores de EPD o PTA. Resultados: usando a base de dados completa, em ambas as raças os coeficientes de correlação foram baixos (<0,18) e diferentes de zero (p<0,05). O coeficiente de correlação considerando as PTAs para produção de leite na BS foi ligeiramente maior que os obtidos com qualquer EPD das características de crescimento na BR. Correlações em animais adultos (0,18 a 0,23) foram diferentes de zero (p<0,05) e mais elevadas do que aquelas de animais jovens ou bezerros; enquanto que para as fêmeas e os machos foram semelhantes. Correlações por anos na pista de julgamento foram variáveis e sem tendência específica. Conclusões: a classificação de animais usando os resultados na pista de julgamento e as avaliações genéticas estão associadas, mas em baixa magnitude. A seleção de animais baseada nos resultados na pista de julgamento pode usar-se apenas como ferramenta complementar à avaliação genética.

The study on effects of indoor air filtration on radon exposure to residents / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To evaluate the influence of indoor air filtration by air purifier on the behavior of indoor radon progeny and estimate its effects on indoor radon exposure to residents.Methods The concentrations of indoor radon progeny with and without the air filtration were calculated by the theoretical model developed in this study.Based on the dose conversion factors of attached and unattached radon progeny,the mitigation effects of indoor radon exposure due to the air filtration were estimated.Verification experiments were conducted in an airtight room.Results With the air filtration rate increased,the removal efficiency of indoor radon progeny would appear more obvious.For an airtight room with its initial aerosol concentration of 10 000 cm-3,the concentration of total radon progeny would decrease by more than 90％ when the air filtration rate exceeded 10 h-1.But the concentrations of indoor unattached radon progeny would increase by using the air purifier in different extents.The variations of radon progeny concentrations and the decrease of internal doses were closely related to the filtration rate of air purifier.With the air filtration rates increased,the mitigation effects would be better and faster.The internal dose would reduce by more than 70％ when the filtration rate exceeded 5 h-1.Conclusions Although the indoor concentration of unattached radon progeny will increase by using the air purifier,it is still effective in reducing the exposure dose to residents due to the inhalation of radon progeny.

Correlation between air quality index and outdoor radon progeny concentration / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To study the distribution characteristics of radon progeny at different air quality index (AQI) and evaluate health risks for the exposed population.Methods EQF3120 Monitor was used to monitor the concentration of radon and its daughters.The relevant air quality data was provided by the environmental monitoring station at Suzhou Industrial Park.SPSS 16.0 software was used for statistical description,principal component analysis and simple correlation analysis.Environmental radon exposure-caused effective dose to lung region was estimated by using the radon dose formulas.Results Radon progeny in fog haze weather in winter of Suzhou Industrial Park had relationships with NO2,SO2,O3,PM10 and PM2.5.The correlation coefficient of 214Bi were 0.741,0.681,-0.431,0.597 and 0.675.The correlation coefficient of radon progeny with PM2.5 was greater than that with PM10.When AQI ＞ 200,the effective dose to residents outdoor from radon and its short-lived progeny was 0.63 mSv/a.Conclusions Higher AQI results in higher concentration of attached radon progeny.There is little variation in concentration of unattached radon progeny.Fog and haze can increase exposure of the population to inhalated radon.

Norethindrone-induced masculinization and progeny testing in guppy, Poecilia reticulata (Peters 1859).

Norethindrone(NE) was evaluated for its efficacy on alteration of sex ratio of P. reticulata. Either the young fry or the brooders and the resultant fry were fed a commercial diet incorporated with NE at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg kg-1 diet (ppm) for 30-40 d in rectangular glass aquaria; this was followed by 40-60 d rearing on NE-free diet in out-door concrete tanks. In general, the androgen treatment altered sex ratio, leading to the production of a dose dependent increase in the percentage of males. The oral administration of the steroid at 75 ppm for 40 d or 100 ppmfor 30 or 40 d to first feeding fry, yielded 100% males. On the other hand, NE administration to brooders before parturition and the resultant fry also produced an all-male population of guppy. The sex ratio of the untreated control was almost 1:1. The survival of fish in all the trials was high, ranging between 67 and 100%. Mating masculinized males (“XX” male) with normal female resulted in an all-female progeny, while crossing normal male (XY) from treatment groups with normal female sired normal sex ratio (1:1), elucidating XX-XY sex determination system in the guppy.

