Detection of InDel variations within seven candidate genes and their associations with phenotypic traits in three cattle breeds.

The Xinjiang brown cattle, Red steppe cattle, and Yunling cattle are indigenous cultivated cattle breeds in Chinese frontier provinces, and they produce high-grade beef and milk products, however, their genetic diversity in many important genes related to excellent meat and milk production is still unknown. Our previous studies have found that several candidate genes (e.g., SREBP1c and PAX7) were associated with bovine economically important phenotypic traits, but none has been reported in the above-mentioned three cattle breeds. Since the InDel (insertion/deletion) marker becomes a useful tool applied in the animal molecular breeding, herein, we firstly found that the InDel variations of seven candidate genes in these cattle. Results showed that the genotypic and allelic distributions of these seven genes were remarkably different among these three cattle (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Furthermore, the InDel variations of SREBP1c and PAX7 genes were significantly associated with eight phenotypic traits in Xinjiang brown cattle (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), respectively, suggesting that they can become the useful DNA markers.

In Vitro and in Vivo Effect of MAPK Signal Transduction Pathway Inhibitors on Echinococcus multilocularis.

To evaluate the effect of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathway inhibitors against alveolar echinococcosis in vitro and in vivo, Echinococcus multilocularis metacestode cysts and protoscolices were obtained from infected mice. Protein chip technology was utilized to screen for key highly expressed target proteins in the MAPK pathway in this parasite and their corresponding inhibitors. Four-week-old Balb/c female mice used for the in vivo experiment underwent inoculation of E. multilocularis by intraperitoneal injection, as well as intragastric administration of MAPK inhibitors for 6 wk. We included 6 groups of mice: a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group (negative control); an albendazole-treated group (positive group); and 4 experimental groups treated with TRx0237 mesylate, GDC-0994, pifithrin-ß hydrobromide, or Selonsertib. Echinococcus multilocularis protoscolices were collected and cultured in 1066 medium with penicillin/streptomycin and 10% fetal bovine serum. The in vitro experiment included a PBS group (negative control), a dimethyl sulfoxide-treated group (solvent group), and 4 inhibitor-treated groups as in the in vivo experiment (experimental groups). Each inhibitor group received 4 drug concentrations (5, 30, 55, and 80 µM), and the experiment was performed in triplicate per sample. Fluorescence microscopy was used to evaluate the survival rate of the protoscolices every 48 hr beginning from the first 24 hr. The same grouping was used to evaluate cytotoxicity on E. multilocularis germinal cells and L02 cells. The average weights of E. multilocularis metacestode cyst tissue from each group of the in vivo experiment were 873 mg (PBS), 335 mg (albendazole), 323 mg (TRx0237 mesylate), 420 mg (GDC-0994), 340 mg (pifithrin-ß hydrobromide), and 642 mg (Selonsertib). Results showed albendazole, TRx0237 mesylate, and pifithrin-ß hydrobromide had significant inhibitory effects on inhibition of E. multilocularis. We found a positive correlation between drug concentrations and the inhibitory effects seen in the in vitro experiment, with the differences in contrast with the control group becoming statistically significant after 72 hr of treatment ( P < 0.05). The inhibition rates of TRx0237 mesylate to germinal cells by drug concentration were 23.73, 46.59, 74.71, and 77.44%. Other drugs had no effect on germinal cells. All the inhibitors had low toxicity on L02 cells. Inhibitors of the MAPK signal transduction pathway showed significant inhibitory effects on E. multilocularis, suggesting these may be potential candidates for the treatment of alveolar echinococcosis.

The reemergence of human rabies and emergence of an Indian subcontinent lineage in Tibet, China.

Coordinated surveillance, vaccination and public information efforts have brought the Chinese rabies epizootic under control, but significant numbers of fatalities are still reported annually with some cases occurring in previously rabies free regions. Tibet has remained virtually rabies free for 16 years, but since 2015 one human rabies case has been reported each year. To better understand the origins of these cases, we sequenced three human samples and an additional sample isolated from a dog in 2012. Three genomes were sequenced from brain samples: human case 1 (reported in 2015), human case 3 (2017), and the 2012 dog case. For human case 2 (2016), the rabies N gene was sequenced from a limited saliva sample. Phylogenetic analysis shows that Case 1 (CXZ1501H) and the dog case (CXZ1201D) belong to China IV lineage (equivalent to Arctic-like-2 in global rabies), suggesting an association with a wildlife spillover event. However, Case 2 (CXZ1601H) is placed within the dominant lineage China I, and was most similar with recent strains from neighboring Yunnan province, indicating the current epizootic has finally reached Tibet. Most surprisingly however, was the finding that Case 3 (CXZ1704H) is distinct from other Chinese isolates. This isolate is placed in the Indian Subcontinent clade, similar to recent Nepal strains, indicating that cross-border transmission is a new source for rabies infections. Thus, the complex mixture of the rabies epizootic in Tibet represents a major new challenge for Tibet and national rabies control.

Three-Dimensional Computerized Model Based on the Sonourethrogram: A Novel Technique to Evaluate Anterior Urethral Stricture.

