Association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms of fatty acid synthase gene and meat quality traits in Datong Yak (Bos grunniens).

Fatty acid synthase (FASN) is a key enzyme in fatty acid anabolism that plays an important role in the fat deposit of eukaryotic cells. Therefore, in this study, we detected 2 novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FASN gene in 313 adult individuals of Datong yak using polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism and DNA sequencing techniques. SNP g.5477C>T is located in intron 3 of FASN, and 3 genotypes, HH, HG, and GG, were detected in this mutation site. SNP g.16930T>A is located in exon 37 of FASN, and 2 genotypes, EE and EF, were detected in this site. Association analysis of these 2 SNPs with meat quality traits showed that in SNP g.5477C>T, yaks with the HH genotype and HG genotype had significantly higher intramuscular fat content than individuals with the GG genotype (P < 0.01). In SNP g.16930T>A, yaks with the EE genotype also had significantly higher IMF content than individuals with the EF genotype (P < 0.01). The results indicate that FASN may be used as a candidate gene affecting intramuscular fat content in Datong yaks.

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in cultivated oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in western Taiwan.

Spatial and temporal variations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in cultivated oysters from five aquaculture areas along the western coast of Taiwan were investigated. Poor correlations between total PCB concentrations (ng/g dry weight [dw]) and physiologic parameters of oysters (shell length, width, thickness, and lipid content) were found. Total PCB concentrations ranged from 3.4 to 94 cng/g dw. The highest value was found in oysters from the Lu'ermen aquaculture area, which receives wastewater from a sodium hydroxide and pentachlorophenol factory. Furthermore, principal component analysis confirmed that the PCB congener pattern in this area was distinct from others and that two additional pollution sources might exist in the Tainan and Hsinchu areas. Oysters with PCB concentrations > 1 SD above the geometric mean were found mainly in Tainan (stations TN5 to TN9) with only one increased concentration in the Yunlin (station YL2) and Hsinchu (station HC4) aquaculture areas. Except for four confined stations, TN3 to TN6, where total PCB concentrations were higher (p = 0.028) in the warmer (May and July) than in the colder season (November and March), seasonal variation of total PCB concentrations in oysters was not significant. Geometric mean and geometric mean plus 1 SD of total PCB concentrations in this study are lower than those in South Korea and the United States (Mussel Watch).

A survey on anesthesia for thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery in treatment of hyperhidrosis palmaris in Taiwan.

Thoracoscopic approach to sympathetic surgery has gained its popularity and emerged as the main stream in the treatment of hyperhidrosis palmaris in Taiwan. Different kinds of anesthesia have been practiced and reported in these surgeries. We made a survey of anesthetic methods in twelve medical centers and regional hospitals of the island. It was found out that the choice of the anesthesia was mainly dependent on the mutual trust and the full communication between the anesthesiologist and the surgeon, both based on their skills and the operative methods chosen by the surgeon. Single-lumen endotracheal tube with general inhalation anesthesia is practiced in most of the hospitals surveyed. Sevoflurane and desflurane are the choices of the inhalational anesthetic agents. In short, the anesthesiologists tend to practice the type of anesthesia that is simple but safe enough to secure the airway of the patient throughout the thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery.

Treatment of acute bronchiolitis with Chinese herbs.

In a randomised single blind trial the Chinese herbs Shuang Huang Lian were evaluated for the treatment of acute bronchiolitis. Children with acute bronchiolitis and serological evidence of recent respiratory syncytial virus infection were studied in a tertiary hospital in Harbin, China. The 96 children were randomised into three treatment groups: herbs, herbs with antibiotics, and antibiotics alone. The herbs were prepared by the medical school pharmacy and administered daily by intravenous infusion for seven days. The main outcomes, assessed blindly, were symptomatic improvement in cough, fever, wheezing, chest signs, and duration of stay in hospital. The mean duration of symptoms from the start of treatment was 6.2 (confidence interval 5.6 to 6.9) days in the two groups treated with herbs compared with 8.6 (confidence interval 7.5 to 9.8) days in the group treated with antibiotics alone. The mean reductions in duration of clinical manifestations for treatment with antibiotics alone compared with herbs were: from 3.1 to 1.5 days for fever, 9.1 to 6.1 days for cough, 6.5 to 4.1 days for wheezing, and 7.2 to 4.9 days for chest crackles. No adverse effect of Shuang Huang Lian herbal treatment was detected. In conclusion, this study confirms Chinese experience with Shuang Huang Lian that it is safe and effective, and warrants further study.