Fruiting Body Formation of Cordyceps militaris from Multi-Ascospore Isolates and Their Single Ascospore Progeny Strains

Interest in commercial cultivation and product development of Cordyceps species has shown a recent increase. Due to its biochemical and pharmacological effects, Cordyceps militaris, commonly known as orange caterpillar fungus, is being investigated with great interest. Cultivation of C. militaris has been practiced on a large scale in order to fulfill a demand for scientific investigation and product development. Isolates of C. militaris can be easily established from both spores and tissue. For isolation of spores, ascospores released from mature stromata are trapped in sterile medium. Multi-ascospore isolates, as well as combinations of single ascospore strains, are used for production of fruiting bodies. Progeny ascospore strains can be isolated from artificial fruiting bodies, thus, the cycle of fruiting body production can be continued for a long period of time. In this study, we examined fruiting body production from multi-ascospore isolates and their progeny strains for three generations. F1 progeny strains generally produced a larger number of fruiting bodies, compared with their mother multi-ascospore isolates; however, F2 and F3 progeny strains produced fewer fruiting bodies. Optimum preservation conditions could help to increase the vitality of the progeny strains. In order to retain the fruiting ability of the strains, further testing of various methods of preservation and different methods for isolation should be performed.

Effect of mating and parasitism regimes on progeny production and sex-ratio of Campoletis chlorideae Uchida.

The ichneumonid parasitoid, C. chlorideae is an important natural enemy of pod borer/bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in different agro-ecosystems. The sex-ratio of parasitoids has an important bearing on the population build up of the natural enemies for biological control of insect pests. Therefore, the present studies were conducted to gain an understanding of the influence of mating behaviour and abundance of the insect host on fecundity and sex-ratio of the parasitoid, C. chlorideae. There was no significant influence of number of matings and abundance of the insect host on cocoon formation, adult emergence, and larval and pupal periods of C. chlorideae. However, fecundity and female longevity were significantly influenced by mating and abundance of the insect host. There was a significant and positive correlation (r = 0.84**) between longevity and fecundity of C. chlorideae females. The unmated C. chlorideae females produced only males. Nearly 20% of the females that had mated twice were able to parasitize the H. armigera larvae successfully. The sex-ratio of the progeny from females that had mated twice was male biased. Females mated with males from the unmated females produced significantly less numbers of females than those mated with males from the fertilized females, indicating genetic regulation of sex-ratio in C. chlorideae.

Treatment with levothyroxine in early maternal subclinical hypothyroidism may improve the neural development of the progeny / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of treatment with levothyroxine in early maternal subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) on the neural development of the progeny. Methods 75 thyroidectomized female Wistar rats were divided randomly into groups of hypothyroidism (CH), SCH, SCH treated with levothyroxine at embryonic day 10 (E10), E13, and E17. There were 15 sham operated controls. Body weight,thyroid function, and the development of progeny by morris water maze, immunohistochemistry, and Nissl's staining of progeny were made. Results Pups from SCH or CH group had significantly lower body weight than euthyroid group ( P＜0. 05 ). Pups from E10, E13 or E17 groups had normal body weight compared to pups of control (P＞0.05). The levels of TSH and total T4( TT4 ) of all pups were normal. The mean latencies were longer in pups from CH, SCH, and E17 group than the control (P＜0.05). The mean escape latencies did not differ between the control and E10 group pups and between the control and E13 pups (P＞0.05). There were changes in the cytoarchitecture of the barrel cortex and of the hippocampus ( toluidine blue-stained sections) in CH, SCH, and E17 pups. The barrel cortex of E10 or E13 pups was similar to that of control pups. The distribution of BrdUlabeled cells was more widespread in CH, SCH, and E17 pups than in control, E10, and E13 progeny.Conclusion Maternal SCH disturbs learning and memory performances, cytoarchitecture and cell migration of the pups. Treatment with levothyroxine in early maternal SCH before E13 improves the cell migration in the developing brain of the progeny.

Effects of radon and its progeny on the expression and mutation of p53 in lung tissues of mice / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To explore the effect of radon and its progeny on the expression and mutations of p53 in lung tissue of mouse model. Methods Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidy transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling. The expression of p53 gene was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and realtime-PCR. PCR-SSCP was used to detect the mutation of p53 in lung tissues. Results Compared with those in the control group, the apoptotic index were increased significantly in 30 WLM and 60 WLM groups( t = 18.11, -10.30,P ＜ 0.05 ). The p53 protein was increased significantly ( t = -11.08, P ＜ 0.05; t = - 7.00, P ＜ 0.0 ) ) in 30 WLM and 60 WLM groups. The mutation of p53 gene was not detected in lungs of radon-exposure mice. Conclusions Lung and bronchus might be the targets of radon and its progeny, and p53 gene plays an important role in the progression of radon-induced lung injury.