PURPOSE: The sonourethrogram is a useful alternative to the traditional retrograde urethrogram to evaluate anterior urethral strictures. With the development of 3-dimensional reconstructive techniques 3-dimensional urethral imaging can provide more accurate and useful information to enable the surgeon to make the best surgical decisions. We evaluated the accuracy and efficacy of a 3-dimensional reconstructed digital model of the urethra based on the sonourethrogram to assess anterior urethral disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with an anterior urethral stricture and 10 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study from April 2014 to January 2017. All patients and volunteers underwent sonourethrogram and retrograde urethrogram. Three-dimensional urethral models were reconstructed based on the sonourethrogram. Stricture length and location on retrograde urethrogram or sonourethrogram based images were compared with those found at operation. RESULTS: The 3-dimensional digital model revealed the entire anterior urethra, including the navicular fossa, and the penile and bulbar parts. The semitransparent model clearly demonstrated the structure of the corpus spongiosum and inside the urethral lumen. Further information on spongiofibrosis could also be seen in the 3-dimensional digital model. There was no significant difference in stricture length or location in the 3-dimensional model compared with retrograde urethrogram imaging and actual surgical findings. However, the latest technique could only reconstruct the short segment of the anterior urethra due to the probe width limitation. CONCLUSIONS: The 3-dimensional computerized model based on the sonourethrogram is a novel and effective technique of evaluating anterior urethral strictures.

[Analysis of chemical constituents of volatile components from Jia Ga Song Tang by GC-MS].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the chemical components of volatile components from Jia Ga Song Tang. METHODS: The volatile oils were extracted by water steam distillation. The chemical components of essential oil were analyzed by GC-MS and quantitatively determined by a normalization method. RESULTS: 103 components were separated and 87 components were identified in the volatile oil of Zingiberis Rhizoma. 58 components were separated and 38 components were identified in the volatile oil of Myristicae Semen. 49 components were separated and 38 components were identified in the volatile oil of Amomi Rotundus Fructus. 89 components were separated and 63 components were identified in the volatile oil of Jia Ga Song Tang. CONCLUSION: Eucalyptol, ß-phellandrene and other terpenes were the main compounds in the volatile oil of Jia Ga Song Tang. Changes in the kinds and content of volatile components can provide evidences for scientific and rational compatibility for Jia Ga Song Tang.

[Investigation on echinococcosis in animals in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture].

OBJECTIVE: To make an investigation on echinococcosis among animals in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. METHODS: 21 villages from Maqu and Luqu counties were selected for the survey in August of 2004-September of 2007. Rodents were trapped in the field. Sheep and yak livers, hearts and lungs were collected from the local slaughterhouses for pathological examination. Domestic dogs (shepherd dogs) were de-wormed by 15% arecoline to receive adult worms and stray dogs were shot for dissection. RESULTS: The prevalence of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in Ochotona dahurica was 1.2% (1/87), and 2.3% (3/132) in Myospalax fontaniere, but no infection was found in Marmota himalayana, Ochotona tibetana and Mus musculus. 113 out of 1021 (11.1%) sheep were found infected with cystic echinococcosis (CE), and 3 (0.3%) with AE. 126 out of 634 (19.9%) yaks were infected with CE, and 2 yaks (0.3%) with AE. 17 out of 74 (23.0%) dogs were infected with Echinococcus granulosus (Eg), and 4 (5.4%) with Echinococcus multilocularis (Em). CONCLUSION: The results showed that there is a widespread endemic of Echinococcus granulosus in dogs and wild animals in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, with less Echinococcus multilocularis infection.

Bis[(E)-4-chloro-2-(cyclo-hexyl-imino-meth-yl)phenolato]nickel(II).

In the title mononuclear nickel(II) complex, [Ni(C(13)H(15)ClNO)(2)], the Ni(II) atom is four-coordinated in a tetra-hedral geometry by the N and O atoms of the two Schiff base ligands.

[Clinical analysis of the factors related to diarrhea in intensive care unit].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the causative factors of diarrhea in intensive care unit(ICU) patients for the purpose of providing a scientific basis for the treatment regime. METHODS: The factors related to diarrhea in patients in the ICU of Liaocheng People's Hospital were studied by analyzing the features of 86 patients who developed diarrhea among 735 patients admitted in 2 years (from January 2001 to December 2002). RESULTS: Among the total of 86 patients(11.70%) who had developed diarrhea, 51 had received enteral nutrition improperly, accounting for 59.30%; 18 patients had suffered from intestinal tract infection, accounting for 20.93%. In 15 patients diarrhea occurred after the administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, accounting for 17.44%. In 11 patients it was due to the use of drugs which enhanced motility of gastrointestinal tract, and this accounted for 12.79%. Finally, in 5 patients, diarrhea was thought to be related to the mechanical ventilation, and it accounted for 5.81%. The mean age of the patients was (57.71+/-13.40) years, the average acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) was (21.51+/-4.90)scores, and the mean length of staying in the ICU was (8.0+/-1.2) days, which was longer than that of patients without the complication of diarrhea ((51.20+/-11.31)years, (12.01+/-1.20) scores, (4.0+/-1.0) days respectively, all P<0.01). The pathogenic factors related to diarrhea complicating ICU patients seemed to be different from that in other patients. CONCLUSION: The causative factors of diarrhea in ICU patients appear to be different from that in other patients, and special attention should be given in order to avoid it.