Expression of JNK/SAPK in lung and bronchus of radon-exposed mice / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective To study the expression of JNK/SAPK(c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase/stress activated protein kinase)in lung and bronchus of radon-exposed mice.Methods Male BALB/c mice were exposed to radon and its progeny with the cumulative dose of 0.02,30 or 60 working level month(WLM),respectively.The expression levels of JNK/SAPK in lung and bronchus were determined with Real-Time PCR,Western blot and immunohistochemistry methods.Results The JNK mRNA levels in lung tissues of mice exposed to radon of 30 and 60 WLM were higher than those of the control by 3.56 and 2.96 times,respectively.The relative expression levels of JNK and phospho-JNK proteins were higher than those of the control by using Western blot and immunohistochemistry methods.Condusiom Expose to the radon and its progeny might activate the JNK/SAPK intracellular signaling pathway.

Chinese Cabbage Clubroot Pathogen, Plasmodiophora brassicae, Is Genetically Stable

Single spore isolates of Plasmodiophora brassicae e4 and e9 obtained from diseased Chinese cabbage were identified as race 4 and race 9, respectively, by the Williams' differential variety set. To confirm the possibility of variation in same generation and progeny of a single spore isolate of P. brassicae, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was conducted using the URP 3, 6 and OPA 7 primers. There was no difference in band type at each part of the gall of Chinese cabbage obtained by inoculation of e4 and e9 and amplification using the URP 3 and 6 primers when the same generation was analyzed. In addition, the progeny analysis, which was expanded to the third generation and conducted using the URP 3 and OPA 7 primers, revealed no differences in the band type of the e4 isolate. Based on these results, the single spore isolate of P. brassicae was genetically stable.

Alternativas para seleção de touros da raça Nelore considerando características múltiplas de importância econômica / Nellore bull selection alternatives using multiple traits of economic importance

Os dados são provenientes de 234 touros da raça Nelore participantes de um teste de progênie, no período de 1996 a 2003. A diferença esperada na progênie (DEP) de sete características: peso aos 120 e 210 dias, efeito materno (DMPP120 e DMPP210), peso e perímetro escrotal aos 365 e 450 dias, efeito direto (DDP365, DDP450, DDPE365 e DDPE450) e idade ao primeiro parto (DDIPP) foi utilizada para classificar os animais em três grupos, assim como identificar quais as características possuíram maior poder discriminatório na formação de cada grupo. Para tanto, foram utilizados procedimentos estatísticos multivariados de análise de agrupamentos k-médias e componentes principais. Os resultados evidenciaram que, dos três grupos formados, dois se destacaram quanto aos valores médios das DEPs. A importância desses dois grupos de touros foi confirmada pela análise de componentes principais, que associou a eles valores superiores de DEPs diretas de peso e perímetro escrotal. A quantidade da variabilidade original retida pelos dois primeiros componentes principais foi de 70,22 por cento. Estes procedimentos mostraram-se eficientes e constituíram importantes ferramentas para classificar touros, discriminar variáveis, bem como resumir informações multivariadas, podendo ser usados como auxílio valioso na seleção de reprodutores para uso nos programas de melhoramento genético.

The data set is from 234 Nelore bulls which participate of a progeny test in the period from 1996 to 2003. The expected progeny diference (EPDs) of seven economic traits, weights at 120 e 210 days of age, maternal effect (DMPP120 and DMPP210), weights and scrotal circumferences at 365 e 450 days of age, direct effects (DDP365, DDP450, DDPE365 and DDPE450), and age at first calving (DDIPP), were used in order to classify these animals in three groups and verify which EPDs showed greatest discriminating power in forming the groups. The statistical applied techniques were: k-means clusters analysis and principal components analysis. From the three groups formed, two of them stood out in relation to values of the EPDs means. Evidence of the importance of these two groups was observed in the principal component analysis that associate to them higher values of direct EPDs of weight and scrotal circumference. The two first principal components accounted for 70.22 percent of the total original variability. Both techniques could be an important tools to sire classification, variable discrimination, as well as to resume multivariate information, and they could be applied to help selection in animal breeding program.

Genetic correlation between heifer pregnancy and scrotal circumference measured at 15 and 18 months of age in Nellore cattle

Data of pregnancy diagnosis from 24,945 Nellore heifers, raised under tropical conditions in Brazil and exposed to breeding at about 14 months of age, were analyzed simultaneously with 13,742 (analysis 1), 36,091 (analysis 2), 8,405 (analysis 3), and 8,405 (analysis 4) scrotal circumference (SC) records of contemporary young bulls in order to estimate heritability (h(2)) for yearling heifer pregnancy (HP) and for SC measured at around 15 (SC15) and 18 (SC18) months of age and to estimate genetic correlation between HP and SC15 (SC18). Heifer pregnancy was considered as a categorical trait, with the value 1 (success) assigned to heifers that were detected as pregnant by rectal palpation approximately 60 days after the end of a 90-day breeding season and the value 0 (failure) otherwise. In analyses 1 and 3, SC was measured at around 15 months of age and in analysis 2 and 4 it was measured at around 18 months of age. Only 8,848 animals from datasets 1 and 2 were common in both files, which means the same animals measured at different ages. Datasets used in analyses 3 and 4 included the same animals, measured at 15 and at 18 months of age, respectively. Heritability estimates for HP were similar in all analyses, with values ranging from 0.66 +/- 0.08 to 0.67 +/- 0.008. For SC15, the estimates were 0.57 +/- 0.05 in analysis 1 and 0.60 +/- 0.07 in analysis 3. For SC18, the estimates were 0.53 +/- 0.03 in analysis 2 and 0.64 +/- 0.06 in analysis 4. The estimates of genetic correlation between HP and SC15 were 0.15 +/- 0.10 in analysis 1 and 0.11 +/- 0.11 in analysis 3. For the correlation between HP and SC18, the values were 0.27 +/- 0.10 in analysis 2 and 0.16 +/- 0.11 in analysis 4. Based on standard errors and confidence intervals, the best heritability and genetic correlation estimates were obtained from analysis 2, which included more data and a better pedigree structure. Pearson correlation between HP and SC breeding values was similar to the gene...

Characteristics of Hypovirulent Strains of Chestnut Blight Fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica, Isolated in Korea

Chestnut blight disease caused by Cryphonectria parasitica is widely distributed throughout chestnut tree plantations in Korea. We surveyed 65 sites located at 9 provinces in South Korea, and isolated 248 virulent and 3 hypovirulent strains of chestnut blight fungus. Hypovirulent strains had dsRNA virus in the cytoplasm, which is one of the typical characteristics of hypovirulent strains. In addition, they showed more characteristics of hypovirulent strains, i.e., suppressed conidiation, reduced pigmentation in colony color, and reduced phenol oxidase activity as well as reduced pathogenicity. Hypovirulent strains, KCPH-22, KCPH-135 and KCPH-136, had a genomic dsRNA band with the molecular weight of 12.7 kb, which is the L-dsRNA of CHV1. They also had a 2.7 kb defective dsRNA band. Single conidia isolated from hypovirulent strains were cultured and various phenotypes and absence of dsRNA bands were obtained from single conidial cultures, which means that hypovirulence transmission is unstable in asexual reproduction and variations in viral heredity by asexual reproduction. Biocontrol trial using hypovirulent strains was also carried out in the chestnut tree plantations, and canker expansion in the treated trees was stopped and healed by callus formation at the margin of the canker. These results show the potentials in successful biocontrol of chestnut blight if the vegetatively compatible hypovirulent strains could be directly used around the canker formed by compatible virulent strains.

Genetic trend for milk yield in Guzerat herds participating in progeny testing and MOET nucleus schemes

Genetic trends for 305-day milk yield (P305) in Brazilian Guzerat herds under selection were compared. Data from 4898 lactations of 3179 purebred and crossbred cows from various regions of Brazil were used. Milk yield was adjusted for mature age and the contemporary groups were defined as herd and calving year. Genetic parameters were estimated using the MTDFREML program. The model included the random effects of animals and permanent environment, and herd-calving year, calving season and genetic composition as fixed effects. Genetic trends were estimated by linear regression of weighted average estimated breeding values as a function of calving year. The average P305 was 2065 ± 922 kg and the heritability was 0.23 ± 0.03. The annual genetic trend in estimated breeding values of cows for P305 was 7.09 ± 0.71 kg between 1987 and 2004, and 6.47 ± 2.35 kg between 1997 and 2004. For cows born and raised in the multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) nucleus, this trend was 36.46 ± 24.54 kg/year between 1997 and 2004, 183.14 ± 47.94 kg/year between 1997 and 2000, and 9.13 ± 19.19 kg/year between 2001 and 2004. An average inbreeding coefficient of 0.04 was found for inbred MOET cows in 2004. Increasing the size of the family and introducing new progenies changed reliabilities and predicted transmitting ability estimates of MOET sires. In conclusion, there was a positive genetic trend for milk yield in the MOET nucleus at low inbreeding coefficients due to the increased accuracy and estimated genetic merit, but no changes in the average milk yield were observed.